Linda Brooks Davis's Blog, page 21
September 27, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Elaine Manders
Welcome, Readers! And Welcome, Elaine Manders!
Elaine MandersThis week independent author Elaine Manders, who writes Christian romance novels laced with suspense, history, and adventure, treats us with a visit to our chat circle.
Elaine is offering a give-away to someone who comments below, so read to the bottom to get the scoop! Join the conversation, ya’ll.
Who Is Elaine Manders?
I was born in rural South Georgia and grew up in a one-traffic-light town. If you ever watched Mayberry RFD, you know the type. A place of community spirit, Christian values, and strong family ties.
After college, I became a government accountant at a huge AF base about fifty miles away. I married and divorced. My life was as busy as any single mother building a career can be. All during this time, it never occurred to me that I should write down the stories percolating in my mind. But when my mother passed away, and my daughter went off to college, I found myself alone and at a turning point. (Click to Tweet!)
Learning to Write, Elaine Manders Style
After completing a two-year correspondence fiction writing course, I joined a local writer’s group and began work on my first novel, a saga set in Austria during the Napoleonic Wars. This book, still unpublished, showed me what real romance was. Not a series of relationships, which is all I’d pursued since my divorce, but a meeting of the hearts where two become one. I began to pray that God would bring a hero into my life.
Without that book I would never have met my soul-mate. As I was doing research into the Lipizzaner horses mentioned in my novel, I heard that a Lipizzaner horse show was coming to a nearby town. Trouble was, I hate driving in a city and none of my friends cared for horseshows. Then I remembered an acquaintance of a friend had mentioned he liked horses. We’d been out on a couple of casual dates, and I had his phone number. I called him about going to the show with me.
A Love of Her Own
He was fascinated with my writing and specifically the romance I was working on. Six months later, I married the answer to my prayers. We were blessed with 23 years of happiness. He inspired and encouraged my stories and became my best salesman.
I lost my partner, my hero, my sweetheart last year, but the memories live on in my heart and in my writing.
Debut and Beyond for Elaine Manders
When Amazon opened markets for independent publishers, I jumped at the chance to put my books on the fast-track. The formula-type books traditional publishers want from new authors didn’t suit me.
My first published works were a trilogy of mail-order bride novellas, In the Annex Mail-Order Brides, which were a prequel series to my Intrigue under Western Skies series, four friends become among the first women to attend Harvard College. Three of them travel west for husbands, the mail-order bride series. The full length novel series that follows is the fourth woman’s story.
Two of the Intrigue books have been published to date, and I’m currently working on the third, due to be released in October.
What’s Up With Elaine Manders Now?
This year I began a new novel series, the Wolf Deceivers, with two books published so far. My latest release is The Duke’s Dilemma. If I have time this fall, I hope to release a second Christmas novella.
Next year I’ll begin a new series entitled Women in Peril, two historicals and two contemporary novels about women in dangerous situations, and the men who rescue them.
Each of my stories follows a different Christian theme, and all have suspense elements as well as the romance. The first goal of my writing is to bring glory to the Lord, after that I hope to inspire and entertain my readers. (Click to Tweet!)
I‘m offering an ebook copy of The Duke’s Dilemma to anyone in the world. Or a print copy to anyone in the United States.
Where to Find Elaine
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Email
Links to Elaine’s Books:
Annex Mail-Order Brides Boxset
Oh, Lord, how marvelous are Your ways—far beyond telling. We praise You for walking alongside us, Your lowly creatures, and throwing petals of blessings along our path. You’ve done this for Elaine, and we thank You. Please bless every word Elaine writes for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Elaine Manders appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
September 20, 2017
Let’s Chat! With Writer Linda Sawyer
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Linda Sawyer!
Meet Linda Sawyer. It’s such a treat this week to introduce you to a writer and blogger at
A Million Yarns
whom I met at a writers conference about 10 years ago (but who’s counting?). Linda aims to see her name on the front cover of a novel. The right time hasn’t come around yet. But I want you to know her —and be looking for her first novel sometime in the not-too-distant future.Who Is Linda Sawyer?
To begin with, as a child I loved exploring the woods, climbing trees and riding my bike much further from home than I was allowed in rural Clarksville, Tennessee.
I developed a vivid imagination and wrote plays. My brother and neighbors became my not-so-willing actors, my parents the captive audience.On rainy days I crafted plots and developed characters for my cut out Sears and Roebuck paper dolls, designing lives for them with much drama as their families grew.
Although I loved writing, I chose nursing as my college major. Through those preparatory years I helped a lot of folks and learned a lot about human nature.Who Is Linda Sawyer, the Writer?
First, I write literary women’s fiction. I also enjoy writing short stories, essays, and I have a memoir in the works.
After a life-threatening accident in 1995, The Lord began calling me to write. (Click to Tweet That!) I continued my nursing career, but the novel inside me refused to go away.
Blessings Unexpected.
I wrote the entire piece over a period of fifteen years without studying a book on writing or attending a class. As you might guess, it lacked the polished quality of a publishable book.
Learning to Be a Writer
At my first writers conference, the instructors broke the news to us that it isn’t that easy to get published. They said one’s writing must be superb in every way. They had books to sell to teach me. I bought them.
Ugh! I learned how much my writing lacked. The story was still what God called me to write, but I needed help and lots of it. (Click to Tweet That!) I continued to study and attend writers conferences, something I enjoyed because writers understand one another. However being an introvert, it was painful to share.
A Break for Linda Sawyer
Then my first break came when a dear friend who worked at the United Methodist Publishing House read my book and passed it on to the department starting a new line of Christian novels.
My hands shook and my voice quivered the day I met the publisher. She liked the content and wanted to know about my platform. I’m a writer, not some social media bug, I thought. She quickly helped me understand I would get nowhere without a platform.
Daunted, but determined, I continued to learn and write: three more novels, several short stories, some essays and the memoir I’m working on. I did well in contests and even got published on the Writer’s Digest Internet short short story contest.
A Platform for Linda
Still, at writing conferences publishers kept asking about my platform.
So, just over a year ago I opened a Facebook account and began making new friends and keeping in contact with those I met at conferences.
Then last fall I plowed into the world of Instagram and hired a professional to design a website/blog for me. After nine months with my readership growing, three acquisition editors at a conference wanted to see my synopsis and first three chapters. We’ll see how that goes.
Advice from Linda
My advice for fellow writers is to keep improving your craft, be faithful about writing and don’t let discouragement stop you from what God has called you to do. He has a plan for your work and my work. I truly believe it.
Where You Can Find Linda Sawyer
A Million Yarns is a blog collection of one woman’s stories of faith, adventure and the beauty in the everyday.
Lord, You are the Word, the Everlasting Word. We praise and glorify Your Name above all the Earth. You’ve given Linda Sawyer words to uplift others with the beauty in the everyday—a million yarns. Will You bless her now with her dream of a published novel that lifts Your name through the beauty of words?
We pray You’ll bless her every word for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! With Writer Linda Sawyer appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
September 13, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Belle Calhoune
Welcome, Everyone! Welcome, Belle Calhoune!
This week we’re chatting with inspirational romance author, Belle Calhoune. Belle’s offering 2 prizes, so be sure to read to the bottom and put in your 2 cents worth. I’ll announce the winners next Tuesday, the 19th, here on the blog and on Facebook.Who Is Belle Calhoune?
I grew up one of five children, the daughter of a Massachusetts physician and a biologist. A public library sat across the street from our house and influenced my future hugely. Entranced by the literary world, particularly romance and mystery novels, I developed a hunger for books.
I met my husband, Randy, at Syracuse University. I worked 13 years as a Federal Investigator with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a wonderful job, and I was able to help a lot of people struggling with discrimination in employment. I worked from home a few days a week which was nice with a small daughter. After my second daughter arrived, we moved to Connecticut and I began to pursue my writing dreams.
How Belle Calhoune Became a Writer
I wrote for many years, but I didn’t pitch to publishers. Long before I sold my first book, I wrote a romance novel during my maternity leave from my EEOC job. I received a letter back stating the premise was interesting, but it wasn’t right for this particular publisher.
Returning to work, I halted my writing dreams, but I continued to write in my rare downtime. Besides full-time employment, I was rearing a toddler, and my husband was studying in law school. I suspect a part of me feared rejection. In retrospect, my fear held me back because every time a writer submits a manuscript he or she learns from the process. You progress. Take chances. You have to be in the game to succeed. No one will publish you if you keep everything under wraps. (Click to Tweet!)
Fast forward to 2012. I discovered Harlequin forums online and looked at the various pitch opportunities. How amazing that authors aspiring to write for Harlequin could have this wonderful opportunity to pitch to editors.
I saw the Love Inspired opportunity and jumped on it. As a fan of the line, I thought my writing would fit them, particularly since I love to write about small towns and cowboys. I was asked by a Love Inspired editor, Emily Rodmell, to submit a full manuscript. Happily, after a few weeks, I was offered a contract for my first book: Reunited with the Sheriff.
Belle’s Debut Experience
The Reunited with the Sheriff experience was amazing. I had always wanted to be published with Harlequin, so it was a dream come true. Harlequin allows authors to have a say in the cover process. We provide examples of what cover we think would be a great fit. Ultimately, the art department decides which vision they wish to pursue, but it is lovely to have a say in the outcome.
Writer Life for Belle Calhoune
Since my debut, I have published roughly 30 books and novellas. I traditionally publish with Harlequin Love Inspired, but I also self-publish additional books. I enjoy writing series that feature interconnected characters. I am currently finishing up my Alaskan Grooms series for Harlequin Love Inspired.
I self-published the very popular Seven Brides, Seven Brothers series, as well as the Secrets of Savannah series. I am currently working on Seven Brides, Seven Brothers, Pelican Bay series, a spin-off of the original Seven Brides series.
I feel incredibly blessed to be able to work in my chosen profession. I love writing inspirational romance. And I truly have the most wonderful readers in the world.
Belle’s Upcoming Releases
On August 22, 2017, His Secret Alaskan Heiress, my fifth book in the Alaskan Grooms series came out in the Harlequin Love Inspired line.
In September of 2017, my Indie published boo, All This Love, will release. (Book 3 in Seven Brides, Seven Brothers Pelican Bay series)
Also in September of 2017, my sixth book in the Alaskan Grooms series, An Alaskan Christmas, comes out in the Harlequin Love Inspired line.
In March of 2018, my seventh and final book in the Alaskan Grooms Series hits shelves. It is titled Her Alaskan Cowboy.
It’s my pleasure to give away a print copy of His Secret Alaskan Heiress and An Alaskan Christmas to two readers who comment.
Where Readers Can Find Belle Calhoune
I can be found on social media in many forums such as my Author Belle Calhoune Facebook page, on twitter @BelleCalhoune, my website and on my Belle Calhoune Bookbub page. My books can all be found on Amazon where I have a Belle Calhoune author page.
Just a Few of Belle’s Fabulous Romance Novels
Lord, what a delight it has been to meet this prolific author who inspires and encourages and gives You the credit for her success. Will you hear us now as we ask Your blessing on Belle’s every word? Bless us as readers and writers, that we may see You and share You throughout this dark world. ~ For Jesus’ sake
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September 6, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Allison Pittman
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Allison!
Right up there among my top 5 people in the entire world sits Allison Pittman. I met Allison for about ten years and have only grown to love her more as the years go by. She’s a spectacular author who’s been honored more times than I have fingers on a single hand. (She’s gotten comfortable on the Christy Award stage 
August 30, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Louise Looney
Meet Louise Looney
Louise Looney. Meet her and never forget her. Louise refers in her interview below to Hidden Manna, a Christian Retreat Center she managed for fifteen years. I first met Louise, first sat at her feet, and first gained from her wisdom at Hidden Manna.
I know you’ll be glad you met her. And you won’t forget her either.
Who Is Louise Looney?
I entered the world in one of the worst of times, the Great Depression, the eighth child, and with a misshaped head. But my parents loved me anyway. And throughout the years, in spite of my misshapen life, my Heavenly Father loved and blessed me anyway.
Athough poor, my family stressed the need for education. I graduated from Abilene Christian University. I earned my master’s degree from the University of Wyoming and did Post Graduate work at East Texas State University. I never studied journalism or creative writing because I didn’t dream I’d become a writer.
Louise Looney, Teacher
I taught all levels of education, in the prison system and on four occasions in a Bible training program in China. Adult students arrived from all over the country and stayed in hiding—in tiny places where they slept on the floor and weren’t allowed even to go out for a walk–for three months to do an in-depth study of the Bible.
I enjoyed the wonderful experience of managing a Christian Retreat center, Hidden Manna, for fifteen years. When I turned seventy-five, I stepped away from cooking, mowing, cleaning, etc.
Louise Looney, Writer
I wrote my first book at age 79. (Tweet That!) My computer crashed, my printer acted up and I stepped on the flash drive that contained the backup for the book. Though I had hard copies of some of the chapters, I still had to redo much of the book. I was almost in tears when I called a friend to ask for prayer.
She failed to answer her phone, and I left a message, asking her to pray for me. A few hours later, she stopped by the house. I thanked her for responding to my call, but she said, “I never got a call.” That night, a young man phoned me. “My name is not Bette,” he said, “but I want you to know I got your message this morning and I’ve been praying for you all day.”
I moved to a retirement community, where I saw many people who complained about the aging process. And the Lord nudged me to write a book looking at this season of life from His perspective.
Solomon’s description of aging is dismal, but God whispered, “Solomon wrote about the outer man. Look at the inner man.” My first book, Hidden Treasures for the Golden Years, addressed this issue and won the “Best Book on Christian Living,” 2011.
The second book came as the result of taking the yellowed notes my deceased psychologist husband had written over 35 years before. I struggled with the skeleton of this book for a year, attempting to resurrect his dream. Ultimately, the Lord spoke to my heart, “Use your voice, not his.” Then, ideas began to flow. This book is entitled Splashes of Living Water.
Marvels and Mysteries, is about the wonders of God’s creation, the intricate details of human organs and attributes of animals and their migration habits.
Louise Looney, Encourager
As an encouragement to seniors, I decided devotionals with humorous and heart-warming stories of encouragement would be a welcomed message. Over the Hill, Onto the Mountaintop, contains stories of hope for those growing older.
The Lord encouraged me to use our five senses like rungs of a ladder to climb out of the pit of depression. My latest book, Out of Darkness, Into His Marvelous Light, provides exercises at the end of each chapter.
Three of my books served in fellowship groups: Hidden Treasures for Golden Years, Splashes of Living Water, and Out of Darkness, Into His Marvelous Light.
Louise Looney, Speaker
Currently, I write short humorous You-tube videos called “Looney Tidbits” that end with a spiritual message. They’re published each Friday on social media. I pray even non-believers will watch them for their humor, but grow curious about Christianity and check it out to find answers to life.
I speak to groups frequently and delivered a keynote address at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in May. Recently, I participated in interviews on two television programs, two radio programs and am scheduled to appear on another television and radio show this next week.
My heart’s desire is to encourage those who live in the autumn and winter seasons of life. And assure God’s older children that He has a purpose for each of us until we take our last breath. (Click to Tweet!)
Louise Looney, Survivor and Thriver
Other of my experiences—the death of my son by suicide; my husband’s brief unfaithfulness; nights when my family—including a two-year-old, a one-year-old, and a third child on the way—slept on the floor of a church building because we had no place to stay and no money; the dark days when my husband fought and lost the battle with cancer in the prime of his life; a five-year period when I was faced with the death of five members of my family; my daughter’s battle with cancer; and the death of a newborn grandson—I leave to another interview, another time.
Louise Looney, Award Winner
Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference honored me as “Writer of the Year” in May for Out of Darkness, Into His Marvelous Light.
Find me at my website, www.louisellooney.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
~ ~ ~
Oh, Lord, our Unchanging God, Jehovah, You set Your hand on Louise Looney. You walk alongside her through valleys and on mountaintops. You smile as she ministers to so many in Jesus’ name. Through her You convey messages hope and encouragement for others in the autumn and winter of their lives. Bless Louise’s every word for You.
~ For Jesus’ sake.
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Louise Looney appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
August 23, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Loree Lough!
Welcome, Readers! And Welcome, Loree Lough!
This week we visit with a wonderful and prolific author, Loree Lough. This is one inspirational woman, friends, so form a circle around our guest and give her a big Hello!
Loree is offering a signed copy of her newest release, 50 Hours, to someone in the U.S. who joins our chat circle and an ebook of the same to anyone outside the U.S.
Loree Lough: Her Before
First, I’d like to thank you, Linda, for the invitation to visit your blog. It’s truly an honor!
I was born in Wisconsin, raised in Illinois (12 schools in as many years thanks to my dad’s VA transfers), and spent a few years “on the road,” literally singing for my supper. I traveled all over the US and Canada, performing in pubs and hotel lounges, and working with ‘house bands’ to open for some major recording artists. My favorite audience? Wounded soldiers at VA hospitals. (Click to Tweet!)
Then, when Dad’s job took him to Baltimore, I followed, and stayed. Accepted a position at a national insurance company, and while tending the switchboard for a co-worker, my husband walked in. (One of his employees at the glazing company had cut his hand and bled all over the boss’s carpet; Larry came to inspect the damage and determine the cost of replacement.)
It was, as they say, love at first sight: We were married 9 months later. A year after that, our first child was born. Shuttle three years into the future when another daughter came into our lives. We moved around a bit (thanks to Larry’s transfers).
Loree Lough: The Writer
During our brief stay in Richmond, I answered an ad for a “neighborhood correspondent,” and wrote the first of what would become more than 2,500 articles in international, national, regional, and local newspapers and magazines. About mid-way through my “beat reporter” career, I tried my hand at fiction. Short stories, at that point. And a couple dozen pieces for “confession” magazines. The change was, as they say, more love at first sight!
When my first novel earned the Reader’s Choice Best Contemporary award, you could say I’d succumbed to Fiction Addiction. And I still haven’t kicked the habit: At last count, I had 115 books in print. When I’m not writing, I love spending time at our cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, where I try to perfect my “identify the critter tracks” skills.
Loree Lough’s Debut Novelist Experience
In addition to ‘ghosting’ for professionals in a variety of technical and trade publications, I spent years as a freelancer and beat reporter, writing articles for magazines like Woman’s World, Redbook, McCall’s and more, and newspapers such as The Washington Post, The Bal-timore Sun, and many others. In the early 90s, I began to notice a disturbing trend: Editors and/or publishers making changes to my work and the work of my peers…to appease advertisers! I told myself “If you’re gonna write fiction, you might as well write a novel!” (Click to Tweet!)
The result? Pocketful of Love. I’m hard-pressed to choose which I remember most fondly. The phone call during which Steve Reginald (who became my editor for the next few novels), said “We like your story and want to publish it!”, or when he called again to inform me that Pocketful had earned numerous 5-star reviews and won the Reader’s Choice Best Contemporary of the Year.
I’m the first to admit, it felt pretty good, and I wanted to repeat the experience. So I did my homework: Signed up for writing classes. Attended conferences, workshops, and seminars. Joined writer’s organizations. Read how-to books and magazines.
Along about the time my 15th novel hit the shelves, a friend who organized adult education classes at the community college me to teach a course entitled “Writing and Marketing Freelance Articles.” After a few years of that—and an additional 15 or so books on the shelves—she asked if I’d also teach “Romance Novel How-To.” Much as I loved interacting interaction with students, back-to-back deadlines demanded that I hang up my instructor’s hat.
What’s Up With Loree Lough Now?
114 additional books have joined that first one in my list of published works. Most recently, I saw The Man She Knew in print (#1 in the “By Way of the Lighthouse” series from Harlequin Heartwarming … my 3rd series for the company).
I’m also pleased and proud to announce that 50 Hours (based on a screenplay by Kevin J. O’Neill) released on June 30th. I believe God will work through that novel since it touches so many lives; endorsements state that anyone with a cancer connection—whether patient, caretaker, loved one, friend, or medical professional—will find lots of 
reason to feel hopeful after they’ve read this story.
As for the future? I have a few proposals out there, and I’m praying they’ll find a readership, also.
How to Find Loree Lough
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Website
Loree Lough
Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and “Readers’ Choice” awards, 4- and 5-star re-views, and 7 book-to-movie options. Her 115th book, 50 Hours, is her most personal to date.
A Multiple Myeloma survivor, an incurable bone/marrow cancer, Loree endured a year and a half of twice-weekly chemo. She received a stem cell transplant, followed by another month of twice-weekly chemo.
Now, Loree is in what they call a “resting phase,” no meds and energy to burn. She recently re-leased, The Man She Knew, book #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series from Harlequin Heartwarming. Latest up, 50 Hours.
~ ~ ~
Oh, Lord, how You amaze us. You called Loree from a young age to use her gifts, and she did so. You brought her through horrid cancer and its treatments, and now her gift of writing includes her prayer for continued readership.
Will you bless her every word and use her for Your purposes?
~ For Jesus’ sake
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August 16, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Crystal Joy!
Welcome, Readers! And Welcome, Author Crystal Joy!
Meet Crystal Joy. This week we welcome this author whose pen name fits her photo perfectly: Crystal-clear Joy.
I‘m excited to get to know Crystal better, and I think you will be, too. Please leave a comment in the Reply box below, and you’ll be entered in the drawing for a print copy of Crystal’s Completely Captivated.
Who Is Crystal Joy?
I write Contemporary Sweet Romance, but I like to refer to my writing as Deep Rooted Romance.
First, I resigned from my teaching position as an 8th grade Language Arts teacher because I knew God was calling me to pursue a writing career. I loved my job. The students were fun and quirky, and I worked with an amazing staff. But God kept pushing me in another direction, and I knew I had to follow. It was really scary leaving a secure job to pursue a “not-so secure” career. (Click to Tweet That!)
Now I know I’m doing what I was called to do because every day when I sit down at my computer, I feel a sense of peaceful contentment wash over me.
A Debut Experience for Crystal Joy
My first published book is titled Completely Captivated. It’s a collection of short fictionalized love stories about real-life couples.
My writing career did not start off like I thought it would. When I resigned from my teaching position, I intended to work on my sweet romance novels and publish them right away. But my novels needed a lot of revisions.
While I taught, I woke up at five in the morning to write, went to work, then lesson planned and graded at night. Writing at five in the morning did not create enticing, well-written books.
In the meantime, I wanted a way to connect with readers, so I wrote short love stories for real-life couples. Every month, I interviewed a new couple, wrote their story, and posted it on my website. The stories became such a hit that I decided to publish collections of these heartfelt stories. (Click to Tweet That!)
Right before I published Completely Captivated, a hurricane hit my publishing company, and the company didn’t think it would have my books printed in time. I had to push back the date of my book launch party, but it gave me more time to plan an amazing party.
What’s up with Crystal now?
Now I just finished my second book, Completely Yours. It’s the second collection of love stories. Although it’s a mix of love stories just like the first book (engagements, break-ups, weddings, tragic circumstances), this collection is much deeper than the first.
These couples really laid it all out there for you—questioning if their spouses still love them, if they should give up on long-distance relationships, if they should share their feelings with their childhood crushes. I love how open these couples were during their interviews because it made their stories realistic. Love isn’t easy. Relationships are hard work. (Click to Tweet That!)
Finally, I hope these heartfelt stories touch your heart as much as they did mine.
Ordering and Social Media Links for Crystal Joy:
~ ~ ~
Lord, You are Joy. Your are the eternal source of joy for us, your children. How marvelous are Your ways in all the Earth. Crystal’s joy shines clearly because it’s from You. You are Love. You’ve called Crystal to write stories about love—fictionalized stories based on true love stories. How unique and captivating! Bless Crystal’s every word that lifts up Your glorious name: Love. ~ For Jesus’ sake
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August 9, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Dana Pratola
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Dana Pratola!
This week we visit with author Dana Pratola, who writes romance, paranormal, speculative, and suspense novels. What a treat to get to know Dana.
Comment in the Reply box below to enter the drawing for one of Dana’s books.
Dana Pratola: Her “Before”
Growing up in West Orange, New Jersey in a unique situation. I was an only child and simultaneously the youngest of five.
Three brothers made me somewhat of a tomboy (Click to Tweet), and I kept pace with my youngest brother as best I could, climbing things and busting stuff, lol.
On the other side of the coin, living in an only child home, having only myself and my imagination to occupy me, contributed to my creativity. 
My dad fed my passion for books and read to me every night (Click to Tweet). I could not have become anything but a writer.
It was a strange situation, designed by God in order to instill things in me He knew I’d need, such as love of reading and the ability to enjoy isolation.
Dana Pratola: the Writer
I have been writing my whole life. I finished my first novel and had it published at age 47. Unable to afford a writer’s conference and in no way savvy about other avenues to publication, I prayed. I asked God to work something out for me. (Click to Tweet)
He answered that prayer immediately. The next day a friend told me about an online writer’s conference. It could only be God. FREE and I didn’t have to leave the house! I chose which publisher I wanted to have a 5-minute online pitch session with and when it was over, Nicola Martinez, from Pelican Book Group (then White Rose), requested the entire manuscript. I had a contract signed within the month. A miracle to me, considering The Covering was my first novel. (Click to Tweet)
But GOD is AWESOME!
Writing is truly all I’ve ever wanted to do, except for a brief period I thought I might want to be an oceanographer. I’m not the best swimmer, so that’s out :/ Since my initial publication, I’ve written two other books with Pelican: Voice of Truth and The Mayweather Christmas Quest.
Dana Pratola’s Future Plans
As for future plans, I know there is much more to come. I’m just going to keep working and see what God has in store. His plans are so much grander and eternal than anything I can imagine. (Click to Tweet)
I receive emails about how God has touched people through some of these books. Love that. I desire to continue to be an avenue for God to reach not only His children, but the lost as well, why I don’t prefer the term Christian Author. It tends to scare away the people I most want to reach, lol. He has a plan for each of us, and I’m trying to stay open to that.
I indie published several books. And I write under a pen name, as well. But that’s another interview for another day.
Where to Find Dana Pratola and her Books
~ ~ ~
Lord, You are the Author of Eternity, the Author of Life, the Author of Families, and the Author of Authors. Dana claims You as her inspiration, the source of her desire to write, and the master planner of her life. We pray You’ll smile on Dana as she writes words to draw Your people closer and to woo unbelieving readers to You.
~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Dana Pratola appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
August 2, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author Lucy Thompson!
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Lucy Thompson!
Lucy ThompsonThis week we’re traveling “down under” to Australia to visit with historical romance author Lucy Thompson. What a treat’s in store for you!
Lucy is offering a give-away, so be sure to read to the bottom to learn what it is.
Growing Up, Lucy Thompson Style
I grew up in Cooktown, Queensland, Australia on 160 acres of rainforest, hills, and rain. (Click to Tweet!) Lots of rain. Thirteen feet per year to be exact.
Part of why I love historical romance is that I’m familiar with a pioneer lifestyle. We had no electricity (apart from the generator at night), cooked on a woodstove, and raised our own animals for food.
I didn’t make the wisest of choices through my teen years and ended up in an unhealthy relationship. By age twenty-four I was a single mum of 4 children aged between 6 months and 6 years. I’d just started down a windy track to learning about self-worth, God’s extravagant love, and who I was as a person.
Lucy Thompson, the Author
At age twenty-six, I decided one day after church that I was going to write a book. (As you do. Lol) All I knew about the story was that a young mail order bride was getting off a train. Didn’t know her name. Or where she was. Or that she was about to meet a handsome cowboy who may or may not be a cattle rustler. That he had three siblings (that he didn’t tell her about) and a house in a mess.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Writing the book was half the effort. How was I to put it in the hands of readers? After all, I’m an Australian. A very small fish in our Aussie Christian book market. The American book pond, ah, market with its much bigger fish is harder again to break into.
Growing as an Author
So I joined American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I joined their critique group and met my wonderful crit partners there. Entered contests. Finalled in some. Flew to America for the 2012 ACFW conference and met my (now) agent, Chip MacGregor, of MacGregor Literary. He pitched my book to all the bigger publishers and all came back with a no, no, no. Sigh.
Then, after a break from writing in which we moved across country, I remarried, had a baby, baked lots of cookies, etc. My agent suggested we pitch my story to Forget Me Not Romances. He introduced me to Cynthia Hickey, who runs FMNR and she loved my books. ☺ Yay!!
Lucy’s Debut Experience
When Mail Order Surprise released on Amazon there was an excited buzz amongst my friends on Facebook and on the internet. I found it quite amusing as I sat cross-legged in my pj’s on the sofa posting away on Facebook that more people had seen my FB author post and were interacting with me than the entire population of my small country town.
But God is like that. He likes to bless us. (Click to Tweet!) And bless he did. Reviews. Comments. Shares. Memes! A reader even made a meme with a quote from my book. *sniffles* My heart overflowed with gratitude for his goodness.
Inspiration, Lucy Thompson Style
The song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman has been a huge encouragement to me over the years.
I will bless His name when I’m found in the desert place. When I walk through the wilderness, I will bless His name. When the sun’s shining down on me. When the world’s all as it should be, my heart will choose to say “Lord, blessed be your name.”
May I suggest you try the same? God has everything under control and he’s much bigger than our circumstances or what we give him credit for.
A Give-Away Offer
I love readers. ☺ And books. ☺ To prove it, I’m giving away an ebook copy of either Mail Order Surprise or A Cowboy’s Dare to one special commentator. (Actually, you’re all special. But I can only afford to give one book away. Children have to eat after all. Ha!)
God bless.
~ ~ ~
Readers, you can find Lucy on Facebook!
~ ~ ~
Lord, blessed be Your Name, indeed! How delightful to learn about your daughter Lucy Thompson, whom You’ve called to write for You. As Lucy blesses Your Name, she blesses us, and we pray You’ll bless each word Lucy writes for You. ~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author Lucy Thompson! appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
July 26, 2017
Let’s Chat! Author David Todd
Welcome, Everyone! And Welcome, Author David A. Todd!
We welcome David Todd to our chat circle this week. David tells an interesting life story. I’m honored to present the latest on David Todd, a prolific author of a wide array of works.
David is offering one of his books in print or ebook format to someone who comments at the end of the interview! Winner may choose from Doctor Luke’s Assistant, Preserve The Revelation, The Gutter Chronicles, The Candy Store Generation, Documenting America, Documenting America: Civil War Edition, Daddy-Daughter Day, and In Front of Fifty Thousand Screaming People.
David Todd: Roots
Born and raised in Rhode Island, I attended public schools, including University of Rhode Island, where I earned a bachelor degree in civil engineering.
My Christian upbringing was in the liturgical church (I was a good altar boy), having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. Learning true Christianity through a girlfriend, a Billy Graham crusade, and the witness of some Navigators, I prayed for salvation alone in my room on Easter Sunday, 1974. Since then my walk with God has been unbroken—though imperfect.
My mother died from an awful, debilitating illness when I was 13, a formative life event. Dad worked nights, and we three kids were latch-key teens. I played high school football and ran track, so he had left for work when I got home at 6:00 p.m. and was asleep when I left for school at 7:30 a.m. And so it went, day after day. I wouldn”t see him from Monday morning till Saturday noon when he got up. We could have gone bad, but we grew up to be responsible citizens. (Click to Tweet!) Looking back, even though we didn’t know God, I believe his hand of protection and guidance was upon us—and on the parents who raised us.
David Todd: Adult Life
Real men rock babies.Upon graduation from URI, I moved to Kansas City to work. My wife and I married, and we welcomed our two children in Kansas. I earned my masters in civil engineering from the University of Missouri.
Then we relocated to Saudi Arabia, to North Carolina, then to Kuwait, where we lived until Sadaam Hussein kicked us out. Our bunch landed in NW Arkansas to be near family in 1991 and now call the area home.
My work as a civil engineer necessitated all those moves. I wouldn’t have missed all the adventure for anything (even smuggling Bibles into China, the basis for my novel, Operation Lotus Sunday) but I’ve had enough. It’s the good ole USA for me from now on.
The Writer, David A. Todd
Forty-three years later, with many engineering projects, engineering and construction articles, and conference presentations under my belt, I anticipate devoting more time to writing in just one year, five months, and a few days.
David Todd’s Debut Experience
The writing bug bit me in 1998 and was diagnosed incurable in 2000. (Click to Tweet!) I have been at it with considerable seriousness and regularity ever since.
My first novel, Doctor Luke’s Assistant, a fictional account of the writing of Luke’s gospel told from the point of view of a Jewish assistant, debuted in 2012. Laboring over it more than two years, I learned publishing was virtually impossible. After attending writers conferences and learning the ropes, I shelved the first novel and kept on writing. I knocked on several doors for the first and subsequent books, but they seemed closed shut tight. No one answered from the other side.
Finally, in 2011, I self-published via Amazon and Smashwords. To test the waters I put up a short story about my mom’s death. Wanting to publish a full-length work, I pulled together some of my newspaper op-eds, expanded them, and published it as Documenting America: Lessons From the United States’ Historical Documents, a non-fiction, historical-political work I intend to expand into a series.
I finally published Doctor Luke’s Assistant in early 2012. Preserve The Revelation, the sequel to Doctor Luke’s Assistant, debuted this year. This novel tells the story of Luke’s assistant who helped Apostle John write his Gospel of John and the Revelation. He and his sons encounter many adventures in their travels.
What’s up with David Todd Now?
I now have twenty-four items for sale at Amazon, and most of them at Smashwords. They are: five novels, one novella, five non-fiction books, eleven short stories, one professional essay, and one book of poetry.
That book of poetry, Daddy-Daughter Day, is really a novella in verse. It’s the story of a Saturday a dad promised to spend with his daughter. She wakes him at the crack of dawn, but he sends her away. Later he thinks better of it and follows through with his promise. Their special day blesses him more than his daughter. A paperback told in 30-odd poems of different styles, most of them formal verse, it hasn’t sold well, but I hope someday it will catch on.
Most of my books are for the general market, not the Christian market. I underpin each of them with a Christian worldview, however. My two baseball novels, In Front of Fifty Thousand Screaming People, and its sequel Headshots, follow this pattern.
In Front of Fifty Thousand Screaming People tells the story of a Christian young man who breaks into the Major Leagues, only to see his life manipulated by Mafia Dons who bet on games. The first book emphasizes the Cubs winning the pennant and World Series. It deals with the Mafia, professional baseball, and the sometimes-seedy side of life without resorting to swearing, explicit sex scenes, etc.
At present, my writing project is the next book in the Documenting America series, due out in August.
Future Plans
After that, I plan to write the next in my eleven-book church history novel series, a prequel to Doctor Luke’s Assistant.
I plan a series of cozy mysteries based on a man who researches his genealogy and finds skeletons in his closet. And, there are more short stories in my series about an unconventional CIA female agent. I put her in the many places my travels took me around the world.
How We Can Find David Todd and His Books
David’s Dungeon
My website is davidatodd.com. I blog on Mondays and Fridays about my writing life, plans, and achievements, with a few other topics along the way, including author interviews.
I also have author pages at the sellers Smashwords distributes to, which includes Apple, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.
~ ~ ~
Lord, You are the Author of Truth. How refreshing to learn of Your work through David Todd’s unspeakable loss as a teen and in lands opposed to Jesus. Bless him in the final months of his career and bring him success as a writer beyond his dreams. Show Yourself through David’s words.
~ For Jesus’ sake
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The post Let’s Chat! Author David Todd appeared first on Linda Brooks Davis.
