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Guest Post + #Giveaway: Alexa Verde

30 Jan

Please welcome Alexa Verde as she shares a guest post and giveaway!  

 

GUEST POST: Alexa Verde

At the end of January, do you still have Christmas in your heart?

I love writing and reading books about Christmas for many reasons. The knowledge about the Savior born, the reminder about grace, the feeling of joy about the good news of the Lord…

I love seeing Christmas lights, exchanging gifts, celebrating with my friends. But in January, the lights are taken down (except when people leave them on for the entire year) and the stores switch decorations to hearts and roses.

Personally, I think it’s never too late or too early to read or write about Christmas! I released Book 2 in Rios Azules Christmas series in March, and Book 3 in August. If you still feel like reading a Christmas book, be it a heartwarming, sweet romance or a fast-paced, action-packed suspense, here are some eBooks I’m offering for the giveaway.

 

 

The Mystery of Christmas 2 is only $0.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited. Seven new Christian mystery/suspense novellas! In every book of the set, mysteries are unveiled, suspense abounds, and danger is around every corner.

 

Season of Joy will be on sale for $0.99 January 29th – February 2nd!

Single dad Dylan McGregor wants to give his two sons the best life possible in the small town where he’d grown up. When his youngest son writes a letter to God asking for a Mom for Christmas, Dylan reluctantly starts dating again. His lifelong friend, Joy Avila, agrees to help him find the right woman. Then Dylan begins to see Joy in a new light and believes she’s the right woman for him and his family.

Overweight and teased in school, Joy never hoped her first crush, Dylan McGregor, would return her feelings. Confident and successful now, she’s found her passion in writing about international travels. The trip of a lifetime awaits her after the holidays. Instead, will she find her dreams right there in Rios Azules?

 

Love’s Christmas Cheer is only $1.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited.  

For feuding chefs at a new restaurant, a ruined wedding reception and a failed business are not on the menu. But love and family just might be…

Chefs Petr Sergeyev and Lacy-Jane Macalister can’t agree on anything except for that they can’t agree on anything.

Lacy-Jane Macalister returns to her hometown, eager to prove she’s not the culinary failure her ex claimed her to be. After a career in the military, Petr Sergeyev settles down in Sweet Grove to help his brother with his nephew and new business. Grandpa Alexey’s is the only place in town that needs chefs.

He’s for hearty meals. She promotes healthy food. He likes order. She prefers creativity. He left his girlfriend. She was betrayed by her fiancé. Their arguments are more heated than the stove in the restaurant’s kitchen. But when Lacy-Jane’s sister and Petr’s brother decide to have their wedding three days after Christmas, Petr and Lacy-Jane put their differences aside to give their siblings a great reception.

Will Petr and Lacy-Jane surrender their wills to God and receive Christmas gifts of love, faith, and hope?

 

GIVEAWAY:

One randomly chosen commenter to this post will receive a Kindle copy of an eBook mentioned in the post (winner’s choice).  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment with your answer to the following question.  The giveaway ends Sunday, February 4 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen and announced on Monday, February 5.

When do you prefer to read about Christmas?

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Interview: Carrie Fancett Pagels + GIVEAWAY

1 Oct

Carrie brick headshot pmWelcome to Buzzing About Books, Carrie!  Please share a little about yourself.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Britney!  I call myself “Tired Old Mommy” because with my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and having our second child when I was 44, I’ve earned that title!  God blessed us with that son, who was prayed into our lives (and yes he’s ours not adopted.)  We have an adult daughter who is an electrical engineer, so I have bragging rights to being the mother of an Electrical Engineer (even if I have no idea what all those squiggly lines mean on her differential equations, etc.!)

I was a psychologist for 25 years, working primarily with children and teens. I specialized in leaning difficulties. My doctorate is in School Psychology. Because of the severity of my RA, I was unable to continue working as a psychologist. But God has provided another path.

When did you decide to pursue writing and eventually publication?

I thought I’d be a psychologist until I was in my 70’s or even older because this was a career I trained hard for. But at the time I pursued my education I had turned my back on God. I’ve been writing since childhood. When I was in grad school, I dropped out and wrote my first complete novel, a secular fiction, and thank God when I shopped it around in 1979, no one picked it up.  I returned to grad school and didn’t write fiction again (that I remember) until I finished my Ph.D. Then, pretty much every year I’d start working on a project.  But it was only after I began to get more ill that I spent more time on my writing.

What is your writing process like?  Do you write daily?  Are you a plotter or a pantster? 

God has to prompt me to write but I do believe He has anointed my writing, so I have a commission from Him to do so. I normally am doing some writing or writing-related activity daily. Absolutely a plotter but I allow some pantsering as the characters may take me different directions.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?  Least favorite?

I love, love, love getting to spend time bringing the characters and stories and settings to life on “paper.”  I detest those grinding final edits. They need to be done, though.

Historical fiction requires extensive research.  What is one of the most interesting things you’ve discovered in your research? 

I’ve found that some of the most interesting stuff is “wrong!”  For instance, one of my yet-to-be-published stories was inspired by a great history which a docent told in error!

I am always intrigued by the names authors choose for their characters.  How do you choose your characters’ names? 

Often they are taken from my own genealogical background, from friends, or in this latest story I borrowed Jo’s name from “Little Women” which was one of my favorite stories!

Please tell us about your latest release, The Fruitcake Challenge.

Fruitcake Challenge cover jpgThe feisty 25-year-old daughter of the camp boss is challenged by a cocky new axman to “make a cake just as good as my mother made” and he’ll marry her! She initially has her dander up and wants to get him good for being such an arrogant shanty boy (and heaven knows she’ll never marry one of those because she wants OUT of the lumber camp!)  But the story is really about hope. Because Jo has to let go of her earthly hopes to allow God to give her His hope which then results in the best outcome for her good. That’s what He wants for us!

Who or what inspired this special story? 

I discovered a few years ago that my grandfather, Christy Isley Skidmore, was born in Traverse City, Michigan, not in Kentucky, which is where he was from. I’d always wondered why he’d gone into lumberjacking and when I learned this about his birth, I realized he’d likely been born while my great-grandfather was lumbering in northern Michigan. I have no proof of that. But I do know that my Kentucky-born maternal grandmother did work as a camp cook in Grandpa’s camp and that my mom helped her. My mother’s personality is infused into Jo. I imagined just what she’d do with a cocky, educated, irritating lumberjack!

I adored The Fruitcake Challenge and thought of fruitcake for days after reading the novella.  Will you be sharing any fruitcake recipes with your readers? 

Yes! Thanks so much, Britney, and thanks for being part of the Christmas Traditions promo team!  As we get closer to Christmas I’ll be sharing recipes. I have a Fruitcake Pinterest board set up now!  Would your readers please share one of their recipes?

What is a favorite holiday treat in your family? 

The birthday cake for baby Jesus is one. I love a Noel log but I rarely make them. I do so enjoy Claxton fruitcake!!!

Is there anything else you would like to share?  What will you be working on next?

 Thank you, readers, for coming by! Please pray for me because my unpublished novel, Grand Exposé, which is out on submission as part of a proposal, is up for the Maggie award as it is a finalist in the contest!

An editor at the ACFW conference encouraged a group of us to submit a proposal to her based on a one sheet she looked at. So I’m doing up my part of that proposal and also another for that same company!

Thank you so much for sharing this delightful interview, Carrie! 

Thanks for having me on, Britney!

 

Connect with Carrie:

Carrie Fancett Pagels Ph.D. is an award-winning, best-selling, and multi-published Christian historical romance author. Carrie was a psychologist for twenty-five years. Married for twenty-seven years with two children. Carrie resides in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and enjoys reading, traveling and researching. She’s a finalist for the 2014 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com
Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Personal Page
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads
LinkedIn

Links to purchase:

Return to Shirley Plantation PM cover

The Fruitcake Challenge (2014) on Amazon

A Cup of Christmas Cheer, Guidepost Books (2013)

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance (Helping Hands Press, 2013) on Amazon in ebook and in print

Return to Shirley Plantation on Barnes and Noble in ebook

God’s Provision in Tough Times Lighthouse of the Carolinas (2013) on Amazon in ebook and in print

 

GIVEAWAY!

Carrie has generously offered to give away an e-copy of Return to Shirley Plantation and The Fruitcake Challenge to one lucky winner!  Leave a comment, including your email address, to be entered.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, Oct. 8 at midnight CST. 

Questions:  Do you enjoy fruitcake?  Do you have a favorite fruitcake recipe or other holiday recipe to share? 

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Author Interview- Gina Holmes

17 Sep

Please welcome, novelist, Gina Holmes.  Gina is the founder of popular literary site, novelrocket.com. She is a two-time Christy and ECPA Book of the Year finalist and winner of the INSPY, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award. Her books regularly appear on Christian bestseller lists.

 

driftwoodtides

Gina, tell us a little bit about your newest release, Driftwood Tides.

Driftwood Tides tells the story of an aging, alcoholic driftwood artist turned beach bum, Holton Creary, and young Libby Slater. Libby grew up with an absent father and a loving but cold, socialite mother. Leading up to her wedding, Libby and her groom-to-be go through genetic testing and she learns her blood type doesn’t match either of her parents. She confronts her mother and is reluctantly told that she’s adopted. She goes searching for her mother, Adele, only to find her husband, Holton Creary lying face down on the carpet of his Nags Head beach shack.

She lies about her real identity until she is finally found out. Holton does not welcome the news. He never knew the wife he had given saint status too had given up a daughter for adoption. Together the two search to find the truth about Adele, Libby’s father and themselves.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

At its heart, Driftwood Tides is really about discovering who we are, whose we are, where we belong and the need to accept and bestow forgiveness.

Why did you set the novel in Nags Head?

Oh, how I love that place! I’m not sure there’s a more peaceful setting in all the world. And the further out I get from civilization, the happier I am. I love the sand dunes, the untouched nature, the quaint towns. Just everything! (Well, except sand in my bathing suit maybe)

You seem to have a recurring theme in your novels about absent fathers, if it’s not too personal, why do you think that is?

It is too personal, but I don’t mind answering (wink!) When I was 6 years old, I was packed up by my stepfather and driven to my father’s house. Overnight I had a new Mom, new sisters and brother, house and life. It was as traumatic an experience as I can imagine. There were few explanations that made sense to me and I missed my other family desperately. I think ever since I’ve been trying to settle some pretty deep-seated questions. Writing books is wonderful for that.

The novel you’ve written that seems to be a fan-favorite is Crossing Oceans, do you ever see yourself writing a sequel?

I love that book too. Makes me cry just thinking about certain scenes. I would love to write a sequel, prequel or off shoot stories. I love those characters dearly. I’m under contract for three different novels, so I’m not sure when I’ll have the time, but I’d love to explore Craig’s story and of course, Bella’s. I miss Mama Peg very much!

You’ve said that your favorite novel you’ve written is Wings of Glass. Why is that your favorite?

Well, for storyline, I think Crossing Oceans is the strongest. I think my writing in Wings of Glass was my best, plus when I was very young I watched my mother in one abusive relationship after another, and then two of my sisters. I had been there too, despite thinking I was better than that. I know the mindset that keeps a woman (or man) in a relationship like that and I wanted to give insight to those who don’t understand. I’ve received enough letters to know I did what I set out to do.

You’re originally from NJ but write all your novels from the South, why do you set your novels down South if you’re from up North?

Ha, you found me out! Yes, I was born and raised in NJ. As much as I love my friends and family, I am definitely more suited for the slower pace of the South. I’ve lived in Southern VA for half of my life and I plan to spend the rest of my life here if I can help it. I try to write books from settings that make me happy. So I write where I want to be. (Although, I’ve got to say, NJ food is amazing and you’ve got to love a boisterous NJ laugh!)

What do you like most about being a writer? Least?

Most, I like being able to have a platform to share lessons I’ve learned in my life that I know others would benefit from. And more than that, I just love to tell a good story.

Least, would be the unpredictability of the business. Sometimes it seems so random and the lack of control makes me uncomfortable sometimes. (Which is probably right where God wants me!)

Do you have any advice for aspiring novelists?

My advice is pretty much always the same. 1. Write. So many people want to have written but don’t actually do the work. 2. Get to a writers conference because there’s so much  you don’t know, that you don’t even know you don’t know. If you don’t you’ll be spinning your wheels for years, wasting valuable time. 3. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest bookstore and buy yourself a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. Then apply it. (Best money I ever spent!) 4. Join a good critique group and get a nice thick skin, ‘cause you’re sure going to need it!

If you could go back to the pre-published writer you were, knowing what you do now, what advice would you give her?

Well, I wouldn’t have told myself how many novels I’d write that would never see the light of day, because I would have given up. I wouldn’t have told myself how little money there is actually to be made or how lonely writing can sometimes be. I wouldn’t have told myself that I’d still have a day job with 4 novels out in stores, including 3 bestselling novels… okay, but that wasn’t your question… I would tell myself to relax. Some of this, most of this is, is out of your hands, and that’s okay. It’s not going to be at all what you think it is, but it’s going to be so much more. You won’t get rich, but you will touch lives. At the end of the day, that’s going to be exactly what will fulfill you.

ginacolorsmallovershoulder

Where can readers find your books and more about you?

Thanks for asking. My books are in B&N, BooksaMillion, Amazon, Lifeway, Parable, Family Christian and hopefully a good number of independent bookstores. You can find me at Ginaholmes.com. Thanks so much for hosting me!

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Author Interview- Mona Hodgson

22 Jan

The celebration continues!  The Quilted Heart by Mona Hodgson released yesterday and I am thrilled to share Mona’s interview, as well as several giveaway opportunities.  I hope you enjoy this delightful author interview and will join us again Friday for a special character interview with Elsa Brantenberg.  Also, don’t miss the giveaway details given at the bottom of the post!

Welcome, Mona!  Thank you so much for joining us!

Mona Hodgson Denim 1

Hi, Everyone! Britney, thanks so much for the opportunity to join you all here. I appreciate your interest in my Historical Fiction.

Mona, please share with us the inspiration for The Quilted Heart novellas.

Intersections inspired the concept of The Quilted Heart novellas.  First, a visit to Historic Saint Charles, Missouri, in 1999 and the desire to write a story set there. Then, the idea to use quilting and a quilted heart as a metaphor for a transformed heart in a series of talks for Christian Women’s Retreats. Next, a heightened awareness of the effects of Retinitis Pigmentosa on my extended family and a desire to tell the story of a women struggling with blindness. When I had an opportunity to write a grouping of novellas as a prequel to Prairie Song, Book 1 in Hearts Seeking Home, a wagon train series, all of the above factors intersected to create The Quilted Heart omnibus–Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along the Shore.

I am drawn to book titles and each of these novella titles has such special meaning, as does the title of the omnibus, The Quilted Heart.  How did you choose your titles?  The-Quilted-Heart-Omnibus

The poet in me loves imagery and metaphor. I mingled that with my appreciation for God’s creation and the characters’ situations for the titles to the novellas. Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along the Shore. The Quilted Heart is a transformed heart, again, a metaphor for the way God’s transforming love makes us into a new creation.

The Quilted Heart is full of historical details and descriptions.  How did you research the various aspects of life in Saint Charles, Missouri, following the Civil War?

I perused websites and books about Saint Charles and the Civil War, but, at heart, I am a hands-on researcher. In March 2012, I returned to St. Charles. I toured the area with someone from the tourism bureau, met with the archivist at the St. Charles County Historical Society, wandered through several museums in the area, and strolled the cobblestone streets and along the river.

One of my favorite things about these novellas is the spiritual wisdom that is shared when the women of the St. Charles quilting circle gather together.  Who are some of the special women in your life who have shared their spiritual wisdom with you?   

June Adams, after whom I fashioned the character of Hattie Adams—Miss Hattie–in The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series. Patsy Clairmont, a National Conference Speaker, who said things like “Normal is only a setting on your dryer.” She wrote a book by that title.

TQHQuilts are so special and each one tells a story.  Are you a quilter and/or do you have any quilts that are special to you?

It was the imagery and metaphor that led me to first speak at women’s retreats about The Quilted Heart and then write these stories. I’m not a quilter, but I had two grandmothers who were and my Sis Linda is a quilter. I have the first quilt Linda made to commemorate the birth of my first daughter, Amy.

Rather than being three individual stories, the characters in The Quilted Heart can found throughout the novellas as well as in the Hearts Seeking Home series.  How did you decide to write these stories this way? 

I love exploring community, which leads me to write ensemble casts. I like to “live” in community with my characters from story to story (even series to series). In my first series, The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek, the four novels feature four sisters and a sister-in-law whose journeys take place in the backdrop of a boardinghouse and mining community. In The Quilted Heart, it’s the farming and riverside community of St. Charles, Missouri.  In Prairie Song, the story that follows The Quilted Heart, the members of The Boone’s Lick Wagon Train Company, journeying west, provides the ensemble cast of characters.

Prairie Song

The Quilted Heart is a prequel to the Hearts Seeking Home series.  Prairie Song is the first book in this series and was released in August.  After reading The Quilted Heart, I felt like I was catching up with old friends in Prairie Song and I can’t wait to continue their stories!  What can you share with us about Book 2?  Do you have a release date? 

Mountain Whispers is the sequel to Prairie Song and the conclusion to the wagon train company’s journey west. Unfortunately, I don’t have a release date yet for Mountain Whispers but as I do, you’ll be able to find it on my blog and Facebook Mona Hodgson Author Page, https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions!  How can readers connect with you online? 

It was my pleasure to join you all here, Britney. Here’s where you can find me online:

www.monahodgson.com/blog

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Mona

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/602227.Mona_Hodgson

http://www.pinterest.com/monahodgson/

http://www.novelcrossing.com/author/3004/monahodgson

https://twitter.com/MonaHodgson

 

Giveaway Opportunities:

1.  BUZZING ABOUT BOOKS DRAWING

I am giving away one copy of The Quilted Heart here on my blog.  See Monday’s post for details and comment to win. 

2.  BLOG TOUR DRAWING

 Leave a comment here, then comment on Mona Hodgson Author Page before Friday, January 31st to enter the BLOG TOUR DRAWING for one of three signed copies of The Quilted Heart. Tell Mona which blog you visited (Buzzing About Books) and commented on! You can enter once for each Participating Blog you visit and comment on. 

3.  BOOK RELEASE PARTY

Quilted-Heart-FB-Party-Banner-560x290

Don’t miss Mona’s Facebook Release Party for THE QUILTED HEART!

Please save the date for a Book Release Party on Facebook, Friday, January 24th! You’ll find her in the Notes Section on her “Mona Hodgson Author Page” from 4 pm to 6 pm (Mountain Time). To calculate what time this is for you, click here: http://www.thetimezoneconverter.com.

Mona will answer questions, give away prizes, and share photos and behind-the-scenes stories about the three novellas included in The Quilted Heart omnibus, set in Saint Charles, Missouri.

 

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Miralee Ferrell’s Newsletter

13 Jan

Author newsletters are filled with exciting book news, giveaway opportunities, and lots more fun!

Miralee Ferrell- headshot

Christian fiction writer, Miralee Ferrell, has just started sharing a newsletter with her fans.  Her February issue will be sent at the end of this month.  Visit her blog, http://miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/, and sign up today so you won’t miss a single issue! 

If you would be so kind, please let Miralee know that you were referred by Buzzing About Books.  Thank you!

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Interview: Joanne Bischof

19 Dec

My Hope is Found

I recently had the opportunity to ask Joanne Bischof a few questions about My Hope is Found, Book 3 in The Cadence of Grace series.  This is a MUST READ series and I cannot recommend it enough!  If you missed my review of My Hope is Found, simply click the link below. 

https://buzzingaboutbooks.com/2013/12/17/my-hope-is-found/

I am delighted to share Joanne’s interview today!

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Joanne, each of your book titles is so profound and a wonderful descriptor of each book.  How did you choose your titles?
 

Thank you!  I really wanted each of the titles to have a lyrical quality.  With music being one of the elements that runs throughout the series, it just felt like the right fit.  Also, was the desire to have each title really represent the emotion of each individual story.  Sort of what the characters might say they were feeling in each book.  And in a way that progresses through those ups and downs, finally ending with My Hope is Found.  I was so happy when we’d settled on that title and it was going to be the one to represent this final piece of the story.

 
I have heard authors say they were surprised by a character/scene/or other element in their writing?  Did you encounter any surprises while you were writing My Hope is Found? 
 

I really did experience many surprises.  I think the one that most often happens, is when a character does or says something that I never anticipated.  I don’t typically give a lot of thought or attention to identifying a character’s full personality when I first begin a novel.  Actually, I find that I don’t know them all that well.

I take the idea of them and let the rest evolve with what seems the most natural.  For example, with Gideon, I didn’t think about the ins and outs of his personality and his beliefs.  Here was this man who was once a womanizer and an alcoholic and as his character grew and matured, I’d often sit back and would be tempted to write him one way, often what felt like the easy way.  But then I’d have to stop and think, “no…he would do or say…this. Because of who he is and where he’s been…”

It was an intimidating part of the process, but one that I most enjoy with characterization—letting all the aspects that make that person who they are, who they were, and who they will one day become, define all they do on the page.  It’s very freeing and very fun.  Almost like going on an adventure myself!

 
My Hope is Found is a stunning conclusion to The Cadence of Grace series.  When you began writing, did you know how the series would ultimately end? 
 

Thank you so much!  I confess, that I did always know that Lonnie and Gideon would end up together.  But that doesn’t mean the journey to that point wasn’t loaded with challenges.  One of the greatest challenges there was with Toby McKee, the Scottish reverend who has the ability to completely win Lonnie’s heart in the third book.  He’s such a good man, and such a worthy hero, that as the story was unfolding, it became more and more difficult to approach that point in the story when Lonnie would have to choose between two good and worthy men.  It was at that point, that I didn’t so much get doubts as to how it would end, but I got butterflies.  Would readers be satisfied?  So far the response has been wonderful, but let’s just say that I get a lot of emails on the subject of a particular Scottish reverend along with requests for just one more book.  It’s been amazing to see how many readers really connected with this cast.

 
Did you find yourself eager to write this conclusion or were you reluctant to let these characters go?
 

Most definitely reluctant!  It was truly so bittersweet.  Spending three whole books with the same characters really was quite an experience.  Looking back, this series was about 7 years of active work and writing, the last of those years being during the publishing process.  So saying goodbye to this cast of characters I had spent so much time with and knew so well, was definitely bittersweet when My Hope is Found went to print.  But the joy!  Knowing the characters and story would be able to one day connect with readers…it was (and is!) so exciting.

 
As the author, who created and nurtured these characters, how did you feel when you wrote the very last word of My Hope is Found?
 

I think I had the biggest smile. Writing those words was such a long time coming and there was such a victory there. It was sort of the final expression of how God truly can build something out of nothing and even this couple who thought they could never be happy together, would not only lose one another, but one day find a way back.

 
Do you think you will ever revisit these characters, perhaps in another book or series?
 

It’s something I’ve often thought about. I don’t know if I’ll be visiting them again or not, but the idea is always there for another little snippet of story or even to visit some of the other characters whose stories are a bit untold.

 
I know you are deep into a story now and you have said the characters have already made you cry.  What can you share with us about this next book?
 

Oh yes, I don’t know that I’ve ever cried so much while writing a single book! Not because of some heart-wrenching tragedy, but because it’s a tender story and what to me feels like a powerful love story. One I can’t not tell. It’s another Appalachian romance, the first of three books sketched out, and so much of my heart is wrapped up in those pages that I often find myself wiping tears as it unfolds. It’s a project I’m really, really excited about and one that I’m (on a daily basis) having to continually give back to the Lord and trust that His plan for it will be the perfect plan.

 
Oh, I cannot wait to get my hands on your next book!  Thank you so much, Joanne, for taking the time to answer these questions and for sharing your talent with us through your amazing writing.  You are such a blessing! 
 

To learn more about Joanne Bischof and her books, please visit her website at www.joannebischof.com.

The Cadence of Grace series:

Book 1: Be Still My Soul
Book 2: Though My Heart is Torn
Book 3: My Hope is Found

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Author Spotlight- Miralee Ferrell

23 Oct

Miralee Ferrell- headshot

I am delighted to welcome Miralee Ferrell!

In Blowing on Dandelions, Miralee speaks to women’s heartfelt struggles—from family dysfunction to single parenthood—-while offering them the faith-filled hope they need, all wrapped in an uplifting, true-to-life romance.

Miralee and her husband, Allen, live on 11 acres in the Columbia River Gorge. They have two grown children and recently their son and his wife presented them with a beautiful new granddaughter. Miralee has been writing since 2005, and her first book was published in 2007.

Since then, she’s had 7 books published, both in women’s contemporary fiction and historical fiction, with another 6 under contract. Her western romance, Love Finds You in Sundance, WY, was awarded the Will Rogers Medallion for Excellence in Western Fiction and her newest release, Blowing on Dandelions, is the first in a three book series set in Oregon. Miralee loves interacting with people, ministering at her church, riding her horse and playing with her dogs. She also speaks at various women’s functions and has taught at conferences.

You can find her at:
Web site: http://www.miraleeferrell.com
Blog: http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com
Facebook Author page: http://www.facebook.com/miraleeferrell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/miraleeferrell

 
Was it always a dream of yours to write or did you discover your talent through other pursuits?
 

I know a lot of people talk about God nudging them to write, but that truly happened to me. I had no desire to write (other than personal memories/journals/letters). I was visiting a neighboring church to hear a special speaker. At the end of the service I responded to a call for prayer. The pastor/speaker prayed with me and stopped after a few moments. He shared that he felt God was saying that I should be writing…he didn’t know whether fiction or non-fiction, but that it was important it be published. I took that word home, prayed about it and counseled with my pastor, husband and mother, who all urged me to take it seriously. Two-and-a-half years later (after 3 magazine articles were published) my first book, The Other Daughter, released. Since then I’ve had 7 books published and 6 more are under contract.

 
When and where do you do most of your writing? 


It really varies as to the when, but the where is always in my office on the second floor of our house. Here’s a picture!

Miralee Ferrell's office

 
Blowing on Dandelions is the first book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series.  What was your inspiration for writing this series? 
 

It all started several years ago, when I bumped into an old friend. Over the course of our time together, she let slip little comments about her relationship with her mother. Let’s just say the comments were filled with pain and grief. Mama was alive, well, and still contributing to that pain.

While giving her a hug, I asked if I could pray with her that God would grant her peace and healing. Through barely contained tears, she refused. Not that she wasn’t grateful, but she couldn’t tolerate the thought of attaining some kind of peace, only to return home to the same situation and have it shattered—or worse, new shards embedded into her healed heart. I went home heartsick and unable to shake the urgency to pray for my friend.

As I asked the Lord what my next writing project should be, He directed me back to those memories. I knew He was showing me that thousands of women ache with the same need—for approval, love, and acceptance their mothers.

I started writing Blowing on Dandelions as contemporary women’s fiction, but after two chapters, I decided it would be better received if set in the 1800s, and rather than women’s fiction it needed to be historical romance with a women’s fiction thread. It was a bigger challenge showing the depth of the heroine’s emotions, as so much was demanded during that era in regards to respect and honor toward parents. Children didn’t speak back to their elders and often repressed how they felt. However, although this is a work of fiction in a historical setting with a strong romance thread, it closely parallels daily events in today’s world.

 
The second book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, Wishing on Buttercups, releases in February 2014 and is currently available for pre-order.  Here is a brief summary. 
 Wishing on Buttercups

Can Love Survive When Secrets Collide?

She’d kept her secrets safely hidden—those from her past, and those in the present. Some things, Beth Roberts knows, a lady simply doesn’t share, even in the 1880’s West. The townspeople would never understand. No one ever has.

 Jeffery Tucker, a handsome young writer, has kept his own secrets. He doesn’t have a right to pry into Beth’s affairs but finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery surrounding her.

Beth knows that one day someone will unravel the threads of her past. And when two men from her past arrive, the truth might just hurt . . . Beth’s future and her heart.

 As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the scenes she sees and is shocked by what—and who—her illustrations reveal. Dare she risk her heart again?

I am thrilled that Miralee has offered a sneak peek at Book 3 in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. 

Please join me Friday as Miralee shares the title, release date, and summary to whet your appetite!

Schedule permitting, Miralee will drop by today, so please feel free to leave comments. 

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