Love Inspired Historicals discussion
Monthly Author Q&A
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Q&A with November 2013 Authors!
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Laura AKA Loves 2 Read Romance
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Nov 06, 2013 06:10AM
I love all the books in the Glass Slipper Bride series and will have to pick this one up. How many more books are planned for this series? What are you currently working on?
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Welcome Deb! You always do such a good job with these monthly Q&As, it's so nice when it's your turn to talk about your latest book.Love the fact you've featured special needs children. I've had several through the nursery I work in & it's nice that you've given them a voice that doesn't often get heard.
Looking forward to reading this one...I can see it's going to be interesting seeing how Hayden convinces Leah to settle down - I've got the impression from other books that she is rather a free spirit!
Carole wrote: "Welcome, Penny! Congratulations on your LIH debut, which I hope is the first of many more. Like Renee mentioned yesterday, series let us revisit characters and see them grow, which I like very much..."Thanks, Carole, I like series, too, and Ihope to do many more LIH books. Like you, I read the available romances from the time I was eleven. I could check out 4 library books at a time, and I'd read one a day. The common refrain from everyone was that I "always had my nose stuck in a book." I read the Emilie Loring and Grace Livingston Hill (the first inspirational author, maybe?) I also devoured the "love" comic books. They cost a dime back then, so I'm telling my age, too! And of course I eventually found the Mills and Boon books.
I first sold to Silhouette Intimate Moments in 1983. The book was co-written with the late Sandra Canfield, and we wrote together as Sandi Shane. Her first name and my maiden name.
As for why I've switched to LIH...burnout was one contrubutor, which made it hard to do the work, and also, as I got older, I think I grew as a Christian and I really didn't want to do the love scenes anymore. I had some other things I wanted to do as well, so I worked 10 years renovating a 1902 house where I operated a B&B and catering business, which I loved. I never stopped writing, though and found my interest was in historicals. I have a historical mystery I'd like to find a home for.
I've written 35 (I think) books/anthologies since my first sale, and I've written as Sandi Shane, Bay Matthews (early Silhouette) and as myself (Harlequin and later Silhouette) Hope I answered everything!Thanks so much for stopping by.
Deborah wrote: "
Thanks to Renee and Penny for their lively discussions! Those books sound so good! I haven't seen them in my local sto..."
I can't wait to read this story, Deb. I have a special needs nephew who is the love of my life, and also an autistic young woman who has been fairly close to my family. These kids have so much to offer! Again, looking forward to reading it.
Lyn wrote: "Hi, Yes, it's nice to see new faces here. We didn't want anybody to miss the FUN! Penny Richards attended the first Love Inspired luncheon at a conference in 1997. I was there along with Lenora Wor..."Lyn, I can't believe you remember that! Thanks so much for your kindness and willingness (always) to help me along the way. I hope we can work on another anthology together at some time!
Melody wrote: "Looks good! I am a sucker for stories like that! :) I have enjoyed reading everything today Penny!"Thanks, Melody. Keep in touch!
Ausjenny wrote: "congrats on your debut LIH book. I was going to ask where its set but you answered that. Did you find any interesting tibits in your research?
(late coming and not feeling to great right now the ..."
I guess the most amazing thing is the Wolf Creek church is the oldest continuing congregation (at the same site and everything) This side of the Mississippi. (I hope I got that right) It was established in 1883.
Paula-O wrote: "Hi Penny, I am seeing lot of 5 Star ratings on goodreads for this one, I must read it. I like this type of book where they marry for convenience then find Love, sounds like they will find it. Wil..."
Penny wrote: "Ausjenny wrote: "congrats on your debut LIH book. I was going to ask where its set but you answered that. Did you find any interesting tibits in your research?
(late coming and not feeling to gre..."
Paula-O, I've seen that. I'm grateful, but of course chewing my figernails down to nubs hoping no one is disappointed!
Barbara wrote: "Penny, I always enjoy discovering new authors, and look forward to discovering your book. Historical fiction is my favorite!"Thanks, Barbara. Hope it doesn't disappoint! Isn't it great to get away from all the stuff going on in the world for a few hours by escaping to another century? I think it helps ground me.
I think I've answered all the questions and comments directed to me. If not, I apologize. I understand the book is available at Amazon now, both as a paperback and on Kindle. Thanks so much to everyone for your interest and kindness. I look forward to "talking" to you all again. Please keep in touch! Blessings and happy Thanksgiving!
Deborah, Congrats on your LIH debut and release! I love the glass slipper idea! Can't wait to check this series out!
Also congrats to Penny Richards on your debut! Very exciting!
I am currently reading A LIH and was thinking last night how not only are they quality, enjoyable stories, but also how much I am enjoying the beautiful covers they have. For all the authors here in the chat : Do you get to help in the design of your covers in any way?
Penny, thank you for taking the time to respond! My Mom was an avid reader also, and I'll never forget our Friday evening trips to the library. I checked out the limit also, although I couldn't read as fast as you. The "always had her nose in a book" term was said about me also. The fact that I'm an only child probably contributed to my love for reading.Emilie Loring, Grace Livingston Hill, dime comic books - I remember those well, Penny! I think romance fans today would love Emilie Loring's stories - not Christian fiction, but absolutely clean and well written. I still read them occasionally through the library. The one that had a minister for the hero was a favorite - Swift Water, I believe the title was.
I'm glad you're writing for the LIH line now. What is your historical mystery about?
My mom and I always swap books when we are able to get together!
Mod
What are you currently working on? Do you have any more Love Insp..."
Hi, Jane! The final book in my Glass Slipper Brides series is scheduled for June. It's titled The Gentleman's Bride Search.
Right now I'm working on a sweet Regency about a lady who ends up snowbound with the baronet whose proposal she once turned down.
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Absolutely, Carole! It didn't help that my twins are unusually social for kids on the autistic spectrum. Although I had studied autism, I couldn't quite believe that my cuddly, quirky little toddlers could possibly have that. It was very tough to get the diagnosis, especially for two of them. We were blessed that they have mild to moderate autism so they became verbal and turned out to be tech-savanats (they can do anything with a computer). They've come a long way and we're very proud of them.
But I remember the first time they went on the bus alone trying to keep myself from following in the car. They ended up missing their stop and called home very upset, which made me feel like a terrible mother. But they coped and the next time was better. Now they whiz around the city on the buses with no trouble.
I'm so glad to hear that your son is doing well. I've worked with kids with learning disabilities so I know what a struggle it can be - especially when they seem like there's nothing wrong. Teachers often think they aren't trying, which is so not the case!
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Hi Laura! There is one more book in the series - Evangeline's story, which comes out in June. The other friends want Evangeline to start a new charity to school to take the place of the terrible one they attended. When her employer keeps stalling about hiring a replacement for her, Evangeline decides he needs a wife and invites a bunch of marriageable ladies to a house party. It was fun to write!
Right now I'm working a sweet Regency "Snowbound with the Baronet."
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That is so true, Wendy! And that's exactly the challenge Hayden has. It's especially hard because Leah has justifiable fears that he'll want to curb her independence, as he does his son's. But Hayden is such a devoted father and kind, caring man, it's hard for her to keep from falling in love with him.
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That's right, Renee. I wrote twenty books for Harlequin Historical and two for the Luna fantasy imprint.
What made me want to write for LIH was authors like you! I started reading books in this line for the very first month it launched and they quickly became some of my favorite reading. I had often incorporated Christian themes and characters into my other books, so I was happy to be able to explore the spiritual aspect a little more.
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They sure do, Penny! It can be challenging at times, but there are great rewards too. I really appreciate that Harlequin editors have allowed me to incorporate characters with special needs into some of my stories.
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Thanks Jennifer! I was so happy to get the opportunity to write it.
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http://animoto.com/play/5RSiMU2eHTRyg...
I loved the music for it!
I think I own every Emilie Loring book out there. I collected and read them all in high school. Such wonderful characters and stories.
Snowbound with the Baronet-I like the book title. I'm glad to hear are more books from the Glass Slipper Bride series.
Will Snowbound with the Baronet also be for LIH you mentioned it was a sweet regency so I am assuming it's for LIH but I want to make sure. I know some authors have started to self-publish some of their books.
Mod
Laura, "Snowbound" is part of a series that I will probably self-publish because the stories are shorter than the LIH length.
Brittany wrote: "I think I own every Emilie Loring book out there. I collected and read them all in high school. Such wonderful characters and stories."I had some for a while, but when I moved and downsized from a two story house to a cabin, something had to go. Unfortunately they were a casualty.
Brittany wrote: "I think I own every Emilie Loring book out there. I collected and read them all in high school. Such wonderful characters and stories."I keep hoping they will eventually come out in digital format, so I've got several titles on my Kindle watch list. Meanwhile, the library works well!
Hello Deborah! Does it make it easier or more challenging for you to write when a subject is very close to home?
Hi Deborah, the books sounds interesting I am wondering does the son steal the attention at times? I know other books the child often seems to steal the attention in many scenes which is so cool.How old if the boy? Back then I guess a lot of children with special needs or seen to not be perfect were often hidden away from others both to protect them but often to protect the family.
Deborah, your book sounds very interesting to me since I teach and also have a family member on the autism spectrum. Was one of your characters in this book harder for you to develop and/or relate to than the others? Was any particular character easier to write about?
Mod
That's a really good question, Melody. I think in this case it made it easier because I had so much I wanted to say and I could really get into my characters' heads.
But I could see how it might be harder too, in the sense that you feel a responsibility to do it right. I found that with the one book I set here in Nova Scotia. I ended up doing way more research than on the ones I set in the UK.
Penny wrote:...though I have encountered a fair amount of sexual awareness in some of the LIH books.LOL Penny, I'm thinking mine would fit that category. My editor is always telling me to tone it down. However, I think it's okay to have chemistry in Christian romance. It is romance, after all. :)
Congrats on your LIH debut! Like so many others, I love marriage of convenience stories, too. So many emotions to explore. Glad to be sharing the shelves with you. :)
Hi Deb,Your cover is lovely! It sounds like this story was extremely personal.
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I think there are times he does a bit. He can be a handful at times because he's a bright, curious child who feels trapped by his circumstances.
Ausjenny wrote: How old if the boy? Back then I guess a lot of children with special needs or seen to not be perfect were often hidden away from others both to protect them but often to protect the family.
That's a very good point, Ausjenny. It hasn't been all that long since that went on. Kit is seven. I imagined him looking like the boy who plays Henry on Once Upon A Time, at a younger age.
Penny wrote: "Beth wrote: "Deborah wrote: "
Our guest author for today is Penny Richards who has written many books for a number of Harlequin and Silhoutte lines. Now Love..."
You did! Thanks!
I loved your video, Deb! Good job conveying the essence of your story.
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LOL Penny, I'm thinking mine would fit that category. My editor is always telling me to tone it..."
I agree, Karen. Leaving out the physical attraction is unnatural. After all feeling attraction isn't sin, it's how characters handle it.
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Thanks to Renee and Penny for their lively discussions! Those books sound so good! I haven't seen them in my local sto..."
Your book reminds me of The SECRET GARDEN- one of my all time favorite books. Good for you!
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Lyn, you couldn't give me a nicer compliment. I must admit, The Secret Garden was a major influence. The year I was in fifth grade, our teacher read us a chapter of The Secret Garden every day after lunch. It was a big class and we had quite a few rowdy characters, but while Mrs. Akerley was reading, you could have heard a pin drop. In retrospect, I really wish I'd included her in my dedication - she passed away just a few months ago.
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thanks for the info on Kit a young henry would be so cute.
Karen wrote: "Penny wrote:...though I have encountered a fair amount of sexual awareness in some of the LIH books.LOL Penny, I'm thinking mine would fit that category. My editor is always telling me to tone it..."
Thanks, Karen. I'm glad to be back. I think awareness/tension is perfectly fine myself. I have a bit more in the second book and it flew. As long as we don't cross a certain line, we ought to be okay. Thanks for commenting. Stay in touch.
I have to baby sit tomorrow so I'll say hi to Karen now. Hi Karen! How did you come with the idea of hunting for husbands?
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Okay, back to finish up the week and our guest author is Karen Kirst, who's November book, The Husband Hunt received 4 1/2 Stars from RT Bookreview. Congratulations, Karen!
The Husband Hunt is part of Karen's Smoky Mountain Matches series and it tells the story of impulsive, strong-willed Sophie Tanner, who realizes she must quit pining after Nathan O'Malley, who will never see her as more than a friend. In desperate need of a husband to protect her younger brother and their farm, Sophie sets out to find one as quickly as possible. Cautious, sensible Nathan has never heard of such a harebrained scheme. He always thought he'd marry a woman as steady and sensible as him. But there's nothing sensible about his feelings for Sophie!
I love the idea of a hero and heroine who are such opposites finding ways to compromise and compliment one another! Karen, can you tell us how these characters are related to your other Smoky Mountain Matches books? And in case you didn't see it, Jennifer has a really good question in the previous message.
Lyn wrote: "Karen wrote: "Penny wrote:...though I have encountered a fair amount of sexual awareness in some of the LIH books.LOL Penny, I'm thinking mine would fit that category. My editor is always telling..."
Exactly, Lyn!
Good morning, Deb! The Husband Hunt is the 5th in the series, which follows the O'Malley cousins. This one is Nathan's story, who is the middle of three sons.
Jennifer wrote: "I have to baby sit tomorrow so I'll say hi to Karen now. Hi Karen! How did you come with the idea of hunting for husbands?"Hi Jennifer! Great question. I've always loved stories about friends who fall in love. Jane Austen's Emma is a favorite of mine, and I love how Mr. Knightley is a bit disapproving of her. I wanted to bring that into this story with Nathan and Sophie. As for the husband hunt part, I needed to give Sophie a compelling reason to marry since she never would've sought it out on her own. Plus, watching Sophie choose a husband was going to force Nathan to see his tomboy neighbor in a new light.
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