Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 20

How to Make a Story Stew

By Debby Giusti

Leaves are turning colors, temperatures have dropped, pumpkins decorate doorsteps, football is the sport of the season and folks are cooking comfort food, such as hearty stews.

The recipe is simple. Toss chunks of beef into a pot along with carrots and potatoes, a couple tomatoes, chopped onions and garlic, then cook over a low heat for three to four hours or in a crock pot to have the house filled with savory scents and stomachs growling in anticipation of the delicious dinner ahead.

While the preparation remains fairly constant, good cooks add their own special touches to layer the flavors and add pizazz to the stew. Some common additions include parsley, thyme, cayenne pepper, fresh spinach, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. The variations are numerous but always satisfying.

The same can be said for stories. We know the basic elements: the inciting incident, escalating tension, a hero and heroine with their own GMC (goals, motivation and conflict), the black moment, climax and resolution. Throw in an antagonist, AKA the villain in a suspense genre or a nosey neighbor or overbearing relative in a sweet romance. A prologue at the beginning reveals a pertinent detail from the past, and an epilogue brings a sigh of contentment to the happily-ever-after ending.

But how can we spice up our stories?

Here are a few suggestions to catch an editor’s interest and ensure your manuscript goes to contract…or similarly to hook a reader into buying not only your current book but your backlist, as well.

SECRETS Readers love secrets. Pepper your story with secrets and add a bit of foreshadowing to enhance the reader’s anticipation—or let your reader in on the secret, especially a secret that either the hero or the heroine doesn’t know about. In COUNTDOWN TO DEATH, every character had a secret. It was a fun challenge for me to write, and from what readers said, they enjoyed the reveals as the story progressed. Note to self: I need to season my next story with a few secrets. Shhh! Don’t tell.

SECRET BABIES are another ingredient that ups the tension and keeps the reader turning the page. When the hero in DANGEROUS AMISH INHERITANCE returns home after almost ten years, he finds the girl he loved living next door with her nine-year-old son who looks just like him.

CHILDREN Whether a secret baby or not, children are a delightful addition to any story. Their innocence and wit and their unexpected revelations keep not only the hero and heroine on their toes but also the reader who hopefully opens her heart to these adorable little ones. Their struggles and upsets will tug at the reader’s heartstrings and provide added depth to your story.

ANIMALS Pets add warmth to any tale. My grand pups had roles in two of my books, and the manuscript I sent to my editor a few weeks ago features an adorable beagle named Sadie who stole my heart the minute she appeared on the page. Don’t limit yourself to only dogs and cats, calves, piglets, goslings, even hamsters and gerbils can find a home in your story.

SYMBOLS I write suspense so my plots pit good against evil. Using light and darkness can underscore the mood at key plot points. Sunlight breaking through the cloudy sky, moonlight filtering through the trees, or the sun rising over the horizon can foreshadow scenes when good triumphs over evil. Conversely, twilight, dark shadows and a blackened sky evoke a more ominous setting.

OBJECTS AS SYMBOLS I used a missing cross necklace in SCARED TO DEATH. The cross is pivotal to the heroine’s journey, and is the reason she leaves her ordinary world and travels to Mercy, Georgia, where the action ensues. A symbol adds emotion to your story and draws your reader more deeply into the protagonist’s plight.

WEATHER Mother Nature provides unexpected twists in a story line. A blizzard, torrential rain, ice or blustery wind can heighten an already exciting scene and make the reader stay up late to ensure the hero and heroine survive the inclement weather. Foreshadowing an encroaching storm is another way to up the tension. Weather can force a hero and heroine to hole up in a deserted cabin or a hidden cave. It can thwart their plans and compound their problems whether writing humor or suspense. If you’re like me, you check the weather app on your phone frequently each day. Weather is important to us so use it in your stories.

MISTAKES and FLAWS When I first started writing, my characters were perfect creatures without flaws, and yes, they were boring. I quickly learned that past wounds and mistakes make interesting characters. What mistake in the hero’s past keeps him from fully embracing life and love? Does he feel unworthy because of something that still plays heavily on his heart? Is he unable to love himself or accept God’s love? A physical handicap can add dimension to a character, but the interior flaw, the baggage from the past, the regret and guilt that he can’t overcome adds even more depth to your story. Additionally, redemption provides a satisfying ending that leaves the reader eager to buy your next book.

SECONDARY CHARACTERS Toss a few secondary characters into your story stew. A mentor can provide sage advice, whether the protagonist accepts it or not. An older family member, such as a grandmother or a favorite aunt or uncle, can be a voice of reason when life seems to be boiling over with unrest. In the same way, a good friend provides a sounding board to whom the hero can bounce off ideas or voice his inner feelings. While good friends seek to help, a conniving friend may throw barriers in the hero’s path and be interested in his own gain instead of the well-being of the protagonist.

Remember to start with the basics to make your story stew, then add additional ingredients to provide a delectable tale your readers will savor with delight.

What ingredients have you added to your own story stew? Or what are the special spices you enjoy in the stories you read? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for my NOV release and Christmas story, IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS.

Happy Writing!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…and she’s not the only target.

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

Pre-Order HERE!

 

 

In Defense of the Beta Hero

 

If you’ve read at least 10 romance stories, then there’s a good chance you’ve met an Alpha hero 8 out of 10 times, at LEAST. Alpha heroes are the popular types in most romance stories, regardless of genre. Sometimes, you can even tell from the cover of the book what sort of hero you’re getting! If the novel involves werewolves, vampires, or high-class businessmen, there’s a 99.9% chance, that hero is an alpha.

Now, this list is a more modern “romantic” hero list, not the classic/historical definition of alpha and beta. 

And let me say this up front - these are just my opinions, "more like guidelines really", but they're great talking points :)

 So...what is an alpha romantic hero? I’ll give you a quick definition because I want to get to the heart of this post. Those betas! 

This is NOT an exhaustive list of typical Alpha romantic hero characteristics, but a few general characteristics:

-        overtly strong and powerful.

-        The take-charge type

-        May not be the best verbal communicators

-        Demonstrate their commitment and love through actions

-        Presents as confident and protective

-        Can tend toward being controlling or demanding, 

-        Sometimes perceived as arrogant and/or aggressive

-        Definitely show off a grumpy side. 

-        Many times they’re the “untouchable” brooder

-        Highly competent in his world (but maybe not in love or self-knowledge) 

-        Their character arc is usually pretty big as the heroine delves into the hero's broken past to find the inner gentle side of him that only she can unearth, tame, and/or heal. 

-        Many would suggest these guys have a higher “sizzle” factor for romance

-        has to “thaw’ because he’s determined to hide his wounds and keep from being vulnerable at all cost. (but, of course, the heroine finds a way to help him).

-        usually very aware of his own power and how to use it to get people to do what he wants.

-        can often appear aloof or distant.

-        The “treasure” of the alpha hero is peeling back all the standoffishness to find the golden heart underneath (thus the reason why he is usually the hero chosen for romantic fantasy tropes).

 Of course, as with any “category” there is margin, so not all alpha males are created equal. A few cinematic examples might be Gladiator, Maverick, Thor, Scarface, Sylvester Stalone ANYTHING, James Bond...you get the idea.

The trick to a good alpha is this - he has a little beta in him.

 What is a beta romantic hero then? 

(They’re my favorites, btw). 

I often think of the alpha as the hunky daydream and the beta as the guy you’d actually want your daughter to marry. That’s not to say beta heroes can’t be hunky, it’s just that they’re not going to likely be the ones taking up so much space in the room with their personality. In the heroine’s heart? Well, that’s another story :-)

Unfortunately, betas get a bad rap because—compared to the alpha—they can be misconstrued as weak. This isn’t true at all. It’s just that their gentler approach to women, relationships, and life don’t stand out, initially, as much as the alpha’s personality does.

Here are a few beta characteristics:

-        A beta’s superpower is his relational awareness and abilities, usually.

-        He may have a tough backstory, but he’s either learned to work through it or cope with it through humor or deference.

-        Quieter strength

-        He can be just as interesting as an alpha when he enters a room, but he’ll likely cover the attention with humor, a story, conversation, or attention shifting.

-        May appear to not act as demonstratively as an alpha

-        Competent in his world

-        He is more likely to attempt to persuade or convince than demand.

-        His actions are usually less forceful and more communicative, unless provoked.

-        Sure, he can be as protective as the best alpha, when he needs to or feels like the people he loves are being threatened, but this is not his usual MO.

-        Instead of being physically aggressive or confrontational, he is more likely to work behind the scenes to get what he wants.

-        One thing I like most about a beta is that he “matches” the heroine. They’re a pair and you see that working out in the way they interact with each other as equals.

-        And though a beta may not have as pronounced a character arc as an alpha, because he’s human and flawed he still has great potential for growth.

-        Usually he’s not considered as swoony because he may not need as much obvious “saving” as the alpha, but betas can hide lots of hurt behind their smiles.

-        For the most part, these guys are generally well-rounded, somewhat more comfortable in their own skin, and usually have a more temperate disposition.

-        His milder ways do not equal pushover, but he is more likely to use his brain/emotions to solve problems rather than brawn/power.

-        He usually has more emotional intelligence about himself and others, even though he can be a numbskull with the best of them when it comes to relationships too (again...human).

-        A beta has long term potential that involves more than just fights and heated nights of passion (though he is just as capable of having both of those as an alpha.)

 The best betas have a little bit of alpha in them.

 Of course, the very best heroes are likely a blend of alpha and beta. Not sure what to call them? Alta? Belpha? Or...just perfect? :-)

 So...what types of heroes are in some of YOUR favorite books? Do you like variety or do you stick with a certain type?

 If you’re interested in reading a few of my beta heroes, I’d suggest taking a look at Henry from When You Look at Me, Titus from Jane by the Book, Alex from Charming the Troublemaker, David from The Thorn Keeper, Jonathan from My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, August from The Thorn Healer, Jeremiah from The Red Ribbon, or Brodie from my upcoming release Authentically, Izzy :-) 

Betas GALORE!

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

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her first book with Thomas Nelson, Authentically Izzy, debuts November 15th! Pepper loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook &
Instagram.

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

Seasons of the Writing Life

 

Last week, Hallmark Publishing announced that it was closing its doors.
That news rocked the worlds of many of our fellow writers - maybe even you! Authors were left with questions, everything from what would happen to the proposal they had just submitted to what would happen to the book they had under contract. 
While that kind of news is never welcome, it's one of the seasons of the writing life.
I remember back in 2018 (or was it 2017?) when Love Inspired announced that they were discontinuing their historical line. I had published five books with Love Inspired Historical and had a sixth one under contract. 
My final Love Inspired Historical! You can order this book HERE!
And yes, the news rocked my world. But I knew that as writers, our careers come with no guarantees. 
There's no guarantee that your publisher won't close its doors. No guarantee that they'll buy your next proposal. No guarantee that your editor won't take a job at another publishing house. No guarantee that they'll even publish the book you have finished and delivered...which is what happened to one author a few years ago.
The only guarantee we have is that things will change.
Just like the seasons of the year change from spring to summer to fall, our writing lives will change. And when winter comes with the start of the new year, the cycle will continue...but it will look different.
Have you felt the change of seasons in your writing life?
Not too long ago, I was in a fruitful summer season of contracts, book deadlines, editing deadlines, and blog tours.

A bison's favorite place to be - knee deep in rich summer grass!
When 2020 hit, so did an autumn season which slid into a winter of reflection, reorganization, and rejuvenation.


These days, my career seems to be in an early spring. My new indie publishing venture has been a time of growth for me - much like a flower bulb pushing up a tentative shoot after a long winter. The early spring of indie releases and writing for a different breed of deadline has been like the beginning of a new year and new adventures.


As I'm sliding into late spring, though, I'm exploring different possibilities to turn this spring of beginnings into a fruitful summer.


Of course, it won't look anything like the summer of the past, but I'm excited to see what God will do.

Think of the seasons of the year for a gardener. 
Spring is a time of growth that leads to the fruitfulness of summer. Summer fruitfulness turns into the tasks of harvesting and preserving the produce for the future. The waning days of autumn means it's time to put the garden to bed - work that will lead to a productive garden in the spring. Then winter comes. Not a time of death, but of rest.
This year's crop of potatoes - the result of a summer of work.
What season are you in right now?
One thing I've learned is that the season we're in now won't stay forever. Time moves on. 
But each season has its own purpose. 
When our careers - or our lives - seem to be waning, it's easy to think that we're at the end. 
But each season is a time of preparation for the next one, isn't it?
What preparation are you doing now for the next season in your writing career?
I'm working on a proposal to send to an agent sometime soon - possibly, if it's God's plan, a step back into traditional publishing.
But it's still early spring. Cozy mysteries are still taking up the bulk of my time, and I'm enjoying them immensely!
There are no guarantees except one: Things always change, but God is always in control.
I'm content to see what He will do in the next season of my writing career.
Share your thoughts! Ask for advice! 
One commenter today will win an ebook copy of my newest release, The Case of the Artist's Mistake!
The new art gallery in town is causing quite a stir, and Emma is in the middle of it!
The Sweetbrier Inn is filled with guests, and the town is teeming with tourists who have come to celebrate Paragon Days, the official kickoff to the summer tourist season. But even before the festivities start, amateur sleuth Emma Blackwood stumbles upon a dead body. With no visible signs of violence, Deputy Cal determines the death is from natural causes, but Emma isn’t so sure. Why would a seemingly healthy woman drop dead? And what does the picture she was holding have to do with it? If Emma doesn’t solve this puzzle soon, a killer may get away with committing the perfect crime.

You can order this book HERE!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

Parable of the Unjust Judge, John Everett Millais, 1863. [PD-US]

Jesus told his disciples a parable

about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Luke 18:1-8

Please join us in praying for the upcoming election! 

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

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

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

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.            

Weekend Edition

  






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


Monday: Jaime Wright
Tuesday: Dana Lynn
Wednesday: Ruth Logan Herne left the pumpkin patch for a little while to celebrate the upcoming release of her newest "Wishing Bridge" story "Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge"! She is so excited to be on the cusp of this newest story! She offered Kindle copies of this new story to three folks and the three lucky commenters are Sandy Smith, Jackie Smith and Glynis! Congratulations! 
Thursday: Ruth Douthitt




Monday: Jan Drexler will be here talking about the seasons of writing. What season are you in right now?
Tuesday:  In Defense of the Beta Hero - Pepper chats about the virtues of celebrating the lesser-loved hero type in fiction. 
Wednesday: Debby Giusti will talk about creating a "Story Stew!" Be sure to stop in for the recipe and giveaway! 
Thursday: Winnie Griggs will be here with a post she's pondering as we 'speak'.  








RELEASES OCT 25th

IN A SNIPER’S CROSSHAIRS

By Debby Giusti

An assassin’s loose in Amish country…

and she’s not the only target.

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

 

Pre-Order HERE! 

Jan Drexler's second cozy mystery, The Case of the Artist's Mistake, is available in ebook!

You can order HERE - and it's free for Kindle Unlimited!
The new art gallery in town is causing quite a stir, and Emma is in the middle of it!
The Sweetbrier Inn is filled with guests, and the town is teeming with tourists who have come to celebrate Paragon Days, the official kickoff to the summer tourist season. But even before the festivities start, amateur sleuth Emma Blackwood stumbles upon a dead body. With no visible signs of violence, Deputy Cal determines the death is from natural causes, but Emma isn’t so sure. Why would a seemingly healthy woman drop dead? And what does the picture she was holding have to do with it? If Emma doesn’t solve this puzzle soon, a killer may get away with committing the perfect crime.(Paperback available soon!)







Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors  (please see our Legal page )
The NaNoWriMo Writing Bundle by HumbleBundle - 16 how-to books by industry-respected authors for $18.00 to help inspire your NaNo writing challenge. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the NaNoWriMo organization. (Please note the above disclaimer on behalf of Seekerville) 
Rewriting the Bookstore Event by Yuvi Zalkow at Writer Unboxed
Tips to Seek and Secure Endorsements for Your Manuscript by Cindy Sproles at The Write Conversation
Writing a Military Character by Kariss Lynch at Learn How To Write A Novel
The "Hidden Influencer" of Book Sales by Joe Derr at Your First 10,000 Readers
A Pantser's Guide to Story Structure by Kristen Kieffer at Well-Storied
Rejection Slips by Elaine Viets at Kill Zone blog
Creatively Cowriting With God with Allen Arnold by Thomas Umstattd, Jr. at Steve Laube agency
Conflict + Choices = Character Agency by Becca Puglisi at Helping Writers Become Authors

The Key to a Successful NaNoWriMo? Using October Wisely by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers
Daily Routines of Successful Authors by Daniel Parsons at Self Publishing Formula

Inviting Our Readers Into Our Enchanted Woods

“He does not despise real woods because he has read of enchanted woods; the reading makes all real woods a little enchanted.”
― C.S. Lewis, On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature

Imagine yourself as a builder. 

Where would you begin? An idea.

It is the same with writing fantasy and building the world where your characters live, evolve, and die. 

The Idea

A builder begins with the idea he has or the idea his client has for him. Writers of fantasy fiction can follow the same methodology. 

We begin with an idea and brainstorm what that world would look like. Ever imagine God doing the same thing before He created our universe? What was His main goal? To reveal more of Himself to creation because He knew that knowing Him is the greatest good that could ever happen for us.

As writers, it is the same idea with our writing: We reveal more about ourselves in our stories whether intentionally or not. These revelations of our attributes are what connects our readers to our stories. 

Enchanted Woods

Reality can be brutal. Our fantasy worlds can make reality enchanted, as C.S. Lewis suggested in his quote. So, like a builder, we must keep our clients (our readers) in mind when we are constructing our fantasy worlds. 

As with character development, world-building requires the writer to dig deeper by asking some questions the reader might ask:

Why is the story set where it is?

How does the setting connect to the character?

What are the politics of the world?

What is the religion, if any, and why?

What is the currency?

And how does all of the above connect to the reader?

The setting of our stories must mean something to the character and plot otherwise we risk leaving our readers disconnected. And when they are disconnected, they put down the book. 

In her Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling did a brilliant job of connecting with her readers by making Hogwarts like the most fascinating boarding school in history. We Americans couldn’t connect as well since boarding schools aren’t the fashionable status symbol in America anymore. But in England, readers could connect to that feeling of saying goodbye to mom and dad, boarding a train to school, and arriving at a mysterious location that will become “home” for several months. Brilliant idea to take a scary reality
and make it completely fascinating, enchanted, and desirable. Rowling made the real woods a little enchanted for her readers. 

In our fantasy world-building, we need to go deeper as well. It helps to imagine our readers asking why we started our story in a haunted forest, a massive castle, in outer space, or under the sea. If we cannot answer their questions satisfactorily, then we’ve lost our readers. 

 I once knew a writer who struggled with depression. He wrote a horror story when he was in his early twenties about a recently divorced man who moved from the city into the woods where he could decompress in a tiny cabin. His sole companion was his faithful dog. When his dog is tragically killed by a wild animal, the man’s goal is to hunt the animal and avenge his beloved dog. But the animal that killed the dog is a werewolf. 

Intrigued by the story, I asked the writer why he set the story in the woods. He couldn’t answer, so I pressed further. Finally, it dawned on him that the cabin in the secluded woods represented the way depression made him feel: All alone. He went on to detail how he sometimes preferred that seclusion. I then asked him if the contrast from the fast-paced city scape to the quiet woods connected to his character. He explained how the divorce had made his character feel attacked to the point where he wanted nothing to do with people. Only nature and his dog would suffice as companions. 

I asked him why a werewolf as the villain?

After thinking about it for a moment, he suggested that the werewolf represented depression and how it appears occasionally (on a full moon night) to attack and destroy what he loves most: Peace, quiet, and relationships. 

Amazing how this writer wrote his story and setting without knowing the connection to himself and his readers until he dug deeper. The enchanted woods do help us conquer what the real woods press upon us. 

Escaping the Real Woods

“…I never fully understood it till my friend Professor Tolkien asked me the very simple question, ‘What class of men would you expect to be most preoccupied with, and hostile to, the idea of escape?’ and gave the obvious answer: jailers.”
― C.S. Lewis, On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature

Escaping the real woods can be the main reason fantasy authors write their stories. Christian fantasy authors will be tempted by the “jailer” to omit biblical principles from their stories. Biblical principles are the only means of eternal escape from the pain and sorrow of the real woods.

But the temptation to omit biblical principles must be overcome. 

Christian writers of fantasy can still add the principles of Christianity into their fantasy world-building even if the story takes place in another universe. C.S. Lewis and Tolkien accomplished this by ensuring their worlds had absolute good defeating absolute evil. 

Themes of good overcoming evil, putting others above oneself, and remaining true to an oath are apparent in my Dragon Forest and Elves of Vulgaard books. I ensured that readers could see how the world in which the story takes place has the biblical principles of:

Self-sacrifice

Covenant oath

Deliverance

Salvation

Redemption

Truth

Absolute good

Absolute evil

Because magic is used in my books, readers will see the limitations of magic and its economy. There are risks in using wizardry and spells to change reality. Readers will notice how the characters must deal with these risks and how the consequences do not simply affect themselves, but others as well. 

Why do this in a fantasy series? Because readers need to know that God doesn’t work through magic, but through His inherent power and goodness. Christian fantasy authors can reveal God’s attributes this way even if He is not part of that fantasy world.  The real woods can be frightening. Christian fantasy authors can provide escape for the reader by adding fairies flittering about the woods, jovial gnomes guarding buried treasure, or ethereal elves protecting their realm.

The Hope

Lewis and Tolkien took the brutal reality of war between good and evil and made it enchanted in their own way because they both knew the horrors war. They understood the need for hope. 

Fantasy authors would be wise to do the same when building their fantasy worlds: Keeping the need for escaping reality in mind as well as the need for biblical principles that lead to the eternal hope all readers are searching for.

In doing so, readers will no longer despise the real woods because they’ve been inside our enchanted woods. 

_______________________________________

Former writing teacher, R. A. Douthitt is an award-winning author of many books for middle grade readers and adults in fiction.  She is the winner of the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Books Award-Bronze Medal for Best Book Series and the 2022 Christian Indie Award-First Place in YA. Book three in her Elves of Vulgaard series, "Dragon Riders," releases October 25th.  She currently works for Grand Canyon University and lives in Phoenix with her husband Scott and their little dog. When she isn't writing, Ruth loves to run, draw, paint, and garden.

Follow her at her Website and on Facebook

Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge

 This will be the briefest post in Seekerville history.

It's pumpkin time. I live on a pumpkin farm and run an outdoor market where I make the jams and jellies, cookies, cakes, and some of the gifts in the gift shop we put in last year... So the last seven weeks have been crazy and it will continue for three more weeks but in the meantime:

DRUMROLL!!!!!!

"RECLAIMING HOPE IN WISHING BRIDGE" is up for preorder and about to release!

We are so excited to bring you this beautiful story.

She swore she'd never come back and she meant it... it took one phone call to change her mind.

She came back to face a past she'd rather forget, but life doesn't always give us that chance, does it? Sometimes it pushes us to face things we'd rather leave buried. 

I've been wanting to write this story for years, but there were other stories that had to come first. Four other stories, actually, because each woman, each man has their own Ecclesiastes 3 story line. And I've included the opening chapter for "Kindling Christmas in Wishing Bridge" at the end of the book and I can't wait to dive into that story now.

Wishing Bridge is special.

The town...

The people...

The prodigals...

The longing, the lost and the lonely.

I am having so much fun writing mysteries for Guideposts and indie markets, but my heart lies in Wishing Bridge, New York.

Where prayers and dreams mingle to make wishes come true!

I know I'm behind on a gazillion things (including getting books out) but I'll catch up after pumpkin season. But for now, there's a new Ruthy-book coming out.

Beautiful. Strong. Poignant. Heart-grabbing. Thought-provoking.

You can preorder the Kindle version now.... and the paperback will release in a matter of days.

And yes... you guessed it... we're happy!

Ruthy is offering three Kindle copies to be sent on release day to celebrate "Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge" being the #1 New Release in Women's Christian Fiction...

A pretty nice fact to find! 

Let me know you want to win it and we'll put some extra sticky tape on your ticket! 

Welcome back...

                                                                 .... To Wishing Bridge.

Wishing Bridge, NY... where your dreams are blessed by their wishes and prayers.

Bestselling inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of writing stories and running a really fun farm with her husband of SO MANY YEARS... :) Come visit her on Facebook, write her at loganherne@gmail.com or stop by her website ruthloganherne.com. She'd love to hear from you! 

Changing Things Up

Good morning, friends! I am so happy to be back with you on this lovely fall day! I will admit that fall is my favorite season of the year. I love the changing colors, the smells, the feeling of walking in the cool air, swaddled in cuddly sweaters and comfy jeans. I also love some of the flavors. Apples. Cinnamon. Nutmeg. And to my astonishment, pumpkin spice. Friends, I said for years I was a tea drinker and coffee was gross. Then I was introduced to iced coffee, cappuccino, and the joys of flavored creamers. Now I'm a fan. 

It goes to show, it's good to try new things. 

Which is why 2022 is my year to try some new things in my writing life. Y'all, I love what I do. And I love my publisher. However, I also wanted to breathe some new life into some of my older manuscripts. When I got my rights back for Presumed Guilty and Interrupted Lullaby, I was scared and elated. What to do now? Well, the first thing I tackled were the covers. I had worked with Brandi Gabriel before and had been pleased with her work, so I contracted Blessed Designs to do the new covers for my LaMar County Justice series.

Aren't they gorgeous? I then decided to remake a novella from a collection and make it the prologue to the re-issues. 
I was very happy with how it turned out. I needed one more full-length story, though. My editor said she wouldn't mind if I took a story that contained a few of the characters from my published series and created an indie book to round out the series. I chose a storyline that she'd decided not to use. Explosive Reunion will be my last story in this experiment.



I have been working hard at revising and updating the manuscripts and learning about self-publishing. It's been so very exciting. I can't wait to release these. I don't yet know how much indie publishing I will do. This may be my only solitary venture, or I may decide to do more. We'll have to see how I feel about this after these books are released. A Dark Silence will be out later this fall. The other three will all release in 2023. 
It will be an interesting year.
So now I want to know, what changes or new adventures have you embraced in your life?

Dana R. Lynn is an award-winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at  www.danarlynn.com.

Autumn Joy and Renewal

I will say that Autumn is my favorite season. While so many grieve the goodbyes to summer, I find myself coming alive with renewed joy.

Why?

I've wondered this many times before. Certainly, the fact that I am a snow bird has something to do with it. The cool weather, the autumn foliage, the goofy play time when you don't turn into a sweatbox, etc.

But this year is different. It's my second fall without my mom. I kidnapped my daddy and took him with me and my two kiddos to the apple orchard the other day, and I don't know how many times my internal self reflected on Mom and how much she would have loved to join us. I could hear echoes of her laughter in the breeze and in my memories. 

I found joy there. Most people know my books tend to circle around the concept of death and hauntings and murder and ghouls--it's not for everyone, I get that. I also love to provide human explanations for those hauntings too, just in case anyone is concerned I've gone too far ;) . But there is joy in death. There really, really is.

When Momma found out she had a short while left here with us, she was centered on building anticipation for where she was moving to. The joy and the hope of her faith was so real, and eternity became far less abstract and far closer.

With faith in Jesus, there is so much hope. Death stings in the sense of sorrow and the missing, but it has definitely lost its sting because it is only for a period of time. This is why I write about death. Because my hope--my passion--is that readers will discover the grace of Christ and with that, death will become a passage across the finish life of this chapter and into the next. Death will not be a morbid, frightening, or horrifically traumatic loss, but a peaceful passage and a comforting move into a whole new chapter of life!

Death is not the end of life. It is not a loss of something, it is a transition of someone. This is what the grace of Jesus does. This is the hope we can embrace today!

So leap with me in autumn joy and renewal! Blow kisses toward your loved ones in Heaven--I do firmly believe the Lord passes them along on our behalf. And sing for the wonder that is forever and the reunion that is coming!

___________________________
  Jaime Jo Wright is the author of nine novels, including Christy Award winner The House on Foster Hill and Christy Award Finalist Echoes Among the Stones. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas.

Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her cat named Foo, beta fish named Calico Jack, and her other three felines: Jupiter, Maddie, & Moses. She's been married over 20 years to her husband, Cap'n Hook who pirated away with her heart and has held it hostage with some ferocity. Homeschooling keeps her pretending to be smart, and her fierce daughter CoCo is a whiz in the kitchen, while her son, fondly called Peter Pan, is pretty much an all around mama's boy (she'll keep it that way as long as she can). 

Along with her writing, Jaime also manages MadLit Mentoring & Assist which offers mentorships workshops and quarterly group mentoring to aspiring and established authors, as well provides assistant services to established authors who don't share Jaime's love of all things social media and marketing. You can find out more about Jaime at jaimewrightbooks.com or madlitmentoring.com 

www.jaimewrightbooks.com
www.madlitmentoring.com
https://linktr.ee/jaimejowright

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

The Healing of Ten Lepers, James Tissot, 1886-1894,
Brooklyn Museum. [PD-US]

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
"Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said,
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
"Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you."

Luke 17:11-19

We continue to pray for all those who were in Ian's path. 

Lord, we lift up to you all those who lost homes and property, for those who were injured, and for those mourning the loss of friends and relatives who were victims of the storm.

Protect all who are working to build back the areas devastated by the hurricane.

God bless them all!

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

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

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

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.