Pamela S. Thibodeaux's Blog, page 31
April 11, 2020
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Leigh Young & Lessons from the Letters!
Good Morning!
Well, we're in the waiting period now between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Seems appropriate right, as we wait for this Covid-19 crap and stay at home orders to end. They may not be over by tomorrow, but trust me friends....they will end. For now all we can do is wait and try to focus on the good things that come from this trial. Which is another reason I believe today's Saturday Spotlight guest and book is SO very appropriate!
Brought to us from Adams Media, author Leigh Young explains why letters written specifically to churches found in the Book of Revelation are still relevant to believers today....
“Jesus analyzed seven groups of believers and wrote to them to exhort and encourage them,” says Young. “Those new Christians were pioneers of our faith. They were people who were making a great effort to follow the Lord in a difficult environment. With His omniscient vision, Christ pointed out their strengths and their weaknesses. Now, the torch is passed to us. It is our turn. We are now the Christians trying to live like Christ in an often ungodly environment. Christ is showing us the way to the abundant life through these letters.”
Young says understanding the context of the letters is important, and her research of each of the cities and their corresponding cultures at the time the letters were written helps the reader gain valuable insights into the meaning of the scriptures.
“During the time when the letters were written, the Laodicean Research University invented and marketed a wonder drug—eye salve,” says Young. “They sent this miracle eye medication throughout the Roman Empire. Yet, Jesus called them blind. Another celebrated commodity of Laodicea was black wool. Because dyed cloth was expensive, black clothing was highly coveted. The Laodicean black sheep supplied black wool allowing the merchants to sell the raw wool, black cloth, and garments made from this prized cloth. Jesus refers to the citizens of Laodicea as naked, not well-dressed, as they saw themselves. We would miss this head knowledge if we did not delve into the culture of this city. But more importantly than impacting our head, this can impact our heart. What areas of our life are we self-sufficient and do not need God?”
Young says these letters, written over 2000 years ago, should be seen as a source of encouragement to Christians in today's culture.
“These seven churches were located in cities ruled by Rome. The empire did not separate church and state. The residents of these cities were supposed to worship the multitude of mythological gods and the emperor. The Christians who refused to bow down to these gods were considered atheists and traitors. Today, we often feel overcome by the amount of pornography, violence, discord in government, and hatred. The original seven churches in Asia Minor faced these same issues. In some aspects, the environment was worse than ours today. However, they overcame. They lived for Christ in a world that often hated His way. This realization gives me great hope.”
Q: What motivated you to write this book?
A: Although they were written 2000 years ago, the words of advice and counsel are as relevant today as they were to those churches and parishioners centuries ago. The gospel of John records Jesus saying, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” In the letters in Revelation, Jesus reveals this path to those early churches, to their parishioners, and to you and me. We should seek guidance from the One who created us. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He made us. The book of Revelation unveils this promise in the first chapter, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.” Jesus ends each of his seven letters with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says.” Jesus’s words of advice and counsel have the added supernatural benefit and blessing of the Holy Spirit working within us to help us put these words into practice.
Q: You address both the context and patterns of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Why are those things important to know?
A: Knowing the context of the letters is extremely important to understanding the nuances Jesus is conveying. As we plant ourselves in the place, time and setting of the original letters, we can extract more clearly the lessons being taught. The more we ascertain about these locations and their churches, the better we can appreciate the intended meanings of their correspondences. For example, the city of Laodicea suffered tremendous damage from an earthquake. Just as here, the Roman Governor declared a State of Emergency and the Roman equivalent to FEMA came in with money to help them rebuild. The people of Laodicea turned their money down. They were too self-sufficient to accept any help. In Jesus’s letter to this proud congregation, he wrote that they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. He calls them “poor” referring to their prestigious banking center. Historians report that Cicero cashed his checks in Laodicea. However, Jesus called them poor. During the time when the letters were written, the Laodicean Research University invented and marketed a wonder drug—eye salve. They sent this miracle eye medication throughout the Roman Empire. Yet, Jesus called them blind. The third celebrated commodity of Laodicea was black wool. Because dyed cloth was expensive, black clothing was highly coveted. The Laodicean black sheep supplied black wool allowing the merchants to sell the raw wool, black cloth, and garments made from this prized cloth. Jesus refers to the citizens of Laodicea as naked, not well dressed as they saw themselves. We would miss this head knowledge if we did not delve into the culture of this city. But more importantly than impacting our head, this can impact our heart. What areas of our life are we self-sufficient and do not need God? The context helps us to find lessons we can learn from this letter.
The pattern of all the letters is fascinating as each letter is written in the same format. Jesus begins by introducing Himself in a way that is relevant to that particular congregation. Next, He assures them that He sees what is happening in their city and in their church with the words, “I know.” The omniscience is comforting in some situations and confronting in others. Christ then compliments them on the things they are doing well and exhorts them in areas in which they can improve. The letter concludes with a warning revealing the negative outcomes of not heeding the suggestions for improvement and the positive consequences of following the prescribed actions.
Q: Why do you believe these letters to the seven churches are still relevant today?
A: In the letters, Jesus addresses issues which He sees in those churches. For example, He reminds the church in Ephesus that hard work and perseverance are wonderful traits, but, first and foremost, God is looking for our heart. Jesus reassures the parishioners in the church in Smyrna that He sees so-called “religious people” slandering and hurting them. The injustice done to them by fellow believers is not unnoticed. This encouragement is as comforting today as it was for the believers centuries ago. In Pergamum, Jesus tells the Christians that they must be on guard to remain true in a culture that is becoming increasingly immoral. Sound familiar for today? This message is timeless.
Q: It is unusual to tie the book of Revelation to abundant living. How did you make that connection?
A: Jesus analyzed seven groups of believers and wrote to them to exhort and encourage them. These new Christians were pioneers of our faith. They were people who were making a great effort to follow the Lord in a difficult environment. With His omniscient vision, Christ pointed out their strengths and their weaknesses. He wrote to seven churches because seven is the number of completion signifying that these traits, characteristics, and advice encompass all believers. Now, the torch is passed to us. It is our turn. We are now the Christians trying to live like Christ in an often ungodly environment. Christ is showing us the way to the abundant life through these letters.
Q: The historical information in your book has been heavily researched. Were there any specific things you learned during your research that stood out to you?
A: One of the recurring themes that stood out to me was the immoral influence of the pagan religion of this period in Roman history and the way it permeated that society and the lives of the believers. These seven churches were located in cities ruled by Rome. The empire did not separate church and state. The residents of these cities were supposed to worship the multitude of mythological gods and the emperor. The Christians who refused to bow down to these gods were considered atheists and traitors. The worship practices for some of these gods were immoral. Temple priests and priestesses of the fertility gods indulged in sexual rites with parishioners as part of the required “worship.” Some gods had horrific ceremonies designed to please and pacify the gods and provide the worshiper with some sort of gain. Their religious practices revolved around harming themselves physically. In extreme cases, these gods were “fed” by human sacrifice and torture. The more utilitarian gods, gods of grain and the household, “blessed” the work of the worshiper. The Christians who were unwilling to bow down to these gods were excluded from business and unable to make a living for their families. Those who did worship these gods made the case that the non-compliant Christians would make the gods mad with their refusal to bow before the gods and remove the blessings of success from their community. In those cities in which emperor worship was prominent, the believers’ refusal to bow the knee to Caesar was construed as an act of treason punishable by death. In some instances, the believer’s livelihood was impacted, and in others, their actual life was endangered. The pagan’s false religion infiltrated their culture and their daily routine. The Christians in these churches were looked down upon on as atheists, traitors, and just plain odd. Today, we often feel overcome by the amount of pornography, violence, discord in government, and hatred. The original seven churches in Asia Minor faced these same issues. In some aspects, the environment was worse than ours today. However, they overcame. They lived for Christ in a world that often hated His way. This realization gives me great hope.
Q: What do you hope readers will ultimately gain from this book?
A: My hope is to combine modern anecdotal stories with the Word to bring to light something that will help strengthen the reader’s relationship to Christ. In the words of the letters, I pray that the reader will “hear what the Spirit says.”
Q: What is the Lessons from the Letters Weekend?
A: Lessons from the Letters Weekend is about life change. During the weekend, we explore ways to walk more closely with the Lord by fellowship, Bible study, worship, and meditative prayer time. We “visit” each city to discover the words of advice and counsel Jesus recorded for these parishioners centuries ago and for us today. This weekend is a perfect combination of laughter, learning, and worshiping with sisters in Christ.
Leigh Young has written and taught Bible curriculum for two-year-olds, third grade Bible classes, Confirmation classes, and adult Bible series. She began her career as one of the top national sales leaders in the healthcare technology with NCR Corporation. She currently owns and manages investments in real estate and in the stock market. She began her public service in the advocacy arena, focusing her efforts on women’s and children’s issues. Her statewide experience includes serving as a Director on the Boards of UNC-TV, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, and the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. She helped to draft and advocate for legislation for children’s issues as the Treasurer of the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute and as the chair of the State Public Affairs Committee for the Junior Leagues of North Carolina. She most recently served on the Statewide Leadership Council for Youth Villages. For more information, visit www.lessonsfromtheletters.com
Sounds like perfect reading to me. Thanks Leigh for sharing with us! Good luck and God's blessings with your new release!
Well, Friends, I hope you enjoyed today's post as much as I did and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight and I pray you have a Blessed and Holy Easter weekend.
Until later, take care and God bless. PamT
Well, we're in the waiting period now between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Seems appropriate right, as we wait for this Covid-19 crap and stay at home orders to end. They may not be over by tomorrow, but trust me friends....they will end. For now all we can do is wait and try to focus on the good things that come from this trial. Which is another reason I believe today's Saturday Spotlight guest and book is SO very appropriate!
Brought to us from Adams Media, author Leigh Young explains why letters written specifically to churches found in the Book of Revelation are still relevant to believers today....
“Jesus analyzed seven groups of believers and wrote to them to exhort and encourage them,” says Young. “Those new Christians were pioneers of our faith. They were people who were making a great effort to follow the Lord in a difficult environment. With His omniscient vision, Christ pointed out their strengths and their weaknesses. Now, the torch is passed to us. It is our turn. We are now the Christians trying to live like Christ in an often ungodly environment. Christ is showing us the way to the abundant life through these letters.”
Young says understanding the context of the letters is important, and her research of each of the cities and their corresponding cultures at the time the letters were written helps the reader gain valuable insights into the meaning of the scriptures.
“During the time when the letters were written, the Laodicean Research University invented and marketed a wonder drug—eye salve,” says Young. “They sent this miracle eye medication throughout the Roman Empire. Yet, Jesus called them blind. Another celebrated commodity of Laodicea was black wool. Because dyed cloth was expensive, black clothing was highly coveted. The Laodicean black sheep supplied black wool allowing the merchants to sell the raw wool, black cloth, and garments made from this prized cloth. Jesus refers to the citizens of Laodicea as naked, not well-dressed, as they saw themselves. We would miss this head knowledge if we did not delve into the culture of this city. But more importantly than impacting our head, this can impact our heart. What areas of our life are we self-sufficient and do not need God?”
Young says these letters, written over 2000 years ago, should be seen as a source of encouragement to Christians in today's culture.
“These seven churches were located in cities ruled by Rome. The empire did not separate church and state. The residents of these cities were supposed to worship the multitude of mythological gods and the emperor. The Christians who refused to bow down to these gods were considered atheists and traitors. Today, we often feel overcome by the amount of pornography, violence, discord in government, and hatred. The original seven churches in Asia Minor faced these same issues. In some aspects, the environment was worse than ours today. However, they overcame. They lived for Christ in a world that often hated His way. This realization gives me great hope.”
Q: What motivated you to write this book?
A: Although they were written 2000 years ago, the words of advice and counsel are as relevant today as they were to those churches and parishioners centuries ago. The gospel of John records Jesus saying, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” In the letters in Revelation, Jesus reveals this path to those early churches, to their parishioners, and to you and me. We should seek guidance from the One who created us. He knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He made us. The book of Revelation unveils this promise in the first chapter, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.” Jesus ends each of his seven letters with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says.” Jesus’s words of advice and counsel have the added supernatural benefit and blessing of the Holy Spirit working within us to help us put these words into practice.
Q: You address both the context and patterns of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. Why are those things important to know?
A: Knowing the context of the letters is extremely important to understanding the nuances Jesus is conveying. As we plant ourselves in the place, time and setting of the original letters, we can extract more clearly the lessons being taught. The more we ascertain about these locations and their churches, the better we can appreciate the intended meanings of their correspondences. For example, the city of Laodicea suffered tremendous damage from an earthquake. Just as here, the Roman Governor declared a State of Emergency and the Roman equivalent to FEMA came in with money to help them rebuild. The people of Laodicea turned their money down. They were too self-sufficient to accept any help. In Jesus’s letter to this proud congregation, he wrote that they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. He calls them “poor” referring to their prestigious banking center. Historians report that Cicero cashed his checks in Laodicea. However, Jesus called them poor. During the time when the letters were written, the Laodicean Research University invented and marketed a wonder drug—eye salve. They sent this miracle eye medication throughout the Roman Empire. Yet, Jesus called them blind. The third celebrated commodity of Laodicea was black wool. Because dyed cloth was expensive, black clothing was highly coveted. The Laodicean black sheep supplied black wool allowing the merchants to sell the raw wool, black cloth, and garments made from this prized cloth. Jesus refers to the citizens of Laodicea as naked, not well dressed as they saw themselves. We would miss this head knowledge if we did not delve into the culture of this city. But more importantly than impacting our head, this can impact our heart. What areas of our life are we self-sufficient and do not need God? The context helps us to find lessons we can learn from this letter.
The pattern of all the letters is fascinating as each letter is written in the same format. Jesus begins by introducing Himself in a way that is relevant to that particular congregation. Next, He assures them that He sees what is happening in their city and in their church with the words, “I know.” The omniscience is comforting in some situations and confronting in others. Christ then compliments them on the things they are doing well and exhorts them in areas in which they can improve. The letter concludes with a warning revealing the negative outcomes of not heeding the suggestions for improvement and the positive consequences of following the prescribed actions.
Q: Why do you believe these letters to the seven churches are still relevant today?
A: In the letters, Jesus addresses issues which He sees in those churches. For example, He reminds the church in Ephesus that hard work and perseverance are wonderful traits, but, first and foremost, God is looking for our heart. Jesus reassures the parishioners in the church in Smyrna that He sees so-called “religious people” slandering and hurting them. The injustice done to them by fellow believers is not unnoticed. This encouragement is as comforting today as it was for the believers centuries ago. In Pergamum, Jesus tells the Christians that they must be on guard to remain true in a culture that is becoming increasingly immoral. Sound familiar for today? This message is timeless.
Q: It is unusual to tie the book of Revelation to abundant living. How did you make that connection?
A: Jesus analyzed seven groups of believers and wrote to them to exhort and encourage them. These new Christians were pioneers of our faith. They were people who were making a great effort to follow the Lord in a difficult environment. With His omniscient vision, Christ pointed out their strengths and their weaknesses. He wrote to seven churches because seven is the number of completion signifying that these traits, characteristics, and advice encompass all believers. Now, the torch is passed to us. It is our turn. We are now the Christians trying to live like Christ in an often ungodly environment. Christ is showing us the way to the abundant life through these letters.
Q: The historical information in your book has been heavily researched. Were there any specific things you learned during your research that stood out to you?
A: One of the recurring themes that stood out to me was the immoral influence of the pagan religion of this period in Roman history and the way it permeated that society and the lives of the believers. These seven churches were located in cities ruled by Rome. The empire did not separate church and state. The residents of these cities were supposed to worship the multitude of mythological gods and the emperor. The Christians who refused to bow down to these gods were considered atheists and traitors. The worship practices for some of these gods were immoral. Temple priests and priestesses of the fertility gods indulged in sexual rites with parishioners as part of the required “worship.” Some gods had horrific ceremonies designed to please and pacify the gods and provide the worshiper with some sort of gain. Their religious practices revolved around harming themselves physically. In extreme cases, these gods were “fed” by human sacrifice and torture. The more utilitarian gods, gods of grain and the household, “blessed” the work of the worshiper. The Christians who were unwilling to bow down to these gods were excluded from business and unable to make a living for their families. Those who did worship these gods made the case that the non-compliant Christians would make the gods mad with their refusal to bow before the gods and remove the blessings of success from their community. In those cities in which emperor worship was prominent, the believers’ refusal to bow the knee to Caesar was construed as an act of treason punishable by death. In some instances, the believer’s livelihood was impacted, and in others, their actual life was endangered. The pagan’s false religion infiltrated their culture and their daily routine. The Christians in these churches were looked down upon on as atheists, traitors, and just plain odd. Today, we often feel overcome by the amount of pornography, violence, discord in government, and hatred. The original seven churches in Asia Minor faced these same issues. In some aspects, the environment was worse than ours today. However, they overcame. They lived for Christ in a world that often hated His way. This realization gives me great hope.
Q: What do you hope readers will ultimately gain from this book?
A: My hope is to combine modern anecdotal stories with the Word to bring to light something that will help strengthen the reader’s relationship to Christ. In the words of the letters, I pray that the reader will “hear what the Spirit says.”
Q: What is the Lessons from the Letters Weekend?
A: Lessons from the Letters Weekend is about life change. During the weekend, we explore ways to walk more closely with the Lord by fellowship, Bible study, worship, and meditative prayer time. We “visit” each city to discover the words of advice and counsel Jesus recorded for these parishioners centuries ago and for us today. This weekend is a perfect combination of laughter, learning, and worshiping with sisters in Christ.
Leigh Young has written and taught Bible curriculum for two-year-olds, third grade Bible classes, Confirmation classes, and adult Bible series. She began her career as one of the top national sales leaders in the healthcare technology with NCR Corporation. She currently owns and manages investments in real estate and in the stock market. She began her public service in the advocacy arena, focusing her efforts on women’s and children’s issues. Her statewide experience includes serving as a Director on the Boards of UNC-TV, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, and the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. She helped to draft and advocate for legislation for children’s issues as the Treasurer of the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute and as the chair of the State Public Affairs Committee for the Junior Leagues of North Carolina. She most recently served on the Statewide Leadership Council for Youth Villages. For more information, visit www.lessonsfromtheletters.com
Sounds like perfect reading to me. Thanks Leigh for sharing with us! Good luck and God's blessings with your new release!
Well, Friends, I hope you enjoyed today's post as much as I did and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight and I pray you have a Blessed and Holy Easter weekend.
Until later, take care and God bless. PamT
April 8, 2020
#WednesdayWordswithFriends with Jodie Wolfe!
Good Morning Friends!
It's Holy Week around the world and as we venture into Easter weekend, many are saddened by the stay home orders we're under to reduce the spread of Covid-19. If I can encourage you in one way I pray this is it: Remember it's all in your head.... Yes, that's right. We can embrace the truth, love and power of Easter through out heart and mind OR we can resent the current times - that is OUR decision and it begins in our thoughts. This is the power God gave us when He gave us free will...the power to choose how we think, what we believe and how we live. Therefore, as He instructed us in Deuteronomy.... Choose life.... Choose life in your thoughts, in your words and in your actions. Worship is more than attending Church daily, weekly or even occasionally - worship is a frame of mind and a condition of heart.
Something to think about!
Now, on to our guest.
Last month I introduced you to Jodie Wolfe when she gave us a sneak peek into her novel, Taming Julia. Today Jodi returns to share some Q&A about her writing..... Take it away, Jodie!
Q: What motivated you to write Taming Julia?I've always been a fan of mail-order bride stories. I wondered what would happen if a man desired a genteel woman and who showed up is completely opposite of that. How would he handle it, especially if they were married by proxy before she arrived?
Q: Do you have a certain time period that you enjoy?My all-time favorite is the 19th Century, partly because things were simpler then, but there also were a lot new things, inventions, etc. coming out too.
Q: How did you develop this interest in the 19th Century?It started when I was a young girl, watching and reading Little House on the Prairieby Laura Ingalls Wilder. I didn't like history at the time. That developed much later.
Q: You write historical romance, but you didn't like history?When I was in school, history was all about memorizing facts and dates for the test. This was never an area I excelled in. It wasn't until I started researching the time period, and read some of the stories, journals, etc. that I fell in love with history.
Q: Do you use real settings when you write?Sometimes. If I do use a real setting, I try to meticulously research so I can accurately portray the area. There is a short scene in Taming Julia that takes place at a real place in Texas. I traveled there, so hopefully I did it justice when I wrote about it. Most times my made up towns are based on a real town. Sometimes I change the name, so it fits the time I need.
Q: Will there be more books in the series?That's the plan. I'm working on finalizing the second book, Wooing Annie. My heroine from Taming Julia decides to return the favor and send for a mail-order bride for her brother, Joshua Walker.
Q: Are any other books in the works?I'm also working on a book that's set in the town where I went to college. It deals with the topic of belonging. That one's entitled Hannah's Quest.
Thank you so much for inviting me back today!
Thank YOU, Jodie for sharing your life and writing with us!
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Taming Julia can be found at Amazon, B&N, Pelican Book Group & Google Play.
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care, God bless and be safe!
PamT
It's Holy Week around the world and as we venture into Easter weekend, many are saddened by the stay home orders we're under to reduce the spread of Covid-19. If I can encourage you in one way I pray this is it: Remember it's all in your head.... Yes, that's right. We can embrace the truth, love and power of Easter through out heart and mind OR we can resent the current times - that is OUR decision and it begins in our thoughts. This is the power God gave us when He gave us free will...the power to choose how we think, what we believe and how we live. Therefore, as He instructed us in Deuteronomy.... Choose life.... Choose life in your thoughts, in your words and in your actions. Worship is more than attending Church daily, weekly or even occasionally - worship is a frame of mind and a condition of heart.
Something to think about!
Now, on to our guest.
Last month I introduced you to Jodie Wolfe when she gave us a sneak peek into her novel, Taming Julia. Today Jodi returns to share some Q&A about her writing..... Take it away, Jodie!
Q: What motivated you to write Taming Julia?I've always been a fan of mail-order bride stories. I wondered what would happen if a man desired a genteel woman and who showed up is completely opposite of that. How would he handle it, especially if they were married by proxy before she arrived?Q: Do you have a certain time period that you enjoy?My all-time favorite is the 19th Century, partly because things were simpler then, but there also were a lot new things, inventions, etc. coming out too.
Q: How did you develop this interest in the 19th Century?It started when I was a young girl, watching and reading Little House on the Prairieby Laura Ingalls Wilder. I didn't like history at the time. That developed much later.
Q: You write historical romance, but you didn't like history?When I was in school, history was all about memorizing facts and dates for the test. This was never an area I excelled in. It wasn't until I started researching the time period, and read some of the stories, journals, etc. that I fell in love with history.
Q: Do you use real settings when you write?Sometimes. If I do use a real setting, I try to meticulously research so I can accurately portray the area. There is a short scene in Taming Julia that takes place at a real place in Texas. I traveled there, so hopefully I did it justice when I wrote about it. Most times my made up towns are based on a real town. Sometimes I change the name, so it fits the time I need.
Q: Will there be more books in the series?That's the plan. I'm working on finalizing the second book, Wooing Annie. My heroine from Taming Julia decides to return the favor and send for a mail-order bride for her brother, Joshua Walker.
Q: Are any other books in the works?I'm also working on a book that's set in the town where I went to college. It deals with the topic of belonging. That one's entitled Hannah's Quest.
Thank you so much for inviting me back today!
Thank YOU, Jodie for sharing your life and writing with us!
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.Taming Julia can be found at Amazon, B&N, Pelican Book Group & Google Play.
Hope you enjoyed today's post and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care, God bless and be safe!
PamT
April 4, 2020
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Alina K Field & A Leap into Love
Good Morning and Welcome to the first Saturday Spotlight in April 2020!
First please send up a prayer for my grandson, Sean - it's his birthday! Happy Birthday baby...Well he's a teenager so I bet he wouldn't like me calling him baby LOL!
If you haven't checked out the Just You and Me Romance giveaway (in sidebar) please do!
Now on to our guest....
Alina is not new to the blog. She's visited several times and shared thoughts, words and the spotlight before, but today she is giving us a sneak peek into her book, A Leap into Love...
A Leap Day plot against the village’s most eligible widower spurs a young widow who’s sworn off marriage to go to his aid, but the only way she can protect him is to agree to marry him.
Can a gentleman be too charming? The ladies of Upper Upton think so.
And it’s almost Leap Day, when a man who refuses a lady’s proposal of marriage must offer a forfeit.
When the single ladies of the village conspire to teach their charmer a lesson that might bankrupt him, the town’s loveliest young widow steps up to warn him.
His secrets and hers make them a perfect match—and she’s the lady he wants. But she won’t accept his proposal, not even to rescue him.
As Leap Day approaches, the clock is ticking. Can he convince her in time to say yes to his offer and take a leap into love?
Excerpt:
When the Ladies’ Society for the Improvement of Village Life gathered, discussions could drag on. Mrs. Myra Smith stood at a distance, watching the exhalation of so much talk fog the air in the unheated assembly rooms of the Royal George Inn. From her station near the door, she kept an eye on the boy who’d marched off to the far end of the room, away from the ladies. The Society’s grandiose title always made Myra smile. Stuffy-sounding though it might be, the Ladies’ Society did have a valuable purpose. Village life could be dull, and didn’t she know that well. It could also be closed-minded, a trap Myra was always dodging. She was here today representing Longview, the nearby children’s home that had brought so many interesting characters to Upper Upton—the teachers, ladies of questionable background like herself, and the children, London’s outcasts, who’d found shelter, and training, and love. Longview had been generously endowed by the Lords Cathmore, Hackwell, and Wallenford, much as their lordships had endowed this whole village, trying to make the residents of Longview more palatable to the good citizens of Upper Upton. Even this inn had been thoroughly modernized and expanded. Their lordships had even plucked the handsome innkeeper from among their former military comrades. Thoughts of the man reminded her, she and Barty should be on their way. “The room is quite adequate to your needs,” Myra said. “The children and I shall certainly see to—”The door to the assembly rooms whooshed open, silencing her. A wide smile flashed her way, and she caught her breath. “Mr. Grant,” she said with a clipped curtsy, remembering what she was dealing with. True to his nature, Alexander Grant turned that handsome gaze on the other three ladies and bowed all around. “Such loveliness brightens the dreary aspects of this day.” His grin widened, and his dark hair sparkled in the light from a tall window. The cold February rain had dampened his coats and breeches and ruddied his cheeks under the dark stubble. Warmth rose in Myra. She shook herself, searching for words.
Wow...great scene Alina! Thanks for sharing.
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and her spunky, blonde, rescued terrier.
She is the author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring. She is hard at work on her next series of Regency romances, but loves to hear from readers!
Visit her at:http://alinakfield.com/ https://www.facebook.com/alinakfield https://twitter.com/AlinaKFieldhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173518.Alina_K_Fieldhttps://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/https://www.instagram.com/alinak.field/https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-fieldNewsletter signup: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6q6e3 Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY
A Leap Into Love is a short, sweet Regency romance, perfect for book clubs. Now available at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books2Read and in print!
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll stop by each week and check out our Wednesday Words with Friends as well as Saturday Spotlight's.
Until next time take care and God Bless. PamT
First please send up a prayer for my grandson, Sean - it's his birthday! Happy Birthday baby...Well he's a teenager so I bet he wouldn't like me calling him baby LOL!
If you haven't checked out the Just You and Me Romance giveaway (in sidebar) please do!
Now on to our guest....
Alina is not new to the blog. She's visited several times and shared thoughts, words and the spotlight before, but today she is giving us a sneak peek into her book, A Leap into Love...
A Leap Day plot against the village’s most eligible widower spurs a young widow who’s sworn off marriage to go to his aid, but the only way she can protect him is to agree to marry him.Can a gentleman be too charming? The ladies of Upper Upton think so.
And it’s almost Leap Day, when a man who refuses a lady’s proposal of marriage must offer a forfeit.
When the single ladies of the village conspire to teach their charmer a lesson that might bankrupt him, the town’s loveliest young widow steps up to warn him.
His secrets and hers make them a perfect match—and she’s the lady he wants. But she won’t accept his proposal, not even to rescue him.
As Leap Day approaches, the clock is ticking. Can he convince her in time to say yes to his offer and take a leap into love?
Excerpt:
When the Ladies’ Society for the Improvement of Village Life gathered, discussions could drag on. Mrs. Myra Smith stood at a distance, watching the exhalation of so much talk fog the air in the unheated assembly rooms of the Royal George Inn. From her station near the door, she kept an eye on the boy who’d marched off to the far end of the room, away from the ladies. The Society’s grandiose title always made Myra smile. Stuffy-sounding though it might be, the Ladies’ Society did have a valuable purpose. Village life could be dull, and didn’t she know that well. It could also be closed-minded, a trap Myra was always dodging. She was here today representing Longview, the nearby children’s home that had brought so many interesting characters to Upper Upton—the teachers, ladies of questionable background like herself, and the children, London’s outcasts, who’d found shelter, and training, and love. Longview had been generously endowed by the Lords Cathmore, Hackwell, and Wallenford, much as their lordships had endowed this whole village, trying to make the residents of Longview more palatable to the good citizens of Upper Upton. Even this inn had been thoroughly modernized and expanded. Their lordships had even plucked the handsome innkeeper from among their former military comrades. Thoughts of the man reminded her, she and Barty should be on their way. “The room is quite adequate to your needs,” Myra said. “The children and I shall certainly see to—”The door to the assembly rooms whooshed open, silencing her. A wide smile flashed her way, and she caught her breath. “Mr. Grant,” she said with a clipped curtsy, remembering what she was dealing with. True to his nature, Alexander Grant turned that handsome gaze on the other three ladies and bowed all around. “Such loveliness brightens the dreary aspects of this day.” His grin widened, and his dark hair sparkled in the light from a tall window. The cold February rain had dampened his coats and breeches and ruddied his cheeks under the dark stubble. Warmth rose in Myra. She shook herself, searching for words.
Wow...great scene Alina! Thanks for sharing.
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and her spunky, blonde, rescued terrier. She is the author of several Regency romances, including the 2014 Book Buyer’s Best winner, Rosalyn’s Ring. She is hard at work on her next series of Regency romances, but loves to hear from readers!
Visit her at:http://alinakfield.com/ https://www.facebook.com/alinakfield https://twitter.com/AlinaKFieldhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7173518.Alina_K_Fieldhttps://www.pinterest.com/alinakf/https://www.instagram.com/alinak.field/https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alina-k-fieldNewsletter signup: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z6q6e3 Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Alina-K.-Field/e/B00DZHWOKY
A Leap Into Love is a short, sweet Regency romance, perfect for book clubs. Now available at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books2Read and in print!
Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll stop by each week and check out our Wednesday Words with Friends as well as Saturday Spotlight's.
Until next time take care and God Bless. PamT
April 1, 2020
#WednesdayWordswithFriends with ME
Hello April!
No April Fool's joke here, the first quarter of 2020 is really over!
March's winner of my monthly gift card giveaway is Jacqueline Seewald! Congrats Jacquie and Thank You for your constant support of my blog/guests.
Thank YOU ALL for your support. Hopefully one of you will be my next winner!
A lot going on this month....
1st, I've put all of my indy-pubbed titles up at Draft2Digital which hopefully will extend my readership. I also have Tempered Hearts priced at 99 cents for 1 week only.
Also, I am participating in a month - long promotion through My Book Cave.
The Just You and Me Romance promotion is for readers to find new authors and authors to find new fans by giving away a novel or novella. So, if you know someone who would like to sample my work, Tempered Hearts is FREE for those who sign up to receive my newsletter! Details HERE.
I'm still working on Tempered Truth...slow but steady going.
As I mentioned in my last post, My Heart Weeps is up for Pre-Order at Amazon and Tempered Fire is available in Audio.
Oh and one more thing.... Pelican Book Group has all of their Ebooks on sale at 30% off through Easter! Simply use the code: BrightSide2020 at check out. Here's a link to my titles if you don't have them already.
Guess that's all for now friends, I hope your April is blessed and Easter celebration is happy despite the continued stay-home restrictions.
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
No April Fool's joke here, the first quarter of 2020 is really over!
March's winner of my monthly gift card giveaway is Jacqueline Seewald! Congrats Jacquie and Thank You for your constant support of my blog/guests.
Thank YOU ALL for your support. Hopefully one of you will be my next winner!
A lot going on this month....
1st, I've put all of my indy-pubbed titles up at Draft2Digital which hopefully will extend my readership. I also have Tempered Hearts priced at 99 cents for 1 week only.
Also, I am participating in a month - long promotion through My Book Cave.
The Just You and Me Romance promotion is for readers to find new authors and authors to find new fans by giving away a novel or novella. So, if you know someone who would like to sample my work, Tempered Hearts is FREE for those who sign up to receive my newsletter! Details HERE.
I'm still working on Tempered Truth...slow but steady going.
As I mentioned in my last post, My Heart Weeps is up for Pre-Order at Amazon and Tempered Fire is available in Audio.
Oh and one more thing.... Pelican Book Group has all of their Ebooks on sale at 30% off through Easter! Simply use the code: BrightSide2020 at check out. Here's a link to my titles if you don't have them already.
Guess that's all for now friends, I hope your April is blessed and Easter celebration is happy despite the continued stay-home restrictions.
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
March 28, 2020
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Andrea Boeshaar & A Thousand Shall Fall...
Good Morning and Welcome to the LAST Saturday Spotlight in March 2020!
Yep, it's that time. Yesterday was my Angel Girl's sweet 16 birthday and although we couldn't have an in-person party, I did get to see her and hug her! Don't worry, she had a mask on! But it was more than I originally thought I'd get. Brought me to tears....this Corona crap and quarantine has disrupted our lives but I am THANKFUL for the little moments and Face Time!
Today's guest was a visitor back in January, so please welcome Andrea Boeshaar back with A Thousand Shall Fall (Book one in her Shenandoah Valley Saga).
In the autumn of 1864, spirited Carrie Ann Bell is searching for her runaway sister in the hearth of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Disguised as a Yankee soldier, she stumbles into a skirmish near Front Royal – and instead of her sister, she finds trouble.
Colonel Peyton Collier of the Union cavalry division arrests her for impersonating an officer, but protects her from worse consequences. Soon the Southern girl finds herself drawn to the chivalrous Yankee horseman, discovering that her foe has become her ally – and more than that, someone she could love.
But Carrie has promised to keep a dark secret, never suspecting that her silence might threaten the life of the gallant colonel who holds her – and her heart – captive.
Excerpt: August 15, 1864
Ooh, that Sarah Jane!
Carrie Ann Bell stared at her youngest sister’s sloppily-scratched note. How could Sarah have done such a scandalous thing? Running off with a lowlife peddler? Sure, the girl had threatened to run away numerous times in the past, but who would have thought she’d actually do it? Mama would be heartbroken when she heard the news.
Heartbroken and angry. Carrie could practically hear Mama crying and blaming her for Sarah running away. Mama would say Carrie paid more attention to Papa’s newspaper than her baby sister…
And maybe Mama was right. After all, Margaret was eighteen and Sarah, fourteen. But Writing for the Bell Tower in Papa’s absence had been Carrie’s refuge, a place of some normalcy when the world continually turned topsy-turvy.
Staring at Sarah’s note, Carrie wondered about not telling Mama about this at all. Maybe she’d just go looking for her youngest sister and bring her home to the Wayfarers Inn—
What an oxymoron. The Wayfarers Inn was no more a home than a damp, dark cave was an elegant mansion. But it was a roof over her, her sisters’, and Mama’s heads.
Carrie paced her father’s small newspaper office. Surely she could catch up with Arthur Sims, that no-account speculator. He couldn’t have gotten far in that large, rattling wagon of his.
Her hand shook with a sudden fire in her veins. Carrie was tempted to notify the law and file kidnapping charges against the man, except the law had better things to do than go hunting for a fast-talking swindler who rode off with a starry-eyed girl.
So what should she do?
Andrea and her husband Daniel have been married more than 40 years. They have three wonderful sons, one beautiful daughter-in-law, and five precious grandchildren.
Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a Wisconsin author who now resides in Upstate South Carolina. She’s written over 40 books with ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! The three components in all Then in 2008, Andrea helped kick off Summerside Press’s “Love Finds You” line in 2008 with her novel Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky .
In addition, she helped re-introduce Charisma House’s fiction line “Realms” into the CBA with her historical series Seasons of Redemption. She wrote another series for Realms/Charisma House called Fabric of Time. Book two of that series, Threads of Faith , finaled in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards contest. Her third book in the series, Threads of Love , finaled in the National Excellence of Romance Fiction Award contest.
In December 2015, Andrea published a contemporary novella collection, Seasons of Love (Pelican/Prism Book Group). Each story has a recipe at its end which appeared in the story.Andrea’s latest historical series is the Shenandoah Valley Saga. The first book in the Civil War series, A Thousand Shall Fall (Kregel Publications), released in November 2015. The second, Too Deep for Words (Kregel Publications) released in April 2017. *Note: A third book There Is a Season (Steeple View Publishing) is in the works and will release in July 2020.
In 2017, Andrea was asked to write a book for the popular, multi-author series called, My Heart Belongs. Her contribution was, My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma (Barbour Publishing) which was released in the fall of 2017.
Andrea’s newer releases include: Give Me Thine Heart, Love’s Guiding Light (Steeple View Publishing), and Her Hometown Heart (Pelican/Prism Book Group).
Find out more about Andrea by visiting her website. Get your copy of A Thousand Shall Fall at Amazon.
Hhhmmm, sounds like Carrie Ann is in quite a dilemma, Andrea and what an amazing career! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight. Be sure to leave a comment if you want to enter my monthly gift card giveaway!
Until next time take care, be SAFE and God Bless. PamT
Yep, it's that time. Yesterday was my Angel Girl's sweet 16 birthday and although we couldn't have an in-person party, I did get to see her and hug her! Don't worry, she had a mask on! But it was more than I originally thought I'd get. Brought me to tears....this Corona crap and quarantine has disrupted our lives but I am THANKFUL for the little moments and Face Time!
Today's guest was a visitor back in January, so please welcome Andrea Boeshaar back with A Thousand Shall Fall (Book one in her Shenandoah Valley Saga).
In the autumn of 1864, spirited Carrie Ann Bell is searching for her runaway sister in the hearth of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Disguised as a Yankee soldier, she stumbles into a skirmish near Front Royal – and instead of her sister, she finds trouble.Colonel Peyton Collier of the Union cavalry division arrests her for impersonating an officer, but protects her from worse consequences. Soon the Southern girl finds herself drawn to the chivalrous Yankee horseman, discovering that her foe has become her ally – and more than that, someone she could love.
But Carrie has promised to keep a dark secret, never suspecting that her silence might threaten the life of the gallant colonel who holds her – and her heart – captive.
Excerpt: August 15, 1864
Ooh, that Sarah Jane!
Carrie Ann Bell stared at her youngest sister’s sloppily-scratched note. How could Sarah have done such a scandalous thing? Running off with a lowlife peddler? Sure, the girl had threatened to run away numerous times in the past, but who would have thought she’d actually do it? Mama would be heartbroken when she heard the news.
Heartbroken and angry. Carrie could practically hear Mama crying and blaming her for Sarah running away. Mama would say Carrie paid more attention to Papa’s newspaper than her baby sister…
And maybe Mama was right. After all, Margaret was eighteen and Sarah, fourteen. But Writing for the Bell Tower in Papa’s absence had been Carrie’s refuge, a place of some normalcy when the world continually turned topsy-turvy.
Staring at Sarah’s note, Carrie wondered about not telling Mama about this at all. Maybe she’d just go looking for her youngest sister and bring her home to the Wayfarers Inn—
What an oxymoron. The Wayfarers Inn was no more a home than a damp, dark cave was an elegant mansion. But it was a roof over her, her sisters’, and Mama’s heads.
Carrie paced her father’s small newspaper office. Surely she could catch up with Arthur Sims, that no-account speculator. He couldn’t have gotten far in that large, rattling wagon of his.
Her hand shook with a sudden fire in her veins. Carrie was tempted to notify the law and file kidnapping charges against the man, except the law had better things to do than go hunting for a fast-talking swindler who rode off with a starry-eyed girl.
So what should she do?
Andrea and her husband Daniel have been married more than 40 years. They have three wonderful sons, one beautiful daughter-in-law, and five precious grandchildren.Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar is a Wisconsin author who now resides in Upstate South Carolina. She’s written over 40 books with ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! The three components in all Then in 2008, Andrea helped kick off Summerside Press’s “Love Finds You” line in 2008 with her novel Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky .
In addition, she helped re-introduce Charisma House’s fiction line “Realms” into the CBA with her historical series Seasons of Redemption. She wrote another series for Realms/Charisma House called Fabric of Time. Book two of that series, Threads of Faith , finaled in the Inspirational Readers Choice Awards contest. Her third book in the series, Threads of Love , finaled in the National Excellence of Romance Fiction Award contest.
In December 2015, Andrea published a contemporary novella collection, Seasons of Love (Pelican/Prism Book Group). Each story has a recipe at its end which appeared in the story.Andrea’s latest historical series is the Shenandoah Valley Saga. The first book in the Civil War series, A Thousand Shall Fall (Kregel Publications), released in November 2015. The second, Too Deep for Words (Kregel Publications) released in April 2017. *Note: A third book There Is a Season (Steeple View Publishing) is in the works and will release in July 2020.
In 2017, Andrea was asked to write a book for the popular, multi-author series called, My Heart Belongs. Her contribution was, My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma (Barbour Publishing) which was released in the fall of 2017.
Andrea’s newer releases include: Give Me Thine Heart, Love’s Guiding Light (Steeple View Publishing), and Her Hometown Heart (Pelican/Prism Book Group).
Find out more about Andrea by visiting her website. Get your copy of A Thousand Shall Fall at Amazon.
Hhhmmm, sounds like Carrie Ann is in quite a dilemma, Andrea and what an amazing career! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll check back each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight. Be sure to leave a comment if you want to enter my monthly gift card giveaway!
Until next time take care, be SAFE and God Bless. PamT
March 25, 2020
#WednesdayWordswithFriends welcomes D.K. Christi
Good Morning!
I hope you are all faring well with this crazy Covid-19 crap. We're taking all the precautions we can and so far are all healthy - Praise God!
Today's guest was in our spotlight last month, so please welcome D. K. Christi back with a few words to share with us.....
A writer must write. That’s all there is to it. Mom always says it’s a financial loss to write when I could be doing something else that leads to real money, not spurts and spits. Well, everything I read tells me that the artist’s life is usually one of spurts and spits so I fit right in. I would prefer to have a patron who picks up my expenses, but I live the solo life and for me that requires free-lancing. Don’t get me wrong. Free-lancing has its advantages. Never in my lifetime would I have exchanged conversations with the great people I have had the pleasure to interview and quickly note how much I liked them. One such interview was with Marlo Thomas. She struck me as almost fragile, petite and seated elegantly for the interview, every curl in place, and light makeup revealing a lovely face and a warm smile. She spoke in a soft but clear feminine voice of genuine interest in my southwest Florida and said that she and Phil had visited the lovely Everglades. I was so energized on my way to my car by my own good fortune in meeting with her that my expensive smart phone slipped from my hands and cracked the glass as it hit the cement. There is a long list of exceptional interviews, but every time I see St. Jude hospital ads with Marlo Thomas in them, she remains special – in spite of the cost of a new phone.
Wow, how exciting D.K! Seems you've led an interesting life and had a great career. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
D. K. Christi, M.Ed. has over twenty years grant-writing and public relations success, five years as an editor for an international CPA firm, nine years magazine and newspaper writing, three published novels, BAMBOO RING, ARIRANG and GHOST ORCHID and stories published in seven anthologies.
"Themes of friendship surviving tragedy, love conquering adversity & the triumph of the human spirit over the hardships of life serve to uplift and inspire...through her stories perhaps discover something new about yourself. " -- Amazon.com
Christi interviews celebrities and notables from Jack Hanna to Rob Reiner, Whoopie Goldberg, Newt Gingrich, Jeb Bush, Marlo Thomas, Chris Gardner and more. She lived and worked in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean and spent three years sailing the Caribbean Islands from Ft. Lauderdale to Venezuela.
A polished platform presenter and professional voice with multiple writing and publication topics, she also has an entertaining and informative approach to Sex, Myth and Magic - The Ghost Orchid, popular at book club, book store, environmental and orchid events.
"The beauty of the Everglades shines through on every page, the ghost orchid the heart and soul of the story." -- National Public Radio
D. K. Christi has been executive director, president, CEO and founding board member to successful philanthropic and corporate entities such as the Community Foundation of Collier County, Florida begun in 1985 with currently over 400 funds, $64 million in assets, and $64 million in grants distributed.
From technical writing to general literature, Christi travels the gamut of literary expression and takes her readers along for an emotional and enlightening ride.
Find out more about D.K by visiting her Website. Get your copy of Ghost Orchid at Amazon.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll stop by each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight! Be sure to leave a comment to be entered into my monthly gift card giveaway!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
I hope you are all faring well with this crazy Covid-19 crap. We're taking all the precautions we can and so far are all healthy - Praise God!
Today's guest was in our spotlight last month, so please welcome D. K. Christi back with a few words to share with us.....
A writer must write. That’s all there is to it. Mom always says it’s a financial loss to write when I could be doing something else that leads to real money, not spurts and spits. Well, everything I read tells me that the artist’s life is usually one of spurts and spits so I fit right in. I would prefer to have a patron who picks up my expenses, but I live the solo life and for me that requires free-lancing. Don’t get me wrong. Free-lancing has its advantages. Never in my lifetime would I have exchanged conversations with the great people I have had the pleasure to interview and quickly note how much I liked them. One such interview was with Marlo Thomas. She struck me as almost fragile, petite and seated elegantly for the interview, every curl in place, and light makeup revealing a lovely face and a warm smile. She spoke in a soft but clear feminine voice of genuine interest in my southwest Florida and said that she and Phil had visited the lovely Everglades. I was so energized on my way to my car by my own good fortune in meeting with her that my expensive smart phone slipped from my hands and cracked the glass as it hit the cement. There is a long list of exceptional interviews, but every time I see St. Jude hospital ads with Marlo Thomas in them, she remains special – in spite of the cost of a new phone.Wow, how exciting D.K! Seems you've led an interesting life and had a great career. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
D. K. Christi, M.Ed. has over twenty years grant-writing and public relations success, five years as an editor for an international CPA firm, nine years magazine and newspaper writing, three published novels, BAMBOO RING, ARIRANG and GHOST ORCHID and stories published in seven anthologies."Themes of friendship surviving tragedy, love conquering adversity & the triumph of the human spirit over the hardships of life serve to uplift and inspire...through her stories perhaps discover something new about yourself. " -- Amazon.com
Christi interviews celebrities and notables from Jack Hanna to Rob Reiner, Whoopie Goldberg, Newt Gingrich, Jeb Bush, Marlo Thomas, Chris Gardner and more. She lived and worked in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean and spent three years sailing the Caribbean Islands from Ft. Lauderdale to Venezuela.
A polished platform presenter and professional voice with multiple writing and publication topics, she also has an entertaining and informative approach to Sex, Myth and Magic - The Ghost Orchid, popular at book club, book store, environmental and orchid events.
"The beauty of the Everglades shines through on every page, the ghost orchid the heart and soul of the story." -- National Public Radio
D. K. Christi has been executive director, president, CEO and founding board member to successful philanthropic and corporate entities such as the Community Foundation of Collier County, Florida begun in 1985 with currently over 400 funds, $64 million in assets, and $64 million in grants distributed.
From technical writing to general literature, Christi travels the gamut of literary expression and takes her readers along for an emotional and enlightening ride.
Find out more about D.K by visiting her Website. Get your copy of Ghost Orchid at Amazon.
Hope you enjoyed today's post friends and that you'll stop by each week for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight! Be sure to leave a comment to be entered into my monthly gift card giveaway!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
March 21, 2020
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Jodi Wolfe & Taming Julia
Good Morning!
I pray all is well with you and yours with this crazy virus going around. I know this is all anyone/everyone talks about so I'm not going to get off on that tangent myself.
Today's guest is brand new to me / our blog so Please give Jodi Wolfe and huge, warm WELCOME!
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery's sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation's ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.
Jules Walker strides into Drew's life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle--more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she's not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.
Excerpt
Matrimony News, February 6, 1875 edition
Minister bachelor aged 27, height 5 feet 10 inches seeks genteel, honest and first-rate homemaker with a desire to serve God. Must be willing to marry by proxy and arrive in Burrton Springs, Kansas by May 1.
~*~
Burrton Springs, Kansas, Saturday, May 1, 1875
Dear Lord, please don’t let that creature be my new wife. Drew Montgomery swiped the sweat trickling a path down his neck and shoved the new hat back on his head. He squinted, taking in the lone passenger stepping from the stagecoach. At least, he thought it was a woman. He shielded his eyes from the sun, taking in the britches.
Britches? A gun belt strapped to a slim waist. He gulped. A rifle rested on her shoulder, and she wore a Stetson situated low on her brow. The figure shifted sideways, and Drew groaned, fearing his proxy mail-order bride had arrived by the look of all the curves. He squared his shoulders and crossed the street.
"Are you Montgomery?" Her coffee-brown gaze seared through him.
He snapped his gaping mouth shut and nodded. "Y-yes."
"Name’s Jules Walker." She shoved her hand into his and shook it so hard his teeth clattered. "I reckon, Jules Montgomery since we’re hitched." She waved a slip of paper in his face. "Got the paper here to prove it. So are you my husband or not?"
Drew caught a whiff of dirt. He coughed and cleared his throat.
She peered at him as if he were a chicken with one leg.
"I’m Drew." He managed to choke the words out. "Isn’t your name Julia?"
She scrunched her face, pushed her Stetson from her head, and allowed it to dangle from the string around her neck. Her brown hair scattered in disarray, slipping from a shoulder-length braid. "I can’t remember the last time I’ve been called Julia. Like I said, name’s Jules."
"But..." Drew let the word hang between them. No matter. "Where’re your things?"
"Got my knapsack and that there." She pointed to the top of the stagecoach. He expected to see a trunk, but a saddle rested there instead. What kind of woman brought a saddle into a marriage? What kind of woman showed up dressed like a man? No. No. Something was terribly wrong.
Get your copy of Taming Julia at Amazon, B&N, Pelican Book Group & Google Play.
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more about Jodi by visiting her Website and connecting with her at the following locations:
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jodie-wolfe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/JodieWolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
OH Wow, Jodi...I'm ROFLOL at this excerpt! Can't wait to read the book! Good luck and God's blessings with it.
PamT
I pray all is well with you and yours with this crazy virus going around. I know this is all anyone/everyone talks about so I'm not going to get off on that tangent myself.
Today's guest is brand new to me / our blog so Please give Jodi Wolfe and huge, warm WELCOME!
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery's sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation's ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.Jules Walker strides into Drew's life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle--more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she's not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.
Excerpt
Matrimony News, February 6, 1875 edition
Minister bachelor aged 27, height 5 feet 10 inches seeks genteel, honest and first-rate homemaker with a desire to serve God. Must be willing to marry by proxy and arrive in Burrton Springs, Kansas by May 1.
~*~
Burrton Springs, Kansas, Saturday, May 1, 1875
Dear Lord, please don’t let that creature be my new wife. Drew Montgomery swiped the sweat trickling a path down his neck and shoved the new hat back on his head. He squinted, taking in the lone passenger stepping from the stagecoach. At least, he thought it was a woman. He shielded his eyes from the sun, taking in the britches.
Britches? A gun belt strapped to a slim waist. He gulped. A rifle rested on her shoulder, and she wore a Stetson situated low on her brow. The figure shifted sideways, and Drew groaned, fearing his proxy mail-order bride had arrived by the look of all the curves. He squared his shoulders and crossed the street.
"Are you Montgomery?" Her coffee-brown gaze seared through him.
He snapped his gaping mouth shut and nodded. "Y-yes."
"Name’s Jules Walker." She shoved her hand into his and shook it so hard his teeth clattered. "I reckon, Jules Montgomery since we’re hitched." She waved a slip of paper in his face. "Got the paper here to prove it. So are you my husband or not?"
Drew caught a whiff of dirt. He coughed and cleared his throat.
She peered at him as if he were a chicken with one leg.
"I’m Drew." He managed to choke the words out. "Isn’t your name Julia?"
She scrunched her face, pushed her Stetson from her head, and allowed it to dangle from the string around her neck. Her brown hair scattered in disarray, slipping from a shoulder-length braid. "I can’t remember the last time I’ve been called Julia. Like I said, name’s Jules."
"But..." Drew let the word hang between them. No matter. "Where’re your things?"
"Got my knapsack and that there." She pointed to the top of the stagecoach. He expected to see a trunk, but a saddle rested there instead. What kind of woman brought a saddle into a marriage? What kind of woman showed up dressed like a man? No. No. Something was terribly wrong.
Get your copy of Taming Julia at Amazon, B&N, Pelican Book Group & Google Play.
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more about Jodi by visiting her Website and connecting with her at the following locations:Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jodie-wolfe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/JodieWolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
OH Wow, Jodi...I'm ROFLOL at this excerpt! Can't wait to read the book! Good luck and God's blessings with it.
PamT
March 18, 2020
#WednesdayWordswithFriends News & Updates from Me!
Good Morning Friends,
It's a beautiful day in this beautiful world!
The Corona virus is causing world wide panic.... Yes, I know it's serious and Yes I think EVERYONE should take precautions but the panic is a bit much in MHO.
With all the not-so-good news, I'd like to share something Wonderful....
An audio book tour is scheduled for Tempered Hearts and Tempered Dreams between March 17th - 30th. Follow the tour and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Details HERE. For a FREE audio copy of either or both books, go to: Audio Books Unleashed. Along with mine, you'll find lot's of audio books to choose from.
Great news! Tempered Fire is available NOW in Audio! Get your copy HERE OR get a FREE code HERE for All 3 books!
But recording an audio book isn't always easy or glamorous. Check out these Bloopers!
A Tempered Trivia contest is up on my website. One or two lucky people will win a special prize. Who knows, perhaps everyone who participates in the contest will win!
I've written a little over 7K words so far on Tempered Truth and the story seems to be coming together. I think you'll be surprised and pleased with the results. I'm still undecided whether I'll serialize the story for you all first, or on my blog, or what, but I promise to keep you posted as the book evolves.
And, last but not least..... My Heart Weeps Ebook is up for PreOrder at Amazon! The Print version will be available for PreOrder soon too, I'm waiting on the full cover to upload. I'll let you know about that ASAHP.
Well, that's about it for now, friends. I love and appreciate you ALL and wish you a rich increase of God's almighty good!
Be sure and leave a comment every Wednesday and on Saturday Spotlights to be entered into my gift card giveaway!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
It's a beautiful day in this beautiful world!
The Corona virus is causing world wide panic.... Yes, I know it's serious and Yes I think EVERYONE should take precautions but the panic is a bit much in MHO.
With all the not-so-good news, I'd like to share something Wonderful....
An audio book tour is scheduled for Tempered Hearts and Tempered Dreams between March 17th - 30th. Follow the tour and enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Details HERE. For a FREE audio copy of either or both books, go to: Audio Books Unleashed. Along with mine, you'll find lot's of audio books to choose from.
Great news! Tempered Fire is available NOW in Audio! Get your copy HERE OR get a FREE code HERE for All 3 books!
But recording an audio book isn't always easy or glamorous. Check out these Bloopers!
A Tempered Trivia contest is up on my website. One or two lucky people will win a special prize. Who knows, perhaps everyone who participates in the contest will win!
I've written a little over 7K words so far on Tempered Truth and the story seems to be coming together. I think you'll be surprised and pleased with the results. I'm still undecided whether I'll serialize the story for you all first, or on my blog, or what, but I promise to keep you posted as the book evolves.
And, last but not least..... My Heart Weeps Ebook is up for PreOrder at Amazon! The Print version will be available for PreOrder soon too, I'm waiting on the full cover to upload. I'll let you know about that ASAHP.
Well, that's about it for now, friends. I love and appreciate you ALL and wish you a rich increase of God's almighty good!
Be sure and leave a comment every Wednesday and on Saturday Spotlights to be entered into my gift card giveaway!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
March 14, 2020
#SaturdaySpotlight is on Michal Scott & One Breath Away
Good Morning!
I'm not even sure how to begin this blog post LOL! I was going to voice my opinion on the panic being generated by our media over the Corono virus but why waste my breath? People are going to react to this however they will so I'll just leave it at this.... Be careful. Be sensible. Take care.
Today's guest is brand new to our blog so please give a warm welcome to Michal Scot as we get a peek into her novel One Breath Away..... a "Christian Erotic Romance".... Not sure if there is such a thing but then again, my Inspirational with an Edge is still an oxymoron in many minds LOL!
Anyway...take it away Mical.....
Sentenced to hang for a crime she didn’t commit, former slave Mary Hamilton was exonerated at literally the last gasp. She returns to Safe Haven, broken and resigned to live alone. She’s never been courted, cuddled or spooned, and now no man could want her, not when sexual satisfaction comes only with the thought of asphyxiation. But then the handsome stranger who saved her shows up, stealing her breath from across the room and promising so much more.
Wealthy, freeborn-Black, Eban Thurman followed Mary to Safe Haven, believing the mysteriously exotic woman was foretold by the stars. He must marry her to reclaim his family farm. But first he must help her heal, and to do that means revealing his own predilection for edgier sex. Hope ignites along with lust until the past threatens to keep them one breath away from love…
PG Excerpt:
“Why not you, Mary?”
“Because someone like you only looks at someone like me out of pity.”
Of course. His aunt put him up to this. Anger warmed Mary’s ears.
“Let me go.” She made to pull away. “I want to sit.”
“Please. Not before the music stops.” He timed his plea to the rhythm of the waltz. “I’ve waited all week for this moment.”
Mary gritted her teeth. Heart hurt joined her injured pride. She needed no one’s charity.
“That was cruel of you, sir. No one counts the days until they can ask me for a dance.” Tears pooled behind her closed eyelids. “Anyone in town could tell you that.”
The grip on her hand tightened, forcing her eyes open. The light in his gaze darkened. “Anyone who’d lie to me like that would be taking their life in their hands.” He leaned in so his mouth nuzzled her ear again. “And if you use that I’m-not-worthy tone of voice again, I’ll be forced to prove you wrong with a kiss.”
Alarm shuddered up Mary’s back. “Is—is that a threat?”
“A certainty.”
Michal Scott is the penname of Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen, a retired United Church of Christ and Presbyterian USA minister. A native New Yorker, Anna is a recent transplant to the Southwest and is enjoying the great weather along with her husband of thirty years and their rescue cat, Scully. Writing fiction professionally since 2003 Rev. Anna had an inspirational novel, Through A Glass Darkly, published in 2008. However, her loves of history and romance came together in her first erotic romance novella, One Breath Away, published by Wild Rose Press in 2016. Anna is a member of the Women's Fiction Association and several Romance Writers of America chapters. In addition to erotic romance, Rev. Anna writes as Anna Taylor (inspirational romance) and as Anna M. Taylor (women's fiction and gothic romance).
Connect with her at the following locations: Twitter: @mscottauthor1
Website; www.michalscott.webs.com & Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TSHzRn
Get your copy of One Breath Away at Amazon, B&N & Kobo
Love the excerpt, Michal/Anna! Certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
PamT
I'm not even sure how to begin this blog post LOL! I was going to voice my opinion on the panic being generated by our media over the Corono virus but why waste my breath? People are going to react to this however they will so I'll just leave it at this.... Be careful. Be sensible. Take care.
Today's guest is brand new to our blog so please give a warm welcome to Michal Scot as we get a peek into her novel One Breath Away..... a "Christian Erotic Romance".... Not sure if there is such a thing but then again, my Inspirational with an Edge is still an oxymoron in many minds LOL!
Anyway...take it away Mical.....
Sentenced to hang for a crime she didn’t commit, former slave Mary Hamilton was exonerated at literally the last gasp. She returns to Safe Haven, broken and resigned to live alone. She’s never been courted, cuddled or spooned, and now no man could want her, not when sexual satisfaction comes only with the thought of asphyxiation. But then the handsome stranger who saved her shows up, stealing her breath from across the room and promising so much more.Wealthy, freeborn-Black, Eban Thurman followed Mary to Safe Haven, believing the mysteriously exotic woman was foretold by the stars. He must marry her to reclaim his family farm. But first he must help her heal, and to do that means revealing his own predilection for edgier sex. Hope ignites along with lust until the past threatens to keep them one breath away from love…
PG Excerpt:
“Why not you, Mary?”
“Because someone like you only looks at someone like me out of pity.”
Of course. His aunt put him up to this. Anger warmed Mary’s ears.
“Let me go.” She made to pull away. “I want to sit.”
“Please. Not before the music stops.” He timed his plea to the rhythm of the waltz. “I’ve waited all week for this moment.”
Mary gritted her teeth. Heart hurt joined her injured pride. She needed no one’s charity.
“That was cruel of you, sir. No one counts the days until they can ask me for a dance.” Tears pooled behind her closed eyelids. “Anyone in town could tell you that.”
The grip on her hand tightened, forcing her eyes open. The light in his gaze darkened. “Anyone who’d lie to me like that would be taking their life in their hands.” He leaned in so his mouth nuzzled her ear again. “And if you use that I’m-not-worthy tone of voice again, I’ll be forced to prove you wrong with a kiss.”
Alarm shuddered up Mary’s back. “Is—is that a threat?”
“A certainty.”
Michal Scott is the penname of Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen, a retired United Church of Christ and Presbyterian USA minister. A native New Yorker, Anna is a recent transplant to the Southwest and is enjoying the great weather along with her husband of thirty years and their rescue cat, Scully. Writing fiction professionally since 2003 Rev. Anna had an inspirational novel, Through A Glass Darkly, published in 2008. However, her loves of history and romance came together in her first erotic romance novella, One Breath Away, published by Wild Rose Press in 2016. Anna is a member of the Women's Fiction Association and several Romance Writers of America chapters. In addition to erotic romance, Rev. Anna writes as Anna Taylor (inspirational romance) and as Anna M. Taylor (women's fiction and gothic romance).
Connect with her at the following locations: Twitter: @mscottauthor1
Website; www.michalscott.webs.com & Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TSHzRn
Get your copy of One Breath Away at Amazon, B&N & Kobo
Love the excerpt, Michal/Anna! Certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.
PamT
March 11, 2020
#WednesdayWordswithFriends welcomes Laura Tolomei
Good Morning,
Well, this crazy weather finally got to me. I'm fighting some kind of head cold with cough. Hit me yesterday all at once. Taking OTC right now but trust me, if this doesn't clear up within another day or so, it's off to the doctor for a Zpak.
Hope you all are faring better!
Today's guest has shared words with us and been in our spotlight so please welcome Laura Tolomei back to as she shares 3 Ideas for Using Niches to Sell Your Books Fiction Books.....
If you're like me you're always looking for new ways to sell your fiction books, and I'll bet you never thought of niches as a way to do so either have you? I know I didn't until recently. The idea of using niche marketing to sell your books has been around for years, though we usually associate it with non-fiction book marketing. For example, you have a cookbook and every week you post an original recipe on your blog for readers. But how do you use niche marketing to sell fiction books? It's easy than you think. Here are three ideas for using niche marketing to sell your books:
1. Understand your target audience. For example, did you write a romance set in the Regency period? You could target history buffs, people that visit museums that have displays from this period, or those who take tours of areas that were prominent during this period. Once you have your target audience, you could share a photo of a historical place from your book, and then link it back to your blog with an excerpt about the place in question. Knowing your target audience is crucial to figuring out what niche group you want to address.
2. Use blog posts on your blog that will be of interest to your target market. With the example of a regency romance, you could find public domain photos that show clothing for both women and men from the regency period, and share them on social media with a link to your blog post where you talk about the clothing pictured in more detail.
3. What does your main character do for a living? Is she a socialite, or maybe an interior designer, or carpenter, or secretary? Using the idea of an interior designer, then consider posting articles on interior design tips on your blog, along with excerpts where your main character uses one of the tips spoken of.
Using niche's and niche marketing to sell your fiction books is easy if you know how, and there are dozens of different ways to discover niches within your novels that you can capitalize on.
GREAT ideas, Laura! Now please tell us a little more about yourself....
If you really want to know, I was born in 1965 in Rome, Italy, but soon started my travelling career. At the age of five, my parents took me to Lagos, Nigeria, where I grew up free and hot like I've never been since. I loved it there and still think of it with nostalgia. Anyway, it was also where I learned English.
After my African experience, I was ready to tackle the US. I lived in Atlanta, GA, five teen-age years, attending the Crestwood High School, where I started my writing career by publishing a short story Nostalgia on the Crestwood Journal. Very thrilled about discovering my new talent, I went ahead during college, writing for the Emory University journal The Phoenix. Three articles mark my first-and last-steps in journalism, "The peace Corps", "WAMM, Women Against Military Madness," and "Lesbism".
After my American experience, I moved back to Rome, but still kept living from time to time abroad, spending several months in Mumbay India, a country I always felt very close to me in more ways than one.
Today, I write both in Italian and English, mostly fiction of various genres, from fantasy erotica, to mysteries up to plain ordinary life stories.
Feel free to look over my current and future projects by visiting my website www.lallagatta.com.
Thanks for sharing, Laura! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your writing. Don't forget to leave a comment, friends and enter into my monthly gift card giveaway drawing!
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
Well, this crazy weather finally got to me. I'm fighting some kind of head cold with cough. Hit me yesterday all at once. Taking OTC right now but trust me, if this doesn't clear up within another day or so, it's off to the doctor for a Zpak.
Hope you all are faring better!
Today's guest has shared words with us and been in our spotlight so please welcome Laura Tolomei back to as she shares 3 Ideas for Using Niches to Sell Your Books Fiction Books.....
If you're like me you're always looking for new ways to sell your fiction books, and I'll bet you never thought of niches as a way to do so either have you? I know I didn't until recently. The idea of using niche marketing to sell your books has been around for years, though we usually associate it with non-fiction book marketing. For example, you have a cookbook and every week you post an original recipe on your blog for readers. But how do you use niche marketing to sell fiction books? It's easy than you think. Here are three ideas for using niche marketing to sell your books:
1. Understand your target audience. For example, did you write a romance set in the Regency period? You could target history buffs, people that visit museums that have displays from this period, or those who take tours of areas that were prominent during this period. Once you have your target audience, you could share a photo of a historical place from your book, and then link it back to your blog with an excerpt about the place in question. Knowing your target audience is crucial to figuring out what niche group you want to address.
2. Use blog posts on your blog that will be of interest to your target market. With the example of a regency romance, you could find public domain photos that show clothing for both women and men from the regency period, and share them on social media with a link to your blog post where you talk about the clothing pictured in more detail.
3. What does your main character do for a living? Is she a socialite, or maybe an interior designer, or carpenter, or secretary? Using the idea of an interior designer, then consider posting articles on interior design tips on your blog, along with excerpts where your main character uses one of the tips spoken of.
Using niche's and niche marketing to sell your fiction books is easy if you know how, and there are dozens of different ways to discover niches within your novels that you can capitalize on.
GREAT ideas, Laura! Now please tell us a little more about yourself....
If you really want to know, I was born in 1965 in Rome, Italy, but soon started my travelling career. At the age of five, my parents took me to Lagos, Nigeria, where I grew up free and hot like I've never been since. I loved it there and still think of it with nostalgia. Anyway, it was also where I learned English. After my African experience, I was ready to tackle the US. I lived in Atlanta, GA, five teen-age years, attending the Crestwood High School, where I started my writing career by publishing a short story Nostalgia on the Crestwood Journal. Very thrilled about discovering my new talent, I went ahead during college, writing for the Emory University journal The Phoenix. Three articles mark my first-and last-steps in journalism, "The peace Corps", "WAMM, Women Against Military Madness," and "Lesbism".
After my American experience, I moved back to Rome, but still kept living from time to time abroad, spending several months in Mumbay India, a country I always felt very close to me in more ways than one.
Today, I write both in Italian and English, mostly fiction of various genres, from fantasy erotica, to mysteries up to plain ordinary life stories.
Feel free to look over my current and future projects by visiting my website www.lallagatta.com.
Thanks for sharing, Laura! We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your writing. Don't forget to leave a comment, friends and enter into my monthly gift card giveaway drawing!
Until next time, take care and God bless. PamT
