Heather Day Gilbert's Blog, page 13

Word of the Year 2015

I haven’t blogged in a while and just wanted to touch base with everyone at the end of 2014 (here already!!!). First of all, I wanted to ask you if you ever do a theme word of the year? I didn’t last year, but for 2013 the word was “BLESSING,” and boy oh boy, did God bless me in ways I didn’t expect: the publication of my first book, God’s Daughter. A job for my husband. And the list goes on.

For 2015, I am feeling like it’s time to let go of my plans even more. To loosen my grip on my marketing, to block off time for what I love to do (write), and to leave lots of room for God to step in and show me where I need to go. I went through several dark years where I couldn’t see His leading, where I felt abandoned and forgotten. But this year, I was reminded that my faith is in a God who is so much greater than I am. He can turned blocked paths into brilliant vistas. He can comfort when we feel all hope is lost.

If I had to sum up what I’ve learned in 2014, it would be with the word TRUST. I’ve been reading Knowing God by J. I. Packer and I have learned so much. I have talked to godly women who have encouraged me to see past the dark times and trust God is in control.

But what about 2015? The word for this year will be:

Because why not? Let me admit, I’m the first to expect the worst and plan accordingly. But the more I realize God’s plans are sooo much bigger and better than mine, that He works all things together for good for those who love Him, the more I want to take risks and stand out and be bold with those dreams I have. And to keep dreaming up new ones!

I am so thankful for each and every one of you, my friends and readers. It has been a great year, with two new books out, speaking and book signing opportunities, and lots of bookish plans for 2015.

Me with updated cover proof of Miranda Warning

But what always means the most to me is interacting with you. Your emails and letters of encouragement and prayers. Your participation and comments! So please comment below with YOUR word for 2015, if you have one! Praying you have a safe and blessed 2015.

~Heather

Just Released! Indie Publishing Handbook only $1 through 12/22!

Wanted to let everyone know the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher is now live in the Amazon store (for Kindle) and only $1 through 12/22. You can find it here!

Here’s what readers have said about the Indie Publishing Handbook:

“Heather Day Gilbert is a teacher, encourager and fellow sojourner, with an extraordinary heart to help authors wade through this new world of publishing. Her newest release, Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher, is a product of that genuine spirit. Written in the most relatable language, this book will inform and inspire you to finally take the leap into publishing independently.” ~Connie Almony, author of Amazon Bestseller At the Edge of a Dark Forest

 

“Whether you’ve decided to jump head first into the self-publishing pool, or are still in the should-I-or-shouldn’t-I phase, the Indie Publishing Handbook is required reading. Heather Day Gilbert lays out four essentials that every wannabe indie author should know, all written in a straightforward, easy to understand format. Highly recommended.” ~Michelle Griep, author of Writer Off the Leash: Growing in the Writing Craft

 

“Don’t be fooled by the size of this handbook. It’s a goldmine of information for both new and established indie authors. If you can buy only one guide to indie publishing, make it this one.” ~Karin Kaufman, author of The Witch Tree, a 2011 Grace Awards Finalist

“Concise, practical guidance from a novelist who has learned to negotiate the obstacles and opportunities of becoming your own publisher.” ~Andy Scheer, book editor and writing coach

~~~

Would love it if you could check it out or share with your author friends! Here are a couple tweets you can share:

#Dollardecember: Only $1 thru 12/22: Indie Publishing Handbook: http://amzn.to/129gdrD #selfpub #indiepub

Finish #NaNoWriMo and thinking about #indiepub? Only $1 thru 12/22: Indie Publishing Handbook: http://amzn.to/129gdrD

Thank you!

-Heather

Softcover Sale Now Through Christmas

I mentioned this on my Facebook author page, but just wanted to let everyone know there is currently a sale on my softcovers:

Miranda Warning is $9 on Amazon.

Miranda Warning Paperback on Sale

 

God’s Daughter is $8.84 on Amazon.

God’s Daughter Paperback on Sale

 

 

I love both these books in softcover and here’s a pic of both:

Also, don’t forget if you buy a softcover from Amazon, you get a free Kindle copy of the book (from Amazon).

As I mentioned on my Facebook page, very soon Miranda Warning will be getting a very different look, so if you like this one you need to snag it now! :)

Happy Thanksgiving and hope you had a lovely one.

~Heather

 

Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher

Releasing this December!

 

I’ve announced this on my Facebook author wall, but wanted to let you blog readers know I am preparing to release a handbook on indie (independent) publishing this December! Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher compiles much of the information I’ve shared on my own blog and others about self-publishing.

I have talked to SO many authors over this past year who have been considering indie publishing, but weren’t sure what’s involved. This handbook will give an overview of four key elements indie publishers oversee in a quick-read format.

Here’s the blurb on the book:

Are you dreaming of your own career as an independent author and self-publisher?

This concise handbook covers the four key elements every self-publisher must oversee for successful book publication: 1) editing, 2) creating cover art and blurbs, 3) formatting and uploading books, and 4) marketing. Focused advice will help you maneuver these key elements, whether you outsource or learn to master them yourself.

You’ll also find a bonus section with practical tips from seasoned independent authors.

Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher is your one-stop for basics on everything you need to get started and excel as an independent publisher.

You can find the book on Goodreads here if you want to add to your To-Read list, and I will keep this site and my Facebook page updated with release date and news. Please know I am also working on Trial by Twelve (Book 2 in the Murder in the Mountains Series), so my fiction writing has not been put on hold for this. This is simply a “mission statement,” as it were…something I hope will help authors considering this path.

Feel free to chime in with any thoughts below!

20 Random Things You Probably Didn’t Want to Know about Me

So my author friend Amber Lynn Perry AND another author friend Shelli Littleton tagged me in the 20 Random Things You Probably Didn’t Want to Know about Me post on Facebook. You can find Amber’s 20 Random Things List HERE, and Shelli’s list HERE.

These were so fun for me to read, I thought I might as well join in and tell you things you probably don’t even care if you knew or not. I used to participate in blog hops regularly and I kind of miss that spontaneity of getting to know others…and I just realized I can’t spell spontaneity, for an added bit of randomness.

To complete the circle of fun, I will tag some unsuspecting authors people to do likewise. I’m tagging Becky Doughty, Graeme Ing, and Amanda Holland. 

And now, on to the 20 Questions!

 

How tall are you?

5’4. Exciting, I know.

Do you have a hidden talent?

My second language is teen-boy lingo. I speak it proficiently and much to my own teen boy’s chagrin. For example,

#YOLO I am beast and the epic mother of SWAG. Totes.

What’s your biggest blog pet-peeve?

I don’t like those ad pop-ups that force you to click elsewhere to see the post. Oh! And I really don’t like those things that make you do addition or subtraction before you can comment. I don’t like using math in real life. Or really anywhere. :)

What’s your biggest non-blogging pet-peeve?

I’m pretty hard to peeve off. But I don’t like people who talk behind my back. I’d rather them come out and say it to my face (and fight me like a Viking…)

What is your favorite song?

Tough. One special one to me is Blessed Be Your Name because it reminds me that God gives and takes away, but I can still thank Him. It’s something I am constantly learning how to do–thank Him in those times of suffering.

What’s your favorite etsy shop?

I don’t go on etsy much, but I do pin some things from there. This is something I would love, as a native West Virginian, and I know Tess Spencer would as well:

What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?

Hanging outside with my dog or doing flower gardening, but I’m not out there nearly enough. And I do enjoy reading and playing video games, as well. Here’s a pic of my dog:

Yeah, she’s BEAST. :)

What is your favorite junk food?

Lately it’s been chocolate bars dipped in peanut butter. No clue where this obsession came from, but I’m just rolling with it.

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

See dog above–a Shiloh Shepherd from Fireside Shilohs--and 2 rescued barn cats. Rescued because this momma couldn’t say no to their mewing, orphaned faces.

What are your favorite fiction and non fiction books?

Fiction: My world-fave novel of all time is Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy.

Non-Fiction: I love all Beth Moore Bible studies and recently read Mary Demuth’s Everything, which was so good.

Favorite beauty product?

I used to work as an Elizabeth Arden consultant and I became addicted to the Ceramide Time Complex Moisture Cream. THEN, wouldn’t you know it, they took it off the market! Well, recently I checked and they’re selling it again.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Time Complex Moisture Cream

I’m so thankful because it’s the only moisturizer that can hydrate my dry winter skin. I buy only one per year, when it’s on sale with the free bag full o’goodies, so I get more bang for my buck.

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

I’m sure there’ve been many but I tend to repress those things. :)

What is your favorite beverage?

Coffee!

What’s your favorite movie?

Oh, wow. Okay–thinking of movies I HAD TO own. A Room with a View would probably top the list. I’m also kind of into the new Gatsby movie with diCaprio.

A Room with a View

What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

OH woah, the high school years. I was a volleyball player and I liked drama, reading, and playing chess. So probably part nerd too.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Right where I am. But I would VISIT Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. And probably China. And maybe Mongolia or Africa. The list goes on…

PC or Mac?

I’ve had PCs for a while.

Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

My hubby took me with him on a business trip so I could write.

Favorite Celebrity?

Not big on celebs…but you can find some of my fave movies/TV shows on my Pinterest board here. Possibly that’s overkill on the random things you never wanted to know about me. :)

Which blogger do you secretly want to be friends with?

I really admire Joanna Penn. She keeps indies up-to-date with the latest info and it was really by reading her blog (and with encouragement from my crit partner and friends) that I decided to indie publish.

There ya have it…all the stuff you never cared to know! But hopefully it was a fun jaunt into a day in my life.

Interview and Giveaway with Tina Ann Forkner, Author of Waking up Joy

Some books I get really excited about and just have to tell the world about them, and Tina Ann Forkner’s novel, Waking up Joy, is one of those books. A magical novel that pulled me right in and I couldn’t put it down till I’d finished every last word. You can read my review of Waking up Joy here. And Tina is such a sweet author in real life! She’s offering an e-book copy of Waking up Joy to one lucky commenter! (Click to Tweet!)

Author Tina Forkner

Tina Ann Forkner is a Women’s Fiction writer and the author of the newly released novel Waking Up Joy (Oct. 8th). She is also the author of Rose House and Ruby Among Us. Tina was born and raised in Oklahoma where Waking Up Joy is set, but she makes her home in Cheyenne, Wyoming with her husband, three teenagers, and two spoiled dogs. In her spare time, she is a substitute teacher. Learn more about her and her books at www.tinaannforkner.com.

Waking up Joy on Amazon

Behind every lost dream lies a second chance…

When adored town spinster Joy Talley ends up in a coma after a peculiar accident, she is surprised and incensed to hear what is being said in her hospital room, including plans for her funeral. When she finally wakes, her well-meaning, but bossy, brothers and sisters dismiss her claims, thinking her accident has knocked her off her rocker, but Joy has never felt better, and is determined to set the past right.  

Now Joy must face her darkest secret and risk reopening wounds caused by an old flame who rejected her more than twenty years ago. But taking risks brings change, as well as a new, younger man into Joy’s life, making her feel like a teenager again. Suddenly Joy’s once humdrum life is anything but boring and routine and the future beckons, exhilarating and bright.

 

Interview with Author Tina Ann Forkner

HG: Tina, you have two novels out with Random House/Waterbrook, Rose House and Ruby Among Us. Your recent release, Waking up Joy, is with Tule Publishing. Can you tell us more about your decision to go with this publisher?

TF: My answer has two parts. The first is that even with all the positive changes in self-publishing and great examples like you, I wasn’t quite ready to self-publish. But I really liked the idea of being a hybrid author and the way that might shape my career.  That’s when Tule Publishing Group came along.  You still have to submit your work and be accepted, as with a traditional publisher, but after that, everything is different and frankly, more favorable to the author. Tule deals primarily in digital, with print on demand for some titles, such as my own. I can see self-publishing being an option for some of my stories someday, but I love having many of the benefits (and some of the responsibilities) that you get when self-publishing, but with the support of a reputable publisher behind me.  I’m having a terrific experience with them and love being able to take charge of my career.

Another reason I went with Tule was that I wanted to broaden my Women’s Fiction audience by writing for a publisher who could get me in front of my readers. In order to find Waking Up Joy’s full audience, I wanted to be able to reach readers who shop for fiction in the same reader sections at the bookstore where I also buy books, and not just from the inspirational shelves. Susan Meissner said something similar in an interview when A Fall of Marigolds released with NAL, and it is really a good way to put it. I personally admit to wishing my books were on the mainstream shelf with other Women’s Fiction where they could be more easily found by readers who love Women’s Fiction, and always got excited when I saw them shelved with books by mainstream writers in stores. I just want my target audience to find my books. I am still a Christian, and am thrilled that my existing readership seems excited about my new novel and appears to be sticking with me, and I’m equally as excited to find the rest of my audience in the mainstream market.

HG: I totally understand the desire to reach your entire reader audience! I know you’re drawn to some of the same books I love: The Shell Seekers, Gone with the Wind, and others. Would you call your books Women’s Fiction? Romance? Or are they different genres?

TF: I love those books! I think it’s the journey of the women in those stories that I love, but it’s also the settings, the romance, and the family intricacies. As for my novels, they have all been categorized as Women’s Fiction, including Waking Up Joy. That said, oftentimes my novels contain elements from other genres, just as I think many Women’s Fiction novels do. Ruby Among Us was definitely my most literary novel and I am probably most proud of that one, but in Rose House, for a myriad of reasons, I was experimenting with how to make the story more commercial for readers who wanted a good pace, but still wanted Women’s Fiction. In my latest, Waking Up Joy, there are Southern elements, as well as a love story that some might feel leans to the romantic side. I don’t mind if readers think that. I feel like there are some heavy things going on deeper in the novel and that the love story gives readers, and my lead character, some release from that.

HG: That is something I noticed about Waking up Joy: that perfect balance of heavy topics and humor. I find your writing style so refreshing and honest. Plus, I loved your characters! We have a love triangle…family dynamics…a strong main character…all the elements I love in a story. Tell us a little more how you brainstormed the idea for this one.

TF: Thank you! Waking Up Joy, I feel, departs to some degree from the way I wrote before because in writing about Oklahoma I was able to honor my roots. I feel that going home, so to speak, really helped me to get closer to my true voice. I did not brain storm the novel, but gathered ideas gradually in my head each time I visited the area that my fictional town would eventually be based on. So much of that area has just been absorbed by me over the years that it was natural to include certain aspects and then fictionalize them to add interest. As for the magical side, I had heard about some Ozark folklore over the years, and since I grew up right in the area that includes Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas, it seemed natural to include some kind of lore in the novel. Of course, the magic my characters created was only partly inspired by truth, and mostly invented by me based on what I thought worked best for my novel’s characters. Although I knew of some very superstitious people where I was raised, none of my friends grew up believing that way. It’s a metaphor for how people grasp for happiness while hanging onto old ways that might not be the best for us now.

HG: Is there a sequel to Waking up Joy in the works? Do you have any books on the back-burner or out on submission now (if you can say!)?

TF: I do have one book started that would be set in the same area, but is not a sequel. I also have a Women’s Fiction novel out on submission with my agent, Chip MacGregor, which is set in Tennessee. And there are some projects in the works with Tule that I’m looking forward to talking about soon.

HG: Glad to hear that!  Finally, you’ve been in the writing industry longer than I have…what advice would you give newer authors? What changes have you seen come along that are exciting?

TF: I hate to sound like a broken record, but because I know aspiring writers will be reading this, first let me give the advice that I have always given, and which has been given to me.  If you want to learn to write, you have to write. (Click to Tweet!) Not to be published, but because you are a writer and you have to. It’s all practice, so write anything and everything because most of what you write will have to be scrapped. Don’t wait to get that part out, so that the beauty inside can make its way out onto the paper. Set aside 15 minutes, or 500 words, a day, and just do it.

As for publishing and changes, I feel like you have a wealth of experience for other authors. Personally, I have watched the industry change in magnificent ways since I was first published in 2008. Right after my second novel came out in 2009, I was terrified. The economy had tanked and rumors were rampant that eBooks and self-publishing were going to be the ruin of the publishing world, but it hasn’t turned out to be true. Many of us thought it was a good time to watch and wait, which I think was a good idea. I’ve never been the entrepreneur who dives into new territory without checking it out first. I’m more the type to sit back and see what happens. What I’ve seen is that the poor reputation of self-publishing has been redeemed by serious authors who have been publishing excellent books, smaller digital publishers are giving authors more opportunities, and with so many more choices the industry is ripe for authors to finally step out and take charge of our own careers. Instead of there being fewer choices as before, there are more opportunities for serious writers to publish. The quality of work among professionals has gone up and will continue to do so as long as serious writers are publishing.

HG:  I totally agree!  Thank you again for visiting, Tina!

TF: Thank you for having me, Heather. I love your books so much! Your journey has inspired me to venture out my own!

****Comment below with why you enjoy Women’s Fiction for a chance to win an e-copy of Tina’s excellent novel, Waking up Joy! Winner announced next Monday, Oct. 27!****

Happy Columbus Day~It’s a GOD’S DAUGHTER FREEBIE!!!

God’s Daughter FREE for Kindle 10/13-10/15/2014

My sense of humor might verge on ironic, as I wanted to celebrate a little early that we are coming up on a year of publication for God’s Daughter, and Columbus Day seemed a great time to do that. Yes, we know Vikings got here about 500 years before Columbus (but not before Native Americans!). We know Gudrid was among those Vikings who hit North American shores around AD 1000.

So, for three days, starting today, 10/13, through 10/15/2014, God’s Daughter will be free for Kindle (Click to Tweet!) .

Also, here’s a recap of what happened with God’s Daughter this year, starting from its release 11-2-2013:

Holding my first softcover of God’s Daughter!

-Hit the Amazon Norse/Icelandic Historical Fiction BestSeller list. And it has stayed on that list for nearly an entire year (hoping for a year come Nov 5!).

-Has stayed on the Top Rated Norse/Icelandic Fiction list  for nearly a year.

-Received an Editor’s Choice Indie Review from Historical Novel Society and was nominated for the Historical Novel Society Long List for their 2014 Indie Award (did not win!).

-Chosen as Book-of-the-Month read for Christian Fiction Book Club (Feb 2014)

-Received a 5-Star Review by Kristi Lindsey for Readers’ Favorite (Dec 2013)

-Has received 103 reviews and has 4.4 stars on Amazon

I’d love it if you could share this freebie with anyone you think would enjoy Gudrid’s story. Here are a couple tweets if you wouldn’t mind sharing!

Celebrating 1 year of #GODSDAUGHTER: #Viking #histfic #FREE for Kindle 3 days only!  (Click to Tweet!)

Read about #Viking #explorers–here before #Columbus! #GODSDAUGHTER #Free for Kindle 10/13-10/15 (Click to Tweet!)

Thank you all for your support this year. I am so happy this was my first novel out…and so thrilled many of you enjoyed Gudrid’s story so much and have let me know it. This would NOT be a celebration if not for your help, and more importantly, for God’s blessing. As I reflect on the years I spent waiting to be published, then finally stepping out and deciding to self-publish this novel, I think of these verses that I cling to:

Psalm 90: 15-17

“Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, the years in which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants, and your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Rejoicing with you at what God has done with God’s Daughter this year and enjoy the freebie!

~Heather

Interview and Giveaway with Rachel Skatvold, Author of Beauty Within

Just a quick follow-up on the giveaway of the God’s Daughter audiobooks and the Miranda Warning ebooks…the random winners are:

Justin S–audiobook copy of God’s Daughter

Rachel S (my guest today!)–audiobook copy of God’s Daughter

Brian (comment on Goodreads)–Ebook copy of Miranda Warning

BN100–Ebook copy of Miranda Warning

I will email all of you about your win, only I don’t have your email, BN100! If someone doesn’t claim theirs, I will give it to one of the other commenters within a couple weeks’ time. Thank you all SO much for your interest and I hope you enjoy!

~~~~~~~

Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to debut author Rachel Skatvold. Rachel’s novel, Beauty Within, releases this week! She is also having a Rafflecopter giveaway of her novel, and you can enter below! I am also visiting Rachel at her blog today here.

Author Rachel Skatvold

Rachel Skatvold is an inspirational author and stay at home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance, devotions, encouraging blogs. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons.

Places to follow Rachel:

Website           Facebook           Twitter               Pinterest

Interview with Author Rachel Skatvold

Beauty Within on Amazon

HG: Rachel, so nice to have you on my blog. Congrats on your (soon-to-be-released) novella, Beauty Within. This is the first in the Riley Family Legacy Novellas–tell me more about the Rileys! I love family stories.

RS: Thank you for having me, Heather. I’d love to tell you more about the Rileys. They are a close knit family from the small town of Brimsfield in southern Kansas. Most of them lead simple lives on the family farm when they’re not causing mischief in town or racing tractors for fun. Sometimes they just enjoy relaxing on their back deck while sipping glasses of grandma’s famous raspberry iced tea.

This book follows the story of Sheriff Clint Riley’s oldest daughter, Katherine, who is the only member of the family who has ever ventured far from home. Seven years after marrying her high school sweetheart and moving to Las Vegas against her parents’ wishes, Katherine returns home, widowed with two young children to care for. She hopes for a fresh start but instead is met with blazing small town gossip, a matchmaking mother and a handsome young cop from the city who seems determined to make her life miserable.

HG: I love that title. Can you tell us a little about how it ties in with the themes in this story?

RS: Beauty Within is the name of Katherine’s hair salon but it also has a deeper meaning. As a hair stylist, Katherine’s job is to help others feel beautiful. However, she is inspired by 1 Peter 3: 3-4 and believes that helping people discover their inner beauty is her true calling. As the story unfolds she learns to see the beautiful plan that God has in store for her own life as well.

HG: How long have you been writing? Could you share more about your journey to indie publication–highs, lows, headaches, victories?

RS: My love for reading and writing started when I was very young. However, I never dreamed about publishing anything until my junior year of college. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a teacher but changed my major after realizing how much time I would have to spend away from my two year old son. Soon after, I started writing my first full length novel, Enduring the Flames. After finishing the book I had some interest from publishers but they ended up declining because my platform needed work. I’m still hoping to get it published someday but decided to take a break to work on some smaller projects. From that break, my first novella series bloomed, so that is pretty exciting! Self publishing has been an interesting journey full of challenges and a few tears, however I love the freedom of it and knowing that my books will soon be out there in the hands of readers. It’s all been worth it.

HG: How would you classify this novella? Is this romance? I like that there seem to be many family angles in it.

RS: Yes, my novella is a Christian romance. My stories are sweet and clean romances that also include some suspense, comedy and aspects of faith weaved in. Family also plays a big part since my main character is a single mom with two young children. This puts an interesting twist on the storyline.

Watch the book trailer here:

HG: I know you’re a stay-at-home momma like I am. What is your biggest struggle as an indie author and SAHM?

RS: That’s a great question. I think my biggest struggle is finding the time to write. I have a one year old and four year old, so they keep me running most of the time. I love being a stay-at-home mom though and wouldn’t trade this special time with my kiddos for all the money in the world. However, I’ll admit, lately I’ve become a night owl. It is the only time when the house is quiet with no interruptions. Then, when my oldest son is in pre-school, I try to persuade my toddler to take a nap so I can fit one in as well. That’s my secret to finding enough time to write.

HG: Finally, tell us about upcoming novellas in this series and when they will release!

RS: Thanks for asking! I’m writing Beauty Unveiled as we speak. This is the second book in the series and will focus on Katherine’s free spirited younger sister, Sarah. She’s one of my favorite characters in this series so I’m thrilled to share more of her story. I have a crazy dream to release this one around Valentine’s Day but this date isn’t set in stone yet. I will post updates on my website as the story develops.

HG: Thanks for visiting today, Rachel!

RS: Thank you for having me, Heather. It’s been fun!

Pre-order a Kindle Version of Beauty Within on Amazon

Print Edition Available on October 9th!

***Readers, enter to win a copy of Beauty Within! Winners will be announced at the Rafflecopter link!***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Two-Fer Giveaway–2 God’s Daughter Audiobooks and 2 E-copies of Miranda Warning

I’ve enjoyed all the author interviews and giveaways we’ve been doing here on the blog, but I figured it was high time I gave away something of my own!

God’s Daughter Audiobook

Miranda Warning Ebook

So here’s what I’m giving away:  I will pick 4 winners (hopefully we’ll have enough entrants–if not, I’ll just give away the winner’s choice). 2 will win an free audiobook code for the God’s Daughter audiobook (9 1/2  hours). 2 will win an e-copy (Kindle, Nook, or Kobo) of Miranda Warning.

All you need to do is COMMENT and tell me which you would like to win, and why: God’s Daughter audiobook (Viking historical) or Miranda Warning ebook (contemporary Appalachian mystery) (Click to Tweet!).

Also, just an update in case you don’t follow my Facebook author page here…my publishing plans have changed somewhat, in that I’m focusing on hopefully writing/publishing two more mysteries in 2015. Then I hope to take the time I need to focus on the next historical (Forest Child).

Most of all, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to you readers who constantly support me and let me know you enjoy what I’m writing. Authors face all kinds of lows, and those kind words and reviews from readers can pull us up on many a dismal day.

Comment away! And please share with your friends! Will announce the winners October 6th!

Interview with Author Ane Mulligan and #Giveaway of Chapel Springs Revival

I’ve been blessed to work with Ane Mulligan over at Novel Rocket (great writing site!), and I was glad to have a chance to interview her today about her debut novel, Chapel Springs Revival. Ane has graciously offered a copy of Chapel Springs Revival to a winner: softcover for a US winner and e-copy for anyone outside the USA. Please comment below for a chance to win! Will draw the name October 4th!

Author Ane Mulligan

While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, Ane has worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that’s a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast). She firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. President of the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Suwanee, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and two very large dogs. You can find Ane on her Southern-fried Fiction website, Google+, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Chapel Springs Revival on Amazon

 

Interview with Author Ane Mulligan

HG:  Tell me about your fictional town: Chapel Springs, Georgia.

AM: Chapel Springs is in the mountains of North Georgia and sits on the shores of Chapel Lake. It’s a small town where everyone knows everybody’s business, much to my protagonist, Claire Bennett’s, dismay. Claire tendency to move too fast and speak without filters gets her into plenty of trouble. She’s a potter and her BFF is an artist and they share a gallery on the main street of town. These two and some of the other ladies of Chapel Springs meet every morning at the bakery, Dee’s ‘n’ Doughs.

HG:  Friends Patsy and Claire sound like a hoot! What are their personalities like?

AM: Claire is like a bulldozer set on full speed ahead. If there’s a problem, she’ll meet it head on, usually without thinking it through first. Patsy is like an ostrich with her head in the sand. She pretends problems don’t exist and hopes they go away. They are fiercely loyal to one another, yet can butt heads, as you will see in one of the chapters. They were so much fun to write!

HG:  I love books that are about married main characters, because I can always relate in some way. Sounds like these friends have some issues with their marriages. Can you elaborate a little on those problems?

AM: Claire realizes one morning that her hubby of 26 years left without kissing her goodbye that morning. When her Great Aunt Lola’s husband left without kidding her goodbye, she packed her bags and went to Hollywood and became a big star in silent films. Patsy’s hubby has quit communicating and is working long hours. She’s afraid he’s having an affair, but they can’t figure out with whom. He doesn’t know any women, except the new woman in town, the widow on the hill who owns the spa.

They enter into Operation Marriage Revival, at the same time they begin reviving the town to bring back the tourists.

HG:  The cover art on this book is just show-stopping beautiful. Did it take lots of hours and did you have a lot of input on the look?

AM: When I mentioned to my publisher my hubs is an artist, he said he could do the artwork for the cover, so yes, I had LOTS of input. LOL Because Chapel Springs lives only in my mind, he had to pull it out. The problem was what lived there was a layout and the ambiance, but I never pictured the buildings.

So he drew and erased and redrew until we had a basic idea. His studio is in our walkout basement, and each day, I’d go down to see where he was. I’d suggest and he’d tweak, then one morning I peeked in the door and on his easel sat Chapel Springs!

Ane’s husband’s painting of Chapel Springs

HG:  This is your debut novel. Tell us about your journey to publication.

AM: On my word, that’s one long journey. I started my first novel on Jan 1st in 2003. You can do the math, but in between were a lot of ups and downs. I started going to committee as early as 2005, but always got rejected for one reason or another. By 2007, the reasons weren’t the writing but the other ones: it didn’t quite fit this house, etc.

Then I began to get past editorial committee and to pub board. Again, strange things happened. One house had their slate full, so they held me over for the next quarter. Only the editor retired and her hard drive got wiped clean. I was cast off into cyber oblivion.

I saw a pattern and what I realized was God was saying, “Not yet. Not there.”

I whined.

He said, “Trust me.”

He didn’t give me any other option, so I chose to trust Him. I write and leave the rest to Him and my agent. So when she called with the offer, I knew it was the right place and the right time.

The right time and place was so important to me. You see, I believe people let down their guard when they think they’re being entertained. Then when they least expect it, our words can reach out, touch heart, and change lives. And isn’t that why we write?

HG:  Yes indeed! Thanks so much for visiting today and sharing, Ane! All the best with all your novels!

Chapel Springs Revival

With a friend like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel.

Everybody in the small town of Chapel Springs, Georgia, knows best friends Claire and Patsy. It’s impossible not to, what with Claire’s zany antics and Patsy’s self-appointed mission to keep her friend out of trouble. And trouble abounds. Chapel Springs has grown dilapidated and the tourist trade has slackened. With their livelihoods threatened, they join forces to revitalize the town. No one could have guessed the real issue needing restoration is personal.

With their marriages in as much disarray as the town, Claire and Patsy embark on a mission of mishaps and miscommunication, determined to restore warmth to Chapel Springs —and their lives. That is if they can convince their husbands and the town council, led by two curmudgeons who would prefer to see Chapel Springs left in the fifties and closed to traffic.

***Please comment below for a chance to win a copy of Chapel Springs Revival–softcover if you are in the USA, e-copy if you are outside US!***