Lyn Cote's Blog, page 64

Author Janet Tronstad & Her Montana Chokecherry Grandma

My guest today is my good friend author Janet Tronstad, creator of the Dry Creek series for Love Inspired. Janet has a lot to say about her grandmother. Here’s Janet:

“What I know about strong women I learned from my grandmother.

She lived ninety-one years before dying ten years ago. She wasn’t the fuzzy kind

of grandmother who baked cookies and kissed boo-boo’s (although I used to wish she was).

Instead, she was the kind of grandmother who was invited into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame

because she had worked a large cattle ranch, for decades by herself after my grandfather died.

She knew how to dig in and never let go.

I never realized how much she influenced my writing until my sister said to me one day,

“You know Mrs. Hargrove?”

I nodded. Of course, I knew her, I thought. She has been a pivotal character in my long-

standing Dry Creek series with Love Inspired and I had invented her.

“I just realized she’s grandma,” my sister said.

I was shocked. She was right. I hadn’t invented Mrs. Hargrove at all. She even wore the

same kind of housedresses that my grandmother did (gingham cotton with a zipper down the

front). And orthopedic shoes and gray hair a little mussed.

To purchase, click here. White Christmas in Dry Creek (Return to Dry Creek)

My Chokecherry Grandma

While Mrs. Hargrove didn’t run a ranch, she still had the same toughness that my

grandmother did. She didn’t tolerate much nonsense. She was a faithful woman who believed

in God. She’d empty her pantry if a neighbor was in trouble. I once compared the Montana

chokecherry to Mrs. Hargrove and it is equally fitting as a tribute to my grandmother. The

chokecherry isn’t sweet, but it has a rich strong flavor that makes a syrup fit for a king’s

pancakes.

You’ll see a little bit of Mrs. Hargrove in my latest, A White Christmas in Dry Creek, but

if you want to read her own story, it is available on ebook in A Dry Creek Courtship.

To purchase, click here. A Dry Creek Courtship“–Janet

 Thanks, Janet. I love that old photo too. Both your grandparents have very “detemined” chins. QUESTION: Have you ever compared someone you know to a fruit, vegetable, animals, etc? If so, share!–Lyn

 

 

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A Cabin in the Woods? A Ranch House in Wyoming? A Castle In France?

Where would you have liked to live in history?
I began this discussion on

Debut Author Katy Lee & Curve Balls on the Way to Gold

My guest today is debut Love Inspired Suspense Author Katy Lee who is holding a “lighthouse” contest. Make sure you read about it below. Here’s Katy:

“I love the theme of this blog being about strong women, and when I sat down to decide what to share, I knew exactly who I wanted to talk about.

My oldest daughter, Audrey—or #1Kid as that is what she goes by on her blog, Road to Gold.

Recently, Audrey suffered a swimming accident that left her with a concussion. Now for those of you who know my daughter, you know she sets goals. And when she says “Road to Gold” on her blog, she’s not kidding. To say she is driven doesn’t come close. She’s a plow with an Olympic torch as her guide.

As a writer I totally understand that drive. I saw my name up there as “Published Author,” and I went after it much in the same way she does a record-breaking swim time. Because of this I have encouraged her every step of the way. Who am I to tell her she can’t have her goal, even if the stats and competition say otherwise? I’ve cheered her on and shared in her victories. I’ve hugged her and commiserated in her losses. Each and every time telling her it’s all part of the journey whatever the outcome. The losses can even make her stronger than the wins if she uses them as tools. (Every rejection I ever received were the tools I needed to make my writing better. And I tell her to let no rejection take the dream away.)

But then this summer happened.

In an accident in the pool at swim practice, #1Kid came up against something stronger than a loss or rejection. #1Kid came up against a head injury that benched her. And not only benched her but put her on the couch in sunglasses and earplugs. All goals for the summer screeched to a halt. All dreams darkened like the rooms in my house. (On a side note, my electric bill was pretty low that month. We were all living in the dark with her)

But as her tears flowed, I found myself at a loss for words and encouragement. Saying “life stinks sometimes” wouldn’t cut it. And not only that, I wanted to do more than validate her pain. Instead, I wanted to give her another goal. I wanted to give her something to look forward to. But most importantly, I wanted to make sure knew she wasn’t alone through it all.

I have always included God on my journey to publication, and with every victory and contract, I thank Him for His favor. On the other side, for every rejection, I thank Him for his protection and guidance. No matter what, though, I take Him along with me.

And so, for my daughter, I told her God loves that she is so driven. He made her so. He loves that she has dreams, and the truth is He wants to give them to her. He promises that all things are possible for those who love Him. But He also doesn’t want to be left in her wake. I asked her to be honest with herself. Was she taking Him along with her? Or was she leaving Him behind?

And after some soul searching? I think I can speak for her and say the real curve ball wasn’t only the head injury, but also the realization that she had her sights set on the wrong torch.

The  Outcome: I’m so proud of #1. She had her time of tears for a few days, then just as I had wanted, she formed a new goal to strive for. Making sure Jesus became her torch to plow toward instead. And five weeks later, here she is at the state games. Still not able to dive, still struggling with barriers, but knowing full well she’s not alone on her “Road to Gold.” In fact, she’s got the greatest champion before her, beside her and behind her.

To purchase, click here. Warning Signs (Love Inspired Suspense)

So, how does this story relate to my new book, Warning Signs? I can’t say my heroine is modeled after my daughter, but they do share a love for competitive swimming and have set goals for success. They also both have Jesus as their guide, Miriam Hunter found Jesus in a different way, though. You see, in Warning Signs Miriam is deaf. She has struggled through life to show her intelligence and value, but she also knows God is always with her and upholds her with His right hand. With Him as her guide, she also finds her success.

Thank you for having me today. I do hope you will check out Warning Signs. Also on my site you will find details to take part in the Lighthouse Photo Contest.  I hope to receive lighthouses from around the world. So please, take part!

Grace Unplugged Sound Track-Want to Win One?

 

 

A few weeks ago, I reviewed Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson. Here’s the post if you missed it.

Author Lisa Watson–When the Lord Speaks…You’d Better Listen!

My guest today is secular author Lisa Watson whom I discovered over at Shades of Romance

Anybody Remember The Unforgettable Perry Mason?–Lyn Reviews Erle Stanley Gardner’s The Case of the Shoplifter’s Shoe

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Lyn Reviews A Bride for All Seasons novella collection

FREE KINDLE Ebook by Love Inspired Author Ruth Logan Herne & FREE AMISH

Free for LIMITED TIME ONLY–through this wekend.

Anne Kellwyn has a secret. It’s cost her everything to keep it, including her marriage. Now she may have to pay an even higher price to reveal the truth, but is she too late? Back home to care for her dying mother, Anne is faced with the past she ran from and a future she can’t have, a future that includes Joe McIntyre and the happily ever after she’d dreamed of years ago.

Chief of Police Joe McIntyre takes his position seriously. A lead-by-example Christian, he’s put to the test when his ex-wife appears with another man’s child after eight years of silence. Anger and pride challenge his small-town-hero existence, driving him out of his comfort zone. Faced with choices he made eight years before, can he tackle the present to ease Anne’s future so she’s no longer “Running on Empty”.

Here’s the second one AN AMISH STORY: (FREE ONLY TILL MIDNIGHT-FRIDAY, SEPT 13.)

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Boatlift 9/11 –A Story I’d Never Heard

I will never forget that day. Will you?–Lyn

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Lyn Interviews Author Tyora Moody & Deep Fried Trouble!

My guest today is author and author promoter Tyora Moody. Here’s Tyora’s interview and scoop about her latest book–DEEP FRIED TROUBLE! (That’s the worst kind of trouble!



Tell us a little about your writing and your real life, Tyora.
 
I have worked with authors for over twelve years behind the scenes. I’m still pinching myself that I’m on the other side as an author now. I have always enjoyed writing, but the real starting point of my journey started in 2006. Characters showed up during my journal time and I found myself writing the type of novels I had been seeking. My novels are mystery and suspense under the Christian Fiction genre. What’s unusual about my books compared to the other books in this genre are the diversity of characters.  The stories reflect my diverse upbringing as well as my love for a good faith-based whodunnit.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually working on a virtual project (coordinate virtual book tours, hosting Facebook or Twitter chats) or a literary project (designing a book cover, scripting a book trailer, etc). I’m an all-around creative person. I simply refuse to be bored.



Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.
 Definitely! I never imagined being divorced and not a mother by now (early 40s). My parents are aging now and I’m finding myself in a place of being more aware of their health. A lot of circumstances can change in  the blink of an eye and it’s so easy to lose your footing. I have had to come to learn to become more dependent on God versus the natural desire to become super independent.  Strength is the ability to stand tall and do by yourself with a smile on your face. We are human and we are limited in our capacity to take on but so many burdens.


What is special about your most recent book to you?
The book Deep Fried Trouble is the first adventure of a retired schoolteacher and grandmother. It’s set in my favorite place in my state – Charleston, SC. A lot of authors may not want to be pushed into choosing a favorite character, but I generally love writing stories around the main character, Eugeena Patterson. She represents many of the older women who serve as mentors in my life. Let’s say I hope to grow up to be like her one day. LOL!I also deal with some issues you may not find in a fiction book. Eugeena Patterson has Type 2 Diabetes and as a recent widow, I wanted to explore the possibilities of romance during senior years. Is it possible to fall in love again in your 60s?”–Tyora

Thanks so much, Tyora, for being my guest. And yes, romance survives into senior years! The heart never ages.
OR AM I WRONG ABOUT THAT? DO WE EVER GET TOO OLD TO FALL IN LOVE???–Lyn

To purchase, click here. Deep Fried Trouble (Eugeena Patterson Mysteries)

ABOUT THE BOOK
 
Deep Fried Trouble

A Eugeena Patterson Mystery, Book 1


Widowed and officially retired, EUGEENA PATTERSON throws herself into organizing the neighborhood association. This presents a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and get to  know new neighbors like recently widowed Amos Jones, that is  until Eugeena stumbles upon her estranged neighbor’s dead body. Eugeena’s daughter is fingered as a prime suspect, but where is she?

Determined to find her missing daughter, Eugeena and Amos sort through a list of neighbors with shady or unknown backgrounds. The more she searches, the more Eugeena becomes unsure about this neighborhood association idea. Someone closer than Eugeena thinks, wants to keep it that way.



BIO
 

Tyora Moody is the author Soul-Searching Suspense novels, Deep Fried Trouble (June 2013), When Memories Fade (April 2013) and When Rain Falls (March 2012).  She is the 2013 Urban Literary Awards Debut Author Winner and 2013 Urban Literary Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Winner.  Tyora is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.

As a literary-focused entrepreneur, she has assisted countless authors with developing an online presence via her design and marketing company, Tywebbin Creations LLC.  Popular services include virtual book tours, book trailers  and book covers.