Pepper Basham's Blog, page 21
July 13, 2016
ACFW- Pre-Conference Mixer
Hey hey all!! What a great summer! And more is still to come!
My friend and alleycat, Laurie Tomlinson, started up this great idea of having a little pre-conference mixer for the American Christian Fiction Writers conference that takes place each year in the ‘fall’. This year it’s actually more of a ‘summer’ time, but it’s a wonderful meeting of the creative minds of Christian fiction.
Laurie’s designed this little link up of questions to answer to people going to conference can learn a little more about each other and people who ‘drop-in’ to the conversation can also get a little snapshot of various authors[image error]
So….below you’ll find my answers to the mixer. Hope you enjoy!
Name: Pepper Basham
Location: Asheville, NC
What you write/tagline/trademark: I write contemporary and historical romance / “Blue Ridge romance peppered with grace and humor”
Place in the book world: I’m a multipublished author in both historical and contemporary romance. My debut novel, The Thorn Bearer, is a Carol finalist for the debut category!! My fourth novel comes out in November and I have a very busy publishing year coming up in 2017! I’m agented by the wonderful Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Literary Agency.
On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: Have arms. Will hug.
Something VERY serious: How do you take your Starbucks? Not a coffee drinker but I love tea!! Hot tea, iced tea (as long as it’s southern sweet
June 24, 2016
Do The Next Thing
I have an article that is very near and dear to my heart. Stop by and be encouraged with this note today.
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/brilliant_well.html
May 27, 2016
Stirring a Child’s Dream to Life
Words are powerful things – and words forged into encouragement produce remarkable results.
I think that’s why I’ve always wanted to provide positive influences into my kids lives through words. I’m not saying that we don’t have hard conversations, that I don’t lose my temper, or that I fail to use ‘no’ or ‘wrong’ in my vocabulary, I’m simply stating that the power of encouragement soaks deep in children.
Can you think of someone who spoke into your life at an early age? Someone you respected who took the time to help rustle your dreams to life?
I do.
I’ve mentioned before about the influence my Granny Spencer has had on my life and writing. She exuded a gentle charm, kind of like a welcome fire on a chilly night complete with a cup of hot chocolate. Just sitting by her brought a comfort and warmth all the way through your skin to your heart. She had the ability to draw stories out of people and spark your thinker without you even knowing.
When I was almost ten, she bought me a second-hand type writer because she said “A writer needs one.” WRITER. That’s what she called me. She spoke into my dream and breathed another breath of life into it.
When I started middle school, I was not only introduced to a new school and new kids, but I met a new teacher. Mrs. Utt. From the first class with her to my last, she encouraged my love for writing by constantly urging me to stretch myself. She believed in me. She told me “I plan to see your books in the bookstore some day.” And another breath of life swelled my little dream.
There are others who, in large quantities or small, breathed into this dream to bring it to life – and it took a lot of breathing, because there were years when all that kept this dream alive was the faith of others and the raw belief that God wanted this dream to come true one day.
But it took a whole lot more than me. It took others taking time to not only to look, but SEE a gift and then use words to give that encouragement power.
Have you done this for a child? Have you had someone in your childhood breathe a dream to life in you?
May 25, 2016
The Author’s Love in CFOM
If you’re looking for some encouragement and a beautiful reminder, for both authors and nonwriters, check out my article this month in Christian Fiction Online Magazine!
I hope it will remind you of how great the Father’s love is for his kids.
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/brilliant_well.html
May 5, 2016
Visiting Home and Signing Books
If you’ve had a chance to read my new release, A Twist of Faith, you can probably guess that I love the Blue Ridge Mountains. I grew up in a very small place called Lambsburg, VA – which neighbored Hillsville, Va and Mt. Airy, NC (Andy Griffith’s hometown).
For most who’ve grown up in these mountains, or who have lived here for a generous amount of time, the blue-hued horizon means home. For me, the site brings comfort and a sense of belonging, and the views…beautiful, and a constant reminder of God’s great creativity.
I’m thrilled that this weekend I have the wonderful opportunity to head home for a book signing in Mt. Airy, NC.
Is there a place that gives you a sense of home? Some location you enjoy reading or would like to read?
April 23, 2016
An Edited Life
A few months ago I hired someone to do a line-edit on my 
work-in-progress, The Thornbearer.It’s always a bit unnerving to become vulnerable to someone else’s critique, offering my infant-manuscript to be sliced, diced, and redressed (just kidding, actually she was very kind).
But the truth still remains. I paid her to edit my work. I paid her to provide constructive criticism. I paid her to point out myweaknesses. (I can think of a few people who do all those things on a regular basis and dont’ get paid one cent
April 8, 2016
One Year – 3 Books
A little over a year ago a dream of mine came true. My first novel, The Thorn Bearer, became a reality in print. Vinspire Publishing not only believed in this novel, but offered a 3-book contract.
Around the same time as I signed the contract with Vinspire (fall 2014) I also signed a contract for a very different story. A contemporary romance novel set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A Twist of Faith.
It’s been a busy year – obviously. Lots of writing, learning, carving out time. After work, then family stuff, I’d write and write and write. Deadlines proved a new challenge, but I learned (with God’s help) I could meet them.
It’s been a rewarding year – PEOPLE have made this year rewarding. I’ve met some of the most wonderful readers and authors along this journey of publication. New friends who’ve become active participants in my writing journey (Street Team & Brainstorming Team) and older friends who’ve continued to provide their support garnered through time (AlleyCats).
It’s been a year of growth – for me, I’ve not only learned so much through the challenges of marketing and meeting deadlines, I’ve learned how to trust God more. Time when inspiration seemed very far from the page or when time became too short or when the needs of others trumped my writing needs, all forced me to release control of ‘my plans’ and trust in God’s greater good.
So, it’s been a year!
May 7, 2015 – The Thorn Bearer arrived and has garnered a great deal of good publicity.
Feb 28, 2016 – The Thorn Keeper was published, becoming my favorite historical novel I’ve written.
April 6, 2016 – A Twist of Faith released, introducing readers to my contemporary writing (which I hope they’ll enjoy as much as the historicals)
But that’s not the end – I hope it’s the beginning of a very long journey. In November 2016 my final Penned in Time historical arrives, The Thorn Healer.
And 2017? Well, that’s a story for another day.
Thank you all for helping make this journey so much more fun with your support, reviews, encouragement, prayers, celebrations, and friendships!
Blessings,
Pepper
February 28, 2016
God’s Story in The Thorn Keeper
Today is the release of my second novel, The Thorn Keeper, and I’m so thankful for the reviews that have come out so far. Here’s why. The main focus for most of the reviews is not the history or the beautiful romance, but the amazing love of a rescuing God.
Catherine Dougall made choices that branded her as a flirt and ultimately left her expecting a child outside of marriage. Now redeemed, she takes her tenacity and determination and turns them toward serving others, especially outcast women. In the middel of a war-torn country and a class system that leads to desperation and death for many ‘fallen women’, Catherine brings the same hope she’s come to know through God’s grace.
And since romance isn’t in her future, she’s ready to find a way to help rescue others in a similar situation as herself. However, God’s plans are quite different as he places the upright and distinguished Dr. David Ross in her life. His kindness, generosity, and ability to see beyond the stains of her past, bring them together and challenge the social systems plaguing on every side.
At the heart of this story is the truth that God is in the business of rescuing lost people. It’s what He sent Jesus to do over 2000 years ago, but is at the very heart of who God is. A rescuer. He doesn’t just give us second chances, he takes all of our mistakes, missed chances, and failed chances, and places them on his Son – so that He bears the brunt of our failures. It’s a beautiful love. A life-changing love.
An eternal, unfailing love that takes the remnants of our lives and fashions them into something beautiful.
You can read about the adventure, romance, humor, and redemption of The Thorn Keeper at:
Tagged: christian fiction, Downton Abbey, edwardian era, inspirational fiction, Pepper Basham, world war 1
February 23, 2016
Let’s PARTY!!!
Come join me and Singing Librarian Books as we celebrate the upcoming release of The Thorn Keeper, my second historical romance book in The Penned in Time series.
Learn more about it here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/926757144106308/
January 31, 2016
Let’s Hangout!!
This MONTH, my second book in the Penned in Time series releases!! YAY!
To help kick off the exciting release of The Thorn Keeper, here’s a wonderful opportunity for you!
If you’ve pre-ordered a digital copy of my book, you’re invited to hang out with me on February 28th at 8:00 p.m. EST For an hour, we’ll chat about my book. I’ll answer questions, and I’ll be giving away some prizes.
Once you’ve pre-ordered, email me with proof, and I’ll put your name on the list to issue the invite on February 28th. After that, all you have to do is show up!
