Are You Hungry? By Patti Jo Moore

Chances are if you grew up in the South, many of your memories are associated with food. Even if you grew up somewhere else, this could also be true. But since I’m a lifelong southerner who writes stories set in the southern states, much of my writing is based on personal experience over the years.

The Unexpected Blessings of the Writing Life by Robin Patchen

Every time I’ve taken a test to place me on the introvert/extrovert scale, I’ve landed right in the middle. In other words, I need to be alone right up until I’m desperate for companionship.

I haven’t been short on companionship lately. We are so blessed that our grown children moved home for the quarantine, joining our third child, a recent high school graduate. This spring, I had my entire family together for Easter and Mother’s Day for the first time since 2015.

And, though it’s been a challenge to make space for three adults to work from home, I’ve enjoyed every minute of this family time.

What I’ve missed these months is my friends. Even though many of them don’t live nearby, there hasn’t been much time even for phone calls and Zoom meetings. And, while I love my family, there’s nothing quite like friendships with other writers, people who get this strange writing life.

For me, this community of other writers has been the greatest and most unexpected blessing of the writing life.

In recent months, I’ve grown my circle of writing friends to include eight other Christian romantic suspense authors. These women whose names I’ve seen in my “also-boughts,” whose books have decorated my Kindle, have become my friends. Together, we’re putting together a box set (more on that below) that will release in October. Honestly, I thought the Lord called me into this boxset to grow my audience and, perhaps, by His grace, to allow us to see our names on a bestseller list.

Now, months into it, I realize He had more in store for me than just business. (Doesn’t He always?) The Lord has blessed me with new friendships. He’s teaching me about working with others, about yielding to those who know more than I do, and about trusting Him to make it all work out. He’s reminding me that friendships don’t have to be tied to the community where I live. Great friendships can be borne over distances like never before.

That last lesson is particularly important for me right now.

After twenty-four years in Oklahoma, we’re relocating to the Austin area. I’ll be saying good-bye to my church family, my extended family, and my friends, many of whom are fellow writers. It’s going to be a challenge. But already, God is planting new friendships in my life. I know his plans for me—for all of us—are good. Despite the unknown lurking ahead, I will trust in Him.

Amazon Buy Link

DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS

Lives...and hearts...are on the line in eight brand-new Christian Romantic Suspense novels from the genre’s most explosive authors

Glimmer in the Darkness: Robin Patchen

When Cassidy learns another child has been kidnapped from her hometown, she's convinced the man who took the girl she’d been babysitting seven years earlier is behind the recent abductions. She alone holds the key to finding him. Though James blames Cassidy for his sister’s death, he’ll help if there’s a chance to save a child’s life. Can Cassidy and James identify the serial killer in time to rescue his latest victim?

About me:

Robin Patchen is one of the authors of the Dangerous Deceptions boxset, which includes eight brand-new, full-length Christian romantic suspense novels from best-selling and award-winning authors. It’s available on preorder for only 99¢.

Preorder Dangerous Deceptions at Amazon or your other favorite e-book retailers.

Learn more about Robin Patchen at her website and download a free copy of Convenient Lies

Running In Place by Terri Weldon

How many news stories, blog posts, and social media rants have you read about COVID lately? If you’re like me the answer is - too many. I’ve had to limit the number of times a day that I allow myself to read about COVID-19. Social media posts for the most part are just tossed aside. No way I’m getting caught up in those arguments! 😊 And blog posts, well I remind myself that to the author it is only one, the one they’ve written. Besides, those are far more interesting than the news or social media posts.

Being at home all the time has left me feeling off balance. It doesn’t matter what time I go to bed or get up. There’s no where I need to be. I feel like I’m running in place. Giving it my all, but getting no where fast.

Unfortunately, my writing is mirroring my life. I edit, and then I’m asked by my most trusted critique buddy, “Did you read this chapter after you edited it?” I continue to work on my plot, but when I try to align my edits with my plot changes nothing works. I’m running, but I’m not moving. I’m stuck in the same place.

Those are the days I begin to wonder if this writing gig is worth the effort. It is. For me. I realize there are others who have walked away from writing. And you know what? If that’s the right choice for them, then more power to them. So today I had a chat with my friend and we worked on my plot. I may not always like what she tells me, but I trust her implicitly. Find someone you trust that much. It may take time, but keep looking. Remember, you need to be that kind of writing buddy in return. If your friend isn’t a writer, support them in whatever endeavor they pursue.

Because my friend has me excited about working on my manuscript. I no longer feel hopeless or like I want to give up. Now instead of running in place I’m jogging down the path toward the finish line.

Have you ever felt like you were running in place? How did you break free? I’d love to hear your tips.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. – I Corinthians 9:24

Amazon Buy Link

A Match Made in Sheffield

Natalie Benton bounced from one foster home to another until she landed on Ellie Alexander’s doorstep. Natalie’s vagabond childhood caused her to yearn for a secure life, which led to Natalie’s five-year plan: complete her law degree, marry the perfect man, become a partner at Montgomery, Haynes, and Preston, and produce one child. Getting arrested wasn’t in Natalie’s plan. Needing a public defender wasn’t in her plan. Falling for Grady Hunter, her public defender, definitely wasn’t in her plan. Can Grady convince Natalie there is more to life than her five-year plan? Is Ellie the only one who sees a future for Natalie and Grady?

Terri Weldon is blessed to be able to write fulltime. She enjoys gardening, reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has an adorable Westies – Crosby. She is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Terri is the award winning author of The Christmas Bride Wore Boots.

Readers can connect with Terri at her Website or here at Seriously Write.

Catch and Release By Patti Jo Moore

With all due respect to those of you who enjoy fishing (waving to my brother-in-law Bob), I do not share your passion. 😉 In fact, the only time I’ve actually fished was as a young child, when one of my older sisters and her boyfriend took me to a lake to fish. That remains a fun memory, but I’ve never had the desire to fish again (something about those worms…).

The one and only year I taught the fourth grade, one of the (few) highlights of that year was a field trip that May, when we went to a rural area of Georgia so the students could fish at a “Catch and Release” lake at a nature center. Needless to say, the students had a wonderful time, and thankfully didn’t mind tossing their fish back into the water. I enjoyed walking around with my camera, observing their excitement and making sure no one fell into the lake.

When I recently thought about that memory, it occurred to me that as writers, we’re doing a sort of “catch and release” with our stories.

Joy in the Struggle by Sally Shupe

How many of us are struggling through the quarantine? I’ve spent a lot of time feeling like I’m drowning, feeling overwhelmed, struggling with finding a routine while stuck at home and working. Maybe you’ve lost your job, your income, your connections. That’s a struggle. There are also people who are enjoying time spent at home with their families and pets that they normally wouldn’t have because of having to work outside the home. Then there are others working on the frontlines, nurses, doctors, veterinarian offices, grocery workers, gas station attendants, and many others. All of us have different sets of struggles, of feelings, of issues and have many different ways of dealing with these struggles. How are you dealing with them? Are you discouraged, dismayed, disconnected, frightened, overwhelmed, fatigued, irritable, anxious? How can we turn this around?

What have you been doing during this time? Cleaning your home? Learning a new skill? Strengthening relationships? Writing your book? Exercising? Visiting new churches virtually? Visiting different places online? The suggestions are endless! You can see plays, aquariums, baby animals, exercise videos, interviews, church services, guided trail hikes (I just found this one!), YouTube learning, LinkedIn Learning, read writing craft books, etc. all from the comfort of your own home! What have you experienced? What have you learned?

I’ve found so many new things online. There are classes you can take to learn Word or Excel, or learn a new language. I found a webcam of an eagle and her eaglets. That one is mesmerizing. I became an expert at using Zoom. My son lives in Florida and I haven’t gotten to go back down there yet, since January. He finally got Zoom and now we can talk to each other and see each other! Between that and having meetings online, I’ve learned how to mute audio, turn video on and off, rearrange the frames, get Zoom to stay on top while I go look at something else, use a virtual background, and other features (the beautification option!). My latest skill is trying to groom my cat with clippers. What new skills have you tried your hand at?

The greatest interaction I’ve found: online church services! I can sit in my home and “visit” numerous church services in one day. My first few days at home, I felt disconnected, overwhelmed, isolated. By the third day, I didn’t even know what day of the week it was! But that Sunday morning, Facebook lit up with churches going live! And after several weeks, there were even more churches and pastors going live and connecting with many, many more “visitors” than they would have normally. This is a great thing! That first Sunday, all the services I watched, connected with what I was going through, with what I was feeling. I didn’t feel so alone and isolated. I felt connected. And each service since then, has strengthened that connectedness, that togetherness, that we’re going to make it through this together, apart. Let’s come out of this stronger, with a greater love for each other, with an unbreakable link to our families, friends, communities. Who have you connected with during this time?

At some point, we’ll be able to get back out there. What’s one thing you’ll do when the quarantine is over? You can show off and share a new skill, like a new language, or a blanket you made when you learned how to crochet, or visit that trail that you took a virtual tour of, or meet “friends” you made online, or show your completed book (or books if you have extensive amounts of time!). I want to visit the churches I’ve enjoyed online. I want to meet the pastors, the “online friends” who watch these services too. I want to personally say thank you for helping me through this time. Thank you for taking your time to put your services online so others can grow, feel connected, so when this is over, and we can be together again, what a day that will be! I also want to finish this book I’m working on. Anybody else working on a book? Let’s cheer each other on! What’s your one thing?

Hang in there, this is a season, and it will pass. What will you do with what you are given? Find joy in your struggle. Look on the bright side. Look for the little things that make you smile.

Sally Shupe lives in southwest Virginia with her husband, two grown kids-a daughter still at home and a son nearby, and a whole bunch of pets: five dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and birds at the birdfeeder (and the mandatory snowman when the snow cooperates). She writes contemporary Christian romance, with two completed manuscripts and three more in progress. They are part of a series located in small town Virginia.

When Sally’s not writing or working full-time, she is a freelance editor for several authors who write fiction and nonfiction; students working on dissertation papers; a copy editor for Desert Breeze; a content editor for Prism (became part of Pelican); performs beta reading for various authors; publishes book reviews on her blog and with Valley Business FRONT’s monthly magazine; is a member of ACFW and a PRO member of RWA; loves genealogy, running, and crocheting.

Sally uses her love of words to write about God’s amazing love.

Connect with
https://www.facebook.com/sallyshupewritings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SallyShupe1
Blog: http://sallyshupe.blogspot.com/
Email: sallyshupe1@gmail.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sallyshupe1/
Website: http://sallyshupeseditingservice.weebly.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-schreiner-shupe-8217a639?trk=hp-identity-name

“SOMEBUNNY” NEEDS YOU By Patti Jo Moore

Easter blessings, my friends! I’m certain we’ll all agree that this Easter season is unlike any Easter season (or spring season) we’ve experienced in the past. Ever. With the horrible Covid-19 virus (I shudder even typing that) pandemic, our lives have been turned upside-down. And shaken. But as Christians, we cling to our faith and the hope we have in Christ—and we persevere. We must! 😊

Recently, I’ve been reading some excellent articles and blog posts encouraging those of us who are writers. Some wonderful, uplifting suggestions to keep us going, even when we feel we’re in a fog. Personally, I’m relieved to know I’m not the only one who’s having difficulty staying focused. Yes, it’s frustrating when you need to complete your current project, but just can’t seem to keep your mind on the story or your fingers on the keyboard. But knowing you’re not alone helps somehow.

Originally, this post was going to be about writing through this trying time, foggy brain and all. I’d planned on offering encouragement and cheering folks on. But then…I decided that for some writers, maybe—just maybe—the Lord has another way for you to use this time at home. Could it be that you’re supposed to put away that manuscript (temporarily, of course) and write something completely different? Maybe you write contemporary romance but for a season you’re supposed to write for children, or young adults. A completely different genre. Or maybe you’re supposed to send cards to people (a personal favorite ministry of mine), including handwritten notes of encouragement and hope. Who couldn’t use some uplifting words right now, delivered by snail-mail in an old-fashioned card?

Or maybe you’re supposed to take a little break from writing altogether, and spend time phoning elderly shut-ins who are lonely, to offer an encouraging word to them. You never know how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire day (or week!). For those of you with children in your home, this is an opportunity to get super creative with activities for them. Or, simply sit and read together.

Are there craft projects you’ve wanted to make and give as gifts at Christmas (yes, I realize it’s only April now) 😉 but when life was “normal” you never had the time? Or it could be that during this season you need to be a prayer warrior for someone. The point is: Somebody needs you! Whether it’s your writing, your listening ear, or your prayers—YOU can be used to help others during this very trying time.

Since I’ve been seeing so many cute pictures of bunnies recently, I couldn’t resist the play on words in my blog title today. 😊 Always the kindergarten teacher, I guess. Despite these uncertain, trying times, I hope each of you will have a very blessed Easter, as we celebrate our Savior’s victory over death.

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6

Amazon Buy Link

Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her sweet grandbaby) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

Journaling Through the COVID-19 Pandemic by Laurie Wood

We here in North America are into week two of what I’m going to call the “awareness” of the global pandemic of COVID-19. We’ve become “aware” of the need for social distancing, self-isolation, handwashing, what businesses are considered “essential”, and who’s getting laid off and who can work from home.

The rest of the world figured it out in January and February, but Canada and the US managed to keep our rose-coloured glasses on till the week of March 9^th. That was the week my husband, who’s a Major in the Canadian Armed Forces (Air Force) started getting serious dispatches about how our military was about to cope with the pandemic reaching our shores. And on Friday, March 13^th, around lunch time, I went grocery shopping and decided I’d “stock up” on some essentials before there was a run on them.

Well, the joke was on me because the shelves were already half bare. There was no toilet paper to be had, Kleenex and paper towels were nearly gone, and the meat department looked like the night stock boys hadn’t finished their shift. I managed to score the last two packages of chicken drumsticks. I stared at my “essentials” list and realized that people who were better organized, more up on the news, had already stripped the shelves of hand sanitizer, Lysol wipes and spray, toilet bowl cleaner (apparently Winnipeggers really care about having clean toilets), and dishwasher detergent.

That was the beginning of my family’s “work-at-home-self-isolation”. Our adult children have Down Syndrome and we kept them home during Week One even though their program was still open. My husband was ordered to work from home. My writing routine of peace and quiet was immediately disrupted with three other adults home all day, every day.

The above paragraphs are from a letter I sent to a far-away friend. And then I got the idea to keep a specific journal. Journaling during this pandemic is an excellent idea if you’re a writer. Your experiences as a family, or as a single person, stuck at home and dealing with the social isolation and supply shortages, are crucial to your family history. Recording your thoughts and the events of your days will be special to your children who’re dealing with being out of school, their anxieties, and new experiences as they Facetime with friends from their homes.

Here’s some ways to record or journal your way through this pandemic:

1.      Bullet Journal: keep lists of the TV shows your binge on Netflix, the movies you watch with your kids, the science projects & activities you do with them. Keep a list of how many books you read/review. Keep a list of any new hobbies you learn. New podcasts, webinars, online courses you take. The trivia of your days are the details future generations will cherish.

2.      Keep a video log of your children each day. Have them say something they did that was fun during the day, something new they learned, something they wish was different, something they look forward to when this is all over. Take videos of them being active outside when the weather is good. 

3.      Journal in long-hand for the “bigger” experiences…how your perspective has changed. What is more important to you now than it was a month ago? What is better? What are you grateful for in this time of uncertainty? How is God more real to you now?

We bring hope to readers with our stories. We write to entertain people. We write to record human experience and right now, the global pandemic is bringing the world together in a way it hasn’t experienced since 1918 with the Spanish Flu. Those days are with us again.

Let’s make sure that the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is recorded with words that speak of our generosity, compassion, bravery, love, and the bright light of the human spirit. Let’s rest in Jesus’ assurance that “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 15:33 He will never leave us or forsake us.

It’s not to late to start that new journal. Grab a new notebook, or binder paper, or open up a new Document on your laptop. Have you thought about doing this?  Please share your experiences in the comments. 

 BOOK LINK: Amazon

Northern Deception

(Heroes of the Tundra Book 1)

Reunions can be deadly.

After a savage attack in university, Kira Summers fled to the safety of northern Canada and her work as a polar bear scientist. But when her whistleblower brother dies in a mysterious car crash, she must return home to bury him and pack his belongings. Unaware she’s carrying explosive evidence someone’s willing to kill for, she has no choice but to rely on the one person she never thought she’d see again.

Lukas Tanner, a widowed single father of a special needs toddler, moved to Churchill five years ago. As the proud owner of Guiding Star Enterprises, a wilderness tour company, he and his daughter lead a simple life. But when Kira comes crashing back into his world, he realizes God has other plans. Now, Lukas and Kira must confront a merciless killer as their past and present collide in a deadly race—a race they must win if they have any hope of a future together.

Laurie Wood is a military wife who’s lived across Canada and visited six of its ten provinces. She and her husband have raised two wonderful children with Down Syndrome to adulthood, and their son and daughter are a wonderful blessing to their lives. Over the years, Laurie’s books have finaled in prestigious contests such as the Daphne du Maurier (twice), the TARA, the Jasmine, and the Genesis. Her family lives in central Canada with a menagerie of rescue dogs and cats. If the house were bigger, no doubt they’d have more.

Website:  https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriewoodreadersgroup

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LaurieJeanWood

           

You Can’t Run from Your Calling By Leslie L. McKee

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

Growing up, I wanted to be a writer, among other things. I wrote a few short stories, but I mostly wrote poetry. I’d carry a notebook with me everywhere I went. I entered contests, and I was even a finalist three years in a row for a prestigious summer program for high school writers. I considered a career in journalism. I continued to write on a regular basis until I hit college. There, it slowed a bit as I pursued other interests, but I would write something for special occasions or class projects. Writing, as a career, however, was pushed to the side.

I thought I knew where I was going with my career path, but things took a turn in 1994. That’s when I was hit by a car, and my journey with chronic pain and chronic illness began. I found some solace in journaling, but I never saw it as a career.

Over the next few years, my love of reading led me into reviewing for publications. I was writing again. Almost without even realizing it, I had come full circle … back to my love of writing. And yet, I still didn’t expect it to go anywhere.

People told me I should share my story of chronic pain and illness, but I’ve never been one to open up to anyone … especially strangers. So, I continued to be content with writing reviews and editing (a career that came out of my publishing connections). I had a job where I could read, and I loved it!

One day, I received an email that I would later recognize as a nudge from God. An editing connection sent me information on entering a contest to have devotions published by Ellie Claire/Worthy Publishing. The topic was one that I’d been toying with writing about for years, yet I never pursued it. I wrote back saying I was definitely interested. After I pushed send, it suddenly hit me: I had never written a devotion in my life! Sure, I’d read a lot of them, but I’d only written reviews or poetry. However, I had committed to submitting a sample, and so I did.

I never expected to hear back from them. So imagine my surprise when I was offered a contract to write ten devotions to be included in a 365-day compilation. It was at that moment that I realized God had done it again 😊

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” That is exactly what happened to me when I hit “send” on that email.

The Lord knew that desire had never truly left my heart. He’d placed it there, after all! It just took a bit of a “nudge” (by way of a car accident and a friend) to remind me of the calling that had been placed on me decades earlier.

God has a calling for each of us, and I fought mine for years. Perhaps you have, as well. Reread Proverbs 3:5-6. Consider memorizing it. Go to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him for guidance in every aspect of your life, including your writing. Then trust Him. He knows what He’s doing!

Leslie is an editor, reviewer, and author. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN. Her devotionals have been published in compilations by Ellie Claire: Just Breathe, Refresh Your Soul, and Breathe: Devotions to Quiet the Soul. She has had flash fiction stories published, as well. Leslie is currently working on her first book, a devotional for women battling chronic pain and illness.

In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, crocheting, spending time with family and friends (and her turtle!), and rooting for the NY Giants.

Social media links:

Website: https://leslielmckee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslielmckee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslielmckee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeslieLMcKee

   (@leslielmckee for all social media sites)

Is Your Writing Making You Sick? By Patti Jo Moore

If you’re a writer who is struggling with a story at the moment—whether a weak plot, flat characters, or a sagging middle—you might read my blog title and scream “YES!!” Maybe you’re sick of your story at the moment, with the word “sick” implying that you feel aggravated, frustrated, and even ready to give up. *GASP* If that describes you, maybe it’s time for a break. Step away from your computer (or pen and paper), and do something else. But only for a little while. It’s so important to come back to the writing. Preferably within the year. 😊

Other writers might say they’re sick from their writing, but this type is physical. No, we cannot catch a horrible virus from the words we’re typing, but when we become so focused on our writing that we neglect our physical health, we pay the price. Yes, this is all common sense, but sometimes we need these little reminders (at least I know I sure do) of some small changes that might help us.

If you write on a computer, be sure to take care of your eyes. Staring at the screen too long is not good for our vision. Headaches? They might be due to the eye strain. Back pain? Maybe you need a different chair or even a simple change such as putting pillows for support behind your back. As we all know, staying seated for too long at a time is never good, especially as we age (ahem) and our bodies become a bit stiffer. Not a pretty truth, but still a truth. 😉

In addition to our physical health, sometimes our emotions need a boost when we’ve been so consumed with our writing. Often a change of scenery in our writing environment is exactly what is needed. I have many friends who take their laptops to a coffee shop and write. I’ll admit I haven’t tried this, only because I’d end up chatting with everyone around me instead of writing! But even if there’s not a convenient place for you to visit and write, changing to a different part of your home might help. I am a “window person”—I love a room with windows! Thankfully my office room has a nice window beside my computer, so I can pause when needed and look out at the birds and squirrels in my Elm trees. Even a few minutes of not staring at the screen can often provide the break we need.

Being productive in our writing doesn’t have to mean neglecting our health---mental, physical, or emotional. Here’s to healthy habits for happy writers! 😊

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her sweet grandbaby) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

A Few Random Things I’ve Learned About Writing and Publishing by Laura Kestner

I haven’t been a published author for long, but it’s been a wonderful ride so far. I know that the readers of this blog include many longtime published authors, but I’m hoping that these observations might be of interest to those who are just getting started. So here goes:

1. It’s never too late to pursue a dream. After talking about it forever, and starting umpteen books in my youth, I was in my mid-50s when I got serious about writing fiction. I will turn 60 this spring, and I’m only two books into an indie career.

But instead of being discouraged by the “only” in that sentence, I’m focusing on the, “two books” part. I’m truly thrilled to be able to say that. At any age. I have to admit, at times it’s difficult. Struggling to learn the latest app/feature/media whatsit, only to find it changed the next day. Struggling to read the small screen/fine print (I have reading glasses stashed in every room, the car, and in my purse). And my memory’s not what it used to be, and…where was I going with this? Oh yes, despite all that, I’m not giving up. I’m going to keep on plugging away at this, until He says stop.

2. At some point, writing/publishing will probably make you cry. And for varied reasons. Sometimes I’ve been brought to the verge of tears due to frustration and stress (scenes not working, characters not speaking to me, emotional scenes, etc.) But there have been happy tears, too.

For instance, the first time a stranger approached me at a book signing event and told me how much they enjoyed my work, and they called my characters by name (like real people!) and then they wanted to know what happened to those characters next, and when the next book would be out. I’m telling you, I choked up. And I wanted to hug that person, but it was a stranger, so I didn’t. Okay, that’s not true. I did hug them. And probably scared the daylights out of them with my happy tears.

3. You can’t always predict or choose your readers. You should have a target audience, no doubt about that, but sometimes those are not the only people reading your work. I always figured that my readers would be women. The first time someone sent me a message saying that her husband started reading my book before she could get to it, I was surprised. Then it happened again. Women were telling me they’d bought a copy for their father, or brother, son, etc. And that they enjoyed the book. As I said, I was surprised by this, and oh so grateful.

4. If you make a mistake, more than likely someone will point it out. Learn to be grateful for that. A multi-published author sent me a very kind email after the publication of my first book, letting me know that I’d made a mistake (referring to one of my characters as a U.S. Marshal, when his title should have been Deputy U.S. Marshal) This author also mentioned how much she enjoyed the book. I was appreciative, not only that she’d actually read my book, but that she cared enough to point out an error. I want to learn. I’ll make other mistakes, I’m sure, but I won’t make that mistake again.

5. Don’t be too specific in character detail on the first book of a series. Such as noting that three brothers bear a striking resemblance to each other. I did that. It can make cover design difficult, as well as future story lines. I loved the cover for my first book, Remember Texas. The designers came up with just what I asked for—a lawman (just a portion of the face showing), a train, and a church. The second cover was much more difficult. Fictional brothers may look alike but cover models usually don’t, and using the same model just wasn’t working out. I liked the final design of A Texas Promise, but getting there wasn’t easy.

6. Make friends with other writers, even if it’s only online. I’ve been blessed beyond measure to have a supportive family, and church family, to cheer me along and pray for me. And I’m grateful. But there’s something about having a few writer friends who know exactly what you’re going through—in the good times and the bad—that can be such a blessing. Praying for each other through looming deadlines, and the sting of rejection. Getting to celebrate when contracts are signed, covers are revealed, and books go live. I’m blessed to have a group of writer friends that understand the challenges and rewards unique to the writing life. It’s a special bond and I treasure it. And them.

Thank you so much for your time and attention, and a special thank you to Terri Weldon for inviting me to guest host. Happy Writing!

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A TEXAS PROMISE

When Sheriff Eli Calhoun first sees Maggie Radford she’s just escaped from a burning insane asylum. The young woman is disoriented, disheveled and dressed in rags. Even after questioning her, Eli’s sure of only two things—she’s lying about something and she’s terrified.

Unjustly confined to an asylum, Maggie Radford did what was necessary to escape—and now it haunts her. She asks God for forgiveness, even as she continues to spin a web of lies and deceit. She wants to trust the Moccasin Rock sheriff, but she can’t tell anyone the truth. There are people searching for her, including the man who had her committed.

As Eli works to piece together Maggie’s story, he’s also dealing with his own troubles. As a young boy he witnessed a shooting and is now stunned to discover that the gunman is a powerful business owner with political ambitions. Eli wants to stop him, but the would-be politician has plans of his own.

Complicating matters is an old deputy with a hidden past, an orphan baby, a young boy with a secret, and a midwife with a tragic story of her own.

As the danger escalates for both Maggie and Eli, their faith is tested and their developing relationship is tried. They must work together to solve the mysteries of the past—before their future is cut short.

After 25 years in community journalism, Laura Conner Kestner embarked on a career in inspirational fiction. Laura is a proud seventh-generation Texan. Born in Fort Worth, she now lives in central Texas. She is happily married to the “boy next door” and they have two daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and just welcomed their first great-grandchild. She’s thankful for God’s grace, her family, and an opportunity to do the work she loves. Laura is an ACFW Genesis Award winner, ACFW First Impressions winner, and winner of the RWA/KOD 2017 Daphne du Maurier award for excellence in mystery suspense. Laura is also a three-time GOLDEN HEART® finalist. Her novel Remember Texas was a 2019 Will Rogers Medallion Award finalist, and a 2019 HOLT Medallion finalist for best first book. Her second book, A Texas Promise, released in October of 2019.

What is a series bible…and why do you need one? by Lisa Phillips

Hello, fellow writers! *waves*

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lisa Phillips. That is a COMPLETELY ACCURATE photo of me. (Guess who just realized she needs a headshot that’s not five years old?)

I love writing series novels almost as much as I love dogs. Don’t even get me started on my giant adorable Airedale ball of crazy. I’ll be here all day. I write for Love Inspired Suspense, and I indie publish on the side.

That’s two whole blogs right there. And who wouldn’t want to read one about dogs? I’d love to write about being a hybrid author—it’s a great way to make this writer career thing work. But it probably wouldn’t be as good as the dog one.

So…series bibles.
Instead of telling you why you might need one, I’ll do the writerly thing and SHOW you.

Here’s a quote from a book I wrote a few years ago. My first full series (so be nice, lol.) The first book is called Sanctuary Lost:

John looked at the guy in line ahead of him. Early thirties but he was nearly bald, his glasses drooped on his nose and he gripped his plate of mostly bread and green beans. “I’m Terrence Evangeline.” He pointed at an older couple by the salads. “That’s my mom, Shelby and my dad, Aaron. They run the town’s community arts programs.”

Now here’s a quote from book three, Sanctuary Breached:

“There is also the problem of Andy.”
Nadia glanced at the man for the shortest possible amount of time. Sure enough, Andy Evangeline was staring at her. Why, Lord? He’d been nursing a terminal crush for months now, and it didn’t seem to be easing off. Nadia was the focus of his attention every second he wasn’t at the recycling center. Who knew what he thought about when he wasn’t watching her or following her around. It was the last thing she needed in the middle of this.

See the problem?
Somehow *cough-distracted mom writer-cough* a secondary character who was Terrence Evangeline in book one, was suddenly Andy Evangeline in book 3.
Oh what, oh what, is a writer to do?

Here’s where genre came in super handy. See, I write romantic suspense. This particular series? It’s about a town of people all in the witness protection program, also known as WITSEC (witness security). People change their names in witness protection all the time, right?

Enter the solution. Book 5, Sanctuary Forever, we were back in town and ready to wrap things up—which of course meant I needed a solution.

“Hi, Andy.”
He crossed his arms on the counter and smiled. “It’s Terrence. I’ve decided to go back to my first name again instead of my middle name.”
Seriously?
He looked like he expected her to say something, but she didn’t. Why would she care if he was having an identity crisis? She didn’t even like the man and never had.

Two more series and a lot of books later, I’ve decided to make life easier for myself.

This is my new series. Aren’t my covers AWESOME? Seriously, my cover designer (now that I’ve decided to quit doing it myself *blog post alert*) is so good!
Me? More like, meh. But that was a solid business decision.

Another business decision I made with this series?

One designed to save me hours of headache?

A series bible.

Right now it looks a lot like a messy spreadsheet, but the moment the first character walked onto the page in Expired Refuge, I wrote down her name. Age. Occupation. Hair color. Defining features. Key personality traits. Family members who live in town.

And so on, and so on.

Every time I open that first draft document, the spreadsheet gets opened too. Is it foolproof? No, because I’m a human and we all make mistakes. But this will cut down on SO MANY continuity problems I don’t need and don’t have time for.

Businesses in town. Street names. People who lived there years ago. The name of the vet, who won’t get a novel about him until next year? All of it gets noted down.

So how about you?
Do you have a series bible, or a way to keep track of these details? I’d love to know your secret. Or maybe you could just tell me what the plural of “series” is, because clearly I have no idea.

And after you’ve left a comment, feel free to swing by Amazon, KOBO, Nook or Apple Books and grab a copy of Expired Refuge!! You can find out more at www.authorlisaphillips.com/coming-next

A Brand New Year!! by Sally Shupe

Who’s excited for a brand new year? Last year is in the past. This year is a brand new slate. What do you want to see you accomplish? Dream big! Everything in the past is gone, setting this year up to be a great launching pad into another year.

Take a few moments (But only a few moments! It’s time to move forward!) and think about last year. What didn’t work so well? Did you have a planner that didn’t keep you on task? Get a new one for this year! Did you want to get more things accomplished around the house, or lose weight, or be more active? Brainstorm ways to see that happen. Did you find if you had highlighted certain tasks that they got done in the timeframe needed? Get more highlighters, in different colors! Did you feel like it was just you swimming in a big pond and you wished you had someone in your corner, someone who would encourage you, ask about your writing (or whatever you’re working on), be interested in reading what you wrote? Take this year to find a critique partner, or a really good friend who you can bounce ideas off of, who will encourage you along the way. Need a running buddy so you’ll get out there and run? Find one! Need to lose weight but lose momentum? Find a group who will motivate and encourage you when you want that midnight snack.

However, for this exercise, keep most of your focus on what worked for you. Do more of that! Did setting an activity goal for each day or week make you more motivated to work out, walk more steps in a day, or get more things done? Did writing out a grocery list enable you to eat healthier and not come home with random junk food in your bags? Did having a critique partner keep you accountable and at the end of the day, week, or month the words were piled up in a great way? Then continue those traits into the new year!

Find what works and keep doing that. If something doesn’t work, change it. It’s your plan for success. There are as many different ways to accomplish something as there are people. What works for one person, or a dozen, may not work for you. Find what works for you. You want to be successful this year. You want to lose weight, get more things done, write more words, have completed novels to publish. Work out a game plan to get it done! This is a great new year for you to be who you wish to be. Work out a plan that works for you and watch this year be the year!

Sally Shupe lives in southwest Virginia with her husband, two grown kids, and a whole bunch of pets: five dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and birds at the birdfeeder (and the mandatory snowman when the snow cooperates). She writes contemporary Christian romance, with two completed manuscripts and others in progress. They are part of a series located in small town Virginia.

When Sally’s not writing or working full-time, she is a freelance editor for several authors who write fiction and nonfiction; students working on dissertation papers; a copy editor for Desert Breeze (now closed); a content editor for Prism (became part of Pelican); performs beta reading for various authors; publishes book reviews on her blog and with Valley Business FRONT’s monthly magazine; is a member of ACFW and ACFW Virginia; and loves genealogy, running, and crocheting.

Sally uses her love of words to write about God’s amazing love.

The Silent Season by Susan Tuttle

It’s December and all things are glittering and glowing. It’s such a beautiful season. We sing songs about a silent night, all the while not really thinking about how that night wasn’t silent. Mary gave birth to our Savior that night, shattering the silence of 400 years.

Friends, the silent season is real and can be oh-so-difficult. As writers we experience so much silence that it can move beyond deafening to the space filled with all of our insecurities. They tell us that we’re not good enough for this writing world. We’ll never see publication. Our writing doesn’t really matter. No one wants our stories. Other writers are so much more talented and deserving. Bottom line, we begin to believe God is no longer working on our behalf. Oh, may we never mistake the silence for God’s absence. (That was a sentence my pastor spoke on Sunday, and it echoed through me because there have been times in my life where I’ve done just that!)

God is working even when we cannot see him. If he has given you a promise about your writing, then he is going to fulfill it. Often in the silence he’s positioning us and everything around us so that his promise can meet fulfillment in his perfect timing. So when it’s silent, cling to his word and his track record—God’s word is good. His timing is perfect. And he always completes what he promises.

Merry Christmas, friends! And if you’re struggling with a silent season right now, please let me know in the comments so I can pray for you.

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Love You, Truly

Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.

After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.

As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State where she’s a homeschooling mom of three who’s very happily married to her best friend. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire and encourage. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. Connect with Susan at www.susanltuttle.com.