Delia Latham's Blog, page 26

COTT: The Fall of Jerusalem--History Come to Life in "Rebekah's Treasure"

A cross between Francine River’s A Voice in the Wind and Joel Rosenberg’s The Copper Scroll, Rebekah’s Treasure, with its combination of history and suspense, will capture readers right from the start.

About Rebekah’s Treasure:
Set in 70 A.D. Jerusalem, Rebekah’s Treasure takes readers to war-torn Israel, mixing history with a tale of love and suspense. In order to flee the advancing Roman army, Rebekah, along with her daughter, Esther, must leave Jerusalem as well as her husband and sons. Escaping to Pella, she joins other followers of The Way who have fled the coming danger that was foretold by an oracle years before.

But Rebekah didn’t leave empty-handed. She brought with her the cup of the Last Supper. In no time her treasure garners attention as miracles begin occurring and believers credit the cup. It also causes outrage among the devotees of Isis who fear this “magical” cup will draw away their followers. In response they hatch a plot to steal it.

Things become more complicated when Rebekah’s daughter, Esther, runs away and Rebekah’s husband, Ethan, embarks on a quest to retrieve the hidden Temple treasure outlined in a copper scroll, and then take it to the Jewish stronghold of Masada in order to “continue the fight.”

When reading Rebekah’s Treasure readers will see history unfold as Titus’ legions lay siege to Jerusalem and the Temple. Yet amid the chaos of war there is love and faith and hope as Rebekah and her family struggle to survive as well as to discover where their true treasure lies.

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What Readers Have to Say:

*“Rebekah’s Treasure by Sylvia Bambola is a tale that will capture your attention and heart. Set in war-torn Israel when zealots fought for the honor of the Temple and Jerusalem, when the majesty and might of Rome became a terror and a scourge, one Jewish family’s story twists and turns with passion, action, and love. This novel will not only entertain, but satisfy the most avid reader.”
*“Sylvia Bambola, in her historical novel, Rebekah’s Treasure, surrounds actual events with an intriguing fictional story and skillfully draws in the reader. Normally not a reader of fiction, myself, I found I was unable to put down this fascinating book until it was finished!”
*“To read Rebekah’s Treasure, by Sylvia Bambola, is to become engulfed in an intricate work of art. Rich in detail, reading this book is nearly like watching a movie. Bambola has done a remarkable job of deliberately weaving each carefully chosen thread into a story that will alter the way you view the past and the future . . . forever.”
*“Rebekah’s Treasure, a love story that unfolds in the midst of impossible circumstances, captivates the reader from the first page to the last. Drama, suspense, passion, faith—all the elements of a riveting read are found in this novel which follows a family torn apart by Jerusalem’s struggle for survival in 70 A.D.  The author’s exquisite gift for storytelling combined with historically-accurate backdrops, make this book a treasure. I couldn’t put it down!”

About the Author:
Sylvia Bambola was born in Romania but lived her early years in Germany, a Germany still reeling from the devastation of World War II. At age seven she relocated with her adopted military family and saw the Statue of Liberty and America for the first time. But the memory of those years in Germany lingered and was the inspiration behind her novel, Refiner’s Fire, which won a Silver Angel Award, and was a Christy Finalist.

Life as an “army brat” gave her the opportunity to live in several states, including Hawaii. Then came nursing school in New York after which she married and began a family. Raising two children and being the wife of a business executive made for a busy life. So did working in marketing for a telecommunications company, then a medical software company.

Her first novel, A Vessel of Honor, written under the pen name of Margaret Miller, garnered a Small Press Editor’s Choice Award and was seriously considered for production as a television movie.

Bambola is the author of six published novels, lives in sunny Florida and has two grown children. She’s been a guest speaker at Women’s Aglow and various church functions, is a Bible study teacher at her church, and is learning to play the guitar.

Connect with Sylvia:
Website/blog: http://www.sylviabambola.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sylvia-Bambola/78754640991
Twitter: @sylviabambola
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83706.Sylvia_Bambola

Guest: Dawn Carrington, Editor-in-Chief, Vinspire Publishing

 
 
Note: This interview is from the March/April edition of my newsletter, Brushing Wings.
I’m pleased to welcome Dawn Carrington, owner and editor-in-chief of Vinspire Publishing—the publishing company that made my novel, Goldeneyes, a reality. I’ve written several books since Goldeneyes, and hopefully my writing skills have improved with each one, but I will always think of that one as the book of my heart, and I’ll always be grateful to Dawn for making it happen.

Welcome, Dawn! I know you’re crazy busy, and I appreciate your willingness to visit with me—and all the Brushing Wings subscribers. I usually introduce an inspirational author in each edition of this newsletter. But variety is the spice of life, to use a cliché. I’m also interested in how things look on the other side of the writing industry, and I’m sure others are as well. So let’s talk about that.

First, give us the lowdown on Vinspire Publishing. How did it come to be? What prompted you to start a publishing company?

I, along with three partners, began what was then called Vintage Romance Publishing in
2003. We didn’t launch until February 14, 2004. We all four came from very different backgrounds. Two of us were already published in fiction, one was a poet, and the other a customer service specialist. We were all friends and unique women that brought something special to the drawing board.

Ebooks weren’t really all that popular yet in 2003, but my partners and I had an interest in getting into the digital arena because I had already been published electronically. I can’t think of one aha moment. It was more a series of “let’s think about doing this” that finally became “let’s do this.”

Those well-thought-out, slow “processes,” are usually most successful.

As I mentioned before, I’m aware that you lead a very busy life. Take us through a day in the life of an indie publisher.

Unfortunately, there is no typical day, but here are a few things that can occur over the course of the week, and this is not just what I do. This is what takes place with our staff as well.

The morning usually starts in a rush of e-mails, putting out fires, so to speak. Then it begins.

Returning phone calls. Negotiating contracts. Approving cover art. Working on the website. Editing. Proofreading. Marketing. Publicity. Networking. Streamlining. Thinking outside the box. An occasional lunch. Graphic design. Reading incoming manuscripts. Preparing contract packages. Working on ad spots. Writing guest posts for blogs (like this one!). Print layouts for paperbacks. Royalties. Updating the budget. Updating numerous spreadsheets that house our author contact information, royalty rates, contract expirations, and more.

As I said, there is no typical day, and not all of the above happens every day, but I can tell you it’s always interesting. Usually, there is work being done around the clock. Thankfully, I’m not the middle-of-the-night person who’s working!

Whoa! I’m exhausted just thinking about it. And, on top of all that, you’re an author too. Has the publishing experience changed the way you write in any way? And how do you find time to fit it in with everything else?

I don’t think it’s changed the way I write as much as it’s given me insight that not every author has. When I indie-published a few of my books, I already knew how to set them up for release, who to use for the cover art design and the editing, the best price to utilize, and when I could expect the royalties to be sent. That’s calming, and I’m considering utilizing some of this information in future Hubpages posts to help authors who don’t have the inside track.

How do I find the time? I’ve said this many, many times, but I never get tired of saying it. God blessed me with an inquisitive mind, a double dose of imagination, a brain that only shuts off for sleeping, and the ability to write extremely fast. Sometimes I may only have twenty minutes at night to write, but I can write anywhere from one to two thousand words in those twenty minutes. My goal is to write every day no matter how much or how little. So as long as I go to bed knowing I’ve gotten my words in, I’m good.

Good? From where I'm standing, you’re amazing! :)

Today’s editors have a different kind of “slush pile” than those a few years back. If your slush pile were still in paper form, how high would the pile be stacked on your desk?

Probably midway to the ceiling. We can cull our slush pile down fairly easily as we have an auto responder that lets people know if we aren’t accepting the genre (as stated on our submissions page), the submission will not be read. It might sound cold, but it eliminates wading through what we’re not looking for plus it helps the writer to move on to another publishing company that is interested.

As an author, I appreciate that kind of thinking. I’ve watched Vinspire go from Vintage Romance Publishing to Vinspire Publishing; seen a couple of website overhauls; witnessed your constant efforts to bring about wonderful things for your authors. What is the biggest change that has transpired within the company in the past five years? And where do you see Vinspire five years from now?

Our biggest change was transitioning from a company that only accepted historical romances to one that accepted almost all genres yet still maintained that family-friendly read.

In regards to where we’ll be five years from now, it’s interesting because I’ve been asked that many times, and my answer changes depending upon the day I get asked the question. I can tell you I do still see Vinspire Publishing alive and thriving. I don’t necessarily see us as a big conglomerate because that’s not what any of us want. We want to be a solid, stable publishing company that is a haven for new authors and a home for established authors.

I like that. What key ingredients do you look for in a manuscript?

Strong characters, established conflict, and a voice that is distinct. We appreciate polished manuscripts where the author has taken great pains to correct spelling and grammar. And finally, the dialogue needs to be natural and captivating.

What is the one biggest mistake authors make when submitting their work?

Not reading our submission guidelines or following them. We have dozens upon dozens of submissions for genres we aren’t accepting or have never accepted. We even receive submissions for screenplays. In addition, we receive submission wherein the query letter is attached to the e-mail rather than included in the body of the e-mail. We’re not opening any attachments unless your query letter interests us. So a lot of books get rejected or that alone.

New writers, take heed… It’s so easy to make that kind of mistake, which actually means (in my estimation), a bit of laziness on the author’s part. If your book is important enough to write, it’s important enough to do your research and get it into the hands of the right publisher, at the right time, and in the format and manner they require.

I know some of my readers will be wondering, so I have to ask: What are you currently looking for in the way of submissions? What do you absolutely not want?

We are currently open to Highlander Romances and Regency Romances. We don’t have nearly enough of those in our catalog, and we’d like to build that up. Rather than keep a full open-door policy, we open to various submissions throughout the year so we don’t miss any exceptional work.

As far as what we absolutely do not want, well, obviously anything outside the family friendly theme. We’re not looking for, nor will we ever accept, erotica, horror, steamy novels, and anything with gore and graphic violence.

Thank you again for making time to be with us, Dawn. I’ve enjoyed chatting with you.

COTT: A Hot Button Novel Hot off the Presses

Ryan's Father is this month's champion at Clash of the Titles. Author June Foster is known for tackling complicated issues, and according to her fans, Ryan's Father fits the bill.
Enjoy this minipreview of a novel that tackles one of today's hottest issues.


About the Book:

The rippling influence of Ryan Reid’s immoral mother and absent father makes a mark on his soul leaving him to battle same sex attraction. When the young school teacher asks Jesus into his life, he thinks he’ll be free though no amount of prayer changes him. Ryan wants to turn away from the lifestyle, yet in his heart he knows he’s committed the sin.

Nurse Sandy Arrington still resides at home held captive by her secret fears. Her dream to be a wife and mother looks bleak.

When Sandy falls in love with Ryan, he’s powerless to return her love. Can Ryan dig his way out to find the freedom to love Sandy? Can Sandy find release from her fears?

Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble
June's motivation for writing Ryan's Father:

When my daughter was in high school, one of her friends told me privately he was attracted to another boy in our church. I was saddened to see this precious young man believe he had no control over the feelings and desires that brought him so much misery. I wrote Ryan's Father to offer hope to anyone in the lifestyle who wants to walk away. My prayer is that God will touch hurting hearts with the message of this book.

About the Author:

June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day – February 1, 2012, As We Forgive – September 1, 2012, and Deliver Us – April 1, 2013, and Hometown Fourth of July – July 1, 2012. June's book, Ryan's Father, is available from WhiteFire Publishing January 2014. Red and the Wolf will be available April 2014. For All Eternity and Misty Hollow, God willing, will be published in the near future. June loves to write stories about characters who overcome the issues in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives.

Here's a taste of the comments received for this month's clashers:

-This was one of the hardest choices in quite some time. They all sound wonderful and fit in with my reading tastes. Good work, June, Darlene, Lillian and Sylvia.

-Rebekah is my daughter's name and I love that spelling. But it makes it more meaningful know since we
know that was the way it was then. I love knowing the inside story of what went on in that Jesus time of history.

-Darlene, Looking forward to reading Homefront Dreams.

-I have enjoyed every book written by Lillian Duncan. They all have a great storyline!

-I love all of your books, June Foster, keep following God's direction in choosing your subjects and be blessed.

-Love the books from June Foster. They draw you in and make you think of some of your situations and makes me want to make changes in my life for the good. Great Job June keep up the great work.

-I love the "risk" that Ryan's Father is taking in Christian publishing. It's greatly needed!

-Sylvia Bambola...your book sounds Captivating! I am looking forward to reading this...sounds like this is about the holy Grail BEFORE the Middle Ages and knights were sent to find it. Love the historical backdrop your tale is told to.

-Darlene's writing is emotional and beautiful. I highly recommend her books!

-All interesting titles. Best of luck to Lillian Duncan. Your book sounds intriguing!

Stay tuned to Clash of the Titles for the latest in Christian fiction!

Guest Author: Christine Lindsay

Author Christine Lindsay
Readers, I hope you'll extend a warm welcome to my fellow Pelican Book Group author, Christine Lindsay. Besides having a fascinating life story, Christine is an award-winning Christian author. Let’s talk to her now.
Thank you for visiting “Living the Write Life,” Christine! We’ll talk about your writing journey, but first, I always like to meet the person behind the author. Who is Christine Lindsay, the gal next door…who are you outside the writing world?
So very, very ordinary. The delights of my life are my husband, our grown kids and grandkids, our pets—a Sheltie dog and two cats, and getting away in the travel trailer with my hubby. Oh…that…and many pots of tea throughout the day.
Ordinary is good! :) You have a blessed life-experience story about giving up a child and being reunited years later.  Will you share that with us, in a nutshell please?
So much of relinquishing my first child to adoption has shaped the person I am. Even though I never experienced infertility, I know the heartache of an empty womb when my baby became someone else’s child. Giving up Sarah pretty much broke me. I don’t think I’ll ever truly get over that, but God turned my heartache around in some pretty amazing ways.
First of all, He turned my brokenness into a muse that got me writing in the first place, turned that into Christian Fiction novels that might help other hurting people while entertaining them. Then, with the debut of my first book, it all came together for Sarah to be the model on the front cover of Shadowed in Silk. There’s a much longer story to that, that readers can find on my blog The Story Behind the Cover and I think they’ll be encouraged to trust God in their brokenness.
What a beautiful story of God's restorative power! 
You have a new release in Pelican Book Group’s “Passport to Romance” series, don’t you? Tell us about it, and include a blurb, if you’d like.
I was born in Belfast Northern Ireland, so I jumped at the chance to submit a book to Pelican when they were asking for a story set in Londonderry, not far from my birthplace. It was such fun to write about a beautiful place and hilarious, warm people like my relatives. Even I crack myself up when I read about the Irish cousins in the book.  Can you share one of your favorite scenes from LONDONDERRY DREAMING?
Well, since I mentioned the humor, I think maybe I’ll choose one of those scenes that makes me giggle. Keep in mind, Londonderry Dreaming is a romance, so there’s plenty of that in the most wholesome of ways, and a deep spiritual theme, but here goes…
Keith’s cousins climbed up to the attic and stood with Naomi and Keith, staring  at the painting. Garrick was the first to speak. “Well, isn’t this a day for shocks. So you made it back to the old sod. Nice to see you again, Naomi. But who’s the woman in that paintin’, showing off her knees? I seem to know her from somewhere.”“Don’t be a bleedin eegit,” Sandra said, “can’t you see the girl is Gran.” She reached out to envelope Naomi in a hug. “Naomi, sure it’s good to see you again. Last time I saw you, Keith was at university, like I should have been, as Gran never let up on telling me.” Sandra’s interruption had dragged Naomi from her examination of the painting, but she did catch what sounded like regret in Sandra’s chuckle. “It’s good to see you too.” Her eyes misted as she hugged both Sandra and Garrick. At least with these two there was nothing but friendship in the nice easy hugs.  Garrick pursed his lips to one side as the four of them resumed their study of the painting. “Well, if that’s Gran then that’s a side of her I’ve never seen before. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about her showing off her knees like that.”Sandra gave him another shove in the arm. “Don’t be a fool. Sure our Gran was as beautiful as the hot pinups of her day. If you watched any of the old movies I like to watch, you’d know she’s a dead ringer for Rita Hayworth.” She grew dreamy. “And she had lovely legs. Why all the women in our family have nice legs.”“You certainly don’t.” Garrick looked at her askance. “I’ve seen yours, and all I have to say is, there’s better looking legs sticking out of a swallow’s nest.”Sandra thumped Garrick in the chest, but laughed with him.
LOL! (And...ouch!) What advice do you have for those just starting their writing journey?
If you want to be a writer, the best word I can give you is persistence. But keep in mind there is a huge price to pay if you want to be a published author. It may mean giving up a demanding job to make less money, so you will have time to write. It’s difficult at times to balance the more important things in life besides your writing—mostly time with your loved ones, especially your spouse. But if you can balance it all, and pay your dues like learning to write, then keep at it, and one day you will see your story in print.
Favorite scripture?
Isaiah 49:15,16a “Can a woman forget the baby and her breast, and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See…I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”  And now, just for fun…if you were a Crayola, what color would you be?
Lime green, because it’s just so fun, light (because these days I’m light-hearted) and summery, I can’t wait to get out in the travel trailer with my husband again. Is it summertime yet?
Where can we find your books?
My Christian historical series, Twilight of the British Raj, which includes Book 1 Shadowed in Silk, Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, and Book 3 Veiled at Midnight (to be released Aug. 2014) can all be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Deeper Shopping, and Cross-purpose Books. The first two books in this series have won a number of awards. Shadowed in Silk and Captured by Moonlight
And my latest release (this one from Pelican) Londonderry Dreaming can be purchased at the following links on its release date Feb. 21, 2014:
Amazon , Barnes and Noble, Pelican Books
Thank you for visiting Living the Write Life, Christine! I’ve enjoyed chatting with you.


About Christine Lindsay


Christine Lindsay was born in Ireland, and is proud of the fact that she was once patted on the head by Prince Philip when she was a baby. Her great grandfather, and her grandfather—yes father and son—were both riveters on the building of the Titanic. Tongue in cheek, Christine states that as a family they accept no responsibility for the sinking of that great ship.
It was stories of her ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India that inspired her historical series Twilight of the British Raj that has already won several awards, and is currently nominated for more.
Christine makes her home in British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada with her husband and their grown up family. Her cat Scottie is chief editor on all Christine’s books.
Please drop by Christine’s blog site www.christinelindsay.org or follow her on Twitter and be her friend on Pinterest and Facebook


LONDONDERRY DREAMING


Acclaimed New York artist, Naomi Boyd, and music therapist, Keith Wilson, loved one another five years ago, until her grandfather with his influence over Naomi separated them.

That root of bitterness keeps them apart until a letter from Keith’s grandmother, Ruth, draws Naomi to Londonderry to find she’s too late. Ruth has passed on. After the death of his beloved grandmother, Keith has also come to Londonderry only to open the door to his past…Naomi...beautiful as ever, the girl who broke his heart.
A mysterious painting in Ruth’s attic brings up questions about their grandparents’ entwined past and their own broken romance. But more comfortable with the unspoken languages of art and music, Naomi and Keith find it difficult to share their old hurts and true feelings.
Will the majestic coastline of Northern Ireland inspire them to speak the words to bring peace to their grandparents’ memory and to rekindle love?

  Book Trailers for Shadowed in Silk and
Captured by Moonlight,
Christine's Twilight of the British Raj series

COTT: Intriguing January Releases-Vote Now

In the Winter Doldrums between Post-Valentine’s Day and Easter, we all need a little pick-me-up. We at COTT are pleased to present these amazing stories for you—from Biblical times to World War Two to Witness Protection to Dramatic subjects—something to intrigue every reader.
Check out the following New Releases. Which one is calling you the loudest? Take a moment to browse, then make your choice below to let us know which you're most likely to read first.
VOTE BELOW from Now until next Wednesday - tell your friends - then come back and see which book is this month's champion!
Happy reading! ********

Ryan Reid is a first-grade teacher and a Christian with a heart for neglected kids, but a chance encounter during an earthquake with Sandy Arrington, a beautiful young nurse, rocks Ryan’s carefully guarded world and unearths the secret he has held deep in his heart. Though Sandy falls in love with him, Ryan’s forbidden affections lie elsewhere, and he must depend on the Lord to see him through a battle he always hoped he’d never have to face.

Mayor Clarinda Finch and high school principal clash over tradition vs. change during World War II. Can they put aside their differences and fight for both their town and a future together?

Witness Protection promises they can keep anyone safe if they follow the rules, so she follows every one of them to keep her daughter safe. But her husband just called--from the grave!

Forced to flee war-torn Jerusalem in 70 A.D., Rebekah and her husband, Ethan, each take something of value: Rebekah, the cup of the Last Supper; Ethan, a copper scroll detailing the whereabouts of a vast Temple treasure. Ahead, separation and danger face them as the struggle to survive and discover where their true treasure lies.
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COTT: Lacy Williams's Return of the Cowboy Doctor

It's February, the month of romance! So here's a book to make your heart go pitter-patter.
Lacy Williams's Return of the Cowboy Doctor was one of our January runner-ups. Today I am thrilled to give you a closer look!
~~~

PURCHASE BOOK
About the Book
Two years shy of his medical degree, cowboy Maxwell White is out of money. So, he's back in Bear Creek, Wyoming, working part-time for the local physician. Though he is immediately drawn to the doctor's lovely, whip-smart daughter, she seems to be irritated by Maxwell's very existence.

Hattie Powell can't quash her feelings for the town's new would-be doctor. But that's exactly why she must keep him at a distance. Hattie is closer than ever to fulfilling her lifelong wish of becoming a doctor. Now, the only thing standing in her way is the man of her dreams.

The Wyoming Legacy series: United by family, destined for love

What COTT Readers Had to Say
*I just finished reading Return of the Cowboy Doctor, and Lacy Williams did a fabulous job bringing her shy, a bit insecure hero to life.
*What a great story! Fun to read. The author's use of descriptions really sucks you in to the story!

Editorial Reviews

* Publisher's Weekly says, "Williams delivers a smart, gentle, and uplifting fourth novel set in 1890s Wyoming...sweet, poetic Max is a lovable hero, and Hattie’s desire to have both career and family will resonate strongly with readers." (October 2013)
* Return of the Cowboy Doctor was an RT Book Reviews TOP PICK! with a 4.5 star review and also received a nomination for the December Seal of Excellence. They say, "I picked up Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams feeling nostalgic for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and was soon transported to an even wilder West for an aspiring lady doctor."
* The USA Today HEA blog says, "If you enjoy Western romance series with fresh characters in each book... you'll enjoy this Love Inspired Historical series from author Lacy Williams."

About the Author
Lacy Williams is a wife and mom from Oklahoma. She grew up on a farm, which is where her love of
cowboys was born. In reality, she's married to a right-brained banker (happily with three little ones!). She gets to express her love of western men by writing historical romance. Her books have finaled in the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Awards (2012, 2013 & 2014), the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best Award. Her latest release, Kissed by a Cowboy is part of the First Kisses anthology, available March 15, 2014.


Connect with Lacy
http://www.lacywilliams.net
http://www.facebook.com/lacywilliamsbooks


Congratulations on your latest release, Lacey! COTT wishes you the best in your writing career.
Our next clash starts February 19th. Be sure to come back then and cast your vote!

Author Interview: E. A. West

I’m so pleased to introduce a fellow Pelican Book Group author. E.A. West! This lady wrote one of my very favorite short stories, THE KEY TO CHARLOTTE. In this novella, E.A.’s tagline, “Providing journeys of hope, one story at a time,” came to life for me. This author captures readers’ hearts from the get-go, and retains firm command of them throughout the storyline. Come along…let’s get to know E.A. West…
E.A., I’m thrilled that you’ve come to visit us on “Living the Write Life.” I’m eager to find out more about your writing journey, but first, I’d like to introduce my readers to E.A. West, the gal next door. Who are you outside the writing world?
I’m a knitter and crocheter, as well as a reader and occasional book reviewer. I absolutely love to be outdoors in warm weather, especially if it’s sunny. Dog training is something I’m constantly learning about in an attempt to find the key to working around my mutt’s stubbornness. Picture an obtuse teenager, and that’s about what I have to work with a lot of the time.
Such fun! :) I love THE KEY TO CHARLOTTE, but I know you’ve written many other stories. What is your favorite book so far? Why is it your favorite?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. I think every book I’ve written has been my favorite at one time or another. Each set of characters and storyline are special in their own way. For my current favorite, however, it’s a toss-up between Bogotá Blessings and Trust of the Heart. I love the heroes in both books and their stories tug at my heart. Even though they’re fictional men, they became real to me while I was writing their books.
I think our characters have to become real to us, as writers, in order for them to do so for our readers. So that’s a good thing, right? Tell us about your latest release. Include a blurb if you’d like.
My latest release is Bogotá Blessings. It’s part of the Passport to Romance series from Pelican Book Group.
When Kayla Shaw travels to Bogotá to help renovate a house for a mission to street children, nothing can prepare her for the ever-present mission employee Mateo Luis. He looks like he could be one of the rebels who have caused so much fear throughout Colombia. Then she begins to see him with her heart instead of only her eyes.
Mateo Luis Gómez Días has dedicated his life to the mission, and he's determined to help as many street children as he can. Unfortunately, he can't keep his thoughts off the beautiful American helping renovate the new children's home. Although he would love to have a relationship with Kayla, his past and the bad neighborhood God has called him to serve in prevent him from pursuing her.
Has God truly led Kayla and Mateo to each other, or does He have something else in mind for their lives?
Well, you’ve got my attention already! What can we look forward to next? 

Several things, actually. I have a short story in a Valentine’s anthology from Astraea Press. Sometime in the coming months, the prequel to Battlefield of the Heartwill release (also from Astraea Press). Plus I recently signed a contract with for my first YA novel. I can’t wait to share it with you all!
E.A., I’m aware that you’ve been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. First, what exactly does that mean? Does this disorder affect your writing in any way? What do you do differently as a writer than other writers might do?
Well, autism is a neurological disorder that affects the way a person experiences and interacts with the world around them. Difficulty with social interaction is one of the symptoms, as well as being adversely affected by environmental factors that wouldn’t bother anyone else (think fluorescent lights). Although autism is something most people associate with children, those children don’t outgrow it and eventually become autistic adults.
Having autism does affect my writing, at least a little. For one thing, everything I do is colored by autism because that’s what makes me the way I am. My imagination may go in directions others wouldn’t expect. Writing emotions and social interactions between my characters can be a challenge at times. Because autism makes communication difficult for me, there have been times when I’ve struggled to find the words to describe the scene in my mind in a way that would make sense to others.
I’m not sure what other writers do since I’m not them, but I do know that having an autism spectrum disorder has made it essential for me to study body language and how people react to one another in certain situations. Most people may be able to draw on personal experience or intuitively know what people would do, but non-verbal social cues have always been something of a mystery to me. In order to write believable characters, I have to venture into unfamiliar territory and hope like crazy all my research into social interaction will pay off.
Well, I’d say you’ve done a wonderful job of researching all of that. Your writing is amazing, and a reader would never guess that you have any kind of problem. What advice do you have for those just starting their writing journey?
Learn everything you can about writing. If you think you know everything you need to know in order to write a book, you’re probably wrong. Good writers never stop learning, no matter how many years they’ve been writing or how many books they have published. One of the best ways to learn how to write great books is to read great books. Take note of what pulls you into the story and how the author did it. Also note what put you off about the book. Don’t try to copy the style of the authors you read. Learn their techniques and use them to create your own unique stories in your own unique way. Your future readers will appreciate the time and effort you put into studying the craft of writing.
Amen! Favorite scripture?
I have two, actually. Both have gotten me through many difficult times.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Both excellent, encouraging verses. And now, just for fun…if you were a Crayola, what color would you be?
You know all those little bits of crayon you always seem to have left over? Melt them all together into a conglomerate of color, and that’s what I am.
LOL! I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone give me that particular answer. You are unique, aren’t you? :) Where can we find your books?
A full list of my books can be found on my blog and my website as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Thank you for visiting Living the Write Life, E.A.! I’ve enjoyed chatting with you. 

Thank you for having me here! It’s been fun.


About the Author: 

E.A. West, award-winning author of sweet and inspirational romance, is a lifelong lover of books and storytelling. In high school, she picked up her pen in a creative writing class and hasn’t laid it down yet. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, knitting, and crocheting. She lives in Indiana with her family and a small zoo of pets.
Connect with E.A. West and learn more about her books in the following places:
BlogWebsite FacebookTwitter                                                      Goodreads                                                      Amazon

Four Great Novels Brought to You by COTT Authors

As the below featured novels attest, Clash of the Titles staff is a talented group!Please enjoy this sampling of our latest releases. 

The Last Detail
by Lisa Lickel

Hope, love, and loss meld two polar opposite personalities. How long can they keep passion for their ministry and each other after the wedding? Merit ushers in new life; Amalia ushers it out. Love? Obviously. Marriage? Check. Dealing with the family closet? Step back…When tragedy strikes, they must learn to rely on each other in ways they couldn’t have prepared for.

PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH LISA


Lea's Gift
by Delia Latham (&Tanya Stowe)

A victim of a house fire during infancy, Lea Dale’s severe facial disfigurement pales in comparison to the scars Laren Meadows carries inside...and his painful secret could destroy their chance at true love. For the first time ever, an emotional Lea questions her special connections with Heaven even as she investigates cruel pranks
at her father’s ranch for disfigured teens and tries to deal with her roller coaster heart.

PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH DELIA


A Cowboy Christmas
by Delia Latham (& Tanya Stowe)

A mom on the run; a special child and her “imaginary” friend; a cowboy; and God. Shy horseman Dex Beckett longs to help lovely Layne Mabrey and her daughter, but Layne's lack of faith and stubborn refusal to relinquish her distrustful heart could get in the way of even Heart's Haven's heavenly residents.

PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH DELIA



Stopped Cold 
by Gail Pallotta
Margaret McWhorter lives in tranquil Mistville, North Carolina, but there’s no peace in her life since her brother, Sean, took a steroid and nearly died. Margaret and Sean’s father demands excellence in sports, but Sean fell short. Margaret’s still hustling to win at swim meets at Meriwether Christian High, where Sean was the number one quarterback for the football team. In quiet moments she asks
PURCHASE
CONNECT WITH GAIL

Guest Post: Joanne Troppello

 Conveying a Romance of the Heart:  What makes a love story great?  by Joanne Troppello
Plain and simple, the formula for a romance novel is man meets woman and they fall in love. Of course, they run into various obstacles along the way, but there is always a happy ending. However, what sets a romance novel apart and makes it irrefutably memorable?
Vector by DryIconsThink about one of the most dramatic love stories through the ages—Romeo & Juliet, young love of the forever kind. Yes, this story ended tragically, but it shows the ingredients of a great love affair. Even death could not keep them apart.
Let’s look at a more contemporary example, The Notebook, by Nicholas Sparks. Two young people experience a passionate summer romance and life threatens to pull them apart. The heroine goes away to college while the hero enlists in the army. The hero wrote to her but she never received his letters and she thinks he doesn’t want to be with her. She gets engaged to a man from an affluent family and finally, circumstances bring the hero and his heroine together again. They marry and have a family, living a good life. Eventually the heroine has dementia and her loving husband stands by her, trying to help her remember the happy life they had. Even when she has lost her mental capacity, he stands by his wife. They die together in their sleep. Now that is a true testament of an everlasting love affair.
So how do you create such an unforgettable love affair that breaches the limits of the run of the mill romance novel? You start by thinking outside the box. The formula is the same, but you need to make the plot your own. I write inspirational romance, so I bring an element of faith into my stories. In my opinion, that adds the cement to hold the romance together. If a couple wants to weather the storms of life, they need a higher power to give them the foundation to succeed. I believe that foundation is God at the center of their relationship.
Now, I don’t want to get too preachy here—and I never do in my books either because I believe in real life. Not everyone believes the same way or has a strong faith in God, yet many people experience a great love affair in their lives. So, even if you don’t add an element of faith to your novels, you too, can write a memorable love story.
Your hero and heroine need to love each other unconditionally. That is real love. They love body, soul and spirit, every part of each other. A great love affair is one that begins in the realm of friendship or at least intellectual or emotional connection, before any inkling of physical intimacy enters the picture. Passionate connections are wonderful, but passion eventually fades. When it lessens, what remains? That agape, unconditional, love remains. It’s a love that knows no bounds. They overcome hurts and offenses and learn to forgive. It’s not about winning, but learning to compromise and serve one another’s needs first. A great love affair turns from friendship into a passionate love with your best friend. Physical intimacy obviously comes into play, but depending on the type of genre you write in, will determine the amount you show the readers.
Your novel may not span the length of your hero and heroine’s years like in The Notebook, but you need to convey the same sense of long-term commitment. Your readers must get the sense that your characters are in it forever. However, if you write a sappy romance novel, most readers won’t appreciate that and it won’t be a memorable love affair. In real life, we face problems. Make your novel real and add reality to your story. If you do that, it will be believable and readers will relate. Own your own story. If you believe the love affair you are creating, your readers will believe it too.


Blurb: 
Sophie Baird is looking for a way to escape the painful reality of her parents' deaths. Unable to live in their home any longer, she takes a job as a live-in tutor to Anastasia Shipley to remove herself from her painful memories and the feeling that God has abandoned her. Anastasia has an illness that has prevented her from ever attending school and makes her father, Sebastian, over protective. When Sophie first meets Sebastian, she cannot deny the intense attraction she feels toward him. When an unexpected romance begins between them, she starts to rebuild her relationship with God, with the help of a certain little girl.

Purchase Mr. Shipley's Governess on Amazon

About the Author :
Joanne Troppello is an author of inspirational and romantic suspense novels. She and her husband are Network Marketing Coaches and owners of Mustard Seed Marketing Group, LLC. They have several active blogs and readers are encouraged to visit their Author's Corner Blog, a place for authors and readers to connect. They host various blog parties throughout the year and many guest authors stop by to meet with readers.
Website Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads

COTT: Clash of the Title's first 2014 Winner!

It is my great pleasure to announce the winner of this month's clash...


Redneck Debutante  by Jenny Hammerle
Congratulations, Jenny!Your book will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Laurel Award later this year!
And a big thank-you to ALL our participating authors!
Lacey Williams with Return of the Cowboy Doctor,Norma Downing with A Promise Made,and Anne Greene with Marriage byArrangement
Here are a few of the comments left by our voters:

Jenny Hammerle is a talented author who knows how to connect with girls through an engaging story where the reader can gain valuable life lessons along the way!:-)I have spent some time in Fruitville and I Love this place. Many great memories there. I must read your book, I am sure it is wonderful, as are the People of Fruitville. Thank You for taking time to write this book.Redneck Debutante is a great title! The cover is spectacular and really catches your eye. I have read this book and it is a very good, fast-paced read.Great story and character development! Loved Redneck Debutante and am loving the second book Cowgirl Down!

And a couple Amazon Reviews:

"Jenny Hammerle's Redneck Debutante is a breath of fresh air that you don't want to miss. Her characters will engage you and keep you involved just as if you knew them personally. Whether you are an adult reader or a young adult, you will be captivated by this book and find it hard to put down. I enjoyed this first book in the series immensely and I can't wait for more of the story! Write faster Jenny!""If you or the teen girl in your life is tired of sparkly vampires, witches and werewolves this is a wonderful book about the real issues teen girls deal with. It is wonderfully written and will keep you engaged all the way through. Can't wait for the second book!!"

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nothing could have prepared her for the sight of the rugged cowboy.
Green eyes, dark-brown hair, tall, tanned, nicely muscled.
And there she was, standing in the creek in only her underwear.

West Palm, Florida

Fifteen-year-old Rachael Harte has everything she could want—plenty of money, hang-out time with friends at the beach, and Colten, the hot boyfriend every girl in her prep school drools over.

But just as she receives her long-awaited debutante invitation, scandal strikes her family. Now Rachael has to go to public high school and live with her Aunt Margaret in a place called Fruitville. How much more redneck could it get? The first day, as she’s cooling off from the heat, she hears a soft “ahem” and looks up into the eyes of Travis Baxter, the most handsome cowboy she’s ever seen. His smirk is bad enough. Worse, they’re now neighbors and will attend the same school.

As Rachael plunges into redneck life in rural Florida, she’s charmed by a quirky new group of friends, including Travis’s twin, Maysie, but still misses her friends back home. Can Rachael and Colten survive on once-a-month visits? Or will Travis’s cowboy charms win her over? What she learns as a Redneck Debutante will teach her more about love and life than she could ever have dreamed.

The REDNECK DEBUTANTE Series®
Romance that’s a little bit city, a little bit country. **********Book Two, Cowgirl Down , is also available!
And guess what? Extra congrats are in order because Redneck Debutante  recently won the ACFW Book Club Poll and will be one of three books for the Spring reading list. What fantastic news!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
On my father’s side we are sixth generation Floridians- cattle and citrus mostly. I grew up on a working cattle ranch. My dad still manages ranches in twelve Florida counties.

I have been bucked off more than a few times- I survived and lived to write about it. That is why you will find that some of my writing revolves around rural Florida and ranch life. My favorite place to be is at the hunt camp sitting around the campfire listening to, or in some cases, telling funny stories! I love to work cows in the cow pens- branding, tagging, marking, legging and parting out calves to keep or sell is always a good time!

I currently stay home with our two wonderful little boys. I can be found coaching a group of middle school cheerleaders which serves my writing well by keeping me in touch with the youth of today and their slang, drama and texting practices!

Storytelling is something that comes naturally to most cowboys and cowgirls. If you join us on any workday, around a campfire or in the cow pens you can experience the true nature of the cowboy storyteller and see that it is a living, breathing verbal tradition still being shared today. This storytelling tradition comes alive in the texture of my writing!
You can find Jenny Hammerle on her website or on her Facebook page
Congratulations, Jenny! We can't wait to watch your story unfold.