Love Inspired Historicals discussion
June Q&A with LIH authors
oh I am going to miss most of it as I see the specialist Thursday and have to go to the city tomorrow Wed my time and wont have much internet time.
Looking forward to authors and their book info soon, sure hope I dont miss any, will miss you ausJenny.
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An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing has produced two parenting books, twelve novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women's issues, and writing.The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart
Bound by a Secret
When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.
Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?
Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush.
Allie will be giving away a copy of her book.
I'm excited to hear what Allie has to say about her newest release. I worked with her and Laurie Kingery on this series, and it was a challenging yet fun experience. A pro at continuities, she kept us on track and offered guidance when we got frustrated.
Allie, what do you like most about working on continuity series?
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For me, continuity series flex a different writing muscle. They often take me into settings or time periods I would not have explored on my own, and I like the challenge of meshing my story with those I my partner authors. Since plotting is the hardest thing about writing for me, continuity series do some of the work for me by handing me the bones of a plot that I then flesh out in my own style. Not every author likes to work in this format, but it is a nice way for me to put a new spin on my work every once in a while.
Morning Everyone! Allie what are you currently working on? Any other books coming out this year?Since I won on last months giveaway please don't include me this month. Thanks!
I have to say that until this series came out this year I had never heard of the Oklahoma Land Rush. I knew of the California & Alaska gold rushes, and the land rushes for Dakota Territory & Oregon. Of course I knew that there was a particular rush west as the land was settled up. Was there something specific that happened in Oklahoma during the land rush, or was it just the editors decided this would be a good setting to choose? It's definitely a welcome different territory for me for this era!
Sounds great! I haven't had a chance to be online much lately! We went to PA to our son's grad school graduation. Then, our recently college-graduated daughter is living with us this summer and she seems to need tons of help with job-hunting stuff. I'm not used to having a child home anymore so I'm running around constantly! Yesterday, we drove to the "big city" and got her fingerprinting done to send off any application for a teaching license! Sure wish I could spend more time with you guys!
Laura, I've just finished up the Gordon Falls series (you'll see books 4, 5, and 6 over the next 9 months or so) and now I'm working on the sequel to my historical HOMEFRONT HERO which you'll see late next year. The next book to hit the shelves after THE LAWMAN'S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART will be A HEART TO HEAL, book 4 in the Gordon Falls series. Readers met Max in THE FIREFIGHTER'S MATCH and have been waiting for his story.
Hi Allie,I just wanted to say that I've read and loved almost all of your books. The Kentucky Corners books were definitely swoon worthy!! :) This latest book was also wonderful. I love the continuity books and how you ladies mesh so well.
Your books always make me smile! I always know that wether it's a contemporary or a historical, if it's got your name on it I will love it! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Wendy, I think the editors chose the Oklahoma Land Rush because it is such a dramatic embodiment of the American search for new life in a new land. People came from all over the country--all over the world, in fact, with dreams of a bright future. It's a rich time and place to set a story.
Allie, what inspired your love for writing?
Hi Allie - the land rush series sounds great and it is currently on my TBR pile. I'm always interested in other writers' adventures in research. What was your favorite or the most unusual thing you discovered when researching this book?
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June, thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you like my books!Katie, I've always been a storyteller, with a background in the theater. When a friend dared me to write a novel, it seemed that was just a new way to tell a story. My theatrical background definitely helps in creating characters and crafting dialogue.
Winnie, I think my favorite discovery were the Danish folk tales Katrine tells in the book. It was fascinating to see how they wove into the plot and the nature of Katrine and Clint's relationship. And, no, I didn't eat a lot of danish while working on this ;)
I have this book to read and will be taking it to the city with me to read some of it. I love hearing of the Land rush have read a few books about it and seen at least one movie.
What did you like best about writing this story?
Hi, Allie! I am fascinated by the writing process! What is the most difficult part of the writing process for you? What do you enjoy the most?
Looks fabulous! I think I want to try this series. :)
Hi Allie,I have not been on the computer all day and almost missed today's chat! I recently read the second book in this series by Karen Kirst and it was so good. I am really excited to read Clint's story.
My question is: What time period or setting has proven to be the most challenging for you? Do you have a favorite setting/time period that you enjoy writing about the most?
Brittany wrote: "Hi Allie,I have not been on the computer all day and almost missed today's chat! I recently read the second book in this series by Karen Kirst and it was so good. I am really excited to read Clint..."
Thanks, Brittany :) Clint and Katrine's story is wonderful!
Ausjenny- I think my favorite part was taking a dark serious character like Clint and slowly uncovering his lighter side. That's a satisfying progression for an author like me to write.Britney - plotting is the most difficult for me--I hardly ever know what's going to happen next, which is why continuity series are a bit of a vacation for me. That way I CN focus in the characters, which is my favorite part.
Brittany - I enjoy writing both contemporary and historical stories--a little of both every year! I don't have a favorite time period, although I found WWI a fascinating period when I wrote HOMEFRONT HERO. Then again, the 1906 earthquake was fascinating for MISSION OF HOPE, too. I like variety, as you can see.
Mission of Hope was a big eye opener for me. When an author can take something we know next to nothing about and make us feel educated with one story, success. When my young son had to read a book about the 1906 earthquake for school it was kind of fun to do a little research and tell him a few things I'd learned about the subject. Made for entertaining dinner conversation too, trying to keep everyone's earthquakes and fires, etc in their right places.
I know I'm a bit early for Deb's book, but not sure that I'll be getting on later today.Hi Deb ~ I'm looking forward to reading Evangeline's story. The book is on my wish list! It's interesting you chose a mill-owner for the hero in this book! A very different hero from the previous ones, but one I'm sure I'm going to enjoy.
I'm interested to find out who's going to run the charity school, since I'm assuming Evangeline eventually gets married. Will it be a character we get to know in the story, or someone we just hear about getting the job?
A Golden Heart® Award Winner and Rita® Finalist award Deborah has written over thirty novels and novellas in the genres of historical romance, inspirational romance, historical fiction and otherworld fantasy.Deborah and her family live in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada, a place steeped in history and romance. She is currently writing more historical romance novels in settings that include Regency England, Georgian England, medieval England,
post-Civil War America and colonial Canada.
Matchmaking with a Mission
If Jasper Chase won't trouble himself to find a new governess, Evangeline Fairfax must find her employer a wife. That way, his children will be well cared for once she leaves to start a charity school. Jasper reluctantly agrees to a matchmaking house party with one condition—that Evangeline give him lessons in courtship.
Devoted to improving conditions at his mill, Jasper unwittingly ignored matters at home. Only now, as Evangeline teaches him how to win a wife, does he realize what it means to be a true father and husband. And if this independent young woman would just say yes, her plan could have the perfect ending….
Glass Slipper Brides: From governess to Cinderella bride.
Deborah will be giving away a copy of her book.
Good morning, Deb! I have to ask, who came up with your series name Glass Slipper Brides? I love it. How did you come up with the idea of Evangeline giving Jasper courtship lessons? That alone makes me want to read your story.
I love the Glass Slipper Brides series and have already ordered Matchmaking with a Mission! Is this the last book in the series? What are you currently working on?
I really look forward to reading this book! Sounds like a great plot.Did you find anything interesting when researching for this book?
Hi, Deborah! I look forward to reading The Gentleman's Bride Search! Did you encounter any surprises while you were writing this book?
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Thank you for the wonderful introduction, Karen! I'm so glad you like the idea of Evangeline giving Jasper courting lessons. I had actually wanted to include something like that in the title, but for some reason it wouldn't fly. I originally wrote the proposal so long ago, I'm trying to remember if I included the courting lessons in that. I'm not sure I did. I think it was after I'd started the story that I realized Jasper would want help with that aspect of things.
Of course Evangeline thinks it's a bit ridiculous at first. I mean she's a spinster while he was married, but he explains that his wife sort of fell in love with him without too much encouragement and "set her cap for him" as they used to say in the Regency. So he didn't have any experience of how to win a woman -- that whole idea of men being mystified about what a woman wants and Evangeline may not have much courting experience, but she is a woman. What would she want?
So without realizing it, she teaches him not just how to court any woman but how to court her in particular.
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Since finishing it, I wrote a sweet Regency romance that isn't overtly inspirational, but the message of forgiveness and second chances really is the heart of Christ's message. It's called Snowbound with the Baronet and it's about a couple who meet several years after the heroine turned down the hero's marriage proposal. They get stranded with some other people in a little farm house in a bad snow storm (that winter actually was a terrible one in the UK -- not unlike the past one!) with life in the country coming to a stand still because of the continuous storms. That book is independently published on Amazon in print and ebook and will be coming to other retailers very soon.
Right now I'm almost finished a secular historical that's the start of a trilogy based on Three Men and a Baby, called Scandal on His Doorstep.
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One of my surprises was what I mentioned to Karen about the courting lessons. That was totally Jasper's idea and when he came out with it, I went "Wow! That is going to add a different dimension to the story."
Another thing that surprised me a bit was some of the interactions between all the characters. I don't think I've ever written a book with so many characters. Jasper has five children -- which is two more than my next biggest families. And I needed several people for the house party since Jasper needed some choice of brides and no lady would have come to a house party unescorted - so one comes with her brother, one with her father, one with her mother and one with a paid companion. And there is actually a little side romance between a couple of them that I hadn't anticipated.
Deborah wrote: "Hi everyone! Sorry I'm late getting here. My husband got called out of town this morning and I only stopped and realized -- hey, this is Wednesday!Thank you for the wonderful introduction, Kare..."
It sounds so fun! Can't wait to read it. :)
Sounds fabulous Deborah! Love this series! I am currently reading the Duke's Marriage Mission. So glad I will get one more!
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Allie wrote: "Laura, I've just finished up the Gordon Falls series (you'll see books 4, 5, and 6 over the next 9 months or so) and now I'm working on the sequel to my historical HOMEFRONT HERO which you'll see l..."Can't wait to read it. Max intrigued me with his lack of responsibility and his need to have adventure. How will he do that from a wheel-chair? (Our internet was down yesterday so I missed out on chatting with Allie) :-{
Debora, I have enjoyed the Glass Slipper series very much and can't wait to read this one! How long had you been writing before your first book was published?
Deborah, forgive me for the mistakes in the previous comment. Autocorrect is horrible sometimes.
Deborah wrote: "Hi everyone! Sorry I'm late getting here. My husband got called out of town this morning and I only stopped and realized -- hey, this is Wednesday!Thank you for the wonderful introduction, Kare..."
I love the idea of courting lessons! It is funny to think that he didn't have to work hard to get that first wife of his and now just doesn't know how to get started and actually woo a lady! Sounds like lots of fun.
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I'm delighted to hear that you've enjoyed the series. I wrote seriously for 5-6 years before I got published. I entered the Golden Heart with the same MS three years in a row, moving up from bottom 50% to the finals. My MS was rejected by pretty much every romance publisher in New York (twice by Avon alone!) By the time Margaret Marbury bought it for Harlequin Historical, I was so accustomed to rejection that I had trouble believing I could succeed. Some days I look at my shelves of books (I have one copy of each edition in each language) and it still seems totally surreal.
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Hi Deb! This book sounds fabulous (but I expect nothing less from a Deborah Hale book)! Do you plan to continue writing in the Regency period for the foreseeable future, or is there some other period you'd like to try someday?
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I probably will stay with the Regency for the projects I have planned so far. I got to jump around a lot early in my career and write things like my one Civil War story that I was itching to write, one Western that I never thought I could write, but I keep coming back to the Regency, so I guess it's where my heart is.
Deborah, I loved this book. Actually the whole series, but this final book ended it so well. I loved the characters. Jasper is quite the character and you just have to love Evangeline for being so loving and caring toward his children. The ladies (and their escorts) who come to the house party are quite interesting. Aggravatingly so!! She did well of finding various personalities for him to choose from.Thanks for an awesome series and I'm looking forward to reading the next one :)
Bonnie-How will Max find love and adventure from his wheelchair? Well, you'll just have to read the book and find out, won't you? ;). Seriously, this was a really special book for me to write and so many readers wanted Max to get his story told as much as I did. I can't wait until August when readers get to enjoy his story.
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For anyone who's interested, I have a Pinterest Board of my inspiration for the book. To help me keep all the characters straight, I photo-shopped faces of the actors I cast onto Regency era portraits -- it was fun! See if you recognize anybody? ;)
http://www.pinterest.com/hrwdebhale/i...
Love Inspired Historicals
Books mentioned in this topic
Lone Star Heiress (other topics)The Gentleman's Bride Search (other topics)
The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart (other topics)
The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart (other topics)
The Gentleman's Bride Search (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Allie Pleiter (other topics)Deborah Hale (other topics)
Winnie Griggs (other topics)
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