Linda Shenton Matchett's Blog, page 36
August 14, 2022
Mystery Monday: Fergus Hume
Mystery Monday: Fergus Hume
WikiImagesDespite publishing over one hundred and thirty novels, Ferguson (or Fergusson) Wright Hume, writing as Fergus Hume, has long been forgotten. He was born in Powick, Worcestershire, England, but when he was three years old the family emigrated to Dunedin, New Zealand where his father founded the first private mental hospital. After graduation with a law degree from the University of Otago, he was admitted to the bar in 1885 and went to work as a barrister’s clerk in Melbourne.
In his off hours, he wrote plays, but couldn’t find anyone among the theaters to accept, let alone read his scripts. He was given the advice to write novels to grab the attention of theater managers. Knowing how popular French mystery author Emile Gaboriau was in Melbourne, Hume decided to pursue detective fiction. He purchased a set of Gaboriau’s novels to read and study after which he wrote The Mystery of a Hansom Cab.
Said Hume: “Having completed the book, I tried to get it published, but everyone to whom I offered it
refused to even look at the manuscript on the grounds that no Colonial (referring to his New Zealand upbringing) could write anything worth reading.” He self-published 5,000 copies of the book in 1886, which reportedly sold out in three weeks. However, he saw little of the profits because of having sold the British and American rights. (Guess it seemed like a good idea at the time!) Fortunately, he retained the dramatic rights, and the play version saw long Australian and London theater runs.
The plot seems simple: a man is found dead in a hansom cab and one of Melbourne’s leading citizens is accused of the crime. He claims to be innocent, yet refuses to provide an alibi. Then the author adds a determined lawyer and equally determined detective who unearth long-kept secrets, and the riddles and complexities begin. The book is the first of the Melbourne Trilogy, but the first story was the most popular. When asked what he thought about the book, Arthur Conan Doyle commented, “Hansom Cab was a slight tale, mostly sold by ‘puffing.’” Jealous, perhaps? His Study in Scarlet came out the following year.
Pixabay/
PublicDomainPicturesIn 1888, Hume returned to England where he lived for almost thirty years at Church Cottage in Thundersley, Essex. He never married and traveled extensively. Several reports say he was a “deeply religious” man and tended to avoid publicity. He was a prolific writer, but he never saw the same success that he’d had with his debut novel. Toward the end of his life, he often lectured at young people’s clubs and debating societies.
He died of a heart attack in July 1932 and left an estate valued at £201. Many of his works can be found in Project Gutenberg for no cost. Check one of them out!
___________________
Under Fire
Set in April 1942, Under Fire, the first book in the Ruth Brown Mystery Series, tells the story of Ruth Brown whose missing sister jane is declared dead. Convinced her sister is still alive, Ruth follows clues from her small New Hampshire town to war-torn London trying to find her. Discovering that Jane has been murdered results in a faith crisis for Ruth, and she decides she must find Jane’s killer. During her search for the culprit, she runs into smugglers, resistance fighters, and the IRA, all of whom want her dead for what she knows.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0743MS95H
WikiImagesDespite publishing over one hundred and thirty novels, Ferguson (or Fergusson) Wright Hume, writing as Fergus Hume, has long been forgotten. He was born in Powick, Worcestershire, England, but when he was three years old the family emigrated to Dunedin, New Zealand where his father founded the first private mental hospital. After graduation with a law degree from the University of Otago, he was admitted to the bar in 1885 and went to work as a barrister’s clerk in Melbourne.In his off hours, he wrote plays, but couldn’t find anyone among the theaters to accept, let alone read his scripts. He was given the advice to write novels to grab the attention of theater managers. Knowing how popular French mystery author Emile Gaboriau was in Melbourne, Hume decided to pursue detective fiction. He purchased a set of Gaboriau’s novels to read and study after which he wrote The Mystery of a Hansom Cab.
Said Hume: “Having completed the book, I tried to get it published, but everyone to whom I offered it
refused to even look at the manuscript on the grounds that no Colonial (referring to his New Zealand upbringing) could write anything worth reading.” He self-published 5,000 copies of the book in 1886, which reportedly sold out in three weeks. However, he saw little of the profits because of having sold the British and American rights. (Guess it seemed like a good idea at the time!) Fortunately, he retained the dramatic rights, and the play version saw long Australian and London theater runs.The plot seems simple: a man is found dead in a hansom cab and one of Melbourne’s leading citizens is accused of the crime. He claims to be innocent, yet refuses to provide an alibi. Then the author adds a determined lawyer and equally determined detective who unearth long-kept secrets, and the riddles and complexities begin. The book is the first of the Melbourne Trilogy, but the first story was the most popular. When asked what he thought about the book, Arthur Conan Doyle commented, “Hansom Cab was a slight tale, mostly sold by ‘puffing.’” Jealous, perhaps? His Study in Scarlet came out the following year.
Pixabay/PublicDomainPicturesIn 1888, Hume returned to England where he lived for almost thirty years at Church Cottage in Thundersley, Essex. He never married and traveled extensively. Several reports say he was a “deeply religious” man and tended to avoid publicity. He was a prolific writer, but he never saw the same success that he’d had with his debut novel. Toward the end of his life, he often lectured at young people’s clubs and debating societies.
He died of a heart attack in July 1932 and left an estate valued at £201. Many of his works can be found in Project Gutenberg for no cost. Check one of them out!
___________________
Under Fire
Set in April 1942, Under Fire, the first book in the Ruth Brown Mystery Series, tells the story of Ruth Brown whose missing sister jane is declared dead. Convinced her sister is still alive, Ruth follows clues from her small New Hampshire town to war-torn London trying to find her. Discovering that Jane has been murdered results in a faith crisis for Ruth, and she decides she must find Jane’s killer. During her search for the culprit, she runs into smugglers, resistance fighters, and the IRA, all of whom want her dead for what she knows.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0743MS95H
August 10, 2022
Talkshow Thursday: Meet John Walker!
Talkshow Thursday: Meet John Walker!
LM: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your most recent release Heartless. What was your inspiration for the story?
John: Heartless grew from an unsettling interaction with a patient. I can’t give identifying details. But I can tell you that I will never forget my sudden fear in that moment. Something I told him triggered an abrupt change in his demeanor. It reminded me of the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and the fiery furnace. When the three Hebrew servants openly defied him, his countenance changed toward them. That’s what I saw—an immediate change in attitude revealed in every part of his face, his movement, his posture, and his words. That moment inspired my villain.
LM: Sounds scary. You have a full career as a physician – quite different from the life of a writer. Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.
John: It’s been a long road. I started my first novel almost 20 years ago and self-published it when self-publishing was in its infancy and was really considered taboo. I’ve learned a lot the hard way and still have a lot to learn.
LM: What is your favorite aspect of writing?
John: I love diving into a character and letting the character surprise me with something I didn’t expect.
LM: What do you do to prepare for writing, and how do you juggle that with your day job?
John: Sometimes I think I do my best writing when I’m not writing. I will set the story aside and not even be thinking about it when something will trigger a thought that fits into the story. Finding time to write can be challenging. I have a lot of things on several plates, so I have to carve out time to write. I work best under pressure. Setting a deadline to have a manuscript ready for editing before a conference is a strong motivator for me. I lead a critique group. They keep me sharp and give me the motivation to have a sample ready for each meeting.
LM: What sort of research did you do for Heartless, and was there any particular piece of information you were compelled to include in the story?
John: Research adds depth and texture and helps me write a story that feels authentic. If I’m uncertain
Pixabay/Shutterbug75about a detail, I research it. I use Google Maps to see the street view. Sometimes, I will visit a location to derive ideas. When I’m at a restaurant, I’ll make a note of an interesting person, something on the menu or on the wall, a fragrance, the way the server takes my order, anything that’s unexpected or unique. Then I’ll use those memories in a story. For Heartless, I researched the locales in Southern Indiana and Indianapolis. I researched a specific chair, home décor, and styles of homes. And many other rabbit trails, many of which didn’t even find their way into the book but may inspire other stories or characters.
LM: You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do?
John: I would really love to write an epic fantasy that reflects the depth and mystery of life’s journey. I want it to be a heroic tale with the power and breadth of The Lord of the Rings, but I want it to be something fresh. I’m waiting for the right idea.
LM: What is a piece of advice you have for fledgling writers?
John: I thought I was a good writer when I first started. I wanted to be original and not copy anyone else’s work, so I followed the temptation to figure it out on my own. That is a big mistake. Every new writer needs to be a dry, compressed sponge tossed into the ocean of writing wisdom. There is so much to learn and good writing is not good enough. There are too many good books and readers want great writing, so a new writer, especially, needs to write great books. That might mean scrapping a book or two or rewriting a book. That’s what I ultimately did with my first novel. I rewrote it, set it before my beta readers, and rewrote it again. I encourage writers to learn all they can about their craft. Most importantly, know your readers and write for them. Authors write for readers, not themselves. A writer may find satisfaction in writing, but an author finds satisfaction in writing that connects with readers.
LM: What is your next project?
John: My most successful book has been Moonlight Awakens, a story about a young woman who is abducted and trafficked. The main character Emma needs more than one story, so I’m writing a sequel and building the stories of some of the characters around her.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
John: http://www.johnmatthewwalker.com is the easiest place to start. From there, you can link to my books, social media, and my inspirational blog (overcoffee.xyz).
______________________
About Heartless:
At only seventeen, Emma is used, abused, and discarded. She runs a thousand miles away from shame and judgment and falls into the arms of a stranger. One careless mistake, and she plummets into the hellish world of sex-trafficking. Her pimp takes everything from her, starting with her name. Deep in that darkness, Emma must find herself and find a way out. Her story is a tantalizing suspense that awakens hope.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3uBmWea
LM: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your most recent release Heartless. What was your inspiration for the story? John: Heartless grew from an unsettling interaction with a patient. I can’t give identifying details. But I can tell you that I will never forget my sudden fear in that moment. Something I told him triggered an abrupt change in his demeanor. It reminded me of the story of King Nebuchadnezzar and the fiery furnace. When the three Hebrew servants openly defied him, his countenance changed toward them. That’s what I saw—an immediate change in attitude revealed in every part of his face, his movement, his posture, and his words. That moment inspired my villain.
LM: Sounds scary. You have a full career as a physician – quite different from the life of a writer. Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.
John: It’s been a long road. I started my first novel almost 20 years ago and self-published it when self-publishing was in its infancy and was really considered taboo. I’ve learned a lot the hard way and still have a lot to learn.
LM: What is your favorite aspect of writing?
John: I love diving into a character and letting the character surprise me with something I didn’t expect.
LM: What do you do to prepare for writing, and how do you juggle that with your day job?
John: Sometimes I think I do my best writing when I’m not writing. I will set the story aside and not even be thinking about it when something will trigger a thought that fits into the story. Finding time to write can be challenging. I have a lot of things on several plates, so I have to carve out time to write. I work best under pressure. Setting a deadline to have a manuscript ready for editing before a conference is a strong motivator for me. I lead a critique group. They keep me sharp and give me the motivation to have a sample ready for each meeting.
LM: What sort of research did you do for Heartless, and was there any particular piece of information you were compelled to include in the story?
John: Research adds depth and texture and helps me write a story that feels authentic. If I’m uncertain
Pixabay/Shutterbug75about a detail, I research it. I use Google Maps to see the street view. Sometimes, I will visit a location to derive ideas. When I’m at a restaurant, I’ll make a note of an interesting person, something on the menu or on the wall, a fragrance, the way the server takes my order, anything that’s unexpected or unique. Then I’ll use those memories in a story. For Heartless, I researched the locales in Southern Indiana and Indianapolis. I researched a specific chair, home décor, and styles of homes. And many other rabbit trails, many of which didn’t even find their way into the book but may inspire other stories or characters.LM: You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do?
John: I would really love to write an epic fantasy that reflects the depth and mystery of life’s journey. I want it to be a heroic tale with the power and breadth of The Lord of the Rings, but I want it to be something fresh. I’m waiting for the right idea.
LM: What is a piece of advice you have for fledgling writers?
John: I thought I was a good writer when I first started. I wanted to be original and not copy anyone else’s work, so I followed the temptation to figure it out on my own. That is a big mistake. Every new writer needs to be a dry, compressed sponge tossed into the ocean of writing wisdom. There is so much to learn and good writing is not good enough. There are too many good books and readers want great writing, so a new writer, especially, needs to write great books. That might mean scrapping a book or two or rewriting a book. That’s what I ultimately did with my first novel. I rewrote it, set it before my beta readers, and rewrote it again. I encourage writers to learn all they can about their craft. Most importantly, know your readers and write for them. Authors write for readers, not themselves. A writer may find satisfaction in writing, but an author finds satisfaction in writing that connects with readers.
LM: What is your next project?
John: My most successful book has been Moonlight Awakens, a story about a young woman who is abducted and trafficked. The main character Emma needs more than one story, so I’m writing a sequel and building the stories of some of the characters around her.LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
John: http://www.johnmatthewwalker.com is the easiest place to start. From there, you can link to my books, social media, and my inspirational blog (overcoffee.xyz).
______________________
About Heartless:
At only seventeen, Emma is used, abused, and discarded. She runs a thousand miles away from shame and judgment and falls into the arms of a stranger. One careless mistake, and she plummets into the hellish world of sex-trafficking. Her pimp takes everything from her, starting with her name. Deep in that darkness, Emma must find herself and find a way out. Her story is a tantalizing suspense that awakens hope.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3uBmWea
August 9, 2022
Wartime Wednesday: Secret Agent Stephanie Czech Radar
Wartime Wednesday: Stephanie Czech Radar
Pixabay/F. MuhammadHow well do you know your neighbors? I can honestly answer: Not too well. We moved into our current house three years ago, and our “across the street” neighbors stopped to introduce themselves, and we’ve spoken several times since then, but usually about incidentals. We met the next-door neighbor when our tree fell, and have never even seen the neighbor on our right. Turns out we’re not alone in that.
Imagine the shock when Alexandria, Virginia resident, Michael Golden discovered that his neighbor Stephanie Czech Radar was a former agent with the Office of Strategic Services during WWII. An unassuming lady, she never once talked about her work with the organization. The child of Polish immigrants, she grew up to graduate from Cornell University with a degree in Chemistry. She worked in the cafeteria, and her parents sold their wedding rings to afford tuition.
She remained fluent in Polish, so joined the Women’s Army Corps as a translator. Near the end of the
Courtesy Cornell Univ.
war, the OSS recruited her to take advantage of her fluency. Her accent, appearance, and mannerisms were just what they needed. Sent to Europe in 1945, Captain Czech arrived at the U.S. embassy in Berlin wearing civilian clothes and delivered the report she’d been carrying. She made her way to Poland where she claimed to be a clerk for the embassy in Warsaw and searching for distant relatives in her spare time.
In reality, she was one of only two members of the OSS stationed in the country, working for the counterintelligence section known as X2 (a department so secretive some who served in the group didn’t even know the name). She wandered the countryside spying on Soviet troop movements and gathering information on their intelligence services. She blended in easily but lived under constant fear of being arrested by the Soviets who were rounding up people right and left. Later she would say, “They gave me a gun, but I never carried a gun. What the heck was I gonna do with a dumb gun?”
She also told of her last mission…approaching the checkpoint, she saw the Soviet security agents acutely aware of the documents hidden under her clothes. If she was caught, she'd be sent to the gulag, perhaps worse. If she ran, they’d chase her. If she kept the papers, they’d find them. She took out the papers and calmly handed them to the man next to her, someone she was confident wouldn’t alert suspicion. “Take these,” she mumbled as she gave him the name of the recipient.
As feared, she was detained, but the Soviets found no evidence, so had to release her. She walked free, hopeful that the secret papers were on their way to their destination.
Courtesy Cornell Univ.Because of her work, she was nominated for the Legion of Merit twice, but the request was denied each time. No one seems to know why. It wouldn’t be until nearly seventy years later when friends and family campaigned to have her recognized that she would be awarded this prestigious medal. She passed away in 2016 at 100 years of age and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Learn more about Stephanie who won the Virginia award for her service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIFW3xEYvvw&list=WL&index=1
______________________
Spies & Sweethearts
She wants to do her part. He’s just trying to stay out of the stockade. Will two agents deep behind enemy lines find capture…or love?
1942: Emily Strealer is tired of being told what she can’t do. Wanting to prove herself to her older sisters and do her part for the war effort, the high school French teacher joins the OSS and trains to become a covert operative. And when she completed her training, she finds herself parachuting into occupied France with her instructor to send radio signals to the Resistance.
Major Gerard Lucas has always been a rogue. Transferring to the so-called “Office of Dirty Tricks” to escape a court-martial, he poses as a husband to one of his trainees on a dangerous secret mission. But when their cover is blown after only three weeks, he has to flee with the young schoolteacher to avoid Nazi arrest.
Running for their lives, Emily clings to her mentor’s military experience during the harrowing three-hundred-mile trek to neutral Switzerland. And while Gerard can’t bear the thought of his partner falling into German hands, their forged papers might not be enough to get them over the border.
Can the fugitive pair receive God’s grace to elude the SS and discover the future He intended?
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0Od9l
Pixabay/F. MuhammadHow well do you know your neighbors? I can honestly answer: Not too well. We moved into our current house three years ago, and our “across the street” neighbors stopped to introduce themselves, and we’ve spoken several times since then, but usually about incidentals. We met the next-door neighbor when our tree fell, and have never even seen the neighbor on our right. Turns out we’re not alone in that. Imagine the shock when Alexandria, Virginia resident, Michael Golden discovered that his neighbor Stephanie Czech Radar was a former agent with the Office of Strategic Services during WWII. An unassuming lady, she never once talked about her work with the organization. The child of Polish immigrants, she grew up to graduate from Cornell University with a degree in Chemistry. She worked in the cafeteria, and her parents sold their wedding rings to afford tuition.
She remained fluent in Polish, so joined the Women’s Army Corps as a translator. Near the end of the
Courtesy Cornell Univ.war, the OSS recruited her to take advantage of her fluency. Her accent, appearance, and mannerisms were just what they needed. Sent to Europe in 1945, Captain Czech arrived at the U.S. embassy in Berlin wearing civilian clothes and delivered the report she’d been carrying. She made her way to Poland where she claimed to be a clerk for the embassy in Warsaw and searching for distant relatives in her spare time.
In reality, she was one of only two members of the OSS stationed in the country, working for the counterintelligence section known as X2 (a department so secretive some who served in the group didn’t even know the name). She wandered the countryside spying on Soviet troop movements and gathering information on their intelligence services. She blended in easily but lived under constant fear of being arrested by the Soviets who were rounding up people right and left. Later she would say, “They gave me a gun, but I never carried a gun. What the heck was I gonna do with a dumb gun?”
She also told of her last mission…approaching the checkpoint, she saw the Soviet security agents acutely aware of the documents hidden under her clothes. If she was caught, she'd be sent to the gulag, perhaps worse. If she ran, they’d chase her. If she kept the papers, they’d find them. She took out the papers and calmly handed them to the man next to her, someone she was confident wouldn’t alert suspicion. “Take these,” she mumbled as she gave him the name of the recipient.
As feared, she was detained, but the Soviets found no evidence, so had to release her. She walked free, hopeful that the secret papers were on their way to their destination.
Courtesy Cornell Univ.Because of her work, she was nominated for the Legion of Merit twice, but the request was denied each time. No one seems to know why. It wouldn’t be until nearly seventy years later when friends and family campaigned to have her recognized that she would be awarded this prestigious medal. She passed away in 2016 at 100 years of age and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.Learn more about Stephanie who won the Virginia award for her service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIFW3xEYvvw&list=WL&index=1
______________________
Spies & Sweethearts
She wants to do her part. He’s just trying to stay out of the stockade. Will two agents deep behind enemy lines find capture…or love?1942: Emily Strealer is tired of being told what she can’t do. Wanting to prove herself to her older sisters and do her part for the war effort, the high school French teacher joins the OSS and trains to become a covert operative. And when she completed her training, she finds herself parachuting into occupied France with her instructor to send radio signals to the Resistance.
Major Gerard Lucas has always been a rogue. Transferring to the so-called “Office of Dirty Tricks” to escape a court-martial, he poses as a husband to one of his trainees on a dangerous secret mission. But when their cover is blown after only three weeks, he has to flee with the young schoolteacher to avoid Nazi arrest.
Running for their lives, Emily clings to her mentor’s military experience during the harrowing three-hundred-mile trek to neutral Switzerland. And while Gerard can’t bear the thought of his partner falling into German hands, their forged papers might not be enough to get them over the border.
Can the fugitive pair receive God’s grace to elude the SS and discover the future He intended?
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0Od9l
August 8, 2022
Traveling Tuesday: Colorado
Traveling Tuesday: Colorado
“Denver is a beautiful city of some 75,000 inhabitants, built mostly of stone and brick. It contains the usual amount of fine buildings. One, in particular, we are lead (sic) to observe, and that Tabor’s Opera House, the largest in the world, excepting one in Paris, France. This building cost $850,000. The County Court House occupies an entire block, with buildings and ground. There are two large smelting works here.” (Sue A. Sanders, California as I Saw It: First Person Narratives of California’s Early Years, 1849-1900)
The Tabor Opera House was constructed in just one hundred days in 1879 by mining magnate Horace Tabor. Located in Leadville, Colorado the man and his wife brought culture and arts to one of the rowdiest silver boomtowns. Colorado came about as the result of three events: the purchase of the eastern part in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase, the western portion in 1848 through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and the purchase of a Texas claim in 1850. Settlers trickled in, but the Native Americans were the largest population, mostly made up of Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Ute peoples.
Then gold was discovered in 1858, and life changed. Reporter Horace Greeley announced the find in
the New York Tribune, and prospectors surged into the territory at the rate of 5,000 per week. The Natives were pushed further and further west, and as it became apparent there were millions of dollars to be had, companies arrived to make their fortune. On February 28, 1861, the Territory of Colorado was organized. Fifteen years later, it was admitted to the union as the State of Colorado.The silver rush started in 1879, and once again miners poured into the area to find their fortune. Railroad lines began to crisscross the state bringing in even more travelers and settlers. Other minerals were discovered such as molybdenum and zinc which would later be used to help the WWII war effort. A picture taken in the late 1940s by Farm Security Administration photographer Russell Lee shows that the mountain streams continued to run yellow because of the tailings from the gold mills.
Pixabay/BeverlyLussierAt over 100,000 square miles, Colorado is larger than England and Belgium as well as many other European countries. The terrain is mixed encompassing most of the Southern Rocky Mountains, the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau, and the western edge of the Great Plains._______________
Gold Rush Bride Caroline (ON SALE!)
She thinks he’s high-handed and out for her gold. He thinks she’s difficult and money-hungry. Will they discover that love is the true treasure?Scarred in a childhood accident, Caroline Vogel has yet to find a man willing to marry her, so she heads to the Pike’s Peak goldfields to pan enough ore to become a woman of means. When she and the handsome assistant trail boss hit it off, she begins to hope her future may not be spent alone. Then she catches wind of dark secrets from the man’s past, and she’s not sure what or who to believe.
Orphaned as a teenager, Oliver Llewellyn stole to survive, then used his skills for the army during the war. Nowadays, he applies his knowledge to catch dangerous thieves for the Pinkerton Agency, so guarding a young woman during a wagon train journey should be easy. But he didn’t count on the fact she’d angered a man bent on revenge. He also didn’t count on losing his heart.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3bf3xZU
August 4, 2022
Fiction Friday: New Releases
August 2022 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Action/Adventure/Biblical:
The Wanderer Scorned by Natasha Woodcraft -- The Wanderer is a man shrouded in legend. Moving from place to place in the land of Nod, he is known primarily for the curse that hangs over his life. When that curse is invoked during the celebration of a murderous rampage, The Wanderer is summoned to tell his story. Few know the truth of the tale encompassing life, death, love, hate, faith and doubt, for it has been obscured by centuries of rumour. Now, it will be told by the one who lived it—the man who became The Wanderer. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
The Cowgirl’s Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus -- She came home to make things right. Will she be given a second chance? Gloriana Prescott has returned to her Texas hometown to make amends—even if the townsfolk she left behind aren’t ready to forgive. But when her mother’s ranch manager, Justin Broussard, is tasked with saving the struggling rodeo so his teen daughter can compete, Gloriana sees a chance to prove she’s really changed. But can she prove to Justin, and the town, that she’s trustworthy? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
Historical Romance:
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss -- Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping children escape before it’s too late. Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock -- When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico. Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Sugar Baron’s Governess by Elva Cobb Martin -- Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he’s known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the Eagle, when the mood suits him. Currently, he needs a governess for his young daughter whose mother has passed. Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever. Joshua’s precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement...and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Literary Historical:
By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser -- Two courageous young women, tied together by blood and shared passion, will risk everything to save what they love most. For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents’ ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy—a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother’s will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer. Decades earlier, after losing her prized filly to the Great Depression, headstrong Dale Butler sets out to bring her horse home again. In the years that follow, she finds friendship and love in a congenial new riding partner, until tragedy strikes in the midst of World War II. As Allie searches her grandmother’s estate for a way to keep her dream alive, she uncovers bits and pieces of Nana Dale’s past with her champion filly, a young man named Tommy, and one fateful night in 1943 during the Battle of the Atlantic. (Literary Historical from Bethany House/Baker Publishing)
[image error] Land that I Love by Gail Kittleson -- Set in the German Hill Country of Texas during World War II, this is more than a love story. It is about the racism and bigotry that still exist in our world. As these characters struggle with the problems of everyday life, they teach us that we survive hard times by being good neighbors despite our differences and that hatred can be conquered by love, understanding and forgiveness. (Literary Historical from WordCrafts Press)
Thriller/Suspense/Romance:
Tracking the Truth by Sharee Stover -- Temporarily working in the cold case division was supposed to mean less danger for state trooper Trey Jackson and his injured K-9 partner, Magnum—until they thwart an abduction. Now he must protect profiler Justine Stark, even as she blames him for her friend’s death ten years ago. Can he right past wrongs by finally solving the murder…and making sure Justine lives to find closure? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)
[image error] Winter Deceptions: A Collection of Christian Suspense Novels by Dan Walsh, et. al -- MURDER ON FLIGHT 91 by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry: When a passenger collapses on an international flight, is it a medical emergency, or attempted murder? ◆◆◆ TWAS THE NIGHT by Dan Walsh: After experiencing an unspeakable tragedy, a young mother relocates from Brooklyn to a small mountain town in North Carolina. Will this be the fresh start she’s hoping for or the beginning of an even greater upheaval to her fragile world? ◆◆◆ ONE WONDERS by Luana Ehrlich: Silas McKay's worst fears are realized when his investigation takes an unexpected turn. ◆◆◆ THE VOW by D.L. Wood: Kate’s husband left her a year ago, ending their marriage without warning. But when things turn sinister, will she be able to uncover what’s really going on before the danger closes in? ◆◆◆ ZERO TRUST by Jan Thompson: When Mira hires a former soldier to help her assassinate her mother’s killer, she doesn’t expect to target her own father. ◆◆◆ TRIGGERS by Terry Toler: Will Trigger, the loveable German Shepherd with military skills, be able to save a woman running from an abusive husband and a war hero with PTSD? ◆◆◆ AGAINST THE DARKNESS by H.L. Wegley: When Meiling Chen flees to America with vengeful Chinese agents in pursuit, can she find an American medical researcher she can trust? ◆◆◆ TOO LATE by Liz Bradford: Can Chloe Jacobs, a search and rescue K9 handler, overcome her past trauma before it's too late for her and her partner, Josh Schneider, or will her fears cause a fatal mistake? ◆◆◆ STEALTH GENESIS by Vikki Kestell: East of Dr. Daniel Bickel’s Albuquerque laboratory lies the old Manzano Weapons Storage Facility, a mountain with dangerous secrets that have all but been forgotten . . . or have they? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
A Feeling of Home by <844href="http://www.fictionfinder.com/author/d..." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Susan Anne Mason, Within Isabelle's heart and their siblings' relationship, her future looks very different than anything she could have imagined. (Historical Romance)
Grace on the Mountain Trail by Misty M. Beller, This epic journey is her last hope to find her lost brother—the only family she has left. (Historical Romance)
Matters of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, Will stubbornness keep them from discovering God’s best? (Historical Romance)
More than Grit by Gretchen Carlson, When do secrets become lies? When is grit not enough? (Young Adult)
Redemption’s Hope by Kathleen D. Bailey, A man without a country and a woman with too much past. (Western Romance)
The Help of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis , Once a cowboy...always a cowboy. But when life delivers Chad a chance to hang up his boots and spurs, he's all in. (Contemporary Romance)
Action/Adventure/Biblical:
The Wanderer Scorned by Natasha Woodcraft -- The Wanderer is a man shrouded in legend. Moving from place to place in the land of Nod, he is known primarily for the curse that hangs over his life. When that curse is invoked during the celebration of a murderous rampage, The Wanderer is summoned to tell his story. Few know the truth of the tale encompassing life, death, love, hate, faith and doubt, for it has been obscured by centuries of rumour. Now, it will be told by the one who lived it—the man who became The Wanderer. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)Contemporary Romance:
The Cowgirl’s Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus -- She came home to make things right. Will she be given a second chance? Gloriana Prescott has returned to her Texas hometown to make amends—even if the townsfolk she left behind aren’t ready to forgive. But when her mother’s ranch manager, Justin Broussard, is tasked with saving the struggling rodeo so his teen daughter can compete, Gloriana sees a chance to prove she’s really changed. But can she prove to Justin, and the town, that she’s trustworthy? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)Historical Romance:
Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss -- Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping children escape before it’s too late. Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock -- When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico. Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Sugar Baron’s Governess by Elva Cobb Martin -- Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he’s known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the Eagle, when the mood suits him. Currently, he needs a governess for his young daughter whose mother has passed. Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever. Joshua’s precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement...and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)Literary Historical:
By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser -- Two courageous young women, tied together by blood and shared passion, will risk everything to save what they love most. For as long as she can remember, Allie Massey, a gifted physical therapist, has dreamed of making her grandparents’ ten-acre estate into a trauma recovery center using equine therapy—a dream her grandmother, Nana Dale, embraced wholeheartedly. But when her grandmother’s will is read, Allie is shocked to learn the property has been sold to a developer. Decades earlier, after losing her prized filly to the Great Depression, headstrong Dale Butler sets out to bring her horse home again. In the years that follow, she finds friendship and love in a congenial new riding partner, until tragedy strikes in the midst of World War II. As Allie searches her grandmother’s estate for a way to keep her dream alive, she uncovers bits and pieces of Nana Dale’s past with her champion filly, a young man named Tommy, and one fateful night in 1943 during the Battle of the Atlantic. (Literary Historical from Bethany House/Baker Publishing)[image error] Land that I Love by Gail Kittleson -- Set in the German Hill Country of Texas during World War II, this is more than a love story. It is about the racism and bigotry that still exist in our world. As these characters struggle with the problems of everyday life, they teach us that we survive hard times by being good neighbors despite our differences and that hatred can be conquered by love, understanding and forgiveness. (Literary Historical from WordCrafts Press)
Thriller/Suspense/Romance:
Tracking the Truth by Sharee Stover -- Temporarily working in the cold case division was supposed to mean less danger for state trooper Trey Jackson and his injured K-9 partner, Magnum—until they thwart an abduction. Now he must protect profiler Justine Stark, even as she blames him for her friend’s death ten years ago. Can he right past wrongs by finally solving the murder…and making sure Justine lives to find closure? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)[image error] Winter Deceptions: A Collection of Christian Suspense Novels by Dan Walsh, et. al -- MURDER ON FLIGHT 91 by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry: When a passenger collapses on an international flight, is it a medical emergency, or attempted murder? ◆◆◆ TWAS THE NIGHT by Dan Walsh: After experiencing an unspeakable tragedy, a young mother relocates from Brooklyn to a small mountain town in North Carolina. Will this be the fresh start she’s hoping for or the beginning of an even greater upheaval to her fragile world? ◆◆◆ ONE WONDERS by Luana Ehrlich: Silas McKay's worst fears are realized when his investigation takes an unexpected turn. ◆◆◆ THE VOW by D.L. Wood: Kate’s husband left her a year ago, ending their marriage without warning. But when things turn sinister, will she be able to uncover what’s really going on before the danger closes in? ◆◆◆ ZERO TRUST by Jan Thompson: When Mira hires a former soldier to help her assassinate her mother’s killer, she doesn’t expect to target her own father. ◆◆◆ TRIGGERS by Terry Toler: Will Trigger, the loveable German Shepherd with military skills, be able to save a woman running from an abusive husband and a war hero with PTSD? ◆◆◆ AGAINST THE DARKNESS by H.L. Wegley: When Meiling Chen flees to America with vengeful Chinese agents in pursuit, can she find an American medical researcher she can trust? ◆◆◆ TOO LATE by Liz Bradford: Can Chloe Jacobs, a search and rescue K9 handler, overcome her past trauma before it's too late for her and her partner, Josh Schneider, or will her fears cause a fatal mistake? ◆◆◆ STEALTH GENESIS by Vikki Kestell: East of Dr. Daniel Bickel’s Albuquerque laboratory lies the old Manzano Weapons Storage Facility, a mountain with dangerous secrets that have all but been forgotten . . . or have they? (Thriller/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
A Feeling of Home by <844href="http://www.fictionfinder.com/author/d..." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Susan Anne Mason, Within Isabelle's heart and their siblings' relationship, her future looks very different than anything she could have imagined. (Historical Romance)
Grace on the Mountain Trail by Misty M. Beller, This epic journey is her last hope to find her lost brother—the only family she has left. (Historical Romance)
Matters of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, Will stubbornness keep them from discovering God’s best? (Historical Romance)
More than Grit by Gretchen Carlson, When do secrets become lies? When is grit not enough? (Young Adult)
Redemption’s Hope by Kathleen D. Bailey, A man without a country and a woman with too much past. (Western Romance)
The Help of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis , Once a cowboy...always a cowboy. But when life delivers Chad a chance to hang up his boots and spurs, he's all in. (Contemporary Romance)
August 3, 2022
Welcome Back, June Foster!
Welcome Back, June Foster!
LM: Welcome back! It’s been a while since you joined me, and you’ve published quite a few books in the meantime. Congratulations on your recent release A Home in Cranberry Cove. What was your inspiration for the story?
June: Hi Linda, I'm so glad to return to your blog. A Home in Cranberry Cove is book 4 in the series. Micah Collins and Madison Mitchell were minor characters in book 3, Christian in Cranberry Cove. I simply had to allow them to tell their story. Afterall, Micah lived with a secret from his previous life, and Madison wanted to share her sudden and regrettable divorce—and how she came to know the Savior.
LM: A Home in Cranberry Cove is book four in the series. Did you set out to write a series, and can readers expect to see more stories? How did you come up with the location?
June: I didn't originally set out to write a series, but the characters continued to ask if they could share their stories. There will be a book 5 in this series, but because of publishing concerns, it won't be available until the end of 2023. The location of the series is the real-life coastal town of Ilwaco, Washington. On the front cover of the first book, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, there's a picture of the actual inn where the stories are set. My husband and I have stayed there several times, and I determined to write a story that took place in the fictional Inn at Cranberry Cove.
LM: What is your favorite aspect of writing?
June: My favorite part of writing is that I can manipulate the plot. In other words, I can orchestrate a
Pixabay/Roger Mosleyhappy ending. If a character is struggling with their spirituality, I can allow them to decide to accept Jesus into their lives—but in a realistic manner. My prayer is that readers will do the same after their read about a character's decision.
LM: What do you do to prepare for writing?
June: I am not a pantster but a plotter so I have to plan out the story ahead of time. I generally write a scene-by-scene synopsis of the entire book before I begin. I like to do a GMC on each main character. That is their Goals, Motivation, and Conflict. What do they want and what motivates them? Conflict is what stands in the way of the character achieving their goals. I learn a lot about the characters like this. I also like to print off a picture of what I envision that character might look like. Sometimes I draw a sketch of the town where they live. I keep all the information in a notebook.
LM: You and your husband have RV’ed around the country. How does that inform your writing, and did you have a specific adventure that sparked a story idea?
Pixabay/Siggy NowakJune: Definitely. The Cranberry Cove series is one example. We lived in Washington state and then when we bought the RV, we traveled in the Pacific Northwest for a while as well. We took many trips to southwestern Washington where the story takes as well as down the Oregon coast.
LM: You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do?
June: Believe it or not, I've always wanted to be able to speak Spanish. I took two years of Spanish in high school and heard the language spoken when I lived in the southwestern part of the US, but I've never mastered the language. I suppose being busy with a career, raising a family, and now writing is an excuse, but this is one thing I wanted to do but didn't.
LM: What is your next project?
June: I'm working on book 5 right now, however after that, I may take a break from writing—or not. I'll see how the Lord leads.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
June: Website: http://www.junefoster.comAmazon Page: https://amzn.to/3ymlGObFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster Twitter: https://twitter.com/vjifoster
About A Home in Cranberry Cove
Madison Mitchell will never trust a man again. The love of her life broke her heart and married a French chef. Now she throws herself into her work at The Inn at Cranberry Cove. When she accidentally tangles with the manager of a nearby fishing supply store, she suspects the handsome guy is hiding something.
Micah Collins flees Sacramento seeking solace in the seaside village in Washington state. But he discovers an enemy has followed him to Cranberry Cove. He must endure frightful threats at the same time keeping his previous life secret. When Madison finds herself in danger, Micah blames himself. Madison and Micah are haunted by someone from Micah's past, but is the culprit the real enemy or should they look elsewhere? Will they find a future together?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ztZXED
LM: Welcome back! It’s been a while since you joined me, and you’ve published quite a few books in the meantime. Congratulations on your recent release A Home in Cranberry Cove. What was your inspiration for the story? June: Hi Linda, I'm so glad to return to your blog. A Home in Cranberry Cove is book 4 in the series. Micah Collins and Madison Mitchell were minor characters in book 3, Christian in Cranberry Cove. I simply had to allow them to tell their story. Afterall, Micah lived with a secret from his previous life, and Madison wanted to share her sudden and regrettable divorce—and how she came to know the Savior.
LM: A Home in Cranberry Cove is book four in the series. Did you set out to write a series, and can readers expect to see more stories? How did you come up with the location?
June: I didn't originally set out to write a series, but the characters continued to ask if they could share their stories. There will be a book 5 in this series, but because of publishing concerns, it won't be available until the end of 2023. The location of the series is the real-life coastal town of Ilwaco, Washington. On the front cover of the first book, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, there's a picture of the actual inn where the stories are set. My husband and I have stayed there several times, and I determined to write a story that took place in the fictional Inn at Cranberry Cove.
LM: What is your favorite aspect of writing?
June: My favorite part of writing is that I can manipulate the plot. In other words, I can orchestrate a
Pixabay/Roger Mosleyhappy ending. If a character is struggling with their spirituality, I can allow them to decide to accept Jesus into their lives—but in a realistic manner. My prayer is that readers will do the same after their read about a character's decision. LM: What do you do to prepare for writing?
June: I am not a pantster but a plotter so I have to plan out the story ahead of time. I generally write a scene-by-scene synopsis of the entire book before I begin. I like to do a GMC on each main character. That is their Goals, Motivation, and Conflict. What do they want and what motivates them? Conflict is what stands in the way of the character achieving their goals. I learn a lot about the characters like this. I also like to print off a picture of what I envision that character might look like. Sometimes I draw a sketch of the town where they live. I keep all the information in a notebook.
LM: You and your husband have RV’ed around the country. How does that inform your writing, and did you have a specific adventure that sparked a story idea?
Pixabay/Siggy NowakJune: Definitely. The Cranberry Cove series is one example. We lived in Washington state and then when we bought the RV, we traveled in the Pacific Northwest for a while as well. We took many trips to southwestern Washington where the story takes as well as down the Oregon coast.LM: You’ve accomplished quite a lot. What is one thing you wish you could do?
June: Believe it or not, I've always wanted to be able to speak Spanish. I took two years of Spanish in high school and heard the language spoken when I lived in the southwestern part of the US, but I've never mastered the language. I suppose being busy with a career, raising a family, and now writing is an excuse, but this is one thing I wanted to do but didn't.
LM: What is your next project?
June: I'm working on book 5 right now, however after that, I may take a break from writing—or not. I'll see how the Lord leads.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
June: Website: http://www.junefoster.comAmazon Page: https://amzn.to/3ymlGObFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster Twitter: https://twitter.com/vjifoster
About A Home in Cranberry Cove
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Madison Mitchell will never trust a man again. The love of her life broke her heart and married a French chef. Now she throws herself into her work at The Inn at Cranberry Cove. When she accidentally tangles with the manager of a nearby fishing supply store, she suspects the handsome guy is hiding something. Micah Collins flees Sacramento seeking solace in the seaside village in Washington state. But he discovers an enemy has followed him to Cranberry Cove. He must endure frightful threats at the same time keeping his previous life secret. When Madison finds herself in danger, Micah blames himself. Madison and Micah are haunted by someone from Micah's past, but is the culprit the real enemy or should they look elsewhere? Will they find a future together?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3ztZXED
July 27, 2022
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sara Watterson
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Sara Watterson
LINDA: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your debut fantasy novel This Dreamer. I love biblical retellings! Why did you choose this particular Bible story, and how did you come up with your adaptation?
SARA: Thank you! And thanks for allowing me a space on your blog. The initial ideas for This Dreamer have been churning in my mind since 2011. I don’t remember the exact moment I landed on the story of Joseph, but I knew I wanted a biblical tie-in. After reading one of my favorite secular YA book series, I finally had an aha moment. In it, the author presents four fairytale retellings in four dystopian/sci-fi books. But the fairy stories are intertwined. The characters from one story carry over into the next fulfilling supporting roles in the following books. It’s a clever concept, and I thought, why can’t I do that with a few beloved Bible characters?
My series, The Chronicles of the Marked, begins with Joseph and the coat of many colors in the first book, Queen Esther will follow, and then Samson. The over-arching story tying them together represents heaven as well as Satan’s deception in the world and his eventual dismissal from God’s presence. My protagonist, Evie, is a part of this higher concept, layered over the retelling. It’s very much a Good vs. Evil story.
I also wanted to pen a message for my adopted daughter. I try to convey a message of purpose and belonging. One of my characters is in foster care, as she once was. He wrestles with the question, Why am I here if my birth mom didn’t want me?
LINDA: What is your writing process like, and how much research was necessary for this story?
SARA: Well, there are pantsers and plotters and then there are over plotters. That’s me! I LOVE the
Pixabay/Gidon Picooutlining process, and I create incredibly detailed outlines before writing a single word of a novel. I read the Joseph story in Genesis many times and sketched a hero’s journey outline for it. Then I added my own characters and elements to mirror that. I also researched miracles and extraordinary powers in the Bible. Every powerful “Gift” in my story can be found in the Bible, with my own flair, of course: Strength, Water-Moving, Prophetic Dreams, etc.
LINDA: What is your favorite aspect of writing?
SARA: Coming up with the story idea and making all the pieces fit together. In other words, OUTLINING! Is that weird?
LINDA: Not at all, but I love to outline too, so I'm a bit biased! LOL. What do you do to prepare for writing? (e.g., do you listen to music, set up in a certain area, etc.)
SARA: I love to write either outside if the weather is nice or in a coffee shop. I don’t always remember, but I try to spend time in prayer before I get started. Then I grab some black coffee and get with it. When in a coffee shop, I often listen to instrumental music. Lately, my favorite has been The Greatest Showman soundtrack piano medley.
LINDA: You’re a teacher, a mom, a writer, and run a website. How do you juggle all your responsibilities?
SARA: It can be exhausting. And to be honest, I struggle to find time in the summer when my kids are home. But my kids are school age, and I only teach a few hours a day from August to May. During those months, I try to be disciplined and use my time wisely.
LINDA: What is one thing you wish you could do?
SARA: I wish I could pound out 2000+ words a day. Even when I have the time, I can’t stay focused for that long. After a few hours, I get restless and have to accept I’m done for the day.
LINDA: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer to fledgling writers?
Pixabay/Janeb13SARA: Stick to it! It takes hard work and may take a very long time, but it’s worth it to finally get your book baby out into the world. Pray before writing. Ask for God’s guidance, and he will help the words flow. And don’t wait until you’re about to launch your book to get serious about researching marking and social media. Start connecting with readers and other authors now. If I could go back, this is something I would do differently.
LINDA: What is your next project?
SARA: When I finish book two of my current series, I’ll be excited to jump back into another series I’ve kept on the back burner. I have a detailed outline (are you surprised?) and a 30,000-word start on a YA sci-fi/fantasy romance.
LINDA: Where can folks find you on the web?
SARA: You can find me on my website, http://www.sarawatterson.com, Instagram: @sarawattersonwrites, and Facebook: @sarawattersonwrites. I recently revamped the aesthetic of my website and Instagram. Check it out!
About This Dreamer:
Evie grows restless observing mortals from the safety of her desk in the Control Room. When a friend offers to smuggle her by portal into the human world, she jumps at the opportunity. Secretly, she also hopes to observe Adan, the human Dreamer. Only a glimpse, she promises herself.
But trouble awaits after her captivating adventure and delayed return. Not only did she take an unsanctioned trip to the ground, but now the boy, the Dreamer, is missing. Worse still, Evie’s director believes she is to blame.
Evidence places Adan in another sector, where Gifted humans are forbidden.
Donning a human body and wielding a golden blade, Evie’s orders are to travel to this uncharted territory, find Adan, and take care of the problem.
As she attempts to keep the human emotions at bay, she discovers this intriguing boy was smuggled here for a reason, and perhaps the culprit—the Deceiver—is a threat to them all.
This YA adventure is an enthralling mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance, a clean fantasy book for teens and tweens inspired by Joseph and his coat of many colors.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3cEWc68
LINDA: Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your debut fantasy novel This Dreamer. I love biblical retellings! Why did you choose this particular Bible story, and how did you come up with your adaptation? SARA: Thank you! And thanks for allowing me a space on your blog. The initial ideas for This Dreamer have been churning in my mind since 2011. I don’t remember the exact moment I landed on the story of Joseph, but I knew I wanted a biblical tie-in. After reading one of my favorite secular YA book series, I finally had an aha moment. In it, the author presents four fairytale retellings in four dystopian/sci-fi books. But the fairy stories are intertwined. The characters from one story carry over into the next fulfilling supporting roles in the following books. It’s a clever concept, and I thought, why can’t I do that with a few beloved Bible characters?
My series, The Chronicles of the Marked, begins with Joseph and the coat of many colors in the first book, Queen Esther will follow, and then Samson. The over-arching story tying them together represents heaven as well as Satan’s deception in the world and his eventual dismissal from God’s presence. My protagonist, Evie, is a part of this higher concept, layered over the retelling. It’s very much a Good vs. Evil story.
I also wanted to pen a message for my adopted daughter. I try to convey a message of purpose and belonging. One of my characters is in foster care, as she once was. He wrestles with the question, Why am I here if my birth mom didn’t want me?
LINDA: What is your writing process like, and how much research was necessary for this story?
SARA: Well, there are pantsers and plotters and then there are over plotters. That’s me! I LOVE the
Pixabay/Gidon Picooutlining process, and I create incredibly detailed outlines before writing a single word of a novel. I read the Joseph story in Genesis many times and sketched a hero’s journey outline for it. Then I added my own characters and elements to mirror that. I also researched miracles and extraordinary powers in the Bible. Every powerful “Gift” in my story can be found in the Bible, with my own flair, of course: Strength, Water-Moving, Prophetic Dreams, etc.LINDA: What is your favorite aspect of writing?
SARA: Coming up with the story idea and making all the pieces fit together. In other words, OUTLINING! Is that weird?
LINDA: Not at all, but I love to outline too, so I'm a bit biased! LOL. What do you do to prepare for writing? (e.g., do you listen to music, set up in a certain area, etc.)
SARA: I love to write either outside if the weather is nice or in a coffee shop. I don’t always remember, but I try to spend time in prayer before I get started. Then I grab some black coffee and get with it. When in a coffee shop, I often listen to instrumental music. Lately, my favorite has been The Greatest Showman soundtrack piano medley.
LINDA: You’re a teacher, a mom, a writer, and run a website. How do you juggle all your responsibilities?
SARA: It can be exhausting. And to be honest, I struggle to find time in the summer when my kids are home. But my kids are school age, and I only teach a few hours a day from August to May. During those months, I try to be disciplined and use my time wisely.
LINDA: What is one thing you wish you could do?
SARA: I wish I could pound out 2000+ words a day. Even when I have the time, I can’t stay focused for that long. After a few hours, I get restless and have to accept I’m done for the day.
LINDA: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer to fledgling writers?
Pixabay/Janeb13SARA: Stick to it! It takes hard work and may take a very long time, but it’s worth it to finally get your book baby out into the world. Pray before writing. Ask for God’s guidance, and he will help the words flow. And don’t wait until you’re about to launch your book to get serious about researching marking and social media. Start connecting with readers and other authors now. If I could go back, this is something I would do differently.LINDA: What is your next project?
SARA: When I finish book two of my current series, I’ll be excited to jump back into another series I’ve kept on the back burner. I have a detailed outline (are you surprised?) and a 30,000-word start on a YA sci-fi/fantasy romance.
LINDA: Where can folks find you on the web?
SARA: You can find me on my website, http://www.sarawatterson.com, Instagram: @sarawattersonwrites, and Facebook: @sarawattersonwrites. I recently revamped the aesthetic of my website and Instagram. Check it out!
About This Dreamer:
Evie grows restless observing mortals from the safety of her desk in the Control Room. When a friend offers to smuggle her by portal into the human world, she jumps at the opportunity. Secretly, she also hopes to observe Adan, the human Dreamer. Only a glimpse, she promises herself. But trouble awaits after her captivating adventure and delayed return. Not only did she take an unsanctioned trip to the ground, but now the boy, the Dreamer, is missing. Worse still, Evie’s director believes she is to blame.
Evidence places Adan in another sector, where Gifted humans are forbidden.
Donning a human body and wielding a golden blade, Evie’s orders are to travel to this uncharted territory, find Adan, and take care of the problem.
As she attempts to keep the human emotions at bay, she discovers this intriguing boy was smuggled here for a reason, and perhaps the culprit—the Deceiver—is a threat to them all.
This YA adventure is an enthralling mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance, a clean fantasy book for teens and tweens inspired by Joseph and his coat of many colors.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3cEWc68
July 25, 2022
Traveling Tuesday: Pike’s Peak
Traveling Tuesday: Pike’s Peak
WikiImages“Pike’s Peak or bust!”
The snow was still deep in the Rocky Mountains when word got out that gold could be found in the rocks and rivers of western Kansas and southwestern Nebraska Territories. Starting in mid-summer 1858 and lasting until just before the creation of Colorado Territory in February 1861, the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush (later known as the Colorado Gold Rush), brought more than 100,000 prospectors flooding across the continent to seek their fortune. Some came east from California where they’d landed ten years earlier, while others traveled west, and a small percentage even crossed an ocean in search of riches.
At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and named for American explorer Zebulon Pike, who interestingly never made it to the summit. Even though the rush was named Pike’s Peak, in reality, the location centered eighty-five miles north of there. Reporters began to use the area as a reference because it was well-known and considered important at the time.
The “Fifty-Niners” (named after 1859, the peak year of the rush), coined the phrase “Pike’s Peak or Bust.” Painted on the side of covered wagon canvases and scrawled in letters home, the phrase became the mantra of many a prospector.
People were so intent on finding wealth, that some arrived in the late fall and early winter of 1858, then
Pixabay/Beverly Lussierrealized the error of their ways when there was no food or fuel to be had. During the initial years of the rush, most prospectors laid claims along the South Platte River in Clear Creek Canyon. By 1861, over 150,000 ounces of gold had been found with another 225,000 ounces in 1862, leading Congress to establish the Denver Mint. By 1865 production was 1.25 million ounces!
The population exploded, and Denver City and Boulder City developed into cities from mining camps. Some of the smaller camps such as Auraria and Saint Charles City were absorbed by larger camps and towns. Other mining camps became ghost towns, such as Central City, Black Hawk, and Idaho Springs.
WikiImagesThe organization of Colorado Territory just before the Civil War had a major impact on Union control of the mineral-rich area of the Rocky Mountains. It was thought that statehood was imminent by war’s end, but the bill was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson in 1865. Colorado Territory would not become the State of Colorado for another twenty-one years.
______________
About Gold Rush Bride Caroline
She thinks he’s high-handed and out for her gold. He thinks she’s difficult and money-hungry. Will they discover that love is the true treasure?
Scarred in a childhood accident, Caroline Vogel has yet to find a man willing to marry her, so she heads to the Pike’s Peak goldfields to pan enough ore to become a woman of means. When she and the handsome assistant trail boss hit it off, she begins to hope her future may not be spent alone. Then she catches wind of dark secrets from the man’s past, and she’s not sure what or who to believe.
Orphaned as a teenager, Oliver Llewellyn stole to survive, then used his skills for the army during the war. Nowadays, he applies his knowledge to catch dangerous thieves for the Pinkerton Agency, so guarding a young woman during a wagon train journey should be easy. But he didn’t count on the fact she’d angered a man bent on revenge. He also didn’t count on losing his heart.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3NNd4Vn
WikiImages“Pike’s Peak or bust!” The snow was still deep in the Rocky Mountains when word got out that gold could be found in the rocks and rivers of western Kansas and southwestern Nebraska Territories. Starting in mid-summer 1858 and lasting until just before the creation of Colorado Territory in February 1861, the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush (later known as the Colorado Gold Rush), brought more than 100,000 prospectors flooding across the continent to seek their fortune. Some came east from California where they’d landed ten years earlier, while others traveled west, and a small percentage even crossed an ocean in search of riches.
At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and named for American explorer Zebulon Pike, who interestingly never made it to the summit. Even though the rush was named Pike’s Peak, in reality, the location centered eighty-five miles north of there. Reporters began to use the area as a reference because it was well-known and considered important at the time.
The “Fifty-Niners” (named after 1859, the peak year of the rush), coined the phrase “Pike’s Peak or Bust.” Painted on the side of covered wagon canvases and scrawled in letters home, the phrase became the mantra of many a prospector.
People were so intent on finding wealth, that some arrived in the late fall and early winter of 1858, then
Pixabay/Beverly Lussierrealized the error of their ways when there was no food or fuel to be had. During the initial years of the rush, most prospectors laid claims along the South Platte River in Clear Creek Canyon. By 1861, over 150,000 ounces of gold had been found with another 225,000 ounces in 1862, leading Congress to establish the Denver Mint. By 1865 production was 1.25 million ounces!The population exploded, and Denver City and Boulder City developed into cities from mining camps. Some of the smaller camps such as Auraria and Saint Charles City were absorbed by larger camps and towns. Other mining camps became ghost towns, such as Central City, Black Hawk, and Idaho Springs.
WikiImagesThe organization of Colorado Territory just before the Civil War had a major impact on Union control of the mineral-rich area of the Rocky Mountains. It was thought that statehood was imminent by war’s end, but the bill was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson in 1865. Colorado Territory would not become the State of Colorado for another twenty-one years.______________
About Gold Rush Bride Caroline
She thinks he’s high-handed and out for her gold. He thinks she’s difficult and money-hungry. Will they discover that love is the true treasure? Scarred in a childhood accident, Caroline Vogel has yet to find a man willing to marry her, so she heads to the Pike’s Peak goldfields to pan enough ore to become a woman of means. When she and the handsome assistant trail boss hit it off, she begins to hope her future may not be spent alone. Then she catches wind of dark secrets from the man’s past, and she’s not sure what or who to believe.
Orphaned as a teenager, Oliver Llewellyn stole to survive, then used his skills for the army during the war. Nowadays, he applies his knowledge to catch dangerous thieves for the Pinkerton Agency, so guarding a young woman during a wagon train journey should be easy. But he didn’t count on the fact she’d angered a man bent on revenge. He also didn’t count on losing his heart.
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3NNd4Vn
July 20, 2022
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Anglea Shelton
Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Anglea Shelton
Linda: Welcome! Congratulations on your new novella. The book is a prequel to your Collapse series. Why did you decide to write a prequel, and what was your inspiration for the plot?
Angela: Thank you for inviting me to share my story with you, Linda. My Collapse series is a post-apocalyptic story that begins after the big event has already occurred. I thought it would be interesting to go back and show how the world moved from being “normal” to collapsing. In the first book of the series there is a character, Lizzy, who is hyper-friendly, but the main protagonist wants nothing to do with her. She was a natural fit for the prequel to show how her life changed forever and why she was so desperate for a friend.
LM: What sort of research did you have to do for this book?
Angela: I’ve worked in healthcare my entire career. Though I’m an accountant, I’ve worked side-by-side with doctors and nurses and have seen how COVID has transformed our industry in so many ways. It seemed natural to take the current pandemic to the next level. My husband is an ex-paratrooper and a police officer, so I drew on his knowledge for some scenes in the first book.
LM: How did you choose character names and occupations for your stories?
Pixabay/Steve BuissinneAngela: In the prequel, Lizzy’s mom is an accountant, which is an occupation I live every day, so it was easy to write about. I worked in construction when I was young, so making the protagonist’s father a construction worker also worked well. As far as selecting names, I researched names that were common in the year I assumed each character was born. It was rather funny to realize that I hadn’t been as random as I’d thought—I accidentally named three characters in my series by family names without realizing it. One, I ended up changing before publication but two didn’t get changed as I realized too late.
LM: You have a full-time job, own a farm, and write stories. How do you balance all of your responsibilities?
Angela: Balance in life is always something I strive for, but sometimes fall short of. For me, the key is to realize when I’ve gotten maxed out and need to take a break. Fortunately, I have two sisters who live within just a couple of hours’ drive. When I need a break, they’re very supportive in setting aside “girl time” for me. My alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m. so that I can get in some writing time before the rest of the world is ready to go. On the flip side, I try to be in bed by 9:00 each night. I guess I’ve truly bought into the old phrase that the early bird gets the worm. Only my worms are words.
LM: What books are on your TBR pile?
Angela:. I’m a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association as well as Word Weavers and participate in their critique groups. I don’t have nearly enough time to critique all the submissions out there but will often pick up a chapter here and there of other author’s work. Some of them have fantastic projects in the making and once they’re finished and have final titles, I can’t wait to read the published books.
LM: What would you tell your younger writing self?
Angela: My first year in college, I took an elective writing course. The professor tried to encourage me to change my major to writing. Though I enjoyed creating, I didn’t think of it as a viable career back then. If I could go back, I would have taken writing as a minor to accompany my accounting major.
LM: What’s next for you?
Pixabay/StockSnapAngela: I’m writing my last book in the series now. Once that’s done, I’ve got another series forming in my brain that is a change from the post-apocalyptic genre. I can’t wait to get started on that new project.
Linda: Where can folks connect with you?
Angela: My website http://www.AngelaDShelton.com is the best place to connect with me. When you sign up for my newsletter, you have the option of receiving either my prequel novella, Downfall or the first book of the Collapse series, The Death of Friendship for FREE. It’s a risk-free way to try out my writing and see if you’d enjoy the series. I only send newsletters when I have something exciting to share or freebies to give away, so don’t worry that I’ll blow your inbox up with junk. And you can unsubscribe anytime you wish.
About Downfall:
The only thing anyone wants to talk about lately is the stupid virus that’s making people sick around the globe. But thirteen-year-old Lizzy Tilbrook has bigger things on her mind, like winning her class presidency.
It’s the first stepping-stone in her plan to get into Yale. Then she’ll capture the title of Atlanta’s top lawyer. Lizzy doesn’t need friends to do that — she needs voters. She’ll do anything to win them over and take down her rival. The new pandemic is just a speed bump along the way.
Or so she thinks.
When the virus reactivates in individuals who’ve already had it, it snuffs out millions of lives within days. Insanity and chaos follow. Supply chains collapse, along with Lizzy’s plans.
Soon there aren’t enough essential resources to go around. Violence erupts.
With no place safe, priorities shift, and relationships become vital. Suddenly, being a lone wolf isn’t a sign of strength. It’s her greatest weakness. Lizzy must find allies or face the apocalypse alone.
Downfall, prequel to the Collapse Series, an apocalyptic, young adult novel. Experience the beginning of the Collapse by Angela D. Shelton.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57J2MD2
Linda: Welcome! Congratulations on your new novella. The book is a prequel to your Collapse series. Why did you decide to write a prequel, and what was your inspiration for the plot? Angela: Thank you for inviting me to share my story with you, Linda. My Collapse series is a post-apocalyptic story that begins after the big event has already occurred. I thought it would be interesting to go back and show how the world moved from being “normal” to collapsing. In the first book of the series there is a character, Lizzy, who is hyper-friendly, but the main protagonist wants nothing to do with her. She was a natural fit for the prequel to show how her life changed forever and why she was so desperate for a friend.
LM: What sort of research did you have to do for this book?
Angela: I’ve worked in healthcare my entire career. Though I’m an accountant, I’ve worked side-by-side with doctors and nurses and have seen how COVID has transformed our industry in so many ways. It seemed natural to take the current pandemic to the next level. My husband is an ex-paratrooper and a police officer, so I drew on his knowledge for some scenes in the first book.
LM: How did you choose character names and occupations for your stories?
Pixabay/Steve BuissinneAngela: In the prequel, Lizzy’s mom is an accountant, which is an occupation I live every day, so it was easy to write about. I worked in construction when I was young, so making the protagonist’s father a construction worker also worked well. As far as selecting names, I researched names that were common in the year I assumed each character was born. It was rather funny to realize that I hadn’t been as random as I’d thought—I accidentally named three characters in my series by family names without realizing it. One, I ended up changing before publication but two didn’t get changed as I realized too late. LM: You have a full-time job, own a farm, and write stories. How do you balance all of your responsibilities?
Angela: Balance in life is always something I strive for, but sometimes fall short of. For me, the key is to realize when I’ve gotten maxed out and need to take a break. Fortunately, I have two sisters who live within just a couple of hours’ drive. When I need a break, they’re very supportive in setting aside “girl time” for me. My alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m. so that I can get in some writing time before the rest of the world is ready to go. On the flip side, I try to be in bed by 9:00 each night. I guess I’ve truly bought into the old phrase that the early bird gets the worm. Only my worms are words.
LM: What books are on your TBR pile?
Angela:. I’m a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association as well as Word Weavers and participate in their critique groups. I don’t have nearly enough time to critique all the submissions out there but will often pick up a chapter here and there of other author’s work. Some of them have fantastic projects in the making and once they’re finished and have final titles, I can’t wait to read the published books.
LM: What would you tell your younger writing self?
Angela: My first year in college, I took an elective writing course. The professor tried to encourage me to change my major to writing. Though I enjoyed creating, I didn’t think of it as a viable career back then. If I could go back, I would have taken writing as a minor to accompany my accounting major.
LM: What’s next for you?
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Pixabay/StockSnapAngela: I’m writing my last book in the series now. Once that’s done, I’ve got another series forming in my brain that is a change from the post-apocalyptic genre. I can’t wait to get started on that new project. Linda: Where can folks connect with you?
Angela: My website http://www.AngelaDShelton.com is the best place to connect with me. When you sign up for my newsletter, you have the option of receiving either my prequel novella, Downfall or the first book of the Collapse series, The Death of Friendship for FREE. It’s a risk-free way to try out my writing and see if you’d enjoy the series. I only send newsletters when I have something exciting to share or freebies to give away, so don’t worry that I’ll blow your inbox up with junk. And you can unsubscribe anytime you wish.
About Downfall:
The only thing anyone wants to talk about lately is the stupid virus that’s making people sick around the globe. But thirteen-year-old Lizzy Tilbrook has bigger things on her mind, like winning her class presidency. It’s the first stepping-stone in her plan to get into Yale. Then she’ll capture the title of Atlanta’s top lawyer. Lizzy doesn’t need friends to do that — she needs voters. She’ll do anything to win them over and take down her rival. The new pandemic is just a speed bump along the way.
Or so she thinks.
When the virus reactivates in individuals who’ve already had it, it snuffs out millions of lives within days. Insanity and chaos follow. Supply chains collapse, along with Lizzy’s plans.
Soon there aren’t enough essential resources to go around. Violence erupts.
With no place safe, priorities shift, and relationships become vital. Suddenly, being a lone wolf isn’t a sign of strength. It’s her greatest weakness. Lizzy must find allies or face the apocalypse alone.
Downfall, prequel to the Collapse Series, an apocalyptic, young adult novel. Experience the beginning of the Collapse by Angela D. Shelton.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B57J2MD2
July 19, 2022
Wartime Wednesday: Jenny on the Job
Wartime Wednesday: Jenny on the Job
Many of the organizations we know today were created during World War II or as a result of The Great Depression. However, one organization, the United States Public Health Service, was established as a system of marine hospitals in 1798 – that’s right – nearly 150 years earlier.
One source I found indicated that as science began to understand the spread of disease, and how contagions worked, a means to control them and prevent infection was developed. Eventually, it was understood that the strategies would need buy-in from the general public to be successful. A variety of organizations and government agencies were created to implement the strategies, mostly at a municipal level. However, there was some “activity” at the state and federal levels.
During John Adams’ second presidency, Congress authorized the creation of hospitals for mariners
through the 1798 Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen. As the United States boundaries expanded, the number of marine hospitals increased. Over the years, several reorganizations occurred until the hospitals were consolidated into the Marine Hospital Service. A short time later, the Surgeon General’s office and the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps were formed. In 1912, the PHSCC was renamed Public Health Services.
By 1943, PHS had eight divisions and came under the direct supervision of the Surgeon General who
understood that wartime conditions, both at home and in combat zones, can create the spread of disease. On the home front, one of the campaigns that was created to educate the public about safety and sanitation was titled “Jenny on the Job.” The series of eight posters featuring the blonde blue-eyed war industry worker was an immediate hit. Created by artist Kula Robbins (about whom I couldn’t find anything), the posters showed Jenny at work and home, lifting correctly, wearing the correct shoes, keeping clean, and having fun.
In six of the eight posters, Jenny is wearing her uniform, and all-in-one navy jumpsuit, unusual attire for a woman before the war. And in all the scenes, she’s smiling, of course. A theme that comes through (as it did in many advertisements and propaganda of the day) is that even though the women performed men’s jobs, they were to retain their femininity. Note how Jenny cautions women to “keep fresh as a daisy” and “get {their] beauty sleep.” A secondary theme is the idea of taking care of oneself in order to maintain one’s health (and ability to keep the war effort going).
The posters were displayed in the breakrooms and bathrooms of factories, shipyards, and transportation hubs – places where the women would be sure to see them.
__________________
About Love at First Flight
Can two people emerge from the clouds of past hurt to find a silver lining of love?
Evelyn Reid would rather fly than do anything else, so when war engulfs the U.S., she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. One of the program’s top pilots, she is tapped for pursuit plane training...the dream of a lifetime until she discovers the instructor is her ex-fiancé, Jasper MacPherson.
Collecting enough points to rotate stateside, fighter pilot Jasper MacPherson is assigned to teach the WAFS how to fly the army way. Bad enough to be training women, but things take a turn for the worse when his former fiancée shows up as one of his students.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzg9Lj
Many of the organizations we know today were created during World War II or as a result of The Great Depression. However, one organization, the United States Public Health Service, was established as a system of marine hospitals in 1798 – that’s right – nearly 150 years earlier. One source I found indicated that as science began to understand the spread of disease, and how contagions worked, a means to control them and prevent infection was developed. Eventually, it was understood that the strategies would need buy-in from the general public to be successful. A variety of organizations and government agencies were created to implement the strategies, mostly at a municipal level. However, there was some “activity” at the state and federal levels.
During John Adams’ second presidency, Congress authorized the creation of hospitals for mariners
through the 1798 Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen. As the United States boundaries expanded, the number of marine hospitals increased. Over the years, several reorganizations occurred until the hospitals were consolidated into the Marine Hospital Service. A short time later, the Surgeon General’s office and the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps were formed. In 1912, the PHSCC was renamed Public Health Services.By 1943, PHS had eight divisions and came under the direct supervision of the Surgeon General who
understood that wartime conditions, both at home and in combat zones, can create the spread of disease. On the home front, one of the campaigns that was created to educate the public about safety and sanitation was titled “Jenny on the Job.” The series of eight posters featuring the blonde blue-eyed war industry worker was an immediate hit. Created by artist Kula Robbins (about whom I couldn’t find anything), the posters showed Jenny at work and home, lifting correctly, wearing the correct shoes, keeping clean, and having fun.
In six of the eight posters, Jenny is wearing her uniform, and all-in-one navy jumpsuit, unusual attire for a woman before the war. And in all the scenes, she’s smiling, of course. A theme that comes through (as it did in many advertisements and propaganda of the day) is that even though the women performed men’s jobs, they were to retain their femininity. Note how Jenny cautions women to “keep fresh as a daisy” and “get {their] beauty sleep.” A secondary theme is the idea of taking care of oneself in order to maintain one’s health (and ability to keep the war effort going).The posters were displayed in the breakrooms and bathrooms of factories, shipyards, and transportation hubs – places where the women would be sure to see them.
__________________
About Love at First Flight
Can two people emerge from the clouds of past hurt to find a silver lining of love?Evelyn Reid would rather fly than do anything else, so when war engulfs the U.S., she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. One of the program’s top pilots, she is tapped for pursuit plane training...the dream of a lifetime until she discovers the instructor is her ex-fiancé, Jasper MacPherson.
Collecting enough points to rotate stateside, fighter pilot Jasper MacPherson is assigned to teach the WAFS how to fly the army way. Bad enough to be training women, but things take a turn for the worse when his former fiancée shows up as one of his students.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzg9Lj
