Heidi McCahan's Blog, page 26

Happy Book Birthday, Chain of Mercy! {Don’t Miss the Giveaway}

We interrupt our regularly scheduled blogging to celebrate the imminent release of Brenda Anderson’s debut novel, Chain of Mercy. Congratulations, Brenda! Today we’re talking about roller coasters, baseball, and Brenda’s journey to publication. Read on to find out more about that in my interview with Brenda. Don’t miss the giveaway, either, as Brenda is giving away one autographed copy of Chain of Mercy. All of those details are available at the bottom of this post.Brenda, please tell us a bit about the inspiration for your debut novel, Chain of Mercy. How did Richard and Sheila’s story come to be?

I began writing Chain of Mercy nearly nine years ago with the original *What if* idea, “What if an abortion doctor decided to secretly save the babies women came to abort?” Well, that original concept is nowhere in this final version. God took my idea and molded it into something entirely different, something much better!

Forgiveness is one theme in this novel that resonates with me. If you could mention one thing you hope your readers take away from reading Chain of Mercy, what would that be?

I would love for my readers to know that whatever they’ve done, it’s not too awful to be forgiven. Jesus forgives all! You just need to lay it at the foot of the cross.

Your author bio states that you love roller coasters: name your favorite roller coaster ride ever and tell us why you love it.

My favorite ride would have to be Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America north of Chicago. It’s smooth and fast (73 mph) and high (202 feet high) and provides a complete adrenalin rush! I remember climbing that 20-story hill for that first time. I was seated next to my husband, watching the ground drop away, hands white knuckling, and I kept repeating “Why am I on here?” and “Never again!” But nearly three minutes of ride later, I couldn’t wait to get back on! Unfortunately, as I’ve gotten older, I can’t handle the spinning or corkscrewing rides as much, but the high and fast coasters are great!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl! I can always stay up late and read or watch a movie or TV, but you have to drag me out of bed in the morning.

Tell us about your writing space and/or the process. Where does the magic happen? Plotter or pantser or combination of both?

I have an office at home, also known as the library and the store-all room. With all that going on it’s not the neatest room in the house, but I can tune it out as I get words on the page. While I get my actual writing done in the office, pre-writing happens all over. Some of my best ideas come while I’m driving or walking.

I’m a pantser. I’ve even tried pre-plotting, but my characters and story never stay put. To me, it’s much more fun being a pantser because then I’m often surprised by the plot twists. If I’m surprised, I’ll assume the reader will be surprised as well.

Can you share a little bit about your journey to publication?

I’ve written for as long as I can remember, and even have stories from back in grade school. In college I majored in literature, but then I got married, had kids, and became a full-time mom. Writing took a back seat. Besides, I felt that there were better ways to spend my time than writing. It wasn’t until I took a LifeKeys course at my church, a course that focused on discovering our gifts and passions, that I considered writing again. God got a hold of me in that class and said, “I gave you a gift. What are you doing with it?” Talk about a wake-up call!

That was nearly nine years ago. I began writing what is now Chain of Mercy and have completed five additional novels as well.

But the journey to publication was far from smooth. In those nine years I’ve amassed some 30+ rejections from editors and agents. Although rejections aren’t personal, it’s still not easy to hear that your *baby* is ugly. There were so many times I wanted to quit pursuing publication and just write, but God kept nudging me to keep pressing on.

Then last November I came across Winslet Press. I was very familiar with their sister company Tekeme, so I checked into Winslet further and decided to query. Less than two weeks later, I had a four-book contract offer!

 If you watch television, what’s on your DVR?

I don’t watch that much TV, but there are a few shows I won’t miss: Once Upon a Time, Castle, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Blue Bloods, none of which remotely resemble what I write!

You and I share a mutual affection for the game of baseball. Are you a watch every game, fully devoted fan? Do you have a favorite stadium?

I won’t watch every game on TV, but I’ll likely have the game on the radio or be following it online. It’s on my bucket list to have season tickets some year. I’m not as hard-core of a fan as I used to be—having children cured me of that—but I’m still a pretty rabid Twins fan. My husband and I even had the good fortune of being in attendance for the Twins World Series’ victories in ’87 and ’91.

Besides the Twins’ Target Field (and the former Metrodome and the even older Metropolitan Stadium where the Twins first played), we’ve been to County Stadium (the old Brewers’ home) and Miller Park in Milwaukee and Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Although Miller and Kauffman are nice, Target Field wins hands-down! Another bucket list item is to visit every baseball stadium in the major leagues! But those bucket list items have to wait until my kids make it through college.

Book blurb: 

They forgave him for the accident that killed their son, but he will never forgive himself.

Manhattan businessman Richard Brooks was at the top of the world, drunk with success, wealth, and women. Until one disastrous evening, when his world came crashing down.

Richard flees to Minneapolis where he repairs ancient boilers instead of solving corporate problems, and he’s determined to live the solitary life he now deserves.

But Executive Sheila Peterson has other plans for the handsome custodian. Richard appears to be the perfect match for the no-strings-attached romance she’s after, but she soon discovers that he’s hiding more than the designer suits in his closet.

Chain of Mercy is Book #1 in the Coming Home Series, published by Winslet Press. Both the paperback and digital edition are available here.

Author Bio:

Brenda S. Anderson writes gritty, life-affirming fiction that offers hope and reminds the reader they’re not alone. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is currently President of the ACFW Minnesota chapter, MN-NICE. When not reading or writing, she enjoys music, theater, roller coasters, and baseball (Go Twins!), and she loves watching movies with her family. She resides in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area with her husband of 26 years, their three children, and one sassy cat.

Her debut novel, Chain of Mercy, Book #1 in the Coming Home series, comes out TODAY and Pieces of Granite, the prequel to Chain of Mercy, is scheduled to release on September 16, 2014!

Brenda enjoys connecting with readers and you can visit her website here. Brenda also blogs at Inkspirational messages. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, as well.

Drumroll, please … Brenda has graciously offered to give away ONE signed copy of Chain of Mercy. Eligibility limited to entrants with US mailing addresses only, please. To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment below and share the name of your favorite amusement park ride (it doesn’t have to be a roller coaster). The contest closes at 11:59 PM Eastern time on April 30, 2014. The winner will be announced here on May 1.

Thank you so much for stopping by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throwback Thursday: Happy Easter edition

A shout out to the middle child on this Throwback Thursday … before he was even a middle child. Ha! This was his first Easter. I was so excited to have coordinating outfits from Gymboree to dress the boys in. They were not impressed. We could hardly get Luke to stop crying long enough to take the picture. That’s probably because I made him wear a sweater vest. I think this was the first and only time I coordinated their Easter outfits. The weather in western Washington can be a bit on the chilly side.

This was the first Easter my parents, my sister and our families all lived within an hour of each other. We went to my parents house after church and had our first Easter egg hunt in their new, humongous back yard. My nieces and nephew wouldn’t want the picture posted so I refrained,  but I found a great one of all four of them trying to hold a swaddled Andy. He’s screaming and they’re so proud of themselves, posing for the camera and clutching him like a bundle of firewood.

This season of life went by in a blur for me. The transition from one child to two was really difficult. But it’s photos like these that make me smile.

Happy Easter, y’all.

I’m linking up with Jessica over at the Mom Creative as she kicks off a new blog series called Throwback Thursday Stories. There are some fabulous posts already up, so click here to check those out and/or share your story, too.

 

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday: Shots From a Kayak

Photo credit: Andrew C Mace via Compfight

I love a photograph taken from this perspective. Always have. There’s a sense of untapped potential, isn’t there?

Grand adventure straight ahead.

I’m linking up with 5 Minutes For Mom today and sharing our Wordless Wednesday photos. Click here to link up.

Monday Listicles: 10 Photos of Spring

I’m linking up with Northwest Mommy today and sharing photos that represent spring. I don’t know about you, but I’m stoked to see all of these tulips and kids playing outdoor sports in the sunshine. Really looking forward to Easter this weekend, as well.

1. This tree in my neighbor’s yard. I don’t know what it is, but it is the highlight of my morning carpool trip. So amazing. Such a treasure after a long, soggy, gray (and sometimes white) winter.

2. Popsicles on the porch: finally warm enough to enjoy our porch and eat a popsicle.

3. Spring means another birthday for this kiddo. Double digits. Can’t believe it.

4. Spending half of Saturday at the soccer field. The middle child asked to play this year for the first time and he’s having a blast. Started as keeper but mixed it up this weekend and played mid field and defense. Very fun to watch.

5. Little Mister batting left-handed. Be still my heart. This is his first season of t-ball and we’re so excited for him. He asked to play but he still isn’t quite sure what to do. I think he’s just happy to have his turn in the spotlight.

6. Tulips on my counter. While Easter for me is about the death and resurrection of Jesus, tulips always remind me of the hope that a new season represents.

7. More daylight means more opportunities for fun before bed. The boys are getting older and don’t have to go to bed at 7 o’clock anymore. Our latest fave is dinner and a milkshake at PDQ. Yum!

8. Another amazing purple tree. I talk about these all the time, probably already blogged about them in an earlier post, but I love them. Tulips on a tree. Who knew? Often the first sign of spring around here.

9. Evenings at the soccer field. We find lots of ways to entertain ourselves when brothers have practice. He can’t really write much beyond his name yet, but he’s having a good time trying.

10. At last, I know it’s spring because my first book is available. Shameless self promotion, I know. #sorrynotsorry

Join us over at Northwest Mommy and share your photos and come back next week to share in her next awesome Monday Listicle.

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Unique Books I’ve Read

I’m linking up with The Broke and The Bookish today for Top Ten Tuesday and we’re sharing the ten most unique books we’ve read. Unique is subjective, of course, but for me it means there were elements of the novel that stuck with me long after I read the last page.

1. Christy: originally written in 1967 by Catherine Marshall, this novel had a huge impact on both its audience and the publishing industry. Christy’s courageous choices, the heartache, the people of Cutter Gap … sigh. Such an inspiring read. From a writer’s perspective, this novel sets the bar high for crafting an exceptional read.

2. Attachments: I’m not shy about expressing my delight in Rainbow Rowell’s work. Who knew that a novel about emails exchanged in the workplace could be so enjoyable? But it is. So, so good.

3. Unwritten: Charles Martin’s writing style swept me away from the first paragraph. His characterization is fantastic, the plot so rich and layered. I couldn’t stop reading but I was so sad when it ended.

4. Gone Girl: I’m halfway through this now and I alternate between wanting to take a shower after each chapter and counting the hours until I’ll have a chance to read it some more. I can’t stand reading a book where I hate the protagonist, yet I have to keep reading because I have to know what happens. I’m starting to get why this book received such high praise. Even if I do want to clobber Lance. 

5. The River Witch: I’ve sung Kimberly Brock’s praises a time or two, but this novel truly is amazing. Laden with sorrow and a generous helping of quirky characterization, this is one fascinating tale. Every once in awhile, you encounter a writer who wrangles words in such a way that you are awestruck. This would be one of those writers.

6. The Bungalow: so World War II sagas of a nurse falling in love with a soldier might seem like a well-worn plot. But not this time. Sarah Jio transports us to the Pacific Island of Bora Bora and the story is incredible. Love, loss and the test of time … three of my favorite themes in a good page turner. I’m a big fan of Sarah’s work and this is my favorite novel of hers.

7. Molokai: It’s been a few years, but this one still sticks with me. The beauty of Molokai juxtaposed with the loneliness and heartache of a young girl separated from her family because she has leprosy. I’m at a loss for words, so I won’t even try. Thanks to Amazon, it’s already been said: “True to historical accounts, Moloka’i is the story of an extraordinary human drama, the full scope and pathos of which has never been told before in fiction. But Rachel’s life, though shadowed by disease, isolation, and tragedy, is also one of joy, courage, and dignity. This is a story about life, not death; hope, not despair. It is not about the failings of flesh, but the strength of the human spirit.” Bravo, Alan Brennert.

8. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: clearly I have a thing for sorrowful tales based on real historical events. Told from the POV of a young Chinese boy in Seattle, falling in love with a young Japanese girl while they deal with the hardships of their ethnic background in a nation facing a war. While the heartache runs deep and this boy’s struggles will floor you, there’s a resilience about him that you can’t help but root for. One of the best books I’ve ever read. So impressed with Jamie Ford and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work.

9. Fifteen Minutes: Karen Kingsbury is a very prolific author. Just when you think she’s probably covered it all, she tackles the reality television movement. I picked this one up because I loved the cover. Fans of the Voice, American Idol and inspirational fiction will really enjoy this one. I know there are a lot of books with protagonists dealing with the pressures of fame, but the unique viewpoints of each of the characters makes this a compelling read.

10. How Sweet It Is: everything Alice Wisler writes can be described as unique. She’s really found her niche crafting interesting characters, facing difficult life circumstances, and each one has quirky way of looking at the world. In real life, Alice has endured the loss of a child and that sadness is weaved into her story crafting. I really admire her ability to tell a great story and offer her readers hope.

Your turn: what’s the most unique book you’ve read recently? Leave a comment. I love to hear the opinions of other voracious readers. 

 

 

Five Minute Friday: {Writer}

“You’re a writer, so start acting like one,” he said. “Stop waiting to be picked.”

Of the hundreds of inspirational quotes I’d read about ‘becoming’ a writer and dutifully filed away in my to-revisit-later journal, these phrases by Jeff Goins are the two that spurred me to put fingers to keyboard. The opening paragraph of my story that lived on my hard drive through the baby-raising years morphed into a rough draft of a novel. You see, the voices in my head had grown increasingly louder. While I made sandwiches, wiped sticky handprints off the cabinets and yes, stepped on Legos, my imaginary friends became impatient. Snippets of dialogue, the first elements I write down to compose my scenes, popped into my head when I least expected it. On two separate occasions, I physically turned around to see if there was another adult in the room with me. The characters became that real, the need to write a compulsion.

No, I’m not crazy. I’m a writer. And I’m acting like one.

I can’t honestly say that God told me to write, as I didn’t hear an audible voice of instruction. There wasn’t a road sign. No divine text messages. But I do believe He’d equipped me to start. The process was painful. Hours upon hours of crafting sentences that were often so hideous, I deleted them in shame and embarrassment. But those were followed by another page completed, then chapters.

Although God didn’t tell me to write, He has showered me with blessings as I’ve started to use the gifts He gave me. A contest entry motivated me to finish writing the whole thing. A delightful editor (definitely a gift from above) patiently showed me how to improve my craft.

Fast-forward almost three years and a contract is signed. A small press is taking a chance on a debut author. That book baby launches in twenty-four days.

I’m 25,000 words away from completing book number two.

I’ve collected a paycheck for a freelance project. Somebody actually paid me to write something. Then he offered me additional work. Pinch me.

Yes, I’m a writer. And I’m acting like one.

If you are a writer and feel like the only person reading your work is you, take heart. Don’t give up. Keep writing. Join a fabulous community of writers like the Five Minute Friday crowd and take a leap of faith. The world will be a better place because you wrangled those words onto the page or screen and courageously shared them.

Link up with Lisa Jo Baker today and every Friday to share your thoughts on the current prompt. Details here.

Ultimate Blog Party 2014: Welcome

 

I’m so glad you stopped by. My name is Heidi and I’m a wife, mother of three boys, Jesus follower and lover of dark chocolate. I’m also a voracious reader, coffee consumer, and as of this year, a published author. This blog is my home base for musings on motherhood and word wrangling.

My debut novel, Unraveled, releases 4/29/2014 from Winslet Press. Woot! The designers at Tekeme Studios did a fantastic job with the cover. I can share a sneak peek with you here:

Here’s a taste of the back cover copy:

Blindsided by her unethical fiancee, Lauren Carter returns home to Emerald Cove, Alaska to help save the family’s floundering bed and breakfast. Blake Tully, wildly successful new owner of a whitewater rafting business, finds that Lauren’s reappearance in his life reignites old feelings. Although she broke his heart once, he longs to give his childhood sweetheart a second chance. Lauren’s spent years running from her scandalous past. When her shameful secret is revealed, Blake’s trust is shattered. Will Lauren allow her past to define her? Or can she accept grace and forgiveness and embrace a future filled with hope? 

I love reading your comments, so do take a minute to leave a comment and say hello. Share either the name of your favorite book or your favorite hero in a movie.

{My favorite children’s book is The Little House and for women’s fiction, Christy. My favorite hero is Sam played by Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle}.  

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the Ultimate Blog Party! For more details on how you can link up your blog and/or enter to win the many fantastic giveaways going on this week, click on over here.

Have You Met My Baby?

This is no joke, friends. It is with much joy and a smidge of trepidation that I begin the process of launching my first book baby out into the world. Unraveled makes her debut on virtual shelves in twenty-eight wake up’s.

Commencing full-on freak out now.

There is very little that keeps me awake at night, but this endeavor is stealing my shut eye. It’s amazing. Delightful. Pinch-me-is-this-really-happening. But it’s also uncharted territory. You know how you feel at the peak of the roller coaster ride, right before you start the descent? Heart rate increases … stomach starts it’s own journey of swoops and turns …You know it’s going to be incredible, but there’s also that possibility that you’ll cling white-knuckled to the safety rail, terrified the whole way down.

Then you look back and decide you just might do it again.

I’m very grateful for friends and family who have already helped me spread the word through social media and offered tons of encouragement. Thank you so much, y’all. I couldn’t chase this crazy big dream of mine without you.

A shout out to Winslet Press and Tekeme Studios for putting together this incredible  book cover. Lauren looks exactly like she does in my head.

 

Five Things I Learned in March

1. Pretend safaris are the best kind: okay, so that’s not entirely true. The safari at Animal Kingdom in Disney world will blow your socks off. But in my world, an invitation to my favorite preschooler’s pretend safari IS the best kind. Especially when he spends the whole time taking pictures of his mama.

Isn’t he the cutest thing?

2. Being asked to spell 11,672,982 words in a single day by said 4 year old is quite taxing. Especially when you spell it correctly and he argues. God’s been trying to teach me a lesson about letting go of my perfectionist tendencies. I think I’d prefer a new lesson plan.

3. Deadlines are our friends. I cranked out more than 11,000 words this weekend. On a writing project due tomorrow. I haven’t done that since … the last time I procrastinated on a project until the weekend before it was due.

4. According to the all-knowing Pinterest, buying airline tickets on Tuesdays at 3pm, six weeks before your flight, is the sweet spot for low fare acquisition. Do you think this is true? Anyone willing to test this theory? I’m always afraid to wait that close to our travel dates for fear there won’t be enough seats, or I’ll have to call the Grandparents and announce we aren’t coming because tickets are now $938 each way.

5. Be careful what you say about Gwyneth Paltrow on Twitter. Holy Moly. In light of recent events and allegedly ridiculous comments made by GP, Good Morning America asked for some feedback. I complimented another mom on her wise observations regarding the whole situation. Well. Someone named Deanna with an ax to grind went a little cray cray. Lesson learned.

This is my absolute favorite post of the entire month. Emily Freeman from Chatting at the Sky hosts this fab link up. Click on over and join the conversation, k? You just might learn something.

Dancing With Fireflies: A Review

The mark of  an exceptional author (in my opinion) is one who draws me into the character’s world from the first paragraph and keeps me rooting for the hero and heroine through the finale of the novel. Denise Hunter is one of those authors. My only complaint? Her novels have to end. I’ve tried rationing myself: a chapter at a time and then I’ll put it down and get back to the business of real life…

Six chapters later, the laundry isn’t folded and dinner isn’t started, my own writing sits neglected.

I love her stories and the Chapel Springs series is delightful. I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Dancing With Fireflies recently. As a reader, it was very exciting to return to the fictional community of Chapel Springs. The story begins in the midst of the action, and we walk through a frightening situation with the heroine of the novel, Jade McKinley. Although date rape is a difficult scenario, the author handles the circumstances delicately. There’s enough detail to raise the stakes yet we are immediately empathetic for Jade’s unfortunate situation.

Of course readers of inspirational romance expect the hero and heroine to interact as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Daniel returns to the pages as Jade rolls back into town. He doesn’t let her waltz back in without explanation as to why she hasn’t bothered to keep in touch with the people that care about her the most. It isn’t long before Daniel becomes Jade’s rock and helps her deal with the unexpected pregnancy she’s tried to conceal from her friends and family.

The overall themes of the novel include dealing with past wounds that leave both characters fearful of loving again, as well as handling the unreasonable expectations of overbearing parents and their political aspirations. Denise Hunter is a master at the craft of storytelling and despite my best intentions to savor the story, I was reading late into the night. I had to know how things turned out for Jade and Daniel.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary digital edition of this novel. The above review is my fair and honest opinion regarding Dancing With Fireflies.