Lyn Cote's Blog, page 57

Author Margaret Daley & Do You Know a Strong Woman?

My guest today is author Margaret Daley, an author of over 60 (THAT’S SIXTY) books. She is offering a giveaway so be sure to read and comment. Here’s Margaret:

 My Mother

“When I think of a strong woman, I think of my mother who was a nurse and dedicated to helping others. Through her first husband death and tragedies like hurricanes, her faith remained strong. She volunteered and was ready to help others where she could. But what I remember about her was that she was always there for me. She died from a series of strokes that caused dementia. It was hard for me to see her that way, but I wouldn’t trade the years I went home at least a couple times a year to see her (living halfway across the country).

Series about Strong Women in

When I’ve started a series of novellas about strong women in extraordinary situations, I started thinking about what makes a woman strong. My first book in the series is about a female bodyguard and the second one revolves around a woman Texas Ranger. Each one is dedicated to her job, doing the best job they can, and there to help the underdog.

QUESTION: What I would love to know from you is what you think a strong woman is? Do you know one in your life? If so, please tell me why you think she is strong?

I will give one ebook copy of my first book in the “Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations” Series called Deadly Hunt to one of the commenters. I need you to leave an email addy so I can contact you if you win. Look for Deadly Intent, the second book, at the first of July.”–Margaret

To purchase, click here. Deadly Hunt (Strong Women, Extraordinary Situations)

Blurb for Deadly Hunt by Margaret Daley:

All bodyguard Tess Miller wants is a vacation. But when a wounded stranger stumbles into her isolated cabin in the Arizona mountains, Tess becomes his lifeline. When Shane Burkhart opens his eyes, all he can focus on is his guardian angel leaning over him. And in the days to come he will need a guardian angel while being hunted by someone who wants him dead.

Thanks so much, Margaret. And I know that your mother would say you are a strong woman too!

Visitors–Don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.–Lyn

Send to Kindle

The post Author Margaret Daley & Do You Know a Strong Woman? appeared first on booksbylyncote.com.

Last Tribute, Poem “Mama Was” by Virginia Archer

This is the last blog post this year honoring mothers and daughters in May. Virginia Archer occasionally sends me poems and I asked her to send me a few honoring her mother. I chose, “Mama Was.” 

 

Mama  Was

Mama was a country girl
…living most of her life on the farm.
She tried to live in such a way
to never caused anyone harm.

Mama was a private person
but you couldn’t ask for a better friend.
She never turned away anyone in need
…no matter what it cost in the end.

Mama was a good  provider
…making sure we had plenty to eat.
Even though we had very little money
she often gave is special treats.

Mama was a loving mother,
and it was seen in the way she lived.
Not one to give out hugs and kisses,
but we felt the love she would give.

Mama was a faithful Christian,
…serving God in her quiet way…
showing more by her actions
than by what she had to say.

Mama was sorely missed,
and has been since she passed away.
Her Father  called her home in ’76,
on a Saturday before Mother’s Day.

Virginia Archer
05-11

Thank you for sharing this, Virginia. If you enjoyed this, leave a comment for Virginia.–Lyn
Send to Kindle

The post Last Tribute, Poem “Mama Was” by Virginia Archer appeared first on booksbylyncote.com.

What is Your Most Treasured Memory of Your Children or Mother?

 

One More Chance to Reminisce

This is the last week of May, the month that I honor mothers and daughters on my “Strong Women, Brave Stories” blog. Today I want to share my most treasured memory of my children, in fact, I’ll share two.

I’d love it if you would share a treasured memory of your children too. If you haven’t been a mom, please share a treasured memory of your mother.

My treasured memory

takes place when we lived in Iowa. It was December and my son (around 7) and my daughter (around 4) had been invited across the street to a birthday party. Thirty years ago, everyone “dressed” for a party so I duded my kids in their Sunday best and winter coats and sent them off. In parting, I told my son to watch over his sister and bring her home safe.

Well, as mothers do, I got busy taking care of chores while they were gone. Finally it felt like time for them to be home. I looked out the window and was surprised to see that an unexpected snowstorm had started while I’d been busy.

Another glance out the window provided me with an image I’ll never forget. My son was walking backwards into the wind. His back was plastered with snow that was pelting him almost horizontally.

He had both arms outstretched around his sister who was huddled within them, facing him. They were inching their way home. The image of my son protecting his little sister (who was usually his rival) touched my heart. I will never forget it.

The second memory is just a glimpse in time.

Again it was winter and I woke in the night and as always went to check my children. My daughter (around 7) of course had lost her blankets. As I covered her back up, she said, “Thank you, Sweet Mama.”

Oh, my heart still stirs at that unexpected endearment.

Your Turn

Would you like to share a sweet memory of your children or mother. Here’s your chance. Take your turn.–Lyn

Send to Kindle

The post What is Your Most Treasured Memory of Your Children or Mother? appeared first on booksbylyncote.com.

Lyn Interviews Best-Selling Author Debbie Macomber

I’m pleased to have a chance to interview best-selling author Debbie Macomber today. I was privileged to hear her speak at a writing conference in Hawaii in 1995. Her words in her keynote address touched me as her books, especially the Cedar Cove series have. Here’s Debbie Macomber:

1-Share one fun or interesting fact about your life or books.

Many of you may or may not know that I grew up with a wicked brother.  Surprisingly he turned into a decent adult but from the time he was born he was a constant thorn in my side. Still, I have to thank him for one small evil deed that headed me in the right direction early in my pre-teen years.  My brother was responsible for my very first sale.  It’s true.  Terry, with two accomplices–my cousins Doug and David–made copies of my diary and sold it to the boys in my class.  It was a best seller.

And you let him and your cousins live to adulthood? Amazing.

2-Why do you write?

I am happiest when I am at my desk writing.  When the story is strong inside of me, I live, breathe and sleep with those characters rummaging around inside of my head.   Over the years I’ve made an astonishing discovery.  Whatever I am feeling, whatever emotion comes over me as I create a scene, is transmitted to the reader.  If I laugh out loud, I know the reader will laugh as well.  The same is true with other emotions as well.  If the scene is heart wrenching and sad and I cry, I strongly suspect my reader will pull out a few tissues along with me.  When I put my heart out on the page, it links with that of my reader.  It’s this feeling of reaching out and touching someone else with my words that compels me to write.   And when I receive feedback from readers who say they laughed or cried along with my books, it encourages me to keep writing.

I think that you’ve said it well. If I don’t make myself cry or laugh while I’m writing, I can’t expect my readers to. And the emotional connection between readers and writers is true and strong, special.

3-In what ways does your heroine show strength? And where does she draw this strength?

 

To purchase, click here. Blossom Street Brides: A Blossom Street Novel

In my current book, BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES, Bethanne Scranton is newly married to Max.  They are crazy in love and grateful to have found a second chance at love, but Max has a business that needs his close attention in California and Betheanne’s business and family are in Washington state.  While they struggle to find time to be together, Bethanne’s ex-husband is creating an atmosphere of distrust in hopes of getting Bethanne back.  It is their love for each other, with the support of family and friends, that gives Bethanne and Max the strength to make difficult decisions to create a new life together.”–Debbie

******************************************

Debbie, thanks for being my guest today. And keep writing those wonderful books (oh and knitting too. :-)–Lyn

For more about Debbie on the web:

Website:  booksbylyncote.com.

Wisconsin Poet R. Genie McKenzie & Mother and Daughter Poems

I have the pleasure today of hosting a local friend from my church, Wisconsin Poet R Genie McKenzie and two of her poems I thought were especially appropriate for this month when we celebrate mothers and daughters. Enjoy!

Daughter

Little Blossom,

Spring from roots of love,

Returns to us

Her nectar.

Alissa, My Flower

Alissa, my flower,

So fragrance and sweet,

Dear father, I lay her

At your blessed feet.

Bathe her in Son-light

From her precious Lord

Feed her with wisdom

From your holy word.

Help her to blossom

Through joy and through woe,

To show your sweet fragrance

With all that she may know.

Let her remember,

Whatever life gives,

My love will be with her

As long as she lives.

Genie is a dear woman who loves my books! Hope her tender poems gave you a lift!–Lyn

Send to Kindle

The post Wisconsin Poet R. Genie McKenzie & Mother and Daughter Poems appeared first on booksbylyncote.com.

Author Sheila Lipsey & The Dream I’m Living Today

My guest today is author Sheila Lipsey. She is offering a book giveaway so look for the QUESTION at the end. I hope you find her words encouraging. I did. Here’s Sheila:

Remembering What Shaped Me

When I think about my life and my career, I can’t help but remember those things that shaped me and pushed me toward the dream I am living today. Life for me was quite challenging, to say the least. Coming to grips with the fact that I had a permanent physical disability since the age of two, was quite difficult for me. Nevertheless, through faith, through the love and encouragement of friends and the blessings in the form of my sons, I learned that my life was rich and rewarding. I also discovered that I had a vivid imagination. I believe it stemmed from the fact that as a child, I spend many days, weeks and sometimes months in a hospital, isolated from my family and loved ones. I often share that it was during these times as a young child that my imagination took root and carried me on adventures near and far in an effort to escape the physical pain of polio and the emotional pain of being separated from my family.

Much like me,

the protagonists in the line of Christian fiction stories I write, often find themselves dealing with the difficulties of life, love, and relationships. They battle with themselves and sometimes, like me, question their own faith and belief systems. That’s one of the reasons I love that God has called me to be a writer. Being a writer allows me to delve deep into the mindsets of my characters. I can reveal their flaws and all. I can even sprinkle dabs of ‘me’ inside them. They can look like you or they can remind you of someone you know. Overall, they experience real life situations and face real life celebrations and calamities.

Strength to Conquer

I find through my writing strength to conquer my fears. Writing has opened doors for me because it allows me to do something, which I love. Regardless of my physical limitations, writing poses no limitations because my mind is set free and my ability to think, imagine, and then translate my thoughts on paper is nothing short of favor bestowed on me by God himself.

I think because I write what I call ‘perfect stories about imperfect people’ that it is the catalyst that enables my readers to connect with the characters and story lines in such a real manner. The characters come alive for them.

To purchase, click here. My Wife My Baby…And Him (My Son’s Wife)

My latest novel, My Wife My Baby…And Him is book five of the “My Son’s Wife” series. It continues with the story of the Graham family, particularly the senior pastor of Holy Rock, Stiles Graham and his conniving, cunning, and deceitful wife, First Lady Detria Graham.

I have also found tremendous joy

in venturing into writing books for young adults. My first young adult novel, House of Cars, has been receiving rave reviews as it candidly addresses the issue of homelessness among our children, cyberbullying and in school bullying. It is book one in the “Fairley High” series. I am presently working on book 2 in the series, which is titled The Secret Life of Payne.

To purchase, click here. House Of Cars (Fairley High Series)

I feel divinely blessed and highly favored because each day that I am allowed to wake up, I have the opportunity to live my dreams now! I have the opportunity to do something that touches the lives of people, hopefully in a positive manner. I have the opportunity to reach thousands of people and leave my mark and an eternal legacy to my family and the world, all because of the words I write that are then turned into book form for endless numbers of people to read. What an amazing gift and a blessing that I do not take for granted.

Live Your Dreams

As I come to a close, I encourage you to live your dreams. You do not have to chase after them, run to them, or pursue them because the dream already resides within you. You have seeds of greatness already planted inside of you. You do not have to chase the blessing down because the blessing will chase you down and overtake you so stop running.

To date I have fourteen titles to my credit and two stories in anthologies. I invite you to read one or more (or all) of my books.

Please reach out to me via Facebook social media

at booksbylyncote.com.

Amish Author Vannetta Chapman & This Imperfect Life

Today my guest is Amish Author Vannetta Chapman. She takes a different approach to women and what is demanded of us in this life. Here’s Vannetta:

Women and the Imperfect Life

My latest release, Murder Simply Brewed, is set in Middlebury Indiana. The story revolves around the life of two women—Amber Wright and Hannah Troyer. Hannah is young and has nothing but optimism about the future. Amber, on the other hand, is a bit older. She’s not sure that the “perfect life” she believed in as a young woman will ever be hers. She’s not sure that is God’s plan, though she had once strongly believed it was.

Though happy in her job,

Amber has no personal life to speak of. She’s short on friends—after all, everyone is either busy or paired up! As far as romance, that doesn’t seem to be in her future either. Then one of her employees has a heart attack on the Village property where she is manager. Or was he killed? As the investigation grows more mysterious and the stakes grow more personal, Amber learns to rely on her faith, her friends (new ones that she never would have envisioned as her friends), and her neighbor (Tate Bowman, who is certainly not a love interest).

Quite a bit of biographical details

I’ll admit as I wrote this story I included quite a bit of biographical details. At 34, I was a single mom and my life was far from perfect. Like Amber, I had a good job but few friends and no love interests. I wasn’t sure about God’s plan for me.

But God’s plans are often different than our plans,

and He can bring victory out of the most dire of consequences. By the time I was 36, I had met and married Bob. We’ve been married 15 years now, and we’re both good friends and soul mates. I could never have envisioned that at 34. The last 15 years have been fraught with both good times (college graduations, promotions, and special family trips) and bad times (dread diseases, financial issues and family hardships).

So what of this imperfect life?

What’s a girl – ummm, woman – to do? If I could speak to that 34 year old I used to be, I’d tell her a few things.

Hold on to your faith.


Trust in God’s provision.


Believe in a Holy providence.

Sometimes as women, we convince ourselves

that we have to go it alone, that we need to be strong enough to do things all by ourselves. And sometimes that might be true. But more often, there are friends just waiting to be found and a path, that God has ordained, right around the corner.

That was certainly true for Amber Wright, and it was true for me as well.”–Vannetta

For more about Vannetta:

booksbylyncote.com.

Poem “Mother Gone” by Sydney Halet

I decided to join abooksbylyncote.com.

Lyn Interviews Book Blogger Kav of Best Reads

Canadian librarian Kav decided in 2010 to start keeping track of the best books she read and the rest is history–or actually a very interesting blog. Here’s Kav’s interview.

1-Who are your favorite authors?

That’s an impossible question to answer. Perhaps I’m too fickle of a reader, but I adore so many authors that I couldn’t possibly start naming them. I will say that I pretty much only read Christian fiction. That’s definitely my favorite genre.

2-What kind of book is the one you look for in bookstores and online?

Christian fiction – preferably romance. ? I have my go-to authors and publishers but I’m always on the lookout for debut authors I can fall in love with. I will admit that book covers draw me and a great cover may make the sale for me when I’m struggling over which book to buy. I love brick and mortar bookstores and frequent a family owned Christian bookstore in my town. There’s something about being able to breathe in that distinct just-off-the-press smell that sends me into reader euphoria

3-What prompted you to start a book blogging site?

I love books and when I discovered Christian fiction about five years ago I wanted to shout it out to the world! Who knew the depth and breadth and inspiration found in the CBA lineups every year?!

4-Tell us a bit about yourself.

I love to read. Was actually a late reading bloomer but once I figured it out I devoured books and never grew out of my love of reading. I’m a school librarian and love sharing the joy of books with kids. I’m also an aspiring writer. You might say I’m story obsessed.

I enjoy the challenge of upcycling furniture and am pretty proud of the fact that my wee little house is full of nearly new cast offs that have been repurposed. My favorite project is an old card catalogue that I turned into a coffee table on wheels.

I’m an animal lover…dogs, cats, budgies, rats, mice, dwarf bunnies…even raccoons…have shared my home at one time or another. Sadly, I’m dogless for the first time in twenty-five years. My old man sheltie died just before Christmas. I’m anxiously on the search for a new furrever canine friend.”–Kav

Here’s the link to Kav’s blog booksbylyncote.com.

Lyn Interview NY Times Author Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers is one of those friends that I wished lived closer, but she loves California and I love the northwoods of Wisconsin. I rank Francine’s novel Redeeming Love as a modern classic and her “Mark of the Lion” series helped launch the resurgence of the inspirational romance market in the 1990′s. I’m happy to welcome Francine here to my “Strong Women, Brave Stories” blog. Here’s the interview:

Tell us a little about your writing and your real life?

Writing is like going on an expedition.  It could be a swamp with crocodiles, or a desert so hot I see mirages and become lost.  Sometimes I’m climbing a mountain without the map that shows the best route to take and I run into stone walls or get swept away by an avalanche.  (The manuscript goes into the garbage and I start again.)  Usually, I’m not even sure where I’m going, other than I have to keep moving forward, asking for directions from the One who knows the destination and what He wants me to learn from the experience.  Writing is never a walk in the park.

In real life, I get up around 6 a.m., have coffee and read the One Year Bible and several other devotionals with my husband, Rick.  I read the newspaper, eat breakfast, ride my recumbent exercycle (5-7 miles) and walk on the treadmill (1-2 miles now with a goal of 5).  I shower and get ready to do whatever needs to be done (errands, house-cleaning, yard work, play with Sarge – our German Shepherd). Tyndale House Publishers releases Bridge to Haven on April 22, so I’m not writing (other than blogs and long emails to friends and family).

I have no deadline, no project in the works.   I’m diving into my TBR (to-be-read) pile of books that have accumulated over last eighteen months.   I’ve been to the movie theater twice in the last week (“Divergent” and “God is NOT Dead”) with plans to go several more times in the weeks ahead.  I’m going out to lunch with friends, playing golf with Rick, watching DVR-ed shows and favorite DVDs until 11 p.m.   (Downton Abbey, anyone?) I’m taking an R&R until an idea grips me and characters begin to carry on conversations inside my head again.  Then it will be time to get back to work.

Francine, I’m impressed with your physical fitness routine. I just do the treadmill for a half hour every week day. Goodness.

 

Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger?  Please share.

A number of years ago, when I was a fairly new Christian, I attended an RWA Conference and was presented with an award.  When I stood at the podium, I knew God was calling me to “come out of the closet” and share my faith.  I did so briefly and dedicated the award to all the other Christians who wanted to honor the Lord and asked them to stand.  Many did.  Many had been told by editors and publishers to “cut the God stuff” from manuscripts.  The following day, many others took issue over what I had said and done. They didn’t come to speak to me, but directed their complaints to a close friend who was in leadership.  Though I was sorry for the persecution she suffered, we both came away more assured of our faith and what God is calling each of us to do:  write for Him.

I remember that incident. I was there. It certainly stirred controversy, but it didn’t stop your writing “sisters” from continuing to keep the “God stuff” in!

What is special to you about your most recent book?

It comes from a scriptural allegory about God’s love for Israel as well as for each individual believer in Jesus.  The Lord is at the very center of the story, and it is a romance.  In truth, the Bible is a romance and every word is true.  It is the story of the heights, lengths and depths that God will go to bring us into an intimate, all-consuming love relationship with Him.

Every character in Bridge to Haven is on a journey to be in that relationship or run from it.  The bridge is an important feature in the story and represents the heart of the novel.  What is a bridge?  Who is the bridge?  How do we cross the great divide to reach the love for which we yearn?

That certainly sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing, Francine.

BIO

New York Times best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.

Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA’s top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade.

Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Francine’s novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

QUESTION: Is there anything you’d like to ask Francine about her books or her faith? Please feel free. And don’t forget Lady Sarah, an American Regency Romance, free to my enewsletter subscribers. Click New Free Read above.–Lyn

Leave Blank:Do Not Change:

Your email:

 

Send to Kindle

The post Lyn Interview NY Times Author Francine Rivers appeared first on booksbylyncote.com.