Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 192

Interview and #Giveaway with Erynn Mangum!

I (Jaime) LOVE featuring new-to-me authors!!!! Today we have Erynn Mangum with us and I'm excited to read her book. If the cover doesn't grab you as it did me, getting to know Erynn totally will!!

1. What inspired your story idea?

Bake Me a Match is the continuing story of Annie McKay, a spin-off character from my Lauren Holbrook series. I loved the idea of someone who was such a loner coming into this group of friends who just totally envelope her and how that changes her view of church and God.

2. What is your favorite characteristic about your story’s hero and heroine?

I love Zach’s humor and how he uses it to break Annie’s shell. And I love Annie’s tenderness that comes out when she doesn’t even realize it.

3. Please tell us about the spiritual theme of your story you hope every reader is challenged by:
I hope that readers are able to see how great Jesus’ love is for us and how gently He leads us – even down horrible, stormy paths. Annie has the most troubled past of any lead character I’ve ever written. It was so exciting to watch how God’s grace transformed her life!

4. Jaime & Anne are coffee addicts. Erica & Gabrielle are tea lovers. What about you? Coffee or Tea?

Okay, 99% of the time, I LOVE coffee. I adore coffee. Actually, my first two series (the Miss Match series and the Cool Beans series) both revolve a lot around coffee! But when I’m pregnant, I do not like coffee. I really don’t even like the smell of it. So, I stick with tea then. ;)

5. Favorite historical movie? Or mini-series?

Pride and Prejudice or Emma! And a recent favorite has been North and South. Love those!

6. While Jaime loves to take selfies, and Erica and Gabrielle love museums, Anne loves Pinterest and food pics. Share a food pic, a favorite family recipe, or link us to your latest pin on Pinterest.

I just baked these for my oldest son’s birthday! They are hands down the BEST blueberry muffins ever and they are super easy. They’ve become a tradition in our house. Here’s the link! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/To-Die-For-Blueberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx 

7. Always wanted to be an author? Or surprised your path led you to publish?


I always have loved to write but I never wanted to be an author. I love being around people and sitting behind a computer all day just didn’t sound like a great career. But I truly do love this career path!! I have learned how to channel a lot of that socialness into my stories.


8. Favorite century to read? To write? To watch on TV or in a movie?

I most prefer modern-day, especially to write. I do love to read the occasional historical and I’m all over the place with those. Love Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series, which takes place a few years after Christ’s resurrection, and I love the Jane Austen era for both reading and movies.

9. Favorite heroine of all time, and why?

Oh goodness. I feel like I’m picking a favorite child. Can I have several? I love Hadassah from the Mark of the Lion series for her faith and character development. Such a powerful character! Love Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice for her stubbornness and strength in a time when women weren’t really supposed to act that way. And for my non-fiction friends, the biography of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot is totally life changing!

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Here is a little bit about Erynn's latest novel, just to whet your appetite.
Annie McKay is loving her new job at Merson's bakery and cafe, loving the church she's attending and loving the people who have adopted her into their circle of friends. Life seems to be going great - even with the 3:45am alarm clock every day. At least, it's going great until she accidentally creates the town's newest delectable obsession leaving her crazy busy at work, running into old coworkers and then there's Zach, the attractive music pastor at church, who is always asking her out. It could be love, but that would open up a huge box from Annie's past that is best left locked up tight in the attic of her heart...and surely God wouldn't want her to be opening it back up. Right? With the help of good friends like Laurie Holbrook, a few hundred cinnamon rolls and a lot of prayer, Annie is about to discover that life isn't always taking the easy, smooth highway but that the back roads, though bumpy and painful, can also be full of fun.
Erynn Mangum
Meet Erynn here as well and don't forget to keep scrolling down to win an e-book copy!

www.erynnmangum.com
www.facebook.com/erynnmangum
www.erynnm.blogspot.com


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______________________________

Jaime Wright -
"The Cowgirl's Lasso", Coming 2016, Barbour Publishing

Spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Youth leader. Professional Coffee Drinker. Director of Development & Associate Relations and specializes in sarcasm :)
- Represented by: Books & Such Literary Agency

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A Writer's Retreat

This past week I hosted a writing retreat at my house. The primary purpose for the retreat (other than spending time with my fabulous friends!) was to brainstorm story ideas. All five of us came with a spark of an idea, and walked away with a fully plotted story. My guests were Susan May Warren, Melissa Tagg, Lindsay Harrel, and Alena Tauriainen. All of us have been to Susie's Storycrafter's and Deep Thinker's Retreats, so we're all familiar with the My Book Therapy elements and it helped us work well together.  There's nothing better than five minds working on a story! Some stories fell into place easily, while others took a bit more work to lay down. Some characters were easy to flesh out, while others needed more tweaking. It was fun and challenging. We laughed until we cried, and we shared some personal stories as our fictional ones took shape. I'm so excited about everyone's story--and we got a sneak peek at Susie's next series!! I'm especially thrilled about my next story, set in 1864. I can't wait to get it started.  Here are just a few photos from our retreat.  A story waiting to be born!!  The Mississippi as our background.
Alena was our scribe for the weekend (she has such pretty handwriting).
Susie working on her next story.
     Darby laid under the table almost the whole time! :)  Brain food! Susie explained the scientific reason for needing sugar
while we brainstormed...none of us debated her. :) An evening out to relax.
Seeing Jurassic World at the theater. Our book signing event.I thank God for my writing friends (and I wish I had more room, so I could invite more ladies to join us)! They offer me more than writing support, they offer me friendship, understanding, and encouragement. They are brilliant authors and exceptional women of faith. I'm blessed, indeed. Your Turn: What did you do last weekend? Any plans for this weekend? If you're a writer, do you attend retreats? If you're a reader, what was the last retreat you attended?  

Brain Freeze!

Okay, so I totally forgot about today's blog post! After weeks and days and hours of staring a deadline in the face, (I turned the manuscript in yesterday.) my brain decided to take the day off.

Anyhoo.

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter asked if we could visit Historic Forestville for her birthday. Of course I said YES! Forestville is one of my favorite places ever.

We've been many times, and through the years my kids have gravitated toward the checkers game in front of the store.

I thought I'd share with you some of the photographs as a reminder to love on your kids when they are small, because they will be big before you know it!

2003, 2005, 2015

It's All In The Heart

REVEALED! I wonder how actresses feel when their non-makeupped (new word!) gets plastered all over the Internet? (sorry, Jennifer Garner - I think you're beautiful anyway). 
So here's MY take on a day without make-up: Sunday morning I was preparing for church: kids ready to go and looking adorable - check. Husband fed - who I am kidding? He does that himself. So check. Sunday School materials packed and ready - check. Jaime ready to go and looking beautiful ..... eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! 
I couldn't find my make up bag. Let me clarify. When I say bag, I'm talking about a small little compact bag that cost me $2 at Walmart that houses a little mascara, some lip color (because without it I look like I'm dying of liver disease), and eyeliner. I'm not a compulsive make-upper (another new word!). Foundation? Bah. I feel like I'm wearing stage makeup. But do not - I repeat - do NOT expect me to go to church without lip color. I could care less about having eyelashes (which for the record, if I don't wear mascara my eyes look bald). I have gray lips. Pure and simple. Gray. I look dead.
After 15 minutes of tearing the house apart and with 5 minutes left to get ready, my husband goes: "honey, you're going to have to just get ready 'cause we need to go".
I stopped in my frantic search and speared him to the wall with a glower and said, "without that bag, consider me ready to go now." 
He stared at me for a second, seemed to comprehend that there were no tools available to GET ready, and then stated in simple male logic: "well, you should change out of your pajamas". 
I went to church  with a naked face. 
I had three people minimum comment on how tired I looked. So I played along and said, "yes, I'm exhausted". Which, after my frantic search I was. And I did have a cold. And I was highly emotional. So yes, the description was apt. 
But then the strangest thing happened. I relaxed. Because really, if you can't know me without makeup, if I have to put on a facade in order to gather affection, if I can't be honest and laugh at the circumstances, then I was missing a critical key factor to life: It's all in the heart.
The people who love us the most read our hearts, not our face, our thick eyelashes, our blushed lips. The people who love us the most look beyond the mustered up smile, the quiet reclusive escape, the sorrowful expression in our eyes. The people who love us the most beg to be let inside, past the outer walls and into who we really are.
So...I returned home. Naked face. Guess what? My kids still loved me. Shocking, I know! My husband still kissed me. Say wha-?! My Mom still called to chat. My cats didn't hiss at me. Even my church family seemed not to care. Why? Because they love the heart.
How do you see into hearts? Can you relate?
For the record - my make up bag was in the kitchen cupboard by the cereal bowls. Figure that one out!
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Jaime Wright -
"The Cowgirl's Lasso", Coming 2016, Barbour Publishing

Spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Youth leader. Professional Coffee Drinker. Director of Development & Associate Relations and specializes in sarcasm :)
- Represented by: Books & Such Literary Agency

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Finding Peace: Relax-List

When life gets messy and chaotic, 
what brings you back to center and calm?

For me it's several things. Life doesn't just deliver peace to your front door like the daily newspaper, as much as we wish it might. The Christian walk is not one of perfection packaged with a tidy little bow. Shucks. So how do you find peace when the laundry piles up, supper needs to be made, the house is cluttered, and everyone needs something from you?

My friend Halee reminded me this week, that it's as important to write a "relax-list" as it is a "to-do list"...

My Relax-List:

1) Finding balance between work and rest. Sometimes you just have to sit down because if you don't you'll never have a moment to refresh.
2) Laughter and quiet time. Last week we laughed with friends until our sides hurt. This week, I need the calm of the back patio.
3) Worship and good sleep. Sometimes it's worth it stay up late talking, or reading a great book. Or sleeping in. But I love getting up early enough to plug in my iPod and get my worship on while the house is quiet and no one is awake.
4) Organization and cleaning. Well it didn't happen this weekend. The clutter will be there tomorrow. Getting it done pronto only makes me feel more in control of my life, but no one will suffer if it waits another day, or two.
5) Scripture reminders of real peace, the kind that comes from God above.
6) Enjoying God's created beauty, like the flowers off the back patio!
Philippians 4: 8-9: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Your turn, what's on your Relax-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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Interview & Giveaway with Sarah Ladd

If you've never read Indiana author, Sarah Ladd, then you are in for a wonderful treat!

I'm thrilled to introduce Sarah and her latest release to all our readers!


Sarah, what inspired your latest story idea?
I love the Regency Era – the gowns, the estates, and the manners. The more I learn about this time period, the more I want to know! I am fascinated by the complex social structures of the era, and that is something I wanted to explore in the Treasures of Surrey series. In many traditional Regency novels, the main characters are often wealthy or enjoy high social standing, but while writing The Curiosity Keeper I kept this question in the back of my mind: What would happen if a well-bred woman fell into hard times? Additionally, while doing research, I learned about boarding schools that served the poor and lower classes, and my mind sprung to life. What were these teachers and students like? How did they find themselves at the school? What were their stories? And by combining the question with this bit of research, the story idea was born!

How would you describe your favorite characteristic about your story’s hero and heroine?
I love my heroine Camille’s spunk!  Camille is not your typical Regency-era heroine.  Even though she was born into wealth and opulence, her father’s poor decisions sent them plummeting down the social ladder. As a result, Camille had to develop her “street smarts.”  She is courageous, clever, and brave … and she was a fun character to write!

What spiritual theme in your story do you hope every reader is challenged by?
This story is really about self-discovery.  You see, when the novel opens, both the hero and the heroine find their identity in following their family’s expectations.  Throughout the course of the story, however, they learn that their true identity and purpose is found when they seek and follow God’s will.  This truth is the main spiritual theme of the novel.

Jaime & I are coffee addicts. Erica & Gabrielle are tea lovers. What about you? Coffee or Tea?
No offense to Erica and Gabrielle, but … COFFEE!  Don’t get me wrong, I love a good cup of peppermint or ginger tea, but there is nothing like a cup of piping hot coffee to start the day!

Favorite historical movie? Or mini-series?
Oh my goodness, I have to pick just one?  I really like to watch Jane Austen movie adaptions, like Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Northanger Abbey.  I do love a good mini-series, though!  Paradise and North and South come to mind immediately!

While Jaime loves to take selfies, and Erica loves museums, I love Pinterest and food pics. What comes to your mind to share? 
Right now I am working on the 2nd book in the Treasures of Surrey series, and I have a board of British forests for inspiration for one of the book’s settings.  Gorgeous!

Always wanted to be an author? Or surprised your path led you to publish?
I did always want to be a novelist, but I thought it was a far-off dream. I feel so blessed to have had my writing dream come true and really love what I do.

Favorite century to read? To write? To watch on TV or in a movie?
I know this is going to come as a shock … but … I like to watch movies and read / write books set in Regency England. ☺  If I had to pick a second time period, I also love stories set in 19th century America.

Favorite heroine of all time, and why?
Lizzie Bennett from Pride and Prejudice.  I love her spunk!

And now, a peek at the back cover of The Curiosity Keeper:

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whoever possesses it.”

"Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille must allow a mysterious stranger to come to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content to work as the village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may be the answer to his many questions.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, these two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, they will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness."

US Citizens enter the raffle for the giveaway:

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-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads

Writing Retreat

Today, I'm with some of my writing friends. We're spending five days at my house, on the banks of the Mississippi River, brainstorming new story ideas, celebrating accomplishments, and fellowshipping over our shared passion for writing.

The picture above is from last July, when we were sitting in the river (yes, in). We laughed over shared memories as we made new ones.

This year is our third annual retreat and it has become a highlight of my year. These ladies have become like sisters to me, and our time together is very precious. I wish I could have all my writing friends at my house this week, but unfortunately, my house isn't big enough.

Your Turn: What is a highlight of your year? Do you have an annual getaway with friends? If you could have five days with four of our closest friends, what would you do and where would you go?

Gabrielle Meyer:
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The Convenient Bride Blog Hop Giveaway!

Today I'm thrilled to share with you the super-huge giveaway the authors of the Convenient Bride have banded together to bring you!



This is the first time I've been a part of a Kindle Fire Giveaway, and I'm super excited. Not only will the winner receive a 7" Kindle Fire, but the authors are loading it up with books!




All of this is to celebrate and spread the word about The Convenient Bride Collection - 9 stories of marriage-for-necessity that turn into lifetimes of love.




My story in the collection is called A Bride For Bear , and I had such fun writing it! There are three adorable little girls that just stole my heart...and Bear...crusty, woman-shy, mountain-man Bear who is really just an old softie.




When I first started writing this story, I searched for some photographs that would help me with creating vivid characters. I have to say, these are some of my favorite character photos ever.

Bear. :)
Emmylou







Miriam, the serious eldest.
Deborah, the spitfire middle child
Tabitha, the darling baby

Bear McCall is a Colorado mountain man who'd rather poke a grizzly in the eye than find a wife, but then a distant relative saddles him with three young girls he can't seem to rid himself of. Could Emmylou Paxton be the mother the girls need--and the one to soften Bear's craggy heart?
Erica Vetsch:Executive AssistantEarl Grey Aficionado Find me on PINTERESTFind me on GOODREADSFind me on AMAZON.COMFind me on FACEBOOKFind me on my WEBSITE
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Top 7 Things Not To Do As A Tourist

 I live 15 min from a tourist trap - er - town. It's a haven for eccentric book characters! But it also raises a TON of irritations for us locals. I'm trying to look on the bright side and rather than July becoming the free-for-all "run over the tourist" season. I'm trying to write down what I see and use them to make layered characters that can make a reader chuckle - or grit their teeth.

I've compiled a list of tourist oddities to draw from ...

1. When you're proud of your - er - endowments - please refrain from attempting to imitate Pamela Anderson. Hike the puppies up, trade in the halter top for a heavy-duty elasticized brassiere and hide them under a baggy t-shirt. Please. Trust me. You'll be far more attractive.

2. When attempting to cross a crosswalk -- WALK! Don't stop in the middle of the busy street to take a picture of the sky. Or, as happened on Saturday, the cop car barrelling down on you with its lights going and siren blaring. Really. The sky will be the same sky from the sidewalk, and the cop probably feels like I do at the moment and isn't afraid of committing a hit and run on their way to rescue some poor soul.

3. Liquor may come in all forms, but don't imbibe all at once. And, if you do, try to avoid hitting on me. It's really hard to keep from slugging you. I am a naturally assertive and direct individual who tries very hard to summon the 3% of sweetness buried deep in my soul. You, dear drunkard, make it difficult to find that 3%.

4. Sunglasses the size of Mickey Mouse's ears scream "tourist". You may want to try to blend in. But then, maybe you like to make a statement and perhaps I'm being far too critical. I just hope you realize you took a wrong turn somewhere and this really isn't Disney World.

5. Stay away from my Starbucks. It's mine. Plain and simple. Stay away.

6. Not everyone wants to SEE your 6-pack abs morphed into a middle-aged pouch. Please men, cover up. Along the same vein of women and modesty, I am Baptist by roots and truly, too much skin is ... well ... too much skin.

7. Drivers ... when the light turns green. It means go. Plain and simple. Go.

I sound bitter, don't I? I am working on the whole "grace" part of my personality. It doesn't always come naturally. Honestly, I probably am quite abrasive at times. Do you have problems with People Patience? It's something I'm working on this tourist season.

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Jaime Wright -
"The Cowgirl's Lasso", Coming 2016, Barbour Publishing

Spirited and gritty turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Youth leader. Professional Coffee Drinker. Director of Development & Associate Relations and specializes in sarcasm :)
- Represented by: Books & Such Literary Agency

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Lost in Story, Indiana

Ted and I enjoyed taking the scenic route on our vacation down to Brown County, Indiana. But we didn’t bargain for it being twenty-five miles off the beaten path when I made a navigational error! Oops.

While winding down a hilly, twisting, narrow back road thinking we were nearing our destination, starving for supper and longing to get out and stretch, the road basically just ended and we sat staring at a quaint little forgotten town, Story, Indiana.


I did the proverbial  asking of directions while Ted tried not to steam and sputter his frustration at having this detour.  But I can’t deny that my delight at finding this sleepy little town far outweighed any irritation. On the right were horse stables, ahead was an old general store, and across the street sat several turn of the century town houses. Eeeee!

I stepped inside the general store but no one was around. Inside the tables were set with linen table clothes and crystal, while the walls were lined with an eclectic collection of old merchandize. At the check out counter was an ancient cash register American Pickers would have loved. I loved it.


I quickly asked directions, grabbed a free menu, and went back to the truck grinning from ear to ear despite Ted’s obvious annoyance and fatigue. “Oh sweetie, I’ve never been so happy to be lost. I love this place!” Even though he can appreciate my glee and love of everything vintage, he couldn’t share my joy but still promised to bring me back.


We did manage to make a return visit for sandwiches and live music in the gardens behind the old general store. This little sleepy town died out after the Great Depression. Though it was established in  1841 after the land was opened for settlement in 1809 by the Ten O'clock Treaty, when hard times struck, it became deserted and preserved in time. Today it's been restored and makes a nice day trip from Brown County State Park, near Nashville, Indiana. Getting lost in Story turned out to make a great story!

Readers: What's your favorite American "hole-in-the-wall" kind of place?Do you like to take the scenic route? Planned ahead? Or stumbled upon?-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.


Find me on:FacebookFind me on: PinterestFind me on: Goodreads