K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 35

Lillian Duncan's "Dark Alleys"

Title: DARK ALLEYS
Cover blurb: Being innocent and proving it are two different things, especially when a powerful politician is involved Tessa’s life spiraled out of control and she finds herself in a dark alley on a cold wintry night. After she witnesses a murder, she almost becomes his second victim, but manages to escape—just barely.

Homeless and alone, she knows the authorities won’t believe someone like her, leaving her only one option—to run.

1) How did this story come to you?
It all started with one little phrase-the tituals of death. Those words kept knocking around in my head so I started writing and eventually they led to DARK ALLEYS.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well...glad you asked that question. My Christian publisher thought it wasn’t Christian enough and a secular publisher thought it was too Christian! Both thought it was a good story and gave me suggestions on how to “fix it.” The problem was if I fixed it, it changed the message in the story and that was the message I wanted my readers to “get.” Sooo...that’s why I decided to self-publish it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I’m very, very short! 4’ 8”. And believe me that makes for some interesting situations!
2. I love to watch TV! That’s right and I’m not ashamed to admit it!
3. I hate commas! I would prefer to write without them, but I know I can’t.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have a Christmas-themed novella being released in November-THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. I’m in the process of final edits with it as well as starting on a few new stories.

5) Parting comments?
I want to thank you for letting me be a guest on your blog.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is www.lillianduncan.net  and I have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com  I’m also on Twitter as @LillianDuncan and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lillian.k.duncan

Register to win an E copy of Lillian Duncan's "Dark Alleys"

We have two giveaways this week. Be sure to scroll down register for them both!

We're happy to have Lillian Duncan with us today talking about her book, "Dark Alleys." To register to win a copy, leave Lillian a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Lillian and her book, read on!

Title: DARK ALLEYS
Cover blurb: Being innocent and proving it are two different things, especially when a powerful politician is involved Tessa’s life spiraled out of control and she finds herself in a dark alley on a cold wintry night. After she witnesses a murder, she almost becomes his second victim, but manages to escape—just barely.

Homeless and alone, she knows the authorities won’t believe someone like her, leaving her only one option—to run.

1) How did this story come to you?
It all started with one little phrase-the tituals of death. Those words kept knocking around in my head so I started writing and eventually they led to DARK ALLEYS.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well...glad you asked that question. My Christian publisher thought it wasn’t Christian enough and a secular publisher thought it was too Christian! Both thought it was a good story and gave me suggestions on how to “fix it.” The problem was if I fixed it, it changed the message in the story and that was the message I wanted my readers to “get.” Sooo...that’s why I decided to self-publish it.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I’m very, very short! 4’ 8”. And believe me that makes for some interesting situations!
2. I love to watch TV! That’s right and I’m not ashamed to admit it!
3. I hate commas! I would prefer to write without them, but I know I can’t.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have a Christmas-themed novella being released in November-THE CHRISTMAS STALKING. I’m in the process of final edits with it as well as starting on a few new stories.

5) Parting comments?
I want to thank you for letting me be a guest on your blog.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is www.lillianduncan.net  and I have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com  I’m also on Twitter as @LillianDuncan and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lillian.k.duncan

Cathy Richmond's "Through Rushing Water"

Title: Through Rushing Water
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb: Sophia Makinoff is certain 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. To flee the upcoming nuptials, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the primitive Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When US policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

1) How did this story come to you?
The trial of Standing Bear is the most important event in 1870s Nebraska, yet few outside our state have heard of it. While researching the events leading to the trial, I discovered one of the teachers at the Ponca Agency was Russian. A woman with the same name taught at Vassar College. Why would anyone leave what must have been the most comfortable job in the U.S. for the hardships and heartbreak of an Indian reservation? She would have been surrounded by people with a different skin color, different language, different culture. Their enormous needs must have overwhelmed her and their enormous faith humbled her... just as I had experienced when I went with my church on mission trips to Jamaica. I knew I'd found my heroine for Through Rushing Water.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Through Rushing Water is the second book in my contract with Thomas Nelson, so it was my first time with a deadline. I'm relieved to say, I made it! With God all things are possible!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have grandbunnies! My daughter has two pet rabbits, Natty Bunpo and Professor Fritz. My son has a contract to write a children's book - at the ripe young age of 26. The most unusual place I've ever lived is Nantucket Island.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Ideas are scampering around my head like untrained puppies - I'm trying to figure out which one is ready for paper training!

5) Parting comments?
Through Rushing Water is dedicated to those who went out to change the world and returned with a changed heart. Have you gone on a mission trip? Were you amazed to see God in action? Surprised at the changes within you? This book is especially for you!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers!

http://www.catherinerichmond.com/, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans, and Twitter @WriterCatherine.

Register to win Cathy Richmond's "Through Rushing Water"

We're happy to have Catherine Richmond with us today talking about her book, "Through Rushing Water." To register to win a copy, leave Catherine a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Catherine and her book, read on!

Title: Through Rushing Water
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Cover blurb: Sophia Makinoff is certain 1876 is the year that she’ll become the wife of a certain US Congressman, and happily plans her debut into the Capitol city. But when he proposes to her roommate instead, Sophia is stunned. To flee the upcoming nuptials, she signs up with the Board of Foreign Missions.

With dreams of a romantic posting to the Far East, Sophia is dismayed to find she’s being sent to the Ponca Indian Agency in the primitive Dakota Territory. She can’t even run away effectively and begins to wonder how on earth she’ll be able to guide others as a missionary. But teaching the Ponca children provides her with a joy she has never known—and never expected—and ignites in her a passion for the people she’s sent to serve.

It’s a passion shared by the Agency carpenter, Willoughby Dunn, a man whose integrity and selflessness are unmatched. The Poncas are barely surviving. When US policy decrees that they be uprooted from their land and marched hundreds of miles away in the middle of winter, Sophia and Will wade into rushing waters to fight for their friends, their love, and their destiny.

1) How did this story come to you?
The trial of Standing Bear is the most important event in 1870s Nebraska, yet few outside our state have heard of it. While researching the events leading to the trial, I discovered one of the teachers at the Ponca Agency was Russian. A woman with the same name taught at Vassar College. Why would anyone leave what must have been the most comfortable job in the U.S. for the hardships and heartbreak of an Indian reservation? She would have been surrounded by people with a different skin color, different language, different culture. Their enormous needs must have overwhelmed her and their enormous faith humbled her... just as I had experienced when I went with my church on mission trips to Jamaica. I knew I'd found my heroine for Through Rushing Water.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Through Rushing Water is the second book in my contract with Thomas Nelson, so it was my first time with a deadline. I'm relieved to say, I made it! With God all things are possible!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I have grandbunnies! My daughter has two pet rabbits, Natty Bunpo and Professor Fritz. My son has a contract to write a children's book - at the ripe young age of 26. The most unusual place I've ever lived is Nantucket Island.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Ideas are scampering around my head like untrained puppies - I'm trying to figure out which one is ready for paper training!

5) Parting comments?
Through Rushing Water is dedicated to those who went out to change the world and returned with a changed heart. Have you gone on a mission trip? Were you amazed to see God in action? Surprised at the changes within you? This book is especially for you!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to hear from readers!

http://www.catherinerichmond.com/, https://www.facebook.com/catherinerichmondfans, and Twitter @WriterCatherine.

Free on Kindle August 15 and 16!

Staci Stallings, the author of this article, is a Contemporary Christian author and the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. Staci has a special surprise for you today and tomorrow only...

FREE ON KINDLE TWO DAYS ONLY!

August 15 & 16

Staci's "Amazing!" novel:
To Protect & Serve
"Reading To Protect & Serve, I'm taken away to another world, a world I want to be a part of and never leave. Staci's characters are real with real everyday problems. I love that. Oh, and the firemen in this story, they're smokin' hot! Especially the hero!"
--Debra, Amazon Reviewer

When control freak Lisa Matheson falls for handsome but shy firefighter, Jeff Taylor, it's possible that life might just be going her way for a change. The only problem is she can't control Jeff or the death wish he seems to have...

Available as a free download from Amazon! Click on the book cover for more information.
 

Deborah Piccurelli's "Hush, Little Baby"

Title: HUSH, LITTLE BABY
Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing

Cover blurb: Investigative journalist, Amber Blake, is a little person bent on payback for the death of her average-sized twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband, Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor’s overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what’s behind a mysterious door in his office.

1) How did this story come to you?
Back in 1999, I saw a segment on Good Morning America about the story airing on 20/20 that night. I quickly jotted down a few lines on a small scrap of paper and filed it in my huge “story idea” folder. When the time came to find something to fit my characters, there was that scrap of paper at the bottom of the stack!

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Abortion and fetal harvesting is not an appealing subject to many readers, so agents and editors turned me down left and right. Finally, a friend who had published with a newish small publisher suggested I try them, because they published what some of us call “edgy Christian fiction.” And the rest, as they say, is history.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1.) I can’t stand the smell of lamb chops cooking. Because of that, I’ve never even tasted them.
2.) I am a woman of few words. ‘Nuff said.
3.) I’m not trying to be snobby, but I’m older than I look. I included this only because I’ve been told, and I couldn’t think of any other third thing off the top of my head (you can go to my website at www.deborahmpiccurelli.com, take a look at my pic, and try to guess my age. I’ll send a free copy of my book to the first person who gets it right on the nose. Use my contact page and type “Age” in the comments box).

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a book with another “issue” and another physical challenge. It’s about a young legal secretary who overhears some incriminating information about an illegal activity. Then, on her way home from work, she is involved in a major auto accident, leaving her with a condition that practically eliminates her ability to protect herself. Was it really an accident? Or is someone trying to kill her? Hopefully, this will be what’s next for me.

5) Parting comments?
As I mentioned above, abortion and fetal harvesting are not topics appealing to some readers. But I hope you will give it a chance, as I feel I’ve handled the subject with tact and taste. It is a romantic suspense, and I’ve woven in eye-opening suspense, and a beautiful love story.

Also, 10% of the proceeds for this book will go to Life Dynamics, an organization that works to stop abortion and fetal harvesting.

9) Where can fans find you on the internet? All over, but here are the main ones:
www.deborahmpiccurelli.com
Twitter: @DebPiccurelli
www.facebook.com/#1/profile.php?id+100003395634363
Pinterest.com/DebPiccurelli

Register to win Deborah Piccurelli's "Hush, Little Baby"

We're happy to have Deborah Piccurelli with us today talking about her book, "Hush, Little Baby." To register to win a copy, leave Deborah a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Deborah and her book, read on!


Title: HUSH, LITTLE BABY
Publisher: Sword of the Spirit Publishing

Cover blurb: Investigative journalist, Amber Blake, is a little person bent on payback for the death of her average-sized twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband, Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor’s overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what’s behind a mysterious door in his office.

1) How did this story come to you?
Back in 1999, I saw a segment on Good Morning America about the story airing on 20/20 that night. I quickly jotted down a few lines on a small scrap of paper and filed it in my huge “story idea” folder. When the time came to find something to fit my characters, there was that scrap of paper at the bottom of the stack!

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Abortion and fetal harvesting is not an appealing subject to many readers, so agents and editors turned me down left and right. Finally, a friend who had published with a newish small publisher suggested I try them, because they published what some of us call “edgy Christian fiction.” And the rest, as they say, is history.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1.) I can’t stand the smell of lamb chops cooking. Because of that, I’ve never even tasted them.
2.) I am a woman of few words. ‘Nuff said.
3.) I’m not trying to be snobby, but I’m older than I look. I included this only because I’ve been told, and I couldn’t think of any other third thing off the top of my head (you can go to my website at www.deborahmpiccurelli.com, take a look at my pic, and try to guess my age. I’ll send a free copy of my book to the first person who gets it right on the nose. Use my contact page and type “Age” in the comments box).

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on a book with another “issue” and another physical challenge. It’s about a young legal secretary who overhears some incriminating information about an illegal activity. Then, on her way home from work, she is involved in a major auto accident, leaving her with a condition that practically eliminates her ability to protect herself. Was it really an accident? Or is someone trying to kill her? Hopefully, this will be what’s next for me.

5) Parting comments?
As I mentioned above, abortion and fetal harvesting are not topics appealing to some readers. But I hope you will give it a chance, as I feel I’ve handled the subject with tact and taste. It is a romantic suspense, and I’ve woven in eye-opening suspense, and a beautiful love story.

Also, 10% of the proceeds for this book will go to Life Dynamics, an organization that works to stop abortion and fetal harvesting.

9) Where can fans find you on the internet? All over, but here are the main ones:
www.deborahmpiccurelli.com
Twitter: @DebPiccurelli
www.facebook.com/#1/profile.php?id+100003395634363
Pinterest.com/DebPiccurelli

Debra Benson's "Perfect Wedding"

Title: Perfect Wedding

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing

Blurb: Leah is a successful weight-loss expert. She seems to have everything an independent girl ever wanted, but for one a perfect wedding. She had always dreamed of walking down the aisle with her father leading her toward her perfect mate. But she doesn't know her father. His identity has remained a secret for a very long time, and she knows she has to exhaust all her efforts to convince her mother to spill.

In the midst of her emotional turmoil, she meets Andrew, a man dumped by his wife, her new client, for being overweight. On one of their meetings, he notices her sad disposition and offers to listen; she opens up to him and all things begin to change.

Will Leah find her father and will she ever see her dream come true in a perfect wedding?

How did this story come to you?
The story came to me by trial and error. I was studying writing with Long Ridge Writer's Group and one idea led to another. Somehow with the guidance of my instructor's critique my story developed totally different from my first idea of a bad nurse.

Journey to getting this book published.
I guess you can say I cheated somewhat. By the end of my Novel course I was exhausted and working full time. Writing the query letter, finding an agent, looking for a publisher all seemed so overwhelming. I decided to pick up a telephone book one day. I found Dorrance Publishing a subsidy publisher. And the rest is history.

Working on next.
I am working on two projects. A sequel to "Perfect Wedding" and a short story "Not So Fast". I have hopes to write a memoir.

Parting comments.
I hope my writing will always inspire, inform, and encourage readers.

On the internet.
http://www.ollieleewords.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/debrabenson


Sincerely,
Debra Benson

Click on cover for more info.

We're happy to have Debra Benson with us today talki...

We're happy to have Debra Benson with us today talking about her book, "Perfect Wedding." To register to win a copy, leave Debra a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Debra and her book, read on!

Title: Perfect Wedding

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing

Blurb: Leah is a successful weight-loss expert. She seems to have everything an independent girl ever wanted, but for one a perfect wedding. She had always dreamed of walking down the aisle with her father leading her toward her perfect mate. But she doesn't know her father. His identity has remained a secret for a very long time, and she knows she has to exhaust all her efforts to convince her mother to spill.

In the midst of her emotional turmoil, she meets Andrew, a man dumped by his wife, her new client, for being overweight. On one of their meetings, he notices her sad disposition and offers to listen; she opens up to him and all things begin to change.

Will Leah find her father and will she ever see her dream come true in a perfect wedding?

How did this story come to you?
The story came to me by trial and error. I was studying writing with Long Ridge Writer's Group and one idea led to another. Somehow with the guidance of my instructor's critique my story developed totally different from my first idea of a bad nurse.

Journey to getting this book published.
I guess you can say I cheated somewhat. By the end of my Novel course I was exhausted and working full time. Writing the query letter, finding an agent, looking for a publisher all seemed so overwhelming. I decided to pick up a telephone book one day. I found Dorrance Publishing a subsidy publisher. And the rest is history.

Working on next.
I am working on two projects. A sequel to "Perfect Wedding" and a short story "Not So Fast". I have hopes to write a memoir.

Parting comments.
I hope my writing will always inspire, inform, and encourage readers.

On the internet.
http://www.ollieleewords.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/debrabenson


Sincerely,
Debra Benson

Click on cover for more info.

Kim Watters' "And Father Makes Three"

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Title: And Father Makes Three
Publisher: Harlequin’s Love Inspired

Cover blurb: “Your Daughter Needs You.”
She’s saved countless lives, yet there’s one person emergency room doctor Elizabeth Randall can’t rescue—her adopted daughter, Jordan. Perhaps meeting her biological father, Blake Crawford, will be the lifeline Jordan needs. The handsome, guarded firefighter takes risks every day. But facing the daughter he never knew—along with lovely Elizabeth—has him thinking about family. With fatherhood thrust suddenly upon him, there’s no way he can turn his back on his sick child. Will working together to give Jordan a second chance at life also lead them to a second chance at love?

1) How did this story come to you?
The idea for And Father Makes Three came from a personal situation. One of my dear friends from high school was diagnosed with Large Cell B non-hodgkins Lymphoma and needed to have a bone marrow transplant to put her cancer into remission. I twisted things around a bit and brainstormed with my critique group and came up with the premise of a child having leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant. Her biological father plays a key role in helping both his daughter and her adoptive mother tackle the illness and put it back into remission. In Carol’s honor, I have dedicated this book to her.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well, aside from having to rewrite it a few times there isn't too much to tell. I sold it on proposal and then wrote the book. Three weeks before I turned the manuscript in, I discovered that I'd received some misinformation and had to change my entire plot and conflict for the book. I work a full-time job and my kids had just gone back to school so no pressure there. I turned it in on time and hoped my editor wouldn't notice the changes too much. I did get a revision letter back and had to rewrite the book even more with her comments. I even wrote scenes in the final line edit stage, but I feel the book is so much better with all the editorial input.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve lived in Johannesburg, South Africa and Le Harve, France, I absolutely, positively HATE to fly, and I’m claustrophobic.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just turned in another proposal to my editor with the working title A Christmas Angel.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me here K. Dawn. It’s always a pleasure to share my works with your fans.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.kimwatters.com/  from there I have links to my social networking sites.