Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 21

The Quest for Perfection

One of my favorite parts in developing my novel characters is giving them a challenge or flaw to overcome, some area of their heart that needs the Lord’s touch to make whole. Readers can relate to characters who struggle through hardships and imperfections because life is filled with challenges.

As a writer, I do my best to create true-to-life novel characters. In order to connect with readers, it’s essential they can relate. No one’s perfect. Neither should novel characters be perfect.

I recall a story of two women, one a Christian, the other a non-believer. So eager to portray the Christian life in a positive light, the Christian woman did her best to present herself as always happy and in total control. Yet, she never quite seemed to gain the woman’s attention, let alone her respect or friendship.

Then one day, a traumatic event happened in the life of the Christian woman, driving her almost to the breaking point. Through tears of frustration and release, she expressed her anguish and insecurities to the non-believer.

To the Christian woman’s astonishment, the non-Christian acquaintance told her, “Now we can be friends.” Why? Because she could finally relate to her. In attempt at being perfect, the Christian had made herself unapproachable.

If we’re honest, I’m sure we’d all like others to think we have it all together. But, like my flawed novel characters, I have to wonder, would we have more of an impact on our non-Christian friends, neighbors, and co-workers if we let them know we’re no more “perfect” or “righteous” than them? Just forgiven?

We’re all bound to fail from time to time, but as 2 Corinthians 12:10 states, it’s in our weakness, we are strong. For it’s then, Christ’s love and power shine through most clearly.

What type of person or novel character can you most relate to? How has the Lord used a difficulty to speak to your heart?

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.

 

 

Interview + Giveaway with Laura Frantz

I’m excited to have one of my favorite authors, Laura Frantz with me today. I became acquainted with Laura’s writing back in 2012 when a contest judge referred me to  her debut novel, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, as an example of deep point of view. What an impact that novel had on me as I sought to improve my writing skills.

Now, I’m honored to have become acquainted with Laura herself a bit, and she’s just as intriguing as her novels! Her tenth book, A Bound Heart, has just released, and she’s graciously offered to GIVE AWAY a PRINT COPY! (US addresses only) Be sure to stick around to ENTER!

It’s great to have you here, Laura! What would you say inspired the storyline for A Bound Heart?

My Scottish ancestry. I have always loved all things Scottish and have traveled there several times so thought it would be interesting and challenging to set a story there and include my family history.

Do you have a favorite character in the novel? If so, why?

I always say babies trump books, so I love to include children in my novels when it suits the story. Larkin is my favorite character in A Bound Heart by far. I had written a good third of the novel before he appeared quite by accident. I hadn’t planned on it. But I’m so happy he’s there and more than a few readers agree he’s a scene stealer

The Greatest Joy of All

Here in the Midwest, we’ve been digging out from beneath a foot of snow, a rarity for us. With two sons to worry about traveling on treacherous roads to college and work, I was offering up many a prayer for safety. As things turned out, an understanding boss, cancelled classes, and the timing of the storm, allowed for my husband, our sons, and myself to be home together during the worst of the storm.

How grateful I was for answered prayers. As I enjoyed the beauty of the falling snow outside my kitchen window, I decided then and there my favorite feeling in all the world is to be snuggled inside our cozy little home with the entire family together safe and sound. My mother’s heart was overflowing with gladness and thanksgiving as I cooked and baked and listened to my sons engaging in conversation (instead of on their phones LOL!).

It hit me then how much the Lord must be looking forward to the end of time when He gathers His people–those who’ve accepted Jesus as Lord and Redeemer–to be with Him for all eternity in Heaven. Just knowing how full my heart was in having my family together safe in one place gave me a small image of what Heaven will be.

How the Lord must long to bask in our presence, love, and praise. Now I have a better glimpse at what His Father’s heart longs for and cherishes. If a weekend with my family safe and tucked away together can bring so much joy, how much more of a treasure it will be to live in eternity with the Lord?

What is your greatest earthly joy?

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. 

 

Hidden Among the Stars ~ My Review

It’s been a couple of months since I’ve posted a book review. I very much enjoyed this inspirational historical novel by Melanie Dobson.

Hidden Among the Stars touched my heart in a special way. It’s a complex, well thought out split-time tale alternating between Austria at the onset of the German invasion (1939) and present day Ohio.

I was immediately drawn into the storylines and took a special liking to the young hero of the historical storyline, Max Dornbach. I absolutely loved the spiritual messages woven within the framework of the stories. So well done!

Though I was able to figure out some of the plot twists ahead of time, there were other surprises along the way that I did not see coming. The romantic in me wanted a different outcome in one of the stories, but Dobson holds true to the hardships of the time period.

I loved the way the stories interlocked and unfolded bit by bit, like the petals of a rose. A splendid novel from start to finish.

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

Interview + Giveaway with Michelle De Bruin

Joining us today is fellow MRP author, Michelle De Bruin. She has graciously offered to give away a PRINT COPY of her debut novel, Hope For Tomorrow. Be sure to stick around until the end to enter!

How long have you been writing, Michelle?

~ I’ve been writing ever since I was very young, going to writer’s conferences for grade schoolers and keeping journals.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

~ Know who you are. Do the work of discovering your own unique identity in Jesus and the calling he has given you. Then when the days of silent waiting and rejection come, you will look in the right place for affirmation.

Great advice, Michelle! Here’s a fun question: If you could travel to any time or place, where/when would it be? Why?

~ I would travel to two eras and locations. The first would be Europe during the 1500’s to see just what was going on during the Reformation. I’m a church history buff, so I would want to stay long enough to visit with both Martin Luther and John Calvin to soak up a little of their theology before heading home.

The second destination would be Mansfield Missouri in the 1920’s so I could get to know Almanzo Wilder and his wife, Laura.

I’ve actually been to their house in Mansfield! What a great place to visit. I hope you get the chance to go.

What take-away value do you want readers to gain from your novel?

I want my readers to have an understanding of how to process grief, and to not take for granted family members, the relationships they offer us, and the heritage they pass down to us.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

The second book in this series, Promise for Tomorrow, will be releasing with Mantle Rock Publishing November of 2019.

Sounds wonderful! Thanks for joining us!

Michelle lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with physical and mental disabilities, offering grief care, Bible studies, retreats, and devotionals. Michelle is also a worship leader on Sunday mornings directing the choir, playing piano, or singing. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! ENTER TO WIN A PRINT COPY OF HOPE FOR TOMORROW. LEAVE A COMMENT TO UNLOCK SEVERAL CHANCES TO WIN.

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm. Concern for his family presses Logan to make the difficult decision to leave his career as a pastor and stay on the farm.

Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago and accepts the role of country school teacher. Logan and Karen both sense a call from the Lord, but neither expected that one day they would do it together.

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5 Keys To Starting Your New Year Off Right

The New Year is upon us. 2019. Wow! I love the sense of excitement and anticipation at the brink of a new year. There’s just something satisfying in knowing the old is past and something new is coming. It’s a time to reflect and ponder, but also forge ahead and see what the Lord has in store.

Looking back over 2018, there are moments I’d like to erase and others I’d like to embrace a bit longer. We can’t change the past, but we can make efforts toward a better future. Whether 2018 holds pleasant memories or difficult ones, here are five keys to making 2019 a bit brighter.

A POSITIVE OUTLOOK  – Begin this New Year by dwelling on the positives. What blessings has the Lord given you over the past year? Life is full of challenges, but looking for the good in the midst of bad can lighten the weight on our shoulders and help us see the Lord’s hand working in our lives.

A TEACHABLE SPIRIT – When we make time with the Lord a priority, it allows God to speak into our lives. Making prayer and Scripture reading a part of our daily routine keeps us rooted in His ways and open to His leading.

A FRESH MINDSET – Ever hear the phrase “You are what you think?” Our mindset can definitely make or break our day. Scripture tells us to “set our minds on things above”. When we look at our situation and encounters with others through God’s eyes, it can eliminate stress and keep us grounded in the Lord’s perspective..

A RENEWED BODY – Take some time for yourself this year. Rest. Relax. Exercise. Taking care of our bodies benefits not only us, but also allows us more energy to meet the needs of those around us.

A FORGIVING HEART – The New Year is a great time to wipe the slate clean. Make an effort to let go of whatever grievances you encountered in 2018. The Lord longs for us to make amends with those we may have had a falling out with. As Romans 12:18 says “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

It Really Is A Wonderful Life

Last night my family and I watched my favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Though I’ve most likely seen it twenty times or more throughout my lifetime, I never tire of its endearing characters and poignant message.

For those who may not have seen the film (are there any of you out there?), it tells the story of George Bailey, a young man who aspires to traveling the world and building grand buildings. Instead, he finds himself trapped in the small town he grew up in, running his father’s loan company.

When George’s business partner loses a large sum of money on Christmas Eve, George faces prison and scandal. Desperate, he contemplates ending his life. In answer to the prayers of many on his behalf, the Lord sends a guardian angel to give George a glimpse of what life would be like if he’d never been born. He soon realizes the impact his life has made and how blessed he truly is.

Discouragement comes to all of us. Too often, life’s challenges knock us flat, and all we can do is plead for the Lord to help us. When we are at our lowest, the Lord steps in to show the way. When we’re emptied of our own strength, His strength enables us to carry on. What a comfort to know that we have a heavenly Father who is able to meet all our needs.

I suppose we would all like a glimpse of what life would be like if we were never born. It would be interesting to see how our lives have impacted others–fellow Christians, neighbors, family members, even strangers. Like George, we would probably be surprised just how much the Lord has used our lives to influence those around us.

But there is One whose life had an impact on each and every one of us. Christ’s birth changed everything. Without Him, we would have no hope. The miracle of His humble birth began a life dedicated to bridging the chasm between God and mankind.

This Christmas, may we celebrate the blessed gift of our Savior, who humbled Himself to provide us a way to eternity with the Father. With Christ in our hearts, it truly is a wonderful life.

Blessings to you and yours this Christmas and in the coming year!

 

 

The Old State House ~ Novel Research Part 2

In researching for a novel, often I gather much more information than needed–partly out of a love for learning about the past, and partly so that I can be as accurate as possible in my writing.

While on our trip to visit the First National Road Interactive Center, my husband and I also stopped in for a tour of the old State House in Vandalia (which I make mention of briefly in my work-in-progress (WIP), Under Moonlit Skies). We were so glad we did. Though its moment of glory was brief, the old State House has a rich, and fascinating history.

Vandalia was the Capitol of Illinois from 1819 to 1839. The first two State House buildings were meager ones and wound up burning to the ground. Then in 1836, in a period of eighty-nine days, this State House was erected in attempt to deter talk of moving the State Capitol to a more centralized location.

Though much grander than previous State House buildings, by 1839 the consensus was to make Springfield the Capitol of Illinois. The reason being, then representative, Abe Lincoln and other statesmen found the building drafty and too inconvenient to travel to.

At the time, Lincoln, then in his mid-twenties, lived at New Salem and had to travel thirty-six hours to get to Vandalia. Springfield seemed a more viable option. And so, in 1840, after only three years of use, the Vandalia State House was vacated by politicians and fell into disuse for many years. Sadly, all of the original furnishings were sold.

Then, in the early 1900’s, the building was restored and many period items were donated. My husband and I were quite impressed with the layout of the senate and Supreme Court chambers. We were thrilled to walk on the actual upstairs planks that Lincoln himself had walked on.

It was like a step back in time. I could almost imagine the chairs filled with chattering lawmakers as they decided upon issues facing our country at the time.

One question we posed was as to the purpose of the boxes lined along each row of seats. The answer? The sand-filled boxes were used as spittoons. We were told 90% of men at the time either smoked a pipe or chewed tobacco. Yuck! What a nasty habit. A workman was paid $2.50 a month to empty the spittoons and stock the more than a dozen wood stoves with wood!

At the time of my upcoming novel (1859), Vandalia was no longer the Illinois State Capitol. But I felt compelled to make mention of this bit of forgotten history that stands as a testament of what once was–a view my characters would have witnesses as they ventured down the First National Road.

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

Interview + Giveaway with Sharon K. Connell

Today I welcome author Sharon K Connell as my guest. Following the interview, there will be a chance to win 3 of her books so be sure to stick around until the end!

Thanks for joining me today, Sharon. Can you share a bit about your writing journey and how long you’ve been writing?

In 2005, with the encouragement of a fellow-writer and friend from England, I began my first novel. Hurricane Ivan had passed through Pensacola, Florida, and I told him what I had experienced. He told me I should put it in a book. Therefore, I did. Not the way he imagined the story would come out, but I did take his advice. LOL

How have you sensed the Lord’s hand on your writing journey?

Usually, I sense it when someone tells me how something in my stories has made an impression on them. I pray before each story, during, and after. It’s amazing how I can feel His pleasure when the story is finished, and I’m sure it’s because He’s been there guiding me all the way to show some truth that someone may need to read.

That’s wonderful. Name one of the first books or authors to inspire you and why.

The first book and author to inspire me was J.R.R. Tolkien with his total series that runs from The Hobbit through The Lord of the Rings. I was engrossed in the reading and found that, even though he had no bad language or immorality in his stories, they have been favorites of so many for so long. It would be hard to find someone who did not know about these stories. Most love his writing. I was impressed.

I haven’t read the series, but have heard good things about it. How similar are you to your heroines?

I would like to think there are many similarities between me and my heroines. The same strengths, vulnerabilities, quirks, good and bad traits. However, each of my characters is a conglomeration of many people.

I think we writers put a bit of ourselves in all of our heroes/heroines. Do you have a favorite character in your novel(s)? If so, why?

Wow! I have written four novels. In the first, A Very Present Help, my favorite would have to be Ken McCall, the hero. He is a real man. LOL

In the second book I wrote, Paths of Righteousness, which is making its second debut now, my favorite character (and boy this is hard to choose because I love all these characters, being my favorite story) would have to be the hero again, Dr. Jacob McLeod. He represents everything I think a man should be and yet has his weak side to overcome.

In There Abideth Hope (in the process of being rewritten), my favorite is the heroine, Lynne Temple. She has a determination that will not be suppressed.

And, in His Perfect Love, my favorite is one of the men in the story. But I can’t tell you which one or why because that would spoil the mystery. Hee hee

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

After There Abideth Hope is rewritten and republished, I will be working on my fifth novel, tentatively titled Treasures in a Field. I also have plans to publish a collection of my short stores, two of which are in Anthologies at the moment, so I have to wait for an appropriate period of time to put them in my own book. I am also thinking about publishing a cookbook, based on the easy recipes in my monthly newsletter, and working on a devotional book.

Lots to look forward to. Thanks, Sharon!

Sharon K. Connell was born in Wisconsin, but lived in Illinois from five days later, through college, and for most of her adult life. She graduated from the Pensacola Bible Institute. Now retired from the business world, she resides in Houston, Texas, where she spends her days writing Christian Romance Suspense, with a bit of mystery added, and various short stories in a variety of genres. Sharon writes stories mostly about people who discover that God will allow things in your life that will help you grow and/or increase your faith. To her, the most important reason to write is to provide a good story for her readers and to please God with the gift He has given her.

Website: http://sharonkconnell.com/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sharonkc...

Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/averypresent...

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianRom...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKConnell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SharonKConnell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkco...

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rosecastle1/

WordPress: https://sharonkconnell.wordpress.com/

 

 *Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

Now for the GIVEAWAYS!! Sharon has graciously offered to give away THREE of her books:  A signed print copy of Paths of Righteousness ~ An e-copy of A Very Present Help ~ An e-copy of His Perfect Love!! Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway with a comment below to unlock several opportunities to win one! (US Addresses only for the Print Copy.)

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The True Measure of Success

The world likes to define success by the measure of fame and fortune a person achieves. But in my morning devotions, I came across a definition of success that really gave me something to ponder.

In my Bible footnotes, it defined success in God’s eyes as, “faithfully doing the work God gives you.” Wow! That really put things into perspective. While the world claims popularity and having it all makes you successful, God says true success comes through simple obedience to Him.

The Lord has placed a deep desire in my life to write inspirational fiction as well as non-fiction. Every now and then, I’ve received feedback from readers, expressing how they were touched by what I’d written. I can think of no truer blessing than knowing God has used what I write to bring honor to Him. It’s my constant prayer the Lord will continue to sow seeds of hope into the lives of others through what He leads me to write.

Writers are often tempted to gage their success by the number of books they sell or the amount of hits their sites receive. Yet, as Christian authors, is that truly what writing is about? Instead, isn’t it about touching lives and being a voice for God? Whether we write non-fiction or fiction, the message should be the same–one of God’s redemption, healing, and grace. If even one life is touched by what we write, then our writing is a success in God’s eyes.

The same is true in all walks of life. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, a nurse, or a volunteer worker, God can use you right where you are–-if you’re faithful to do what He calls you to.

“May he give you the desire of your heart

and make all your plans succeed.”

(Psalm 20:4)

~ What has God placed on your heart to accomplish? I’d love to hear your story.

 

*Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia Roemer’s characters in her Inspirational, Historical Romance (Prairie Sky) Series.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE

~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most

~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO

~ Beyond shattered dreams lies a realm of possibilities ~

**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.