Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 166
August 11, 2016
What I've Gained from the ACFW Conference
Two weeks from today the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference will be getting underway in Nashville, Tennessee. This will be my fifth time attending the conference and so much has changed since my first experience in 2012.
Here are just a few ways that the ACFW Conference has changed my life:
1. I now have an awesome agent, Mary Keeley from Books & Such Literary Management. I didn't meet Mary at my first conference, but I did sit down with a friend of mine (Sarah Forgrave) at that conference who was represented by Mary. Because I'd had such a great experience at my first conference, and had so many editors ask to see my writing, Sarah volunteered to read my first manuscript and, if she thought I was ready, she would recommend me to Mary. That's exactly what she did! Mary read my story and offered representation. We've now been partners for over three years.
2. I'm now a multi-published author. My first contract came from Barbour Publishers and was a direct result of a meeting I had with an editor at ACFW in Indianapolis in 2013. It wasn't a scheduled meeting, I just happened to see her standing outside the elevators and went over and introduced myself. I had no intentions of pitching a story, or even talking about my writing, but I genuinely wanted to meet the editor, because I'd seen her several times that weekend and she looked like a nice person to talk to. :) We ended up having a great chat and she was the one who was eager to see me published with Barbour. I now have two novella collections on the shelf and one more releasing in December. I also have two Love Inspired Historical Novels releasing this year, with more next year, and I so enjoyed meeting my editor at ACFW last year.
3. I've made lifelong friendships. Every year, I walk away from the ACFW Conference with lots of new connections and friendships. Some have become like sisters to me and I wonder how I managed to get along before I met them! Almost all of them I met online before meeting them in person, but the face-to-face conversations allow us to bond in a way that computers never do. It was through the Indianapolis conference that I met Jaime and Anne face-to-face, and the Dallas conference in 2012 that I met Erica for the first time. Last year we had so much fun taking pictures together, and I know this year we'll have a blast cheering Erica onto the stage to receive her Carol Award!!
4. I've made industry connections. This is one of the main reasons we go to conference. Not only to meet and connect with editors, agents and publicists, but to meet other powerhouse authors who have so much experience. I've been blessed to get to know people who fall into each of these categories, and many have become good friends. It's awesome to have these relationships when I meet a promising new writer and can connect her with someone who would benefit from her talents (and vice-versa).
5. I've learned. A lot. And I look forward to learning even more this year. Every year I walk away from the conference with more knowledge, wisdom and insight. I learn about writing techniques, marketing and advertisement, organizational skills, industry insider perspectives, and so much more. I gain invaluable wisdom from veteran authors who have so much more experience than me. Sometimes this happens in the workshops, but even more so in the one-on-one conversations that happen in the hall or lobby.
6. I've seen the hand of God working. ACFW puts all its focus on God and what He's doing with the Christian Fiction industry. Not only in the big picture moments, but in the personal I-needed-that-for-me moments. I see God's hand in every aspect of my life, to be sure, but in this particular arena, it's even more apparent because everyone who attends is seeking to glorify Him.
I'd love to hear from you! If you've attended a writing conference, what are some things you've gained? What about other events?
Gabrielle Meyer
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Here are just a few ways that the ACFW Conference has changed my life:
1. I now have an awesome agent, Mary Keeley from Books & Such Literary Management. I didn't meet Mary at my first conference, but I did sit down with a friend of mine (Sarah Forgrave) at that conference who was represented by Mary. Because I'd had such a great experience at my first conference, and had so many editors ask to see my writing, Sarah volunteered to read my first manuscript and, if she thought I was ready, she would recommend me to Mary. That's exactly what she did! Mary read my story and offered representation. We've now been partners for over three years.
2. I'm now a multi-published author. My first contract came from Barbour Publishers and was a direct result of a meeting I had with an editor at ACFW in Indianapolis in 2013. It wasn't a scheduled meeting, I just happened to see her standing outside the elevators and went over and introduced myself. I had no intentions of pitching a story, or even talking about my writing, but I genuinely wanted to meet the editor, because I'd seen her several times that weekend and she looked like a nice person to talk to. :) We ended up having a great chat and she was the one who was eager to see me published with Barbour. I now have two novella collections on the shelf and one more releasing in December. I also have two Love Inspired Historical Novels releasing this year, with more next year, and I so enjoyed meeting my editor at ACFW last year.
3. I've made lifelong friendships. Every year, I walk away from the ACFW Conference with lots of new connections and friendships. Some have become like sisters to me and I wonder how I managed to get along before I met them! Almost all of them I met online before meeting them in person, but the face-to-face conversations allow us to bond in a way that computers never do. It was through the Indianapolis conference that I met Jaime and Anne face-to-face, and the Dallas conference in 2012 that I met Erica for the first time. Last year we had so much fun taking pictures together, and I know this year we'll have a blast cheering Erica onto the stage to receive her Carol Award!!
4. I've made industry connections. This is one of the main reasons we go to conference. Not only to meet and connect with editors, agents and publicists, but to meet other powerhouse authors who have so much experience. I've been blessed to get to know people who fall into each of these categories, and many have become good friends. It's awesome to have these relationships when I meet a promising new writer and can connect her with someone who would benefit from her talents (and vice-versa).
5. I've learned. A lot. And I look forward to learning even more this year. Every year I walk away from the conference with more knowledge, wisdom and insight. I learn about writing techniques, marketing and advertisement, organizational skills, industry insider perspectives, and so much more. I gain invaluable wisdom from veteran authors who have so much more experience than me. Sometimes this happens in the workshops, but even more so in the one-on-one conversations that happen in the hall or lobby.
6. I've seen the hand of God working. ACFW puts all its focus on God and what He's doing with the Christian Fiction industry. Not only in the big picture moments, but in the personal I-needed-that-for-me moments. I see God's hand in every aspect of my life, to be sure, but in this particular arena, it's even more apparent because everyone who attends is seeking to glorify Him.
I'd love to hear from you! If you've attended a writing conference, what are some things you've gained? What about other events?
Gabrielle Meyer
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
August 9, 2016
Why Should A Reader Review A Book?
Maybe I should retitle this post to: how much do you love your favorite author? :)I've been thinking about book reviews lately, probably because I have a new release and you know, us authors tend to lurk on Amazon and Goodreads to see what ya'll think. But I'm also an avid reader. I never used to make it a habit to leave reviews, unless Amazon prompted me, because I honestly didn't see the point. I didn't usually read reviews myself. I'd glance at the stars. Two stars? forget it. I'm that type of reader. (yikes!)
But now I understand reviews a little bit better, and from a different perspective. So if you'll indulge me, I'll give you three big reasons why you should leave a review on your favorite author's latest work:
1. It helps sell copies. And not just in the way you'd think. I mean, 4 or 5 star ratings help, for sure, but did you know that the more reviews a book gets (positive or negative), that novel gets pushed further to the forefront of buyer's eyes? For example, once a novel has over, I believe it's 25 reviews, Amazon will start added it to people's recommended reading lists based on their buying habits. That's huge. This means, potential buyers who don't know about your favorite author's novel might buy it.
2. It gives authors authentic feedback. Well, I hope it's authentic. Because truly, if you don't like my writing, I'd like to hear why. Sometimes it's personal preference. We get that. But sometimes, maybe we missed something important we can flag and remember not to do again. That's always helpful. Most writers want to better their craft and improve their stories. Who better to help them with than the people who read them?
3. Reader reviews DO influence buyers. Straight up, I read reviews now. I do look beyond the star ratings to see what people think. I often skip to the negative reviews. Often they impress me to buy. Oddly. LOL Especially when a book is graded as too clean, or not racy enough. YAY! I'm in. But the positive reviews are helpful too. Especially the straight forward ones that state what worked well in the book.
Reviews are critically important to authors. And, as readers, this is one way we can thank them for the work that they do. I'm making it a practice to review all the books I read, not just on the blog here, but on Amazon and Goodreads too.
What are your thoughts on writing reviews?
_________________________________________________________
Professional coffee drinker Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com.
Web Site: www.jaimejowright.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowrightTwitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_WrightPeriscope: @jaimejowright
August 8, 2016
Is Your Crazy Finding a Still Point?
Anne here.
School is starting up in most places in our nation.
Everywhere families are heaving a collective sigh.
The end of the last school year and start of the summer brought eager celebrations for hard work completed, vacations long-planned, traveling, camps, new friends, old friends. Graduations, moving, weddings, internships, country-hopping. Campfires, cookouts, bike rides. Hiking, fishing, mowing grass, tending gardens.
These are the things summers are made of, leaving us spinning from one thing to the next, not unlike the old fashioned spinning top. It was fun to keep pressing that old toy to spin faster and faster, watching it dance across the floor with glee and doing it again--all while hoping it could keep balance and not topple out of control across the floor. Summer fun is just that--fun. But sometimes the fun just gets to a level of crazy frazzle that brings a longing for routine and stillness. Once it all comes to a close, there's a palpable sigh of relief.
That's what summer schedules are like sometimes.
But take a moment to breath in and release the breath you've been holding.
Find your still point.
Slide into home again.
Gather round the table again.
Listen for His still small voice again.
During my walks this week, the Lord reminded me how much peace His still small voice can bring. Listen to this great worship reminder:
STILL by Chris & Bethany Solyntjes
This was my still point this week:
Psalm 46:10English Standard Version (ESV)
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Readers: I'm praying you and your families are finding your still point before the crazy of school begins for another year.-------------Blog post by Anne Love-
Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots.
Nurse Practitioner by day.
Wife, mother, writer by night.
Coffee drinker--any time.
Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads
School is starting up in most places in our nation.
Everywhere families are heaving a collective sigh.
The end of the last school year and start of the summer brought eager celebrations for hard work completed, vacations long-planned, traveling, camps, new friends, old friends. Graduations, moving, weddings, internships, country-hopping. Campfires, cookouts, bike rides. Hiking, fishing, mowing grass, tending gardens.
These are the things summers are made of, leaving us spinning from one thing to the next, not unlike the old fashioned spinning top. It was fun to keep pressing that old toy to spin faster and faster, watching it dance across the floor with glee and doing it again--all while hoping it could keep balance and not topple out of control across the floor. Summer fun is just that--fun. But sometimes the fun just gets to a level of crazy frazzle that brings a longing for routine and stillness. Once it all comes to a close, there's a palpable sigh of relief.
That's what summer schedules are like sometimes.
But take a moment to breath in and release the breath you've been holding.
Find your still point.
Slide into home again.
Gather round the table again.
Listen for His still small voice again.
During my walks this week, the Lord reminded me how much peace His still small voice can bring. Listen to this great worship reminder:
STILL by Chris & Bethany Solyntjes
This was my still point this week:
Psalm 46:10English Standard Version (ESV)
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Readers: I'm praying you and your families are finding your still point before the crazy of school begins for another year.-------------Blog post by Anne Love-
Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots.
Nurse Practitioner by day.
Wife, mother, writer by night.
Coffee drinker--any time.
Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads
August 5, 2016
#Giveaway & #interview with @ErynnMangum! #OnceUponEliza
Today we're thrilled to have Erynn Mangum return to our blog with her latest release! So without further adieu ...
Thank you so much for visiting us today here at the CCC blog! Can you tell us about your latest release and what inspired you to write the story?
[image error] Hi!! Thank you so much for having me here! My newest release is Once Upon Eliza, the sequel to Katie in Waiting that released last winter. I loved Eliza's character and I was so excited to have a whole book to find out more about her! Eliza is a wanderer. Where Katie, her friend, craved predictability and roots, Eliza just wants adventure.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
Probably the main character, Eliza. She's very witty but showed a much deeper side than I originally saw coming.
Can you tell us about a scene that you wrote and eventually deleted? It’s always fun to know of the little details that didn’t make the cut
Oh my goodness, I need to think. Honestly, Once Upon Eliza was hands down the hardest book I've ever written, not because of the book itself, but the circumstances in my own life while writing it. I had my third baby, sold our home of 7.5 years, lived with my parents for two months while we were homeless, bought and renovated another house all while writing this book. So, I know I cut quite a bit but the details are escaping me right now. Ha!!
How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
Katie in Waiting set the small town scene, we just picked it up with Eliza. :) I love Carrington Springs, Missouri. It's based on my grandmother's hometown.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
Eliza is a name I've always really liked, thanks to Jane Austen and Elisabeth Elliot!! The other main character, Cooper, was named by my dear friend, Jen.
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite household chore and why?
CLEANING SHOWERS. Oh, I hate it. I don't mind nearly every other part of cleaning but I just do not like scrubbing showers. I don't like that you have to basically douse yourself in the cleaning stuff to get it clean.
What are your hobbies outside of writing?
Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
Well, I mentioned the third child and the home renovation, so between the kids and the house, I don't have much time for hobbies. Someday!! For right now, I'm trying to soak up the small uninterrupted minutes I have with each of my kids. They grow so fast!
We talk a lot about faith and how it weaves throughout our fiction, here at the blog. How has your faith affected/or not affected your writing?
There is honestly no way I could have written this book without the grace of God. Absolutely no way. There was so much going on. It's only by His grace that I got words on the page and that they actually made sense!!
Tell us a little about a day in the life of you? Wake up time? Lounging in your jammies all day, drinking coffee, living the luxurious life of a writer ;)
[image error]
Yes, that's about my life right now. ;) No, but a long time ago it was!! Seems like another lifetime ago!! I wake up about 6:30, drink several cups of coffee, do kid stuff and errands all morning and when the younger two take naps, I write as much as I possibly can. Then it's back to cooking, cleaning and keeping the house going until bedtime. :)
We have a bit of a war going on here at the CCC blog. Anne and Jaime LOVE coffee and Erica and Gabriella enjoy a joyful cup of tea. What is your preference? Help us break this tie…
I love coffee. Love it. And I drink it multiple times a day. That being said, I also love tea, particularly iced, unless it's winter when I can put down gallons of hot spiced tea all day long. I go through phases. ;)
And a few fun and quirky questions always reveal of lot from our authors who visit. So, first, if you were to take a boat down the Amazon river, what would you be most interested in seeing?
A rescue helicopter to take me back to civilization.
If you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
I'd love to say Pride and Prejudice time, BUT deodorant hasn't been invented yet. Neither had air conditioning. I'm torn purely out of respect for my nose.
We’d love you have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! Please share something below:
I love this scene of Eliza thinking about her brother, Mike, and how they grew up:
I think back to when Mike was nineteen. I was fifteen and a sophomore in high school. I had braces, thick poofy hair that I couldn’t keep de-frizzed, so I spent most of the time looking like a poodle with a bit in it’s mouth.Add to that my stellar fashion sense, and we are talking about a pretty horrific scene that should probably be erased from the pages of history.Unfortunately, that would require me tracking down and burning the three hundred plus yearbooks holding those pictures. I’m not sure that’s possible.Though it could be.Mike, on the other hand, skated through high school and college in like this golden glow. He was fit, he was tanned, he was born with the straightest teeth known to man. He was this huge football star and he and Cooper were the dream team of the entire school. Cooper, the all-star quarterback, and Mike, the all-star receiver. They were constantly together, like a right hand and a left hand.And then there was me. The poodle who’d had a bad electrical shock.We made quite the spectacle whenever we went out.Sometimes I get extremely thankful that my adolescence took place before all these cell phone pictures and selfies and Facebook.Dear goodness, what selfies have done to this world is just awful.
Thank you so much for visiting today! It was a blast!
Thank you so much!!! This was so fun!!
Website: www.erynnmangum.comBlog: www.erynnm.blogspot.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Eliza-Carrington-Springs-ebook/dp/B01FR93RIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470364195&sr=8-1&keywords=once+upon+eliza#nav-subnav
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1124233428?ean=2940157156794
ENTER TO WIN A COPY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you so much for visiting us today here at the CCC blog! Can you tell us about your latest release and what inspired you to write the story?
[image error] Hi!! Thank you so much for having me here! My newest release is Once Upon Eliza, the sequel to Katie in Waiting that released last winter. I loved Eliza's character and I was so excited to have a whole book to find out more about her! Eliza is a wanderer. Where Katie, her friend, craved predictability and roots, Eliza just wants adventure.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
Probably the main character, Eliza. She's very witty but showed a much deeper side than I originally saw coming.
Can you tell us about a scene that you wrote and eventually deleted? It’s always fun to know of the little details that didn’t make the cut
Oh my goodness, I need to think. Honestly, Once Upon Eliza was hands down the hardest book I've ever written, not because of the book itself, but the circumstances in my own life while writing it. I had my third baby, sold our home of 7.5 years, lived with my parents for two months while we were homeless, bought and renovated another house all while writing this book. So, I know I cut quite a bit but the details are escaping me right now. Ha!!
How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
Katie in Waiting set the small town scene, we just picked it up with Eliza. :) I love Carrington Springs, Missouri. It's based on my grandmother's hometown.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
Eliza is a name I've always really liked, thanks to Jane Austen and Elisabeth Elliot!! The other main character, Cooper, was named by my dear friend, Jen.
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite household chore and why?
CLEANING SHOWERS. Oh, I hate it. I don't mind nearly every other part of cleaning but I just do not like scrubbing showers. I don't like that you have to basically douse yourself in the cleaning stuff to get it clean.
What are your hobbies outside of writing?
Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
Well, I mentioned the third child and the home renovation, so between the kids and the house, I don't have much time for hobbies. Someday!! For right now, I'm trying to soak up the small uninterrupted minutes I have with each of my kids. They grow so fast!
We talk a lot about faith and how it weaves throughout our fiction, here at the blog. How has your faith affected/or not affected your writing?
There is honestly no way I could have written this book without the grace of God. Absolutely no way. There was so much going on. It's only by His grace that I got words on the page and that they actually made sense!!
Tell us a little about a day in the life of you? Wake up time? Lounging in your jammies all day, drinking coffee, living the luxurious life of a writer ;)
[image error]
Yes, that's about my life right now. ;) No, but a long time ago it was!! Seems like another lifetime ago!! I wake up about 6:30, drink several cups of coffee, do kid stuff and errands all morning and when the younger two take naps, I write as much as I possibly can. Then it's back to cooking, cleaning and keeping the house going until bedtime. :)
We have a bit of a war going on here at the CCC blog. Anne and Jaime LOVE coffee and Erica and Gabriella enjoy a joyful cup of tea. What is your preference? Help us break this tie…
I love coffee. Love it. And I drink it multiple times a day. That being said, I also love tea, particularly iced, unless it's winter when I can put down gallons of hot spiced tea all day long. I go through phases. ;)
And a few fun and quirky questions always reveal of lot from our authors who visit. So, first, if you were to take a boat down the Amazon river, what would you be most interested in seeing?
A rescue helicopter to take me back to civilization.
If you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
I'd love to say Pride and Prejudice time, BUT deodorant hasn't been invented yet. Neither had air conditioning. I'm torn purely out of respect for my nose.
We’d love you have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! Please share something below:
I love this scene of Eliza thinking about her brother, Mike, and how they grew up:
I think back to when Mike was nineteen. I was fifteen and a sophomore in high school. I had braces, thick poofy hair that I couldn’t keep de-frizzed, so I spent most of the time looking like a poodle with a bit in it’s mouth.Add to that my stellar fashion sense, and we are talking about a pretty horrific scene that should probably be erased from the pages of history.Unfortunately, that would require me tracking down and burning the three hundred plus yearbooks holding those pictures. I’m not sure that’s possible.Though it could be.Mike, on the other hand, skated through high school and college in like this golden glow. He was fit, he was tanned, he was born with the straightest teeth known to man. He was this huge football star and he and Cooper were the dream team of the entire school. Cooper, the all-star quarterback, and Mike, the all-star receiver. They were constantly together, like a right hand and a left hand.And then there was me. The poodle who’d had a bad electrical shock.We made quite the spectacle whenever we went out.Sometimes I get extremely thankful that my adolescence took place before all these cell phone pictures and selfies and Facebook.Dear goodness, what selfies have done to this world is just awful.
Thank you so much for visiting today! It was a blast!
Thank you so much!!! This was so fun!!
Website: www.erynnmangum.comBlog: www.erynnm.blogspot.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Eliza-Carrington-Springs-ebook/dp/B01FR93RIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470364195&sr=8-1&keywords=once+upon+eliza#nav-subnav
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1124233428?ean=2940157156794
ENTER TO WIN A COPY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 4, 2016
Edwardian Hairdos
A month from now I'll be celebrating the release of my first novel, A Mother in the Making. As part of the celebration, I'm hosting a party at a beautiful historic estate. Here's the poster I created for the event:
I will be dressing in a period replica gown (and so will my daughter and several friends!). So I've been experimenting with Edwardian era hairstyles. Here are a few examples.
#1: My youngest daughter.
#2: My oldest daughter.
#3 I did mine several hours ago, so it's not fresh. :)It's so much fun to try out these hairstyles. I still haven't decided which one I like best. I'll keep watching tutorials and practicing until the event on September 1st.
What do you think? Do you prefer #1, #2, or #3?
Gabrielle Meyer
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Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
I will be dressing in a period replica gown (and so will my daughter and several friends!). So I've been experimenting with Edwardian era hairstyles. Here are a few examples.
#1: My youngest daughter.
#2: My oldest daughter.
#3 I did mine several hours ago, so it's not fresh. :)It's so much fun to try out these hairstyles. I still haven't decided which one I like best. I'll keep watching tutorials and practicing until the event on September 1st.What do you think? Do you prefer #1, #2, or #3?
Gabrielle Meyer
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Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
August 3, 2016
Friendship
Gabrielle Here:
I usually post on Thursdays (I'll be back tomorrow!), but Erica asked if I'd step in today to fill her spot. I happily agreed and decided to use this post to embarrass her a little. :) You've gotten to know her through her blog posts, but I thought it would be fun if I told you even more about her--the stuff she wouldn't say herself.
You see, Erica is quickly becoming one of my very favorite people. If you know her in person, you know she's hilarious, intelligent and kind. She's an extroverted-introvert who likes to sit at the back of the room (whereas I'm a front-row girl), but she's also an amazing conversationalist and a beautiful public speaker. She's quick-witted and finds humor in every situation. I laugh constantly when I'm with her. She's a walking Encyclopedia (do you remember those things?!?!). She can pull out dates, names and places at the drop of a hat. She's been to countless historic sites and museums, and has a bucket list to see all the President's Homes. I think I hide it well, but I'm always amazed at her knowledge (like mouth-dropping amazed). There is never a dull (or quiet) moment when we get together. She's a hoot!
We met online in 2012 and then in person at the ACFW Conference that year. In the spring of 2013, after only meeting once, she invited my husband and me to stay at her home when we went to Rochester for a homeschool conference. I'll never forget driving to her house and my husband saying: "Are you sure you know this person?" She was extremely hospitable and we loved getting to know her family.
We didn't see each other more than once or twice a year for the first couple of years, but then we were in two novella collections together and entered the Blurb2Book Contest with Love Inspired Historical. We also went to a retreat put on by our writing group and we hung out more at conference. This past year we started meeting in the Twin Cities (which is half way between our homes) to go to special events and exhibits at historic sites and museums, and to have coffee before our monthly writing meetings. I always look forward to my time with Erica.
One of my favorite memories to date is when she came to my house for a writing retreat this past spring. Originally we had planned to write and brainstorm, but when the date drew near we decided to use the time to read through our Seven Brides for Seven Texans Novella Collection. In 48 hours, we read six novellas from six authors (one wasn't quite ready)--over 150,000 words out loud! We only stopped to eat, sleep, and go to a dinner theater production. It was a lot of work, but we had so much fun!
I love Erica and I love being a part of this blog with her. We're kindred spirits and have so many things in common, it's uncanny. I'm so thankful God brought her into my life and blessed me with her friendship. It brings to mind one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes:
Here are a few of my favorite pictures with Erica:
April 2013 when Erica invited my husband and me to
stay at their home during the homeschool conference.
May 1, 2015 the day my debut novella released! Erica is in
the same collection and we happened to be together that day.
Visiting during a writing retreat in May 2015.
All dolled up for the Gala Dinner at the
2015 ACFW Conference.
Do you know why we're laughing so hard in these pictures?
You got it! Erica. :)Erica is an amazing author and an even better friend. I never knew there was someone on this planet who loved writing, Minnesota history and Jesus as much as me. :) I can imagine that God was smiling down on us and waiting for that moment when we would discover our friendship.
Now I'd love to hear from you. Do you have any fun memories with Erica (in person or online)? Do you have a kindred spirit? What are some things you enjoy doing together?
Gabrielle Meyer
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I usually post on Thursdays (I'll be back tomorrow!), but Erica asked if I'd step in today to fill her spot. I happily agreed and decided to use this post to embarrass her a little. :) You've gotten to know her through her blog posts, but I thought it would be fun if I told you even more about her--the stuff she wouldn't say herself.
You see, Erica is quickly becoming one of my very favorite people. If you know her in person, you know she's hilarious, intelligent and kind. She's an extroverted-introvert who likes to sit at the back of the room (whereas I'm a front-row girl), but she's also an amazing conversationalist and a beautiful public speaker. She's quick-witted and finds humor in every situation. I laugh constantly when I'm with her. She's a walking Encyclopedia (do you remember those things?!?!). She can pull out dates, names and places at the drop of a hat. She's been to countless historic sites and museums, and has a bucket list to see all the President's Homes. I think I hide it well, but I'm always amazed at her knowledge (like mouth-dropping amazed). There is never a dull (or quiet) moment when we get together. She's a hoot!
We met online in 2012 and then in person at the ACFW Conference that year. In the spring of 2013, after only meeting once, she invited my husband and me to stay at her home when we went to Rochester for a homeschool conference. I'll never forget driving to her house and my husband saying: "Are you sure you know this person?" She was extremely hospitable and we loved getting to know her family.
We didn't see each other more than once or twice a year for the first couple of years, but then we were in two novella collections together and entered the Blurb2Book Contest with Love Inspired Historical. We also went to a retreat put on by our writing group and we hung out more at conference. This past year we started meeting in the Twin Cities (which is half way between our homes) to go to special events and exhibits at historic sites and museums, and to have coffee before our monthly writing meetings. I always look forward to my time with Erica.
One of my favorite memories to date is when she came to my house for a writing retreat this past spring. Originally we had planned to write and brainstorm, but when the date drew near we decided to use the time to read through our Seven Brides for Seven Texans Novella Collection. In 48 hours, we read six novellas from six authors (one wasn't quite ready)--over 150,000 words out loud! We only stopped to eat, sleep, and go to a dinner theater production. It was a lot of work, but we had so much fun!
I love Erica and I love being a part of this blog with her. We're kindred spirits and have so many things in common, it's uncanny. I'm so thankful God brought her into my life and blessed me with her friendship. It brings to mind one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes:
Here are a few of my favorite pictures with Erica:
April 2013 when Erica invited my husband and me tostay at their home during the homeschool conference.
May 1, 2015 the day my debut novella released! Erica is inthe same collection and we happened to be together that day.
Visiting during a writing retreat in May 2015.
All dolled up for the Gala Dinner at the2015 ACFW Conference.
Do you know why we're laughing so hard in these pictures?
You got it! Erica. :)Erica is an amazing author and an even better friend. I never knew there was someone on this planet who loved writing, Minnesota history and Jesus as much as me. :) I can imagine that God was smiling down on us and waiting for that moment when we would discover our friendship.Now I'd love to hear from you. Do you have any fun memories with Erica (in person or online)? Do you have a kindred spirit? What are some things you enjoy doing together?
Gabrielle Meyer
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August 2, 2016
#CaliforniaGoldRush from @BarbourBuzz - Release & #Giveaway
It's RELEASE DAY! Actually, yesterday was but everything that could go wrong did. You know how you wait for those momentous occasions but then life creeps in with its sarcastic, "oh reheheheheeeaaaaallly!". Like a little leprechaun causing problems. (and no, I don't blame Anne's Irish post from yesterday!) :)My daughter fell sick while I was two hours away from her at work. I had to cancel my LIVE Facebook launch reader/author chat because, well, I was in the car driving home to get her and that's just not safe. (Be proud). Then I tried another reader/author chat in the evening and was almost choked to death by Peter Pan who escaped the watchful eye of his surrogate church-gramma and came to repeatedly tackle me during the LIVE video. There was more stuff, but all that to say ... one thing is abundantly clear and I must make this important point to readers everywhere ...
AUTHORS ARE JUST LIKE YOU!
LOL I used to think authors lived fairy-dust sprinkled lives. Worked in creme colored window seats in the morning, with flannel jammies on, a bouquet of roses off to the side, and a little Mozart playing softly in the background. Now, I know better.
Many of the books we love to read are written around and through chaos.
But that sort of mimics the stories we read, don't they? Because, in the end, of almost every story, our heroines or heroes end up surrounded by people who support them. A team. A group of comrades. A saving grace in their life. A hero. A heroine. A best friend. A church family.
A group of readers.
One of my reader/writer friends told me last night after I moaned about my LIVE video flop: "It's who you are, though. That's what makes you real."
You know what? YOU ALL make me real. These novellas that I write have bits and pieces of all of you inside of my story. I think of you while I write i
t. I wonder if Caryl will like my sassy heroine, if Gail will notice the coffee reference, if Teresa will like what I did with Ounce the Mouse, if Bonnie will chuckle, if Linsey will find inspiration to keep writing too, if Nancy will freak out when she sees her name in the acknowledgments, and so on ...
You all make writing my joy.
Awhile back, my husband asked me why I want to be published. Cause in his logic, which was very correct, I can still write novels. What makes having it published so different? A cover? Prestige? Money (LOL!)? I honestly couldn't answer. I told him I'd have to think about it. Months later, I still didn't have an answer, until this week.
Relationships.
I want to be published for the very reason why I love this blog, I love being on Facebook, I love having email. Relationships with all of you! My life is so much richer as we unite on the common bond of stories. My office is filled with little mementos of your encouragement and faithful following--long before you ever had a book of mine to hold in your hands! THAT MEANS!
It's NOT ABOUT THE BOOK! It's about us. A community of readers and writers. Friends.
Why do I want to be published? Because it opens up a door I can walk through to a world of friends.
That is why.
So let's celebrate!!! I'm giving away a copy HERE of the novella collection and tonight at 8PM CST we have an ONLINE FACEBOOK PARTY you won't want to miss! We're giving away a Kindle Fire and this beautiful California mountain gold necklace (well, not real gold, we're not rich, but we try!). Most of the authors of the collection will be there to answer questions and offer other giveaways too! YOU MUST COME!But to enter today's giveaway here at the blog, I only ask one thing. Please enter your email address to join my email newsletter. I mail out craziness about every quarter, offer some giveaways to readers-only of the newsletter, interesting tidbits about history, books on my shelf I'm reading, coffee insights :) :) and more ...
Leave a comment that you signed up for the newsletter and I'll enter you win a copy! :)
And thank you all, for being my friends, my people, my tribe.
_________________________________________________________
Professional coffee drinker Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com.
Web S ite: www.jaimejowright.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowrightTwitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_WrightPeriscope: @jaimejowright
August 1, 2016
Bucket List: Ireland--Check!!!
Anne here again, back on terra firma America.
I've just had the privilege of adding Ireland to my bucket list!
My husband and I spent two weeks there visiting our daughter.
There are many many favorite places and amazing people we met, I wish I could have packed everyone in my suitcase!!
Here are some favorite pics:
Thistles and other wild flowers were in full color.
We spent several mornings at the bayside cafe in Greystones, drinking strong black Irish coffee! Mmmm!
The Bray walk north of Greystones along the Irish Sea on the hottest day in Ireland for the last three years.
Full Irish breakfast at The Waters Country House B&B
A dip in the ice cold waters of the falls in Glendalaugh.
They call it the emerald island for a reason!
Wild blooming Foxglove were everywhere along our hike at Glendalaugh, and heather too!
More Irish Coffee while we watched the airshow in Bray.
Cliffs of Moher, otherwise known as the cliffs of insanity for all you Princess Bride fans!!
Trinity Library at Trinity College in Dublin where we saw the book of Kells and a display about Irish independence, won after the rebellion of 1916, 100 years ago.
Poulnebrone, ancient tombs from between 4200-2900 BC--that's before Abraham!
Everywhere were brightly painted front doors. Red, yellow, royal blue, kelly green.
Clover, Blue Bells, and other flowers on the Burren.
I spent most of a morning in LaCreperie, in Greystones, drinking tea, eating this yummy salmon dill crepe, and praying. My phone was off. Internet disconnected. No commitments.
On the night we traveled back from the west coast, God showed off His glory with this sunset!
A burried chapel on the southern most Aran Island, Inisheer.
An evening of live music at Johnnie Fox's, the highest pub in Ireland in the Wicklow Mountains,
A beautiful view overlooking the largest lake at Glendalaugh.
Now it's back to earth, normal life routine. But the sounds, sites, smells, and people of Ireland are still ringing in my mind and soul.
Readers: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
-------------Blog post by Anne Love-
Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots.
Nurse Practitioner by day.
Wife, mother, writer by night.
Coffee drinker--any time.
Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: GoodreadsSaveSave
I've just had the privilege of adding Ireland to my bucket list!
My husband and I spent two weeks there visiting our daughter.
There are many many favorite places and amazing people we met, I wish I could have packed everyone in my suitcase!!
Here are some favorite pics:
Thistles and other wild flowers were in full color.
We spent several mornings at the bayside cafe in Greystones, drinking strong black Irish coffee! Mmmm!
The Bray walk north of Greystones along the Irish Sea on the hottest day in Ireland for the last three years.
Full Irish breakfast at The Waters Country House B&B
A dip in the ice cold waters of the falls in Glendalaugh.
They call it the emerald island for a reason!
Wild blooming Foxglove were everywhere along our hike at Glendalaugh, and heather too!
More Irish Coffee while we watched the airshow in Bray. 
Cliffs of Moher, otherwise known as the cliffs of insanity for all you Princess Bride fans!!
Trinity Library at Trinity College in Dublin where we saw the book of Kells and a display about Irish independence, won after the rebellion of 1916, 100 years ago.
Poulnebrone, ancient tombs from between 4200-2900 BC--that's before Abraham!
Everywhere were brightly painted front doors. Red, yellow, royal blue, kelly green.
Clover, Blue Bells, and other flowers on the Burren.
I spent most of a morning in LaCreperie, in Greystones, drinking tea, eating this yummy salmon dill crepe, and praying. My phone was off. Internet disconnected. No commitments. 
On the night we traveled back from the west coast, God showed off His glory with this sunset!
A burried chapel on the southern most Aran Island, Inisheer.
An evening of live music at Johnnie Fox's, the highest pub in Ireland in the Wicklow Mountains,
A beautiful view overlooking the largest lake at Glendalaugh.Now it's back to earth, normal life routine. But the sounds, sites, smells, and people of Ireland are still ringing in my mind and soul.
Readers: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
-------------Blog post by Anne Love-
Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots.
Nurse Practitioner by day.
Wife, mother, writer by night.
Coffee drinker--any time.
Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: GoodreadsSaveSave
July 28, 2016
A Family Arrangement Cover Reveal
Gabrielle Here:
Today I received my cover for the December release of A Family Arrangement from Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical line! I couldn't be happier with the image. The art team captured my characters to perfection and the setting couldn't be better!
I know I'm not supposed to play favorites, but this story is at the top of my list. Abram and Charlotte are two of my favorite characters and if any two people should fall in love, it's these two. I cheered them on to the final kiss and shed a few tears along the way.
Here's the back cover copy:
Makeshift Family
Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte's requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don't leave—and take his heart with them?
Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.
This story is inspired by the men and women who founded my hometown in the mid-1850's. I fictionalized their story, but the heart of their passion for Little Falls, Minnesota is still within the pages. This is the first in the Little Falls Legacy series. The next story is set in 1858 and the hero and heroine are rival hotel owners. I'm in the midst of writing that manuscript now and I'm having so much fun!
Without further ado, here's the cover for A Family Arrangement:
*Sigh* Charlotte is exactly as I pictured her! And those adorable boys? They melt my heart on the page and on the cover. They are Robert (on the left), Martin in his father's arms, and little George with his back to us. The handsome hero is Abram Cooper--be still my heart. I loved creating his character and I can't wait for you to meet him in the story.
You can preorder the book here. If you live locally, I'd love for you to preorder the book with Marge at Good Book & Gift.
To celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway for an advanced readers copy to be sent out when I receive my copies! Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about the cover!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Gabrielle Meyer
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
Today I received my cover for the December release of A Family Arrangement from Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical line! I couldn't be happier with the image. The art team captured my characters to perfection and the setting couldn't be better!
I know I'm not supposed to play favorites, but this story is at the top of my list. Abram and Charlotte are two of my favorite characters and if any two people should fall in love, it's these two. I cheered them on to the final kiss and shed a few tears along the way.
Here's the back cover copy:
Makeshift Family
Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte's requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don't leave—and take his heart with them?
Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.
This story is inspired by the men and women who founded my hometown in the mid-1850's. I fictionalized their story, but the heart of their passion for Little Falls, Minnesota is still within the pages. This is the first in the Little Falls Legacy series. The next story is set in 1858 and the hero and heroine are rival hotel owners. I'm in the midst of writing that manuscript now and I'm having so much fun!
Without further ado, here's the cover for A Family Arrangement:
*Sigh* Charlotte is exactly as I pictured her! And those adorable boys? They melt my heart on the page and on the cover. They are Robert (on the left), Martin in his father's arms, and little George with his back to us. The handsome hero is Abram Cooper--be still my heart. I loved creating his character and I can't wait for you to meet him in the story.
You can preorder the book here. If you live locally, I'd love for you to preorder the book with Marge at Good Book & Gift.
To celebrate, I'm hosting a giveaway for an advanced readers copy to be sent out when I receive my copies! Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about the cover!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Gabrielle Meyer
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
July 27, 2016
A Girls' Day Out!
Erica Here:
Happy Wednesday! This summer is going by Way. Too. Fast! In an effort to cram in as much fun as possible, yesterday my daughter, Heather, and I struck out in a new direction. We headed to Goodhue County and the town of Red Wing, MN.
You might've heard of Red Wing before. They are famous for Red Wing Pottery and Red Wing Shoes.
We were there to visit the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum and to prowl around this old river town.
The stake said "Locate" so she did. There it is! :D
Norwegian cradle. Isn't it adorable? I just want to line it with soft
quilts and rock a baby in it!
Bisque-headed dolls. I thought it curious that the older
the doll, the more likely it was to be an 'adult' version. Baby
dolls and child dolls were much newer.
Tiny little girl's sewing machine. It even
had an instruction manual and a little
coat that someone had sewn with it.
I love old typewriters!
My pre-school teacher daughter with pre-
school sized desks from the Wacouta
School in Goodhue County, MN.
We visited the Red Wing Shoe Company
Museum, where Heather posed with
the World's Largest Work Boot.
We stopped in Zumbrota, MN and walked across the
only covered bridge in MN. It was disconcerting to be able
to see the river rushing along below the bridge through
the floor boards! Eeek!I love to hear from readers, so leave a comment. Have you been somewhere fun this summer? And if you haven't connected with me on social media, I LOVE Facebook, and I have an author page on amazon.com, and I send out a (supposed to be) quarterly newsletter full of...um...news. :)
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER
Find me on AMAZON.COM
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Happy Wednesday! This summer is going by Way. Too. Fast! In an effort to cram in as much fun as possible, yesterday my daughter, Heather, and I struck out in a new direction. We headed to Goodhue County and the town of Red Wing, MN.
You might've heard of Red Wing before. They are famous for Red Wing Pottery and Red Wing Shoes.
We were there to visit the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum and to prowl around this old river town.
The stake said "Locate" so she did. There it is! :D
Norwegian cradle. Isn't it adorable? I just want to line it with softquilts and rock a baby in it!
Bisque-headed dolls. I thought it curious that the olderthe doll, the more likely it was to be an 'adult' version. Baby
dolls and child dolls were much newer.
Tiny little girl's sewing machine. It evenhad an instruction manual and a little
coat that someone had sewn with it.
I love old typewriters!
My pre-school teacher daughter with pre-school sized desks from the Wacouta
School in Goodhue County, MN.
We visited the Red Wing Shoe CompanyMuseum, where Heather posed with
the World's Largest Work Boot.
We stopped in Zumbrota, MN and walked across theonly covered bridge in MN. It was disconcerting to be able
to see the river rushing along below the bridge through
the floor boards! Eeek!I love to hear from readers, so leave a comment. Have you been somewhere fun this summer? And if you haven't connected with me on social media, I LOVE Facebook, and I have an author page on amazon.com, and I send out a (supposed to be) quarterly newsletter full of...um...news. :)
SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER
Find me on AMAZON.COM
Find me on FACEBOOK
