Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog, page 30
July 7, 2017
Friday Photo Caption: Waiting for your Wit
Last week’s winner is Nancy Winn for her “bearly naked” caption! Lots of verrrryyyy amusing captions were posted on Facebook, too…but the signed book giveaway can only come from commenting on the blog (FB rules).
So here’s this week’s photo! Caption away…
July 3, 2017
Author Spotlight with Liz Johnson
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Liz Johnson’s book, On Love’s Gentle Shore. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of Over Maya Dead Body, Kay Garrett! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O’Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose’s Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can’t possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane—the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.
Justin’s never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He’d been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He’s done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him—but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he’s been missing.
After Natalie’s reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin’s property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness—and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.
Can you tell us about your newest release? Is it part of a series or a stand-alone?
On Love’s Gentle Shore is the third and final book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams Series. It’s the story of best friends, Natalie and Justin, who planned to leave the island together after high school graduation. But when tragedy struck, Justin was forced to stay. Natalie left. Fifteen years later Natalie, who never planned to return, is back, staying at the Red Door Inn, and putting the finishing touches on her island wedding. Justin has done his best to care for the family dairy farm, which became his responsibility when his father died. But seeing Natalie again reminds him just how much joy he’s been missing out on. When her wedding reception venue falls through, Natalie reluctantly agrees to hold it at an old barn on Justin’s property. But as they work together to restore the building, they discover that there may be more than just an old friendship between them.
Is anything or anyone in this book based on real-life experiences?
This whole series was inspired by my love for PEI. I’ve been to the island four times, and I fell in love with the gentle waves, towering pines, and kind people. I wanted to share all that and more with readers. A few minor characters are tied to my memories there, like Captain Mark, who is a real-life lobster fisherman and took my family out on his boat.
Who was your favorite character in this story, and why?
That’s hard to say. I love them all, but Mama Cheese Sandwich might have been a favorite. I adored her love for her son, her strength, and her compassion.
Compared to your other books, was this one easy to complete or challenging? Any idea why?
This book was definitely a challenge. I moved from Tennessee to Arizona in the middle of writing it. Then I started a new job and had to get settled into a new city. That level of change made focusing more difficult, and my writing time definitely took a hit. On top of that, I hated saying goodbye to these wonderful characters and the inn on the north shore. I’ve loved writing about the Red Door Inn.
What was the hardest scene in this book to write? What made it difficult?
The emotional scenes are always hardest for me to write. In this book it’s the one where Natalie discovers a secret about her childhood that could have changed everything about the horrible memories she harbors. When she tries to find someone to confirm the truth, she runs into Justin instead and has a total melt down. It makes me cry every time I read it.
What did you (or your editors) edit out of this book?
Surprisingly not much in the way of word count. But the biggest change during edits were adding an epilogue—my editor wanted to catch up with the other characters from the previous books a bit more, and I was so happy to include them in the wrap up—and cutting out some of Natalie’s head time. She spent a lot of time thinking about her past, and it was dragging down the plot, so we did some shifting/reshaping so that her history is still an important part of the story but isn’t slowing things down.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing from the point of view of the opposite sex?
I tend to overthink and overanalyze every situation, and I always want to make my heroes do the same. But I don’t think that’s always accurate. So I often have to pull back on their internal analysis and let them just act or react to a situation.
Order a copy of On Love’s Gentle Shore here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD | LizJohnson.com
Liz Johnson fell in love with Prince Edward Island the first time she set foot on it. When she’s not plotting her next trip to the island, she works as director of marketing for a Christian radio network. She is the author of several novels including The Red Door Inn and Where Two Hearts Meet, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She makes her home in Tucson, Arizona.
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June 30, 2017
Friday’s Photo Caption Contest: Waiting for your Wit
Last’s week’s photo caption winner was Jean Dixon, for her “Rocky Top Friends.” Jean, email me with your mailing address and I’ll pop a signed book in the mail to you. Here’s this week’s pix! Ready, set, go!
June 28, 2017
Wednesday’s Wonderings: The Problem with Mirrors
Over the last eight months, we’ve been renovating the bathrooms in our house. If you’ve ever done any remodels, you know it’s not a one-person job—lots of coordination is required to keep progress moving forward. Contractor, plumber, electrician, tile guy, counter guy, mirror guy … and of course, the inspectors. The last bathroom was the master bath, and we had a slight slow-down in getting mirrors installed over the sinks.
Here’s what I discovered: I didn’t miss it. In fact, it was nice. Granted, getting my contacts in and make-up took some finagling, but I found it rather refreshing to not have my reflection peering back at me quite so often. Criticizing…judging…finding fault. You know what I mean, don’t you?
Most of the Amish homes I’ve been in have very few mirrors. It’s a misconception that they don’t have them at all—they do. But they’re usually a small round wall mirror over a sink. Big enough to get the job done, but not large enough to ponder the size of one’s midriff. A very appropriate use of a mirror, in God’s eyes. They think of their appearance, but they don’t overthink it.
It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis: “Christians are not to think less of themselves, but to think of themselves less.” That’s what happened when I lived without a bathroom mirror. I thought of myself…less.
The mirror in our master bath is installed now, and I do appreciate not having to run into another room to put in my contact lens. But I also try to catch myself before those judging thoughts get triggered. Instead, I smile, give thanks to God for a healthy body, and move on with my day.
June 26, 2017
Author Spotlight with Sandra Orchard
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Sandra Orchard’s book, Over Maya Dead Body. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of Freedom’s Price, Myrtle Thorn! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha’s Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn’t take a vacation, and she’s soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.
When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications—and even a secret or two?
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard keeps readers guessing with this fast-paced mystery laced with romance.
Can you tell us about your newest release? Is it part of a series or a stand-alone?
Over Maya Dead Body is the third and final book in my Serena Jones Mysteries series about an FBI agent who specializes in art crime. Serena is supposed to be enjoying a little R&R on Martha’s Vineyard, but trouble has found her once again—this time in the form of an antiquity smuggling ring that is not above murder. Each book has been a stand-alone mystery, but for those who have been following Serena’s exploits from the beginning and enjoyed getting to know her family and the men in her life, and perhaps voted for their favorite, the big question of which man becomes the man in Serena’s life is ultimately answered.
Is anything or anyone in this book based on real-life experiences?
Yes! A May weeklong visit to my friend author Lisa Belcastro, on Martha’s Vineyard, inspired the choice of location, since many of the wealthy summer residents collect art and antiquities. Once I started plotting out the story, Lisa invited me back and we visited every location from scouting where Serena’s Uncle Jack would live to questioning local police, to visiting restaurants and beaches she’d visit.
The antiquities crime itself and references to other investigations are based on several similar crimes I’d researched.
Who was your favorite character in this story, and why?
Tanner. I love his easygoing nature and sense of humor, and the fact, Serena knows she can count on him to have her back.
Compared to your other books, was this one easy to complete or challenging? Any idea why?
Well…it had been going along swimmingly. Serena’s quick wit and interactions with her entourage have been so much fun to write. But while writing I’d envisioned it not being the last book in the series. Then five weeks before it was due, I received confirmation it would be, which meant to satisfy my readers, I needed to wrap up the romance.
Now…I’d been leaning Serena toward the man I thought the majority of my readers would vote for, only they didn’t. So in those last few weeks, I did a lot of rewriting to bring together Serena and the man my readers voted for (or at least the majority of those who cast a vote in time to be counted).
What was the hardest scene in this book to write? What made it difficult?
The ending. I had so many ideas of things I still wanted to do with all of these characters, yet in order to wrap up the series with a satisfying ending, I needed to expose the little secrets some of the characters in Serena’s life had been keeping.
What did you (or your editors) edit out of this book?
The editors didn’t edit out anything significant. As I mentioned in a previous question, I had to edit “in” a lot of stuff before submitting.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing from the point of view of the opposite sex?
Ha, I actually find it easier to write from a man’s point of view. But in this book I didn’t have to, because it’s written entirely in first person from Serena’s point of view.
Pre-Order a copy of Over Maya Dead Body here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD.com | SandraOrchard.com
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
Website | Facebook | Pinterest
Author Spotlight with Sandra Orchad
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Sandra Orchard’s book, Over Maya Dead Body. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of Freedom’s Price, Myrtle Thorn! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha’s Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn’t take a vacation, and she’s soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.
When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications—and even a secret or two?
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard keeps readers guessing with this fast-paced mystery laced with romance.
Can you tell us about your newest release? Is it part of a series or a stand-alone?
Over Maya Dead Body is the third and final book in my Serena Jones Mysteries series about an FBI agent who specializes in art crime. Serena is supposed to be enjoying a little R&R on Martha’s Vineyard, but trouble has found her once again—this time in the form of an antiquity smuggling ring that is not above murder. Each book has been a stand-alone mystery, but for those who have been following Serena’s exploits from the beginning and enjoyed getting to know her family and the men in her life, and perhaps voted for their favorite, the big question of which man becomes the man in Serena’s life is ultimately answered.
Is anything or anyone in this book based on real-life experiences?
Yes! A May weeklong visit to my friend author Lisa Belcastro, on Martha’s Vineyard, inspired the choice of location, since many of the wealthy summer residents collect art and antiquities. Once I started plotting out the story, Lisa invited me back and we visited every location from scouting where Serena’s Uncle Jack would live to questioning local police, to visiting restaurants and beaches she’d visit.
The antiquities crime itself and references to other investigations are based on several similar crimes I’d researched.
Who was your favorite character in this story, and why?
Tanner. I love his easygoing nature and sense of humor, and the fact, Serena knows she can count on him to have her back.
Compared to your other books, was this one easy to complete or challenging? Any idea why?
Well…it had been going along swimmingly. Serena’s quick wit and interactions with her entourage have been so much fun to write. But while writing I’d envisioned it not being the last book in the series. Then five weeks before it was due, I received confirmation it would be, which meant to satisfy my readers, I needed to wrap up the romance.
Now…I’d been leaning Serena toward the man I thought the majority of my readers would vote for, only they didn’t. So in those last few weeks, I did a lot of rewriting to bring together Serena and the man my readers voted for (or at least the majority of those who cast a vote in time to be counted).
What was the hardest scene in this book to write? What made it difficult?
The ending. I had so many ideas of things I still wanted to do with all of these characters, yet in order to wrap up the series with a satisfying ending, I needed to expose the little secrets some of the characters in Serena’s life had been keeping.
What did you (or your editors) edit out of this book?
The editors didn’t edit out anything significant. As I mentioned in a previous question, I had to edit “in” a lot of stuff before submitting.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing from the point of view of the opposite sex?
Ha, I actually find it easier to write from a man’s point of view. But in this book I didn’t have to, because it’s written entirely in first person from Serena’s point of view.
Pre-Order a copy of Over Maya Dead Body here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD.com | SandraOrchard.com
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
Website | Facebook | Pinterest
June 23, 2017
Friday Photo Caption Contest: Waiting for your Wit
Last week’s captions made me laugh out loud! So many pithy remarks…I ended up choosing three! Dora Wagner (frozen chicken), Connie Saunders (Tyson in the making), and Karen Rochner (hot flashes! You didn’t really say that!)…you all won a copy of a signed book! Send me your mailing address and I’ll pop it in the mail to you: suzanne @ suzannewoodsfisher.com
And good job, everyone! Thanks for participating.
So here’s this week’s photo…caption away!
June 21, 2017
Wednesday’s Wonderings: True Hospitality
I love to chase down root words—their history, their origin. More often than not, it widens or shifts my entire perspective on a topic.
Want an example? Think of the word “host.” To me, being a host always conjures up anxiety. Hurrying to get ready before guests arrive, always a little behind schedule, more than a little concerned that everything would turn out the way I had planned.
Now jump with me over to the word “host” in Scripture. It’s often connected to references of angels, called heavenly host. Kind of makes you think of angels as divine butlers, doesn’t it? Well…think again. The word ‘host’ in Hebrew is actually a military term, meaning army, authority, in-command.
I realized I had “hosting” all wrong. Instead of feeling as if my guests were in charge (which they didn’t even want to be), I needed to get comfortable with what I had to offer my guests.
I remember walking into my Amish friend Rebecca’s home. She was in the middle of scrubbing her kitchen floor, and in I traipsed with muddy shoes. She put down her mop, and said that, afterwards, she’d enjoy washing it again and thinking about our visit. She made me feel thoroughly welcomed, just as I was. Just as she was.
That’s the real goal of hospitality: being comfortable with what we have to offer to our guests. And it starts with the host.
June 19, 2017
Author Spotlight with Christine Johnson
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Christine Johnson’s book, Freedom’s Price. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of Under a Summer Sky, Sonnetta Jones! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
After Englishwoman Catherine Haynes loses both of her parents and her home, she finds herself desperate for a new beginning. She decides to cross the Atlantic to find her American mother’s family in Louisiana. But she can’t do it alone.
She enlists the help of Tom Worthington, a dashing Key West man with a mission of his own. He makes his living salvaging wrecked ships, but his real drive in life is revenge. Tom’s goal is to bring justice to the man who stole his father’s ship and caused his untimely death.
When Catherine finally arrives at her family’s plantation, she finds it has been abandoned and left in disarray. She is torn between returning to Key West with Tom or restoring her family’s plantation.
Tensions rise when Catherine discovers she has been snared in a plot to steal her inheritance. When an incredible secret comes to light, she and Tom must make a choice. Can they step forward in faith and let go of the dreams that have been holding them captive—even if it costs them everything?
Christine Johnson stuns readers with a gripping plot and deeply engaging characters. Readers will be captivated by this latest installment of the Keys of Promise series.
Can you tell us about your newest release? Is it part of a series or a stand-alone?
Freedom’s Price is the third book in the Keys of Promise series. Though some characters reappear from previous books in the series, this book can be read on its own. Now, a little bit about Freedom’s Price:
Upon her father’s death, Englishwoman Catherine Haynes faces either an unbearable marriage or a life of poverty. Rather than accept that fate, she takes her paltry inheritance and sets off for America to find her late mother’s estranged family. Based on her mother’s stories, she expects to be welcomed into a rich family plantation. That proves far from reality, and soon her freedom and the safety of those she loves is put to the test.
Is anything or anyone in this book based on real-life experiences?
We all bring personal experience into our stories, even if subconsciously. Certainly my travels by boat and ship were a great help. It doesn’t hurt being married to a ship pilot/captain either! I will have to admit that Catherine is much more adventurous than I ever hope to be.
Who was your favorite character in this story, and why?
Of course I love the hero, Tom Worthington. From the moment he appeared in the first book of the series, Love’s Rescue, I knew he had to have a book of his own. He was clearly running from something, and, though he has a strong sense of fairness, he was a bit of a hothead. I had to find out why.
Compared to your other books, was this one easy to complete or challenging? Any idea why?
When plotting the storyline, I thought this book would be fun and easy to write. It proved just the opposite! The research was intense and the twists and turns challenging, but the greatest difficulty came during revisions and editing. This is usually a part of the process that I enjoy, however I had suffered such a bout of depression and anxiety at the time that it was very difficult to read or view anything suspenseful. Well, Freedom’s Price is filled with suspense and danger. I am so grateful to my editors for their assistance during this time. That, coupled with constant prayer, pulled this story through.
What was the hardest scene in this book to write? What made it difficult?
Freedom’s Price has a true villain. Due to my illness, every scene with him was difficult to write, and yet each one was necessary. There were times I felt like I was battling with the devil. I had to cling to the fact that the Lord is victorious. Journeying through the darkness into light was a challenge that I faced along with Catherine.
What did you (or your editors) edit out of this book?
I am so thankful for my editors!!! They rein in my desire to over-complicate the plot. I just love to turn the most obscure details into plot threads, creating a maze when a simpler path would do. Those extraneous threads were edited out to the betterment of the story.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing from the point of view of the opposite sex?
Everything? Seriously, I have to constantly remind myself that most men do not overthink situations the way that I do. My husband certainly does not. Once I take off on an analysis of a problem, I’ll see him rolling his eyes. As he puts it, I can analyze something to death. I have to take great care to rein in that tendency and have the male characters think and speak and act more directly.
Purchase a copy of Freedom’s Price here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD.com | ChristineElizabethJohnson.com
Christine Johnson is the author of several books for Steeple Hill and Love Inspired and has been twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award. When not writing, she loves to hike and explore God’s majestic creation. These days, she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.
June 16, 2017
Friday’s Photo Caption Contest: Waiting for your Wit
With our temperatures hitting 100 degrees this week, I thought this picture would be rather…well, refreshing…to ponder for a caption!
Last week’s winner was Martha Troxel with her funny “Amish air conditioning” caption. I was babysitting two little grandchildren this week and didn’t have a chance to reply to the comments, but I did read them! I get such a kick out of my blog readers’ brilliance. Keep ’em coming! And Martha…email me with your mailing address so I know where to send your signed book.
