Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog, page 143

Author Spotlight: CJ Darlington

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Joanna Weaver is Jennifer Pederson! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is CJ Darlington is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of CJ's latest book, Bound by Guilt, leave a comment on this post!

Share a bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

I am happily single with a full time job as a used and rare bookseller. It's been my family's business now for over twelve years, and it keeps me busy. I'm also the co-founder of the Christian entertainment website TitleTrakk.com and a contributing editor at Family Fiction magazine. But even though I have many obligations, fiction writing is my first love. It's my goal to write five days a week, usually in the evenings.

And share something about your writing. What's your genre(s), your areas of interest…

I write contemporary novels. A theme that seems to pervade all of them is that no one has ever fallen too far for the grace of God to touch them. I love writing about hurting and broken people---those who aren't perfect by any means, make mistakes and need redemption.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream to be a published author?

I remember being eight years old typing at my dad's old word processor. As a kid I always enjoyed writing little stories, but it wasn't until I was a teenager that I entertained the idea of being a published writer. But the bug hit hard then. I started my first novel Thicker than Blood when I was fifteen. My apprenticeship in writing began at that point, and I devoured every writing how-to book I could find.

After you started writing seriously---how long was it before you were published?

I started seriously considering writing as a teen, but didn't really commit to it until I was eighteen or so. My first short story was published when I was twenty, my first novel when I was thirty. I'm thankful I wasn't published in book length right away because there was so much to learn during that time.

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your "brain cylinders" firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing?

Coffee or tea certainly help! There isn't any one thing that makes writing easier. Often it's just a matter of sitting my butt in the chair and going for it whether I feel like it or not. Sometimes I'll feel in the zone, other days it's like pulling teeth to get out a paragraph. What usually helps me is just diving in and going for it. When I overthink things is when I often get in trouble.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers' conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

My mom as my first draft reader is a HUGE help to me. She has a wonderfully keen editorial eye and helps me in every draft to pinpoint what's working and what isn't. I've also been blessed to have some kind mentors in other authors who've taken the time to answer my questions and offer advice.

Is the "writer's life" what you thought it would be? 

I think one of the biggest misconceptions I had as a beginning writer was that getting published would change my life. It didn't. I'm still the same person I was when I was submitting manuscripts to editors as I am today. Nothing magically changed. So I guess I did think it would be more glamorous than it is. That said, I am incredibly thankful and blessed to have my work read by others. It's such a joy to hear from someone who's taken the time to read a story I've written. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it helps to understand that unless your name is J.K. Rowling, the writing life really doesn't change your life all that much.

What are your biggest distractions?

Hands down, the internet. What's hard is that things like Facebook and Twitter and blogs are all useful tools as a writer. But used excessively they become a drain on creativity. I really don't need to be checking my FB page ever five minutes. And checking Amazon rankings of my books? A complete waste of time. But do I do it? More often than I should.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

There was nothing like sitting in the audience at the Writing for the Soul conference and hearing Jerry B. Jenkins announce my novel as the winner of Operation First Novel. That was amazing. But now that I'm further down the road of this journey, what impacts me the most is when I hear from a reader who was somehow touched by something in my stories. It's so important to remember being a Christian writer is more than a career. For me it's a ministry, and I never want to lose sight of that.

A low point in my career was when I almost gave up on my first novel. I had been submitting it to publishers for four years, and I was feeling discouraged. I was beginning to wonder if it was time to put it in a drawer and move on to something new. Thankfully, the Lord intervened and prompted me to enter Operation First Novel two weeks before their cut off deadline for entries.

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

There are some days when the marketing aspects of the job are overwhelming, but really there's not much I don't like about it. I most enjoy hearing from readers.

What is the role and importance of an agent?

This will vary from writer to writer, I think. Some authors despise anything to do with the business and negotiating side of things. For those, I think an agent is important. They need someone to be their advocate and help them through the process. Some writers don't have a family support system, and an agent can be a huge encouragement on the days when they feel like throwing in the towel.

Then there are other authors who don't mind tackling the business end of things. I fall into that camp. I don't have an agent. Maybe someday I will have one, but for now I'm happy with how things are coming along.

What advice would you give to new writer?

As I get further along in my career, I'm realizing something that is enormously important for new writers, and that is this: Write the book of your heart. Don't worry about publishers, marketing, editors or readers AT ALL in the beginning. You'll paralyze yourself. Instead, search inside and listen to that still small voice leading you to the story only you can tell. If you aren't passionate about your story, it will show on the page. Then, once you finish your first book, get moving onto the next! Then whenever you do receive interest from a publisher you'll have more than one thing to show them.

Pretend I'm a customer at a booktsore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.

Bound by Guilt is about a teen girl desperate to fit in and a female cop searching for justice. One fateful night both their lives are changed forever.

What's on the book horizon for you?

I'm just now finishing the rough draft of my next novel. Revision time!

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

My website is full of info: www.cjdarlington.com 

Amish Wisdom Anniversary Show!

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.
 
Please join me on Thursday  at 4:00 pm CST for an encore presentation of our debut show with guest Erik Wesner. It has been one of our top rated shows! For good reason--Erik is a fascinating, insightful, and downright funny guy.

Erik is the author of the popular blog " Amish America ." During the interview we chat about Erik's book, Success Made Simple, and about Amish businesses.

A bit about Erik:  Since 2004, he has visited 20 Amish communities in five states, and met roughly 5,000 Amish families in total.

As the 2008 Snowden Fellow at the Young Center at Elizabethtown College, Erik delivered a lecture entitled "Is Success a Four-Letter Word? The Amish Approach to Business Achievement".

Erik has contributed to Amish-themed articles featured in Entrepreneur Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post , and other print media. He's have also served as a consultant for numerous authors of Amish fiction and non-fiction.

His book Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive was published by John Wiley and Sons under the Jossey-Bass imprint in 2010.

Success Made Simple is based on his 60 interviews with Amish business owners as well as experiences living and working in Amish communities from Pennsylvania to Iowa. Read more here.

In his previous nine-year career with a Nashville publisher and bookseller, he worked in management and set an international record as a salesperson.

If not in Amish America, you can likely find Erik in Krakow, Poland, where he teaches, translates, and trains for marathons.

For a chance to win a copy of Erik's book leave a comment{HERE}!  Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win.

Monday's Musings

Can't believe February comes to a close today!

Today marks the one month point since my daughter and little Blake joined us--my son-in-law has been all over the United States. He's training for a new position with his company up in the state of Washington, plus house hunting, plus he handled the move out of their home in Rhode Island.

It's been wonderful having a baby in the house again! SO much fun. Brings up sweet memories of my own children as little ones. A baby can be so consuming and exhausting...but then...when he takes a long nap...I miss him!  Can't wait until he wakes up and the cycle starts again: he's starving, he's happy, he's unhappy, and then he's ready for a nap.

Watching my other kids become aunts and uncles is a delight I hadn't expected. They're all crazy about Blake and very attentive to him, even in the less-than-wonderful moments (like...diaper changes). My middle two swoop by after work to hold him, and my college son likes to skype with Blake. Which...is really about watching Blake until he gets bored and starts to fuss. 

Lucky for us, with Blake being a long-term houseguest, we've had the privilege of watching him change before our eyes!

Yesterday, his first tooth broke through.


And he's starting to eat food! Starting with all the P's...sweet potatoes (ugh), prunes (double ugh), pears and peas.

Most of the time, he's a happy camper. Not all of the time, though!


On another note...so happy that "A King's Speech" received such recognition last night. What an uplifting story--loved it! If you haven't seen it yet, put it on your list. Well worth your time. I want to see it again...and read the biography of the Queen Mum. To me, she was the quiet hero in that story. 

Last thing, bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray is running a wonderful giveaway of multi-author signed books on her Facebook page...to celebrate the launch of her newest release, "The Caregiver." Check it out and enter her contest! Shelley Shepard Gray

Hope your week is off to a great start. Mine is...we actually have some sunshine in California!

Author Spotlight: Joanna Weaver

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Judy Baer is Karen! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week is Joanna Weaver is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Joanna's latest book, Lazarus Awakening, leave a comment on this post!


Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?

Well, it's hard to believe, but I've been married nearly thirty years to the most wonderful man in the world! It's not the wonderful part that is hard to believe – it's the thirty years. Wow, time goes so fast. But it just gets sweeter and sweeter.

We have three kids - a twenty-five year old son, John Michael; a twenty-two year old daughter, Jessica; and a sweet little surprise named Joshua who joined our family eight years ago.

And share something about your writing. What's your genre(s), your areas of interest…

While I love reading fiction, I feel called to write nonfiction for Christian women. I really believe God wants to transform us in the deepest places of our hearts. But we've got to give Him access.

Though I'm a pastor's wife and grew up as a "good girl" – obeying rules and doing my best to please God – I'm just as messed up as the next woman. And just as in need of a Savior! But as I've let God get His hands on me, I've changed. That's my prayer for the women who read my books.

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?  

I never grew up thinking I'd be a writer. The possibility of creating a book never crossed my mind. But during a transitional time in ministry, things kept coming out in my journal like essays or article-type musings. God began to awaken a desire to write that went beyond my usual hobby-hopping tendencies. I went to the library for books on writing, took a magazine-writing class at the community college and then began sending out queries to magazines.

After you started writing seriously--how long was it before you were published? 

Over that first year, I was rejected regularly. Which is really tough for a "performance/success driven" kind of personality! But by then, God had confirmed that this was His idea and not mine. That gave me the tenacity to keep trying. He had called me to write. It was His job to get me published!

About a year and a half after that initial call, I attended Mount Hermon's Christian Writer's Conference. God gave me favor with editors there and an agent asked to represent my work. With her help, I shaped the proposal for my first book, With This Ring: Promises to Keep. Two weeks later, she placed it at WaterBrook Press – and the rest is history!

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your "brain cylinders" firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing? 

What a good question! I've discovered that there are some times of the day that are better than others when it comes to writing. For me, from mid-morning to mid-afternoon seem to work best. For this last book, I averaged 4-5 hours of writing and then I was done. Kaput. Nothing else to say. Even when I tried.

But I've also discovered that I work best in a very ordered, undistracted and undisrupted environment. Which, to be honest, does not always describe my own home! I can research and edit in the middle of a busy life, but when it comes to the actual writing – especially the first draft – I have to get alone somewhere. I'm blessed to have a friend who has some guest houses she lets me use.

I usually spend the first half hour or so in a quiet time with the Lord. Journaling what He's said to me in the Word that morning, then going over what I would be working on, asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance. Sometimes, I turn on worship music and just soak in His presence. I'm learning that apart from Him I can do nothing.

Now that is NOT to say that I feel intensely inspired when I write. For me, the majority of my writing – probably 90% - is just an act of faith. Doing my best to walk in obedience and utter dependence, and then putting down words that I can only pray the Holy Spirit breathes life into.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers' conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

I've already mentioned the Christian writer's conference I attended. I really believe the conference I attended shaved at least three years off my journey to publication. It took the mystery and fear of the unknown out of publishing, but more importantly, it gave me friends who understood the process. It also provided an opportunity to put my project before actual editors. Instead of being a manilla-envelope submission sitting in an editor's slush pile, I was able to get limited, but instant feedback. Some positive, some negative, but all of it helpful.

God was also kind to give me a local writer friend who was a little further along on the journey. Tricia Goyer has been an invaluable source of information and encouragement. She was my first reader in those early years as well and has become one of my dearest friends.

Is the "writer's life" what you thought it would be? 

Yes and no. It's a whole lot harder than I thought it would be. I kept expecting that it would be a kind of "holy dictation." I would suddenly hear a voice from heaven telling me what to write – or at least, brilliant thoughts rolling through my brain in such a way I knew it was God. Instead, as I've mentioned it has been an intense walk of faith.

This last book, Lazarus Awakening, was the very hardest of all. (Just when I thought it would get easier!) Instead of having my mind filled with ideas and thoughts, my head was so quiet it felt as though I was entombed without creative breath. Locked down and shut up. I had to keep returning to the words Jesus spoke to Martha as they stood before Lazarus' tomb. When Martha balked at rolling away the stone for fear of what lay behind, Jesus said these amazing words… "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

So that is what I've been trying to do during these long two and half years it's taken me to finish this book. Believe God. The same thing I've tried to do from the very beginning. Trusting that what He has asked me to do, He will enable me to do. Even when it's hard. Even when I don't feel His leading. Trusting that He is there and will finish everything that He has started in me. Because HE is the AUTHOR and the finisher. I just have to obey.

What are your biggest distractions?

Everything. Literally everything. I'd rather do almost anything than actually write. Part of the reason is that I am an all-or-nothing person. If I can't do it perfectly the first time, I don't want to do it. But I also have the motivational gift of laziness! I see everything that needs to be done around me, but I can usually find something else that seems more pressing or fun…like going shopping, or watching a TV show that I've already seen three times.

But Jesus is helping me, thank the Lord! I finished my book. My house is much, much cleaner than it used to be and I actually cook dinner more than we eat out (which is another big change). But I still have to make conscious choices to do what I need to do rather than wait until I feel like doing it. Big, big miracle there, girls!

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

The best moment came during that first Mount Hermon conference. God kissed my books with such favor, it was amazing. By the end of the week, I had four different editors interested in each of the three book proposals I had brought. The Cinderella moment came that last night when I was chosen "Most Promising Writer." It was a sweet, magical time.

But God is so good and so wise. He knows how to balance the magical with the painful so we don't get overly impressed with ourselves.

When Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World came out, a misunderstanding erupted with a group of friends in my church (I tell about it in Having a Mary Spirit). I was hurt and a little fed up with it all, so I decided I would disengage from church life for awhile and dive into the writing world. I was going to my first Christian Booksellers conference  and I was going to enjoy every minute of it. After all, Having a Mary Heart was releasing and my wedding gift book was up for a Gold Medallion Award, and then there were three children's books I would be signing at the conference. I was about to make my mark in the publishing world.

Well, evidently, God had other ideas! When I introduced myself to the sales people at my childrens book publisher's display, they had no idea what I was talking about. Was I absolutely certain my books were with them? The next evening I got all dressed up for the banquet, only to listen as the Gold Medallion went to another book. But worst of all, the writer friend who had assured me that we would have plenty of time to hang out together since her novel had been delayed and wouldn't be on the sales floor, got to be Cinderella. Night after night, her publisher would whisk her away in a shiny limousine to yet another dinner so they could introduce their favorite up-and-coming author to yet another group of high-profile booksellers. I, on the other hand, would wander over to the nearby food court where I'd drown my sorrows in shrimp po'boys and sweet tea.

God made it very clear that humbling week that I would not have a "career." My job was to go home and fully engage my heart and my passion in my primary calling - to love on a church and love on its people.  

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like?

I've talked a lot about writing being the hardest thing I do. But at the same time, I absolutely love the research/learning part of writing a book. I enjoy looking for the perfect quote, the deeper meaning behind words in scripture; discovering an obscure analogy that makes a truth come alive. And, strangely, I really like the editing process. I really appreciate the give and take of having another person's perspective on what I've written. Sometimes it's hard to let go of sentences I secretly love, but I've come to trust the process. And I've been blessed to work with some amazing editors.

It is truly a privilege be a writer. I am absolutely blown away that God would give me a chance to pour out on paper what I feel He has been teaching me. Then to think that people would actually read it! Wow. Somehow in giving God my "lunch" and the little I have, He blesses and breaks it and makes it enough to touch the heart of someone I may never meet this side of heaven. Amazing. Thank You, Jesus.

What is the role and importance of an agent? 

I can't overstate what my agent has meant to me. In the beginning, I thought I wanted to do it all myself, but watching your inbox incessantly and waiting for editors to call – that's no way to live. It certainly isn't a good way to write, in my opinion.

But more than the administrative freedom an agent brings, it is the fact that you are not alone that means the most to me. To have an advocate, a sounding board is invaluable. But to also have someone willing to say, "that isn't the best idea I've heard from you" is even better. At his or her best, I believe an agent is a mommy/daddy, a cheerleader, and a skillful life coach all wrapped up in one! I wouldn't trade mine for nothing!

What advice would you give to new writers? 

Just be obedient to the call. Learn the ropes, work on your craft. Be willing to let go of the first thing you write so you can write the next thing. My first proposal will never be published. It was simply the tool that opened the door to the books that would come.

In a sense, when we put something forward for publishing consideration, we cast our bread on the water. Our part is to get it off our hard drive and into a publisher's hands. It's up to God what He does with it.

Pretend I'm a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book. 

That's a hard question because there are so many excellent books out there.

I suppose the best pitch would be this: If you know a woman who doesn't feel that she's good enough…godly enough…talented enough…that doesn't believe she deserves God's love…please buy this book so that it will be on your bookstore shelf just in case God decides that's the book He wants to use in that woman's life.

What's on the book horizon for you? 

After being pregnant with this book for two and a half years, I'm shocked and pleased that I actually want to have another "child." There is a book I've had in my heart for over ten years, but God has kept asking me to write something else. I'm hoping it's finally time to begin working on what I feel might be the most important book I ever write.

I'll leave it at that….a little mystery and no broad promises. We'll see what God thinks on this subject. He always gets the final word.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?

Readers can go to www.joannaweaverbooks.com to get more information about my writing and speaking as well as find access my blog. To purchase a book, I suggest checking with your local Christian bookstore first. But my titles are also available on line at CBD, Family, Lifeway, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other retailers.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)

Thank you! It's been a privilege. All my love to you bleaders!

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Leslie Gould

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.

This week Amish author Leslie Gould will be on the show. We'll be chatting about her new release, The Amish Midwife, and learning more about Leslie's connection with the Amish.

More about Leslie: I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, Peter, and our four children.

I began writing short fiction out of creative desperation when Peter was deployed to Germany with his Army Reserve medical unit during the first Gulf War.

Since high school, I'd wanted to write fiction and frequently jotted down character sketches, scenes, and unfinished stories, but I was afraid to truly try. If I failed, what would I have to dream about? When Peter was deployed, I became the single parent of a toddler and an infant. The overwhelming responsibility (and the need for a weekly escape!) inspired me to take a risk and sign up for a fiction writing class.

Acknowledgements along the way kept me writing--encouragement from teachers and writing group members, second place in the Willamette Writer's Fiction Contest, a short story in Virtue Magazine, and a semifinalist placing for a Heekin Novel in Progress Fellowship.

I grew up in the small farming community of Pomeroy, Washington and graduated with a degree in history and communications from Judson Baptist College. My past professional positions include curator of the Swedenburg House Museum in Ashland, Oregon and editor of three Northwest magazines. My own close friendships and friendships I have witnessed inspired me to write my first novel, Garden of Dreams. My second novel, Beyond the Blue, was inspired by the adoption of our youngest daughter in 2001, although it is not her story. My third novel, Scrap Everything, was also inspired by friends and family.

Fiction, by far, is my preferred medium. My ultimate goal in writing is to convey God's love, grace, and beauty. The themes of family and friendship are central to my writing. Fiction allows me to recreate emotions surrounding those relationships and to reveal truths about God and his redemptive work in our lives. Besides writing, I enjoy both teaching fiction and leading discussions about subjects included in my novels. I've presented at Oregon Christian Writers' conferences, Multnomah Bible College, Vietnamese Heritage Camp, book groups and in community settings.

My family and I enjoy soccer, traveling, backpacking, camping with friends and extended family, and laughing at the antics of our parade of pets--toy poodle Max and cats Sam-I-Am and Meo Meo ("Cat Cat" in Vietnamese).

More about The Amish Midwife (co-written with Mindy Starns Clark): A deathbed confession... a dust carved box containing two locks of hair... a century-old letter about property in Switzerland...

Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger's encounter with all three rekindles a burning desire to meet her biological family. Propelled on a personal journey of discovery, Lexie's search for the truth takes her from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish country.

There she finds Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who may hold the key to Lexie's past. But Marta isn't talking, especially now that she has troubles of her own following the death of an Amish patient during childbirth. As Lexie steps in to assume Marta's patient load and continues the search for her birth family, a handsome local doctor proves to be a welcome distraction. But will he also distract her from James, the man back home who lovingly awaits her return?

From her Amish patients, Lexie learns the meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut: "to let be." Will this woman who wants to control everything ever learn to depend totally on God? Or will her stubborn determination to unearth the secrets of the past at all costs only serve to tear her newfound family apart?
A compelling story about a search for identity and the ability to trust that God securely holds our whole life—past, present, and future.

For a chance to win a copy of The Amish Midwife, leave a copy {HERE} and next week we'll randomly select someone to receive the book and notify the winner via email.

Thursday on Amish Wisdom:

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.

This week Amish author Leslie Gould will be on the show. We'll be chatting about her new release, The Amish Midwife, and learning more about Leslie's connection with the Amish.

More about Leslie: I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, Peter, and our four children.

I began writing short fiction out of creative desperation when Peter was deployed to Germany with his Army Reserve medical unit during the first Gulf War.

Since high school, I'd wanted to write fiction and frequently jotted down character sketches, scenes, and unfinished stories, but I was afraid to truly try. If I failed, what would I have to dream about? When Peter was deployed, I became the single parent of a toddler and an infant. The overwhelming responsibility (and the need for a weekly escape!) inspired me to take a risk and sign up for a fiction writing class.

Acknowledgements along the way kept me writing--encouragement from teachers and writing group members, second place in the Willamette Writer's Fiction Contest, a short story in Virtue Magazine, and a semifinalist placing for a Heekin Novel in Progress Fellowship.

I grew up in the small farming community of Pomeroy, Washington and graduated with a degree in history and communications from Judson Baptist College. My past professional positions include curator of the Swedenburg House Museum in Ashland, Oregon and editor of three Northwest magazines. My own close friendships and friendships I have witnessed inspired me to write my first novel, Garden of Dreams. My second novel, Beyond the Blue, was inspired by the adoption of our youngest daughter in 2001, although it is not her story. My third novel, Scrap Everything, was also inspired by friends and family.

Fiction, by far, is my preferred medium. My ultimate goal in writing is to convey God's love, grace, and beauty. The themes of family and friendship are central to my writing. Fiction allows me to recreate emotions surrounding those relationships and to reveal truths about God and his redemptive work in our lives. Besides writing, I enjoy both teaching fiction and leading discussions about subjects included in my novels. I've presented at Oregon Christian Writers' conferences, Multnomah Bible College, Vietnamese Heritage Camp, book groups and in community settings.

My family and I enjoy soccer, traveling, backpacking, camping with friends and extended family, and laughing at the antics of our parade of pets--toy poodle Max and cats Sam-I-Am and Meo Meo ("Cat Cat" in Vietnamese).

More about The Amish Midwife (co-written with Mindy Starns Clark): A deathbed confession... a dust carved box containing two locks of hair... a century-old letter about property in Switzerland...

Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger's encounter with all three rekindles a burning desire to meet her biological family. Propelled on a personal journey of discovery, Lexie's search for the truth takes her from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish country.

There she finds Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who may hold the key to Lexie's past. But Marta isn't talking, especially now that she has troubles of her own following the death of an Amish patient during childbirth. As Lexie steps in to assume Marta's patient load and continues the search for her birth family, a handsome local doctor proves to be a welcome distraction. But will he also distract her from James, the man back home who lovingly awaits her return?

From her Amish patients, Lexie learns the meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut: "to let be." Will this woman who wants to control everything ever learn to depend totally on God? Or will her stubborn determination to unearth the secrets of the past at all costs only serve to tear her newfound family apart?
A compelling story about a search for identity and the ability to trust that God securely holds our whole life—past, present, and future.

For a chance to win a copy of The Amish Midwife, leave a copy {HERE} and next week we'll randomly select someone to receive the book and notify the winner via email.

An Economy of Words...

These are some pithy acronyms shared by my Facebook friends.  Have any to add?

A.S.A.P.   =   Always Say A Prayer
P.U.S.H.   =   Pray Until Something Happens  D.O.G.   =   Depend on God F.R.O.G   =   Fully Rely on God G.P.S.  =  God's Proven System T.G.I.F.  =  Thankfully God is forever

Author Spotlight: Judy Baer (and KINDLE giveaway)

Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We'll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.

The winner from last week's Author Spotlight with Marta Perry is Tena! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)

This week Judy Baer is in the Spotlight! To win a copy of Judy's book, An Unlikely Blessing, leave a comment on this post!


Share a little bit about yourself. Married with kids? Empty nester? Do you work full-time and write when you can squeeze it in?  

I'm married to a wonderful man and have two daughters and three step-children.  I work full time and have done so since my children were small.  Until the past 10 years, it was the only job I'd ever had.  Now I'm also a professional writing coach/personal life coach and adjunct faculty at the university at which I got my master's degree.  I'm a life-long learner!

[image error] And share something about your writing. What's your genre(s), your areas of interest…

Over the years I've written many different things—romance, young adult novels and now women's fiction.  The books I'm working on right now (from Guideposts, the Forever Hilltop series—Book #1 is AN UNLIKELY BLESSING and #2 will be SURPRISING GRACE) are a real delight for me.  It's set around a country church in rural North Dakota and a newbie pastor who has never lived outside Chicago!

How did you get started writing? Did you have a dream of being a published author?  

When I was in high school, my uncle gave me an old copy of WRITERS MARKET.  I studied the whole thing, picked my publisher, and circled it.  It took me a while to get there but now I've written 17 books for them (Harlequin Steeple Hill and now Love Inspired books.)  My dream as a child was to own a bookstore so I could just sit and read books.  Actually, my first story was published when I was 10.  I still have the money I received!

After you started writing seriously--how long was it before you were published?

Just a few weeks, actually, so I think my case was unusual.  In fact, I sold my first two books within 3 weeks of each other—and neither was complete.  The race was on!

Aside from a cup of good, strong coffee, what helps you get all of your "brain cylinders" firing so you can write well? Do you have any favorite places and routines when you write? How many hours a day do you spend writing? 

Mostly it's about making the decision to write on that day, setting my intention for what I want to get done, leaving the television and email off and just going for it.  I think starting the morning with God is an enormous help too.  That's where I get centered for the work ahead.  I often do the crossword puzzle in the newspaper to 'prime the pump' as well.  I practically live in my office during the week.  Right now I'm under deadline and often hang out there 9-10 hours a day or more.  I can only be creative about 5-6 of those hours but there's editing, research and the business end of things to do as well.  If I get crazy in my office, I migrate to my kitchen table or to a local coffee shop.  I seem to do well in an environment where there is lots of energy but yet none of it has to do with me.

What has been the biggest help to you in the journey to publication? Writers' conferences? Writing groups? Your mom as your first draft reader?

Writers conferences were/are the best for me.  I meet people I need to meet, get new information and encouragement—and never go away without having learned something.

Is the "writer's life" what you thought it would be? 

Actually, it's much harder.  I'm usually under a tight deadline and I had no idea how many times I would pour through a manuscript editing it (or that I might decide to tear it apart or simply start over!)  It is hard on the body (I've had neck surgery already) and I spend many more hours working than and 8-5 job.  Sometimes I have to forgo things I'd like to do because of the time crunch.

What are your biggest distractions?  

Wanting to be with friends and family, television, and, I confess, spider solitaire on the computer.

What was one of the best moments in your career and what was one of the worst?

Selling my first book, being nominated for RITA awards, meeting some of the amazing professionals in the industry, traveling, meeting people I admire.  Oh, yes, and once at a CBA conference some little girls saw me and started screaming "There's Judy Baer, there's Judy Baer."  My ten year old daughter was with me at the time and that blew her away.  I was just mother, not a rock star figure.  It was the first time she realized that what I did impacted someone other than her!

What do you least like about being a writer? Most like? 

What I like least is not having enough time to play. What I like most?  Having written! The book is work, but having written it is gratifying.

What is the role and importance of an agent? 

I don't like talking money or negotiating so I'm perfectly happy to allow someone who is good at those things to do it for me.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Learn the craft!  You can't break rules until you know them.  Also—persist.  If you want something badly enough, if you are hungry enough for it, you can get it done.

[image error] Pretend I'm a customer at a bookstore looking for a good book. Give me a one or two sentence promo to convince me to buy your book.  

Former professor and new preacher from the city is given a rural parish in the middle of North Dakota.  Think "Doc Hollywood" only with a minister!

What's on the book horizon for you?  

I'm working on the third book in my Forever Hilltop series from Guideposts.  It doesn't have a name yet but AN UNLIKELY BLESSING is out and SURPRISING GRACE  is soon to follow.  I also have MENDING HER HEART being released March 1st.

Last question, how can readers find you and your books?  

My web site is www.judykbaer.com and I love to hear from readers.  I'm also on Facebook and Twitter.  I usually direct people to look for my books on Amazon.com as they can all be pulled up there.

Thank you for sharing your writing life with my bleaders! (blog + readers = bleaders)  

It's my pleasure.  Where would writers be without those most important readers!

###
Judy's also giving away a KINDLE in her An Unlikely Blessing KINDLE giveaway! (Enter today - giveaway ends on 2/19!
Prolific author of over 75 novels, Judy Baer, is launching her new Guideposts series, Forever Hilltop, with a KINDLE giveaway! The first book in the series, An Unlikely Blessing is available now wherever fine books are sold.


Read the reviews here.

In celebration of the release of An Unlikely Blessing, Judy is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.
[image error]
One lucky winner will receive:
Brand New KINDLE with Wi-FiA $25 gift certificate to Amazon.comTo enter just click on one the icons below and then tell your friends! Winner will be announced on February 21st on Judy's blog, http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress


[image error] [image error] [image error]
For more information please visit the Litfuse website, www.litfusegroup.com and click {HERE}!

Thursday on Amish Wisdom: Sherry Gore

Tune in on Thursday at 4:00 pm Central! To listen in - go here and just click on the player in the top right corner.


I'm thrilled to have Sherry back on the show this week. We'll be catching up with her about her new book, Amish life in Florida and so much more! Tune in Thursday at 4 PM Central.

More about Sherry: Sherry Gore is the author of Taste of Pinecraft….Glimpses of Sarasota Florida's Amish Culture and Kitchens. She's a writer/food reviewer for the Pinecraft Pauper, Florida's first Amish newspaper, and a scribe for her community for the National Edition of The Budget. She co-hosted the Pinecraft Writer's Presentation in Florida with Professor Emeritus Richard Stevick, author of Growing up Amish; the Teenage Years.

Sherry was featured in the 2010 spring edition AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT section of New York times best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall's newsletter, Plain News.

She is a year-round resident in Sarasota, Florida, the vacation paradise of the Plain People, and is a member of a Beachy Amish Mennonite Church. She is currently chronicling the adventures of everyday life of the Plain people in Pinecraft for the second edition of Taste of Pinecraft, due to be released 2012.

This mother of three, and full-time caregiver of her twenty-year-old daughter, loves to swim in the Gulf of Mexico, as she attempts to combat her pathological fear of sharks. It is her life-long dream to ride in the Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile.

She is the non-resistant owner of a double barrel shotgun with an affinity for pie. Her current WIP includes an Amish Mennonite cookbook devoted entirely to that affinity. She learned the hard way one spring day not to wear Chap-stick while driving an open buggy behind a shedding horse. Find out more about Sherry at her website: http://www.sherrygorebooks.com/.

More about An Amish Bride's Kitchen: a cookbook of stories, must-have recipes, and how-to's for bride's and beginners. Coming spring 2011.

For a chance to win a copy of the book when it releaes, leave a comment {HERE} and I'll choose a winner next week. The winner will be notified via email - so don't forget to leave your contact info.

Reader E-mails

I love reader emails. I don't always have time to respond to every one of them, but I do read each one. Often they ask similar things such as:

1. Will there be a fourth 'Lancaster County Secrets' book?
2. Will Billy and Bess ever get together?
3. How do I get published?
4. Would you like to collect the bizillions of dollars your distant, long-lost relative in Zimbabwe was kind enough to leave to you? And if so, would you wire $5,000 via Western Union to release the money through Customs? 

I've gotten a lot of these lately, so I thought I'd answer here...


1. Will there be a fourth 'Lancaster County Secrets' book? 
 
Well, yes and no. No...because that series is officially over, but yes, because there will be a Christmas story coming out that features Mattie and Sol (A Lancaster County Christmas...already up and discounted on Amazon though the beautiful cover isn't posted yet. Soon, though!). And...the lovely little town of Stoney Ridge will carry on in my next two series. It's the kind of town we all wished we lived in. There will be different characters in the new series. , but you'll see a few familiar faces. 

 In fact, we're going to be sending out newsletters from Stoney Ridge, in between releases, to update readers on characters' goings on. So be sure you're signed up to receive the newsletters! Click here and you're in! Or go to my Facebook page and join there.

2. Will Bess and Billy get together?  
 
The truth is...I just haven't decided yet! I know the Bess and Billy relationship didn't end all neat and tidy, wrapped in a bow-- to, but it ended best for Bess at that point in her life. Remember, she was barely going on sixteen! And she didn't want to be second best. But...I will say that I am open to reader suggestions and input. 


3. Will your series be made into movies? 
 
Um...well, not that I'm aware! But stay tuned...you never know. However, I have heard that authors have absolutely no 'say so' in the film depiction of their book. And most are quite disappointed with the end result. Well, maybe not Harper Lee. 

4. How do I get published? Will you read my writing? Can you help me with my query letter? 
 
I wish I could! I really do! I love to encourage aspiring writers. But...I have no margin in my life right now for the time needed to go through someone else's work. And yet! There are other venues that are perfect for that. Learn from other authors. Study the publishing industry as a business. Go to writers' conferences. Start a writing group at your church. Get Sally Stuart's Christian Writer's Guide and mark it up! Read, read, read. And write, write, write. 


5. Will you come to my book club? 


Now...that we can arrange! Especially if you live in Paris or New Zealand or New York City! But seriously...I have joined in by speaker phone to a lot of book clubs. It's really gone well--and I've sent ahead some Amish-style gifts to round out the night for a club.  I'll be speaking at my church in March to a young mom's group, and to a number of other charity organizations in the Bay Area. 


6. Do you save reader emails? 
 
I do! I have a file for them. Some authors call this their "sunshine" folder, as in a little ray of light on those less-than-inspiring days. When you've had a bad review or think you're the world's worst writer, you can go to that folder and get a little encouragement. I call my folder "Here Are Three People I'm Not Related To Who Have Read My Book and Liked It."
Here's a portion of an email I saved from last week about 


So thank you for all the emails. I do appreciate each one. It's always great to hear from readers, to know what you thought of a book, which character you liked and which you didn't. And send me your story suggestions...should Bess and Billy get together? Or should she take a second look at Levi (the fellow who liked her overly much?) To all readers, I thank you. Keep those emails coming!