Mona Hodgson's Blog, page 23

The Brown Truck Cometh

. . . delivering a humbling box.

Books! The ARCs for Prairie Song arrived.

Book 1, Hearts Seeking Home Series

What is an ARC? An Advanced Reading Copy! An uncorrected proof, meaning the ever-important proofreader hasn’t yet set her eyes on the book. Thus, I find releasing the ARC even more humbling than sending a proofed copy of a book into reader space.

Nonetheless, this is an exciting step in the process–the ARC gives an author the opportunity to place the story in the hands of influencers ahead of the release date.

Prairie Song, August 6th

What will I do with the box of Advanced Reading Copies of Prairie Song?

I have lots of ideas, including creating a Prairie Song launch team and hosting giveaways to fans and book reviewers. More news on all that coming soon!

In the meantime, thanks so much for joining me in my publishing venture.

If you were a book launch team member, what would you do to come alongside the author in promoting a new book?

A Cripple Creek Tribute

Research trips for my historical fiction takes me to museums, libraries, historical societies, archives . . . and old cemeteries. Like the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

Veterans Memorial Section

Established in 1892, the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery is one of Cripple Creek’s oldest sites. Mt. Pisgah remains a natural setting with native plants and wildflowers. Depending upon the time of year, you might find wild iris, goldenrod, Indian paintbrush, bluebells, even raspberries and strawberries in mid-summer.

Why visit cemeteries as part of my research?

1. To find historically accurate names.

2. To discover ethnic names for that time and place.

3. To find common nicknames.

4. To learn about the average lifespan.

5. To discover typical causes of death.

6. To learn the language and syntax used.

7. To feel immersed in history.

The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series

In my four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek books, I used real-life women who lived in Cripple Creek in the late 1890′s, my time period for the series. Both of the historical women I featured in The Bride Wore Blue are buried atop Mt. Pisgah.

Susan Anderson M.D.
Known as Doc Susie

Pearl DeVere

Have you visited old cemeteries? Which ones have you visited, and why?

© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker

Ripples Along the Shore Release Day and Giveaway

Cartwheels are called for. Know anyone who could be my standin?

My second series of women’s historical fiction is complete with the release of the third and final Quilted Heart novella!

When Caroline Milburn steps off the boat and back into her hometown of St. Charles, Missouri, part of her wishes she could step right back on board and sail away. St. Charles, though home to her beloved friends and quilting circle, hasn’t felt like home since the death of her husband. And living with her sister, Jewell’s family hasn’t provided much balm for her grieving heart. Caroline knows something needs to change—but for now she’s stuck sharing her sister’s home, and enduring the bitterness of her brother-in-law.

But change is brewing in St. Charles. A group of brave souls are preparing to head west on the Boone’s Lick Wagon Train, led by the mysterious and handsome Garrett Cowlishaw. Despite her dislike for Mr. Cowlishaw, who served as a Confederate soldier in the war that killed her husband, Caroline is tempted to join the wagon train and start fresh somewhere new.

QUILT PRIZE PACKAGE GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the completion of The Quilted Heart trilogy, we’re giving away a quilter’s prize pack, complete with a handmade Civil War Era Quilt Square, as well as some goodies I found at a quilt show.

Anyone who has purchased or pre-ordered one (or more!) of the Quilted Heart series eBooks can enter to win! If you’ve purchased Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, or Ripples Along the Shore, simply fill out this form, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Quilt Prize Package.

Many thanks to you for joining me here, and for reading my books. I appreciate you! And I wish each of you could win!

12 Reasons Not to Attend the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

1.  You have no interest in writing for publication.

2.  You don’t care about meeting and mingling with folks of like-mind, who share your interest in writing.

3.  You see no value in a contemplative stroll through a stand of awe-inspiring redwood trees.

4.  You don’t wish to build relationships with folks in the publishing industry–published authors, editors, agents.

5.  You have all the inspiration you need.

6.  You have no desire to explore the various genres or types of writing.

7.  You’re not interested in studying under a multi-published mentor.

8.  You’re spiritually topped up.

9.  You have no need for encouragement.

10. You know all there is to know about writing for publication, publishing, marketing, and promotions.

11. You’re not wondering what to do next in your writing career.

12. You have no need for Christian fellowship.

Click here to find out what else you don’t want to miss at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, April 9-15, 2014!

© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker

In the Case of Sisters . . .

Then God created sisters. And He blessed me with three.

I write. So it’s pretty easy to figure how what I’m wheeling around in my brown rolling case. A laptop computer, an AlphaSmart, and a USB cord.

For Sis Cindy, it’s either a tea set or painting supplies.

For Sis Tammy, it would be an otoscope and an audiometer since she’s a hearing specialist.

For Sis Linda, the case holds her sewing machine and all things having to do with stichery and quilting. The rolling case pictured above belongs to Linda, who put her quilting chops to good use for our celebration of the Saint Charles Quilting Circle in The Quilted Heart Novellas.

Linda made four Civil War Era quilt squares. Gwen M. won a square in our celebration of Dandelions on the Wind. The second square went to Karen R. in our launch party for Bending Toward the Sun.

Crafted by Mona’s Sister, Linda Gansberg Smith

And now we’re celebrating the May 21st release of Ripples Along the Shore with another Linda Smith Quilt Square giveaway. And because this is the third and final Quilted Heart novella, I’ve added a few other quilt-inspired goodies to the prize package.

The Quilted Heart Giveaway Package

Who can enter? Anyone who has purchased or pre-ordered one (or more!) of the Quilted Heart series eBooks!

If you’ve purchased Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, or Ripples Along the Shore, then simply fill out this form, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win.

If you haven’t fed your eReader with one of these eNovellas yet, you can find them wherever eBooks are sold! And they’re only $1.99 each!

Enter by June 4, 2013. We’ll announce the winner on June 5th!

Do you have a sister? What might we find in her rolling case (assuming she has one)?

Quilter’s Prize Pack

Ripples Along the Shore Giveaway Package

Ripples Along the Shore, the final eNovella in The Quilted Heart series goes on sale May 21, 2013. To celebrate, we’re giving away this quilter’s prize pack, complete with a handmade quilt square from my sister, Linda, as well as some goodies I found at a quilt show.

Who can enter? Anyone who has purchased or pre-ordered one (or more!) of the Quilted Heart series eBooks!

If you’ve purchased Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, or Ripples Along the Shore, then simply fill out this form, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win.

If you haven’t fed your eReader with one of these great eNovellas yet, you can find them wherever eBooks are sold!

The Quilted Heart Novella Series, Complete May 21st!

Fill out this form to enter for a chance to win the Quilter’s Prize Pack.

Enter by June 4, 2013. We’ll announce the winner on June 5th!

 

 

 

If Mom Had a Time Capsule . . .

Mother’s Day weekend has me thinking about three things I would include in a time capsule honoring my mother’s legacy.

Stella “June” Gansberg

A Flannel Board

First, I’d include Mom’s flannel board. A piece of cardboard covered with navy blue flannel, propped on an easel, came to life in our home and in basement Sunday school rooms. After smoothing out a background of a lion’s den, Mom placed Daniel in jeopardy, facing hungry lions. She would tell of Daniel’s faithfulness to serve and trust God no matter what the cost. And she’d testify to God’s faithful attentiveness to Daniel and to us—those listening to the story.

Mom had taken Deuteronomy 6:6-7 to heart. It instructs us to diligently teach God’s commands to our children; to talk of His ways when we sit in our house, walk by the way, lie down, and when we rise up. A flannel board was one thing Mom used to teach and model God’s character and commands. The Little Hymnal was another.

A Songbook

A soft-cover bright blue booklet traveled with us in Mom’s purse. With Dad behind the wheel and her three, eventually four, daughters in the seat behind her, Mom would start the family sing-along. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Heavenly Sunshine, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder and countless other songs reverberated off the station wagon’s windows as we rolled down the highway.

The songbook represented my mom’s love of music and her joy in the Lord. She was singing “The Lord is good, tell it wherever you go” over sudsy dishwater when Dad’s captain on the California Highway Patrol rang our doorbell with news that Dad’s patrol motorcycle had gone down with him on it. (After four months of recuperation, he was back on duty in a patrol car.)

Twenty-three years later, Mom was still singing. This time, with a lump of emotions caught in her throat, she sang Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus over Daddy’s deathbed. The words from her songbook and their truth were imprinted on her heart. And upon the hearts of her four children. Along with the tradition of singing hymns and praise songs to pass and mark the times of life.

Pearls

A strand of pearls—known in our family as the wedding pearls—serves as the third item for Mom’s time capsule.

William Bert Gansberg, the man who would later become my father, bought the pearls in Adak, Alaska at a Navy PX and presented them to his fiancé for Christmas in 1952. June 14, l953 the white pearls shone with promise, adorning Stella June’s neck as she walked down the aisle to become Bill’s bride. Today, several of her granddaughters have worn the pearls in their own weddings.

The years have cast a shadow on the now golden patina pearls. But, like the pearls, the family they encircle remains bound by a common thread. Mom and Dad established a heritage of love, demonstrating God’s love toward us and showing us how to love one another.

Of course, there are many more things that could go into that time capsule to symbolize and summarize my mother’s role in my life. But these have been instruments—visual training tools that stretched my sensibilities. Besides, Mom would say (or demonstrate it on her flannel board) that any ordinary thing placed in God’s hands becomes extraordinary, and that’s true if it’s inanimate or human.

What three items would you place in a time capsule to honor your mother?

Guest Author: Tracie Peterson, and a Book Giveaway

I’m excited to introduce Tracie Peterson as our Guest Author today.

Tracie Peterson, Best-Selling Author

~Tracie just turned in her 100th manuscript, scheduled to be published in March 2014!

~Tracie is also celebrating 20 years as a published novelist.

~Tracie’s awards include True West Magazine Best Western Romace Writer for 2013, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, Inspirational Fiction 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), and many more.

~Tracie writes mostly historical romantic suspense or historical family sagas for Bethany House Publishers.

~Tracie loves to embroider, something her grandmother taught her.

~Tracie’s favorite verse is Joshua 1:9, NIV ”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

See why I’m so excited for you to get to know Tracie Peterson and her books?

I asked Tracie to tell us a bit about her June 2013 book, Quarryman’s Bride, and share a couple of highlights from her research for the story.

TRACIE: Quarryman’s Bride is the second book in the Land of Shining Waters Series. However, this is an independent series so each book stands alone and only has one thing in common – Minnesota in the late 1800′s.

Land of Shining Water Series

MONA: Where did the idea for the story and the quarryman hero originate?

Quarry State Park

TRACIE: Quarryman’s Bride was born out of research I did in the St. Cloud area. Granite quarries abound in this area of Minnesota and the Scottish legacy there is clear.

Quarry State Park



Quarry State Park

Scottish folks came to the area and started some of the very first quarries and continued to work in the area for years to come.

Granite quarrying was an interesting topic to research and I enjoyed visiting Quarry State Park.

Quarry State Park

This is a remarkable park with miles of walking trails that lead you to various abandoned quarries. The area is beautiful, as you can see in these photos I took.

I very much enjoyed researching Scottish culture, too. I have Scottish ancestry in my background so that made it all the more fun. There were many interesting superstitions and customs that gave my characters a strong flavor. I had the pleasure of researching in Scotland as well as via books.

I enjoyed researching recipes, too. One for Scottish Shortbread was a particular favorite of my family. I’ll share it here.

Tracie’s Peterson’s Scottish Shortbread

Traditional Scottish Shortbread – makes 2 dozen

Preheat oven, 350 degrees F

Mix together:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup butter (only real butter – I prefer salted)

Press into a 9 x 9 inch buttered (use butter not oil) dish. Prick top with a fork. Bake until golden. Cool and cut into squares.

MONA: Quarry and Scottish backdrops . . . and romance?

TRACIE: Yes, Quarryman’s Bride has a strong romantic theme as well. Emmalyne and Tavin love each other, but when tragedy strikes, Emmalyne’s father puts an end to their engagement. The bitterness Tavin faces and the “family tradition” forced upon Emmalyne separate the young couple, but years later they are brought back together and the past dissolves around them in light of the love they still feel. This story contemplates issues of forgiveness and honoring your parents, as well as elements of mental illness and depression.

MONA: Sounds like another wonderfully layered Tracie Peterson read. And, Tracie, you said this is the second book in The Land of Shining Water’s Series. What is the title of the first, and will there be a third?

TRACIE: The Icecutter’s Daughter came first, released in March. Book 3, The Miner’s Lady will be out in October 2013.

MONA: Thanks for joining us here today, and for the copy of The Quarryman’s Bride for our Book Giveaway!

Follow Tracie Peterson:

Website

Blog

Facebook

BOOK GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for a copy of Quarryman’s Bride, comment on this post no later than Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 5pm AZ time and include your email for notification. Were you familiar with Tracie’s books? Do you have a favorite Tracie Peterson book?

7 Writing Tips from a Giraffe

While the giraffe isn’t really doing the talking, we can learn a few things about being a writer from the form and habits of God’s other creations–in this case, a giraffe. If you wish to be published and hope for any sort of longevity in the world of publishing, here are a few tips from me, but inspired by my favorite animal.

1. If you’re reaching for a leafy goal, be prepared to stretch and be stretched. Odds are high that there will be more to the craft and business of writing than you expected. How deep is your motivation to write and keep writing? Be ready and willing to stretch and be stretched toward your goal.

2. Journeys to the watering hole start with a single step. It’s a process. You want to be a writer? Build a career as a writer? Start writing. Write. And keep writing.

3. Editors, agents, and readers don’t grow on trees, leaves do. Practice the craft of writing. Produce the work. Polish the work to the best of your abilities. Present the work. Polish the work. Present the work. Polish the work. Present the work. Yes, there is celebration in the process as well.

4. Stick your neck out. Risk-taking is required if you hope to be published. And publish again. Risk rejection. Risk being misunderstood…even judged. Writing worth writing and reading demands authenticity.

5. Don’t be afraid to change directions. You may start out expecting to publish nonfiction books on parenting or a collection of poetry, but if you experience a nudge in another direction or an opportunity to puruse publication in another genre, check it out.

6. Giraffes gather. Writers should too. Whether in a critique group, a writers’ prayer circle, or at a writers’ conference, find the like-minded community that will help you grow in your craft, develop business savvy, and offer the constructive critique and encouragement you need to persevere.

7. Don’t neglect the gift of standing still (or sprawling in the grass). Striving happens. Stop. Rest. Evaluate. Pray. Refresh.

What other Giraffe Characteristics might you add to the writing tips?

© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker

When a Girl (or Boy) Dies

When a girl dies

hearts rip,

bleed.

Time plants its feet in empty reminders,

refusing to return to yesterday.

A well-loved girl died.

A family even larger than the one she

knew and loved grieves,

at a loss for words. Or reason.

All the while, God’s tender arms are full of her.

His heart brims with an everlasting love,

beating in flawless rhythm with hers.

And Sarah sighs in the sweetness,

content to look into her Father’s face

and breathe a prayer for those she left behind.

When a girl dies

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10, NIV

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” 1 Peter 1:3, 4, 6, NIV

© 2013 Mona Hodgson, Author and Speaker