Amy R. Anguish's Blog, page 34

Author Interview: Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Do you love cowboy romances? I know I do. If you're like me, then you're in for a treat today. I'm chatting here with Shannon Taylor Vannatter, who writes cowboy romances. I had the pleasure of meeting Shannon at the KenTen writer's retreat a few years ago, and look forward to seeing her again this August at the same place. I'm also thrilled that she is now one of my editors at Scrivenings Press. Read on to learn more about Shannon, as well as how to be entered into an amazing giveaway she's doing right now to celebrate her new release.

Shannon, you've released almost 20 books now, right? What keeps you going and gives you inspiration? 
 
Actually, my 18th will release in March 2021. I can’t not write. I’ve tried. When I take a break, that’s usually when inspiration strikes. I’m inspired when I learn something new, hear an odd phrase, or see a headline. I also find tons of inspiration in being with other writers, just hanging out, or attending conferences. Being with other creative people inspires me and anything that interests me usually ends up in a book. Okay, I know you live in rural Arkansas, but I don't think you live on a ranch. Where did the love of cowboys come from?
 
My first three books were set in Romance and Rose Bud, Arkansas. Both are real, small towns. There wasn’t a cowboy in sight. I did marry a Texan, but he’s not a cowboy. I’m fine with that because he’s awesome and completely spoils me.
 
My father-in-law owned a ranch in Texas until he passed several years ago. His wife still lives there and we visit often. I love visiting family there, love the ranch, love Texas. But the inspiration for my rodeo series took place at the Arkansas State Fair. I saw a cowboy to the bone wearing Wrangler’s, a Stetson, and Justin boots holding hands with a girl wearing a pin-striped business suit and suede, spike-heeled boots. I wondered how they met and what they had in common and poof, inspiration struck.
 
I knew my way around the rodeo since my dad announced at our small town arena when I was a teenager and I worked in the concession stand. It was just supposed to be one book about a bull rider and an ad exec in Texas, but my editor asked if it could be a series. The next time, we went to visit our Texas family, we visited the Fort Worth Stockyards for research on the way.
 
I was hooked. The streets teemed with cowboys. I loved trying to capture their carriage, turn of phrase, and drawl. The series morphed into nine books. My line ended after the eighth one released, but the Love Inspired editor asked if I could write number nine as a transition book and build a new series around it. I did and then got another contract for a second series with them.
 
It said in your little biography on your website that it took you nine years to get published the first time. Did you ever reach a point where you wondered if you were pursuing the wrong career? What kept you going?
 
When I commit to something, I do it. Period. Once I realized that story in my head could be a book, I pursued publication with dogged persistence. Nice comments in rejection letters kept me going. I have over two hundred rejection letters in a large manila envelope. Most of them were form letters. But the ones with hand-written notes or compliments on something I was doing right kept the glimmer of hope alive.
 
As an author being published by the new company, Scrivenings Press, I know you and Linda Fulkerson had your work cut out for you in taking over that publisher. Was being an editor something you had considered before this? Or is it one of those blessings that basically fell in your lap? (I love those blessings most of the time).
 
Once I worked with an editor and learned all the little things that kept me from getting published all those years, I wanted to share my knowledge. To help other hopefuls achieve their dream of publication. I started out teaching classes. Eventually, I did paid critiques at writer’s conferences and I really enjoyed it.
           
While doing paid critiques, I thought I’d really enjoy being an editor. But I figured I’d have to go to school to do it and didn’t think I’d ever have time for that. So when Linda called and offered me a partnership, along with an editing course I could take online, I was excited. So it basically fell in my lap.
 
Linda and I had been travel, roomie, conference buddies since before I got published. We’re complete opposites. I’m an ex-hairdresser, she’s an ex-marine. I’m technology challenged, she’s a computer geek. I’m creative with words, she’s creative with graphics. I’ve worked with several content editors, she’s been a newspaper editor and photographer. Our strengths complement each other well for our new joint endeavor.
 
Do you think being an editor and working with Scrivenings is going to cut into your own writing time? How do you plan to maintain the balance?
 
During the transition, I know I won’t have time to write. But the timing is good. I just finished my contract and sent my agent a new proposal. By the time anything happens with that, I’ll be caught up on my Scrivenings work.
 
Once I get a new contract, I’m planning to spend half my day on editing and half on writing. I usually write in three to four hour sittings, so it should balance out fine. But I did tell Linda that if it gets to where I don’t have time to write, we’ll have to hire another editor. Her answer: Use your time wisely. I’ve nicknamed her slave driver.
 
Tell us what you're working on right now in terms of upcoming stories. We love your cowboy romances.
 
I just turned a new proposal in to my agent. It’s cowboys on a Texas ranch with a twist, an agritourism ranch, which was introduced to me a few years ago at a writing retreat. I’d never heard of the term and it was mentioned it in a brainstorming session. It intrigued me, so it ended up in a potential book.
 
It always amazes me how two different writers can take the same character, plot, setting, theme, or trope and each write completely different stories.
 
I’m hoping by October or November, I’ll have time to polish up a long length book I wrote years ago and find a home for it.
 
And, to end, what's one thing you can tell us about yourself that very few people know?
 
I’m an introvert. People I went to school with know it. But most people who’ve met me as an adult don’t. I came out of my shell when I went to cosmetology school. I realized it was way more uncomfortable to cut somebody’s hair for thirty minutes without talking, than it was to make conversation.
 
Getting published brought me out of my shell even more. Attending conferences and teaching classes requires me to interact with others and speak in front of large groups. I have this outgoing persona at conferences and I enjoy myself. But if I could, I’d hide in the corner. Once I get home after a conference or speaking engagement, I’m exhausted. Even though I had a great time during the event.
 
What about you, readers? What inspires you and in what way do you use your inspiration or creativity?
 
Shannon's giving away five copies of  The Cowboy’s Missing Memory  and five copies of her Western Collection two in one with Jill Lynn – Counting on the Cowboy and Her Texas Cowboy will be split among commenters. Winner’s will be revealed on  Shannon’s Blog   on July 15th. 
Follow her blog tour to enter:
June 2: Jennifer Heeren’s Blog: https://jenniferheeren.com/blog/
June 11: Joy Avery Melville’s Blog: https://www.journeystojoy.net/
June 13: Patti Shene’s Blog: https://pattishene.com/pattisporch
June 25: Laurie Wood’s Blog: https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com/author-my-blog
June 25: Reading is My Superpower Blog: https://readingismysuperpower.org
June 30: Catherine Castle’s Blog: https://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com/blog/
July 3: Inkslinger Blog: https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/
July 6: Amy Anguish’s Blog: https://abitofanguish.weebly.com/blog
July 7: Inkslinger Blog: https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/
July 10: Linda Rondeau’s Blog: https://lindarondeau.com/snarksensibility
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory
 
Can he reclaim his past…and build a future?

He needs to remember.

She’s his best hope…

After a rodeo accident took away Clint Rawlins’s mobility and two years’ worth of memories, occupational therapist Lexie Parker is his only shot at recovering and regaining independence. Lexie is drawn to Clint…but she’s wary of the amnesiac’s all-too-vulnerable feelings. And with the possibility of him returning to his dangerous bull-riding side job, she refuses to risk her heart. But resisting her charming patient may be harder than she expected…
 
(Available in Walmart mid-June through mid-July)
 
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory - Amazon
 
The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Christian Book
Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does.
She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.
Recently, Shannon joined Scrivenings Press as co-owner/acquisitions/content editor.
Connect with her: Shannon's Newsletter
​

An Unexpected Nudge

This year ...
Man. What can I say?
I started this year with grandiose plans for writing. I wanted to write at least two new books (finishing up my road-trip romance series I started writing last year), edit at least two books, and gain at least one, if not two more contracts. Well. Where am I in all that?
I have written another book. But not either of the ones I had meant to. I wrote the one for the trilogy I'm doing with Heather Greer and Erin Howard, instead.
And I have gotten another contract! Yay!
​But then, I sort of lost my momentum. Until Katie nudged me this week.
My friend Katie and I met in school at Freed-Hardeman. We went on a mission trip to Canada together after my freshman year of college. And she and her now-husband were in Dactylology club with me, too. (That means sign language club, fyi, and it's something I very much enjoyed all through college). We had lost touch after all of us graduated, but met up again a few years ago when we all happened to be back on campus. She found out I had been published and offered to help edit things as I needed. I have now used her a couple of times.
I had considered sending a proposal I was working on her way recently, but never got to asking her about it. And my other girls who had been helping me skim and proof were all busy. So, I was basically sitting here twiddling my thumbs and not going after another contract (because why not?). And then Katie sent me a message.
She just gave me a little nudge, asking if I needed anything proofread.
I did, and we worked out the details quickly. And this sense of relief and uplift came over me. After all, sometimes all we need is someone else to push us to do what we should be doing anyway.
And when she basically admitted to having asked because she didn't want to wait any longer to read more of my stories, that made me feel even better. Because even though I love to write, and I think my stories are okay, it's nice to know there are people out there who love them just as much (if not even more, sometimes). It helps us keep going, telling more stories, and getting more books into your hands.
​Have you needed a nudge lately? I hope God sent you one just as sweet!

Change in Plans

KenTen Retreat last year On a normal year, I would be leaving this afternoon to head to the KenTen Writers' Retreat. We'd all eat dinner together this evening--pulled pork sandwiches and laughter all around. Then, I'd spend two days mostly talking about writing and reading and perfecting craft and marketing, having my spirit lifted by being around others who understand what it's like to have stories pop into your head and not leave you alone until you write them down, and hanging out with Heather Greer and Erin Howard, filming a few more youtube videos between retreat sessions.
​But this is not a normal year.
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, our retreat has been moved to the first week of August. That means that even though my creative heart needs a lift right about now, I have to hang in there for a bit longer. I will admit to having good times and bad times through all of this. I have achieved a few things, though. I've written a book, snagged a contract, and started working on a proposal for another one, too. I even started writing a new story, though I only have two chapters down so far.
But then some days I do good to do more than read things others have written and survive the day to day activities that must be accomplished. And I feel guilty for not writing. This has all taken a toll on me, but there's no saying that something else might not have had me in the same funk.
However, I will keep on writing on the days that I am inspired. And between those days, I will read to be inspired, and keep thinking on my story ideas until they flesh out enough in my head to get down. I won't give up. I will push through and look forward to having that retreat in August for a full refilling of my author cup.
Have you had something bit change that you were looking forward to lately? Are you also struggling to find motivation to do things you normally enjoy? How are you coping?

Author Interview/Book Spotlight: Heather Greer

Today, I am thrilled to have my good friend Heather Greer with me, talking about her new book, Relentless Love. This is the third book in her series, and we're chatting about all of it. Read on.

Okay, Heather. Tell us. This book concludes the series you've been writing for the last few years. How does it feel to wrap up the story of these characters?
 
It’s bittersweet for sure. There are more stories in the pages. Erin and Paul have a story to tell, but I’m not sure I’m supposed to tell it for them. There is a new character and her son in this book that also have a great story, but I don’t know if I’ll be following up with that one either. But for Katie, I think this book gives her the ending she needs. I think readers will be satisfied with the outcome and happy for her even if they don’t know exactly where life takes her after the story ends.  ​What was the hardest part of writing this story? I know it has some very emotional parts in it.
 
Dealing with scenes involving Katie’s father were both easy and difficult. Some of what he goes through with his dementia/Alzheimer’s may seem outrageous for people who haven’t lived through it. When I started planting the seeds to go this direction with him in Grasping Hope, my grandmother had been dealing with some of these things for years. Her condition began to deteriorate rapidly, and as I wrote Relentless Love, I found myself in position as a full-time caregiver to her until she passed away in November. Now, nothing relating to dementia care seems outrageous or surprising. There were times of complete clarity after weeks of total confusion. She was herself, but not, at the same time. As difficult as it is to watch and care for someone you love during these times, the decisions to look outside of the family for care are probably the most difficult of all. Katie’s struggle to make that choice is very real to a lot of people, myself included. Knowing these things first hand is what made those scenes both the easiest and hardest to write.
 
Now that you've finished this series, what is next? Anything fun coming up?
 
I’ve got lots of fun things in the works. I finished a book in November called Cake That. I’m looking for a publishing home for it now. After writing Katie’s story, which is really the stuff of life, I enjoyed working on something that was simply fun. Faith, struggles, fears, and hope are all there, but the setting is a little less common and a lot more light-hearted. Some of the characters are larger than life, but considering the story’s setting is a baking competition show, you have to expect that.
 
I’m currently writing a historical fiction set in the 1920s in Harrisburg, Illinois. It will stand alone, but it’s also part of a series of novels that spans several generations. There will be a historical, contemporary, and dystopian book in the set. Each book is tied together through a family and through a stained glass window. Writing this one is equal parts fun and torture. I’m not a history buff so every little detail makes me pause to do research. But I’m also learning some fun facts about the time period.

Pretty sure I'm familiar with your 1920s one, since I'm the lucky gal who got to do the contemporary story for that series. ;-) I'm so excited about it, and I know you'll do great with all that research.
Switching up, if you had your way, what would your dream day look like? Lots of writing? Reading? Something else?
 
If I could spend my days how I want, I would spend time on my deck writing and reading. I’d probably take a break every now and then to do some crafting or baking. I like all kinds of crafts, but I tend toward stamping and making cards. And I love to bake everything from decorated cakes and cupcakes to cookies and cake balls. Like crafting, baking is a great creative outlet. Sometimes, to be my best writing self I have to express my creativity in a different way. Of course, the evening would end with watching a favorite tv show or movie. It could be anything from a comic book movie to a sci-fi show with a healthy dose of Hallmark and rom-coms thrown in for good measure.
 
Is there anything you've included in your character that very much comes from who you are in real life? Any pieces of your own life included in your story?
 
We’ve already discussed Katie’s experience with her father mirroring mine with my grandmother. Other than that, I’m not sure how like Katie I am.  Through the series there are glimpses into me through her. I tend to have issues with trusting people as she has through the series. I understand her panic attacks in book two because I’ve dealt with them. And I understand her desire in book three to love from sense of duty but without passion due to having been hurt. The events surrounding her lessons may be different than mine, but they have brought us to similar lessons. I think that’s part of why I felt like I needed to tell her story. In reality, it’s her story, my story, and the story of countless others who may need encouragement.
 
And finally, the question all my authors are coming to hate: Can you please leave us with one thing about yourself that very few people know?
 
Not only am a scared of spiders, which everyone knows, I’m also one of those people who have to have windows covered at night. There are evenings when I can’t write in my office at night without closing the curtains because I have a completely irrational fear of looking out the window and someone looking in. There’s no reason for it. It’s been that way for as long as I remember. 

That's interesting. I don't like uncovered windows at night, either. Thanks for stopping by, and we're looking forward to your book releasing tomorrow!
Relentless Love

Living with limits protects a heart from hurt. After unexpectedly losing her husband, it’s a lesson Katie Blake has learned well. From moving in with her elderly father to staying at home with her son, Sammy, Katie’s life has been arranged to avoid further pain.
After three years, life feels stagnant. It’s time to carefully venture into the world once again. Sammy needs friends his age, and Katie needs a project to focus on.
As Sammy adjusts to preschool, Katie finds her perfect job. Her position even allows her to befriend Anna, a young mother who needs encouragement. Events also bring Nathan Phillips, a childhood friend, back into her life. Each successful step forward encourages Katie to continue opening her heart. By the time her friendship with Nathan begins to deepen, Katie is ready to pursue the relationship.
Nathan’s encouragement gives Katie strength to make tough decisions regarding her father’s care as his dementia progresses. But when Sammy is injured while in Nathan’s care, Katie knows she’s made a mistake. It won’t happen again. Abandoning their relationship in favor of safety is only the beginning. Katie has felt God calling her to help change Anna’s situation, but the risk is too great. God will have to find another way to help.
It takes a strange message from her father for Katie to understand God’s relentless love and desire for her life to reflect His love. But will Katie take the risk or continue limiting love in favor of a life without hurt?

Interested? Find it here. Heather Greer loves growing in her relationship with God and helping others do the same. While she's served in ministries dealing with toddlers through adults, her focus is on encouraging and challenging teen and adult believers to go further in their faith. She is blessed to be able to use her God-given passion for writing to do this, both in her books and blog.

Heather is a pastor's kid from southern Illinois. While she never intended to marry a pastor, she became a pastor's wife when her husband answered the call to preach five years into their marriage. Now that three of her four kids have flown the nest, Heather enjoys more time for reading and writing and writing about reading. And when she's not doing any of those things, you'll probably find her in the kitchen baking for her friends and family.

Follow her:

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A Little Mountain Inspiration

Normally, I blog on Mondays and Thursdays, but this last weekend, I ran away to Gatlinburg, TN with a group of fellow preschool teachers for a retreat. And by the time I got home Sunday evening, I couldn't think straight because of exhaustion. So, you get a post on Tuesday this week instead of Monday. Sunday morning, sitting in the cabin with my teacher sisters, we streamed a worship service from where most of them attend. And as the words of the song, "Our God, He is Alive" rolled off my tongue, looking out the window at the majestic Smokies outside, it gave a deeper meaning to the lyrics. "He tinted skies with heav'nly hue, and framed the worlds with His great might." Yes. It was pretty awesome. Especially since I had also gotten up early simply to witness the sunrise over the mountains before that. Pictures don't do God's artwork justice.
But that wasn't the only inspiration I enjoyed this past weekend. In addition to playing games, talking, eating, and shopping, it was nice to simply get away, spend time with people who aren't my family, and revel in the breathtaking surroundings. And as everything around me went on, my muse kicked into gear again (despite the fact that I'm supposed to be editing something else right now), and gave me the beginning of a story. So, for a little while Sunday, I sat and scribbled words down so I wouldn't forget them. And someday, I'll flesh out those characters, give them some backstory and purpose, and write the rest. But for now, I'm thrilled to have had a bit of inspiration again. And to have had the weekend to be revitalized despite the exhaustion that came with late nights and long car rides.
Have you had any inspiring moments lately?

Saving Grace Cover Reveal

Hello friends. One of the most exciting parts of getting a book ready to be published is seeing the cover for the first time. It makes it so much more real. And this cover is absolutely lovely.
Are you ready to see it?
Sure?
​Okay, then.
I love it. What about you? Here's the blurb.

What if saving Grace doesn’t mean what she thinks it does?
 
Michelle Wilson’s one goal in life was to become a top journalist at the local paper back in her hometown of Cedar Springs, AR. But on the way to bringing that dream to reality, a life-changing wreck interrupts Michelle’s plans and adds an orphaned baby into the mix. Now, she has tough decisions ahead—did God put her in that accident to save baby Grace? And if so, why is it so hard to convince everyone else she should be the baby’s new mommy?
Greg Marshall has been Michelle’s best friend his whole life. He’s thrilled she’s moving back home, but not so sure about her sudden desire to be a single mom. His feelings for her have grown through the years, but she’s never seemed to notice. Can he help Michelle with the adoption and grow their relationship at the same time?


In other news, the release date for this beautiful story has been pushed back a week. My publisher sold her company to someone else, and while they're still going to honor the contract, they needed a bit more time. Since it was only a week, I readily agreed.
AND, Anaiah Press has agreed to publish another of my books! Writing Home will release late next year. I'm so excited to be able to give you books only a year apart. Let's see if we can keep this up, shall we?
Are you excited?

Author Interview: Hope Toler Dougherty

Today, I'm interviewing my fellow author Hope Toler Dougherty. Her fourth book is about to release, and I know the one story of hers I've read was excellent so I'm looking forward to reading more. Read on to learn more about this author and check out how you could possibly win a free copy of her book.

​Hope, this is your fourth book, right? Does this book have connections to any of your other stories, or are they all stand-alone?

Forever Music is a stand-alone; however, I hope it becomes the first in a series. (I’m trying!) I like to revisit characters; for example, Jack Windham is a friend of Mary Wade’s in Rescued Hearts. He didn’t get a lot of page time in that novel, but he’s back in Forever Music as Ches’s uncle. He and his wife are an important part of Ches’s story. He’s really a cool character, and I enjoyed getting to know him better. I hope readers will, too. I know you play several instruments. Did that have anything to do with the title of your new book? Can you let us know about the instrument in the story? I'm curious!

Yes, I do play a few instruments: the piano, clarinet, and sixth-string dulcimer. I also played the saxophone for one marching band season because the two or three sax players in our small high school were also football players. I got called up from the clarinet section to help out. I have a banjo that I’d love to learn to play.
The instrument in the story is a piano. Josie and Ches both play, but their experience with the instrument is very different. There’s a music thread running from the beginning of the story—references to James Taylor, Johnnie Cash, Earl Klugh—but no one is a professional musician.
Music is an important part to a happy existence, and I think we’re seeing, especially now with the stay-at-home orders, how important the arts are to a full life. Even with this world-wide quarantine, people, celebrities as well as friends and family, are sharing their talent on-line to comfort and encourage others.
The music part of Forever Music happened as one of those wonderful seat-of-the-pants experiences. I didn’t set out to write a story with music in it. I wanted to explore the idea of two people who fall into an emotional affair/relationship. The music idea came to me the first time Ches visited Josie, and I loved seeing it grow to an important plot point.

In your book trailer, you talk about your characters participating in a charity run. Have you ever done something like that?

I loathe running, but, yes, I’ve run for charities before. The first time was for one of my son’s Eagle Scout project to build up the holdings of our public library’s  children’s department.
One fun fact that will seem like it’s drawn from real life is that I won the same medal (in my age group) in a 2019 run as Josie wins, but the writing came before the reality. When I finished the race and found out about my medal, I thought, “Everybody will think the scene is about this run!” 

That's a super fun story. I don't like to run, either, so I'm always in awe of people who do it for fun.
Anything else in the story pulled from your real life? I'm always curious about how many aspects of a story are drawn from real life (something people ask me about my books all the time).

Yes, a few ideas or instances in the book are pulled from real life. My husband and I met in Charlotte way back in the day. Some of the places I mention like The Pewter Rose were real places then but, sadly, don’t exist anymore.
A guy I dated waited outside my classroom door one day and asked me for lunch, but had forgotten his wallet. I’ve always wondered if he forgot it on purpose!
The bowling scene and aspects of the holiday scenes are based on our life, but the Josie and Ches romance is pure fiction.

Nice! Well, not the part about forgetting his wallet. Yikes! After this book, what's in the works for you? Got any new ideas percolating?

I have some new ideas percolating. Josie has three brothers who might want their own stories. I have about four or five chapters on one of them, Sam, but the words kind of dried up. He’s on the back burner now as I’m focused on promoting Forever Music.

Okay, my last question is always the same when I do interviews: can you tell us some fact about yourself that very few people know?

One fact about me that few people know is I think Napoleon Dynamite is a fantastically hilarious movie.

Well, we'll agree to disagree on that one! Ha! Thanks for letting us get a sneak into your new story as well as your own life today, Hope.
​
Okay, if you want a chance to win a copy of Hope's book, leave a comment below with an instrument you play or one you'd love to learn to play. And keep reading to find out how to keep up with Hope on social media as well as where to snag her books.
Forever Music

College history instructor, Josie Daniels is good at mothering her three brothers, volunteering in her community, and getting over broken hearts, but meeting aloof, hot-shot attorney Ches Windham challenges her nurturing, positive-thinking spirit.
Josie longs to help Ches find his true purpose, but, as his hidden talents and true personality emerge, will she be able to withstand his potent charms or will she lose her heart in the process?
Rising star in his law firm, Ches Windham is good at keeping secrets. He’s always been the good son, following his father’s will to become an attorney and playing the game for a fast track to partnering with a law firm. Lately, though, his life’s path has lost what luster it ever had—all because of his unlikely, and unacceptable, friendship with Josie. He struggles between the life he’s prepared for and the one calling to him now. Opposing his father has never been an option, and spending time with Josie can’t be an option. The more he’s with her, however, the more he wants to be.
When a crisis tarnishes his golden future and secrets are revealed, Ches is forced to reexamine
the trajectory of his life. Will he choose the path his father hammered out for him or the path that
speaks to his heart?

Pre-order a copy here. Hope holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Forever Music is her fourth novel. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their two daughters and twin sons.

Author Interview: Candace West

The last few years have introduced me to some amazing authors, and this one is no different. I met Candace West in person last June at the Ken Ten Writing retreat, but we've also gotten to know each other online, too. I've been blessed to be able to read both of her historical fiction novels, and let me tell you--they're gritty and emotional, full of love and forgiveness. I think you'll enjoy them, too. So, let's take a few moments so you can learn a bit more about Candace and her stories.

Candace, this is your second book. When you wrote your first book, did you already have this story in mind, or did it come to you later?

By the time I finished Lane Steen, I knew that I wanted to resolve Earl and Lorena’s story. Only until last year, however, did I finally make it happen. When I began the story, I had no idea how to get those two back together, especially after the things Earl had done. I brainstormed for awhile before putting the final plot together. In between, the characters took over and shifted the story as I wrote. They were full of surprises!
My characters have a tendency to take over my stories, too, so I can empathize!​
I know in your first book, you wrote in first person and this one was done in second person. Was it hard for you to switch? What made you decide to do it that way?

No, the switch was easy. I prefer writing in third person. Lane’s story was in first person because I wanted readers to see the story completely through her eyes and voice. For Earl and Lorena, it was easier for me to tell the story through their eyes in third person. Also, I wanted to share snippets of other characters without Earl or Lorena having to be in the room.

Historical novels are always enjoyable to me. I love going back in time in my imagination. What's the hardest thing about writing about a time long ago?

Living in a modern age, it’s easy to take for granted little everyday things. Even though times were more simple, things were more complex in many ways. Things like the dishes they used or even the differences between a wagon and buggy. Does one horse or two pull them? Those little details are easy to miss. Since there’s quite a bit of music in this story, I had to make sure that they were relevant to that era. And you wouldn’t believe how much trouble I had researching the price of a sawmill in 1910!

I can't even begin to fathom where I'd start to look for something like that. Good job.
I've fallen in love with several of your characters now, and I want to know what happens to them. Please tell me you're planning at least one more book to follow up on a story you started near the end of this one?

Yes! When I wrote the first book, I wanted to write a series featuring the original characters. Each book focus on a different character. What I didn’t count on was Ella and George setting the stage for the third book. They were pretty pushy about it, in their characteristic way. I didn’t even know Ella was going to show up in Valley Creek until she sent that telegram. In true Ella form, she took it from there. 

Hooray!
Your book is set in the beautiful Ozark mountains. Do you spend much time there in real life? What made you choose that particular setting?

Since we live in the southern Arkansas delta, my family and I frequently travel to the northern Arkansas Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains. It is truly my happy place! My mother’s family roots run through those hills and valleys. We visit all the old places, and I gather fodder for stories. My heart is there, so my stories follow.

Having lived several years in Arkansas, too, I agree. It's easy to fall in love with such a beautiful state.
As always, I ask my authors to share with us one thing not many other people know about you. What'ya got?

I once worked in the crop duster business! I wasn’t a pilot, though. When I was fourteen, I got my first job as a receptionist. Over time, they gave me more responsibilities, including bookkeeping. It was a fun, interesting job to have through high school and college. And it’s where I wrote my first book! Thank you for having me today, Amy. It has been fun sharing with you and your readers!

I've seen those planes fly. I think you got the safer side of the job! Thanks for sharing such a fun tidbit.

Okay, readers. Candace has graciously offered to give an ecopy of her new book, Valley of Shadows, to one of you! To be entered for a chance, please leave a comment below telling us one thing you'd be most interested in finding out about from the 1910s. And keep reading to learn more about Candace's book and where to follow her online.
Valley of Shadows

Forgiving is far from forgetting.

Lorena Steen gave up on love years ago. After arriving at Valley Creek to visit her daughters, she stumbles first thing into Earl, the husband who abandoned her.

As for Earl, facing Lorena while fighting his own demons tempts him to flee town. How can he rebuild a relationship with his daughters and cynical neighbors when guilt shadows every step?

While the storm brews between them, another storm descends on Valley Creek. Will a ghost town stand in its wake?

But then the townsfolk devise a plan. All they need is a former concert pianist and violinist. A wife and husband estranged.

Can Lorena and Earl set aside their feelings to rescue a community? Even though it sweeps them back through valleys best forgotten? Especially when a forbidden love claims his right to win Lorena’s heart?

Want to know more? For Lane Steen, click here.
For Valley of Shadows, click here. Candace West was born in the Mississippi delta to a young minister and his wife. She grew up in small-town Arkansas and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. When she was twelve years old, she wrote her first story, “Following Prairie River.” In 2018, she published her debut novel Lane Steen. By weaving entertaining, hope-filled stories, Candace shares the Gospel and encourages her readers. She currently lives in her beloved Arkansas with her husband and their son along with two dogs and three bossy cats.
 
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Six Months Until Saving Grace

How is your September calendar looking? Mine is still fairly open, but you can see I've got the most important date marked. September 29th, my third book will release. The title is Saving Grace. I am so excited to get the story of Greg and Michelle into your hands. It's a tale of figuring out that the plans we make for our own lives aren't always what God wants in our lives, and accepting that love isn't only butterflies and giddiness. I'm so excited to share it with you in SIX MONTHS! Whew! So close, and yet, so far away. Want to know a little more about my story while you wait? Here's the pinterest board for it. And I'm sure I'll be adding more fun pins as we go.
In the meantime, I'm continuing to work on other projects, too. I am writing a little at a time my story to go with the ones Heather Greer and Erin Howard are writing (Want to know more about those? Check out the youtube video where we explain our idea). I am also editing my Christmas story I wrote last November with the hopes of pitching it later this year. And I have a query out for another book. I'm still working, trying to get these stories out of my head and into your hands as quickly as possible.
As we get closer to the launch of Saving Grace, I'll be doing more posts with recipes, character profiles, and backstory. I'd love to know any questions you're wanting to know already. Who's excited? Besides me.

When Plans are Cancelled--Retreat!

This post was supposed to be about how amazing my first writers' conference was. But, COVID-19 hit and cancelled the conference. So, we're going to talk about something else.
I don't know about you, but I'm very much a "people" person. I love being out and seeing others. I'm a hugger. I'm someone who likes alone-time for only so long and then wants to be around different people. Needless to say, being told "don't go out unless you absolutely have to" is about to kill me ... and it's only been a week.
When the conference was cancelled, I got online and chatted with my author sisters who were also disappointed to have those plans changed. We knew we needed to get together soon anyway so we could record some more youtube videos, and with us trying to write a trilogy together, we needed to chat about that, too. Why not retreat for a weekend, just the three of us?
We found a little cabin on Kentucky Lake and met up for about 24 hours. The setting was beautiful, the hours were fast, and the conversation was great. I'm pretty sure I haven't laughed that much in 24 hours in a long time, and laughter is supposed to help keep you healthy. We even got some work done. Picture-proof below.
I don't recommend this for everyone, but for us, it's going to get us through the next little bit. And it helped kick-start our creative juices again so that we can move forward on some projects.
What are you doing when plans get cancelled? Have you come up with fun alternatives? How are you social distancing without going crazy? I'd love to hear about it!