Mary Connealy's Blog, page 16

Dave Long from my publisher Bethany House, talking about the year 2013 in fiction

YEAR AHEAD: FICTION IN 2013
By David Long
Senior acquisitions editor,
Bethany House,
a division of Baker Publishing Group

It is a fact universally acknowledged that a publisher, seeing the rise and success of a new category of fiction, will eventually try to find an author of their own to fit that category. So it has been since the days of Jane Austen and so it is still. In fact, things have changed so little that, all these years later, it is still Miss Austen we’re all chasing.Or if it’s not Austen exactly, then perhaps best-selling author Julie Klassen or the popularity of Downton Abbey. A new British invasion is headed... read more here
Mary Connealy
http://www.maryconnealy.com

Remember Gorilla's in the Mist

This is My Cowboy in the Mist Or below here we could call it Cows in the Mist,
We could call this one, below, Cows Retreating into the Mist, or better yet we could call it, "Hey, stop bothering the cows, you're running them off with the camera flash and I have to lock them in the barn." (because that's what My Cowboy said to me to put an end to this lovely bout of photography)
Unfortunately, before I quit, I got to add, (below) Demon Possessed Calf in the Mist. I just hate when that happens to the little ones!
Except it turns out that Full Grown Demon Possessed Cows in the Mist are even spookier, just because...if I'm going to get charged by a demonic cow, I'd just as soon it be small.
And did you know that that circular ORB on the left side of this picture is considered by many in the Paranormal Community to be a ghost? That's how they show up on film!!! I'm not kidding. I think, in this case though, it's just me and my fat thumb leaving a smear on the camera lens. (which is a relief, really)Did I mention it was a foggy day?
Mary Connealy http://www.maryconnealy.com

Library Journal Review of SWEPT AWAY!!!

Life hasn’t been easy for Ruthy MacNeill. When the wagon train that her family joined tries to cross a wild river, she’s swept away and rescued by Luke Stone. Ruthy had prayed for a change, and Luke’s journey to reclaim his family’s ranch seems like a great adventure. Along the way, Luke’s friends take an interest in Ruthy, which doesn’t sit too well with Luke, who is also beginning to take a shine to her.
Click to Buy Amazon
Click to Buy Barnes & Noble
Click to Buy Christianbook.comLIBRARY JOURNAL VERDICT for Swept Away--Carol Award–winner Connealy (“The Kincaid Brides” series) has created a strong, independent heroine who meets her match in Luke, the strong, silent type. They clash at first before finding solace in each other, which makes for humorous moments that will please readers who enjoy romantic comedies with a Western flavor.

Swept Away coming March 2013 from Bethany House Publishing

Mary Connealy
http://www.maryconnealy.com

FIRST BABY OF SPRING!!

Yeah, I know, it's January 24th, shut up "Where is your baby, little mama," I asked. (I really did ask)  The camera lights up this little room but it's DARK. You can see the wood on both sides of the calf, she's hiding in a little store room beside her mama.  I had to do some bending and climbing, there's a gate between me and them, but I managed it. And then, just when I thought things were going well, and I have visions of being artistic and tricking the cows into posingthe mama told me to take a hike and leave her alone. So I did. Mary Connealy http://www.maryconnealy.com

My Deer Herd

Every night on my drive home from work I see a herd of deer around this bin site. I finally had my camera. Sometimes there are twice this many. There must be corn spilled on the ground.
I seriously expected them to just stand there and pose...they seem that tame. But the brats ran off so I only got those white tails, flying, warning of how dangerous I am.

Mary Connealy http://www.maryconnealy.com

4 STARS for Swept Away in Romantic Times Magazine!

Click to Buy on Amazon
Click to Buy on Barnes and Noble
Click to Buy on Christian Book.comSWEPT AWAY

by Mary Connealy Genre: Inspirational, Historical RomanceRT Rating
The first book of Connealy’s new series definitely does not disappoint. We follow Ruthy MacNeil, a self-reliant sweetheart who’s determined to go from victim to hero in her own life. Taking place in 1860s Texas, this novel not only entertains with historically based settings, but with captivating action, suspense and an uplifting love story.
After Ruthy survives a flood on the Sante Fe Trail and is rescued by a handsome stranger, Luke Stone, she has no idea what adventures await her. The former Civil War soldier may be charming, but he’s on a mission to avenge his father’s murder and win back his stolen land. With danger just around the corner, the stubborn couple manages to face their troubles without fear and with an occasional, cherished hand-hold. (BETHANY HOUSE, Mar., 352 pp., $14.99)
Reviewed By: Kelsey Pelzer

Mary Connealy
http://www.maryconnealy.com

Pam’s Publishing P’s: Part Two

By Pam Hillman

As I mentioned on Dora Hiers’ blog last week, I was having way too much fun with this and had to split it into two posts. To read Part One of this article, visit Dora’s blog.

To recap what we learned over at Dora’s, we’ve all heard that there are three P’s to publishing. I purchased an interesting book titled Where to Find It in the Bible by Ken Anderson, published by Thomas Nelson. I thought it would be a wonderful resource for devotionals when I bought it, but then realized it’s also great for writing related topics. I searched the entire section under “P”. Words popped out at me, and I immediately thought of ways to apply them to writing. I’ve taken some of the scripture references out of context to shine the spotlight on publishing, and the writing life.

I won’t quote these scriptures because of time and space, but will only excerpt short pieces. If a particular section speaks to you, feel free to look the scripture up. Maybe some of these vignettes will be helpful and encouraging to someone today.

Plan: Estimate the cost, Luke 14:28-30

Whether you are a plotter or a pantster doesn’t really matter. Each of us figures out where our stories are going at our own pace and in our own time. Experienced pantsters might not plot, they tend to write intuitively, and a lot of that intuition comes from the penmanship, perfection, and persistence already mentioned above.

Position: Asking for prestige rather than earning it, Mark 10:33-40

People appreciate what they have if they have to work for it. It’s the same with the writing life. Work to improve your writing, and you’ll be doubly appreciative when your efforts are rewarded. And the reward isn’t always a contract. There are different rewards. One reward is the satisfaction of a manuscript that is top-notch quality and ready for publication. A manuscript that you know without a shadow of a doubt is ready to be read by an editor. It might not be a contract, but it’s earning another step up the ladder. A step you’ve earned!

Prayer: Persistent prayer in time of need, 1 Samuel 7:8; God listens when people pray, 1 Kings 8:52; Psalm 6:9; Unanswered prayers, Job 30:20; God’s varied answers, Job 33:14-17; Persistent daily prayer, Psalms 5:3

There are almost 3 pages of scriptures on prayer listed in this wonderful book called Where to Find It in the Bible. Even if there isn’t a specific prayer that speaks to your heart regarding your writing, prayer can soothe your troubled spirit, and help you make it through your day. Pray for your writing to be all that it can be. Pray for God’s will in your writing life. And then turn it all over to Him.

Preparation: Spiritual preparation for future victory, Joshua 3:5; Dig ditches to receive water, 2 Kings 3:15-17; Break up unplowed ground, Hosea 10-12; Advance preparation, Mark 11:1-2

No matter what we’re doing, we need to be prepared. That might mean plotting our stories, or researching the publishing houses and agents we submit to. We need to study the industry, know which editor likes cowboys and which ones like firefighters. Which houses are publishing more historicals, and which ones are looking for contemporaries, or futuristic, or suspense. Plan ahead. Be prepared.

I’m listing several more “P” words from the book below, and I can think of many ways to relate them to the writing life. What about you? How can you apply some of these words to your writing life?

Publicity: Let others praise you, Proverbs 27:2; Word-of-mouth publicity, Matthew 4:24, 9:26, Luke 5:12-15
Prestige: Humility before honor, Proverbs 18:12
Positive: Message not yes or no, 2 Corinthians 1:18-10
Possessive: Greedy for gain, Jeremiah, 8:10
Power: Nothing to hard for God, Jeremiah, 32:27

To read Part One of this article which includes more “P” words for your perusal, visit Pam’s blog post on Dora Hiers’ blog from January 16.
~
Pam is thrilled to announce the release of her second novel,

Claiming Mariah

CLICK TO BUY ON AMAZONTo celebrate, Pam is giving away two eReaders
(choice of Kindle Wi-Fi, 6" Display, or Nook Simple Touch)
Two Winners: One on facebook. One through Pam’s Newsletter.
Facebook Drawing: Kindle/Nook Giveaway
Newsletter: Pam’s newsletter.
Registering both places is not required but will double your chances of winning. Also keep in mind that you will receive updates more often being connected on facebook than through the newsletter. Just sayin’
Contest runs from January 1st until March 31st, 2013.
And....that’s not all! There will be prizes offered randomly throughout the tour.
This week’s giveaway:
$10.00 Amazon Gift Card
PREVIOUS STOP ON TOUR
January 18th: Blogging with Preslaysa Williams
http://www.preslaysa.com
NEXT STOP ON TOUR:
January 28th: Blogging with Sarah Fograve
http://www.sarahforgrave.com/blog

Click for a Complete List of Stops Along the Tour
www.pamhillman.com
For Part One of this article, visit Dora Hiers’ blog.


Mary Connealy http://www.maryconnealy.com

Trouble in Texas--Link Fixed!

The Link in the earlier post isn't working.
Try this one

As authors a really common question we get asked is, “Where do you get your ideas?”

Never has that answer come so easily as this series.

The Trouble in Texas Series. Swept Away, Book #1 of the Trouble in Texas series releases in February.

I got the idea for this series.... Read More Here



Mary Connealy
http://www.maryconnealy.com

Trouble in Texas…A New Series Begins

As authors a really common question we get asked is, “Where do you get your ideas?”

Never has that answer come so easily as this series.

The Trouble in Texas Series. Swept Away, Book #1 of the Trouble in Texas series releases in February.

I got the idea for this series.... Read More Here



Mary Connealy
http://www.maryconnealy.com

Publisher's Weekly--Great Review of Swept Away

This is the first review I've seen for Swept Away. Publisher's Weekly  THEY LIKED IT!!!! Click to buy on amazon Best-selling author Connealy (Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages series) has made a name writing madcap romantic Westerns, and this new series, Trouble in Texas, will add to her list of successes if the first installment is any indication.
Floodwaters sweep Ruthy MacNeil far downstream and into the life of Lucas Stone, a man on a mission to reclaim his stolen ranch near Broken Wheel, Tex.
Luke—with help from his friends, all Regulators (men who kept order at Andersonville Prison during the Civil War)—wants to take back his family’s S Bar S Ranch from Flint Greer, a bully who beats his wife and doesn’t mind killing.
Luke and his friends proceed with their plan, which includes rescuing Greer’s wife and taking Greer and his men into custody. But Luke’s strategy doesn’t play out as planned, either with reclaiming his ranch or with steeling his heart against the hard-working and beautiful Ruthy. Connealy’s style is fast-paced and spritely and sure to keep drawing fans.


Here's a link just to make it official. :)
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7642-0914-7

Mary Connealy http://www.maryconnealy.com