Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 72

Seekerville is Closed Today

 

Seekerville is closed today as we celebrate the birth of  Jesus Christ!  May you find time to pause and reflect on "God is With Us."

Please join us again soon!

Creating a Playlist for Your Novel

 

This time of year, most people's playlists probably are All Christmas All the Time.

But let's take a break from Christmas for a few minutes and talk about music that inspires us to write.

I'm sure we'll hear from some of you that you need silence to write. Or maybe you prefer instrumental background music or one of those videos of Music for Creating.

I have writer friends who love to listen to movie soundtracks while they write. 

This was a really popular one:

I've used the soundtracks from both The Patriot and

I'd love to hear about your preferences.

I prefer a curated playlist that connects me to my characters and story.

Sometimes, there's a specific song that resonates with the story. For example, when I first started writing Christmas in Hiding, I needed a song for my Callie to sing whenever she needed to remember trust in God and praise him even when things weren't going as she'd planned. When I found this video, I knew it was perfect.

 

In fact, because it serves as such a wonderful reminder to me, it's the first song that now goes into every playlist, and it's the first one I play to begin each writing session.

Christmas in Hiding had a few other songs as well, particularly this one from the TV show Nashville (which had some great music!). The lyrics kept me going when I would have given up during the writing process.

In January Texas Witness Threat releases. I had a fabulous playlist for that. What I love about it is that all I have to do is put the playlist on and immediately I'm in the story.

Of course I started with "How Great Thou Art." 

Some of the other songs in this playlist were:

Rachel Platten's "Fight Song"

"Timing is Everything" from Trace Adkins - This one matched up so perfectly with the opening scene of my book.

There's a part that goes like this - 

I remember that day

When our eyes first met

You ran into the building to get out of the rain
Cause you were soaking wet.

Of course in my book, Christine then witnesses a murder before she runs into Blake, but these lines also resonated:

And I could've been another minute late
And you'd never would've crossed my path that day

In her case, that made the difference between life and death!

I had a novella out in a wonderful anthology called Faithful Women. I found an absolutely perfect song that I also just added to my newest playlist because I love it so much.

I recently had to switch the order of the books I'm working on because of some changes in release schedules. I had an absolutely perfect playlist for the book I was working on - one that revolved around this song.

and this one

But I'm working on a different book now, so I need a whole new playlist. So far I've got only three songs - 

"How Great Thou Art"

"Broken Vessels"

and this

That's enough to get me started, but I'll add other songs as I come across them. It's not something that can be forced. If the song isn't right, it doesn't work as motivation.

So let's talk. If you're a writer, do you do playlists? Do you need silence instead or maybe some other type of music? 

If you're a reader, would you be curious to know the playlist an author created to go along with the book? 

A Christmas Tree Tour

 

by Jan Drexler

A lot of families have "themed" Christmas trees. One of my friends loves the Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, so you can guess what her theme is! Another friend loves red and white decorations, so of course her tree has white lights and red ornaments of all kinds. My cousin is a Chicago Bears fan...yes, you know what her tree is like!

I'm going to share some pictures of my favorite ornaments from our tree - will you be able to guess the theme?

This first ornament came from my husband's parents when we were first married. It had been a part of their Christmas since they were married in 1947. Even though we've lost a few of the ornaments they gave us in our cross country moves, this one and a blue one are still with us!

This ornament and the striped one in the background came from my parents' collection. They bought it when they were first married in 1950. There was a match to this one in blue with the words "Silent Night" on it (my absolute favorite from the time I was a young child.) Sadly, that ornament met its demise our first December in Kentucky when the tree Just. Fell. Over. We can't even blame the cat! For the remainder of the five years we lived in that house, we anchored the top of the tree to the window frame!

I made this ornament when I was about thirteen or fourteen. My mom brought the kit home from work or somewhere - I don't remember where it came from - but she wanted me to put it together. I spent a weekend working on it, and have never made anything with beads since then! It was tedious, and I didn't really enjoy it...but, you know...my mom wanted me to do it. Every time I look at it I'm reminded that at least once in my life I did something just because I loved my mom.

As much as I disliked working with beads, my grandmother loved them! This ornament came as a package decoration when I was in high school. I don't remember what the present was, but this little bell that Grandma made for me has been on my Christmas tree ever since that year.

In 1979 I met this guy... By 1980, we were enough of a couple that he bought me a Christmas present. By the next Christmas, we were engaged. I'll never forget his first Christmas gift to me - this sweet ornament!

My mom and I shared a love for Hummel pictures and figurines. She bought this ornament for me at Bronner's Christmas store in Frankenmuth, Michigan. If you've ever driven up I-75, I know you've seen the advertisements for this store. It's a classic, but it isn't for everyone. Have you ever been there?

In early 2019, we suddenly lost our tri-color corgi, Thatcher. I hate saying goodbye to dogs, don't you? But several months later, we brought Jack home. When I was at Bronner's that fall, I saw this ornament. Jack will have a place on our tree almost as long as he will have a place in our hearts. (Note to self: on our next trip to Michigan, we need to add a border collie ornament for Sam!)

2019 was also the year we moved into our "retirement" home. After moving all over the place for more than thirty-five years, we are finally in a house that we don't plan to sell any time soon, so we bought our first "New Home" ornament. We hope to make many sweet memories in this home!


Have you guessed the "theme" of our Christmas tree?
It's memories. 
I think that's one of the things that makes Christmas so special. Not the lights, the music, the presents, or even the tree. It's the memories of Christmases past, spent with people we love - and the opportunity to make THIS Christmas another sweet memory for ourselves and others.
And all because God humbled Himself to become Immanuel...God With Us.
Do you have a theme for your tree? Or would you like to share one of your favorite Christmas memories?
Tell us all about it in the comments!

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Annunciation by Murillo, 1655–1660, Hermitage Museum,
 Saint Petersburg. [PD-US]

The angel Gabriel was sent from Godto a town of Galilee called Nazareth,to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,of the house of David,and the virgin’s name was Mary.And coming to her, he said,“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”But she was greatly troubled at what was saidand pondered what sort of greeting this might be.Then the angel said to her,“Do not be afraid, Mary,for you have found favor with God.

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,and you shall name him Jesus.He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,and of his kingdom there will be no end.”But Mary said to the angel,“How can this be,since I have no relations with a man?”And the angel said to her in reply,“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.Therefore the child to be bornwill be called holy, the Son of God.And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,has also conceived a son in her old age,and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;for nothing will be impossible for God.”Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.May it be done to me according to your word.”Then the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26-38

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 join us in praying for the United States--and the world--during the current rise in Coronavirus cases. Pray for the sick and suffering, for businesses and schools to remain open, for people to be able to work and for our economy to prosper.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and your families and keep you safe as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child.  

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.


Monday: Missy Tippens shared the announcement of her retirement from the blog after thirteen years! In the spirit of our blog's desire to help writers, she offered a critique of the first 5 pages of a writer's manuscript. The winner is Gena Bessire!
Wednesday: Debby Giusti talked about International  Christmas Traditions! She also served some treats that her family enjoys at this time of year: Panettone, Biscotti and Stollen.
Friday: Winnie Griggs discussed the things Amish Romance stories have in common with Western Historical Romance.  The winner of her two book giveaway is Amy Anguish!

Seekerville Story Marathon Winner: On December 11th, Annie started the Seekerville Story Marathon. One random winner will win "A Writer's Starter Pack" from Annie. The winner selected is: Linnette M.The complete story from the Story Marathon will be posted on the blog sometime this week. 



Monday:  
Wednesday:  Cate Nolan is here to talk about writing playlists and how they can fuel creativity.  Friday: 








Hey Villagers! I'm so excited that THE EVERGREEN BRIDE is available for .99cents in the final days leading up to Christmas.Pop over to Amazon and grab a copy of this sweet little re-issued Christmas novella.
Click here to Buy!
Merry Christmas from the Mississippi Piney Woods!

Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry & Amish Rescue by Debby GiustiTwo great stories in Harlequin's New Red Diamond ImprintAvailable Dec 29 on Amazon



It's almost release time!!!!  The "snake" book (you know, the one with the snake on the cover that is barely mentioned in the book?) - otherwise known as Texas Witness Threat - is available for pre-order.



Her Amish Wedding Quilt is on the shelves! The book released on Dec 15th.Click HERE for more info or to purchase






Parler, MeWe, and How to Navigate Social Media Splintering as an Author  by Thomas Umstattd at Author Media
Writing Valuable Fiction by Michael Albrecht at Helping Writers Become Authors
Securing Audiobook Rights by Matt Knight at Jane Friedman
Analogies are Like a Box of Chocolates by Angela Ruth Strong at Learn How To Write A Novel
Persuasive Writing Techniques by David Masters at Write To Done
Work Wonders in 2021 by Porter Anderson at Writer UnBoxed
Keeping Your Writing Routine From Becoming a Rut by Shanna Swendson at Fiction University

How Amish Fiction And Western Historical Are Similar

 

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.
It's just a week until Christmas - where in the world did the month go? Like many of you my Christmas gathering will look a lot different this year and the plans are still pretty fluid. Several family members have tested positive at various times over the past few months - the latest one just this morning.  But I know God is  in control of all that's happening here and in the world at large. So my hope is in Him and in His awesome Love for us.

 

Anyway, a bit of fun news - My first Amish romance, Her Amis Wedding Quilt, released this week! As most of you know, for a little over a year now I’ve been immersed in writing the books in my Hope's Haven series. There will be three books in the series and I'm currently wrapping up book 2. It’s required a ton of research and reading all about this very unique group of people who have their own dialect and mores, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge.

One of the things I learned along the way, however, is that, at least on the surface, there are a number of similarities between Amish fiction and western historicals, the previous genre I wrote in.  Here are several of them

 

The most obvious is, of course the mode of transportation. My previous research into issues such as how to hitch a horse to a wagon and how long it takes a horse and buggy to travel xx number of miles came in handy for sure.

 

Another not-so-surprising similarity is the lack of technology in their everyday life. Although the Amish do make use of some technology they are very deliberate in what they allow into their homes and into their lives. So even though the Amish stories I’m writing are contemporaries rather than historicals, I have to avoid many of the trappings of present day life. Except for very strictly defined exceptions that can vary from district to district – no cellphone close to hand, no television, no computers or tablets. There’s also no electricity but these days many use generators or solar power.

 

Both groups have a strong feelings about the value of close ties to family and community and a belief in neighbors helping neighbors. It’s not unusual to find several generations living under one roof or in close proximity. And you can find several videos of Amish barn raisings, frolics (what they call their gatherings to help an individual in the community with a task) and other tasks.

 

Of course there are lots of differences too. The Amish dialect for one thing. And their strong belief in pacifism. And these book are set in the modern world so even though the Amish themselves don’t make use of all the modern conveniences they interact with those who do and even hire non-Amish to do things like chauffer them to and from places that are too distant for them to travel by buggy.

 

And in honor of this being release week for my first Amish book I’m doing a special giveaway. One of the visitors who leave a comment on this post will be selected to receive a copy of Her Amish Wedding Quilt AND their choice of any of the historical western romance books in my backlist.

 

So leave a comment – are there some similarities I missed? Do you prefer one genre over the other?

Or let’s just talk about Christmas traditions – I haven’t even gotten my tree up yet (yikes!!) but I have taken out the stockings which are my favorite decorations. And there will be a new addition to the crowded line-up on the mantle – my 6 month old grandson. I just need to get out my sewing machine…

 

HER AMISH WEDDING QUILT

An Amish seamstress and a single father have a chance to make a fresh start in this heartwarming first novel of a new series.

Spirited, forthright, impulsive -- everyone told Greta Eicher she'd have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta's wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.

Noah knows it's time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?

Learn more or purchase HERE

 

 

International Christmas Traditions

By Debby Giusti

This Advent, a number of Seekerville posts have focused on Christmas traditions. I’ve enjoyed learning about the various ways many of the Seekers and Villagers celebrate the holiday. In keeping with our December theme, I’ll share a few of the international treats that have meaning for my family at this time of year.

Some of you know that I’m an Army brat and an Army wife. My father was part of the Greatest Generation and spent thirty-two years on active duty. My husband and son are now retired, but they too had successful military careers. As you’ve probably guessed, we traveled the world and especially enjoyed our time in Germany.

Our three-year tour of duty in Deutschland was a wonderful opportunity to learn the German language and to get to know the people and their culture. The children counted down to Christmas on chocolate Advent Calendars. Since then, the calendars have become readily available in the US, and I’m sure many of you, like me, get them for your grandchildren.

My grown children still fondly remember the Feast of Saint Nicholas. We would take our three little ones to the neighborhood bakery in the early evening of December 6th and gather outside with German families and their children. The boys and girls cheered with glee when a beautifully decorated wagon, drawn by a matched team of horses, rode into sight. Saint Nicholas was at the reins, wearing a flowing robe and miter hat and sporting a long white beard. He stopped at the bakery and distributed bags of candy and cookies and little toys to all the children.

Throughout December, we would visit various outdoor Christkindlesmarkts—Nuremberg being one of the best—where hand-carved ornaments were for sale along with wonderful baked goods.

On Saturdays when we weren't traveling, we’d bundle up in wool coats, hats and gloves, and with our youngest child tucked in the stroller, we’d walk to our town’s marktplatz, or market place, located near the beautiful Aschaffenburg castle on the Main River. We’d drink hot chocolate, sometimes enjoy a paper cone of French fries (the Germans eat theirs with mayonnaise) or perhaps a wurst or sausage. Our breath would cloud the frigid air and mix with the laughter and excitement around us as we shopped for Christmas gifts. Along with the gifts, we’d come home with farm fresh produce, cut flowers, and bakery items made only in December.

Stollen remains a favorite treat. The bread is filled with nuts, spices and candied fruit and is coated with powdered sugar and eaten during the Christmas season.

German cookies are another family tradition. Lebkuchen is a type of gingerbread first baked by medieval monks. A blend of hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds along with a mix of spices give it a distinctive taste that’s loved by all.

Pfeffernusse is a type of lebkuchen rolled into small balls and glazed with powdered sugar that are also popular at Christmas.

My father-in-law was first generation Italian. We traveled to Italy with the children when we lived in Germany, and my husband and I have returned to Italy a number of times. A favorite Italian Christmas treat is panettone. The sweet, yeasty cake is filled with raisins and candied fruit, and was first made In Milan and dates back to the Roman Empire.

Biscotti is another favorite. A monastery in the Atlanta area bakes a delicious variety of the almond flavored cake that always signals the approach of Christmas.

I hope you’ll share any special family foods that give meaning to your holiday celebrations. The coffee’s hot, and I’ve filled the breakfast bar with stollen, panettone and biscotti. There’s also hot chocolate and tea. Enjoy a special treat as we continue our discussion on holiday traditions.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

Amish Christmas Search

Oct 2020

An Amish girl’s disappearance is a mystery…

and the clues lead straight into danger at Christmas.

Convinced her friend didn’t run away as the police

believe, Lizzie Kauffman searches for the truth—but

someone will kill to keep it hidden. Now the Amish

housekeeper and her friend Caleb Zook are on the

run for their lives. And if they want to find their

missing friend, Lizzie and Caleb must figure out

a way to survive the holiday.

 

Order HERE!

13 Years, One Month, and Three Weeks: Forever Grateful

Missy Tippens

 

Thirteen years, one month, and three weeks ago today, I created my first post for the fairly new Seekerville blog. I was a nervous wreck. I had to follow amazing posts by Seeker bloggers who knew a lot more about publishing than I did (I was still four months away from the release of my debut novel), and who were funnier and more engaging than I am. But our group had come together while running into each other as finalists in writing contests…and that, I knew a LOT about. :) So I told myself that I belonged with these talented women, trying to help others achieve their dream of publication—especially through entering contests.

 

One hundred and seven posts later, I have shared what I’ve learned along the way about writing and publishing and marketing. I’ve tried to share encouraging posts and even inspirational posts as God taught me lessons about myself through the writing of my books. Every few years, I’d wonder how long this blogging journey would last, and each time, I felt God directing me to continue.

 

But a few months ago, I started feeling God nudging me to consider that it was time to retire from the blog. I admit, I was stubborn and doubted. I thought surely I had misunderstood. But I kept praying about it, and over the last several weeks I’ve felt God confirming the change. It seemed that daily, during my Bible study time, He would bring a verse to me that spoke the same message. I have no idea what God has for me next, but I’m excited to find out. I WILL continue writing, because I still feel that calling! I’ve just been offered another contract on some more devotionals, and I’m working on another novel.

 

Though I do have one more guest I’ll be hosting in January, I won’t be a regular blogger here at Seekerville anymore. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ll disappear! I’ll still drop by to jump in the discussions and to pester Ruthy (I love to pester Ruthy!). :)

 

Today, in honor of our purpose for this blog, I’d love to offer to critique the first 5 pages (1.5 or double spaced) of someone’s manuscript. Please let me know in the comments if you’d like to be entered!

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It has been one of the privileges of my life to be able to be a part of this blog for the last 13 years. The love of our community here, and the joy we Seekers have felt each time one of you makes your first sale or indie publishes your first book, have often been the encouragement I’ve need to keep plowing through this wild and crazy journey of writing. So, thank you.

 

I pray blessings on each of you.

 

***

 

, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Missy also writes devotionals for several publications from Guideposts.

Visit Missy at:

www.missytippens.com

https://twitter.com/MissyTippens 

http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers.

Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Saint John The Baptist Preaching In The Wilderness
by Anton Raphael, c. 18thC [PD-US].

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests
and Levites to him
to ask him, “Who are you?”
He admitted and did not deny it,
but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”
So they asked him,
“What are you then? Are you Elijah?”
And he said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.”
So they said to him,
“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?”
He said:
“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘make straight the way of the Lord, ’”
as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Some Pharisees were also sent. 
They asked him,
“Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”
John answered them,
“I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.

     John 1:6-8, 19-28

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 join us in praying for the United States--and the world--during the current rise in Coronavirus cases. Pray for the sick and suffering, for businesses and schools to remain open, for people to be able to work and for our economy to prosper.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! 

May the Lord bless you and your families and keep you safe as you journey to Christmas. 

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.





Monday: Mary Connealy talked about Nano! National Novel Writing Month. I was in a Christmasy mood so I picked FOUR winners. Jackie Smith, Rachel Herod, Kimberly Burkhardt  and Lynne Lanning each won a book of their choice. I'll tell you right now, I don't have many old ones kicking around. We can discuss on email what's available. Winnie is the winner of a $20.20 Amazon gift card.
Wednesday: Pam Hillman gave some really great advice and graphics (!) over her TWO DAY posting spree on the ever popular DIY Graphics Design Tutorial!! Make certain these posts are bookmarked!
Friday: Starting is always the hardest. Annie shared some real-life beginning stories from others on  writing. Plus, the first Seekerville Story Marathon for all to participate. It's not over yet! It ends next week at 2 PM EST on Friday, December 18, 2020.  Go join the fun and start writing with us! Winner will be announced at the next Weekend Edition. 




Monday:  Missy Tippens will be sharing some news today and offering a giveaway: a critique of the winner's first 5 pages!
Tuesday: Liz Tolsma is our guest!
Wednesday:  Debby Giusti will share a few family traditions for the Christmas holiday!   Friday: Winnie Griggs brings her wisdom to the house today.







Three books. One Series.All coming in 2021. Brothers in Arms.


Braced for Love March 2021
A Man with a Past July 2021 Love on the Range November 2021No Buy Link Available...yet

Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry & Amish Rescue by Debby GiustiTwo great stories in Harlequin's New Red Diamond ImprintAvailable Dec 29 on Amazon





Her Amish Wedding Quilt releases this week!!
Available December 15th

Learn more or Pre-Order HERE






How Decorating the Tree Relates to Writing by Lindsey Brackett at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
To Do: The Alastair Method by Alastair Johnston at The Bullet Journalist
5 Tips for World Building by Eve Lynch at The Novel Smithy
10 Best Books to Buy a Writer for Christmas by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
How Many Characters is Too Many? by Jodie Woodward at Writer's Edit

How To Create Your Own Book Marketing Images by LA Sartor at Book Brush Blog
Vintage WD: How To Keep From Writing (humorous throwback opinion from 1955) by John F Stilleto at Writers Digest
Endurance to Cross Your Own Finish Line by Tina Radcliffe 
Three Tips to Write Smarter by Lisa Jordan at Learn How To Write A Novel
Giveaway Alert: The Advent Calendar for Writers by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers
20 Inspiring Quotes to Get You Through Difficult Times by Mary Jaksch at Write To Done
Point of View in 2021 by Joe Bunting at The Write Practice