Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 24

Learning to Surrender to God ~ Under This Same Sky

Surrendering our lives to God never comes easily. If you’re like me, you can give a situation to the Lord only to take it back again and again in a tug-of-war for control. I suppose that’s why I wrote about the theme of total surrender in my debut novel, Under This Same Sky.

My heroine, Becky Hollister, doesn’t willingly choose to surrender her will to God; instead, adverse circumstances compel her to choose between entrusting her life to Him or turning her back on her faith. It’s touch and go for a while. After enduring great suffering and loss, Becky questions how a loving God can allow such hurtful events to happen.

Under This Same Sky takes readers on a journey alongside Becky as she works through her resentment toward God and seeks to determine what His will for her might be. But just as in real life, it takes the wisdom of God’s word and the love of friends (and in Becky’s case, a godly man) to pull her through.

Becky’s story is a tale of friendship and love, but even more so, it’s a quest for wholeness and deeper understanding of a God who longs to hold the deepest desires of her heart. Fully surrendering to the Lord is something I believe we all struggle to achieve. I hope you’ll be encouraged by Becky’s story and the message of surrender it conveys.

 

**Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’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 Heather Greer

Today I’m pleased to have fellow Mantle Rock Publishing author, Heather Greer with us sharing about her writing journey and her debut novel, Faith’s Journey. Heather has graciously offered to provide a Print Copy of Faith’s Journey to a random winner! So be sure to stick around until the end!

Welcome, Heather! Let’s talk about your writing first. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part of writing is watching characters and scenes come to life. It’s exciting when something sparks the idea for a character, scene, or plot. And knowing that I get to do something I love to create a story God may use to encourage other believers is beyond any ministry I could have hoped for.

What is your least favorite part of the writing process?

The worst part of writing is when the words don’t come easily. Some parts are exciting to write. The ideas and words just flow. But those times when you struggle to get through the scene and progress the story, they can make you doubt yourself as a writer.

Besides writing, what other hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy various types of crafting, but baking has been one of my favorite hobbies since I was in high school. It’s not only been a way to supplement my income through the years, but it’s been a way for me to unwind after stressful days and even express creativity when I decorate cakes.

How fun! If you could travel to any time or place, where/when would it be? Why?

My dream is to one day visit Ireland. I’ve had a fascination with Ireland since I was a kid. I don’t even remember what started it, but it looks so beautiful. I don’t know that I will ever get to experience it, but I hope one day I will.

What take-away value do you want readers to gain from Faith’s Journey?

Faith’s Journey isn’t just about Katie’s journey back to faith. All the characters are on their own faith journeys. It’s no different for us. You’ve never walked far enough away from God that you can’t come back, and you can’t compare your journey to everyone else’s journey. God works with each of us in His own timing and way to bring us where He wants us to be. Our job is to seek Him and listen to what He tells us.

So true, Heather. Thank you. What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Currently, I’m working on the continuation of Katie’s story. She’s come back into relationship with God, but it doesn’t mean that life is all sunshine and rainbows for her. Betrayal leaves scars and those scars create problems for her future. In Grasping Hope, Katie is going to have to wrestle with where her hope comes from and what having real hope looks like when events seem to be working against you at every turn.

That sounds like a great storyline. Thanks for sharing!

Katie McGowan left her parents and their faith behind years ago. However, when faced with a devastating betrayal, Katie is ready to go back to Carbondale, Illinois to help her elderly parents despite their tempestuous relationship. Drained by the constant friction, Katie finds emotional support and encouragement in Austin. His practical, simple faith speaks to Katie, and she finds herself yearning for a new connection to God. As their friendship grows, so does the attraction between Katie and Austin.

Before her fledgling faith and thoughts of romance have a chance to take root, Katie’s cheating fiancé returns, remorseful and promising change. Can her tentative faith strengthen their past love? And if her heart breaks again, will Katie’s journey to faith end before it has really begun?

**Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’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 

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

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

 

 

Now for the GIVEAWAY! LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO UNLOCK SEVERAL CHANCES TO WIN A PRINT COPY OF FAITH’S JOURNEY!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Hidden Side ~ My Review

What an emotionally charged novel from start to finish. This must have been so difficult for the author to write. The Hidden Side is a powerful, haunting tale of three women who must search their hearts and learn to depend on God when their worlds are shattered. In this split-time novel, readers are whisked between present day and late 1700s’ America into two tales laced with tragedy.

The modern-day story, told through the eyes of Natalie Abbott and her daughter, Maelynn, involves an inside look at a school shooting and is so very real. Almost too real. In fact, it may be too much for someone whose life has been touched by a similar tragedy. And yet, I believe it should be required reading for anyone who has bullied another person or even stood idly by when someone was being bullied. This vivid account of one family’s heartbreak and shame is a scenario of what is taking place all across our nation and sends a powerful message of a need for change.

I was drawn into the historical story of Mercy Howard and her daring life of espionage and forbidden love. I grieved with her as she endured loss and heartbreak. This was not an easy read, with so much sorrow and pain. I found I needed to pace myself, lest it become too depressing or overwhelming. But I so appreciated the element of hope in the end and the spiritual message woven within the final chapters.

This novel is so well written. I applaud Heidi Chiavaroli for her courage to confront such a difficult topic and challenge us to assess our viewpoints, and ultimately to evoke change.

 

**Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’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 ~

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

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

The Be (Happy) Attitudes

Most of us have heard of the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5. Some years ago, I ran across a copy of a modern interpretation of the Beatitudes entitled the Be(Happy)Attitudes which summarize Jesus’ words this way:

“Blessed are the poor in Spirit”   ~   I need help; I can’t do it alone.

“Blessed are those who mourn”   ~  I’m really hurting, but with God’s help, will bounce back.

“Blessed are the meek”   ~  I’m going to remain cool, calm and corrected.

“Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness”~I really want to do the right thing

“Blessed are the merciful”  ~  I’m going to treat others the way I want others to treat me.

“Blessed are the pure in heart”  ~  I’ve got to let the faith flow free through me.

“Blessed are the peacemakers”  ~  I’m going to be a bridge builder

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake”  ~  I can choose to be happy regardless of my circumstances.

No matter how Jesus’ words are spoken, they can prove life-changing if we allow them to infiltrate our hearts and renew our spirits. How can we be salt and light in a dark world? Who do you know who lives out these BeHappyAttitudes in his/her life?

Next week, I’ll be sharing my review of Heidi Chiavaroli’s recent release, The Hidden Side. I hope you’ll join me.

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

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

BOOK ONE: UNDER THIS SAME SKY (April, 2017)

 

BOOK TWO: UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES (April, 2018)

Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble

Shaped by the Potter’s Hand ~ Purposeful Living

Have you ever watched a potter shape a lump of clay into something useful or beautiful? It’s quite a delicate process shaping the moistened clay into the desired shape and trimming away unnecessary parts to produce a pot or bowl or vase. It takes time, concentration, and skillful hands to ensure all sides are well shaped and equally proportioned.

More and more I’m realizing how much I’m like that lump of clay waiting for the Master to mold and shape me into the person He desires me to be. The trouble is, too often I have my own ideas of what I want my life to look like and what purpose I wish to fulfil. Can you relate?

GOD’S TIMING AND PLAN IS BEST: Often we forget that the Lord is our Creator and Sustainer, that He has a purpose for each of our lives and knows how we can best serve Him. Sometimes we grow impatient wanting Him to act when He desires for us to be still and wait for Him to mold us.

Making pottery is a messy job. Sometimes the clay is too dry and stiff. Other times it’s too wet and limp and has to be remixed and reformed. Sometimes our lives get messy, and we need to have some lumps shaven off or some bulges pressed in. The Lord is continually working to mold our character and fortify our hearts. That takes time, a humble spirit, and a willingness to change. But the Lord knows just what we need if we’ll yield to His masterful hand.

GOD MADE US WHO WE ARE FOR A REASON:  Too often we fall into the comparison trap, wishing He’d made us a beautiful vase instead of a serving bowl. But the Lord makes each of us the way He does to fulfil a special purpose, one that no one else can fill. When we question this, He responds, “Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” (Romans 9:21)

This isn’t to say one person is more valued than another, but that God has a unique purpose for each of us. Whether we’re an upfront individual or a behind-the-scenes sort of person, God is pleased when we serve Him willingly with the abilities He instilled within us. It’s our job to trust Him and be the best vessel we can be.

Trying to be someone we’re not only breeds frustration and cheats us out of the blessings God has in store for our lives. Be content with the person God made you. When we are true to our calling, we are useful to God’s Kingdom.

“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand.” (Jeremiah 18:6)

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

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

BOOK ONE: UNDER THIS SAME SKY  (April, 2017)

 

 

 

 

BOOK TWO: UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES  (April, 2018)

Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble

Interview with Pamela Meyers + Giveaway

I’m pleased to have my critique partner and fellow Mantle Rock Publishing author as guest today sharing about her writing journey and her newest historical romance release, Safe Refuge . She had graciously offered to give away an e-book copy of this novel. Leave a comment at the bottom of this post to unlock several chances to win!

~ Thanks for joining us, Pam. Tell us a little about your writing journey, how you came to the point you are.

I’ve always written in some way, shape or form since childhood. Mostly diaries and journals, things like that, until I was well into adulthood. While I was enrolled at Trinity International University in a program for adult learners to get my bachelors I took a creative writing class and before long, I was writing short stories. That led to fiction. It took more classes and attending writers’ conferences for quite a few years before I received my first contract. One other thing really helped in honing my craft and that was joining American Christian Fiction Writers where I learned a lot and made contacts with industry professionals. My first two books, mystery-romances, were with a small press, and then I received a contract with a large publisher and the opportunity to write a historical novel set in my hometown in Wisconsin. Since then I’ve published several more books, both independently and traditionally.

~ Your new release, Safe Refuge, takes place largely in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Do you have a connection with this location? Why did you choose this particular place?

Lake Geneva is my hometown. It is rich in history and a great place to grow up. It is the history of the location that prompted Safe Refuge. The town and lake was a 2-hour train ride away from Chicago when the Great Chicago Fire erupted. The blaze destroyed a huge swath of the city, including homes and businesses. Many of the wealthy industrialists and bankers were already familiar with Geneva Lake because they had been going there to hunt. Now they needed a place to create a new home for their families while the city was rebuilt. They acquired large plots of lakeshore property and built magnificent homes. After the city was rebuilt, they continued to use their lake homes during the summer. Many of the 19th Century homes are still there, but others are not as some burned (most were built from wood) and others were torn down and replaced with newer more modern homes. I want to preserve the legacy of Lake Geneva through my story of a fictitious family who become displaced by the fire. This is the first of a three-book series which follows further generations of the family into the early 20th Century and World War I.

~ Sounds wonderful. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Doing the research and learning facts about my home area that I never knew before and incorporating them into the storyline. It amazes me how little I knew about the area before I started writing my books.

~ If you could be one of your characters, who would it be and why?

I would say my heroine in Safe Refuge, Anna Hartwell. She has a strong faith in God and she is also full of spunk, willing to stand up to her parents when they make every attempt to direct her life a direction that isn’t at all good for her.

~ You’ve written both contemporary and historical. What is your favorite time period to write about?

I began with contemporary because it was the most comfortable for me. Writing about the world I live in in current times required less research—or so I thought. You have to research before you write any kind of story. A number of years ago, when I was asked by an editor to write a proposal for a historical set in Lake Geneva, I hesitated for a second, but quickly said okay. Then I went home and started thinking about the town’s history and realized the iconic Riviera building that sits on the lakeshore was built in 1933 and has a unique history. That’s how Love Finds You in Lake Geneva was born. Although historical, my characters could ride in cars and use telephones. It was so much fun to dig through Lake Geneva’s weekly newspaper during the time of the construction and then the grand opening dance in the second-floor ballroom. The last scene of the book takes place at the grand opening dance and I put on music from that time period and danced around my living room to get myself into character before I wrote that scene. The book is no longer available as it was published, but I received my rights back from the publisher and republished it under its new title, Surprised by Love in Lake Geneva.

But, now that I’ve written Safe Refuge which takes place in 1871-2, I love that period of time as well. Learning how the town was during that time has taken more effort but there are plenty of written material and photos as well. I just spent a morning at the Lake Geneva Library going over microfilms for the newspaper of that time and learned details about when a steam yacht sank during a terrible storm. I have a feeling that’s an event that’s going to make it into the second book in the series.

~ Just for Fun ~

Favorite genre to read:  Right now, because I’m writing historical romance that is the genre I’ve been reading. But I also enjoy mystery/suspense stories and women’s fiction.

Favorite pet:  I actually have two favorite pets. My two rescue cats whom I named after my characters in Surprised by Love in LG. Jack and Meg (Meggie) have lived with me for the past four years and they are my “kids.”

Favorite vacation spot:  I don’t have a particular spot as a favorite. I’ve vacationed in the mountains of Colorado and in large cities. Some time back, one of my cousins and I took a road trip to Alabama to visit the area her dad and my mom’s family came from. We visited Monroeville where Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird was from and found graves of some of our ancestors. During that same trip, we made a side trip to Gulf Shores and enjoyed some time on the beach there. I enjoy wherever I am during the times I’ve been blessed to travel.

Favorite actor/actress:  I like most any movie that Tom Hanks is in. I really appreciate his acting and the stories. I can’t think of an actress that I could say is my favorite.

Favorite candy bar:  Anything chocolate.

Thanks so much for joining us Pam!

Blurb: In two days, wealthy Chicagoan, Anna Hartwell, will wed a man she loathes. She would refuse this arranged marriage to Lyman Millard, but the Bible clearly says she is to honor her parents, and Anna would do most anything to please her father–even leaving her teaching job at a mission school and marrying a man she doesn’t love.

The Great Chicago Fire erupts, and Anna and her family escape with only the clothes on their backs and the wedding postponed. Father moves the family to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where Anna reconnects with Rory Quinn, a handsome immigrant who worked at the mission school. Realizing she is in love with Rory, Anna prepares to break the marriage arrangement with Lyman until she learns a dark family secret that changes her life forever.

:Pam has written most of her life, beginning with her first diary at age eight. Most of her novels are set in or near her hometown of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. They include Surprised by Love in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and her newest release, Safe Refuge, the first of three novels in her Newport of the West series. Her novel, Second Chance Love, released last year, and her novella, If These Walls Could Talk, was published in the Coming Home collection. Future novels include Whatever is True (March 2019) and Shelter Cove and Tranquility Point, both part of her current series.

Pam resides in northern Illinois with her two rescue cats. She’s an hour or so away from her home town where she can often be found researching and nosing for new story ideas.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamela.meyers

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamelameyers

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2kqP5CC

Website: www.pamelasmeyers.com

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

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

BOOK 1: UNDER THIS SAME SKY

BOOK 2: UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES

Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Now for our Giveaway! Leave a comment below to unlock multiple chances to win an e-copy of Safe Refuge!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review of Out of the Ashes

I thought for this month’s Book Review, I would pull out a book which I read years ago, but found memorable. I chose Out of the Ashes by Sandi Rog which released in 2015 with Tulpen Publishing. This was a fun historical romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

A stranger. A kiss. A shotgun wedding. The late 1800’s. What could be more intriguing?

My review:

Nathaniel Ward is a well-to-do entrepreneur in search of a wife. And he has his sights set on one woman in particular, a young lady who years earlier had shown him kindness in his time of need. Unwilling to rest until he finds her, he tracks her down in Green Pine, Colorado and is relieved to discover she is unattached. But Nathaniel soon discovers it takes more than fond memories and a forced wedding to win a lady’s heart.

Having witnessed the affects of a loveless marriage, Amelia E. Taylor has no intention of marrying. Neither does she expect to become entangled with the handsome newcomer who seems bent on getting more acquainted. When circumstances find the two of them saying “I do” at the end of a gun barrel, Amelia learns love can sometimes be found where you least expect it.

What a gem this book is! A page turner from start to finish. Sandi Rog has a gift for drawing readers in and keeping them hooked. Her love for fairytale endings shines through, with Amelia and Nathaniel’s storybook romance defying the odds and thwarting the villains, in this case, Amelia’s cruel father. More importantly, Rog’s heart for the Lord shines through, with elements of faith and forgiveness woven throughout. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to Rog’s next project.

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

 

BOOK ONE: UNDER THIS SAME SKY (April, 2017)

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK TWO: UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES (April, 2018)

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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

 

Nobody’s Perfect

As a writer, I do my best to create true-to-life novel characters by giving them flaws. In order to connect with readers, it’s essential they can relate. The same is true of people.

I recall a tale 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 began to warm to her as a friend. Why? Because she could finally relate to her. In attempt at being perfect, the Christian had made herself unapproachable.

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?

Isaiah 64:6 tells us. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Our righteousness comes through Christ and His sacrifice for our sins. We’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) The Lord alone is perfect.

When we act as though we have no problems, or can handle anything that comes our way, in reality, aren’t we downplaying Christ’s role in our lives? Instead, when troubles come, we need to be honest about our struggles and humbly give God the glory for bringing us through.

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.

**Posted in part originally by Cynthia on Putting on the New Blog.

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

BOOK ONE: UNDER THIS SAME SKY (April, 2017)

 

 

 

BOOK TWO: UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES (April, 2018)

Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble

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

Finishing Strong

Our Sunday School class has been studying the life of David. There are times it’s easy to see why he was referred to as “a man after God’s own heart” and others when it seems well…quite a stretch! David had his faults like the rest of us, but I’ve come to the conclusion that what pleased God most about David was that he had a deep, unshakable love for the Lord.

When David first comes on the scene, he is but a ruddy youth. But even then, his faith in God was strong. When he had the courage to face Goliath, he went straight from the sheep pasture to the king’s palace.Throughout his life, he faced advisories, fought wars, gained kingdoms, and compiled riches. But it’s the end of his life that intrigues me most.

I Chronicles 29 gives clue to what truly mattered to this “man after God’s own heart” as his life neared its end. Rather than seeking to make a name for himself or gloat about his riches and conquests, he chose to give a lasting legacy to the Lord.

~ He showed undying devotion to the Lord. He couldn’t stand the fact that he lived in a palace while the Lord’s presence dwelled in a tent. But when God told him it was his son Solomon who should build it instead of him, David didn’t balk. Instead, he gave much of his wealth toward the project and gathered supplies to ensure Solomon had everything he needed. He loved the Lord and gave wholeheartedly to show his love.

~ He praised God and encouraged others to do the same. Rather than dwelling on all the troubles he’d endured throughout his lifetime, David’s heart was full of thanksgiving and praise for all the Lord had done. Instead of regrets, he had only praise on his tongue.

~ He showed humility. David never let his kingship go to his head. He always remembered his humble beginnings and what the Lord had brought about in his life. He recognized where his blessings came from and willingly gave God the glory.

~ He left a godly example for future generation. David not only provided a godly legacy for his son, Solomon, the future king, but he dedicated him to the Lord and prayed for him to have a whole-hearted devotion to the Lord’s ways.

If I’ve learned anything from the life of David, it is to finish well. Whatever our shortcomings, we must never lose sight of God in our lives and continue to press on in His service to the end.

 

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

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

 

BOOK 1: UNDER THIS SAME SKY (April, 2017)

BOOK 2: UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES (April, 2018)

Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble

Author Interview with Heidi Chiavaroli

~ I’m thrilled to have inspirational historical romance author Heidi Chiavaroli with us today to discuss her writing journey and her new release, The Hidden Side which releases today! Heidi and I met during the 2014 Genesis Contest when we were both finalists. Heidi went on to win the contest and hasn’t stopped since!

Stick around until the end for a chance to win a PRINT COPY of her new novel, THE HIDDEN SIDE (US addresses only).

Thanks so much for joining us today, Heidi!

Thanks for having me, Cynthia!

~ You live in an area rich in early American history. Is that why you enjoy writing about that time period?

Absolutely. I grew up in Massachusetts and remember the impression visiting Plimoth Plantation had on me. I remember thinking, “Wow. Real people were here all those years ago, living in a completely different kind of world. Yet they were people just like me, struggling with life and death, relationships and survival.” I always wondered about those who have come before us, and visiting places like Plimoth Plantation or Boston’s Freedom Trail fueled my imagination.

~ I share your fascination with history! But tell us, what led you to write split-time stories?

When I began my writing journey, I wrote straight historical stories. Then I began reading Susan Meissner’s time-slip books and I was completely inspired. I loved the literary feel of the books, how she tied together history with the present. So powerful! I remember thinking, “I wonder if I could try that…” 

~ And you’ve done it very well! Which segment is more of a challenge to write, the contemporary or historical?

This varies with each story. The contemporary story in Freedom’s Ring was more of a struggle to write for me. In The Hidden Side, though the contemporary was more of an emotional struggle, I actually found the historical story more of a challenge to write as far as plot and the general flow of it. The historical part of the manuscript I’m currently on deadline for came easier than the contemporary.

~ Do you work outside the home? How do you balance your home-life and other obligations with your writing? (This is an area I struggle with!)

Good question! This is such a challenge for any writer, I’m sure! I do work part-time outside the home, at my local pharmacy. While sometimes I think it would be wonderful to simply write full-time, mostly I enjoy getting out of the house and interacting with real people!