Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 176
March 14, 2016
Finding My Roots
I'm often asked where my story ideas originate and I get to explain how they often spring from my genealogy research. I have to credit my mother for sparking my love of family research and the love for history that birthed out of that. I've been helping my mother search our family history since I was ten, when my great grandmother Annie passed away and we visited Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
I wasn't a very good reader as a child and therefore not very voracious about it. But what child's imagination isn't captured when she arrives at her great aunt Mattie's house in the dark of night and is led into her conservative Mennonite home by lamplight, up a narrow winding staircase, to a hay tick bed warmed with bedwarmer, to sleep under her hand-stitched quilts, only to awaken for breakfast made on an ancient cast iron stove? When my mother suggested that together we keep a journal of our trip, and gather as much family history as we could--I was game. It didn't take much coaxing for her to drag me to cemeteries, old stone churches, or visiting old people I'd never met before to listen to her interview them. She sketched a family tree that lit up my curiosity for my ancestor's stories.
Back home from Pennsylvania, we often made the trek to the local genealogy research library. Those days were before internet google searches! I learned how to search indexes and scroll through microfilmed copies of original census as far back as the1850's. Once again, beautiful old handwriting and tidbits of information about these people captured my thoughts. Where fact was missing, my mind wanted to fill in the blanks to see their lives in my mind's eye. It's been like touching history to read registers in old family Bibles, decipher documents of indentured land contracts, wills, and even an old land deed written on sheepskin parchment for my immigrant ancestor.
Many of you know that a few of my favorite shows include "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "Finding Your Roots" with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. If you've ever been curious about how to search your own family roots, watching these shows will give you a basic start. They also give you an idea about how your family roots intersect with real historical events and how that may have shaped your family stories.
Everyone has a story, and each of our stories impacts the next generation. It's astounding how often significant events in the life of a family member are lost and becomes untold stories. I discovered on my husband's line that his 10 times great grandfather lived to be 100 years old and has a decorated memorial on his grave as a Revolutionary War veteran. Though he was buried in the same county my husband's family lived in for generations, not one living relative knew of his service, or where his grave was.
One story my mother gleaned from a mill owner in Lancaster, was that our immigrant ancestor came over from Switzerland with jewels hidden in his wooden chest, beneath a false bottom. But when the shipmaster measured his possessions, the discrepancy was found and the jewels were seized. It was said that he was imprisoned for his dishonesty. We may never prove the story's veracity. But it sure raises questions about how a humble Anabaptist farmer came to have jewels in his possession, and why he would have tried to smuggle them into the country. And what ever became of the jewels? Where did they come from? A castle? Stolen? Had the humble farmer once been something other than poor and unknown?
I recently discovered another interesting tidbit. One branch of my mother's Mennonite family immigrated to Lancaster County in 1710 to a small community called Pequa. This wasn't a secret. But what I didn't know was that another line from my father's Irish side immigrated to the exact small community in 1715. At the time, the Indians were still quite hostile and burned out many settler's homes. It was the Mennonite's who wanted to deal with them peaceably, and the Scots-Irish who disagreed.
Small world. What if these two branches of my great ancestor's paths crossed already over ten generations ago? What kind of a story would that have been?!
Where the paper trails run into a brick wall, DNA research can sometimes pick up a dead trail. My husband and I have both done our DNA tests for ancestry research on 23 & Me and found loads of interesting information there. Together the DNA and the paper trail research shows a map of what came before you. It's only a short jump to imagine what their lives might have been like, and a then my story brain takes off!
Are there mysteries in your family trees? Are there lost stories and rumors that snag your curiosity?
What would you ask your ancestors if you had the chance?
-------------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: Pinterest
Find me on: TwitterFind me on: Goodreads
I wasn't a very good reader as a child and therefore not very voracious about it. But what child's imagination isn't captured when she arrives at her great aunt Mattie's house in the dark of night and is led into her conservative Mennonite home by lamplight, up a narrow winding staircase, to a hay tick bed warmed with bedwarmer, to sleep under her hand-stitched quilts, only to awaken for breakfast made on an ancient cast iron stove? When my mother suggested that together we keep a journal of our trip, and gather as much family history as we could--I was game. It didn't take much coaxing for her to drag me to cemeteries, old stone churches, or visiting old people I'd never met before to listen to her interview them. She sketched a family tree that lit up my curiosity for my ancestor's stories.
Back home from Pennsylvania, we often made the trek to the local genealogy research library. Those days were before internet google searches! I learned how to search indexes and scroll through microfilmed copies of original census as far back as the1850's. Once again, beautiful old handwriting and tidbits of information about these people captured my thoughts. Where fact was missing, my mind wanted to fill in the blanks to see their lives in my mind's eye. It's been like touching history to read registers in old family Bibles, decipher documents of indentured land contracts, wills, and even an old land deed written on sheepskin parchment for my immigrant ancestor.
Many of you know that a few of my favorite shows include "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "Finding Your Roots" with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. If you've ever been curious about how to search your own family roots, watching these shows will give you a basic start. They also give you an idea about how your family roots intersect with real historical events and how that may have shaped your family stories.
Everyone has a story, and each of our stories impacts the next generation. It's astounding how often significant events in the life of a family member are lost and becomes untold stories. I discovered on my husband's line that his 10 times great grandfather lived to be 100 years old and has a decorated memorial on his grave as a Revolutionary War veteran. Though he was buried in the same county my husband's family lived in for generations, not one living relative knew of his service, or where his grave was.
One story my mother gleaned from a mill owner in Lancaster, was that our immigrant ancestor came over from Switzerland with jewels hidden in his wooden chest, beneath a false bottom. But when the shipmaster measured his possessions, the discrepancy was found and the jewels were seized. It was said that he was imprisoned for his dishonesty. We may never prove the story's veracity. But it sure raises questions about how a humble Anabaptist farmer came to have jewels in his possession, and why he would have tried to smuggle them into the country. And what ever became of the jewels? Where did they come from? A castle? Stolen? Had the humble farmer once been something other than poor and unknown?
I recently discovered another interesting tidbit. One branch of my mother's Mennonite family immigrated to Lancaster County in 1710 to a small community called Pequa. This wasn't a secret. But what I didn't know was that another line from my father's Irish side immigrated to the exact small community in 1715. At the time, the Indians were still quite hostile and burned out many settler's homes. It was the Mennonite's who wanted to deal with them peaceably, and the Scots-Irish who disagreed.
Small world. What if these two branches of my great ancestor's paths crossed already over ten generations ago? What kind of a story would that have been?!
Where the paper trails run into a brick wall, DNA research can sometimes pick up a dead trail. My husband and I have both done our DNA tests for ancestry research on 23 & Me and found loads of interesting information there. Together the DNA and the paper trail research shows a map of what came before you. It's only a short jump to imagine what their lives might have been like, and a then my story brain takes off!
Are there mysteries in your family trees? Are there lost stories and rumors that snag your curiosity?
What would you ask your ancestors if you had the chance?
-------------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: Pinterest
Find me on: TwitterFind me on: Goodreads
March 11, 2016
Meet Jessie Hart and the Author Who Loves Her
Erica Here:
I am thrilled to welcome Sandie Bricker to CC&C Blog. Sandie and I met in Denver in 2009, and have been friends through social media ever since. Sandie helped me write my very first press release, because she's cool that way. :) You will love Sandie's books, and her sassy heroines, which I suspect are based a wee bit on her own sassy self!
Jessie Hart is the heroine of three novels for Abingdon Press, written by award-winning author of Live-Out-Loudfiction, Sandra D. Bricker. Sandie has brought Jessie along today for a chat and she tells us there are no topics off the table. This should be fun!
Jessie, you grew up in Louisiana, raised by your grandfather. How in the world did you end up in Southern California?Jessie: I never really felt like I belonged in Slidell. I mean, I always felt different than everyone else. Even as a very young girl, I knew one day I’d leave there for an exciting and more glamorous life.
And did you find that in California?Jessie: Not at first. (She laughs) But I met a man who made the fairy tale in my head very real. Jack and I were married for more than a decade. We lived in a beautiful house right on Malibu beach, and I had everything I ever wanted. Designer labels, an expensive car, a giant Neil Lane rock on my finger. I remember thinking nothing could ever take all that away. Until it crumpled like a flimsy sheet of paper, that is.
Sandie, as the author of Jessie’s story, what were you thinking?Sandie: I apologize for putting you through all the drama, Jess … but really, now that the third book is written and in print, aren’t you glad I did? The lessons you learned about yourself, about life, and the romance you found with Danny kind of make it all worth it, right?
Jessie: Well, I wouldn’t trade Danny for anything! But maybe in a happier world I could have met him before I met Jack? Our eyes might have met across a crowded coffee shop … me sipping a caramel macchiato … Danny showing me those dimples of his…
Sandie: Yeah, we could have gone that way. But we didn’t. And you’re a better woman for it.
Jessie: My author has issues.
To her point, Jessie, what are the greatest lessons you learned throughout the three-book arc?
Jessie: The most important thing I learned is that God is in control. No matter what we face, no matter what crazy curveballs life throws at us, God has already given us everything we need to survive … and even thrive. I didn’t know that before I met Danny. The second lesson is that sometimes we have to peel back everything we think we know and return to the starting line in order What do you two think will surprise readers as they read Book 3, the finale to the series?
Jessie: I’m pretty sure they’ll be amazed at how much I’ve changed since that opening scene in Book 1 ( On a Ring & a Prayer ) where all I could think about was what to have for lunch in Malibu and how pretty and shiny my ring was.
Sandie: I agree. Jessie has certainly grown and changed! In Book 2 ( Be My Valentino ), the signs were there as she built her business and learned to rely on the strength God had given her. But in Book 3 ( From Bags to Riches ), she really did face down her demons by returning to Slidell and also by taking a good, hard look at her marriage to Jack Stanton.
Jessie: Are you saying you’re proud of me, Writer?
Sandie: Extremely.
Jessie: Well then, I’ve done my job.
Sandie: Me too.
Erica here: Thank you so much, Sandie!
Click on this link to watch a lovely book trailer about this series!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOTHOva7AY
~~~~~
Sandra D. Bricker
was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for 15+ years where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. When she put Hollywood in the rearview mirror and headed across the country to take care of her mom until she passed away, she traded her scripts for books, and a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud fiction for the inspirational market was born.
Sandie is best known for her Another Emma Rae Creation and Jessie Stanton series for Abingdon Press, and she was also recently named ACFW’s Editor of the Year for her work as managing editor of Bling!, an edgy romance imprint for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. As an ovarian cancer survivor, Sandie also gears time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure.
Sandie is giving away an e-copy to one reader! You can enter by using the rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Executive Assistant
Earl Grey Aficionado
Find me on PINTEREST
Find me on GOODREADS
Find me on AMAZON.COM
Find me on FACEBOOK
I am thrilled to welcome Sandie Bricker to CC&C Blog. Sandie and I met in Denver in 2009, and have been friends through social media ever since. Sandie helped me write my very first press release, because she's cool that way. :) You will love Sandie's books, and her sassy heroines, which I suspect are based a wee bit on her own sassy self!
Jessie Hart is the heroine of three novels for Abingdon Press, written by award-winning author of Live-Out-Loudfiction, Sandra D. Bricker. Sandie has brought Jessie along today for a chat and she tells us there are no topics off the table. This should be fun!
Jessie, you grew up in Louisiana, raised by your grandfather. How in the world did you end up in Southern California?Jessie: I never really felt like I belonged in Slidell. I mean, I always felt different than everyone else. Even as a very young girl, I knew one day I’d leave there for an exciting and more glamorous life.
And did you find that in California?Jessie: Not at first. (She laughs) But I met a man who made the fairy tale in my head very real. Jack and I were married for more than a decade. We lived in a beautiful house right on Malibu beach, and I had everything I ever wanted. Designer labels, an expensive car, a giant Neil Lane rock on my finger. I remember thinking nothing could ever take all that away. Until it crumpled like a flimsy sheet of paper, that is.
Sandie, as the author of Jessie’s story, what were you thinking?Sandie: I apologize for putting you through all the drama, Jess … but really, now that the third book is written and in print, aren’t you glad I did? The lessons you learned about yourself, about life, and the romance you found with Danny kind of make it all worth it, right?
Jessie: Well, I wouldn’t trade Danny for anything! But maybe in a happier world I could have met him before I met Jack? Our eyes might have met across a crowded coffee shop … me sipping a caramel macchiato … Danny showing me those dimples of his…
Sandie: Yeah, we could have gone that way. But we didn’t. And you’re a better woman for it.
Jessie: My author has issues.
To her point, Jessie, what are the greatest lessons you learned throughout the three-book arc?
Jessie: The most important thing I learned is that God is in control. No matter what we face, no matter what crazy curveballs life throws at us, God has already given us everything we need to survive … and even thrive. I didn’t know that before I met Danny. The second lesson is that sometimes we have to peel back everything we think we know and return to the starting line in order What do you two think will surprise readers as they read Book 3, the finale to the series?
Jessie: I’m pretty sure they’ll be amazed at how much I’ve changed since that opening scene in Book 1 ( On a Ring & a Prayer ) where all I could think about was what to have for lunch in Malibu and how pretty and shiny my ring was.
Sandie: I agree. Jessie has certainly grown and changed! In Book 2 ( Be My Valentino ), the signs were there as she built her business and learned to rely on the strength God had given her. But in Book 3 ( From Bags to Riches ), she really did face down her demons by returning to Slidell and also by taking a good, hard look at her marriage to Jack Stanton.
Jessie: Are you saying you’re proud of me, Writer?
Sandie: Extremely.
Jessie: Well then, I’ve done my job.
Sandie: Me too.
Erica here: Thank you so much, Sandie!
Click on this link to watch a lovely book trailer about this series!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYOTHOva7AY
~~~~~
Sandra D. Bricker
was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for 15+ years where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. When she put Hollywood in the rearview mirror and headed across the country to take care of her mom until she passed away, she traded her scripts for books, and a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud fiction for the inspirational market was born. Sandie is best known for her Another Emma Rae Creation and Jessie Stanton series for Abingdon Press, and she was also recently named ACFW’s Editor of the Year for her work as managing editor of Bling!, an edgy romance imprint for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. As an ovarian cancer survivor, Sandie also gears time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure.
Sandie is giving away an e-copy to one reader! You can enter by using the rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Executive Assistant
Earl Grey Aficionado
Find me on PINTEREST
Find me on GOODREADS
Find me on AMAZON.COM
Find me on FACEBOOK
March 10, 2016
All I Know is Apple Trees
My children have been watching Disney's American Legends and one of the stories is about Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). In the cartoon, Johnny wants to go west, but he doesn't believe he has what it would take. An angel visits him to encourage him to go, but Johnny says: "All I know is apple trees." The angel goes on to tell him that he doesn't need to know anything more--there's a wealth of opportunity from the simple apple fruit.
When I heard Johnny say those simple words: "All I know is apple trees," it made me think about how far someone can go when they have passion. Even if he didn't know anything else, his passion for one thing made him a living legend. Johnny might not have had great strength and breadth of chest (as he says in the cartoon), but he loved apple trees, and because of his passion, he became an American figure that still remains an important part of our culture today.
What is the one thing you are passionate about? How would you fill in the blank: "All I know is..."
Often, I think we don't pursue the thing God placed in our heart to pursue because we think we don't have what it would take. Maybe we don't have an education. Maybe we don't have strength. Maybe we don't have money. But what do we have? We have passion, and passion is priceless. It took Christopher Columbus across an ocean. It took Charles Lindbergh back across that ocean. It took Neil Armstrong to the moon. It took George Washington through a revolution. It took pioneers across an untamed country. Where will it take you?
For me, I have an incredible passion for writing, history, and Jesus. I thank God every day that He allows me to combine those three things and write for His glory. I have no aspiration to go down in history like Johnny Appleseed, but I would love for my children and grandchildren to know that if I could reach for my dreams, so can they. That's the legend, or legacy, I'd love to leave behind.
What about you? What are you passionate about?
Gabrielle Meyer
Find me on Facebook
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Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website
When I heard Johnny say those simple words: "All I know is apple trees," it made me think about how far someone can go when they have passion. Even if he didn't know anything else, his passion for one thing made him a living legend. Johnny might not have had great strength and breadth of chest (as he says in the cartoon), but he loved apple trees, and because of his passion, he became an American figure that still remains an important part of our culture today.
What is the one thing you are passionate about? How would you fill in the blank: "All I know is..."
Often, I think we don't pursue the thing God placed in our heart to pursue because we think we don't have what it would take. Maybe we don't have an education. Maybe we don't have strength. Maybe we don't have money. But what do we have? We have passion, and passion is priceless. It took Christopher Columbus across an ocean. It took Charles Lindbergh back across that ocean. It took Neil Armstrong to the moon. It took George Washington through a revolution. It took pioneers across an untamed country. Where will it take you?
For me, I have an incredible passion for writing, history, and Jesus. I thank God every day that He allows me to combine those three things and write for His glory. I have no aspiration to go down in history like Johnny Appleseed, but I would love for my children and grandchildren to know that if I could reach for my dreams, so can they. That's the legend, or legacy, I'd love to leave behind.
What about you? What are you passionate about?
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
March 9, 2016
Fun Stroll Down Memory Lane
Erica Here:
For years I had a personal blog where I faithfully posted five days a week. It's fun sometimes for me to go back through past posts and remember my journey from fledgling writer to now. As I was perusing the archives, I came across this post from the summer of 2008, a series of questions about my writing life. I thought it might be fun to compare the answers from then and now. (You can find) my blog at http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/ )
My 2008 answer will be in BLUE and my 2016 answer will be in RED!
The Writer’s Meme -
What’s the last thing you wrote?
A furball of a fight between my hero and heroine. :)
A scene where my hero brings an abandoned baby to the house of the woman he once loved and left behind.
What’s the first thing you ever wrote that you still have? I wrote a story when I was 15 called Circus Summer...in pencil, in loopy cursive, in a blue spiral notebook.
Yep, I still have that story, just in case Scholastic comes calling, looking for the next JK Rowling. :D
Favorite genre of writing? Historical Romance.
Still the one!
Most fun character you ever wrote? Annie Fairfax, in the story I just finished and sent to my agent. She was a lot of fun.
My new favorite characters come from my book The Cactus Creek Challenge. Ben and Cassie and the schoolkids were hilarious to write.
Most annoying character you ever wrote? The Lighthouse Board Inspector, Jasper Dillon, who was henpecked at home and took it out on his employees, sucked air through his teeth and mauled toothpicks, and was an overall vindictive little man.
Jasper still ranks right up there.
Best plot you ever wrote? I don't know if anyone else would think it was my best, but I loved the plot of Drums of the North Star. Most of it was taken from historical events, but the epiphany the heroine goes through is something dear to my heart.
I still love the plot of Drums of the North Star, and I hope it finds a home somewhere, someday, but I also love the plot of The Cactus Creek Challenge and my upcoming release His Prairie Sweetheart...as well as whatever story I am currently working on.
Coolest plot twist you ever wrote? In my second novel, Before the Dawn, that the hero realizes how stupid he's been when he discovers his wife is going to have his baby (and she kept it hidden from him for a long time.)
Strangely enough, I had to change that plot twist when I submitted the story to my editor. I still love it, but it didn't work for the story. Now my favorite plot twist is...in a story I'm currently writing, so I can't tell you about it yet. :D
How often do you get writer’s block? Not often. More often I suffer from either writer's doubt where fear keeps me from writing, or writer's laziness. I know what I'm supposed to do, and yet I don't do it.
I think I recognize more now when I have writer's fatigue rather than writer's block. Writing and creating can be draining, and I need to remember to recharge the creative batteries before they run flat out.
How do you fix it? Plunk my patoot in my chair and write. I let the story brew, think about it all the time, talk about it to my daughter, hash out the implausible parts, occasionally brainstorm on the phone with a crit partner, or via email. Whatever it takes to break through and get it done.
The same fixes work, retell the story to my daughter, let the story brew, then make myself sit down and get it done.
Write fan fiction? I have. Enjoyed it too for awhile.
I wrote Big Valley fan fiction for a couple of years. It was a fun training ground.
Do you type or write by hand? Type. I have horrible penmanship. And I can't keep up with my thoughts when using a pen.
Still can't write out my fiction. I have a special relationship with my laptop. Together we write. :)
Do you save everything you write? Not everything. Some stuff is tooooo bad to keep.
Nope. I've never been so in love with my own words that I can't ax them. Just today I culled a nine page opening scene to a 1.5 page prologue.
Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it? I haven't yet, but you never know.
Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I have. And one of those will release in January of 2017. :)
What’s your favorite thing that you’ve written? Recently, it would be the scene in Marriage Masquerade where Annie Fairfax absolutely massacres breakfast, but tries to pretend nothing went wrong. The scene in The Cactus Creek Challenge where the twins blow up the outhouse.
What’s one genre you have never written, and probably never will?Fantasy/Allegory/Sci-fi. Blech.
Yep, this is still the stuff I wouldn't write by choice.
How many writing projects are you working on right now? One. I am a linear writer, one project at a time, write straight through the book, then start the next project. Right after the conference last year I tried working on several things at once. All that did for me was stall my writing on anything at all. Through one thing and another, I lost about 4 months of writing time dithering over too many projects and suffering through some terrific writer's doubt. Not going to let that happen again.
I no longer have the luxury of working on only one project at a time. At the moment, I'm revising a proposal, creating a first draft, and plotting another series.
What are your five favorite words? If you ask my crit partners, I have a different one for each book. I've clung to the following words: Leather, Sighed, Swirled, Bale, and the phrase 'bit her lip.'It's so hard to narrow down because I have a love affair with words. For my writing life, I think my five favorites are: Contract, Reader, Starred Review, and The End. (I know, that's six, but I like those six a lot!)
What character that you’ve written most resembles you? I think many of my characters have some of me in them, but the one that has the most is probably Pam from Pam on Rye, a 'sandwich lit' I started (and that is a finalist in the Genesis contest this year.)
FYI, Pam on Rye went on to win the Genesis that year.The characters I have written recently that most resemble me are the twins in The Cactus Creek Challenge. :)
Do you ever write based on your dreams? Maybe. I tend to plot and meditate on my story in that twilight time just before I fall asleep, so...kinda, sorta.My dreams are too weird to write.
Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Yes, though you wouldn't know it if you saw some of the edits I get back. I tend to turn in fairly clean copy these days, though sometimes I want to do a facepalm when I catch something silly I've done.
Does music help you write? NO! I can't have music on while I write. Too distracting.
How times change. I now listen to movie soundtracks while I write. I love The Last of the Mohicans, and the Lord of the Rings movies to write to. Sometimes I write to the soundtrack of Silverado or Open Range when I want to get my 'cowboy' on for a story.
How do people react when they find out you write? They want to know when my book is going to be published...their guess is as good as mineTurns out that I was offered a contract about three months or so after I wrote this blog post!Nowadays folks react by saying 'that's cool' or sometimes asking how much money I make. And they still want to know when the next book comes out.
Have you ever wanted to ask an author something? Ask away! :)
For years I had a personal blog where I faithfully posted five days a week. It's fun sometimes for me to go back through past posts and remember my journey from fledgling writer to now. As I was perusing the archives, I came across this post from the summer of 2008, a series of questions about my writing life. I thought it might be fun to compare the answers from then and now. (You can find) my blog at http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/ )
My 2008 answer will be in BLUE and my 2016 answer will be in RED!
The Writer’s Meme -
What’s the last thing you wrote?
A furball of a fight between my hero and heroine. :)
A scene where my hero brings an abandoned baby to the house of the woman he once loved and left behind.
What’s the first thing you ever wrote that you still have? I wrote a story when I was 15 called Circus Summer...in pencil, in loopy cursive, in a blue spiral notebook.
Yep, I still have that story, just in case Scholastic comes calling, looking for the next JK Rowling. :D
Favorite genre of writing? Historical Romance.
Still the one!
Most fun character you ever wrote? Annie Fairfax, in the story I just finished and sent to my agent. She was a lot of fun.
My new favorite characters come from my book The Cactus Creek Challenge. Ben and Cassie and the schoolkids were hilarious to write.
Most annoying character you ever wrote? The Lighthouse Board Inspector, Jasper Dillon, who was henpecked at home and took it out on his employees, sucked air through his teeth and mauled toothpicks, and was an overall vindictive little man.
Jasper still ranks right up there.
Best plot you ever wrote? I don't know if anyone else would think it was my best, but I loved the plot of Drums of the North Star. Most of it was taken from historical events, but the epiphany the heroine goes through is something dear to my heart.
I still love the plot of Drums of the North Star, and I hope it finds a home somewhere, someday, but I also love the plot of The Cactus Creek Challenge and my upcoming release His Prairie Sweetheart...as well as whatever story I am currently working on.
Coolest plot twist you ever wrote? In my second novel, Before the Dawn, that the hero realizes how stupid he's been when he discovers his wife is going to have his baby (and she kept it hidden from him for a long time.)
Strangely enough, I had to change that plot twist when I submitted the story to my editor. I still love it, but it didn't work for the story. Now my favorite plot twist is...in a story I'm currently writing, so I can't tell you about it yet. :D
How often do you get writer’s block? Not often. More often I suffer from either writer's doubt where fear keeps me from writing, or writer's laziness. I know what I'm supposed to do, and yet I don't do it.
I think I recognize more now when I have writer's fatigue rather than writer's block. Writing and creating can be draining, and I need to remember to recharge the creative batteries before they run flat out.
How do you fix it? Plunk my patoot in my chair and write. I let the story brew, think about it all the time, talk about it to my daughter, hash out the implausible parts, occasionally brainstorm on the phone with a crit partner, or via email. Whatever it takes to break through and get it done.
The same fixes work, retell the story to my daughter, let the story brew, then make myself sit down and get it done.
Write fan fiction? I have. Enjoyed it too for awhile.
I wrote Big Valley fan fiction for a couple of years. It was a fun training ground.
Do you type or write by hand? Type. I have horrible penmanship. And I can't keep up with my thoughts when using a pen.
Still can't write out my fiction. I have a special relationship with my laptop. Together we write. :)
Do you save everything you write? Not everything. Some stuff is tooooo bad to keep.
Nope. I've never been so in love with my own words that I can't ax them. Just today I culled a nine page opening scene to a 1.5 page prologue.
Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it? I haven't yet, but you never know.
Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I have. And one of those will release in January of 2017. :)
What’s your favorite thing that you’ve written? Recently, it would be the scene in Marriage Masquerade where Annie Fairfax absolutely massacres breakfast, but tries to pretend nothing went wrong. The scene in The Cactus Creek Challenge where the twins blow up the outhouse.
What’s one genre you have never written, and probably never will?Fantasy/Allegory/Sci-fi. Blech.
Yep, this is still the stuff I wouldn't write by choice.
How many writing projects are you working on right now? One. I am a linear writer, one project at a time, write straight through the book, then start the next project. Right after the conference last year I tried working on several things at once. All that did for me was stall my writing on anything at all. Through one thing and another, I lost about 4 months of writing time dithering over too many projects and suffering through some terrific writer's doubt. Not going to let that happen again.
I no longer have the luxury of working on only one project at a time. At the moment, I'm revising a proposal, creating a first draft, and plotting another series.
What are your five favorite words? If you ask my crit partners, I have a different one for each book. I've clung to the following words: Leather, Sighed, Swirled, Bale, and the phrase 'bit her lip.'It's so hard to narrow down because I have a love affair with words. For my writing life, I think my five favorites are: Contract, Reader, Starred Review, and The End. (I know, that's six, but I like those six a lot!)
What character that you’ve written most resembles you? I think many of my characters have some of me in them, but the one that has the most is probably Pam from Pam on Rye, a 'sandwich lit' I started (and that is a finalist in the Genesis contest this year.)
FYI, Pam on Rye went on to win the Genesis that year.The characters I have written recently that most resemble me are the twins in The Cactus Creek Challenge. :)
Do you ever write based on your dreams? Maybe. I tend to plot and meditate on my story in that twilight time just before I fall asleep, so...kinda, sorta.My dreams are too weird to write.
Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Yes, though you wouldn't know it if you saw some of the edits I get back. I tend to turn in fairly clean copy these days, though sometimes I want to do a facepalm when I catch something silly I've done.
Does music help you write? NO! I can't have music on while I write. Too distracting.
How times change. I now listen to movie soundtracks while I write. I love The Last of the Mohicans, and the Lord of the Rings movies to write to. Sometimes I write to the soundtrack of Silverado or Open Range when I want to get my 'cowboy' on for a story.
How do people react when they find out you write? They want to know when my book is going to be published...their guess is as good as mineTurns out that I was offered a contract about three months or so after I wrote this blog post!Nowadays folks react by saying 'that's cool' or sometimes asking how much money I make. And they still want to know when the next book comes out.
Have you ever wanted to ask an author something? Ask away! :)
March 8, 2016
Behind-the-Scenes of a Story
I'm often asked how I write a story. With the release of the novella collection this month, and my first published work, my writing sister interviewed me about "The Cowgirl's Lasso", the hero, how I got "the call" (when I found out I was going to be published) and more! So if you want to watch some behind the scenes of "The Cowboy's Bride Collection", take a peek at this silly chat between Laurie Tomlinson of the Writer's Alley, and me.
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of the novella collection!
And then, for NEXT week's blog post, I want YOU to interview ME! :) Post questions for me below in the comments and I'll answer them next Tuesday :)
Don't forget to enter to win a copy of the novella collection!
And then, for NEXT week's blog post, I want YOU to interview ME! :) Post questions for me below in the comments and I'll answer them next Tuesday :)
March 7, 2016
Monday's Devo by Anne: Get Your Worship On
When your earbud falls in your syrup while getting worship on over a plate of French toast...#stickydistractions #betterthanfallingoffthetreadmillYep, I like to get some worship on over breakfast. I plug in my iPhone earbuds and go about my chores. I especially love to do that while I cook, or run on the treadmill.
I haven't fallen off the treadmill yet, but I've absolutely had a bobble, some close calls, and totally looked ridiculous. That's why my treadmill is in the basement where no one can see me!
Now that I'm an empty nester, I don't have to tune my ears to the cries and interruptions of others in quite the same way. I find it easier to tune into God and the voice of the Spirit--and I'm constantly looking for the perks and blessing side of empty nesting.
A Facebook follower asked this week what my favorite playlists are for getting some worship on. So, here you have it, some of my favorites:
1. "Air I Breathe" by Mat Kearney is my current top fave. The rhythms are just plain awesome, so soulful. It speaks to me that my dependence upon the Father is like breathing--absolutely essential to life. I love the message that it's a constant fight, surrender, effort, surrender as we give ourselves to the Father's will: "feel like a contender...bringing my fist to a pistol war...I surrender, that I need You now and you love me more..."
2. "Love Alone is Worth the Fight" by Switchfoot is another great one. "And we find what we're made of through the open door..." It just reminds me how to trust the Father through the unknown.
3. "The River" by Jordan Feliz
4. Anything by Lauren Dangle, Meredith Andrews, Plumb, Francesca Battistelli, Kim Walker-Smith, Rend Collective, NeedToBreathe
5. "Stronger" by Mandisa
6. "Kings & Queens" by Audio Adrenaline--reminding me the eternal impact of loving kids can have in the Kingdom.
7. "There is Power" by Lincoln Brewster
8. "Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin
9. "Awake Our Souls" by Tim Timmons
10. "Oceans" by Hillsong UNITED
11. "Dead Man Walking" by John Tibbs
12. "Glow in the Dark" by Jason Gray
13. "Skin Spills Over" by Michael W. Smith
14. "You Make Me Brave" by Bethel Music
15. "Shake" by Mercy Me
When I run on the treadmill, it's arduous, sweaty, unending, annoying, good, heart-pounding, painful...and everything in between. It's life. It's like worship-the good, the bad, and the ugly. And worship is the air I breathe. It's the space I crave, to know over and over and over again--that I am not alone. That the Father loves me. That Holy Spirit speaks to me. That Jesus Christ--his life, death, and resurrection--is life for me, love for me.
Getting worship on is not pretty. It's not politically correct. It's about face down. Flat out. Prostrate before the Living God. It's beseeching. It's giggling. It's gut-wrenching. And everything in between.
Worship is like this favorite Psalm.
Psalm 18 King James Version (KJV)
1 I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
3 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
6 In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
24 Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
28 For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
I don't usually use the King James Version. But for this, it's poetic. And poetry evokes emotion, a thought, a connection with your life. And that's worship.
So, get your worship on this week.
Be wholly un-politically correct before the Lord.
Bare your soul, in the cool of the day....where He comes looking for you...
-------------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.
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March 4, 2016
The Cowboy's Bride Collection #Giveaway!
We're still celebrating the launch of Jaime's novella collection! So today, enter to win a copy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
March 3, 2016
Book Cover Setting Ideas
Two weeks ago I blogged about the pictures I sent my publisher to help them find cover models. This week I thought I'd share the pictures and inspiration I sent for my setting.
First, Love Inspired Historical asked for three scene ideas for the cover. I needed to think of three important scenes in the book that convey the heart of the story, and would make a good cover. For A Mother in the Making (releasing in September), I immediately identified what three scenes that would be.
First Scene Idea:
Third Floor Attic NurseryHeroine (the governess) is playing blind man's bluff with the children. She's wearing a blindfold and the hero walks up and taps her on the shoulder. She thinks it's the oldest son, and throws her arms around him, thinking she's caught him and won the game. Instead, her arms are around the hero. :)Pictures I sent for inspiration:
Second Scene Idea:
Hero and Heroine have been shopping downtown for Christmas, with the four children, and are walking out of the theater about to get into their Model T Ford.The movies play an important part in the story. Pictures I sent for inspiration:
Third Scene Idea:
Heroine is about to leave town on Christmas morning, but the hero goes to the depot to stop her from making a mistake.It doesn't take much for the hero to convince her to stay. :)Pictures I sent for inspiration:
Those are the three scene suggestion I sent to my publisher. I have no idea which one they will choose, but I can't wait to find out!
Your Turn: Which of the three scenes do you like the best?
***I have a winner from last week's drawing!! The winner of the four February Love Inspired Historical novels is: Cheryl Baranski!! Cheryl, I'll be sure to send you a message and get those stories to your Kindle right away!! Congratulations!!***
Gabrielle Meyer
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First, Love Inspired Historical asked for three scene ideas for the cover. I needed to think of three important scenes in the book that convey the heart of the story, and would make a good cover. For A Mother in the Making (releasing in September), I immediately identified what three scenes that would be.
First Scene Idea:
Third Floor Attic NurseryHeroine (the governess) is playing blind man's bluff with the children. She's wearing a blindfold and the hero walks up and taps her on the shoulder. She thinks it's the oldest son, and throws her arms around him, thinking she's caught him and won the game. Instead, her arms are around the hero. :)Pictures I sent for inspiration:
Second Scene Idea:
Hero and Heroine have been shopping downtown for Christmas, with the four children, and are walking out of the theater about to get into their Model T Ford.The movies play an important part in the story. Pictures I sent for inspiration:
Third Scene Idea:
Heroine is about to leave town on Christmas morning, but the hero goes to the depot to stop her from making a mistake.It doesn't take much for the hero to convince her to stay. :)Pictures I sent for inspiration:
Those are the three scene suggestion I sent to my publisher. I have no idea which one they will choose, but I can't wait to find out!
Your Turn: Which of the three scenes do you like the best?
***I have a winner from last week's drawing!! The winner of the four February Love Inspired Historical novels is: Cheryl Baranski!! Cheryl, I'll be sure to send you a message and get those stories to your Kindle right away!! Congratulations!!***
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
March 2, 2016
Five things I have learned about Jaime Jo Wright
Erica Here:
It is launch week for Jaime Jo Wright's FIRST EVER PUBLISHED WORK! Squee! We've awaited this day for a long time!!!
So, in honor of release week, I thought I'd share with you some things I have learned about Jaime in the seven years we've known each other.
1. She's ridiculously photogenic.
I know, right?2. She takes her coffee very, very seriously.
Jaime with one of her little coffee beans.3. She's an odd mix of girlie-girl and tomboy. (Not unlike her daughter.)
Note the animal skins,, bow, and hair pretty...4. She is the QUEEN of selfies...yet somehow, it doesn't come across as narcissistic.
I can never decide if she's taking a picture of herself or her coffee....5. She is a wonderful friend.
This is a picture of Jaime taking a picture of me taking a picture of her while we were on a writing day together. She's so much fun, and I'm so excited for her first release, and privileged to have gotten to be along this friendship journey with her.
I hope we have TONS of release days to celebrate together!!!
From reading this blog, FB, or in real life, what have YOU learned about Jaime?
It is launch week for Jaime Jo Wright's FIRST EVER PUBLISHED WORK! Squee! We've awaited this day for a long time!!!
So, in honor of release week, I thought I'd share with you some things I have learned about Jaime in the seven years we've known each other.
1. She's ridiculously photogenic.
I know, right?2. She takes her coffee very, very seriously.
Jaime with one of her little coffee beans.3. She's an odd mix of girlie-girl and tomboy. (Not unlike her daughter.)
Note the animal skins,, bow, and hair pretty...4. She is the QUEEN of selfies...yet somehow, it doesn't come across as narcissistic.
I can never decide if she's taking a picture of herself or her coffee....5. She is a wonderful friend.
This is a picture of Jaime taking a picture of me taking a picture of her while we were on a writing day together. She's so much fun, and I'm so excited for her first release, and privileged to have gotten to be along this friendship journey with her.I hope we have TONS of release days to celebrate together!!!
From reading this blog, FB, or in real life, what have YOU learned about Jaime?
March 1, 2016
BOOK BIRTHDAY! Up Up & Away!
It's here. My book birthday. The my novella launches into the world (although many of you have already received it AND told me about it! :) )Really? It's a low key day. Funny, how a day arrives, that day you've waited for since you were thirteen years old, and the world continues to move around you. My day job demands my attention this morning, emails are backed up, employees are getting miffed I haven't had two seconds to respond in the last few days, and I have voicemails waiting. There's no confetti in my office, no flowers, no cake, no party.
It's just me and my coffee.
I'm okay with that. While I like a big hoopla like the next person, there's something sweet about the quiet going-ons of life. You see, when you achieve your biggest dream in life, whether writing a book, making a record, acting in a movie, winning a blue ribbon . . . you sorta step back. You breathe a deep breath. Satisfied. You are either content, or you are consumed with the want for more. Me? I'm content. Don't get me wrong, I'm keeping up writing cause it's in my blood and more is fantastic. But I'm content because my kiddos are happy, my husband is too, and my life is blessed with friends and co-workers and sisters and all of you.
My name may never stand-a-lone on a book cover, but today I am surrounded by wonderful writers: Susanne Dietze, Becca Whitham, Davalynn Spencer, Miralee Ferrel, Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, Nancy J. Farrier, & Darlene Franklin.
Will you join me on my laid-back launch day? Tonight we have a launch party on Facebook I'd love to have you visit! I'll be there for much of it and featured at 8:00 pm CST. So join us please! :)
And later this week (Friday) come back for a chance to win your own copy of The Cowboy's Bride Collection!
____________________________________________
Professional coffee drinker, Jaime Jo Wright, resides in the hills of Wisconsin. She loves to write spirited turn-of-the-century romance, stained with suspense. Her day job finds her as a Director of Sales & Development. She’s wife to a rock climbing, bow-hunting Pre-K teacher, mom to
a coffee-drinking little girl, and a little boy she fondly refers to as her mischievous “Peter Pan”. Jaime completes her persona by being an admitted social media junkie and coffee snob. She is a member of ACFW and has the best writing sisters EVER!"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
Visit Jaime's web site: jaimejowright.com
Email Jaime - jaimejowright at gmail dot com
Like Jaime on Facebook
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