Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 184

Writing in the Wilderness

Erica here:



This last week, I received an extra special blessing. I turned in a manuscript. 
I wrote this manuscript during a time of drought. In a two-year period where I had no writing contracts and was wondering if I would ever have another one.

I wrote this manuscript because my agent was on my side an encouraged me. During this time of drought, she asked what she could do to help me. I said, "Give me a deadline. Tell me you want a manuscript on your desk by a certain date."

So she did. Without this goal, I probably wouldn't have finished anything. Knowing she had expectations of me kept me writing.

And then, nothing happened with the story. She submitted it to the targeted publisher, but there was no movement on it.

So it sat on my hard drive.

I moved out of the season of contract drought (Thank you, Jesus!) and wrote other stories. I had new deadlines.

Then, a few months ago, my editor emailed asking if I had anything that might fit a new line of books they were hoping to launch.

My mind went to my 'writing in the wilderness, please give me a deadline' story.

To my complete joy, the editor liked the story, only asking for a rewrite of the setting. And this last week, I turned the story in.

There's a tentative release date of January, 2017, which sounds like a long way off, but is only 14 months.

I'll have more details on this release when I can, but for the moment, I'm saying a big thank you to my agent for helping me stay on task, and to my editor, who now has the story and will be working her magic on it.

Thank you, Rachelle and Becky!



What unexpected blessing have you been given after a period of drought?








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What to do when you're caught in the deep black

It's been nuts around my place. El sickos in my family have me hoppin', work has kicked into high gear with end of year company goal planning for 2016, and oh yeah, I have a novella due on December 15th.

So, I'm caught in the deep black hole of too much to get done and too little time. I'm digging myself out. Oddly, I like stress, but yesterday I finally crashed in bed after being awake for 39 hours straight.

This was me:


What do you do when you're stuck in a deep hole of so much to do??
I drink coffee.
And a lot of it.

Coffee Table Lineup: What are You Reading?

Happy Monday, Everyone! 

Monday's have the distinct pleasure of week-planning. I like to use Monday morning to give myself and my family a quick schedule run-down.

Monday and Tuesday are basic work catch-up days.
Wednesday I have lunch with a friend and get my van  serviced.
Thursday is a church meeting after work.
Friday is TGIF day, and usually date night.
Saturday is our church's Holiday Bazaar.
Sunday there is an evening business meeting.

Somewhere between there I have some reading I want to tackle from my coffee table. When life was more simple, I used to read one book at a time, start to finish. But as life has grown more complex over the years, I tend to have multiple books cooking at the same time, with several waiting in the wings.

I'd love to hear your book line up this week. Here's mine: 

Roseanna White is one of my favorite authors! If you haven't read her work yet, The Lost Heiress is a good place to start. Be watching for a book report sometime soon!

I like to keep some faith-reads in play and work my way through them at a pace that lets me digest.Johnson's Host the Presence is reminding me about heaven on earth, and what it looks like to let God dwell in me daily. I haven't cracked open Allender's To Be Told yet, but I'm thinking of ordering the workbook to really dig into understanding what it means to let God write the story of my life.

Between fiction and faith, I love to add in some historical research. First hand accounts can be very interesting. I'm learning about the fur trade in 1803 along the Brule and St. Croix Rivers. 

Then, of course, there's the bathroom read! (okay, right, not exactly on my coffee table! Heehee.)
Dr. Remen says things that make you go: "hmmmm...."  Like this quote: "Accidents and natural disasters often cause people to feel that life is fragile. In my experience, life can change abruptly and end without warning, but life is not fragile. There is a difference between impermanence and fragility."  Hmmmm...right?  Good stuff.

And last, but not least, is my TBR pile. To. Be. Read. At that top of that list is Laura Frantz's new release: The Mistress of Tall Acre. I may hold this one to savor over the holidays.

Your turn! 
What's on your coffee table lineup? (er, or even your bathroom reads...?)
Have you made a Christmas wish list?
-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


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Author Dana Mentink

Erica here: We're so happy to introduce you to author Dana Mentink today! I remember sitting in the audience when she won at least one of her Carol Awards. She's a talented and creative writer, and I know you're going to love her! Read on, and be sure to enter the drawing to win a copy of her latest release! Here's a little bit about Dana so you can get to know her before diving into her interview:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner. She is the author of over thirty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and she has also been honored with a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, Yogi, Boo Boo, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet.
 And now, here' Dana!
•   How did you begin writing? Well...it was all on account of the babies! I was an elementary teacher until the Mentink cubs came along, and then I found that I missed having a creative outlet. My husband said, "Go do something you love." I'd always loved writing, so I took a class and things progressed from there.
•   Take us through a day in the life of you, the author (because some us picture you rise from bed, calmly pour your coffee, sit in a sunny little alcove, and write for eight hours before getting ready for a luxurious dinner out with your special someone) ;) My life is pretty glam, you know. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I get up very early and write like crazy until the teens awaken. Then it's carpooling, and back to writing, promotional duties, etc. On Thursday and Friday, I teach third grade so I'm too exhausted to do any writing on those days. Saturdays are split between family time, a bit of morning writing, and chasing Mentink cub #2 around to various marching band events. Sundays are for church and letter writing, seeing family, etc. I don't write on Sunday. See? What did I tell you? Glam, huh?
•   Tell us where you got the idea for your latest book and why you developed a passion to write it? I came up with a series idea to write about the California Coast which is near and dear to my heart. That caused me to pitch the idea for Pacific Coast Investigations. Having visited Coronado Island, I thought it would be the perfect place for a suspense novel and from that, Dangerous Tidings was born.
•   Who is your favorite character in this book and why? I'm partial to Radar the German Shepherd. He's a bundle of fun and he never judges anyone.   •   What is the most important takeaway from your book that you hope your readers see? Guilt is a waste of time because we've already been forgiven. It's a lesson I'm still learning myself.
•   If you were to be offered the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or to back pack deep into the heart of the Swiss Alps, which would you do and why? Er, could I possibly choose a less mountainous destination? I'm thinking a nice, flat stroll through the redwoods is more my pace. I'm not inclined to sleep in the wilderness and such. Back problems, don't you know, and I'm afraid of raccoons. They're not to be trusted. They wear masks, after all.
•   And while you’re on this grand adventure, would it be necessary for you to have coffee or tea? (‘cause we’re split evenly in preference here at the CCC blog) Coffee, wherever I am. Whenever I drink tea I'm disappointed because it just doesn't taste like coffee.
•   If you had to write your novel long-hand, would you use a fine point Sharpie, a roller ball pen, a fountain pen, or a pencil? Pencil. Oy vey! I can't write anything in pen. You should see me attempt to write on the white board at school.    •   Your favorite flavor of pie … because we’re heading into pie season! I've never met a pie I didn't like. Pumpkin, chocolate, peppermint, apple, even mincemeat. I'm in!
•   What are you currently working on in the book world? I'm writing the next book in the Pacific Coast Investigations series for Love Inspired Suspense, and working on a dog themed lighthearted series for Harvest House. The first one is Sit, Stay, Love which launches in April, 2016. My first ever book series of cozy mysteries (Trouble Up Finny's Nose) is being made into audio books. That's pretty exciting for me.
•   Lastly, will you leave us with a snippet from your book that is one of your favorites and gives us a glimpse into its pages?
Snippet from Dangerous Tidings:
He listened. A slow scraping sound teased his skin into goose bumps.             "Where's that coming from?" he murmured.
"Below," she whispered, looking to the narrow staircase in the corner of the kitchen. "There's someone down there."
He heard it then, a long slow movement, the sound of someone dragging a dead weight in the basement.
(Now, don't you want to know what was in that basement?) Thanks for having me!



If you'd like to find me in the cyber universe, I have a Dana Mentink's Reader Page on Facebook, or you can find me on Pinterest and Twitter (@danamentink). My website is
Thank you again for having me! 
It has been our pleasure, Dana! 
Readers: Dana is giving away one copy of her ebook to someone who leaves a comment, and she'll also give away a print copy to someone who uses the rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Words are Seeds

 "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 11:18-19
  Eleven years ago I became a parent. Eleven years ago, the Hand of God began to mold me and shape me into a different vessel than I had been before. Children have a way of doing that to you. I have learned more about my faith and more about my character in the past eleven years than I had in the previous twenty-four. As a parent, I love teaching my children about God. I love finding ways in our day, usually when I least expect it, to teach them something about my faith. Not their faith, my faith. I don't believe I can choose my children's faith. I can't force them to believe the way I believe or worship the way I worship. It is my job to teach my children who God is from my own heart, and my fervent prayer is that they will fall in love with Jesus as they watch me walk with Him. These sacred words in Deuteronomy are among my favorite in the Bible. They are a reminder that it is my job, as a parent, to teach them about the Word that God has fixed in my mind and heart. I am especially blessed when I hear my children echoing my words back to me, from their own heart, because I know my teaching has been planted there.  It's a big responsibility and privilege, not to be taken lightly. Words are like seeds, whether they are good or bad, the words, once matured in the life of our children, will either produce an abundant harvest of good or evil. I am very careful with my words, though I am not perfect. I've had to apologize to my children on many occasions when I've said something that has hurt them or frustrated them. But, even then, it was a great opportunity to teach them about God and His forgiveness.  I've told my children that when someone says something hurtful, it's like a bad seed has been planted, but when we choose to forgive them, we are pulling that seed out and throwing it away. If we choose not to forgive, that nasty seed will keep growing and causing us trouble, eventually growing such strong roots that it will be even harder to forgive later on. Words are so important, especially the Words spoken from the mouth of God, planted in our hearts. Talk about them when you go out and when you stay in, when you get up and when you lie down. Plant those seeds of truth into the lives of your children, and when they grow up they will produce a bountiful harvest of blessings in their life, in yours and in the world.

What seeds are you planting in your children's lives right now? What seeds were planted in your heart when you were young? Is it time to pull some of them out?  Find me on Facebook
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The Secret to a Long-Running Series

Erica here: This week I've been watching NCIS. I checked out the first couple of seasons from my local library, and in the evenings, I've been watching them.

And it occurred to me that NCIS has been TV's most popular drama for ages. The show has been on for 13 seasons now. That's unheard of in Hollywood these days. That's Gunsmoke, Law and Order, Murder She Wrote territory.

So what is the secret to these long-running series?

I have a theory.

I think it is brand-recognition. If you watch Gunsmoke or Law and Order or NCIS, the characters never change. Marshal Dillon and Agent Gibbs and Jack McCoy, although they go through many trials and tribulations, are essentially the same men as they were in episode one.

Looking closer at NCIS, every character, from lab technician Abby to medical examiner "Ducky" to Agents McGee and DiNozzo, is essentially the same character from the first season to current seasons.

Viewers know exactly what they are going to get with these characters. Abby is a delightful mash-up of goth queen, science prodigy, and delightful child. "Ducky" is a font of trivia and personal experience, caring about his craft and his 'patients.' DiNozzo is a terminal adolescent who uses humor and juvenile hijinks to hide his investigative skills and his bravery. 

Each of the long-running shows I mentioned are also ensemble casts that spread the stories around from character to character each week. While each show is about one individual (NCIS = Gibbs, Gunsmoke = Matt Dillon, Law & Order = Jack McCoy) the supporting characters are strongly interwoven into each story, and different ones have bigger roles each episode.

I also considered shows that I start out loving and then come to feel kind of 'meh' about. There are two that come to mind right away. Remember the show Chuck? He was an ordinary guy, working at the Buy More fixing computers, when he is implanted with "The Intersect" a database of National Security Secrets. In the first season, the lovable, bumbling Chuck saves the world with his knowledge of Tetris, virus programs, and Chopper Command. But by the final season, Chuck is an accomplished spy. He has changed so much that all the things that made me love him and root for him have vanished.

The other show that I'm now feeling ambivalent about is Castle. I love the early seasons where Castle's abilities as a novelist help him solve crimes. And in each episode, there is a parallel story running, one at the precinct and one in Castle's home with his wife and daughter. It is often the resolution to the home story that gives him an idea of how to solve the current case at the precinct.

After the first couple of seasons, things got wonky. Castle becomes more of a cop than a writer, the stories focus less on the cases and more on the relationship between Castle and Beckett. Odd things start happening, like Castle disappearing for months, Kate and Castle getting married, then separating, and every ten or twelve episodes, it feels like the writers are attempting to reboot the system.

I suspect that Castle's days are numbered, mostly because people can't figure out what to expect from week to week.

As I have thought about this, I of course needed to translate it into the writing world. How can I have a long-running career where readers will keep coming back again and again? Brand recognition. Readers need to trust that they will get what they are expecting when they pick up one of my books.

So, I have a few "Must Have" things that are my brand:

1. Historical Romance - all my stories are historical romances
2. A Detailed Setting - well-researched, well-planned towns and homes and regions
3. Actual Historical Events - each story will have some basis in fact
4. A Broad Vocabulary - I hope readers have to look up at least one word in each book
5. A Smash-Bang Finish - Each book will be plot-driven and have a dramatic high-stakes finish.

Question: Are you an NCIS fan? Who is your favorite character?
Erica Vetsch:
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Because My Readers Are Stinkin' COOL!

I LOVE getting to know my readers -- or at least people who follow my FB page. Nick is faithful follower, but I'm questioning whether he'll be reading a romance novella ;) Maybe he'll surprise me! I also have the stupid crazy bonus of WORKING with this dude. Sure, I suppose I'm his boss, but once work closes, I hope the stigma of that strips away to just plain ol' fun friendship. Anyway! I'm still knee deep writing my novella this week and I thought it'd be fun for you all to get to know one of YOU!



So meet NICK! :)


How did you hook up to Jaime Wright’s FB page/blog and why on earth do you follow this weirdo writer?

(Besides working with her) I stumbled across it on facebook and was intrigued by the humor, whit, pictures and sharing. Still waiting to read an actual story though.

What was your favorite book as a kid?

The Hobbit

Jaime inserts comment: NO KIDDING! AMAZING BOOK. *cough ahem please continue ....

If you could be one fictional character, which one would you be and why?

Tony Stark. The guy is next-level rich, GQ handsome and beyond smart. Oh, and being an awesome superhero with a hella cool suite definitely doesn’t hurt either. 
Jaime inserts comment: Let's recommend a remodel of where we work!
What inspires you to read?

Getting wrapped up in a good, engrossing story and/or learning.


Why do you think reading is important?

It stimulates thought, emotion, learning and growth. It’s essential to building imagination, empathy and comprehension skills.


What is currently by your bed or on your Kindle to read?

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” “Outlander” and “The Martian”
Jaime inserts comment: Didnt they just make "The Martian" into a movie?! Or am I losing my mind?

Coffee or tea?

Either, but definitely iced no matter what
Jame inserts comment: Yes, yes, I know. I need to bring you a frappe from 'Buckies!

You have a choice to enter the world of Harry Potter, a Louis L’Amour western, Dr. Seuss, or Nancy Drew … which one would you visit and why?

Harry Potter, without question. I grew up with these books (and have a deathly hallows tattoo) and was so engrossed in them as an adolescent. The world is full of magic and wonder and despite the crazy-scary war, I would still love to live in that world today.
Jaime inserts comment: In one of those super stellar and accurate Facebook quizzes, I discovered the Harry Potter is my soul-mate and HP boyfriend. Which is cool until I found out my doppelganger was Ron Weasely. Then it just got weird. So we'll just move on . . . 
___________________________
Yay! That was fun! And Nick did show me his tattoo to prove he is marred by Harry Potter forever (ahem - "marked" ;) ).
As a reader, what is your answer to the question Nick answered for me? What is currently on your nightstand or Kindle? Please tell me! I need books to add to my NEW KINDLE FIRE THAT COMES IN THE MAIL TODAY!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

_______________________________________________________________

Jaime Jo Wright  author of spirited turn-of-the-century romance, stained with suspense

COMING SOON!
March 2016, "The Cowgirl's Lasso", The Cowboy Bride's Novella Collection, from Barbour Publishing

August, 2016,"Gold Haven Heiress", The California Gold Rush Brides Collection, from Barbour Publishing

Visit Jaime's web site: jaimejowright.com
Email Jaime - jaimejowright at gmail dot com
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52 Days Until Christmas!

What?!

Anne here.
So, it's November. That means, Thanksgiving. And then December is next, and of course--Christmas!

Did you know there are apps for your phone that give you a running countdown? Yep. There are.
Or, you can follow this link to paste a snowing countdown clock to your computer wallpaper:
How many days until Christmas?

Many people get stressed by the cold weather, family funk, or the holiday rush.

So, the big question is: 
What do you do to enjoy the holidays and remain relatively stress-free?
Here's my list:
1. Listen to as much Christmas music as possible.
2. Shop early. Last minute shoppers tend to be stressed out, and it's more fun to be in stores with others who are not stressed.
3. Shop online--I avoid the stores whenever possible.
4. Budget the spending to keep things guilt-free.
5. Plan for family time to play games, tell stories, and watch movies.
6. Divide food preparation and clean-up duties.
7. Enlist help for gift-wrapping. My daughter makes a great little elf.
8. Let everyone know your holiday plans and work schedules as soon as possible.
9. Make lists.
10. Laugh a lot. We try not to take ourselves too seriously.
11. Rejoice in the reasons for the seasons!

If you've never found that magical way to reduce holiday stress, perhaps it's time to let somethings go--like expectations. Or perhaps it's time to let old traditions go, and start new ones. Have you ever just booked a run-away vacation over the holidays and left town?

What are the things that make you look forward to this season the most?
~~We love to cut a real tree together as a family.
~~We have a traditional family argument about weather it should be real or fake, tall or short.
~~For years we made a Thanksgiving turkey with friends who didn't have family nearby.  
~~We usually watch Home Alone at least once.
~~We open gifts Christmas morning and have a Christmas breakfast.
~~We decorate our tree the day after Thanksgiving.
~~We always leave one ornament out "by mistake" all year long.
~~My husband, my father, or my son may be out hunting deer.
~~My father always reads the Christmas story, usually around the fireside, when it's dark outside.
~~The kids still take turns putting the star at the top of the tree.
Soon, it will only be Ted and me doing it ourselves, looking something like this scene by Norman Rockwell:
How will you celebrate with meaning and still manage to take the season in stride this year?
-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


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Interview and #Giveaway with Award Winner Author: Lisa Carter

It is so fun to feature new authors, and Lisa Carter is new to me (Jaime) as well! Although I was there when she won an award for romantic suspense this last September. Super cool! So, join me in getting to know Lisa, her writing habits, a bit about her and her latest book. And, of course, there's a giveaway!

__________________________________________________
· How did you begin writing?

I told myself stories as a child to fall asleep at night. I thought everyone did this until I discovered in elementary school, this might not be perceived as normal for the rest of the school population. But I became the neighborhood child who entertained my friends and organized epic retellings of prairie schooners in space, aka whatever I had watched on television lately—Daniel Boone, The Wild West, Star Trek (the original), or Gilligan's Island. Yeah, I know I'm dating myself. It was only after I turned 45—dating myself again—and my children were in middle school that I got serious about writing down the stories swirling in my head—a scary place—to pursue a career in writing. My first novel was published in 2013. Seven novels and counting, it’s been a whirlwind of adventure.
· Take us through a day in the life of you, the author (because some us picture you rise from bed, calmly pour your coffee, sit in a sunny little alcove, and write for eight hours before getting ready for a luxurious dinner out with your special someone) ;)
I begin my writing day as soon as my youngest daughter heads off to high school each morning—before 7 a.m. Yes, I often stay in my pajamas, writing and/or editing until my laptop needs recharging and I take a quick shower. I write on the couch, at my desk, or in a special chair in my reading alcove—I move around during the day a lot for a change of scenery. I try to end my writing day around 3 p.m. if deadlines allow when my daughter returns from school.

· Tell us where you got the idea for your latest book and why you developed a passion to write it?

I’m going to be honest with you—I’m not sure how this story came to be on the printed page. Sure, I’m the one who typed the words. Sure, I’m the little girl who refused to leave the Cherokee exhibit at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. Every single year . . . And sure, my first encounter involved coming face to face with fake Cherokee Indians on board the Tweetsie Railroad when I wandered too close to the staged Indian attack as a 3-year-old. Raised tomahawks leave an impression—fake or not. But hence, my fascination—to the best of my recollection—with the Cherokee and with the larger Native American population began. That’s it in a nutshell. Thank you very much, Tweetsie.

I am not Native American. Nor am I a wannabe. Just fascinated and intrigued by their persistence and perseverance to survive despite overwhelming odds. I got cold shivers when I read about the Snowbird Cherokee and how they’d escaped the mass roundup during the Trail of Tears. I realized the 180th commemoration of the Trail was on the horizon, and I intended as always to write about what fascinates me most—the modern-day Indian and their juxtaposition into the larger American culture.

But somehow in the process of creating this contemporary novel, the characters from 1838—Sarah Jane and Pierce, Touch the Clouds and Leila—were born. They just came to me. Whole and complete. Their story is a kind of metaphor for the journey of the human condition. Lost but in Christ found once more.

· Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

Linden’s grandmother, Marvela, is an absolute hoot. Her golden years reunion romance forms a secondary subplot, illustrating that sometimes love is so wasted on the young and foolish. She and love interest, Ross Wachacha, get the best lines in the book. Like Ross’s sage advice to his nephew and story hero Walker Crowe—“If you ever want to get a woman, boy, you got to learn to talk more. And once you get one, then you’ve got to learn to hush again.”

· What is the most important takeaway from your book that you hope your readers see?

This story became—for me—about how far God’s mercy reaches. For truly, the farther we’ve traveled together, the sweeter will come the end. All this to say, this story is not mine, but one of those things which, you know beyond a shadow of a doubt, is God’s story. An eternal story of His mercy and grace to all who’ve been broken and felt abandoned by the guilt of their transgressions or the pain of loss. God invites those who’ve ever felt unwanted, unloved or weary to come. Because in Christ there are no outcasts. My prayer is that readers would discover this God of all peace and all comfort. He is a God who offers grace in the hour of their greatest need. And Beyond.

· If you were to be offered the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or to back pack deep into the heart of the Swiss Alps, which would you do and why?

I would climb Mt. Kilimanjaro because I don’t just write adventure, I try to live it, too. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this year with a bucket-list trip to the Amazon jungle and a hike to Machu Picchu.

· And while you’re on this grand adventure, would it be necessary for you to have coffee or tea? (‘cause we’re split evenly in preference here at the CCC blog)
Since Kilimanjaro was once under British rule, I’d have to go with tea. But wait—Tanzania also grows some of the world’s best coffee . . . I’d have to try both. And who knew, but in the Amazon and Peru, I had the most amazing hot chocolate of my life—not so amazing considering Ecuador and Peru are exporters of cacao/chocolate.

· If you had to write your novel long-hand, would you use a fine point Sharpie, a roller ball pen, a fountain pen, or a pencil?

I’d use a fountain pen.

· Your favorite flavor of pie … because we’re heading into pie season!

I love visiting an heirloom apple orchard not far from the Great Smoky Mountain setting of Beyond a Cherokee Trail. This time of year I’m all about apple pie.

· What are you currently working on in the book world?
My seventh romantic suspense novel, The Stronghold, releases in March. My second in a contemporary Coast Guard series, Coast Guard Sweetheart, releases in May. And my first attempt at a true historical romance, Lassoed by Marriage, is part of a novella collection due out in January. I can be found most days writing one manuscript, editing another story and marketing yet a third.

· Lastly, will you leave us with a snippet from your book that is one of your favorites and gives us a glimpse into its pages?

Initially on opposite sides of the 180th Trail of Tears commemoration, Linden and Walker have slowly found common ground as their friendship and attraction for each other grows. After an exhilarating motorcycle ride aka first date on the Cherohala Skyway high above the Cherokee National Forest, they’ve shared some personal things up on the mountain and have now returned to the valley town of Cartridge Cove. They were getting along so well . . . until they’re not. A misunderstanding erupts about the festival.


“And you, Walker Crowe, have got the nerve to accuse me of having personal issues?” Linden’s voice rose a decibel.

Walker flipped the visor down veiling his eyes. “Much as I’d love to stand here all night in a shouting match with you, I have better things to do.”

“Fine. Me, too. Sorry to have wasted your afternoon and your gasoline. Don’t let me keep you from important tribal business a stupid outsider like me couldn’t begin to fathom. Emmaline’s right. You are a jerk.”

Maybe the king of jerks. Could she pick ‘em or what?

His only reply was to do a three-sixty and gun it as the back tire hit street level.

“Idiot,” she yelled at the disappearing red taillight.

She grabbed her purse out of the trunk where she’d stored it when she’d been dumb enough to take a motorcycle ride with a raving lunatic. She slammed the lid shut.

“Creep.” She stalked up the sidewalk between the driveway and porch. “Loser.”

She took the three steps in a single bound to find her grandmother ensconced in a rocker and drinking sweet tea out of a crystal goblet.

Gram gave Linden a cat-swallowed-the-cream smile. “My, my, darlin’. What you two must have gotten up to this afternoon to put such a fear inside that young man?”

“Me?” Linden lobbed her purse at the door. “I guess you heard all that.”

Gram set the glass with a tiny ping onto the side table. “Honey Girl, half of Cartridge Cove heard ‘all that’ just now.”

Linden frowned as her grandmother’s words registered. “Scared? Him? What’re you talking about?”

Marvela patted the armrest. “Got too close would be my guess.”

“Somebody ought to knock some sense into that man’s head.”

“Typical of a Wachacha.” Her grandmother snorted. “Typical of the male of our entire species, if you ask me.”

“If you’re implying he and I . . . ? Give me some credit, Gram.” Linden tossed her head. “He’s a moron.”

Marvela laughed, the sound like a bird trilling across the deepening twilight. “Has there ever been anything more irresistible on this earth, Honey Girl, than a man who doesn’t think he needs a woman?”

____________________________________________________
About Lisa ...

Lisa Carter's novel, Under a Turquoise Sky, won the 2015 Carol Award for Romantic Suspense. Her latest, Beyond the Cherokee Trail is a 4 1/2 star Romantic Times September Top Pick. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. She loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.lisacarterauthor.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lisacoxcarter/beyond-the-cherokee-trail/

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Beyond the Cherokee Trail

The farther the road you’ve traveled . . . the sweeter the journey home.

When Linden Birchfield arrives in the Snowbird Cherokee community to organize the 180th commemoration of the Trail of Tears, she runs head on—literally—into arrogant former army sniper Walker Crowe. A descendant of the Cherokee who evaded deportation by hiding in the rugged Snowbird Mountains, Walker believes no good can result from stirring up the animosity with the white Appalachian residents whose ancestors looted the tribal lands so long ago.

Though at odds over the commemoration, Linden and Walker must unite against an unseen threat to derail the festival. Together they face an adversary whose implacable hatred can be traced to the events of the Trail, a dark chapter in America’s westward expansion. Walker must thwart the enemy who threatens the modern-day inhabitants of tiny Cartridge Cove—and targets the woman who has captured his heart.

Because more important than knowing where you’ve come from is knowing where you’re going.


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Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Hello, Gabrielle here.

I need to just start by saying: it snowed here in Minnesota yesterday! I know I have to shake my fist at the sky like any good Minnesotan, but the truth be told, I love the first snowfall of the year. I like the change of seasons in general, however, it's that looooooong period in between the first snowfall and the first gust of warm wind that gets a little old.

This week has been jam-packed with writerly things, and somewhere in the midst of it all, I realized I've officially "arrived" at the destination marked Writing Career. Over the course of this week, I wrote over 30,000 words on my manuscript, I compiled a proposal, I created a Street Team of twenty-five awesome ladies who have agreed to help spread the word about my upcoming release, I conducted a week-long giveaway on my Facebook page, I started filling out the very detailed art fact sheet for the cover art on my Love Inspired Historical releasing in September 2016, and I went to a writing meeting with dozens of other Minnesota writers, including our very own Erica Vetsch.

Erica took this picture of me at the MN History Center where
we met before the MN ACFW Meeting to visit the new
exhibit Suburbia! The thing that continues to play through my mind is thankfulness. I am so thankful that I get to live my dream. I'm thankful people are supporting me and willing to help. I'm thankful for friendships with other writers and readers. I'm thankful for a husband who sacrifices every day to help me live out this calling. I'm thankful for my children who cheer me on. I'm thankful for my community and my church and all my local friends who believe in me. I'm just brimming with thankfulness.

But I think that's the point. Or, at least, I hope it is. God is so good, and even when things aren't going the way we hope or pray, He's still good and He's still in control, and He still longs for a thankful heart. I could easily get bogged down in all the to-dos of this calling, and lose the sense of awe and joy, but with my heart turned toward thankfulness, it's almost impossible.

It doesn't just apply to my writing life. It applies to all those areas that I prayed and asked God to give me the desires of my heart. My marriage. My children. My home. My friendships. With many blessings, come many responsibilities. When I start to complain about those responsibilities, I can get bogged down and lose sight of the joy they offer. But I don't want to do that. I want to live a life of praise and gratitude toward God, enjoying all the blessings He gives.

Psalm 50:23 ESV: "The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly. I will show the salvation of God!”

Hebrews 13:15 NIV: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."

Your Turn: I'd love to hear what you're thankful for this week!

**We have a winner from my post last week!! Kara Grant has won a surprise gift. :) I'll get it in the mail soon.**

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