Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 169
June 27, 2016
So This Happened
So this happened in my dear Anne-Girl's life this Saturday ...
Her baby boy was married. To a beautiful young woman.
Anne wanted to share a gazillion pics with you all today, but she is wiped out! (Surprised?) So she'll be back next week, I'm sure, with a thoughtful post and fabulous memories!
Meanwhile, help me share congrats with the mother-of-the-groom!
June 24, 2016
Interview & #Giveaway with @VarinaDenman
Super excited to continue on from Tuesday's guest post with Varina Denman! Now that we've learned some of the behind-the-scenes of her latest novel, I'm excited for you to get to learn even more about Varina and her sparkling personality :)
___________________________________
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?
Jilted, book three in the Mended Hearts series revolves around Lynda Turner who suffers from depression. And no wonder! She’s been jilted by more than one man, abandoned by her friends, and shunned by the church. Even though I haven’t experienced anything as traumatic as Lynda, I suffer from mild depression, so I have great empathy for her. I pray that her story encourages other women who struggle with depression, or helps them to sympathize with friends who suffer.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
Clyde Felton, the local ex-convict, was a joy to write. He’s a huge, muscular man with a curly blond ponytail, and he spent twenty years in a state penitentiary for statutory rape. In other words, he’s SCARY … to people who don’t know him. Lynda (of course) knows that Clyde is actually as gentle as a kitten, and he wants nothing more than to pull her out of the darkness toward happiness again.
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 J
A major plot point in Jilted has to do with an old pistol, and I wrote a few scenes where teenagers were shooting enormous West Texas wind turbines for target practice. I loved being able to connect the gun with the windmills which are also key to the story. However, *sniffle* during edits, I realized
that the wind turbines weren’t in West Texas at the time the gun was being referenced. Ah, well … I may save that detail for another book.
How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
Jilted is set in West Texas, in the fictitious town of Trapp. I grew up visiting my grandparents on their ranch in that region, and that’s where I learned about Mesquite trees, jackrabbits, and rattle snakes … all of which make an appearance in the Mended Hearts series. Even though I never called West Texas home, I lived in a small town during my high school years, and that’s where I learned the nuances of the setting for Jilted.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
Clyde has always been named Clyde, right from the start when I wrote him in to book one, six or so years ago, and honestly I don’t remember why I named him that except the it just SO FIT HIM. He was Clyde Felton, through and through. Lynda, on the other hand, had her name changed more than once, and it took forever to decide. Nothing quite fit (probably because I didn’t have her personality nailed-down back then.) And then I realized several of my characters had rhyming names, or names that started with the same letter, or were similar in some other way … but I finally settled on Lynda (with a Y), and the name has come to suit her very well. An ordinary name with a slight twist to it, just like the character.
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite household chore and why?
If you could peek inside my house, you would notice that I (apparently) have several least favorite chores. But my least LEAST favorite is probably mopping. I think the reason is because I have to bend over, and it makes my back ache. Or it could simply be that I’m lazy. Who knows?
What are your hobbies outside of writing?Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
Does reading count? This is a book blog, so probably everyone says that, but there you go. I like to read. I also watch TONS of movies and television shows, and I’m a NetFlix junkie. In the summer months I try to lay by the pool as much as possible. I’m normally very pale, and my summer months are habitually spent trying to master a tan. I usually succeed about the time school starts.
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?
Oh, my goodness. God has taken me by the shoulders and spun me round and round. All I can do is hold on tight. I never intended to be a writer, but somehow God shoved me into it. And now He keeps pushing me out of my comfort zone which always leads to growth for both me and my characters.
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 ;)
I THRIVE ON MY ROUTINE. On days when I’m able to stick to it, I’m one happy writer. I get up around 5:30, and actually put on clothes. I head upstairs to my office for devo and a little writing, then come down for breakfast an hour later. Breakfast is also a part of my routine: fruit smoothie with protein powder. Then I write till lunch and eat again. During the school year, my afternoons are spent helping my girls with their schoolwork (we homeschool), but in the summer months I write all afternoon as well, and feel uber-productive. On a good day, I stop working around 5:00, but during deadlines, I might work work work till late into the night.
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 have ridiculous food sensitivities that prevent me from drinking anything that I actually WANT to drink. (no sugar, no milk, no fat, no caffeine, no fun) So when I drink coffee, it’s decaf with sugar-free chocolate syrup stirred in, and when I drink tea, it’s decaf green tea with a packet of artificial sweetener. Don’t those sound like lovely options? I’m not sure I can be a tie-breaker, because I have to vote NEITHER … just give me a glass of water.
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?
Traveling down the Amazon river is at the top of my never-want-to-do-it list, so if it were to happen I’d love to see the dock where I would get off and go back home. Then again … isn’t that where “Anaconda” was filmed? (I’m so not a geography scholar) I’d much rather see a ginormous snake from the safety of my television screen … but if I was there anyway …
If you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
It would be fun to live in the Roaring 20’s just to see the clothes and the dancing. I’d love to be a fly on the wall at one of Jay Gatsby’s parties.
We’d love you have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! J Please share something below:
My daughter, Ruthie, always called me a glass-is-half-empty kind of person, but she was wrong. Not only was my glass half empty, but a tiny crack shot diagonally from a chip on the rim, and something bread-like hovered in the murky liquid. But I was in the process of tossing that damaged tumbler and getting a brand-new one. Even though I would never be a Susie Sunshine, I was determined to stop hiding inside myself. But it wasn’t proving easy.Today I sat in my hatchback on the side of Highway 84, sizzling like bacon in the afternoon sunshine. I did this a lot. Sometimes I turned off at the lake and stared at the rippling water, but most times, like today, I drove all the way to the wind fields to gaze at the turbines—white needles against a blue sky. I reached across the seat and cranked down the window on the passenger side to allow a breeze in. Ninety-four degrees in September, but it could have been worse. Last week we were still in triple digits.As a pickup truck sped past, my little silver car rocked gently and I almost ducked, but it was only Old Man Guthrie. His index finger made a slow salute in greeting, but I did nothing in response. My typical hello. My friend Clyde Felton called me distant, but really I was just tired. Tired of waving. Tired of pretending. Tired of trying.I focused my gaze on the jagged pastureland beyond the pavement and hoped nobody else would interrupt my thoughts. Then again I sometimes wished God had provided an on/off switch so we women could shut down our brains when the memories started echoing.For me, those memories were men. Ruthie may have insisted that my glass was half empty, but I liked to think it was filled up fine until the men in my life started throwing rocks at it for sport. Over the years I had gradually trained myself to shy away from males, other than the men in my family. And Clyde. Even Old Man Guthrie knew better than to stop and check on me, thank goodness. If he had, I would’ve been forced to explain why a grown woman was sitting in her car on the side of the highway, staring at the wind turbines. I smiled.Those windmills, marching across the Caprock like evenly space tin soldiers, stretched for miles south of town and settled my nerves like a dose of Valium. Not that I’d had any Valium lately, but one doesn’t quickly forget.Depression almost killed me.Twice.
Varina Denman writes stories about the unique struggles women face. Her three-book Mended Hearts series, which revolves around church hurt, is a compelling blend of women’s fiction and inspirational romance. A native Texan, Varina lives near Fort Worth with her husband and five mostly grown children. Her passion is helping others make peace with their life situations. Connect with Varina on her website or one of the social media hangouts.
Jaime, Thanks for hosting me on your blog today. I’ve enjoyed being here!Please visit and be in contact!Twitter: http://twitter.com/varinadenmanFacebook: http://facebook.com/varina.denmanPinterest: http://pinterest.com/varinadenmanInstagram: http://instagram.com/varina.denman.authorNewsletter sign-up: http://varinadenman.us3.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=b4bc2569ffa3ec972c1804f7f&id=3b19db7da6Website: http://varinadenman.com/booksBuying Link: http://varinadenman.com/where-to-buy
Enter to WIN a copy of Jilted!
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?Jilted, book three in the Mended Hearts series revolves around Lynda Turner who suffers from depression. And no wonder! She’s been jilted by more than one man, abandoned by her friends, and shunned by the church. Even though I haven’t experienced anything as traumatic as Lynda, I suffer from mild depression, so I have great empathy for her. I pray that her story encourages other women who struggle with depression, or helps them to sympathize with friends who suffer.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
Clyde Felton, the local ex-convict, was a joy to write. He’s a huge, muscular man with a curly blond ponytail, and he spent twenty years in a state penitentiary for statutory rape. In other words, he’s SCARY … to people who don’t know him. Lynda (of course) knows that Clyde is actually as gentle as a kitten, and he wants nothing more than to pull her out of the darkness toward happiness again.
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 J
A major plot point in Jilted has to do with an old pistol, and I wrote a few scenes where teenagers were shooting enormous West Texas wind turbines for target practice. I loved being able to connect the gun with the windmills which are also key to the story. However, *sniffle* during edits, I realized
that the wind turbines weren’t in West Texas at the time the gun was being referenced. Ah, well … I may save that detail for another book.How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
Jilted is set in West Texas, in the fictitious town of Trapp. I grew up visiting my grandparents on their ranch in that region, and that’s where I learned about Mesquite trees, jackrabbits, and rattle snakes … all of which make an appearance in the Mended Hearts series. Even though I never called West Texas home, I lived in a small town during my high school years, and that’s where I learned the nuances of the setting for Jilted.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
Clyde has always been named Clyde, right from the start when I wrote him in to book one, six or so years ago, and honestly I don’t remember why I named him that except the it just SO FIT HIM. He was Clyde Felton, through and through. Lynda, on the other hand, had her name changed more than once, and it took forever to decide. Nothing quite fit (probably because I didn’t have her personality nailed-down back then.) And then I realized several of my characters had rhyming names, or names that started with the same letter, or were similar in some other way … but I finally settled on Lynda (with a Y), and the name has come to suit her very well. An ordinary name with a slight twist to it, just like the character.
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite household chore and why?
If you could peek inside my house, you would notice that I (apparently) have several least favorite chores. But my least LEAST favorite is probably mopping. I think the reason is because I have to bend over, and it makes my back ache. Or it could simply be that I’m lazy. Who knows?
What are your hobbies outside of writing?Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
Does reading count? This is a book blog, so probably everyone says that, but there you go. I like to read. I also watch TONS of movies and television shows, and I’m a NetFlix junkie. In the summer months I try to lay by the pool as much as possible. I’m normally very pale, and my summer months are habitually spent trying to master a tan. I usually succeed about the time school starts.
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?
Oh, my goodness. God has taken me by the shoulders and spun me round and round. All I can do is hold on tight. I never intended to be a writer, but somehow God shoved me into it. And now He keeps pushing me out of my comfort zone which always leads to growth for both me and my characters.
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 ;)
I THRIVE ON MY ROUTINE. On days when I’m able to stick to it, I’m one happy writer. I get up around 5:30, and actually put on clothes. I head upstairs to my office for devo and a little writing, then come down for breakfast an hour later. Breakfast is also a part of my routine: fruit smoothie with protein powder. Then I write till lunch and eat again. During the school year, my afternoons are spent helping my girls with their schoolwork (we homeschool), but in the summer months I write all afternoon as well, and feel uber-productive. On a good day, I stop working around 5:00, but during deadlines, I might work work work till late into the night.
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 have ridiculous food sensitivities that prevent me from drinking anything that I actually WANT to drink. (no sugar, no milk, no fat, no caffeine, no fun) So when I drink coffee, it’s decaf with sugar-free chocolate syrup stirred in, and when I drink tea, it’s decaf green tea with a packet of artificial sweetener. Don’t those sound like lovely options? I’m not sure I can be a tie-breaker, because I have to vote NEITHER … just give me a glass of water.
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?
Traveling down the Amazon river is at the top of my never-want-to-do-it list, so if it were to happen I’d love to see the dock where I would get off and go back home. Then again … isn’t that where “Anaconda” was filmed? (I’m so not a geography scholar) I’d much rather see a ginormous snake from the safety of my television screen … but if I was there anyway …
If you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
It would be fun to live in the Roaring 20’s just to see the clothes and the dancing. I’d love to be a fly on the wall at one of Jay Gatsby’s parties.
We’d love you have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! J Please share something below:
My daughter, Ruthie, always called me a glass-is-half-empty kind of person, but she was wrong. Not only was my glass half empty, but a tiny crack shot diagonally from a chip on the rim, and something bread-like hovered in the murky liquid. But I was in the process of tossing that damaged tumbler and getting a brand-new one. Even though I would never be a Susie Sunshine, I was determined to stop hiding inside myself. But it wasn’t proving easy.Today I sat in my hatchback on the side of Highway 84, sizzling like bacon in the afternoon sunshine. I did this a lot. Sometimes I turned off at the lake and stared at the rippling water, but most times, like today, I drove all the way to the wind fields to gaze at the turbines—white needles against a blue sky. I reached across the seat and cranked down the window on the passenger side to allow a breeze in. Ninety-four degrees in September, but it could have been worse. Last week we were still in triple digits.As a pickup truck sped past, my little silver car rocked gently and I almost ducked, but it was only Old Man Guthrie. His index finger made a slow salute in greeting, but I did nothing in response. My typical hello. My friend Clyde Felton called me distant, but really I was just tired. Tired of waving. Tired of pretending. Tired of trying.I focused my gaze on the jagged pastureland beyond the pavement and hoped nobody else would interrupt my thoughts. Then again I sometimes wished God had provided an on/off switch so we women could shut down our brains when the memories started echoing.For me, those memories were men. Ruthie may have insisted that my glass was half empty, but I liked to think it was filled up fine until the men in my life started throwing rocks at it for sport. Over the years I had gradually trained myself to shy away from males, other than the men in my family. And Clyde. Even Old Man Guthrie knew better than to stop and check on me, thank goodness. If he had, I would’ve been forced to explain why a grown woman was sitting in her car on the side of the highway, staring at the wind turbines. I smiled.Those windmills, marching across the Caprock like evenly space tin soldiers, stretched for miles south of town and settled my nerves like a dose of Valium. Not that I’d had any Valium lately, but one doesn’t quickly forget.Depression almost killed me.Twice.
Varina Denman writes stories about the unique struggles women face. Her three-book Mended Hearts series, which revolves around church hurt, is a compelling blend of women’s fiction and inspirational romance. A native Texan, Varina lives near Fort Worth with her husband and five mostly grown children. Her passion is helping others make peace with their life situations. Connect with Varina on her website or one of the social media hangouts.
Jaime, Thanks for hosting me on your blog today. I’ve enjoyed being here!Please visit and be in contact!Twitter: http://twitter.com/varinadenmanFacebook: http://facebook.com/varina.denmanPinterest: http://pinterest.com/varinadenmanInstagram: http://instagram.com/varina.denman.authorNewsletter sign-up: http://varinadenman.us3.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=b4bc2569ffa3ec972c1804f7f&id=3b19db7da6Website: http://varinadenman.com/booksBuying Link: http://varinadenman.com/where-to-buy
Enter to WIN a copy of Jilted!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 23, 2016
8 Tips for a Successful Retreat
This past weekend I hosted a writing retreat in my hometown. Several people have asked me how it went, and my answer is always: "It could not have gone better!" We seriously had the most amazing time and I'm already looking forward to next year!
As I thought through our retreat, I've pinpointed some of the reasons it went so well. If you're planning to host a writing retreat (or any ladies retreat for that matter), here are some tips for success:
1. Enlist Good Helpers. This is probably my number one piece of advice. I had the help of my sister, my cousin, and one of my best friends. If I had tried to tackle this event myself, I would be a complete wreck! Instead, I enjoyed myself and loved the comradery with these ladies. They were completely competent and confident in their roles, and that allowed me to do what I needed to do.
My friend Alena (left) and my sister Andrea (right) at Costcothe morning of the retreat.
My sister Andrea (left) and my cousin Cori (right). Theypractically lived in this kitchen all weekend! Though theydid join us for meals and some downtime. Every time Ientered the kitchen, these two were laughing and smiling.They thoroughly enjoy each other's company, and they've already agreed to come back next year! I had some goodlaughs with them, too. :)
They created the most delicious food!Including warm, fresh, blueberry sauce. Mmm...2. Plan Ahead. I had a detailed itinerary, with some back-up plans in case of bad weather or personal preferences. The food was probably the biggest thing to plan, so I met with my sister ahead of schedule and we planned the menu. We chose food that we had prepared before, so we knew the meals would turn out great, and we knew how to make them. She took the menu and broke it down into shopping lists. This took her about four hours, but the lists were so detailed and so complete, we were able to get our shopping done in record time and we didn't have to go to the store in the middle of the retreat for a forgotten item! Also, depending on what kind of retreat you're planning, think ahead to what tools and supplies you'll need. I knew we'd need a big Post-It pad and whiteboards for brainstorming, so I had them ready.
3. Choose a Relaxing Setting. Sometimes you're able to host a retreat in a mansion on the banks of the Mississippi, and sometimes it's in your own home. No matter where the retreat, try to encourage a relaxing atmosphere. The best way to do that? Be relaxed yourself. I had a couple ladies tell me this past weekend that when the hostess is relaxed, it enables them to relax. No one needs to know when something doesn't go right. The guests are there to retreat from life's stress--so let them.
4. Plan Fun Icebreakers! The first evening of a retreat everyone is usually getting to know one another, or catching up if they're friends. I don't plan any work on the first night. Instead, I plan fun games to get people laughing and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone (a little). This past weekend we played Pictionary, two truths and a lie, and a few other icebreakers. We introduced ourselves and then asked each person to tell us what name they had always wanted as a child. There were some interesting answers... :)
5. Plan Time to Work, Play, and Relax. But don't force people to do what you want them to do. I planned an itinerary, but I told everyone the weekend was theirs to do what they wanted. Some people came on the walking tour I gave, some watched the fireworks, some enjoyed a romantic comedy I played on a big screen, and others took walks. Some chose to brainstorm, some chose to write, and some chose to just visit and fellowship with other writers. I wanted each person to come away from the weekend feeling inspired, relaxed, and excited to keep pursuing their writing goals.
Brainstorming on the front porch.
An impromptu dance lesson and sing-along.
Enjoying the beautiful sunset.
On a historic walking-tour of my hometown.
A little browsing and shopping downtown.
Campfire on the banks of the Mississippi River.
The retreat happened to be on the sameweekend as a local festival and we hadfront row seats to the fireworks! I plannednext year's retreat on the same weekendso we'll have fireworks again.
6. Practice Hospitality. What do I mean by this? Being a hostess is all about practice. You'll never be perfect, and no matter how well you plan, the event will have a few snares. Be flexible, easy to work with, and keep smiling. This will ensure that your guests are happy (regardless of the fact that there is suddenly no internet service and you're in a house with eighteen writers--some on deadline--who need the internet!). When you realize that you're simply "practicing," you'll be a lot easier on yourself. I can guarantee it. :)
7. Have a Fun Memento for Everyone to Take Home. I wanted something meaningful for each lady to bring home from the retreat, but I didn't want to spend too much, so I came up with a fun idea. I copied each lady's Facebook profile picture and then had them printed. I put the picture in the center of a piece of cardstock and invited the ladies to write one word to describe each person. At the end of the weekend, I put them inside a clear frame and sent them home with the ladies to remember the retreat, but more importantly, I want them to know how special they are.
8. Invite Your Best Friends. Only kidding! :) My real advice is to be warm and welcoming. The beauty of a retreat is that at the end you'll consider each woman a friend. There were a couple ladies who attended that I had never met before, and I was so happy to get to know them better. It's a wonderful way to bond and grow in friendship.
I'd love to hear from you! Have you hosted a woman's retreat before? Have you attended one? What advice do you have?
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
As I thought through our retreat, I've pinpointed some of the reasons it went so well. If you're planning to host a writing retreat (or any ladies retreat for that matter), here are some tips for success:
1. Enlist Good Helpers. This is probably my number one piece of advice. I had the help of my sister, my cousin, and one of my best friends. If I had tried to tackle this event myself, I would be a complete wreck! Instead, I enjoyed myself and loved the comradery with these ladies. They were completely competent and confident in their roles, and that allowed me to do what I needed to do.
My friend Alena (left) and my sister Andrea (right) at Costcothe morning of the retreat.
My sister Andrea (left) and my cousin Cori (right). Theypractically lived in this kitchen all weekend! Though theydid join us for meals and some downtime. Every time Ientered the kitchen, these two were laughing and smiling.They thoroughly enjoy each other's company, and they've already agreed to come back next year! I had some goodlaughs with them, too. :)
They created the most delicious food!Including warm, fresh, blueberry sauce. Mmm...2. Plan Ahead. I had a detailed itinerary, with some back-up plans in case of bad weather or personal preferences. The food was probably the biggest thing to plan, so I met with my sister ahead of schedule and we planned the menu. We chose food that we had prepared before, so we knew the meals would turn out great, and we knew how to make them. She took the menu and broke it down into shopping lists. This took her about four hours, but the lists were so detailed and so complete, we were able to get our shopping done in record time and we didn't have to go to the store in the middle of the retreat for a forgotten item! Also, depending on what kind of retreat you're planning, think ahead to what tools and supplies you'll need. I knew we'd need a big Post-It pad and whiteboards for brainstorming, so I had them ready.
3. Choose a Relaxing Setting. Sometimes you're able to host a retreat in a mansion on the banks of the Mississippi, and sometimes it's in your own home. No matter where the retreat, try to encourage a relaxing atmosphere. The best way to do that? Be relaxed yourself. I had a couple ladies tell me this past weekend that when the hostess is relaxed, it enables them to relax. No one needs to know when something doesn't go right. The guests are there to retreat from life's stress--so let them.
4. Plan Fun Icebreakers! The first evening of a retreat everyone is usually getting to know one another, or catching up if they're friends. I don't plan any work on the first night. Instead, I plan fun games to get people laughing and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone (a little). This past weekend we played Pictionary, two truths and a lie, and a few other icebreakers. We introduced ourselves and then asked each person to tell us what name they had always wanted as a child. There were some interesting answers... :)
5. Plan Time to Work, Play, and Relax. But don't force people to do what you want them to do. I planned an itinerary, but I told everyone the weekend was theirs to do what they wanted. Some people came on the walking tour I gave, some watched the fireworks, some enjoyed a romantic comedy I played on a big screen, and others took walks. Some chose to brainstorm, some chose to write, and some chose to just visit and fellowship with other writers. I wanted each person to come away from the weekend feeling inspired, relaxed, and excited to keep pursuing their writing goals.
Brainstorming on the front porch.
An impromptu dance lesson and sing-along.
Enjoying the beautiful sunset.
On a historic walking-tour of my hometown.
A little browsing and shopping downtown.
Campfire on the banks of the Mississippi River.
The retreat happened to be on the sameweekend as a local festival and we hadfront row seats to the fireworks! I plannednext year's retreat on the same weekendso we'll have fireworks again.6. Practice Hospitality. What do I mean by this? Being a hostess is all about practice. You'll never be perfect, and no matter how well you plan, the event will have a few snares. Be flexible, easy to work with, and keep smiling. This will ensure that your guests are happy (regardless of the fact that there is suddenly no internet service and you're in a house with eighteen writers--some on deadline--who need the internet!). When you realize that you're simply "practicing," you'll be a lot easier on yourself. I can guarantee it. :)
7. Have a Fun Memento for Everyone to Take Home. I wanted something meaningful for each lady to bring home from the retreat, but I didn't want to spend too much, so I came up with a fun idea. I copied each lady's Facebook profile picture and then had them printed. I put the picture in the center of a piece of cardstock and invited the ladies to write one word to describe each person. At the end of the weekend, I put them inside a clear frame and sent them home with the ladies to remember the retreat, but more importantly, I want them to know how special they are.
8. Invite Your Best Friends. Only kidding! :) My real advice is to be warm and welcoming. The beauty of a retreat is that at the end you'll consider each woman a friend. There were a couple ladies who attended that I had never met before, and I was so happy to get to know them better. It's a wonderful way to bond and grow in friendship.
I'd love to hear from you! Have you hosted a woman's retreat before? Have you attended one? What advice do you have?
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
June 22, 2016
Stagecoach Days
Erica Here:
Okay, so last week I completely spaced off my blog post. I was on deadline, and blog post day was the day my manuscript was due. I was writing like my hair was on fire!!!
And I was also prepping for a retreat hosted by Gabrielle Meyer in her hometown of Little Falls. (I am sure she will have more on that tomorrow.) We had a great time, and I'm already looking forward to going again next year, hopefully!
I do apologize for missing my turn on the blog last week though.
In other news, this weekend I will be at the Dodge County Historical Society Museum for Mantorville, MN's Stagecoach Days. June 25th from 11-3, I'll be signing books and talking about Red Cross Signature Quilts.
For more info about this year's program, check out their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Mantorvillestagecoach
What festivals or celebrations are held where you live?
Executive Assistant
Earl Grey Aficionado
Find me on PINTEREST
Find me on GOODREADS
Find me on AMAZON.COM
Find me on FACEBOOK
Okay, so last week I completely spaced off my blog post. I was on deadline, and blog post day was the day my manuscript was due. I was writing like my hair was on fire!!!
And I was also prepping for a retreat hosted by Gabrielle Meyer in her hometown of Little Falls. (I am sure she will have more on that tomorrow.) We had a great time, and I'm already looking forward to going again next year, hopefully!
I do apologize for missing my turn on the blog last week though.
In other news, this weekend I will be at the Dodge County Historical Society Museum for Mantorville, MN's Stagecoach Days. June 25th from 11-3, I'll be signing books and talking about Red Cross Signature Quilts.For more info about this year's program, check out their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Mantorvillestagecoach
What festivals or celebrations are held where you live?
Executive Assistant
Earl Grey Aficionado
Find me on PINTEREST
Find me on GOODREADS
Find me on AMAZON.COM
Find me on FACEBOOK
June 21, 2016
The Story Behind the Story - with @VarinaDenman
Jaime here! I had to have my friend, Varina Denman, guest post today. Friday, we'll be giving away a copy of her latest book, and her trilogy is so interesting to me, that I wanted her to have a chance to share the story behind how they came to be. So help me welcome, Varina
_______________________________
Jilted, book three in the Mended Hearts series, revolves around Lynda Turner who has suffered with depression for years. And no wonder! She was jilted by more than one man, her friends turned their backs on her, and the local congregation shunned her. Even though I haven’t been through anything as devastating as Lynda, I can relate to her pain because I also suffer from depression (though my symptoms are mild in comparison to hers). It seems like more and more women have this problem these days, and my prayer is that Jilted will be able to encourage them to keep fighting the battle, and reminding them that God is bigger than their grief.
But I didn’t set out to write a book about depression. Six years ago, I started writing my first novel, Jaded, never dreaming it would eventually turn into a trilogy. Way back then, Lynda was a supporting character, the mother of my heroine, and while I knew she was depressed, I didn’t put a lot of thought into her struggle. At that time, I was more concerned with the problems she was causing for other characters (bless her heart). But over the course of the first two books, Lynda’s personality grew until she deserved a book of her own, and in the end, her story tied all the loose ends together, giving the series a satisfying conclusion.
However, I can’t give Lynda all the credit. As I began plotting her emotional journey, I realized the book belonged to the local ex-convict, Clyde Felton, just as much, and because of that, I increased the number of chapters in his perspective. Even though Clyde is not the main character in Jilted, his story is the skeleton for the entire series since his sin (twenty years ago) set in motion all the conflict. Now that I’m on the other side of the writing process, I consider the “Story Behind the Story” and see that writing the Mended Hearts series helped me along my own emotional journey. I’ve grown stronger in my battle with depression, and I’ve learned—like Lynda—that life is worth living … even when it’s difficult.
About Jilted:
A heartbroken woman desires to move beyond old memories, but will her past give way to hope?Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life in which the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love. Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and of a town that must—once and for all-leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.
______________________________
Jaime again. :) I wanted to thank Varina for sharing her testimony about the writing of this book. Depression is something many of us have struggled with, if not been close to someone who has. Varina's vulnerability and her willingness to delve deep into this rather secretive subject, makes me respect her greatly. Join us on Friday for a full interview with Varina and a chance to win a copy of Jaded!______________________________
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 back, their little fairy Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embarks 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.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright
Periscope: @jaimejowright
"The Cowgirl's Lasso", The Cowboy Bride's Novella Collection - Barbour Publishing - COMING MARCH 2016
"Gold Haven Heiress", California Gold Rush Romance Collection - Barbour Publishing - COMING AUGUST 2016
_______________________________
Jilted, book three in the Mended Hearts series, revolves around Lynda Turner who has suffered with depression for years. And no wonder! She was jilted by more than one man, her friends turned their backs on her, and the local congregation shunned her. Even though I haven’t been through anything as devastating as Lynda, I can relate to her pain because I also suffer from depression (though my symptoms are mild in comparison to hers). It seems like more and more women have this problem these days, and my prayer is that Jilted will be able to encourage them to keep fighting the battle, and reminding them that God is bigger than their grief.But I didn’t set out to write a book about depression. Six years ago, I started writing my first novel, Jaded, never dreaming it would eventually turn into a trilogy. Way back then, Lynda was a supporting character, the mother of my heroine, and while I knew she was depressed, I didn’t put a lot of thought into her struggle. At that time, I was more concerned with the problems she was causing for other characters (bless her heart). But over the course of the first two books, Lynda’s personality grew until she deserved a book of her own, and in the end, her story tied all the loose ends together, giving the series a satisfying conclusion.
However, I can’t give Lynda all the credit. As I began plotting her emotional journey, I realized the book belonged to the local ex-convict, Clyde Felton, just as much, and because of that, I increased the number of chapters in his perspective. Even though Clyde is not the main character in Jilted, his story is the skeleton for the entire series since his sin (twenty years ago) set in motion all the conflict. Now that I’m on the other side of the writing process, I consider the “Story Behind the Story” and see that writing the Mended Hearts series helped me along my own emotional journey. I’ve grown stronger in my battle with depression, and I’ve learned—like Lynda—that life is worth living … even when it’s difficult. About Jilted:
A heartbroken woman desires to move beyond old memories, but will her past give way to hope?Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago. Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life in which the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love. Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and of a town that must—once and for all-leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.
______________________________
Jaime again. :) I wanted to thank Varina for sharing her testimony about the writing of this book. Depression is something many of us have struggled with, if not been close to someone who has. Varina's vulnerability and her willingness to delve deep into this rather secretive subject, makes me respect her greatly. Join us on Friday for a full interview with Varina and a chance to win a copy of Jaded!______________________________
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 back, their little fairy Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embarks 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.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright
Periscope: @jaimejowright
"The Cowgirl's Lasso", The Cowboy Bride's Novella Collection - Barbour Publishing - COMING MARCH 2016
"Gold Haven Heiress", California Gold Rush Romance Collection - Barbour Publishing - COMING AUGUST 2016
June 20, 2016
The Love of the Father
Yesterday was Father's Day....and I couldn't help thinking of those without fathers....
According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, 24 million children in America -- one out of three -- live in biological father-absent homes. These statistics are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau.
It's been no secret to anyone who knows my husband, that he's been on the search for his bio-dad all his adult life. For him, it's been a haunting question without an answer. He's been blessed with many solid "fathers"--probably more than the average man has been. The image of all of them flash in my mind, Cal, Ron, Henry, Lee, Coach Dan Robinson, Wendell, Vernon, Aden, and Gil…to name a few. Because of the Father, and these men, my husband hasn't become a statistic on the long list of things that befall the fatherless. But that doesn't stop the haunting question….who is he?
We've done family research, he's done generational interviewing, and even genetic testing. All possible roads and bridges have been crossed to no avail. All options exhausted. Now it's in the Father's hands. He will write the next chapters--perhaps not until my hubby reaches heavens doors will he know that truth.
Saturday night, he drifted to sleep on the floor while tending the fire in the stove, only to waken cold and chilled. He stirred the ashes, and put on some kindling and stacked it full, drifting off once again--only to waken sweating before a roaring fire. By then it was after three in the morning, so he crawled to the couch until I woke him at eight.
He grinned through a sleepy haze, "I had a dream--I met my father."
He dreamed a dream. Had a vision, I think. They met. He saw his face, had a conversation, got to say all the things that mattered. It was calm, no angry words. He'd not known of Ted's existence, he said.
He'd be back, he said.
Such a lovely gift.
Ted called his friend on the way to church to have the "what's your lesson on today?" conversation. Brothers in Christ, talking about their Father. They do that almost weekly. Duane told him the lesson was about Gabriel coming to Mary to announce Christ's coming birth.
Their question:
Would you be a scoffer if someone told you they'd been visited by an angel? Had a dream or a vision? A promise?
Would you be a scoffer if the Father sent his son, and that Son lived and died for us--then promised--he'd be back?
Such a lovely gift. A Father. A Root. A Promise.
He'll be back.
Posted with permission and blessing from Ted.
(It's a busy week before my son's wedding, so this is a re-post)-------------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:Facebook
Find me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads
According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, 24 million children in America -- one out of three -- live in biological father-absent homes. These statistics are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau.
It's been no secret to anyone who knows my husband, that he's been on the search for his bio-dad all his adult life. For him, it's been a haunting question without an answer. He's been blessed with many solid "fathers"--probably more than the average man has been. The image of all of them flash in my mind, Cal, Ron, Henry, Lee, Coach Dan Robinson, Wendell, Vernon, Aden, and Gil…to name a few. Because of the Father, and these men, my husband hasn't become a statistic on the long list of things that befall the fatherless. But that doesn't stop the haunting question….who is he?
We've done family research, he's done generational interviewing, and even genetic testing. All possible roads and bridges have been crossed to no avail. All options exhausted. Now it's in the Father's hands. He will write the next chapters--perhaps not until my hubby reaches heavens doors will he know that truth.
Saturday night, he drifted to sleep on the floor while tending the fire in the stove, only to waken cold and chilled. He stirred the ashes, and put on some kindling and stacked it full, drifting off once again--only to waken sweating before a roaring fire. By then it was after three in the morning, so he crawled to the couch until I woke him at eight.
He grinned through a sleepy haze, "I had a dream--I met my father."
He dreamed a dream. Had a vision, I think. They met. He saw his face, had a conversation, got to say all the things that mattered. It was calm, no angry words. He'd not known of Ted's existence, he said.
He'd be back, he said.
Such a lovely gift.
Ted called his friend on the way to church to have the "what's your lesson on today?" conversation. Brothers in Christ, talking about their Father. They do that almost weekly. Duane told him the lesson was about Gabriel coming to Mary to announce Christ's coming birth.
Their question:
Would you be a scoffer if someone told you they'd been visited by an angel? Had a dream or a vision? A promise?
Would you be a scoffer if the Father sent his son, and that Son lived and died for us--then promised--he'd be back?
Such a lovely gift. A Father. A Root. A Promise.
He'll be back.
Posted with permission and blessing from Ted.
(It's a busy week before my son's wedding, so this is a re-post)-------------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:Facebook
Find me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads
June 17, 2016
#Giveaway & #Interview with @TinaAnnForkner
Super excited to have Tina Ann Forkner join us today with an interview and giveaway! If you haven't had a chance to get to know Tina, you're missing out! :) ENJOY
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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?
Thank you for having me! My latest novel, The Real Thing, is an emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means for new bride and stepmom Manda Marshall to ride beside a professional rodeo cowboy and his family.
I have been a stepmom for almost twelve years, so this story is close to my heart. Literature and Disney movies have not been kind to stepmoms, so I wanted to write something that shows how much we can really love all of our kids. Also, I live in Cheyenne where the rodeo is very popular because of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and so writing about cowboys and cowgirls was not really a stretch.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
It is definitely Manda, the main character. I loved helping her find her way and enjoyed her escapades as a brand new stepmom and rodeo cowboy’s wife. She doesn’t ride horses and she’s not really a cowgirl herself, but she’s pretty sure she needs to be. Throughout the novel she tries really hard to be the best stepmom ever, which makes it hard for her when her teen daughter doesn’t immediately appreciate her mothering ways.
The most fun aspect of writing Manda was choosing her clothes. I’ve never spent an abundance of time on character outfits, but Manda’s western-wear makes me want to don my own cowgirl boots and go dancing!
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 J
Manda has a twin sister, Marta. They traded places when they were in high school because Manda decided in the middle of prom that she couldn’t stand her date. They went into the Castle Orchard High School bathroom and switched dresses. Nobody ever knew.
How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
I love Tennessee so much. I try to visit my sister once a year and I just love the landscape, the weather, the green acres. We drive a lot while we’re there and I just always feel at home. Manda and her sister spend a lot of time at her dad’s orchard farm house. In her heart she’s an orchard farmer’s daughter, but as Keith’s wife, she lives on a ranch. So in The Real Thing, I chose the more rural side of Tennessee, which is the opposite of my upcoming romance, Nashville by Heart. I grew up in rural Oklahoma, so I’m comfortable in a country setting.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
This time, I can’t say I spent a ton of time on name choices. Manda just seemed right. I chose Peyton for the daughter because there is a little cowgirl in our family named Peyton. Keith Black was chosen after I scoured the Internet for names of rodeo cowboys. They all have very manly names, so I figured I could not go wrong with Keith Black. It’s very manly, right? That’s three characters, not two. I hope that’s okay!
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite
household chore and why?
Cleaning toilets. This is the part of life that keeps me humble! I have not yet been able to justify having a regular housekeeper.
What are your hobbies outside of writing?Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
Outside of writing, I like to garden and hike. Between Cheyenne and Laramie is an area called Vedauwoo (pronounced Vee-da-voo) and it has these amazing rock formations that you can’t see anywhere else. It’s one of the places where you think, I wonder what God was thinking when he made these? It’s very beautiful and unique. I love to hike around there with family or friends and just enjoy the fresh air.
This Summer I’m headed to visit family in Northeastern Oklahoma. This is a tradition. Every year everyone in the family who can make it gathers back home and we spend a week or two floating the river, hanging out in the country, grilling, and lounging around the pool. It’s not Hawaii, but I’ll take iced tea and barbecue instead of pineapple and mango if it means hanging around with my family and living in flip-flops. I’m actually really excited because that trip is coming up! Lots of sister, brother, and cousin time, and visiting our parents.
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?
I got my start with my debut novel Ruby Among Us and later, Rose House. They were both published by Waterbrook Press, part of the inspirational arm of Random House. I didn’t set out to write a novel about faith, but because I am a Christian the world view naturally reflected my own faith. My newer books are mainstream women’s fiction, but my faith hasn’t changed and still gets reflected in my stories. Like any author, who we are is always going to come out in some way in our novels. I think that’s why I still cling to that message of hope in my stories and my characters still wrestle with, or cling to, faith at times. Thoughts about faith are universal, whether a reader shares an author’s faith or not. I’ve found that my readers tend to think it’s a natural part of being human and can relate when a character wrestles with faith or looks for meaning in God, even though it is not the focal point of the novel.
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 ;)
Except in Summer, I am up at 5am either writing or catching up on writing-business. I am a substitute teacher by day and sub three to five days a week, so there is no time to lounge in my jammies! But, right now it is Summer and, um, I am typing this in my jammies. J
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 am addicted to coffee. I started drinking it in college to stay awake and I’ve never stopped! On the other hand, I lived in England for three years and my friend Dardi and I learned how to make and love a good cup of hot tea with cream and sugar. We frequented all the nearby tea shops and we bought our own tea pots for home. Oops. That did not break the tie!
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?
An anaconda, from very far off, so that it cannot get on the boat…the very big boat. Oh my gosh, have you seen the movie? All I had to see was the trailer to know that while I’d love to see one, I want to be far away, and for me to be in a very large boat. Why are the boats always flimsy in the movies? Definitely the writers of those scenes need to go back and restructure some of the boats. I know they’re trying to make it easier for the snake, but they should at least give the humans a fighting chance. So… you see why I write women’s fiction instead of thrillers set in the Amazon.
On another note, I did read State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, which is set in the Amazon. It was quite intriguing. Not a thriller, but not exactly Women’s Fiction. Still, I was able to handle it a lot better, even though there was still some kind of snake or monster in the river, if I remember right.
I’m afraid I’ve wondered off. Let’s get back to the interview. J
If you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
As I mentioned, I’ve lived in England before, so I am already in love with the large estate homes and castles. I’d like to live in Jane Austen’s day in the turn of the 19th century England (no adventures to the Amazon), but only to live as Jane lived. She was not exactly rich and she was not poor. She had to help with chores, but she also had access to culture. I would have loved living in the countryside and going on long walks, riding horses side saddle, and writing stories. And the dresses were beautiful. I would have liked the high waists. They look very flattering and forgiving!
We’d love to have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! J Please share something below:
“You come to watch me ride?”“Does a rodeo queen wear a crown?”He laughed. “But you hate watching me ride.”“I love seeing you ride. It just terrifies me to watch.”“I’m glad you came,” he said. Keith kissed my forehead in mid-stride, the scent of dust and sweat tickling my nose. “It’s awhile before I’m up, but I need to get on over there. Cheer for me, cowgirl.”“I will. And you be careful out there,” I whispered, ignoring the endearment. Keith called all the girls in his family ‘cowgirls’—he even called my sister, Marta, a cowgirl, which was even funnier than calling me one. “Don’t get hurt.”“How about you stop worrying and just tell me good luck.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed his mouth against mine. I tried to keep it reserved in case someone was watching, but Keith’s lips were soft and persuasive. I’d never been one to care if a man had a muscular physique, but that was before I married a rodeo cowboy with rock hard abs and shoulders to go with his biceps. If I was that lucky, I was going to enjoy it, and right then, the heat of his body pressing up against mine almost made me forget where we were.Just when I felt like we were back on the beach, a breeze swept through and the barn-related odors reminded me that we weren’t still on our honeymoon in Hawaii. I pulled away, wrinkling my nose.“What? Do I stink?” I laughed, knowing he would stink a lot more when he got back from his ride.“Good luck, babe.” I gave him a peck on the cheek.“I’m gonna need it,” he said and straightened his hat. He was glad I came. I could see the pride in his face, and it made me happy. If only being a bronco rider’s wife was as easy as showing up to see her cowboy ride.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
_____________________________
What a fun interview, Tina! :) We had some lol moments in this one. And thanks for NOT breaking the tie between coffee and tea :P ;)
Hey readers, pick up your copies of Tina's book here:
Book links : http://bit.ly/RealThingNovel
Amazon: http://bit.ly/TheRealThingBook
and 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?Thank you for having me! My latest novel, The Real Thing, is an emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means for new bride and stepmom Manda Marshall to ride beside a professional rodeo cowboy and his family.
I have been a stepmom for almost twelve years, so this story is close to my heart. Literature and Disney movies have not been kind to stepmoms, so I wanted to write something that shows how much we can really love all of our kids. Also, I live in Cheyenne where the rodeo is very popular because of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and so writing about cowboys and cowgirls was not really a stretch.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
It is definitely Manda, the main character. I loved helping her find her way and enjoyed her escapades as a brand new stepmom and rodeo cowboy’s wife. She doesn’t ride horses and she’s not really a cowgirl herself, but she’s pretty sure she needs to be. Throughout the novel she tries really hard to be the best stepmom ever, which makes it hard for her when her teen daughter doesn’t immediately appreciate her mothering ways.
The most fun aspect of writing Manda was choosing her clothes. I’ve never spent an abundance of time on character outfits, but Manda’s western-wear makes me want to don my own cowgirl boots and go dancing!
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 J
Manda has a twin sister, Marta. They traded places when they were in high school because Manda decided in the middle of prom that she couldn’t stand her date. They went into the Castle Orchard High School bathroom and switched dresses. Nobody ever knew.
How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
I love Tennessee so much. I try to visit my sister once a year and I just love the landscape, the weather, the green acres. We drive a lot while we’re there and I just always feel at home. Manda and her sister spend a lot of time at her dad’s orchard farm house. In her heart she’s an orchard farmer’s daughter, but as Keith’s wife, she lives on a ranch. So in The Real Thing, I chose the more rural side of Tennessee, which is the opposite of my upcoming romance, Nashville by Heart. I grew up in rural Oklahoma, so I’m comfortable in a country setting.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
This time, I can’t say I spent a ton of time on name choices. Manda just seemed right. I chose Peyton for the daughter because there is a little cowgirl in our family named Peyton. Keith Black was chosen after I scoured the Internet for names of rodeo cowboys. They all have very manly names, so I figured I could not go wrong with Keith Black. It’s very manly, right? That’s three characters, not two. I hope that’s okay!
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite
household chore and why?Cleaning toilets. This is the part of life that keeps me humble! I have not yet been able to justify having a regular housekeeper.
What are your hobbies outside of writing?Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
Outside of writing, I like to garden and hike. Between Cheyenne and Laramie is an area called Vedauwoo (pronounced Vee-da-voo) and it has these amazing rock formations that you can’t see anywhere else. It’s one of the places where you think, I wonder what God was thinking when he made these? It’s very beautiful and unique. I love to hike around there with family or friends and just enjoy the fresh air.
This Summer I’m headed to visit family in Northeastern Oklahoma. This is a tradition. Every year everyone in the family who can make it gathers back home and we spend a week or two floating the river, hanging out in the country, grilling, and lounging around the pool. It’s not Hawaii, but I’ll take iced tea and barbecue instead of pineapple and mango if it means hanging around with my family and living in flip-flops. I’m actually really excited because that trip is coming up! Lots of sister, brother, and cousin time, and visiting our parents.
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?
I got my start with my debut novel Ruby Among Us and later, Rose House. They were both published by Waterbrook Press, part of the inspirational arm of Random House. I didn’t set out to write a novel about faith, but because I am a Christian the world view naturally reflected my own faith. My newer books are mainstream women’s fiction, but my faith hasn’t changed and still gets reflected in my stories. Like any author, who we are is always going to come out in some way in our novels. I think that’s why I still cling to that message of hope in my stories and my characters still wrestle with, or cling to, faith at times. Thoughts about faith are universal, whether a reader shares an author’s faith or not. I’ve found that my readers tend to think it’s a natural part of being human and can relate when a character wrestles with faith or looks for meaning in God, even though it is not the focal point of the novel.
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 ;)
Except in Summer, I am up at 5am either writing or catching up on writing-business. I am a substitute teacher by day and sub three to five days a week, so there is no time to lounge in my jammies! But, right now it is Summer and, um, I am typing this in my jammies. J
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 am addicted to coffee. I started drinking it in college to stay awake and I’ve never stopped! On the other hand, I lived in England for three years and my friend Dardi and I learned how to make and love a good cup of hot tea with cream and sugar. We frequented all the nearby tea shops and we bought our own tea pots for home. Oops. That did not break the tie!
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?
An anaconda, from very far off, so that it cannot get on the boat…the very big boat. Oh my gosh, have you seen the movie? All I had to see was the trailer to know that while I’d love to see one, I want to be far away, and for me to be in a very large boat. Why are the boats always flimsy in the movies? Definitely the writers of those scenes need to go back and restructure some of the boats. I know they’re trying to make it easier for the snake, but they should at least give the humans a fighting chance. So… you see why I write women’s fiction instead of thrillers set in the Amazon.
On another note, I did read State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, which is set in the Amazon. It was quite intriguing. Not a thriller, but not exactly Women’s Fiction. Still, I was able to handle it a lot better, even though there was still some kind of snake or monster in the river, if I remember right.
I’m afraid I’ve wondered off. Let’s get back to the interview. J
If you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
As I mentioned, I’ve lived in England before, so I am already in love with the large estate homes and castles. I’d like to live in Jane Austen’s day in the turn of the 19th century England (no adventures to the Amazon), but only to live as Jane lived. She was not exactly rich and she was not poor. She had to help with chores, but she also had access to culture. I would have loved living in the countryside and going on long walks, riding horses side saddle, and writing stories. And the dresses were beautiful. I would have liked the high waists. They look very flattering and forgiving!
We’d love to have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! J Please share something below:
“You come to watch me ride?”“Does a rodeo queen wear a crown?”He laughed. “But you hate watching me ride.”“I love seeing you ride. It just terrifies me to watch.”“I’m glad you came,” he said. Keith kissed my forehead in mid-stride, the scent of dust and sweat tickling my nose. “It’s awhile before I’m up, but I need to get on over there. Cheer for me, cowgirl.”“I will. And you be careful out there,” I whispered, ignoring the endearment. Keith called all the girls in his family ‘cowgirls’—he even called my sister, Marta, a cowgirl, which was even funnier than calling me one. “Don’t get hurt.”“How about you stop worrying and just tell me good luck.” He wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed his mouth against mine. I tried to keep it reserved in case someone was watching, but Keith’s lips were soft and persuasive. I’d never been one to care if a man had a muscular physique, but that was before I married a rodeo cowboy with rock hard abs and shoulders to go with his biceps. If I was that lucky, I was going to enjoy it, and right then, the heat of his body pressing up against mine almost made me forget where we were.Just when I felt like we were back on the beach, a breeze swept through and the barn-related odors reminded me that we weren’t still on our honeymoon in Hawaii. I pulled away, wrinkling my nose.“What? Do I stink?” I laughed, knowing he would stink a lot more when he got back from his ride.“Good luck, babe.” I gave him a peck on the cheek.“I’m gonna need it,” he said and straightened his hat. He was glad I came. I could see the pride in his face, and it made me happy. If only being a bronco rider’s wife was as easy as showing up to see her cowboy ride.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
_____________________________
What a fun interview, Tina! :) We had some lol moments in this one. And thanks for NOT breaking the tie between coffee and tea :P ;)
Hey readers, pick up your copies of Tina's book here:
Book links : http://bit.ly/RealThingNovel
Amazon: http://bit.ly/TheRealThingBook
and enter to win a copy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 16, 2016
Advice From My Six-Year-Old Son
Today is a busy day. I'm hosting a writing retreat for twenty ladies in a historic mansion in my hometown. By the end of the day, everyone will gather for our first meal, visit endlessly, and play some fun games. The rest of the weekend will be devoted to more food, more visiting, more games, a movie, fireworks along the Mississippi River, and lots of time to write and brainstorm. Next week I'll share pictures and talk a little bit more about my dream to host the retreat...but for now I decided to ask my twin boys for a little advice. Surprisingly, the advice I received goes hand-in-hand with hosting the retreat.
My twins are six-years-old. They just finished their first year of school and are enjoying the freedom of summer. One of my twins is the "spirited" child in the family with lots of determination, curiosity, and willpower. He's very intelligent and loves to explore the world around him. His mind is incredible and he sees things a little different than most people. I can't wait to see the plans God has for his life.
The other one is my tender-hearted child with lots of gentleness, smiles, and patience. He is athletically bent with an incredible amount of stamina. He loves making people smile, he's easy-going, and can find fun in any situation. I'm excited to watch him grow and become the man God created him to be.
I asked both boys for a little advice for my blog post, but my spirited child said he didn't have time to give me advice (as he colored). :) My tender-hearted son thought for quite some time, staring out the window, and then he said: "Never give up."
I asked him to explain and he said: "Never give up on something when it gets hard."
I said: "Why not?"
"'Cause then you won't get to do what you really want to do."
I asked him: "What is one thing you really wanted to do, but it was hard for you? Did you do it?"
Again, he thought for a while. Finally he said: "I really wanted to climb the tree out front."
My spirited son said: "Oh, that's easy!"
I reminded both boys that everyone has different strengths.
My tender-hearted son said: "It was hard for me, but I did it and I'm happy."
I love the innocence--yet the incredible wisdom--in his advice. It's an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do. And the older we get, the harder the obstacles become. But if we keep going, we'll do the things we really want to do and have no regrets.
I really wanted to host a large writing retreat. For a while I put it off, because of the amount of work and the obstacles I would have to overcome. But I didn't give up--and like my tender-hearted son, I'm happy I persevered.
I'd love to hear from you. What's one thing you always wanted to do, but you did it, even though it was hard?
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
My twins are six-years-old. They just finished their first year of school and are enjoying the freedom of summer. One of my twins is the "spirited" child in the family with lots of determination, curiosity, and willpower. He's very intelligent and loves to explore the world around him. His mind is incredible and he sees things a little different than most people. I can't wait to see the plans God has for his life.
The other one is my tender-hearted child with lots of gentleness, smiles, and patience. He is athletically bent with an incredible amount of stamina. He loves making people smile, he's easy-going, and can find fun in any situation. I'm excited to watch him grow and become the man God created him to be.
I asked both boys for a little advice for my blog post, but my spirited child said he didn't have time to give me advice (as he colored). :) My tender-hearted son thought for quite some time, staring out the window, and then he said: "Never give up."
I asked him to explain and he said: "Never give up on something when it gets hard."
I said: "Why not?"
"'Cause then you won't get to do what you really want to do."
I asked him: "What is one thing you really wanted to do, but it was hard for you? Did you do it?"
Again, he thought for a while. Finally he said: "I really wanted to climb the tree out front."
My spirited son said: "Oh, that's easy!"
I reminded both boys that everyone has different strengths.
My tender-hearted son said: "It was hard for me, but I did it and I'm happy."
I love the innocence--yet the incredible wisdom--in his advice. It's an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do. And the older we get, the harder the obstacles become. But if we keep going, we'll do the things we really want to do and have no regrets.
I really wanted to host a large writing retreat. For a while I put it off, because of the amount of work and the obstacles I would have to overcome. But I didn't give up--and like my tender-hearted son, I'm happy I persevered.
I'd love to hear from you. What's one thing you always wanted to do, but you did it, even though it was hard?
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
June 13, 2016
Things I Dream of on Summer Nights...
Summer nights harken rhythms of life that I love. Like sweet cheeries...
Calling out the first fireflies of the season...
Emptying the schedule so we can sit on the patio...
The smell of lilies...
Working outside so many hours that you could care less what the house looks like inside...
Campfires and s'mores...
That feeling of accomplishment after making strawberry jam...
A bit of summer sunshine on my dining room table...
Dreaming of garden parties in the back yard...
That perspective of my place in God's world when the clouds billow up...
So often, it's the small pleasures in the life that we need to balance the chaos when the world presses in just a little too close...-------------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
Calling out the first fireflies of the season...
Emptying the schedule so we can sit on the patio...
The smell of lilies...
Working outside so many hours that you could care less what the house looks like inside...
Campfires and s'mores...
That feeling of accomplishment after making strawberry jam...
A bit of summer sunshine on my dining room table...
Dreaming of garden parties in the back yard...
That perspective of my place in God's world when the clouds billow up...
So often, it's the small pleasures in the life that we need to balance the chaos when the world presses in just a little too close...-------------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
June 10, 2016
#Interview & #Giveaway with Carrie Fancett Pagels
Super excited to have a regular visitor and dear author friend with us today, and celebrating the release of her latest novel!! You historical romance readers? You're not gonna want to miss this one!!
________________________________________
Can you tell us about your latest release and what inspired you to write the story?
Thanks for having me on, Jaime, Anne, Erica, & Gabrielle! You have a lovely blog and I’ve popped by here often!
I was inspired to write Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican, June 2016) when I began conducting genealogy research on my precious mother’s side of the family. We had a lot on my dad’s, but not on my mom’s. So I started going back and found where one of her cousin’s had posted a bunch but had stopped maybe four generations back. I then kept going. Johan Adam Rousch of my novel is inspired by my real life ancestor, who had nine of his ten sons serve in the American Revolution. For the life of me, I couldn’t find much on his wife, Susannah Sehler, whose name in some had been misspelled as Schlern.
I was working with Camy Tang, taking synopsis classes and whatever else she was offering, and I needed a breakthrough for Suzanne. I knew I wanted her to be French. I decided to make her an aristocrat but from a Huguenot family. Camy and I had a few phone consultations brainstorming about Suzanne. Finally, one night, it hit me. I knew Suzanne had a big spiritual arc she wanted to share but I couldn’t grasp what it was. I was a psychologist twenty-five years and I got into Suzanne’s head. Then I prayed about this novel some more. Suzanne wasn’t a Huguenot. She had some anxiety issues, in reaction to her family’s beliefs, and she’d been copying her dear beloved Marquise grandmother’s beliefs. So now I had something to really work with! She had to find her own spiritual beliefs. Once I had that strong spiritual story arc, the book began to fall into place.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
I love, love, love Johan. He’s one of my favorite heroes. I actually wrote him first. This was one of my first Christian fiction manuscripts and my first completed one! He was inspired by the real life Johan, and I’d read a rare book about him, and he simply came to life for me. I’ve spent so much time with him now, I feel he is real. I can even hear his deep laugh at what I just wrote!
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 J
I had to cut SO many because this book was close to 120,000 words, got cut to 100,000, and finally ended up in the 80,000s. One scene and theme that my critique partners, Kimberly Dawn Taylor and Sarah E. Ladd, had suggested cutting early on, years ago, was one where Johan sings the Lord’s Prayer at the Aachen Cathedral. Johan has a wonderful tenor voice and I wanted to show it off. But all that scene had to be tightened and cut and they were right – it just seemed too out of place. But Johan is winking right now – he knows he sang it there and it sounded wonderful! How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
Johan came from the Palatinate of Germany, in the 1700’s. I wanted Suzanne to be a Huguenot and originally had her arrive with her dying mother, in the Palatinate. BUT, my Fellowship of Christian Writers’ critique partners wanted the backstory for Suzanne. So I had to write another huge section to get her from France to the Palatinate. They immigrate to Philadelphia because historically that is where most Palatinaters went.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
Ancestor’s real name and I modified Susannah’s to Suzanne.
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite household chore and why?
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is why I had to stop practicing as a psychologist after twenty-five years in the profession. My pain and stiffness is very much affected by any kind of bending and scrubbing. So that is my least favorite thing to do!
What are your hobbies outside of writing? Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
I am a beader. When I was a psychologist I never really knew how things would end up in the long term for someone. With bead jewelry making you have a quick finished result! Now I enjoy doing them for giveaways to my readers and for gifts to special friends and family members.
This summer I have two book signings in my home town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I’m speaking at a library in the next town over, and we’ll be enjoying Northern Michigan and Lake Huron where we are renting a cabin! I’m also visiting a book club in Lower Michigan (where I set my novella, The Substitute Bride, in Shepherd). We’re also planning to visit Mackinac Island (my novel My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island releases from Barbour Books next July 2017). Hoping to go to the “Rendezvous in the Sault,” a reenactment festival!
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?
I see no point in writing if not for God and no point if my books don’t include a strong spiritual thread. As you ladies all know, writing is hard work. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel compelled to do so by our Lord. Also, with the health issues I have, I don’t think there is any way I could write unless he enabled me to do so.
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 ;)
Depends on how I feel. I always wake up stiff and in pain but a flare can keep me in bed for hours. When I’m ok, I get up and get my son off to middle school. Then I have breakfast and make my first cup of tea. I try to write in the morning for at least an hour, preferably two. I write outside on my deck whenever weather permits. I’m sometimes out there in a robe with a blanket when it is 50 degrees! I take a break mid-day and then I usually return for another hour or so of writing or editing. I tend to do my social media stuff in the evening, when hubs is watching tv. I’ll sit next to him doing that while he’s watching the news and a show.
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…
My neurologist says very little coffee for me and I love my tea, so that’s an easy one. I have migraines and the caffeine makes them worse.
And a few fun and quirky questions always reveal of lot from our authors who visit. So, if you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
I wouldn’t. I’d be dead by now and I am not kidding! One of my favorite eras is turn of the century. But I’d need to live in an era of modern medicine, thank you very much! I will say that as far as story world goes, I live very well in the 1890s and I am super comfortable there!
Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican Book Group, June 2016) Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, Pelican books, Kobo,
We’d love you have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! J Please share something below:
“Suzanne?” Now was the perfect time to for Johan to ask while they traveled back together. She couldn’t escape him.Seated as far away from him as possible, she stared off into the distance, a line worked between her eyebrows. “What is it?”He wanted to tell her about Louisa. Would wait. “Tell me about yourself.” Dear God, was she from the French nobility as he suspected?Her long eyelashes fluttered. “What do you want to know?”“Who are you?” She wasn’t a Huguenot peasant. She clutched the front of the bench. A rut bounced her toward him and she grabbed his arm. “Oh!”“I want to know everything.” He wanted to know what it felt like to kiss those pink lips. To tell her he’d protect her. But an aristocrat wouldn’t want that. Not from him.
“What did the priest tell you about me?” By the twitch in her cheek, and the way she pursed her lips together, he knew he needed to choose his words carefully.He sighed. “That priest is my mother’s uncle.”She began to work a knot into her apron. He’d have to get firm with her, no matter how good she smelled with those flowers in her hair. No matter how he wished to pull her even closer to him. “Tell me everything.”Sitting up higher, her posture rigid, she gazed beyond the golden wheat fields. Toward France? “I am Suzanne Richelieu, my parents were Huguenots. Both are dead. I don’t know where my brother is, and I’m supposed to go on to Amsterdam and sail from there to the American colonies.”Heat flared up his neck and he clenched the reins. “Nein.” He knew his voice was hard, but he needed to know if she was from one of those ancient French noble families. Too good to even love the likes of him. Love. He’d allowed himself to think the word.“Oui, I already told you.”“Don’t mock me.” He hadn’t meant to raise his voice so loud or to cause those bright spots of color to appear on her cheeks. The muscle in her cheek tensed—an indicator that she was about to become silent. He wouldn’t allow it. A family member had died and maybe from something she hid.“Who would kill. . .
__________________________________
Bio – Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D.Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!
Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills Facebook Author Page Facebook Personal Page Twitter Pinterest goodreads LinkedIn Amazon author page
Enter to win an E-Copy of Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter or a paperback copy available JULY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
________________________________________
Can you tell us about your latest release and what inspired you to write the story?
Thanks for having me on, Jaime, Anne, Erica, & Gabrielle! You have a lovely blog and I’ve popped by here often!
I was inspired to write Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican, June 2016) when I began conducting genealogy research on my precious mother’s side of the family. We had a lot on my dad’s, but not on my mom’s. So I started going back and found where one of her cousin’s had posted a bunch but had stopped maybe four generations back. I then kept going. Johan Adam Rousch of my novel is inspired by my real life ancestor, who had nine of his ten sons serve in the American Revolution. For the life of me, I couldn’t find much on his wife, Susannah Sehler, whose name in some had been misspelled as Schlern.
I was working with Camy Tang, taking synopsis classes and whatever else she was offering, and I needed a breakthrough for Suzanne. I knew I wanted her to be French. I decided to make her an aristocrat but from a Huguenot family. Camy and I had a few phone consultations brainstorming about Suzanne. Finally, one night, it hit me. I knew Suzanne had a big spiritual arc she wanted to share but I couldn’t grasp what it was. I was a psychologist twenty-five years and I got into Suzanne’s head. Then I prayed about this novel some more. Suzanne wasn’t a Huguenot. She had some anxiety issues, in reaction to her family’s beliefs, and she’d been copying her dear beloved Marquise grandmother’s beliefs. So now I had something to really work with! She had to find her own spiritual beliefs. Once I had that strong spiritual story arc, the book began to fall into place.
Of all your characters in this story, which one did you enjoy writing the most and why?
I love, love, love Johan. He’s one of my favorite heroes. I actually wrote him first. This was one of my first Christian fiction manuscripts and my first completed one! He was inspired by the real life Johan, and I’d read a rare book about him, and he simply came to life for me. I’ve spent so much time with him now, I feel he is real. I can even hear his deep laugh at what I just wrote!
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 JI had to cut SO many because this book was close to 120,000 words, got cut to 100,000, and finally ended up in the 80,000s. One scene and theme that my critique partners, Kimberly Dawn Taylor and Sarah E. Ladd, had suggested cutting early on, years ago, was one where Johan sings the Lord’s Prayer at the Aachen Cathedral. Johan has a wonderful tenor voice and I wanted to show it off. But all that scene had to be tightened and cut and they were right – it just seemed too out of place. But Johan is winking right now – he knows he sang it there and it sounded wonderful! How did you decide on the setting/location for this novel?
Johan came from the Palatinate of Germany, in the 1700’s. I wanted Suzanne to be a Huguenot and originally had her arrive with her dying mother, in the Palatinate. BUT, my Fellowship of Christian Writers’ critique partners wanted the backstory for Suzanne. So I had to write another huge section to get her from France to the Palatinate. They immigrate to Philadelphia because historically that is where most Palatinaters went.
What made you pick these specific names of your main two characters?
Ancestor’s real name and I modified Susannah’s to Suzanne.
Moving on from your story, tell us a little about yourself. We’ll help! What’s your least favorite household chore and why?
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is why I had to stop practicing as a psychologist after twenty-five years in the profession. My pain and stiffness is very much affected by any kind of bending and scrubbing. So that is my least favorite thing to do!
What are your hobbies outside of writing? Summer is upon us, and full of events. Are you doing anything special this summer season?
I am a beader. When I was a psychologist I never really knew how things would end up in the long term for someone. With bead jewelry making you have a quick finished result! Now I enjoy doing them for giveaways to my readers and for gifts to special friends and family members. 
This summer I have two book signings in my home town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, I’m speaking at a library in the next town over, and we’ll be enjoying Northern Michigan and Lake Huron where we are renting a cabin! I’m also visiting a book club in Lower Michigan (where I set my novella, The Substitute Bride, in Shepherd). We’re also planning to visit Mackinac Island (my novel My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island releases from Barbour Books next July 2017). Hoping to go to the “Rendezvous in the Sault,” a reenactment festival!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?
I see no point in writing if not for God and no point if my books don’t include a strong spiritual thread. As you ladies all know, writing is hard work. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel compelled to do so by our Lord. Also, with the health issues I have, I don’t think there is any way I could write unless he enabled me to do so.
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 ;)
Depends on how I feel. I always wake up stiff and in pain but a flare can keep me in bed for hours. When I’m ok, I get up and get my son off to middle school. Then I have breakfast and make my first cup of tea. I try to write in the morning for at least an hour, preferably two. I write outside on my deck whenever weather permits. I’m sometimes out there in a robe with a blanket when it is 50 degrees! I take a break mid-day and then I usually return for another hour or so of writing or editing. I tend to do my social media stuff in the evening, when hubs is watching tv. I’ll sit next to him doing that while he’s watching the news and a show.
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…
My neurologist says very little coffee for me and I love my tea, so that’s an easy one. I have migraines and the caffeine makes them worse.
And a few fun and quirky questions always reveal of lot from our authors who visit. So, if you had a choice of living in any era other than the present, what would you choose and why?
I wouldn’t. I’d be dead by now and I am not kidding! One of my favorite eras is turn of the century. But I’d need to live in an era of modern medicine, thank you very much! I will say that as far as story world goes, I live very well in the 1890s and I am super comfortable there!
Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter (White Rose/Pelican Book Group, June 2016) Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Book Distributors, Pelican books, Kobo,
We’d love you have you share a snippet from your novel to entice us and hook us! J Please share something below:
“Suzanne?” Now was the perfect time to for Johan to ask while they traveled back together. She couldn’t escape him.Seated as far away from him as possible, she stared off into the distance, a line worked between her eyebrows. “What is it?”He wanted to tell her about Louisa. Would wait. “Tell me about yourself.” Dear God, was she from the French nobility as he suspected?Her long eyelashes fluttered. “What do you want to know?”“Who are you?” She wasn’t a Huguenot peasant. She clutched the front of the bench. A rut bounced her toward him and she grabbed his arm. “Oh!”“I want to know everything.” He wanted to know what it felt like to kiss those pink lips. To tell her he’d protect her. But an aristocrat wouldn’t want that. Not from him.
“What did the priest tell you about me?” By the twitch in her cheek, and the way she pursed her lips together, he knew he needed to choose his words carefully.He sighed. “That priest is my mother’s uncle.”She began to work a knot into her apron. He’d have to get firm with her, no matter how good she smelled with those flowers in her hair. No matter how he wished to pull her even closer to him. “Tell me everything.”Sitting up higher, her posture rigid, she gazed beyond the golden wheat fields. Toward France? “I am Suzanne Richelieu, my parents were Huguenots. Both are dead. I don’t know where my brother is, and I’m supposed to go on to Amsterdam and sail from there to the American colonies.”Heat flared up his neck and he clenched the reins. “Nein.” He knew his voice was hard, but he needed to know if she was from one of those ancient French noble families. Too good to even love the likes of him. Love. He’d allowed himself to think the word.“Oui, I already told you.”“Don’t mock me.” He hadn’t meant to raise his voice so loud or to cause those bright spots of color to appear on her cheeks. The muscle in her cheek tensed—an indicator that she was about to become silent. He wouldn’t allow it. A family member had died and maybe from something she hid.“Who would kill. . .
__________________________________
Bio – Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D.Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!
Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills Facebook Author Page Facebook Personal Page Twitter Pinterest goodreads LinkedIn Amazon author page
Enter to win an E-Copy of Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter or a paperback copy available JULY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
