Heather B. Moore's Blog, page 10
February 9, 2015
In Loving Memory of Lu Ann Staheli
This morning, I lost a dear friend of mine, Lu Ann Staheli, who was bravely fighting cancer for 8 months. So many emotions battle for space when I think of Lu Ann. My first encounter with Lu Ann was in 2001 when I attended a League of Utah Writers meeting at the Provo Library, and Lu Ann was the speaker that night. She had her two little boys with her, Kent & Chan, since her husband was out of town. They sat at the back of the room while their mother taught the class. At one point, when they became rambunctious (I think they were climbing beneath a table), Lu Ann excused herself, walked to the back of the classroom, asked them to behave, then walked to the front of the room and continued teaching without missing a beat.
A few months later, I was invited into a critique group by Annette Lyon. Lu Ann was a part of the group, and I remember being excited (and a little intimidated) at that fact. There are so many things I want to remember about Lu Ann and I wish I could thank her again and again. I have a book coming out in May called Bondage (book 1 of The Moses Chronicles), which I dedicated to her. She won't be able to see that dedication in person now, but I believe she knows how much she means to me.
Just a few of my memories of Lu Ann:
At critique group: "Where are we, Heather?" (I struggle with creating setting in my first drafts)
In a text when asking her whether or not I should take on a certain project: "No, you're better off working on what you already have planned. Stick to your plan. You know it's right."
When trying to decide if I should indie publish: She sent me links to books that I should read. She'd done her own research and had enough unpublished manuscripts that she decided to start putting them up for sale.
We spent time at critique group each week for over ten years. I can hear her laugh now. I can hear her making corrections to my manuscript as I write, "Um, Heather, people can't do that." Or the infamous proclamation that everyone around our table heard. "I don't buy this."
Her handwriting was neat and tidy. Her comments thoughtful. She was well-read, and I mean well-read. From non-fiction to middle grade, to thrillers, to historical tomes. We swapped books to read, we swapped manuscripts, we swapped ideas, and we swapped dreams.
Losing Lu Ann is difficult and continues to be difficult. There aren't many people I can call or text any time of the day for advice, or just to chat. Lu Ann was one of those people. She had many dreams. For her family, for her career, and even more dreams for when she retired. Lu Ann taught English for over 30 years and most recently she was the school librarian--a job she'd loved and had worked hard to get after earning her Master's Degree.
Lu Ann was one of my Senior Editors at Precision Editing Group and she mentored dozens and dozens of new writers over the years.
This is a picture of Lu Ann and I the year we both won Best of State. Me for fiction, Lu Ann for non-fiction. Ironically, I had also entered the non-fiction category, and Lu Ann beat me out. I could never be happier to lose.
Lu Ann has truly been a mentor and an integral part of my publishing journey. She's given me advice on manuscripts, agents, editors, and she's encouraged, uplifted, and helped me every step of the way.
Jeff Savage, a member of my critique group, set up a fund that goes directly to her family, that will help pay for her medical bills.
I'm also working to put out all of her indie published books onto paperback as well. This will continue her legacy, one in which she helped so many achieve their dreams. Lu Ann's Amazon author page is here.
Our critique group: Robison Wells, Annette Lyon, Michele Holmes, Lu Ann Staheli, Sarah Eden, Me, Jeff Savage
January 3, 2015
FINDING SHEBA on NetGalley!
FINDING SHEBA is now on NetGalley! If you aren't a member, and are interested in reading and reviewing the advanced copy, please email me:
heather (at) hbmoore (dot) com
Release date is February 3, so the request needs to be put in before then.
November 18, 2014
Cover reveal for... EVE: IN THE BEGINNING
Coming this December!
About the book:
Eve: In the Beginning
The first love story on earth . . . Haunting . . . Lyrical . . . Unforgettable . . .
In a world where everything is perfect, yet the same day after day, Eve must decide if she wants to live forever in the garden with Adam and never know what lies beyond the walls. When she makes a choice with terrible consequences, the pain of mortality is swift. As she and Adam explore their new world, and her body changes, Eve discovers the sweetness of first love with the man who has always been at her side.
My note:I've been sitting on this book for 2 1/2 years, waiting for the right publishing opportunity. So I'm really excited to announce that the e-book version will be out December 2, 2014. Paperback version is still under consideration. If you're interested in reviewing the e-book version, please email me: heather (at) hbmoore (dot) com
Also, you can add to your Goodreads to-read list!
About the book:
Eve: In the Beginning
The first love story on earth . . . Haunting . . . Lyrical . . . Unforgettable . . .
In a world where everything is perfect, yet the same day after day, Eve must decide if she wants to live forever in the garden with Adam and never know what lies beyond the walls. When she makes a choice with terrible consequences, the pain of mortality is swift. As she and Adam explore their new world, and her body changes, Eve discovers the sweetness of first love with the man who has always been at her side.
My note:I've been sitting on this book for 2 1/2 years, waiting for the right publishing opportunity. So I'm really excited to announce that the e-book version will be out December 2, 2014. Paperback version is still under consideration. If you're interested in reviewing the e-book version, please email me: heather (at) hbmoore (dot) com
Also, you can add to your Goodreads to-read list!
October 20, 2014
October Updates...
Newest release is the SILVER BELLS COLLECTION (A Timeless Romance Anthology). Available on e-book only: Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. With NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Lucinda Brant, and Sarah M. Eden, Lu Ann Staheli, Annette Lyon, and Becca Wilhite.
And . . . upcoming: THE BOARDWALK ANTIQUES SHOP (A Tangerine Street Romance), which I co-wrote with Melanie Jacobson and Julie Wright. On pre-order with Amazon now, to be released January 12, 2015.
COVER REVEAL for the new version of FINDING SHEBA. On pre-order with Amazon now.
And . . . upcoming: THE BOARDWALK ANTIQUES SHOP (A Tangerine Street Romance), which I co-wrote with Melanie Jacobson and Julie Wright. On pre-order with Amazon now, to be released January 12, 2015.
COVER REVEAL for the new version of FINDING SHEBA. On pre-order with Amazon now.
October 10, 2014
Presentation Notes from IndieReCon Live
Click on the link below for the presentation notes from the IndieReCon Live class today. Thanks for coming!
Swag Audio and Boxed Sets Presentation 10/10/14 IndieReCon Live! class taught by Cindy Hogan and Heather Moore.
Swag Audio and Boxed Sets Presentation 10/10/14 IndieReCon Live! class taught by Cindy Hogan and Heather Moore.
September 17, 2014
Great Deals on Clean YA & Romance Novels
Hello, all!
It's time for another Clean eBooks Author Promotion! Yay!
This promotion runs from Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 10:00pm MST until Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11:59pm MST. Enjoy these fantastic, clean eBooks :-)
Discern, Katon University Book One
Andrea Pearson
$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Nicole Williams is an Arete—a fourth child with magical abilities—yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t Channel her power. In fact, she seems to be the only student at Katon University who fails at magic.
That doesn’t stop magic from finding her. It starts with magical currents and possessed books before moving quickly to cursed spiders and freaky shadows. Nicole turns to her best friend for help, along with fellow student Austin Young, who is considered by all a magical rarity. He also happens to be the hottest guy on campus and just might be interested in her.
Nicole soon finds herself competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. She is determined to show everyone, but mostly herself, that she does belong. Yet, to qualify for the trip, she must produce at least a speck of Wind magic, and that appears to be impossible.
As the competition progresses, Nicole wonders if she’s making the right choice—especially when she learns that the strange fossils they’ll be studying in Arches might not be as dead as everyone thinks.
Prejudice Meets Pride
Rachael Anderson
$0.99
Kindle, Nook
After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.
Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.
Your Eyes Don't Lie
Rachel Branton
$0.99
Kindle, Nook
Sometimes Surviving Isn't Enough . . .
Years of living on the street and fending for herself have made Makay Greyson tough and resourceful, if a bit disillusioned. She's come a long way from sleeping in parks and scavenging for food. Her entire focus is on providing a better life for her young brother, one without fear of loss and
neglect.
That certainly doesn't leave time for Harrison Matthews, who from their first meeting sends fire through her veins and upsets all her carefully laid plans.
Makay has done things she isn't proud of to survive, and those choices now threaten the small amount of security she's created-and any chance of a future with Harrison. They've been raised in two very different worlds, and the secrets they both hide can only lead to disaster. There is only one chance to make it right, and one misstep could be fatal.
Your Eyes Don't Lie is a story about facing fears, sacrificing for those you love, and about a girl who thinks she isn't worth loving and a guy who knows she is.
A Fantasy Christmas
Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon
$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Three mystical tales that make for fun reading as the weather turns cold. Enjoy the romance, the magic, and the joy of Christmas and fantasy while you snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Ride to Raton
Marsha Ward
$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Thinking he's been treated unjustly by his father, James Owen leaves the family homestead to make a new life for himself.
The turbulent world of post-Civil War Colorado Territory is fraught with danger and prejudice that increase his bitter loneliness as personal setbacks threaten to break him. Then James's journey brings him into contact with another wayfarer, beautiful young Amparo Garcés, who has come from Santa Fe to Colorado to marry a stranger. Through a twist of fate, their futures are changed forever when their lives are merged in a marriage of convenience. James and Amparo undertake a hazardous horseback trek over Raton Pass to Santa Fe, battling their personal demons, a challenging language barrier, and winter's raging storms.
"Ride to Raton is a pure western, complete with bad guys and broken hearts and even a dog. The sequel to The Man from Shenandoah features James Owen, the younger brother. Marsha Ward writes a fantastic romance against a vivid southwestern backdrop. James begins this book as a hurt young man, but by the end of the book, I really could see him grow up and become a man. Made tougher by circumstances he has no control over, James realizes that the love he thought he had lost was nothing compared to what Amparo shows him. Amparo is a young Hispanic lady, forced to leave her home in Santa Fe to marry a stranger in Colorado. She bravely faces her uncertain future, relying on her faith to get her through. She is sweet, loving and she provides a great contrast to James's rough exterior. With an ending that surprised even me, Ride to Raton is not your usual romance. However, I do recommend it for western lovers—even the cover is wonderful! Marsha Ward once again shows us her gift for old fashioned storytelling!" ~Jen Hill, Roundtable Reviews
The Husband Maker
Karey White
$0.99
Kindle, Nook
Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she's dated since high school has gone on to marry the next girl they date. Not two or three girls down the road. The very next one.
Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed?
When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?
Life, Love, and The Pursuit of Free Throws
Janette Rallison
Free!
Kindle
Josie loves hottie Ethan Lancaster, the captain of the basketball team, but she never can do or say the right thing in front of him. So how can it be fair that Ethan is only interested in her best friend, Cami, when Cami isn’t even trying for his affection? Or is she?
Cami dreams of winning her basketball team’s coveted MVP award, and earning the chance to take the court during a special halftime demonstration with WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, but her best friend, Josie, is a better player. So how can it be fair that Josie is a shoo-in for the honor if she is barely interested in basketball in the first place and isn’t even trying to be the best? Or is she?
Told from two points of view, this novel of freshman life, love, and the pursuit of free throws displays the same delightful humor as Janette Rallison's other comedies.
My Forever: A Triple Treat Romance Box Set
Annette Lyon, Karey White, Cami Checketts
$0.99
Kindle, Nook
A Portrait for Toni by Amazon bestselling author Annette Lyon
Toni has no idea what she’d do without her best friend, Carter. Who else would she be able to vent to about her parents, her job at the dance studio, or her latest relationship woes? That is, until he starts questioning Toni, saying he thinks she has an eating disorder. Then she starts dating Clint, and somehow that puts a deeper wedge between her and Carter. When she’s hospitalized after an on-stage collapse, and Carter stupidly starts in with advice about food and weight, she sends him away. One night after a performance, Toni tries to mend the hurt between them. Instead of finding Carter, she stumbles onto proof that he has feelings for her that go way beyond those of a friend. Toni is left with the very real prospect of losing Carter forever, unless somehow she can return his feelings—but that’s impossible. Isn’t it?
My Own Mr. Darcy by USA Today bestselling author Karey White
After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. During the six intervening years, she finds all of her suitors lacking—they just aren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. She starts dating Chad, but she believes her dream comes true in the form of wealthy bookstore owner Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.
The Broken Path by Amazon bestselling author Cami Checketts
Injured in a debilitating accident at age six, Ethan Searle believes women eye him with a mixture of pity and disdain. He’s tried love before. He won’t again. He meets his match in a precocious two-year old who loves him despite his disability, even while her mother seems bothered by everything about Ethan. Autumn Reader escaped her abusive marriage with her beautiful daughter and a stack of fear. She can’t make the mistake of trusting a man again. Autumn’s daughter becomes enraptured by Ethan. Despite Autumn’s best intentions, she finds herself following her daughter’s example. When her ex-husband reappears, threatening everyone she loves if she won’t submit to his demands, Autumn has to learn to trust or lose her chance at real love.
Still Time
Maria Hoagland
$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart.
Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in Maria Hoagland’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.
It's time for another Clean eBooks Author Promotion! Yay!
This promotion runs from Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 10:00pm MST until Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11:59pm MST. Enjoy these fantastic, clean eBooks :-)
Discern, Katon University Book One
Andrea Pearson$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Nicole Williams is an Arete—a fourth child with magical abilities—yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t Channel her power. In fact, she seems to be the only student at Katon University who fails at magic.
That doesn’t stop magic from finding her. It starts with magical currents and possessed books before moving quickly to cursed spiders and freaky shadows. Nicole turns to her best friend for help, along with fellow student Austin Young, who is considered by all a magical rarity. He also happens to be the hottest guy on campus and just might be interested in her.
Nicole soon finds herself competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. She is determined to show everyone, but mostly herself, that she does belong. Yet, to qualify for the trip, she must produce at least a speck of Wind magic, and that appears to be impossible.
As the competition progresses, Nicole wonders if she’s making the right choice—especially when she learns that the strange fossils they’ll be studying in Arches might not be as dead as everyone thinks.
Prejudice Meets Pride
Rachael Anderson$0.99
Kindle, Nook
After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.
Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.
Your Eyes Don't Lie
Rachel Branton$0.99
Kindle, Nook
Sometimes Surviving Isn't Enough . . .
Years of living on the street and fending for herself have made Makay Greyson tough and resourceful, if a bit disillusioned. She's come a long way from sleeping in parks and scavenging for food. Her entire focus is on providing a better life for her young brother, one without fear of loss and
neglect.
That certainly doesn't leave time for Harrison Matthews, who from their first meeting sends fire through her veins and upsets all her carefully laid plans.
Makay has done things she isn't proud of to survive, and those choices now threaten the small amount of security she's created-and any chance of a future with Harrison. They've been raised in two very different worlds, and the secrets they both hide can only lead to disaster. There is only one chance to make it right, and one misstep could be fatal.
Your Eyes Don't Lie is a story about facing fears, sacrificing for those you love, and about a girl who thinks she isn't worth loving and a guy who knows she is.
A Fantasy Christmas
Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Three mystical tales that make for fun reading as the weather turns cold. Enjoy the romance, the magic, and the joy of Christmas and fantasy while you snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Ride to Raton
Marsha Ward$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Thinking he's been treated unjustly by his father, James Owen leaves the family homestead to make a new life for himself.
The turbulent world of post-Civil War Colorado Territory is fraught with danger and prejudice that increase his bitter loneliness as personal setbacks threaten to break him. Then James's journey brings him into contact with another wayfarer, beautiful young Amparo Garcés, who has come from Santa Fe to Colorado to marry a stranger. Through a twist of fate, their futures are changed forever when their lives are merged in a marriage of convenience. James and Amparo undertake a hazardous horseback trek over Raton Pass to Santa Fe, battling their personal demons, a challenging language barrier, and winter's raging storms.
"Ride to Raton is a pure western, complete with bad guys and broken hearts and even a dog. The sequel to The Man from Shenandoah features James Owen, the younger brother. Marsha Ward writes a fantastic romance against a vivid southwestern backdrop. James begins this book as a hurt young man, but by the end of the book, I really could see him grow up and become a man. Made tougher by circumstances he has no control over, James realizes that the love he thought he had lost was nothing compared to what Amparo shows him. Amparo is a young Hispanic lady, forced to leave her home in Santa Fe to marry a stranger in Colorado. She bravely faces her uncertain future, relying on her faith to get her through. She is sweet, loving and she provides a great contrast to James's rough exterior. With an ending that surprised even me, Ride to Raton is not your usual romance. However, I do recommend it for western lovers—even the cover is wonderful! Marsha Ward once again shows us her gift for old fashioned storytelling!" ~Jen Hill, Roundtable Reviews
The Husband Maker
Karey White$0.99
Kindle, Nook
Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she's dated since high school has gone on to marry the next girl they date. Not two or three girls down the road. The very next one.
Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed?
When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?
Life, Love, and The Pursuit of Free Throws
Janette RallisonFree!
Kindle
Josie loves hottie Ethan Lancaster, the captain of the basketball team, but she never can do or say the right thing in front of him. So how can it be fair that Ethan is only interested in her best friend, Cami, when Cami isn’t even trying for his affection? Or is she?
Cami dreams of winning her basketball team’s coveted MVP award, and earning the chance to take the court during a special halftime demonstration with WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, but her best friend, Josie, is a better player. So how can it be fair that Josie is a shoo-in for the honor if she is barely interested in basketball in the first place and isn’t even trying to be the best? Or is she?
Told from two points of view, this novel of freshman life, love, and the pursuit of free throws displays the same delightful humor as Janette Rallison's other comedies.
My Forever: A Triple Treat Romance Box Set
Annette Lyon, Karey White, Cami Checketts$0.99
Kindle, Nook
A Portrait for Toni by Amazon bestselling author Annette Lyon
Toni has no idea what she’d do without her best friend, Carter. Who else would she be able to vent to about her parents, her job at the dance studio, or her latest relationship woes? That is, until he starts questioning Toni, saying he thinks she has an eating disorder. Then she starts dating Clint, and somehow that puts a deeper wedge between her and Carter. When she’s hospitalized after an on-stage collapse, and Carter stupidly starts in with advice about food and weight, she sends him away. One night after a performance, Toni tries to mend the hurt between them. Instead of finding Carter, she stumbles onto proof that he has feelings for her that go way beyond those of a friend. Toni is left with the very real prospect of losing Carter forever, unless somehow she can return his feelings—but that’s impossible. Isn’t it?
My Own Mr. Darcy by USA Today bestselling author Karey White
After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. During the six intervening years, she finds all of her suitors lacking—they just aren’t Mr. Darcy enough. Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. She starts dating Chad, but she believes her dream comes true in the form of wealthy bookstore owner Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.
The Broken Path by Amazon bestselling author Cami Checketts
Injured in a debilitating accident at age six, Ethan Searle believes women eye him with a mixture of pity and disdain. He’s tried love before. He won’t again. He meets his match in a precocious two-year old who loves him despite his disability, even while her mother seems bothered by everything about Ethan. Autumn Reader escaped her abusive marriage with her beautiful daughter and a stack of fear. She can’t make the mistake of trusting a man again. Autumn’s daughter becomes enraptured by Ethan. Despite Autumn’s best intentions, she finds herself following her daughter’s example. When her ex-husband reappears, threatening everyone she loves if she won’t submit to his demands, Autumn has to learn to trust or lose her chance at real love.
Still Time
Maria Hoagland$0.99
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Thrust into the chaos of her mother-in-law’s hoarding and forgetfulness, LDS church member Alyssa Johnston wishes she could retreat to a simpler time when her kids were small and almost anything could be fixed with a hug. But reassurance and a quick distraction no longer erase the pain of a missionary son who is struggling, a young teen who is bullied, or a daughter who is distant. As Aly’s own life and relationship with her husband plunge out of control, she wonders if her faith will be enough to keep her family—or herself—from falling apart.
Still Time is a deeply moving story about a woman’s faithful journey into the next phase of her life. You will laugh with Aly, feel her sorrow, and see yourself in Maria Hoagland’s realistic, heartfelt portrayal of a woman’s struggle to keep her family safe and hold back time as long as she can.
September 14, 2014
Blog Hop!
So it takes a blog hop for me to write a post, apparently. Regency Romance author Anna Elliott tagged me with three questions. I "met" Anna over email. I've read a couple of her books and thought they were great, so we invited her to contribute a novella to our All Regency Timeless Romance Anthology coming out January 2015. Here's a sneak peek at the cover:
Anna sent me 3 questions to answer, and you can read her own answers about her own writing on her blog.
1. What are you working on?
I'm writing a Biblical novel on Miriam and Moses, which is due to the publisher in October, so it's my top priority right now. It's the first in the series of 3 (or 4) books. I'm also working on the next contemporary romance novel in the Tangerine Street Romance series that we're calling Boardwalk Antiques Shop. The first was The Fortune Cafe. It's a ton of fun to co-write with Julie Wright and Melanie Jacobson. And, I've outlined the regency romance novella for the anthology mentioned above that I'm doing with Anna Elliott, et al. And just yesterday, I finished going through the final copyedits for the re-release of Finding Sheba , which is being republished February 2015.
2. How does your work differ from others in the same genre?
Since I've written mostly historical novels and thrillers, I'd say that the way my work differs from others in the same genre is that I have a very strong religious base in those books. I also bring out strong female characters and make them a main part of the storyline. Ironically, I'm a discovery writer, which means that although I have a very vague outline due to historical events, I don't know from one day to the next what I'll be writing. Many times not even from one paragraph to the next.
3. Why do you write what you do?
I love to learn about the past and to learn why people do what they do. What were their motivations and how does their upbringing affect their actions? Writing historical is very fascinating, and not only am I creating characters, but I'm world-building as well, which deepens the layers of those characters.
4. How does your writing process work?
I look at the calendar and when I determine what my deadline is for the first draft, I divide the days by word count. Currently, I'm writing 2,000/words a day, 5 days/week. I rarely work on weekends. Normally with my historicals, 1,000 words a day is pretty intensive. With contemporary, 2,000 words a day isn't too daunting. But I don't do this year round, just when I have a commitment that I need to fulfill.
Up next on the blog hop is Jennifer Moore. We are not related... I met her a couple of years ago at a writers conference, and so we'd chat here and there at conferences after that. She's been a fun person to get to know. Jenny had her first book come out this summer, a Regency Romance, Becoming Lady Lockwood. By next summer she'll have 4 books out. So you never knew when your writing career will take off. (Just keep writing!) Check out Jennifer's blog here.
Anna sent me 3 questions to answer, and you can read her own answers about her own writing on her blog.
1. What are you working on?
I'm writing a Biblical novel on Miriam and Moses, which is due to the publisher in October, so it's my top priority right now. It's the first in the series of 3 (or 4) books. I'm also working on the next contemporary romance novel in the Tangerine Street Romance series that we're calling Boardwalk Antiques Shop. The first was The Fortune Cafe. It's a ton of fun to co-write with Julie Wright and Melanie Jacobson. And, I've outlined the regency romance novella for the anthology mentioned above that I'm doing with Anna Elliott, et al. And just yesterday, I finished going through the final copyedits for the re-release of Finding Sheba , which is being republished February 2015.
2. How does your work differ from others in the same genre?
Since I've written mostly historical novels and thrillers, I'd say that the way my work differs from others in the same genre is that I have a very strong religious base in those books. I also bring out strong female characters and make them a main part of the storyline. Ironically, I'm a discovery writer, which means that although I have a very vague outline due to historical events, I don't know from one day to the next what I'll be writing. Many times not even from one paragraph to the next.
3. Why do you write what you do?
I love to learn about the past and to learn why people do what they do. What were their motivations and how does their upbringing affect their actions? Writing historical is very fascinating, and not only am I creating characters, but I'm world-building as well, which deepens the layers of those characters.
4. How does your writing process work?
I look at the calendar and when I determine what my deadline is for the first draft, I divide the days by word count. Currently, I'm writing 2,000/words a day, 5 days/week. I rarely work on weekends. Normally with my historicals, 1,000 words a day is pretty intensive. With contemporary, 2,000 words a day isn't too daunting. But I don't do this year round, just when I have a commitment that I need to fulfill.
Up next on the blog hop is Jennifer Moore. We are not related... I met her a couple of years ago at a writers conference, and so we'd chat here and there at conferences after that. She's been a fun person to get to know. Jenny had her first book come out this summer, a Regency Romance, Becoming Lady Lockwood. By next summer she'll have 4 books out. So you never knew when your writing career will take off. (Just keep writing!) Check out Jennifer's blog here.
July 1, 2014
Book Birthday for TYING THE KNOT...
I'm excited to announce the official release of TYING THE KNOT. We're doing a week-long launch with fabulous prizes. Hop over to the Newport Ladies Book Club blog to enter the Rafflecopter.
TYING THE KNOT is the 9th book in the series, and all of the women have voices in it. My co-authors, Josi, Annette, Julie, and I wrote the book in round-robin style, editing each other as we went. It was a really fun process, and the best part was getting the book back, and seeing how much it had grown in size. Sorta felt like cheating. Haha.
Anyway, here are some pictures for nostalgic purposes:
Restaurant where we met and brainstormed for the first time.
Books selected by the Newport Ladies Book Club 
Book launch for OLIVIA
Book launch for DAISY
Book launch for PAIGE (featuring Frank Cole)
Book Signing
Book launch for ATHENA
Book launch for ATHENA
RUBY'S SECRET displayed at LDSBA
May 23, 2014
HUGE e-book sale this weekend!
This sale is amazing. Dozens of books for $.99 or free and the chance to win all these fun prizes. Go to Bookmarked Bargains to click on the books you'd like to purchase and to enter to win.
Here are the other participating authors. Happy reading!
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE Imperfect Love, Rebecca Talley Wild Hearts, Heather Tullis Fallen Angel, Lisa Swinton The Daisy Chain, Heather Moore Sweet Confections, Danyelle Ferguson A Portrait for Toni, Annette Lyon ROMANTIC COMEDY My Own Mr. Darcy, Karey White Home Matters, Julie N. Ford Silver Linings, Kaylee Baldwin Third Times the Charm, Heather Moore
INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE (LDS/ CHRISTIAN) Discovering Sophie, Cindy Roland Anderson The Making of a Queen (Ariana Book 1), Rachel Ann Nunes Prank Wars, Stephanie Fowers Mr. Wrong, Alivia Anderson Intercession, Vicki Budge
HISTORICAL ROMANCE Amazon, Sunset, Marie Higgins Loyalty’s Web, Joyce DiPastena The Man from Shenandoah, Marsha Ward Intertwine, Nichole Van Illuminations of the Heart, Joyce DiPastena Spinster’s Folly, Marsha Ward ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Tell me No Lies, Rachel Branton Spy Noon (Spy Another Day prequel), Jordan McCollum A Change of Plans, Donna K. Weaver Fourth of July, Cami Checketts Homecoming Identity, Heather Justesen I, Spy (Spy Another Day #1), Jordan McCollum To Sleep No More, Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen The Colony, Cami Checketts
NONFICTION There, Their, They're: A no-tears guide to grammar from the word nerd, 2nd edition, Annette Lyon Homeschool Lifestyles from Homeschool Moms, Valerie Steimle The 2012 Book Bloggers' Cookbook, Christy Dorrity Of One Heart: Being Single in the LDS World, Valerie Steimle
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION (LDS, CHRISTIAN) Nourish and Strength, Maria Hoagland Wall of Faith, J Loyd Morgan Intercession, Vicki Budge Family Size, Maria Hoagland
YA GENERAL/ YA ROMANCE Just Like Elizabeth Taylor, Lu Ann Staheli Worth It (an LDS love story), Taryn Taylor The Princess Sisters, Stacy Lynn Carroll Frogs and Toads, Stacy Lynn Carroll Confessions of 16-year-old Virgin-Lips, Cindy Hogan Samara: A Kilenya Romance, Andrea Pearson Tides across the Sea, Lu Ann Staheli Gravediggers, Cindy Hogan
MIDDLE GRADE Heroes of the Highest Order (1-3), Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen The Secret Sisters Club (A Ginnie West Adventure), Monique Bucheger The Stone of Valhalla, Mikey Brooks The Key of Kilenya, Andrea Pearson Simply West of Heaven: A Ginnie West Adventure, Monique bucheger The Dream Keeper, Mikey Brooks
FANTASY/ SCI FI The Waxing Moon, author J Loyd Morgan Blue Dragon (Dragonbound Series book one), Rebecca Shelley Nexus Point, the Fall of the Altairan Empire Book 1, Jaleta Clegg Soul Windows, Jaleta Clegg DragonBound IV: Red Dragon, Rebecca Shelley
YA FANTASY Inevitable, Tamara Heiner Twisted Tales Trilogy, Stephanie Fowers The Roilden Stones of Elf Mountain, Anna del C. Awakening: Book One of the Geis, Christy Dorrity Fateful, Cheri Schmidt The Silent Warrior Trilogy, Anna del C.
April 28, 2014
Whitney Awards and Cover Reveals!
On Saturday night,
Esther the Queen
won the 2013 Whitney Award for Best Historical. I was so surprised, and you might find it strange since I actually had 4 books as finalists. But in the historical category I was up against amazing historical fiction writers Carla Kelly, Gale Sears, Phyllis Gunderson, and Jennie Hansen. It was quite a shock.
Here's a pic of me and my hubby:
And also very exciting was that Jeff Savage, a member of my critique group, won the Whitney for Best Speculative (beating out my Heart of the Ocean ). His book Dark Memories is extremely creepy. Also, a shout out to two others in my critique group, Sarah M. Eden and Robison Wells, whose books were finalists as well.
And this is just a random picture from the LDS Storymakers conference with me and my former editor, Eliza Nevin.
Now, for the 2 new book covers I got last week. First, it was really fun to see the cover for the 9th and Final book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. It's four-authored by all of us (Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Julie Wright, and me)... and it has all of the characters featured in it. Coming this summer!
And, finally, the cover for our next romance anthology, Summer in New York Collection , is ready. Featuring Janette Rallison, Me, Luisa Perkins, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Lisa Mangum. Coming July 2014:
Here's a pic of me and my hubby:
And also very exciting was that Jeff Savage, a member of my critique group, won the Whitney for Best Speculative (beating out my Heart of the Ocean ). His book Dark Memories is extremely creepy. Also, a shout out to two others in my critique group, Sarah M. Eden and Robison Wells, whose books were finalists as well.
And this is just a random picture from the LDS Storymakers conference with me and my former editor, Eliza Nevin.
Now, for the 2 new book covers I got last week. First, it was really fun to see the cover for the 9th and Final book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. It's four-authored by all of us (Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Julie Wright, and me)... and it has all of the characters featured in it. Coming this summer!
And, finally, the cover for our next romance anthology, Summer in New York Collection , is ready. Featuring Janette Rallison, Me, Luisa Perkins, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Lisa Mangum. Coming July 2014:
