Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 17

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

First Sunday in Advent 

The Second Coming of Christ stained glass window at St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charleston, South Carolina, United States.
[Creative_Commons Attribution, Share Alike]

Jesus said to his disciples:
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

Matthew 24:37-44 

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

Together, let's pray we can, once again, become a unified nation. Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.   
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.   

Weekend Edition

  






If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)

Monday: Jan Drexler loves Thanksgiving for so many reasons ... especially PIE! She explored finding joy, no matter the circumstances.
Wednesday: Cate Nolan went in search of Thanksgiving commercials and look what she found! All the feels.

Thursday/Friday: Happy Thanksgiving from your friends in Seekerville!




Monday: Erica Vetsch begins our advent season with a recipe and movie recommendation
Tuesday: Pam Hillman has something up her sleeve when it comes to the Advent Season  
Thursday: Audra Harders loves the Advent season for so many reasons. Now she just has to pick one to talk about!   





Debby Giusti will be at  Book Love The Book Shop in Senoia, GA Sat, Dec 10, 11-1 PM If you're in the area, stop by to get your autographed copy of IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS. Proceeds benefit Tunnels to Towers Foundation Supporting the families of American Heroes--Fallen First Responders and Wounded Veterans.

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…

and she’s not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

 

Order HERE! 

Debby Giusti was on Tracy Fredrychowski's Podcast

BUGGY TALK, Episode #65.

Click the link below  to listen to the interview!

https://tracyfredrychowski.com/podcast/debby-giusti-in-a-snipers-crosshairs/

Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors  (please see our Legal page )

Best Deals for Author Tools Right Now by LA Sartor at An Indie Adventure
Delight Any Writer or Author with One of These 30 Writerly Gifts  by Sandra Beckwith at Build Book Buzz
The NaNoWriMo Writing Bundle from HumbleBundle will end soon! Check this bundle of Writing Books at a minimal cost and glance through their other offerings while you're there. The NaNoWriMo bundle ends November 30!
Learn How to Write Faster by Dave Chesson at Kindleprenuer
Managing Multiple Projects: Writer Magic or Mayhem? by Kris Maze at Writers In The Storm
When You Face Too Many Ways to Open a Novel by Glynn Young at ACFW blog
What do You Include in a Book Synopsis? By Beth K Vogt at Learn How To Write A Novel
What Happens When You Don't Know Your Character's Backstory? by Kristina Adams at Writer's Cookbook
5 World-Building Tips to Write a Captivating Novel by Dario Villirilli at Live Write Thrive
5 Things Writers Can Be Thankful For Today by Lori Hatcher at The Write Conversation

Seekerville is Closed Today

 

Seekerville is closed today as we gather with friends, family, and community to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  Please join us in setting aside a few quiet moments to thank God for the many blessings He has given us.

Then join us again SOON!

It seems each year that I find myself posting on the Wed...

 It seems each year that I find myself posting on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I don't think it's a day many people are thinking of writing. Thoughts are more likely turned to families and friends, pies and stuffing and how best to cook that bird. 

So what's a Seeker to post about?

Well, many of you might know that I have a weakness for sentimental commercials. I've posted about them before. I particularly love the ones that manage to intrigue us with a story while they're trying to sell us on something. 

At this time of year, and honestly since about Halloween, we're inundated with Christmas commercials. Out of curiosity, I decided to Google Thanksgiving commercials. I was pleasantly surprised to see there are some lovely ones - centered around family and food of course.

Here's a sampler. Take a peak while the pies are baking.

 

 

A little Thanksgiving humor...

There is some writing craft involved here. I love to see how even in these very short clips, the ad writers managed to tell a story, create characters which at least I come to care about, inject some pathos and some humor, and sell us on a theme of the importance of family and love and togetherness - often in less than a minute.

 

 

If you watch this one through to the end, you'll see the message we all send to all of you. We're so grateful for you, so thankful you are in our lives.

You  know how the Thanksgiving Parade always ends with Santa's arrival? Here's a Christmas preview.

As writers, we can appreciate the twist ending.

Happy Thanksgiving Seekerville!

The Secret to Thanksgiving is Joy

by Jan Drexler 

 

Of all the holidays we celebrate, Thanksgiving is one of my top three! I love everything about the day - food, fellowship, PIE! - but most of all,                                                           I love the REASON for this SEASON. 

We might think that the celebration of Thanksgiving started with the Pilgrims, but actually, believers have been setting aside days of Thanksgiving since Old Testament times.
The Pilgrims carried this tradition with them to the Plymouth colony in 1620, celebrating the first Thanksgiving in America in 1621 or 1622.(For those of you with a calendar, that was 400 years ago!)
Here's one participant's description of that first Thanksgiving feast:

Far from being the joyless, dour folks that some people often portray the Puritans, their lives were full of joy and thanksgiving. Not only one day a year, but every day was filled with thanksgiving. 

The tradition continued with George Washington in 1789:

And with Abraham Lincoln in 1863:

One thing that I noticed about all three of these times of Thanksgiving is that they took place during or just after times of great hardship - the horribly difficult time of starvation and death during the first year after the Pilgrims landed, the war for independence that Americans fought against the British, and the American Civil War. Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation was given during the third wearying year of that bloody war.

How could they even think to give thanks during times like those? 

How can we even think to give thanks during times like these?

The secret is joy.

Several years ago I read Ann Voskamp's book, One Thousand Gifts. I was thinking about it recently and was reminded of the year I spent following her advice to find joy.

The exercise was simple. Every day, I was to write down three things that brought me joy. I started in 2014. I created a little diary and I was faithful - through January, February, March...

...and then March 30th came. The day my mother passed away.

This was a challenge - how could I find joy in this circumstance of my life?

The habit to find joy had been ingrained through the previous three months of that year, and I found joy in my thankfulness for the mother God had given me. Day after day I poured out my grief in counting the endless moments of joy I had known with her.

Moments I captured in Thanksgiving and Praise.

This Thanksgiving, my challenge to you is to find Joy in your circumstances, and give Thanks to God above!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Christ Crucified, Diego Velazquez, c 1632, The Prado, Madrid. [PD-US]

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,
"He saved others, let him save himself
if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."
Even the soldiers jeered at him.
As they approached to offer him wine they called out,
"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
Above him there was an inscription that read,
"This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
"Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us."
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
"Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal."
Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise."

Luke 23:35-43

The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. 

Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.

Together, let's pray we can, once again, become a unified nation. Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.   
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.      

Weekend Edition

  






If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)


Monday: Jaime
Tuesday: Pepper talked about her new release, Authentically, Izzy, and a little about her writing journey. She ALSO had a giveaway! Congrats to Jack Smith who won a copy of Authentically, Izzy and two candles!
Wednesday: Debby Giusti hosted Bestselling Author of Amish Stories Tracy Fredrychowski who talked about "The Smell of Amish Sweets at Christmas" with the free giveaway of her Christmas novella, An Amish Christmas Worth Waiting For. Thanks, Tracy, for the free downloads of your delightful Christmas story.
Thursday: Winnie talked us about the process of reissuing one of her older releases. She's out of town for a few days but will select her winners when she returns - look for the announcement in the next weekend edition.



Monday: Jan Drexler is kicking off Thanksgiving Week with the secret of how to praise God with Thanksgiving no matter your circumstances. 
Wednesday: Cate is our hostess today and she is bringing the gratitude and Thanksgiving cheer!
Thursday/Friday:  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Seekerville closed for the holiday!  






THANKS, DEAR FRIENDS! BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT, IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS HAS BEEN ON THE  PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER LIST FOR TWO WEEKS IN A ROW! I'M SO GRATEFUL!
Debby will be at  Book Love The Book Shop in Senoia, GA Sat, Dec 10, 11-1 PM If you're in the area, stop by to get your autographed copy of IN A SNIPER'S CROSSHAIRS. Proceeds benefit Tunnels to Towers Foundation Supporting the families of American Heroes--Fallen First Responders and Wounded Veterans.

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…

and she’s not the only target.

When a radio broadcast describes taxi driver Lily Hudson’s passenger as an armed criminal, she becomes his immediate target. Narrowly escaping, Lily accepts Matthias Overholt’s offer to hide at his Amish family farm for Christmas—until evidence reveals the gunman’s plan is tied to Lily’s past. Now to prevent an assassination, Lily and Matthias must unravel a years-old conspiracy…and evade a sniper who has them in his sights.

 

Order HERE! 

Debby Giusti was on Tracy Fredrychowski's Podcast

BUGGY TALK, Episode #65.

Click the link below  to listen to the interview!

https://tracyfredrychowski.com/podcast/debby-giusti-in-a-snipers-crosshairs/

Coming November 29th... Book two in award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.
Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal?

 Preorder your copy today!Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? 

Order HERE!


The Seekers have been busy, and Pam's no exception! Pam has not one,but TWO, (sorta) new releases this month....
Pam's Calico Trails Romance Collection released this week.The digital version and the first-time-in-print collection includes Destination Christmas, Love's Silver Lining, and Castaway with the Cowboy.

Order HERE!
Children's Books?
Yes, Pam's expanding into a new genre ... children's picture books for ages 2-6.The main character is her very own cowboy, dubbed Cowpaw by his adoring grandchildren. Join Cowpaw and his grandchildren on their adventures on the farm.  Adventures with Cowpaw is a 32 page rhyming picture book and is available in print and ebook.

Order HERE!


Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors  (please see our Legal page )
Worldbuilding: The Enemy of Good Writing? by Janet Forbes at Writers In The Storm
How to Write When You Don't Want To: An Uncommon Approach  by Michelle Boyd at Live Write Thrive
Emphasized Words in Fiction by Sue Coletta at KillZone blog
8 Reasons for Writers to Choose Gratitude Every Day by Beth K Vogt at The Write Conversation
33 Ways to Write Stronger Characters by Kristen Kieffer at Well-Storied
Why Prologues Get a Bad Rap by Tiffany Yates Martin at Jane Friedman
Dealing with Negative Reviews of Your Book by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
How to Find a Book Editor You Can Trust by Blake Atwood at The Write Life
Writing Scenes Like Swiss Cheese by Sarah Sundin at Learn How To Write A Novel
A Fun Way to Brainstorm Your Next Story Idea by Janice Hardy at Fiction University

New Release, Sort Of

 

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.  I’ve recently gotten the rights back to two of the books previously published by Love Inspired Historicals and have been doing my best to figure out the ins and outs of converting them and reissuing them as self-published works.  I think I finally have things ALMOST figured out – just one or two more things I need to figure out and I’ll be done. 

One of the things I never realized before now was that it’s much more difficult to format for a print copy than an eBook copy. Amazon makes it really easy to upload your eBook from your manuscript but print is, as they say, a whole ‘nother ballgame. For the few other books I’ve self-pubbed before now I actually hired a professional to take care of it. But besides being a bit pricey it also means you need to go back to that person every time you want to make a change.

So I decided it was time to roll up my sleeves and learn to do it myself., and that’s where the learning curve came in. I purchased Atticus and it’s a really nice package for formatting print, except I had some custom things I wanted to do (naturally!)  so I had to check out helpful videos and join an author group to draw on their experience. As I said, a couple of tweaks and I’m there.  The next one should go much faster.

Since Harlequin holds the rights to the cover art and blurb I had to replace these elements. Because I’m not as good at design as Pam and some of the others here, I hired a cover designer I'd worked with before to make my new cover for me. These two books were part of the original Texas Grooms series set in Turnabout, Texas.  I was never very fond of that series title so now I’m rebranding it as Turnabout Hearts. I also have plans to retitle some of the books to give them a more cohesive feel as a series. And I asked my cover designer to create a series logo and give the covers within the series a cohesive feel.  

This first one was originally titled The Holiday Courtship and it will be reissued on Dec 1st as His Christmas Matchmaker.

Below is the original cover and blurb followed by the new cover and blurb.

THE HOLIDAY COURTSHIP

He Wanted A Wife by Christmas... 

As Christmas approaches, Hank Chandler is determined to find a wife to mother his sister's orphaned children. When schoolteacher Janell Whitman offers to help him with his niece and nephew, she seems to be the perfect match—but she won't accept his proposal. Instead, she insists she'll find him another bride before the holidays.

Janell moved to Turnabout, Texas, to put her past behind her and focus on her future—one that doesn't include marriage. But while she plays matchmaker and cares for Hank's children, she loses her heart to the two youngsters…and their adoptive father. If Janell reveals her secrets to Hank, will he still want her to be his Christmas bride?

 

 

HIS CHRISTMAS MATCHMAKER

A guilty secret…

Vowing to put her past behind her, schoolteacher Janell Whitman has resigned herself to spinsterhood and she's erected walls to guard her heart from all but her pupils. 

A solitary heart…
Hank Chandler is quite comfortable with his uncomplicated bachelor life. But when he suddenly finds himself the guardian of his orphaned niece and nephew he knows all that that will have to change. Not only do the children need a mother’s love, but he’s not fit to be a single parent. So he’ll need to marry quickly, whether he wants to or not. 

A Christmas bargain…
Seeing their need, Janell impulsively reaches out to help the hurting Chandler family. But when Hank proposes a businesslike marriage she draws the line at becoming his wife. She softens her refusal, however, with a counteroffer – she’ll take care of the children after school and help him find an appropriate wife in time for Christmas. After all, how hard can it be? 

But as the holiday grows closer, it seems increasingly difficult to find a suitable candidate––not to mention even harder to deny their growing feelings for each other. It might take a miracle for these two hearts to become one, but Christmas is the season of miracles––and love.

          Preorder HERE

So what do you think about the new package for my book?  I still have several copies of this book with the LIH cover so I'll be giving some of those copies away - leave a comment for your chance to be one of the winners.

Ahhh…the Smell of Amish Sweets at Christmas by Author Tracy Fredrychowski

Debby Giusti here...

Hello Dear Friends, 

Once again I have the honor of welcoming Tracy Fredrychowski to Seekerville. Tracy has lived among the Amish people and tells their stories with an authenticity that makes her characters come alive on the written page. Be sure to download her delightful novella, AN AMISH CHRISTMAS WORTH WAITING FOR, as well as the recipe for her Amish Ginger Crinkles. If you love Amish quilts, stop by Tracy's website for an opportunity to purchase a handcrafted quilt made with love by Old Order Amish ladies in Wisconsin. Tracy has a marketing background and hosts "Buggy Talk" podcasts where she interviews authors of Amish fiction. I'm sure she'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about the Amish way of life, her stories, marketing and how she got started hosting podcasts. Perhaps she'll share how she accomplishes so much and does it all so well. Now, join me in giving her a heartfelt Seekerville welcome!

Thanks, Tracy, for being with us today!

Ahhh…the Smell of Amish Sweets at Christmas

No matter how hard I try, I can't turn down a treat from one of my favorite Amish bakeries in Northwestern Pennsylvania. It's one of those guilty pleasures I allow myself whenever I visit home.

The smells that meet me when I open the door only match the delight of seeing trays of fried pies, glazed donuts, and caramel-frosted cinnamon rolls.

What about Amish country makes my heart take on a beat of its own? My senses come alive when I visit the place I called home for many years. But, when I can't get home, I head to one of my many Amish cookbooks and recreate the smells in my own kitchen.

One of my favorite Amish cookie recipes is these Amish Ginger Crinkles.

As a small child, I remember coming in from a long afternoon of sled riding to one of my mom's warm ginger crinkle cookies. She'd make us a cup of decadent milk tea, and we'd warm our tummies up with their sweet and spicy flavor.

If you love good old-fashion ginger snaps, you'll love these Amish Ginger Crinkle cookies. With a fair amount of ginger and a pinch of cayenne pepper, these are sure to bring a flood of memories back to those long cold winters of your childhood.

You can find the complete recipe here>> https://tracyfredrychowski.com/ginger-crinkles/

Now, I wish you all could hop in my car, so I could take you for a tour around my hometown to enjoy all I hold dear. However, since that is nearly impossible, I've done one thing better.

For the next couple of months, you can experience Amish Country through my eyes in my free Christmas novella. An Amish Christmas Worth Waiting For.

Download a copy here>> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/inna0y0d97

There you will meet Amanda Beiler and her seven sisters, who were orphaned right before the holidays.

Christmas should be a time for joy and renewal, but for Amanda Beiler and Adam Weaver, it only reminds them of all they have lost. Can their shared grief help them realize sometimes the best gifts in life are those worth waiting for?

As a bonus, you'll be introduced to my latest release, An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn, which I co-authored with Debra Torres.

Debra and I, avid want-to-be bakers, took our love of baking and weaved it into a Christmas story filled with all the sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas in Amish country.

Don't miss grabbing a free copy of An Amish Gift Worth Waiting For, and enjoy the first chapter of An Amish Christmas at the Apple Blossom Inn.

Suppose you'd like to expand your holiday Christmas reading journey. In that case, I invite you to visit my website for this year's top Amish Christmas Fiction reads. https://tracyfredrychowski.com/amish-christmas-books-2/

Debby again! Pour a cup of coffee, dear friends, and enjoy the Ginger Crinkles Tracy made as we chat with our wonderful guest! Thanks again, Tracy. We're so glad you could be with us today!

_______

Here's a little more about Tracy Fredrychowski...
Country girl, author, homesteader, and anything simple living, Tracy has a passion for writing about the simpler side of life.

Her life has always been intertwined with the Amish culture, and it only fits that she has a genuine passion for their simplicity, sense of community, and God-centered life.

Growing up in Northwest Pennsylvania, she spent her childhood immersed deep in Amish Country. The clip-clop of horse and buggies woke her each morning as Amish men drove past her childhood home on their way to work. As a young woman, she was traumatized by an Amish murder that involved her family and changed her life forever.

She is very fortunate to have made friends in these communities and values the information they share with her, and she wants nothing more than to share it as accurately as possible.

Connect with Tracy Fredrychowski, Author, in the following ways:

Website – https://tracyfredrychowski.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tracyfredrychowski/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tracyfredrychowskiauthor/
Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyfredrychowski/
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tracy-fredrychowski
From Tracy:
Discover your next Amish Christmas book…
I’ve partnered with 15 other Amish fiction authors to bring you a collection of Christmas stories for your reading enjoyment.
Check out your next Christmas read here>> https://tracyfredrychowski.com/amish-christmas-books-2/

Authentically, Izzy RELEASE DAY! (and how to deal with different opinions)

 It's a celebration day, y'all!!

Today is the release of my 19th book, Authentically, Izzy! 

I am so excited to introduce the world to this unique, fun, and uplifting book - so I'm DEFINITELY doing a giveaway today for a paper copy of the book AND two candles made for Authentically, Izzy by Wick and Sarcasm. 

This process of sending a unique style book out into a much broader readership has been a learning curve for me...maybe a little test too. Because, as many of you know, not every book fits every reader and some people are more likely to say what they don't like in very colorful ways than others do :)

Now, since Izzy is being published with Thomas Nelson, I have a much broader readership early on than I usually do...which means...I've also gotten a whole lot more variety in those reviews too. 

Unique Book (epistolary) + broader readership = plenty of variety in opinions

It took a while for me to get published. The Seekers can attest to be hanging around on Unpubbed island for a while before I got the call. And my journey has gone from very small press, to indie, to medium press, to large press, with all sorts of bumps, bruises, hard work, and successes rolled up together. 

But God's used all of the detours and tough stuff to teach me lots of things in life and on this writing journey and I believe it's helped me better handle the various reviews/thoughts people share about my books too. I don't think I would have handled all those negative reviews as well 7 years ago when my first book came out, but now (even though some still sting), I celebrate several things:

1. We are free to share our opinions.

    Isn't it great that we live in a place where we can freely share our thoughts, interests, likes, and dislikes. Even though it can sometimes feel like we don't have as much of that freedom, we really still do. My preference is for people to share their thoughts respectfully and kindly, but we still have the opportunity to share our thoughts. 

Btw, I get the fact that not every book fits every reader. Isn't it great to have so many options so we can read books that we enjoy! Variety IS the spice of life ;)

2. My book is published so that people CAN read it and share their opinions.

I have another book out in the big wide world! What an honor! With all the hard work that goes into writing and marketing a book, it's such a wonderful opportunity to be able to have it, as imperfect as it may be, out and in print. It's a celebration and joy! It's also a vulnerable experience EVERY SINGLE TIME! But we sign up for all of it, as authors, so we have to be able to handle all of it. LOL. The good, the bad, and the indifferent. 

3. What can I learn from what people share?

Not every author reads their reviews, but I do. I've learned so much from what readers have to say. Reading reviews is not for every author, and I TOTALLY get that, but if I've seen a pattern in reviews that I incorporate into changes for my stories to make them better, I'll consider those words.  We can grow a lot through being stretched by different opinions and new ideas. 

4. I have readers!

I LOVE readers!!! Not just because they buy my books, but because they're just some of the best people out there. We can speak the same bookish language and celebrate the beauty of books! One of my delights as an author is to engage with other readers both online and in person. And...without readers, we wouldn't have anyone to enjoy our stories at all, would we?

So, what are some tips you'd give for writing a book review for a book you didn't quite enjoy?

Or...

How do you handle less-than-stellar reviews of your books?

Leave an answer in the comments below to be put into the drawing for the giveaway!!

(And check out the cute video for a "teaser" about Authentically, Izzy available NOW!! 

Let's party!

***************************************************************************

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her novel, Hope Between the Pages, is a finalist for the prestigious Christy award. Pepper loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook &
Instagram.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com