Linda Shenton Matchett's Blog, page 92

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Holly, Ivy & Intrigue

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Holly, Ivy & Intrigue


About the Book
 
Title: Holly, Ivy & IntrigueAuthor: Joanie Bruce, Alexa Verde, Denise WeimerGenre: Mystery/suspense, ChristmasRelease Date: November 13, 2017
Christmas Murder Mix-Up“I have to get rid of her now.”After four months of a blissful marriage, Paige is devastated to overhear her husband, Cooper, say those words to his best friend. Because of a suspicious Christmas gift, a gas leak, and a home invasion, Paige’s love for Cooper is tested to the limit. Will their marriage survive the Christmas Murder Mix-up?
Holiday PursuitWhen Brianna Rockwell’s brother finds himself in danger and disappears three days before Christmas, she does everything to rescue him. Brianna dodges bullets, escapes fire, and even turns to her longtime crush for help. But the closer she gets to solving the mystery and finding her only sibling, the more desperate someone gets to silence her forever…

A HOLIDAY INTRUDER:Kelsey Jordan prefers upcycling junk and refinishing antiques for her store in a Georgia mountains town to being the center of attention. When a robbery and an unknown benefactor shove her in the middle of a decades-old mystery, and a real estate developer and a former baseball star compete for her attention, Kelsey isn’t sure who to trust.
Click here to purchase your copy.About the Authors
As an avid reader, Joanie Bruce welcomed the transition from reading to writing and considered it a wonderful new experience to please others with her words. She has three published Christian suspense novels, and enjoys writing from her home in the country. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write, draw and paint, Joanie strives to use them to encourage others and to honor Him in all her accomplishments.



Alexa Verde penned her first literary masterpiece, a rhymed poem, at the ripe age of eight, and since has had 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. She has a bachelor degree in Spanish, a master’s in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters with diverse cultures. She’s worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, model (even one day counts!), caretaker, and secretary, but thinks that the writer’s hat suits her the best. After traveling the world and living in both hemispheres, she calls a small town in south Texas home. The latter is an inspiration for the fictional setting of her series Rios Azules Christmas and Secrets of Rios Azules.
DENISE WEIMER holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. An associate editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, Denise is the author of The Restoration Trilogy, The Georgia Gold Series, romantic novella REDEEMING GRACE, and ACROSS THREE AUTUMNS: A Novella of The Backcountry Brides Collection through Barbour Publishing (May 2018). This wife and swim mom of two daughters always pauses for coffee, chocolate, old houses, and to write any story God lays on her heart.
Blog StopsTexas Book-aholic, December 3Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 4History, Mystery & Faith, December 4Zerina Blossom’s Books, December 5proud to be an autism mom, December 5Mommynificent, December 6Inklings and notions, December 6Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 6Allofakindmom, December 7Blogging With Carol, December 7Blossoms and Blessings, December 8Have A Wonderful Day, December 8Janices book reviews, December 9Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9Carpe Diem, December 10Mary Hake, December 10A Baker’s Perspective, December 11Daysong Reflections, December 12Avid Reader Book Reviews, December 12Reading Is My SuperPower, December 13Remembrancy, December 13Multifarious, December 14Margaret Kazmierczak, December 14D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 15Pursuing Stacie, December 15Vicky Sluiter, December 16Bigreadersite, December 16
Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c515

Celebrate Lit Tour: Runaway Romance

Celebrate Lit Tour: Runaway Romance

About the Book   

Name of book: Runaway Romance  
Author: Miralee Ferrell  
Genre: Contemporary romance with Amish thread
Release Date: October, 2017

When a reality TV star meets the reality of life, will it be her downfall or her salvation? Ann Stanway had it all—a starring role in a reality show, an adoring boyfriend, and a sparkling future with limitless possibilities. Until the rules changed and the life she’d thought was real no longer existed. Leaving L.A. seems like her only option, and she lands in Kentucky at a quiet Amish inn—as far removed from her past as possible. Now she knows what was missing in her life–peace, true friendship and, dare she hope, a man who accepts her for who she is–or at least who he thinks she is. Hunter Lewis is intrigued by the new woman staying at his friend’s Amish inn. Annie appears to be what she claims, but she’s secretive and won’t open up. He’s been burned by a woman before and can’t tolerate deception. But his interest in Annie is growing, and the attraction seems to be mutual—until something happens that makes Hunter question everything he’d thought was real. Dare he risk his heart, when he’s certain Annie is keeping secrets? Can their new romance withstand the pressure, or will Ann choose to run again?

Click here to purchase your copy!My ThoughtsRunaway Romance effectively combines the cut-throat cultures of reality TV with the simple Amish community life to tell a story of second chances and forgiveness. Annie and Hunter are both “damaged goods,” having been scarred by relationships gone bad, yet both are open to the gentle leading of Sarah, who despite her grief at being widowed, has a strong faith in God’s goodness. I liked Annie who was resilient in the face of hurt and misunderstanding. There were a couple of times I laughed out loud at her foibles while trying to fit into the Amish community. I enjoyed learning about the Amish and their belief system. All the characters were well-developed, including the “bad guys.” I would have liked more description of the setting, but that is personal preference, not a criticism. A highly enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my ownAbout the Author

I love life, love my family, love writing Christian fiction–reading, riding my horse and puttering in my garden are all ways I relax. I often have my little 7 lb Chihuahua, Lacey, on my lap when I’m working–there’s nothing like a warm ball of love on your lap to act as a stress reliever! First and foremost I’m a child of God and daughter of the King. I’ve been involved in women’s ministries for years, I’m married to a wonderful man, have two grown children, two cats, two dogs, 10 chickens and ride my son-in-law’s Arabian mare since my old mare passed in 2013. We live about 9 miles from the nearest town on 11 acres, in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees. I started writing shortly after I turned 50, and discovered I loved it so much I don’t want to stop. I have 15 novels out & a five book set of horse novels for middle-grade girls. I write both women’s contemporary fiction, historical & contemporary romance, and horse/mystery novels for girls. One of my Western romances, Love Finds You in Sundance, WY, was awarded the Will Rogers Medallion for Western Fiction, three books have been optioned as movies, and several books have been on the ECPA best seller list. You can find out more about me andmy books at http://miraleeferrell.com/
Guest Post from Miralee FerrellIn the spring of 2015, I received an email from a Hollywood producer, followed by a phone call. Imagine my surprise when she asked if I’d be willing to write a book for them. They were no longer producing the Love Finds You books into movies and were working on a different project for UP TV, a possible three-movie series, and she hoped I might be able to work with them. She explained that she’d optioned Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming, two or three years earlier, and loved it. Of the thirty-five or so titles she’d read of the line, that was her favorite. However, UP TV didn’t want to make historical or old west movies, so she’d shelved it for now. During that time period, I’d gotten my rights returned to all of my LFY books and had retitled them Finding Love in Last Chance, California, Finding Love in Tombstone, Arizona, and Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon. Sundance became Outlaw Angel, and all four are still in print. Here’s the amazing part. I came very, very close to turning down that contract offer with Summerside for Sundance. I was disappointed in the advance and royalty rate, and shortly after they released it, they sold the line to Guideposts, and that company didn’t continue the line much longer. Understandably, sales waned on their final releases, and I was disappointed with my sales from that final book as my others had done quite well. For a long time, I wished I hadn’t taken that contract and instead held out for one with another company for a three-book series. However, had I done that, I doubt Runaway Romance would ever have been written. It was Sundance that grabbed Chevonne’s attention and caused her to contact me. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Blog StopsHere are Miralee's remaining tour stops:
December 4: Big Reader SiteDecember 4: the Power of WordsDecember 5: Kat's Corner BooksDecember 5: Reading is my SuperpowerDecember 6: Baker KellaDecember 6: Debbie's Dusty DeliberationsDecember 7: Splashes of JoyDecember 7: Karen HadleyDecember 8: Quiet QuilterDecember 9: Red Headed Book LadyDecember 9:  Just the Write EscapeDecember 10: Cafinated ReadsDecember 11: RemembrancyDecember 11: Carpe DiemGiveaway
In honor of her tour, Miralee is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Fire! Click the link below to enter! Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c31a

Talkshow Thursday: Fellow authors Terri Wangard and Jodie Wolfe

Talkshow Thursday:  Fellow authors Terri Wangard and Jodie Wolfe

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today, ladies. I was thrilled when our publisher CelebrateLit invited me to be part of a Christmas collection with you titled The Hope of Christmas. I had just finished reading about the English country homes that were requisitioned by the government during WWII, so decided to wrap my story around that. How did you choose what to write about?
Terri: I learned about the USS Tabberer while doing research for Wheresoever They May Be. I loved the account of the crewmen’s heroics during the typhoon, but couldn’t use it in my book. When I heard about the short stories, I knew it was the perfect place to showcase the Tabby.
Jodie: : In my first collection with Celebrate Lit Publishing, Let Love Spring, my heroine was one of three sisters. So when I was contracted to write a second story with them, I decided to write about one of the other sisters. 
LM: When I was growing up, my paternal grandparents came to our home every Christmas. Even though they were staying the night, during their first trip into the house they would carry piles of gifts rather than suitcases. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
Terri: Going to church for Christmas Eve services. The children always took part, and one year, I was one of the angels who appeared to the shepherds. As we left the podium and went past the choir loft, one of the girls in the choir said to a friend, “They have bare feet.” Back in the day, it was scandalous to be barefoot in church, but do angels wear shoes?
Jodie: I was in second grade when our family moved from one town to another. We moved over Christmas break and I remember my parents were busy packing and I'm not sure what my brothers were up to. I remember sitting on the floor by the Christmas tree, with my back against the sofa and just staring up at the lights on the tree and enjoying the beauty of it.
LM: My story, A Doctor in the House, takes place in England, and I’ve been fortunate to visit, so I have experienced the country first hand. How did you research the settings for your stories?
Terri: Most of Typhoon Prompting takes place in the South Pacific. While I have been there on cruise ships, and even during rough weather, I haven’t been in a typhoon. So all my research came from books, one in particular that I bought used and have read several times.
Jodie: While my story Picking a Bride for Paul is set in a made-up town, it's based on a place in Kansas where my in-laws used to live. Since I had already come up with the town in my first story, it was easy to draw on it for this tale.
LM: I love to write stories, but I must confess that research is my favorite task. I can chase a factoid for days, ferreting out the details. What is your favorite aspect of the writing process?
Terri: I love the research, too. I do way too much.
Jodie: For me it's a toss-up between the research and the writing process. J
LM: What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?
Terri: Have a lot of patience. Getting published can take years.
Jodie: Wait and trust God's timing.
LM: I’m currently working on a full length historical mystery about a young woman who joins the USO. What is your next project?
Terri:  I’m moving from World War II to World War I. My setting is the Lusitania.
Jodie: I have a full-length book coming out in May 2018 that is set in the back-drop of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893 in Oklahoma Territory.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Terri: Website: http://www.terriwangard.comGroup blog: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangardPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/terriwangardTwitter: @TerriWangard
Jodie:Website: http://www.jodiewolfe.com
Group Blog: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jodie-A-Wolfe-Author/553400191384913
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/116840153259583634192/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JodieAWolfe
Linda:Website: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.comGroup blog: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthorPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchettLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchettGoogle+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LindaMatchettGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_linda_matchett

Purchase your copy today of The Hope of Christmas from Amazon

Wartime Wednesday: Children’s War Stories

Wartime Wednesday: Children’s War Stories
World War II impacted children and young adults at many levels, often because they had fathers, brothers, uncles, or cousins off in combat. But kids were also exposed to the war in the toys they played with (read my post about that here) or the books they read. Here are three of the era’s most prolific authors:
Wheaton College graduate and minister Roy Judson Snell wrote nearly one hundred children and YA books under his own name as well as several pseudonyms. Born in 1878, his first story was published in 1922. Most of his books were aimed at boys, however he did write a series about women in the uniformed services such as Norma Kent and the WACS, Sparky Ames of the Ferry Command, and Sally Scott of the WAVES.
Another author who wrote for young adults was Robert Sidney Bowen, Jr. A Boston native who served in WWI as an aviator, Bowen penned the fifteen volume Dave Dawson War Adventure series about a high school graduate who follows his father to Europe just before WWII begins. Dave befriends an English teen, and the two find themselves fighting beside the British troops. Bowen’s Red Randall series is about a young aviator who serves in the Pacific Theatre. In addition to his fiction career, he was a journalist for several newspapers and magazines.
Hilda Van Stockum was a Dutch native who lives for many years in the U.S. She published several children’s series about the war, some of which were based on her family’s experiences, such as The Mitchells: Five for Victory. Her best known book, The Winged Watchmantells how traditional windmills were used for signaling despite German occupation.
What books do you remember from your childhood?

Mystery Monday: The Elusive Emma Lou Fetta

Mystery Monday: The Elusive Emma Lou Fetta
More is known about Susan Yates, Emma Lou Fetta’s fashion designing protagonist, than the author herself. Born Emma Louise Hawkins Fetta on September 21, 1898, she attended Earlham College, a Quaker institution located in her hometown of Richmond, Indiana. Initially a boarding school at its founding in 1947, a collegiate department was added in 1859. Ahead of its time, Earlham was the first co-educational Quaker college.
From 1918 to 1920, Emma worked as a reporter for the Richmond (IN) newspaper, the Palladiumthen moved on to the Cincinnati Enquirerwhere she was a feature writer. A talented journalist, she went on to work for Chicago and New York papers before becoming the American correspondent for one of the London paper and press chairman for the Fashion Group.
Information is sketchy, but somewhere during that time she met and married George Walling Minster. It is unclear how and where they became acquainted.
In 1939, she added novelist to her resume when she published Murder in Style, the first of her three books. Because of Emma’s experience reporting the world of fashion, it is no surprise she chose that as her setting. In Murder in Style, the main character, Susan, is suspected of the crime- killing of a fellow committee member, so she attempts to prove her innocence. Assistant ADA Lyle Curtis is assigned to the case, adding romantic tension to the story.
In Mystery Women, the author observed that this pairing formed the combination that became common in the 1980s of an established female professional in another field romantically tied to a male whose profession dealt with crime.

Emma Lou’s second book Murder on the Face of It, published in 1940, was chosen as a Crime Club Mystery Novel. Her third, Dressed to Kill was released in 1941. All three books are well-written, delightful cozies (before cozies became a subgenre) and received high marks from critics and readers. Why she stopped writing mysteries is a mystery itself.
Who is your favorite cozy writer?

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours

Traveling Tuesday: Hatfield House

Traveling Tuesday: Hatfield House
Writers get their inspiration for stories in numerous places. I’ve culled ideas from newspaper articles, museum exhibits, and snippets of overheard conversation (a great “what if” starter). The basis for my most recent story, A Doctor in the House,part of “The Hope of Christmas” collection germinated from an episode of “Foyle’s War” in which a country home is requisitioned for use as a convalescent hospital.  
I was intrigued by the concept that homeowners in England could be forced from their property by the government during WWII. Most of the places taken were large country estates with acres of associated land. Sometimes as little as three days’ notice was given that the house was going to be used and the residents were required to vacate. Often there was a “cottage” on site where owners could live in for the duration of the war.
During my search for a setting, I discovered Hatfield House, located in Herefordshire, England. Located in the West Midlands on the border between England and Wales, the county is sparsely populated and known for its fruit and cider production and the Hereford cattle breed. The 135 mile River Wye weaves through the county before heading into Wales. Although the original structure no longer exists, there has been a Hereford Cathedral on the site since the late 600s.
The original Hatfield House was constructed in 1497 and was the childhood home and favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth I. When James I came to the throne, he didn’t like the property, so gave it to his minister, Robert Cecil, who promptly tore down three of the wings and used the bricks for the current home.
Exquisite gardens cover forty-two acres and date from the early 1600s. In addition to beautiful fields of flowers and shrubbery, the property has extensive woodlands which are home to fallow and red deer as well as many smaller animals.  A tour of Hatfield House can be seen here.
During WWI, the grounds were used to test the first British tanks. Trenches and craters were dug, and barbed wired strung to indicate German lines. Hatfield House also “did its bit” during WWII by serving as a hospital/Civil Resettlement Unit, a facility where returning British soldiers who had been POWs could learn to ease back into their families and society.





Pre-order your copy of A Doctor in the House today.

Mystery Monday: Ruth Sawtell Wallis Anthropologist and Novelist

Mystery Monday: Ruth Sawtell Wallis Anthropologist and Novelist
Better known in the academic world of anthropology for her research and discoveries, Ruth Sawtell Wallis wrote mystery novels. Her first, Too May Bones, was published in 1943. She received an undergraduate degree in English from Radcliffe College, after which she traveled to Europe as part of her graduate program in anthropology at Columbia University. A brilliant scientist, Ruth went on to receive her doctorate and began to teach at the University of Iowa. A year later, she married Professor Wilson Dallam Wallis, and as was typical of the era, lost her job as a result. Over the years she was able to work in her field intermittently, and she also collaborated on books with her husband.
According to her obituary written by a colleague, Ruth began to write mysteries in 1940 while recovering from a serious illness. Her books involve academic settings, and anthropology plays an integral part in the solution to the crimes. Set in a museum, Too Many Bones won the Red Badge Prize for best mystery of the year. When her novels were written, there were no “sub-genres” in the mystery book industry, however, hers may very well be the first in that now popular sub-genre.

Check out the map from the back of the dust jacket! Perhaps another first in the mystery genre.
Ruth conveys her feelings about women’s treatment in academia, especially wage differences, through her main character, Kay Ellis. Unusual for the time, Ruth also includes two African-American characters who have their own subplot. Unfortunately for readers, she only published five novels during a ten year period. The good news is they can be found for reasonable prices at any number of online sites.

Celebrate Lit Tour: Cowboy Christmas Guardian

Celebrate Lit Tour: Cowboy Christmas Guardian


About the Book:

Name of book: Cowboy Christmas Guardian
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Isnpy Romance Suspense

Someone is dead set on stopping Shelby Arroyo from doing her job: assessing mineral rights in a mine in gold country. But after rancher Barrett Thorn rescues her from an attack, the handsome widowed cowboy seems to feel responsible for her. That is, until he discovers she’s from the family that he’ll never forgive for his wife’s death. As the threats against Shelby escalate, cowboy honor and an unexpected attraction keep Barrett by her side, even at his own risk. And since Shelby won’t back down, Barrett must protect the brave, loyal woman he has no business falling for…a woman someone wants to kill by Christmas.

Click here to purchase your copy.My Thoughts:As a suburban woman raised on the East Coast, far-flung ranches in the west are foreign to me. Thanks to descriptive writing and realistic dialogue, I was immersed in horses, cowboys, and the challenging life of a rancher. I fell in love with Barrett Thorn, who is strong yet sensitive, and chivalrous without being a caricature. I could feel his grief as he mourned the loss of his wife. I also loved his family and was happy to discover this is the first book in a series. Each brother has his own personality, and I can’t wait to meet them more in depth. Shelby is a well-developed character, and I enjoyed learning about geology through her eyes (a subject I despised in school!). Her struggles are realistic, and I cheered for her successes as she searched the mine. A page-turner, the book raced toward the end as author Mentink ratcheted up the action and predicaments she subjected Barrett and Shelby too. I was sure I had figured out who the killer was, but in the end was wrong. The plot twist at the end when the real killer was revealed was fantastic. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.About the Author:  

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty-five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.
Guest Post from Dana MentinkHowdy, readers! I am thrilled to be bringing you this four book Gold Country Cowboys series that takes place in an area near and dear to my heart! My family and I have enjoyed many adventures in this amazing area, from exploring gold mines, to climbing through caverns, and soaking in the incredible history. As a matter of fact, we recently enjoyed a train trip on the historic V and T Railroad which took us past abandoned mines and even some active ones where people are engaged in modern day treasure hunting. California’s Gold Country is a fascinating place filled with secret treasures. I hope you will enjoy some wild adventures with four cowboy brothers who have some secrets of their own. God bless you all!
Blog StopsHere are Dana's Remaining Blog Tour Stops:
November 19: Red Headed Book LadyNovember 19: RemembrancyNovember 20: Chas Ray's Book Nerd CornerNovember 21: Autism MomNovember 21: Singing Librarian BooksNovember 21: Janice's Book ReviewsNovember 22: Moments Dipped in InkNovember 22: Because I said so - adventures in parentingNovember 23: New Horizon ReviewsNovember 23: Christian Author, JE GraceNovember 24: Pause for TalesNovember 24: Ashley's BookshelftNovember 25: Debbie's Dusty DeliberationsNovember 25: Cafinated ReadsNovember 26: Blogging with CarolNovember 26: Daysong ReflectionsNovember 27: Carpe DiemNovember 27: Karen Sue HadleyNovember 28: Bab's Book BistroNovember 28: http://www.bibliophile.reviewsNovember 29: Raining Butterfly KissesNovember 29: The Power of WordsGiveaway
In honor of her tour, Dana is giving away a copy of Cowboy Christmas Guardian in print or ebook, a horse scarf and a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the link below to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c0d3

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Debut Author Jeanne Dickson

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Debut Author Jeanne Dickson
Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Your debut novel, Grounded Hearts, was released in June of this year and is set during WWII. (My favorite time period!) Where did you find your inspiration for this story?
Jeanne: My father was stationed in England during WWII. Issued with a weekend pass, he decided to fly to the U.S. Army base in Northern Ireland, and then visit family who lived nearby. Once there, he borrowed a bicycle and peddled across the border into Eire, “Free Ireland.” A few minutes into his ride, a member of the Garda, the Irish National Police, stopped him. The officer told him to turn his army jacket inside out, or he’d have to arrest him as a combatant and send him to the K-Lines internment camp. My father did as directed and continued on his way without further incident, which was fortunate because 240 soldiers from both sides of the conflict faced internment in Ireland during the war.
Remembering the story, I started the “what if” game. The more I researched the period the Irish called “The Emergency,” the more fascinated I became, and a WWII romance between a downed RAF pilot and a feisty midwife emerged.
LM: That is fascinating. I love books based on true stories. First novels are often the result of a long journey toward publication. How did you get started as a writer, and how did you decide to seek publication?
Jeanne: Grounded Hearts is my debut novel, but not my first book. I penned five or six novels before I finally received my first contract. During this long slog to publication, I sometimes wondered why I thought writing fiction was a good idea, but when God puts something on your heart, it’s foolish to resist. LM: Amen to that! The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “panster,” and what is your favorite part of the writing process?
Jeanne: While I plan the novel’s journey, I allow for detours. It’s a process, and honestly, every book is a bit different. The “what if” is my favorite part and then research to back up my premise statement.
LM: Writing about a different era and culture required lots of research.What tidbit did you discover during that phase of writing that created an “aha” moment for you?
Jeanne: Ireland was neutral during WWII? What? They interned combatants? What?
LM: What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?
Jeanne: Well, I guess I’m still doing it. I have a collection of Barbie dolls that I dress up as my characters in whatever book I’m working on. They’re my muses. And my only weakness. Maybe.
LM: How fun! What is your next project?
Jeanne:  I’m currently working on a contemporary romance. A woman falls in love with her contractor as she struggles to renovate an inherited Irish manor house, but when she discovers a buried body, it throws into question the role an ancestor may have played in the girl’s death, and the discovery of an ancient fairy ring creates friction in the town, pitting traditionalist against progressives.
LM: Ooooh. Sounds intriguing! What advice can you give to not-yet-published writers?
Jeanne: Don’t give up and don’t be in hurry. Getting published is going to take more time than you might think. Learn your craft. Find a writing community to hang out with because you are not alone. I belong to RWA and ACFW. It can be hard, but don’t be shy and go to conferences. I found many friends, my agent, and my editor at conferences.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Jeanne:
Website: http://www.jeannemdickson.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jeanne-M-Dickson-660226910801814/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmdickson1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannedickson/Email: author.jeannemdickson@gmail.com
Purchase your copy: 
AmazonBarnes & Nobel