Operation Encourage an Author

Opening Reader Mail for Katie

2012-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Katie,

I've been a long time follower of your blog, and greatly admire your passion for both reading and writing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your latest novelette release, and hope to read many more in the future. The tension created in your book was simple, yet gripping, in a way that sent chills down my spine. God has blessed you with a beautiful talent, and I pray that you touch many people throughout your life with your writing.

One of the things I liked best about A Time to Love was the way the biblical passage was skillfully interwoven into the whole body of your story, from the plot to the characters and how they responded to the hardships in their lives.

It's been wonderful getting to know you through your blog and other online social networks and now, your writing! I just know that you have so many more chapters left to be written in your writing journey.

Your friend,

Faye

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

A Prayer for Regina

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, surround Your servant with Your love and care today. Regina has been tested and proven strong this year with deadlines, new books and learning promotion and I ask Lord that You would continue to infuse her with Your strength. As she faces deadlines for her books, promotion, family needs and just everyday life, give her peace. Life can be crazy and full and busy, but give her pockets of time where she can just reflect on Your goodness, on the family she has been blessed with, the books and stories You have given her a voice for.

Be with her this week as she works to promote her story, that You would give her inspiration and calm, but also that this would be a breath of peace for the short time that she is here. May her family rally around and support her in this moment.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Katie McCurdy's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-02-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the cover of this novelette! What an evocative cover this novel portrays.

The excerpt for this novel is a bit longer, but once that sucked me in when I started to read it and wanted to share it with you in it's entirety. Enjoy...

**Coveted Excerpt**

Vibrationsshook the ground beneath her feet. Rising to her full height, she stretched heraching back and looked toward the sound. A horse and rider were heading herway.

Andcutting rudely through her unharvested cotton.

The nerve…!

Sherecognized the man when he was still several paces away.

SheriffMcDuff.

Hehad the nerve. Unfortunately, he had little else. Unless she counted hiswandering eye…no, make that twowandering eyes.

TheSheriff’s horse jerked up short, stopping a few feet away from her. She turnedback to the row and reached for a clump of cotton, pointedly ignoring the man.

“Leah.You’re looking very fetching today.”

Stoppingher work, she turned to face the man, Deciding not to bring up the subject ofhis using her first name…again. “Are you losing your sight, Sheriff? I assureyou, after spending the day in this field, I look anything but fetching.”

“No,not to worry. My eyes are still as strong as ever.” His smile showed a perfectset of teeth to match a face that hadn’t been weathered by work.

Alltoo perfect.

Unlikeher work-roughened hands and dark, sun-cooked skin. “And what brings youstomping across my cotton today?”

“I’mhere on official business.”

Well,that was a relief. She’d had enough of his ‘social visits’. During the war,he’d been like a burr under a saddle—always there, always annoying.

“Pritchardsent me.”

Oh.

Onsecond thought, she wished he were hereon one of his exasperating social calls.

Join the conversation...what is it about this section that makes you want to keep reading? For me, it's the dialogue and witty back and worth. Well done, Katie!

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Meet a Friend of Mine Katie McCurdy!

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you?

When a friend of mine emailed me, asking for a spotlight on OEA, I immediately grew excited and said yes! Because I knew you would enjoy getting to know her and be inspired by her, just like I have and am!

Katie McCurdy is 19 and third eldest in a family of 10children. She self-published her first historical fiction, Journey ofFaith, and has since then been working on improving her writing abilities.Currently she is writing a medieval suspense with the working title of ThePrincess’ Assassin. Along with a passion for writing, she is an avidreader. Whenever she’s not on the computer writing, she’s sure to be reading.Besides that, Katie loves volleyball, hanging out with her siblings, andblogging.

One of the things I love about Katie, is her willing heart, infectious enthusiasm and go-getter mentality. From the start I have loved getting to know her better. Plus she captures a great time period, one not a lot of authors tackle in her medieval fiction.

Which leads to the question I asked Katie this week, why historical fiction?

The reason I chose historical was mainlybecause of the setting I wanted this book placed in. Ever since I grabbed up ahistory book about the War Between the States, I have been intrigued by thisvery debated war that was fought between states/brothers. Leah’s story sprungfrom my own inquisitive mind—what must it have been like to try to pick up thepieces of your shattered life after the war ended? What if your husbandsuddenly disappeared? What if he never came home? And from questions likethese, the story of Leah, her missing husband, and the Reconstruction periodwas born. :-)

*~*~*~*~*~*

We seem intrigued by a history that is not our present and I know I spend a great deal of my time when reading, stuck in someone else's history. A great place of escape. ;-)

**Connect with Katie online**

Blog: www.katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com

Facebook

Twitter

Join the conversation...why do you like to read historical fiction??

Regina Jennings' Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-02-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

This cover is lovely to behold online, but gorgeous in person! And once you read that first page and a half of prologue, I dare you not to want to read more.

Find just a quick peek into the fun and enchantment that is Sixty Acres and a Bride below.

*~* Sneak Peek *~*

His breathing changed.Oh, this was worse than Rosa had ever imagined. Weston would wake to find herpractically on top of him. Would he remember that he’d pulled her there? He movedaway slowly, loosening his embrace, and touched her arm. Deliberately, heexplored up her shoulder and to her face.

“Mr. Garner?” She couldonly muster a whisper.

“Rosa? What are you doinghere?”

But instead of waitingfor an answer, he dumped her on her backside and scrambled away.

Take a minute and watch the embedded video. It's a great interview into the book and author with Regina!

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Take a Walk Down Historical Avenue with Regina Jennings!

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you?

I'm very excited to introduce Regina Jennings to you today!

Just this last weekend I finished her gorgeous and wonderful debut novel, Sixty Acres and a Bride (so be forewarned, I might gush just a tiny bit)

Regina brought me into the middle of a story, set in a era long gone, but she capture it so perfectly! In fact the question I asked her this week is, why historical fiction?

And her answer?

Lay out a timeline of human historyand a world map. Can you honestly say the most interesting era is now? That themost fascinating situations are the ones occurring in your neighborhood? It’snot that I don’t like contemporary novels, but I can’t ignore the lure of ourrich past. It’d be like going to a buffet and only eating the macaroni. There’s more to life than this generation willexperience, so let’s explore how other ages and cultures viewed the world andour Lord. Plus their clothes make for some gorgeous book covers!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

And she does have a pretty gorgeous cover for sure!

But the characters she portrays within those 366 pages, I completely fell in love with. Many moments to smile and laugh--many I wanted to share! And a romance that can only make this hopeless romantic sign in delight.

Regina? You did good! It's a wonderful piece of fiction that I just can't bear to part with and has found a spot on my keeper shelf.

Regina's book just released this month, but I hope you've seen a bit of buzz about it around the internet. Maybe you've read it!

So join the conversation--have you read the book or what makes you want to?

I have a GREAT sneak peek coming up tomorrow, so don't miss it!

**Connect with Regina online**

Website: www.reginajennings.com

Blog: www.reginajennings.com/blog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ReginaJennings

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

A Prayer for Becky

2012-02-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for granting a dream in Becky's life. I can only imagine the excitement--and fear that must come with a new book, a book slaved over and fought and wrangled until the words woo the reader in. I pray, God, that Becky's stories would woo readers. That they would see Your hand in the midst of the story and while they are entertained by the characters, You would be working on their hearts.

We are given such a gift in Christian fiction, Father, and I thank You for that gift of ministering and showing readers Your love. Thank You that we don't have to be ashamed of our faith--make Becky strong in hers and in the stand she takes for You in her fiction.

In Christs' Name,
Amen

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Opening Reader Mail for Alice

2012-02-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Alice,

Your writing is beautiful! I know I've commented about this before, but you create a certain atmosphere in your books - sweet and almost exotic, but also very familiar. Your first-person style draws me into the story - you pull it off so well! Your heroines are easy to relate to, and your stories are quite hopeful. Thank you for inspiring readers like me with your books!

May God bless you and surround you with His guidance and love!

All the best,
Amber Stokes

Amber Stokes for favorite author
Alice J. Wisler

P.S. I saw your cover for Still Life in Shadows, and it looks like it's going to be another powerful book! Love it!

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Rebecca Lyles' Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt

2012-02-02T03:00:00.000-08:00

I love how understand-ed and clean cut this cover is!

Rebecca, congratulations on your DEBUT novel!

It's amazing how much blood, sweat and tears can go into a project like this, but isn't it totally worth it?!?

**Coveted Excerpt**

Kate Neilson peered into the slot on thecollection box lid. Was that money she saw on the bottom or crumpled paper?Sometimes people put weird stuff in offering boxes.

The early morning sunshine hadn’t reached herside of the dark log chapel, but she didn’t dare turn on the interior lightsand attract attention. Maybe she should grab the flashlight from her car.Though she’d opened the side door at the front of the sanctuary, she stillcouldn’t see inside the box.

She toyed with the padlock. All she neededwas enough cash to get by until payday at her new job. If she left a notesaying she’d pay it back right away, with interest, surely they’d understand.After all, she was down to her last ten—

The floor creaked.

Her heart stopped.

“That box is empty, sweetie.”

This excerpt totally makes me want to say "I have to stop reading now??"

Thanks for sharing Becky!

Creating in the Story Process with Becky Lyles!

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you?

In the two years I've done Operation Encourage an Author I've featured many debut novelists.

There is something exciting about a debut novel wouldn't you agree?

What are your favorite things about discovering a new novel from a fresh author?

This week I asked my featured guests one question and my guest Rebecca (Becky) Lyles answered how she does Creation in the story process..

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I’m a slow writer, so for me, storycreation takes time.

My first novel, Windsof Wyoming, took many years and much prayer to create. That was partly dueto my need to learn the craft of fiction writing through classes, conferences, critiquegroups and contest-judge comments. I also needed time to discover what thestory was really about. But the truthis, my turtle pace had much to do with lack of, as they say, seat-in-the-chair time.

I’m writing thesequel, Winds of Freedom, at a muchfaster pace; however, I still have to daily convince myself that SIT-chairdiscipline is the only way to finish the story.

Casey here: I know I struggle with SIT-chair enough on my own, but oh the feeling of a good day of hard work and the fruits of such labors! A good feeling. :-))

**Connect with Becky**

Website: http://www.beckylyles.com

Blog: www.widgetwords.wordpress.com

Facebook: Becky Carey Lyles / RebeccaCarey Lyles (author page)

Twitter:@BeckyLyles

Join the conversation! What is the best writing advice you were given? How does it help push you toward completing a novel?

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Alice J. Wisler Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a bit of eye candy, why don't you. ;-)

*~*Coveted Excerpt*~*

February 1993

When a pet goes missing, it’s hard to concentrate on anything but where he might be. Missing a cat can cause his owner to lose focus, forget, and do silly things---even hang clothing in wrong places. Today this is happening to my mother.

As though she’s walking through a fog, Mom stares into the distance and hangs the newest order of black dresses all together in a clump. The metal hangers clink against each other, and I wince, realizing what she’s done. The size twos are next to the size fourteens, yet the entire point of Mom’s store are that the small and large sizes are displayed conveniently on different racks, not all meshed together, tangled in a confused web.

Following behind her, I sort the designer dresses in their proper sections, wondering if I should remind Mom that she can’t compromise her organizational skills—they are her strength in running her boutique, Have a Fit.

Join the conversation! Which is your favorite book cover in the above featured?

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

A Special Interview with Author Alice J. Wisler

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

I have had the privilege of having Alice J. Wisler on the blog several times now, and this time I bring to you a special interview, prepared for your reading pleasure! I hope you enjoy this chance to take a peak into Alice's life a bit more...

Why do you write the kind of books you do?
The kind of books I write (contemporary fiction) are the genre I like to read.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
I’ve had many happy days----the birth of my four children, the day I married Carl,
and the day I signed my first contract for two novels with Bethany House.

How has being published changed your life?
I’ve always written, even as a kid I was creating stories. Being published makes
me feel validated in my writing. So, it has bridged me from a “wanna-be” author to
a “real author”.

What is your current work in progress?
I’m revising Fragrance of Marigolds, a novel I completed a year ago about a
bereaved mother who sells her home and buys a RV.

What would be your dream vacation?
I’ve been on so many vacations that have been dreams come true. I’d like to go on a
cruise through the Mediterranean with my husband.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
My five novels (the most recent, Still Life in Shadows, will be published by River
North/Moody is August) are all set in North Carolina. I placed my first novel, Rain
Song, in Mount Olive, and since then decided to set all my novels in North Carolina.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be
and why?
I’d like to talk with John Walsh of “America’s Most Wanted”. His son died and we
have a lot in common since my son died in 1997 from cancer treatments. I’d like
to ask him about his son Adam as well as about all he’s done to help others in the
aftermath of Adam’s abduction and murder.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Cooking Asian food, walking three miles each day, and spending time on our
runabout boat, Rain Song, are some of the things I like to do.

What are you reading right now?

The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Facebook! Facebook can snatch all your writing time if you aren’t careful. Once I
set out to write, I’m pretty good at sticking with it but those little visits over from my
manuscript file to Facebook do cause some delays.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Don’t give up. Revise, revise, edit and edit. You can always improve. Write often----
that is how you get better at it.

Tell us about the featured book.
A Wedding Invitation is about two teachers helping a young refugee woman find her
birth mom. It is loosely based on my time of working as a teacher in a refugee camp
in the Philippines in the mid 1980s.

**Connect with Alice online...**

http://www.alicewisler.com is my website. Friend me on Facebook andfollow me on

Twitter. My author page on Facebook is:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alice-J-Wisler/333751835453
I love hearing from readers!

Join the conversation! What do you love learning the most about an author??

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Opening Reader Mail for Ann

2012-01-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Ann,

I know you mentioned being under deadline this week--oh what a challenge I can image! I hope it goes nothing but smooth and all the little details fall into place.

Remember to take a deep breath. Smile and remember how much you enjoy--no LOVE writing. Because I know you wouldn't be doing it unless you did love it. :-)

Keep pressing on. Keep trusting God. Even when it can be discouraging, remember that He opened this door for you and His plans are always in their perfect timing.

As you put your fingers to the keyboard today, I hope that you are inspired. Motivated by the powerful support of a faithful reader. And I hope you are completely in love with every moment you spend with your characters.

All the best to you today and in the coming days!
~Casey

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

A Prayer for Cara

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

God, I lift my friend, Cara up to you today. She touches so many lives, my own included, and I pray that you would put people in her life who will lift her up in return.

In times of disappointment, remind her just again how much you love her and how she is exactly where she needs to be. It isn't easy to get rejection or disappointment, but God I ask that she would find herself surrounded by readers and friends and family that will shower her with love and praise, encouragement and support that will remind her of the power of just one reader touched and reached for you.

Give her time and grace and a life that overflows with everything she loves. Because I know she does what she loves, never let her forget or get lost in the rush and hurry of today. But to find the love in each activity.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Ann Gaylia O'Barr's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

I saw Ann's two latest covers, A Quiet Deception and Searching for Home and sighed. Isn't there just something so lovely about a well designed cover? It's the first thing and speaks for what you can expect to find between those two slick sides.

*~*Coveted Excerpt*~*

Besotted, that’s what he was, like a teenage Romeo, and didn’t care. With this beguiling creature he had no choice. “I cherish you, habbibi, darling, cheri.”

Hannah fed him an orange section, and he chewed it, pulpy and sweet. He loved the way she tossed her head in that saucy challenge. “It’s not every woman who can be courted in Arabic, English, and French,” she said.

So....what do you think? I really love the cover of A Quiet Deception, which one is your favorite? Join the conversation (or start it! :-)

Share Your Favorite Love Story Today!

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

*~*May I introduce you?*~*

This writing world is all about connections. Connections with our editors and agents. Connections with our own writing world. Most importantly: connections with readers.

Because without readers, writers would not exsist!

I got to admit I love that thought. ;-)

When do you know you've fallen in love with a book or a character? That golden moment of slipping just a bit deeper until you are dead gone...

So I asked our featured author, Ann Gaylia O'Barr to share with us...about falling in love...

Falling in love for my protagonists takes place as they travel on other journeys: to forgive; to find forgiveness; to discover callings; to resolve grief; to find a more exciting life; to discover courage.

I touch on perplexities that puzzle me: How do Christians live in a world that includes increasing numbers of people of other faiths or no faith? How do Christians handle seemingly purposeless tragedy?

**Connecting with Ann**

Website: www.AnnGayliaOBarr.com

Blog: www.AnnGayliaOBarr.com

Question for you:

If you are a writer, what elements do you love to include when your characters fall in love?

And for readers, this week's theme is all about love! Share your favorite love story in book form or real life. ;-)

Join the conversation!

Cara Putman's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island

Stars in the Night

Rainbow's End

Cherry Blossom Capers

*~*Coveted Excerpt*~*

“I want you, no, need you in my life, Ciara. These last weeks have shown me what a shell I’ve lived without you.”

She nodded. “My life’s the same. Full, but not rich. It’s missing something crucial without you.”

“It’s more than that.” Daniel took a moment as if weighing what he intended to say next. Counting the cost before saying the words. “I can’t imagine my life without you beside me…forever.”

Ciara kept nodding, even as she searched his gaze for any hint that he didn’t mean what he’d said. “I can’t go back either.”

“I love you, Ciara.” He tipped her chin up, then slowly, hesitatingly eased toward her. He stopped, hovering above her lips, giving her the opportunity to back away…create space between them. Instead, she leaned into him, met his kiss. The moments evaporated as he held her, a touch as light as if she were a cherry blossom he could crush. Instead, she felt treasured and honored.

After a minute, he eased back, and she hid her face in his chest. Daniel wrapped his arms around her, and she knew she’d found what her heart had searched so long for…a place to be loved.

Canteen Dreams

Casey here again: I think Cara gets some of the best covers and I love the ones featured here this week. But you know what? I've read almost all of Cara's books...but my favorite? This sweet little story that went on to win an ACFW book of the year award. It still remains my favorite of favorites by Cara. :-)

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

A Special Guest and a Dear Friend...

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Once in a while, God puts connections in our lives that touches us and we are never the same.

Two years ago (or there abouts), I came across a blog. This author intrigued me, her blog posts inspired me and she was a writer-- a published author to be exact. And that weekend I stumbled onto her blog, she was posting about the annual ACFW conference.

One thing led to another and I joined ACFW--this lady welcomed me into the group with open arms and I knew I had found something special.

But what God showed me in later months, was the friend I have found in Cara Putman.

A woman who seeks hard after God and doesn't fail to let her light shine. Not even through struggles and pains, joys and celebrations, Cara is not afraid to share her love for Christ.

How she finds time for everything she does, I have no idea. Teaching law, a lawyer, a homeschooler mom, wife, mother, writer and major player behind the scenes at ACFW. The woman inspires me.

Over the last couple years I've really had the chance to get to know Cara. Have prayed for her, been able to do a bit help for her in her writing. Been able to meet her and been blessed with her wonderful encouragement and heart-warming prayer at ACFW.

I can't say enough nice things about Cara...mainly because I would be talking without end and this post would go much too long.

A fantastic writer, a loving person, a caring friend.

Cara, I am so thankful for you! So incrediably thankful and I praise God I've had the chance to get to know you and now meet you. You're a treasure.

**Connect with Cara online**

Website: http://caraputman.com/

Blog: http://blog.caraputman.com/

Facebook:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cara_putman

I hope that if you have been blessed by Cara, maybe read one of her books or just wanted to get to know her a bit better, leave a comment and join the conversation below. I'll have a list of her books and sneak peek on Tuesday-- you won't want to miss it. :-))

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Opening Reader Mail for Eileen Rife...

2012-01-20T14:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Eileen,

I love your heart. You completely blessed ME this week in ways only a giving person could. Your ecard was a gift that I smiled and was so incrediably grateful for.

But more than that, I saw your smile through the words you penned on the computer. And it was gift that made my heart smile.

You had an ability Eileen, an ability to make those around you feel warm and welcome and I'm so glad you could bring that to the blog this week. I pray now as I write this that God would richly bless you and shower you with the joy of writing the readers who find just as much pleasure in it as you do.

In Christ,
Casey

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

A Prayer for Mukkove

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Jesus,

I thank You for the chance to get to know Mukkove this week. And what a light she is pointing to You! I have completely loved getting to know her through this spotlight week and seeing what she is doing to show young children of Your love.

Continue to move her, Lord. Continue to speak to her in Your still small voice that will guide her in her writing. Give her the words she needs to speak Your truths and thank You that children are so much more open--that their faith remains largely untainted by the world.

Direct as Mukkove works on her second book, that she would be focusing exactly on those You want her to reach.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

**Do you have a specific piece of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Eileen Rife's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

So....I want to know. Of Eileen's covers do YOU like best? Leave a comment and join the conversation. :-))

*~*Coveted Excerpt*~*

Dan tossed his napkin aside and rose from the table. “Do what you will. I’m driving out to see the baby. If you change your mind—”

“I won’t,” Yvonne said, a stubborn bent to her chin. As her husband walked out the door, hollowness filled her heart greater than any empty womb. In the past, infertility had brought them closer together. A team effort. But lately, they couldn’t be further apart. She pushed her half-eaten eggs away. She dropped her head in her hands and sobbed. Would she and Dan ever find closeness again?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
What are your thoughts on the excerpt? I have to say I love the visceral affect of Eileen's section. :-)

Join the Conversation and Share in This Week's Theme

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Every week on Operation Encourage an Author we have a theme, an opportunity to get to know the author featured just a bit better.

Think of this as a conversation.

And I know I love to laugh and I want to know what makes my guests chuckle, guffaw, giggle, laugh.

Photo credit

And I asked Eileen...what makes you laugh? And she did it in the best way she knows how, in the way she loves best...as a story...

A smile creases the corners of my mouth when I think of my family’s ability to make me laugh.

The other day while riding in the car, granddaughter Kylie sat in the backseat studying the clouds. “Oh, that one looks like an elephant; ooh, there’s a snake.”

My husband Chuck replied, “Oh, that one looks like a cloud.”

Kylie responded, “Which one?”

Over the years, my family’s gift of laughter has fueled my spirit and often inspired my writing.

**Connect with Eileen**

Website: http://www.eileenrife.com/

Blog: http://www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com/

Facebook

Twitter

Question for you:

I hope you'll jump in on the conversation and share with us and Eileen what makes you laugh. And if you've read Eileen's novels that you'll share as well! :-)

Mukkove Johnson's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is for Jesus

Do you have an advent devotional? Or maybe you sit down with your kids and tell them the story of Jesus coming to earth. It's not a story to remain only during the month of December. But to be shared the entire year long!

*~*Coveted Excerpt*~*

A Child will be born to us. God will give a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Have you seen doves in Christmas decorations? Doves stand for peace. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. The angel told the shepherds the Savior had come to bring peace to people. The peace that Jesus brings does not mean there won’t be any more wars or fighting. Jesus brings peace you can have on the inside no matter what is going on outside: peace knowing God loves you, peace knowing God has forgiven all your sins and will take you to heaven one day, peace knowing

God will never leave you and will always take care of you, peace knowing God is working all things out for your good. Will you make Jesus your Prince of Peace?

What Makes You Laugh?

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

*~*May I introduce you?*~*

I love featuring such a variety of authors on Operation Encourage an Author, because like the variety of readers, no two write (or like to read) the exact same thing. And even if we do, we usually have different reasons to love what we do!

So my question for you today...what makes you laugh?

My author, Mukkove Johnson shares what makes her laugh with us today!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Five things that make me laugh…

Photo credit

Laughing is not something I do often enough on my own. So God gave me my family.

My husband cracks me up all the time.

Each of my children make me laugh. The oldest because his laugh is so contagious, the next because his take on the world is different from mine and the youngest because I can’t always tell where she’s coming from.

I really wish I could say I laugh at myself, but that is a perspective I have yet to learn.

*~*~*~*~*

Question for you: have you learned to laugh at yourself? Share a story if you care to!

**Connect with Mukkove**

Website: www.KovesCove.com

Blog: http://KovesBlog.blogspot.com

Facebook

Twitter

Opening Reader Mail for Lillian Duncan...

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Lillian;

I'm thrilled to get to know you and your new book Pursued. Love the cover, it makes a statement before I open up the book. I'm even more excited that the ACFW On-Line Book Club voted your book to be read and discussed in Feburary. I haven't read your book yet, I'm waiting to read it closer to the time of the book discussion but I've glanced through it.

I'm excited about Christian books that bring in the spiritual thread in a natural way, even more excited about the genre you've written under Romantic/suspense. I really enjoy this genre. I know that you could be writing in any other market and I'm glad you've chosen this one.

Jesus is the greatest story teller. There is something amazing that happens when readers get engaged in a Christian Fiction book (especially romantic/suspense) when the action is fast and the story is thrilling. They are not expecting the spiritual thread. The holy spirit uses the message to pierce the heart of the reader and makes them think about a situation or a word with fresh eyes. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better and looking forward to reading your book and the ACFW on-line book discussion starting February 20th.

EVERYONE is WELCOME to join in the discussion. Joining the ACFW book club is free. Just go to the website www.acfw.com and join the book club. You'll be all set to join us for the discussion of Lillian Duncan's book on February 20th until the end of that month.

THANKS Casey for giving me the opportunity to encourage an author that is our ACFW On-Line Book Club Pick.

May the Lord Bless you and Inspire you in the new year with the stories He wants you to write.

Nora St. Laurent for author Lillian Duncan

Nora St.Laurent

A Prayer for D.M.

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dear God,

Sometimes the world is overwhelming, especially when we can't seem to get the response that we want or when we don't get the best review or when we hear that our product isn't doing that great.

I know I go. It seems on a daily basis, Lord. But the greatest fight against the devil's arrows is You. And immersing ourselves in Your word and in prayer to You.

Thank You that we can come to You with anything and You accept us as we are.

Please guide D. M. this week. Inspire and guide and shower her with love this week and into the next and the next.

Thank You for being a God of love.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Lillian's Duncan's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

Deception

There is something about this cover that makes me sit up and take a second look!

I think Lillain's tag of Murder and Mayhem is probably a good one for her genre. ; -)

Pursued

*~*Coveted Excerpt*~*

Great way to start summer vacation. Sitting and watching the rain.

The ringing of the phone brought her to her feet, and she ran into the kitchen. The scent of baking cinnamon rolls reminded her to check the oven after the call. "Hello.”

"Me want my aunt." It was a young girl. By the sound of her voice, maybe three, or four.

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. You must have dialed the wrong number. Hang up and try again. OK, sweetie?" instructed Patti, slipping into her teacher voice.

"I need my aunt. Mommy’s not here," said the little girl. I ‘sposed to call my aunt. I want my mommy.”

*~*~*~

I don't know about you, but I really like this sneak peek. What say you??

What is Your Title?

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

*~*May I introduce you?*~*

I'd like to introduce to you our featured author, Lillian Duncan. Don't all of us have different "hats" we wear? And all of us do something different that makes us unique. I hope you'll join the conversation today and share the man "hats" you wear.

And now...Lillian Duncan...

All of us have many titles or put another way we wear many different hats in this world. For me, my three most important hats would be Christian, Wife, and Writer. (I’m not a mom or that would surely be on the list.)

I’ve been a Christian since my teens but it’s only been in the last ten years that I took that title seriously. But now it is the most important by far. I would like to say that all my thoughts, actions, and decisions are made wearing that hat. Unfortunately, it’s not true yet but it’s better than it used to be.

My wife hat looks a little different than most of the wife hats I know. I don’t do much cooking or cleaning, but I do a lot of homemaking. Not in the traditional sense but by bringing a sense of fun, a feeling of love and respect to my husband.

My writer hat changes so often it makes me dizzy sometimes. Some days, I’m the creator, other days I may be the editor, the critic, the publicist, the marketer and on and on.

Most days there is a tug on my heart to keep the writer hat on much longer than is fair to the other hats in my closet. That can be frustrating but I’m working on being more balanced and try a few new hats on as well.

*~*~*~*

Can't it be frustating to put aside one thing and take up another when so many demands call upon our time? Which is why I'm so grateful you are here with us today. Thank you for taking the time to encourage a CBA author! We'll have Lillian's fabulous covers and sneak peak first thing tomorrow!

**Connect with Lillian **

Website: www.lillianduncan.net

Blog: www.lillianduncan.wordpress.com

Contest!!: Win a NOOK sign up at www.lillianduncan.net

Twitter:@LillianDuncan

D.M. Webb's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

Mississippi Nights

Mmmm, I do love a good brooding cover. Don't you think? Does make you wonder what the rest of the pages will hold...

Coveted Excerpt...

The white gravel drive, with its mailbox reading Dean and Leigh Boyette, wound down to the stately brick Georgian house. David had never driven the familiar ride with such apprehension. He was the prodigal son returning home minus the guilt.

Rocks crunched beneath the tires as he brought his old, beat-up Chevy truck to a stop. He sat there, hands on the wheel, taking deep breaths. Sweat coated his palms. It had been three years since he last sat in this drive. Letter, phone calls, and e-mails had kept him in touch, but now he was back in Jasper City for good. He was an adult, for crying out loud, and he did not need to be running home like a small child.

The door creaked, testimony of the truck’s age, as he opened it and stepped out onto the driveway. His boots, like the truck, had seen better days. So had he.

Who Are We? Really?

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

~Loved by those who know us best.

~Hated by our enemies

~Cherised by our family

But each of those things seem so fickle compared to who we really are. Creations of the Father. Loved by a great and mighty God whose grace knows no bounds.

Each week I introduce to you several authors, but who are they really beyond just a name on the page and a face in the screen? And while it might seem daunting with the great number of authors and information that surrounds us, I hope to give you a different glimpse. One directly from the perspective of the author.

May I introduce you?

Who am I really? A painter of wild and colorful scenes, a dreamer of vivid and vast dreams, and an explorer of the unknown are three things that describe me. My true dream, though, is to be a light for my Lord and write stories from the heart in hopes that it will speak to those who reads them. My desire is for a person to accept Jesus, or a heart to be soothed from its pain and hurt, or a downhearted soul suddenly uplifted from reading my books.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I hope you might take a few minutes and share with us what makes you the uniquer person that you are. :-)

**Connecting with D.M.**

Shoutlife

Website: http://www.dmwebb.com/

Blog: http://dmwebb-writebyfaith.blogspot.com/

http://goldenrosebooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook

Twitter

Ushering in Another Week of Guests...

2012-01-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a great first week here on OEA and I thank you to the faithful readers who have known I was taking a hiatus and are eager to welcome the blog back!

I hope to continue to make it more interactive through the coming months and of course would love your feedback!

Many thanks to Betsy St. Amant and Dave Bond for being this week's guests. It was wonderful to host you!

Lillian Duncan

And my guests for next week...

D.M. Webb

Have a wonderful weekend and we'll see you right back here on Monday!

Reader Mail: Stay Strong

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Dave,

Thank you so much for sharing the launch of your debut novel on Operation Encourage an Author. It's an honor to be one of your very first stops. And I'm thrilled to have gotten to know you a little bit better.

I'm amazed by your story and determination for the Lord and where He is guiding you. I can imagine it gets frustrating to not see your kid's sports events or enjoying the glow of the sun on the mountains. But I hope you won't let that underscore the things you have been able to do.

God has taken a horrible situation and used it for His good. Producing a novel, writing for His glory and the entertainment of the masses, it's not an easy thing even with sight and yet you have done it blind.

I pray God gives you great peace in challenging situations and a grace that surpasses anything this world has to offer.

God bless,
Casey

**Do you have a specific peice of reader mail you would like to share with our featured author? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

The Power of a Friend's Prayer

2012-01-06T02:30:00.000-08:00

Heavenly Father, thank You for Betsy. Thank You for giving her a heart to encourage and inspire readers through words. May Your grace continue to overflow in her life, as You use her books to spread the good news of Your love.

I pray especially for Betsy's new book Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK. For the young adults and grown-ups alike who will read this story. Would You use it to help readers discover a faith in You that is real and authentic? And as this book opens the door for Betsy to speak with individuals and groups, give her the courage to speak honestly and openly about the things You've laid on her heart.

I ask for an extra dose of grace for Betsy's family. As she juggles her responsibilities as a wife, mom, and author, would You show her how to balance these roles? Give her strength for each day and a daily reminder that Your mercies are new every morning. I ask that You would give her wisdom for the big and small decisions.

Thank You again for Betsy. For the friend and encouragement that she's been me and to so many others. I'm grateful that You're using her to shine a light in this world.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Liz Johnson for her friend,
Betsy St. Amant

Dave Bond's Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

A book cannot be judged by it's cover.

But it sure does help!

A cover has so much potential to speak for the story. Or maybe even hint at something to be revealed within it's pages.

But when it comes down to it, the story must speak for the story.

*~~*Coveted Excerpt*~~*

“I remember how you answered Mike's question. It came to you instantly. You know this business. Maybe you even like it. It's a shame though if you don't, because you seem to be good at it.”

“I said I'm blind. Blind. No eyesight? Is your hearing as bad as my eyesight?”

“You're impossible. I told Warren I wouldn't get anywhere with you. I never should have let him talk me into it...”

All he heard were her footsteps as she escaped the kitchen. They smacked the hardwood floor in the entranceway with angry repetitiveness, like someone swatting at a fly but missing. She left behind a wind stream of her meadow fresh fragrance and a hint of sweat.

He stood and walked toward the door, banging his left shin into Jessie's chair. When he cracked the front door to listen, he heard her sandals slapping the sidewalk, fading as she continued into the parking lot.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

What say you? Would you have the patience and trust to live through life without sight? What sense would you be the most willing to lose?

Would You Have the Courage to Go Through Life Blind?

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you?

Or rather in this case, let my guest today, David Bond introduce himself...

I am blind. I lost my eyesight due to diabetic complications in 1988, less than two years after getting married. I was previously involved in different areas of the construction industry, from manual labor, to project management. One of my jobs involved drafting, in the days before CAD. I graduated from Reading Area Community College with an AS in Technical Illustration, and later, after losing my sight, graduated from Lancaster Bible College with a BS in Bible and a minor in Biblical Counseling. I was the Program Director for a ministry to victims of crime for five years until 2000.

I have been involved in writing since the early 2000's. I was first published in an anthology, but began learning the craft of fiction following that. Authors like Gilbert Morris, and Richard Paul Evans, and a wide variety of authors have helped shape my style over the years.

My Christian faith helps mold and shape my stories. These stories involve characters who struggle with real-life issues, who ultimately realize the God of the Bible is able to help them.

My stories are not meant to preach, but to model. Christians, or people unsure about Christianity, will find entertainment, emotional conflict, and resolution in my books. But always, Biblical principles and Godly character are demonstrated in the lives of my characters.

I live near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, along with my wife and teenage son. We have a beagle who loves peanut butter, and can chew up any toy on the planet!

~*~*~*~

Would you have the courage to go through life blind? When you think of the everyday things we so easily take for granted, it makes these gifts all the more rich. And our appreciation for the faith and trust of those such as David, all the more powerful!

So I also asked David...what three titles best describe you?

Thinker. I spend a lot of time thinking. IMO, this is a required personality trait to write fiction. But I can be overly analytical, resulting in lost time thinking too much!

Opinionated. Ask my wife—and son! Or anyone who knows me!

Photo credit

Blessed. God has shown His favor on me more times than I can count. I haven’t been a very obedient child over the years, but God has been faithful and blessed me with many good things. Not the least of which are His mercy and grace.If you had to break who you are down into three titles, what would they be? And would you want those three titles to be the basis for what people remember about you? Makes an interesting thought...

**Connecting with David**

Website: http://www.authordavidbond.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/davidbondbooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authordavidbond

**Do you have a specific peice of reader mail you would like to share with David? Please email the letter to me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com and it will post on Friday, our "Reader Mail/Prayer" day**

Betsy St. Amant Cover Love and Coveted Excerpt!

2012-01-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

Rodeo Sweetheart

A Valentine's Wish

I tell you...

Just what is better....

Than seeing that cover candy for the very first time?

Or the second?

Or the third?

You just can't beat a good cover!

Fireman Dad

Mistletoe Prayers

And you certainly can't underestimate the power of a great section of story set to grab the throats of a reader.

*~~*Coveted Excerpt*~~*

Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK

Wes narrowed his eyes at me. “And you said I was a player? You’re the one playing games now.”

“No, I’m not. And I never called you a player.” I cradled my coffee cup with both hands, wishing there were a coffee that could both wake you up and give you the right words for conversations like these. “I just said you had a girlfriend. Or whatever Sonya is.” Shudder.

He shook his head. “Things aren’t always black and white, PK.”

They were in my world. Drinking, black. Church, white. Boys with motorcycles, black. Christian music in the car, white. It was definite, simple, defined. Easy.

Suffocating.

I grabbed my cup and stood. “I’ve gotta go.”

Wes stood with me. “What’s it like to play by the rules all the time?”

“What it’s like?” I asked as I buttoned my jacket. I thought for a moment of all the things I should say, all the things that could possibly witness to him and draw him to the good side.

Then I ditched all the shoulds and blurted out the truth instead.

“Exhausting.”

Now...what say you? Have a favorite cover? And what about that excerpt? Chime in on the discussion...and this week also marks the day Betsy's YA novel Confessions of a PK releases!! Congratulations Betsy!

Pick a Novel Title, How Does it Describe You?

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

May I introduce you?

While I could spend word space and time sharing a bio on Betsy St. Amant like the fact that she is a fireman's wife. A toddler's playmate. And a lover of shoes....oh and chocolate, but I think Betsy could say it better in her own words.

So I asked her....What three titles best describe you and why?

And her answers?

White Picket Fences, by Susan Meissner, because at heart I am very much a dreamer and someone who wants the whole white picket lifestyle. Family, hearth, home. My dreams in life have always been to be a wife, stay at home mom and writer! By God’s blessing I’m achieving those goals.

Photo credit

Bon Appetit, by Sandra Byrd, because I love dessert and chocolates and sweets. I’d love to spend a long vacation in France, window shopping and buying adorable shoes and popping bon bons

Photo Credit

A Heart Revealed, by Julie Lessman, because I’m not only a strong romantic but I love to be open and honest and vulnerable with my readers and everyone around me. Being real is important and I think people would connect in such a more powerful way in the body of Christ if we didn’t try to keep everything so hidden. People need people. People need God.

*~*~*

If you are a follower or a new visitor to Operation Encourage an Author, you might be used to the traditional way we brought an author you.

But with a new year also comes new ideas and I hope through each of these introductions and spending time with a new author you may--or may not be familiar with, you will take a moment and share with them in return.

And maybe, just maybe, you'll find your next greatest gift...

**Connecting with Betsy**

Website: www.betsystamant.com

Blog: www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com

If you were in Addison’s shoes, who would YOU date? ::wink:: Link: http://www.betsystamant.com/extras/

Facebook: Betsy McLemore St. Amant

Twitter: @betsystamant

End of Lillian's Spotlight

2011-10-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

With the closing of another week, also comes a closing of OEA for the winter. When I started this blog, I never expected the outpouring of love and support you as readers would give these featured authors. And I never expected what God would your messages of encouragement. You make this blog work and I thank you for stopping by each and every week.

Lillian, it was great to have you visit us this week and I hope you had a great time as much as I enjoyed hosting you. God bless you in your writing and where God is taking you. And congratulations on winning the ACFW bookclub poll. ;-)

I hope to make some changes to OEA over the winter months and hopefully come back with a new and improved blog. But until then, I will be putting the blog on private mode and it won't be available to access for the public.

If you have suggestions I would love to hear them!

Until then, I will see you in the new year. :-)

A Prayer for Lillian

2011-10-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are the ultimate Author. You have created and knit us together in our mother's womb, given us a life here on earth to use for Your glory and the opportunity to impact other's lives.

You ultimately have given the authors we love and enjoy, the words they use to create a story. Yes, a great deal of editing and revisions is put into every story written, but that story wouldn't have been created if You hadn't given that story seed in that author's mind.

Lord, bless Lillian today and tomorrow and the next day. Give her inspiration, encouragement and above all a new love every single day when she sits down to write.

Thank You for this chance to encourage and support an author who in turn encourages us in the stories they write for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: Pursued

2011-10-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

This is from PURSUED, my most recent book. Dylan is a farmer who may need a few lessons in flirting.

“We’re not doing anything until you answer my question.” Reggie put hands on her hips, and her green eyes twinkled as she stared at Dylan.

“What question?”

“Why…why are you being so nice to me?”

Reggie obviously wasn’t used to people doing things for her without wanting something back. “Two reasons.” Dylan turned on his most charming smile. “First, you’ve grown on me. Kinda like a ripe tomato in June. That’s what I’m telling all my buddies.”

“A tomato? Being compared to a vegetable isn’t particularly flattering.”

Well it is if you love tomatoes as much as I do.” He laughed. “And besides tomatoes don’t usually get ripe until July so tomatoes in June are a beauty to behold—and they are a fruit, which is much more appealing than a vegetable, don’t you think?”

Every Author Has a Story to Tell YOU! ~ Spotlight on Lillian Duncan

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

For my final week open on OEA, I want to introduce you to Lillian Duncan. And like the nearly a hundred authors I have featured on this blog, she has a story to tell. To YOU.

While many authors have a great many things in common, each one has a different style. Different voice on the page. Different approach to telling a story.

When I look back on those spotlights though, one thing stands out. With glowing prominence. They are ALL writing for the glory of Christ.

How many writers really and truly exemplify that?? Not many.

Authors, you have to know you are appreciated. No matter how few or how many comments or reviews or whatever!, you are reaching the lost, encouraging the found and speaking to the doubting.

Write the story God gave you and He will provide the ears to hear it and the eyes to see it.

May God BLESS you in your great work for Him.

Want more from Lillian??

What is your favorite:

Book-Whatever one I’m reading at the time.

Author: Terri Blackstock and Brandilynn Collins—I can’t pick between them.

Blog—Yours-of course. --(LOL, thank you. :) I've really got to stop asking this question...;-)

Animal-Dogs-I have a crazy Jack Russell puppy and an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Character-I know you probably mean book characters, but I love all the characters on NCIS—the best example of good dialogue you’ll find around.

Holiday—I can’t say I have a favorite holiday-I love them all.

Food—Reese’s Cups and Spaghetti-but not necessarily at the same time.

Scent-Chocolate

Connect with Lillian online:

Hey readers, look over here! Lillian is offering an ecopy of her book Pursued, so be sure and while you leave an encouraging comment, leave your email too so I can contact you if you win!

Remember there must be at least 10 comments for the giveaway to be valid. Sharing the link to the blog is always appreciated. :-)) You can find out more about the "rules" for OEA at the bottom of the blog. Remember, "please enter me comments" are not accepted. As long as you have an email, you can enter to win this book. :-))

Please remember this is OEA's last week to feature an author until the new year. After this week the blog will go dormat.
Thanks for stopping by today!

End of Alice's Spotlight and OEA Closing Message

2011-10-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

With a life that is crazy and never seems to stop, I appreciate you, the reades, coming by to visit with my guest, Alice Wisler this week. Some of you even visited twice and I appreciate you taking that time to encourage an author.

Time and time and time again I hear from authors (via twitter, facebook, real time, emails, etc.) how MUCH our support as readers keep them going. Do you realize how important you are?? An author can write, but with no readers, they would have no job.

Alice, I'm so glad you could be here this week! You reach readers with your words and I know you must thank God for giving you this opportunity. I know many readers are thankful!

And fun with the poll, Rain Song was voted the "most intriguing" of Alice's books, so I hope you've gotten a copy while it's FREE right now for e-readers.

Also, my OEA message: next week with Lillian Duncan marks my last week for OEA 2011. I am closing the blog until the new year and will bring it back with new changes at that time. So, we'll see you then!

Have a great weekend everyone!

A Prayer for Alice

2011-10-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that we can come to You in prayer. Thank You that this week we have the chance to lift Alice up to You. God, she has been through some of the most difficult circumstances in her life, but when I see her picture and the warm smile she gives and the praise she proclaims in her fiction, giving You the glory, I just know she loves You greatly.

Bless Alice this week Lord and in the coming week we are heading into to. Give her peace in the difficult situations, energy and creativity when there doesn't seem to be enough and grace for the people that tend to make our lives difficult.

Thank You for the opportunity to encourage Alice this week. Lord, what a gift to lift up one of Your children!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: A Wedding Invitation

2011-10-12T02:47:00.000-07:00

The excerpt I’ve chosen from my new release, A Wedding Invitation, needs a little introduction. The Compassionate Friends is a world-wide organization that helped me immensely when my four-year-old son Daniel died in 1997. I have been part of the Wake County, NC chapter and was their newsletter editor for two years. I've attended both national and regional conferences, often leading workshops.

So it is my joy and pleasure to be able to create a cemetery scene in my recent novel, A Wedding Invitation, which has a group of bereaved parents wearing TCF shirts, attending a butterfly and balloon release. At first, the main character wonders if they are some sort of cult. Here is an excerpt from the novel, page 54:

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I strain to hear over the cooling breeze; it is something about how children live on in our hearts and in our memories.

Next, Dovie steps into the center of the crowd, carrying her cage. She tells about the Monarch butterfly, its life cycle and how it has been silent in its silky sac but now is a beautiful creation. She explains how this new life is a testimony of God’s creativity and of his love of nature. She lets the crowd know that these butterflies will be released soon and begin a journey just like the children who have died are now on a new adventure in Heaven. “And like each of you,” my aunt says with a gentleness to her voice, “Each of you is becoming someone new as you learn to cope and adjust to a life without your precious child.”

As she says these words, a few burst into tears. They are quickly embraced by others within the group.

Her Heart Shines through All She Does! Spotlight on Alice J. Wisler

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe I've said this before, but it bears repeating. Sometimes God takes us through trials so we can better appreciate the mountaintops. But most often, I believe, He walks us through the valleys so we can better help those just starting into them.

Alice J. Wisler is my return guest this week and some of you might already know her story and the trials she has trod through, but when I see Alice's smiling face and the beauty she exudes for Christ, you know and understand the example she is for the God she loves.

Recently I was attending the ACFW writer's conference and I heard so many authors speak on what YOUR support as the reader means to them. When your heart is full, there is no room for the negative! Which is why I created this blog. To fill the hearts of authors to the overflowing by using the encouragement of YOU!

Thank you for being here this week!

Makes makes Alice unique...(and shhhh, maybe even a bit quirky. ;-)

I love sushi, but no avocados or cream cheese. When it comes to sushi, I am a purist!
Bread making is my new love. In my recently released novel, I let Aunt Dovie make one of my favorites—oatmeal bread. The recipe is included in the back of the novel.
I was born in Japan, grew up with a Japanese maid who lived with us, and have lived in four countries. But now I’m an American Southern girl living and writing in Durham, North Carolina.
When I was small, I drew stick figures (even one in red pen on my dad’s study wall), and now when I teach, the same stick figures are all I can offer on the marker board for my students. It’s sad, I am not an artist.
Sometimes when I talk to myself, I act like I’m two people with very different personalities carrying on a vocal conversation. I’ve solved many problems this way—really. Okay, now you think I’m totally bonkers.

***NEWS FLASH!***

Alice's debut novel, Rain Song is FREE right now for ereaders! Here is the link for the Kindle. Go get your copy today!

Connect with Alice online:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Blog

Be sure and stop by Wednesday for a sneak peek of Alice's latest novel, A Wedding Invitation. :-)

Thanks for stopping by this week! I'll see you inside!

End of Staci's Spotlight

2011-10-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, that week went by fast! Incrediable how a little encouragement goes a long way. :-) I know this in my own life and I appreciate all the readers who stopped by this week to encourage and stand strong with Staci.

A cord of three strands is NOT easily broken. Thank you for being one of those strands this week.

Staci, you are such a godly woman with a heart for God and His children. I pray He blesses you greatly through your writing and your work in His kingdom!

We had an interesting poll this week and some great participation! I had to share the results. :-)

6 said you had read Staci's books before. Woot!

2 had heard of Staci, but haven't read her books yet

8 of you were hearing of her for the first time.

Glad we could introduce you!

My guest next week is returning author Alice J. Wisler. Hope to see you then!!

Hope your weekend was fantastic. :-)

A Prayer for Staci

2011-10-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,
It has been a joy to get to know more about Staci this week. From just the little bit I have seen, I have been witness to her love for You and her great witness. Continue to fire her passion for You and her passion for writing. Give her inspiration when her well is threatening to run dry, encouragement when a bad review tries to drag her down and continue to remind her that You are in control of her writing life and everything that happens You can use for Your glory.

Love her, guide her, remind her of your great power each and every day and I pray that she would fully surrender any worries or idols that get in the way of You.

Thank you Lord for this week, this time to shower Staci with encouragement. Bless her this week, Jesus.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: Cowboy

2011-10-05T02:22:00.000-07:00

“Hi.” Ashton barely got the greeting out as panic attacked him. What was he doing? She was going to think he was an idiot. On the table his hands spun the empty coffee cup back and forth as he fought to distance himself from everything in his soul. The glance up was only that. “Umm, did you mean what you said...about listening?”

“Yeah,” the waitress said slowly. “I did.”

His hand traced down his jeans, pushing them down because it seemed that they and everything else was coiling around him in a grip he couldn’t break. “Well, I was thinking if you’re not too busy...” His gaze slid across the restaurant to the other customers, and embarrassment battled with his need to breathe.

Without question she slid into the booth and folded her hands. “I have all the time in the world.”

You Need to Meet My Featured Guest! Staci Stallings Inside...

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

From the first moment Staci Stallings tweeted me, I knew this woman was a sweet surprise. In a moment when I was worried (and maybe a bit panicked), she stepped in and gently reminded of what God promises.

That was a sweet tweet to read, Staci!

And then I got the chance to feature her here on OEA and ooh, boy what fun! AND then I read her "getting to know you" section and wow! Just wait until you read it and you'll see what I am saying. This woman is mega talented!

It is always so wonderful to get the chance to give back to someone who gives. Staci you encouraged and reminded me, hopefully we can do that for you as well!

I'm excited to know God has given you the chance to spread His words through the written word on the pages of your books. May many be blessed in you!

Five fun facts to learn more about Staci...

1) I have finished 30 full-length novels, 2 short story collections, 6 Bible Studies, and 2 God help! books (for when self-help just isn't working). I'm currently working on about 7 new projects, plus getting my books up on Kindle & Nook, doing interviews, and guest blogs as well as Facebook & Twitter.

2) I have three kids, a husband, two businesses, 5 cats, 1 dog, 2 extended families, 2 schools, 1 hometown, and 1 church.

3) I write plays for VBS every year. In my 8 years doing that, we have sunk a ship, traveled with Paul, been in the desert with Moses, gotten water from a rock, had a dove descend from the Heavens, had tongues of fire descend from the Heavens, cut a hole in a roof and lowered someone through it, staged Creation, and witnessed the Crucifixion ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9UqMUeBAb8 ), the Resurrection, and the Ascension. Moral of the story: Never think your writing talent is confined to being "published."

4) I actually wrote every song that's featured in the book "Cowboy." Not just the lyrics but the music as well.

5) I was a semi-finalist in the Kairos Script writing Contest for the screenplay for "Cowboy."

Casey here again: WOW Staci, you are uber talented! My goodness, with every 'fun fact' I read, my jaw dropped lower. You have been gifted!!

Hey all, you can check out COWBOY on Wednesday for my special sneak peek. Don't miss out, okay?

Run into Staci online:

Website

Spirit Light Books Blog

Facebook

God Positive Blog

Twitter

Thanks for stopping by this week! I'll see you inside...

End of Spotlight and Martha's Winner

2011-10-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ah. What. A. Week.

I got home on Wednesday from ACFW, worked Thursday, played catch-up on Friday and did farm chores today with the family. Can I say I'm glad the day is nearly over and I've got a book waiting for me?? :-)

My thanks to you during this wild time. THANK YOU for making Martha's week here such a success and Martha... thank you for being here with us. It's a pleasure to host such wonderful people such as yourself who are simply doing what God has called them to do and are blessing so many in the process.

My guest next week is Staci Stallings and just the little bit I have gotten to know her, I think you will really enjoy this spotlight!

But first I have the winner for Summer Dream that Martha so graciously offered:

Lourdes!!

Thanks all and see you next week!

A Prayer for Martha

2011-09-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

We never fully understand Your plan for our lives. We can't always understand it, because we can't see down the road, we can't see what You have in our best interest that will grow and prepare us for the next bend in the road.

Thank You for what You have done in Martha's life to prepare for this moment as an author. She has spent a lifetime caring for her family, maybe pursuing another career and now You have given her the opportunity to "play" and "have fun" in a brand new field. The art and craft of writing fiction.

Continue to inspire her, continue to motivate her writing and her actions to publish and continue to fuel her desire to take this God-given ability and share it with the world.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: Autumn Song

2011-09-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from Autumn Song, Chapter 3

Aunt Mae appeared on the back stoop and waved to Kate. “It’s about time you got back. What took you so long?” Then she noticed Mr. Monroe and swiped her hands down her apron before scurrying to meet him. She held out her hand and beamed like the man was the president himself.

Kate shook her head and climbed up on the back of the wagon. Reverend Winston and Daniel had let the back down, so she was able to hoist herself up. Daniel’s things took up most of the room, but she managed to skirt around them and get to what she needed to unload. Mr. Monroe would have to take care of his own baggage.
Aunt Mae’s voice drifted up to Kate. “We’re so glad you’ve finally arrived. Your room is all ready for you.” Then she must have seen the wagonload. “Gracious me. Is all that yours? I don’t know where we can put it all. Your room isn’t that big.”

Kate snickered and slid down from the back, a box of groceries in hand. That had been the same question in her mind. Without a glance in their direction she hurried inside and left Aunt Mae discussing bags and trunks with Mr. Monroe and the reverend.

After setting her burden on the table, she sauntered back to the door and leaned over just enough to catch their conversation.

“Mrs. Sullivan, I appreciate your concern, but most of this will be placed in my office tomorrow. If I can leave it in the wagon, I can haul it down there tomorrow morning.”

“Well, I suppose that’ll be all right. And call me Aunt Mae. Everyone else does in this town. Kate! Come out here and help Mr. Monroe get his things unloaded and the wagon into the barn.”

Daniel’s eyes widened. “Oh, no, Mrs.—Aunt Mae, I couldn’t let her handle these heavy bags. Seth and I will take care of it.”

Kate’s temper flared. She could carry as much weight as he could. She marched off the porch and out to the wagon. “Let’s get what you need upstairs so I can get Danny Boy here brushed and fed.” She reached up for one handle on a trunk.

His hand covered hers, and the warmth flowed through the rest of her body. She couldn’t take her gaze away from his hand over hers.

“No, I can’t let you carry that heavy thing. Seth and I’ll get a few of the men to help us. Go ahead and get the rest of your aunt’s things inside.”

That snapped her to attention. “I’ll carry what I want to carry, thank you.” Even as she pulled the trunk toward her, she realized it was much heavier than she imagined. Her stubborn pride took root. There wasn’t a chance now that she’d admit she couldn’t handle it. Fancy Pants reached up for another trunk and pulled it toward him easily. Kate clamped her mouth shut and managed to get the one she pulled onto the ground.

Daniel stood there with a frown of concern on his face, watching her. With a great heave she managed to get the trunk up and took a few steps. This was going to be much harder than she imagined. Every muscle in her body screamed in pain, but she refused to set it down until she reached the stoop. She let it go with a thud and dusted her hands together. “There. It’s on the stoop. I didn’t say I’d help get it to your room.”

Again that frown crossed his face, and the reverend laughed out loud. Kate flounced her skirt and ignored them, heading back to the wagon to retrieve the rest of the groceries. One of these days that stubborn streak would really get her into trouble and not just give her sore muscles.

OverNight Success in 7 Decades! Martha Rogers on OEA this week!

2011-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I think about 'overnight success' the name Martha Rogers comes to mind.

At the age of 73 to publish her first trade novel after writing since she was a little girl shows an amazing will and tenacity. Now true, she probably wasn't writing for serious publication all those years, but the dream was there.

And was fulfilled at the time when post peopl her age are saying it's time to slow down.

NOW she has 8 books in print! That's not what I would call slowing down. ;-)

Martha, congratulations on your success in your writing! I'm so thrilled to have you here this week and celebrate for just a bit in your success. I hope your family is insanely proud of you!

They should be!

Fun facts to know about Martha...

Most people know by now that I received my contract for my first full-length novel at the age of 73. They may also know that I’ve been writing since I was a child when I wrote stories for my paper dolls.

Some facts people may not know:

1. Few people know that I wrote skits and such for my cousins to perform for our parents and grandparents.

2. I also took three years of piano, but I can’t play worth a flip. I was in too big a hurry for other things to practice. One good thing is that I can read music so it helps in singing in choir.

3. I first majored in nursing but dropped out during my junior year and majored in Home Economics and became a Homemaking teacher. I taught Homemaking classes for over twenty years before switching to English when home ec faded out.

4. I am a baseball and football fanatic. I watch all the games I can on TV. Don’t go to as many as we once did because of the high cost of tickets.

5. Supervised student teachers for University of Houston for six years.

Casey here again: Martha you are an inspiration to everyone thinks they cannot doing something. I love that you've done so much and aren't quitting anytime soon!

Connect with Martha on the 'net...

Website

Facebook (personal page)

Martha would like to give away a copy of her novel: Summer Dream

Remember there must be at least 10 comments for the giveaway to be valid. Sharing the link to the blog is always appreciated. :-)) You can find out more about the "rules" for OEA at the bottom of the blog. Remember, "please enter me comments" are not accepted. Only U.S. addresses please.

Thanks for coming by this week!

End of Bonnie's Spotlight and OEA Out of Office Message

2011-09-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for all those who came and visited with Bonnie Leon this week! It has been great having another fabulous Christian author visit the blog. We are SO blessed in today's industry to have such great authors surrounding us, writing great fiction. THANK YOU for taking the time to lift these authors up and bouy their writing strength. Their main source comes from our Savior, but it so amazing knowing we are 'helping' Him! :-)

Now I need you to know: I am currently attending the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in St. Louis, Missouri. My posts have all been pre-scheduled, so the blog is going to be a *bit* out of date until I can get back and update the site. My apologies to Marther Rogers next week! I'll get your book covers up as soon as I get home on Wednesday.

Thanks for understanding!

My guest next week (as mentioned) is author Martha Rogers. See you there!

Have a great weekend. :-))

A Prayer for Bonnie

2011-09-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Bonnie's mission is to unveil truth through fiction and I thank You for the opportunity she has to do just that. Continue to plant story ideas deep within her that will inspire and motivate her to sit down every day and write from her heart. May the words she pen, though they will need editing and revising, be a moving tapestry that speaks to the hearts of readers.

God, plant within Bonnie a drive that cannot be quenched. A drive that pushes her to even greater heights that only You can bring her too. You have given her a gift and an opportunity to write and I ask that every time she goes to do just that, she would turn to You first with overwhelmning thanksgiving.

We are blessed to have her here this week, Lord. Thank You for what You are doing and continue to do in her writing and in her life.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Sneak Peek: Wings of Promise

2011-09-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

With her hunger satisfied, exhaustion swamped Kate. She struggled to keep her eyes open. Even so, Nick talked her into a game of Go Fish. With Paul and Joe chatting, she tackled the tenacity of the five-year-old, who had obviously played a lot of card games.

After Nick beat her three times, she headed to her make-shift bedroom. Joe had made up a place for her in what looked like a storage room. He’d apologized but didn’t want Peter’s illness to disturb her sleep. Finally comfortable and warm beneath the covers, she drifted toward slumber, her mind on the people of Kotzebue. It had been a good day.

One of the highlights had been a woman who was advanced in her pregnancy. Paul had let her use the stethoscope to listen to her baby’s heartbeat. When she first heard the muffled thumping of the child’s heart, her eyes lit up and she’d exclaimed her joy. To her, it was a miracle. Kate’s eyes closed and she wondered if she’d ever hear the sound of her own child’s heartbeat.

Kate didn’t know how long she’d been asleep when Nena roused her.

“Kate,” she said, her voice tense. “Wake up.”

Her mind still feeling muzzy, Kate pushed up on one elbow. “What is it?”

“Paul needs you.”

“Me? Why? Is something wrong?”

“It’s Peter. He’s very sick.”

Now fully awake, Kate hurriedly dressed and followed Nena to the kitchen.

Peter lay on the table, looking terrified and quite ill. Joe stuffed wood into the stove even though the room was already unbearably hot.

“What’s wrong with him?” Kate asked.

Paul had set out instruments on the table. “I’m pretty sure it’s an inflamed appendix.” He took Kate aside, out of reach of Peter’s hearing. His voice soft, he said, “If it ruptures, he could die. I’ve got to get it out.”

Kate’s stomach plummeted. She glanced at Peter, unable to imagine the rambunctious little boy dying. “Do you know how to do that?”

“Yes.” His expression was grim. “But I’ve never done a surgery under such primitive conditions.”

“I have confidence in you,” Kate said, resting her hand on his arm.

Paul’s gaze moved to Nena, then back to Kate. “I need someone to assist me. Nena’s going to take care of the anesthetic.”

Kate’s heart sped up. “I can barely tolerate a man’s stinking feet. How do you expect me to do surgery?” She glanced at Peter. “I can’t do it.”

“You’ll just be helping.” Paul’s dark brown eyes bore into Kate’s. “I need you.” He glanced at Joe. “Better you than Joe.”

Kate took a quaking breath. She had no choice. “What do you want me to do?”

Meeting a Special Lady: Bonnie Leon Spotlight!

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Leon is a special lady.

Why do you ask?

Because she spends hours, has spent days, years, (possible decades?) with imaginary people.

Glancing between a screen and maybe a page of written notes of where she wants her story to go. Her characters are subject to the winds of change she may blow there way. ;-)

Authors are a special breed. They think differently, maybe act a bit differently and let's face it: we all have some pretty serious quirks. Great character motiviation there. ;-)

But authors all have something else in common: they need that connection with other humans. No matter how introverted or extroverted they happen to be, they couldn't continue to write unless they knew someone out there somewhere is enjoying their stories.

Have you read a Bonnie Leon book yet?? I hope you'll share this week. :-))

Fun facts about Bonnie Leon...

I’ve been giving thought to things readers might not know about me. I’ve been on several blogs recently because of the release of my new book, Wings of Promise, so it took a bit of thought. Here goes. If anyone sees one that I’ve already mentioned speak up.

1. I love stones of all types. Once they’re polished or sliced in half exposing the varied colors and patterns of the rock they are absolutely beautiful. I’d love to be a rock hound. My father was.

2. When I was young, my sister Leslie and I used to ride horses together. It was always fun riding with her, especially when we’d race across an open field. She had a special touch with all animals and used to show her Appaloosa mare. Leslie’s gone now. She died from complications of lupus, but I have lots of wonderful memories of her.

3. I write about Alaska, but I’m the only one in my family who has never lived there. It’s almost embarrassing.

4. I have relatives who still live on the creek where my grandparents homesteaded decades ago. To this day there are no roads that will take you there. The only way in and out during the summer months is by boat or plane. During the winter you can get there by dog sled or snow machine.

5. I love my home here in Southern Oregon, but I grew up in an area of Washington State where there was a lake every mile or two. I’ve always wanted to live on a lake. If I ever move I’ll be looking for a place nestled on the shores of a quiet lake with a dock where I can keep a chair and my fishing gear.

Casey here again: I too live in Oregon! How wonder how far you are from me in eastern Oregon, Bonnie. :-))

Connect with Bonnie via the 'Net...

I've got a sneak peek of Bonnie's latest novel on Wednesday, so don't miss it!

I'll see you inside...

End of Spotlight and Sandra's Winner

2011-09-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of Monday, also comes the time for me to leave for the ACFW conference in St. Louis, Missouri. I do apologize ahead of time for the hit and miss blogging (everything IS prescheduled) but design will lag.

But it is still this week and I thank Sandra Byrd for being with us once again! Always a joy to have you here, Sandra and I hope your readers are just as excited as you to explore a new genre and broadening horizans!

I do have a winner for To Die For and that is...

Patsy!

Patsy, you've been emailed, so be haunting your inbox!

And my guest next week is Bonnie Leon. I hope you will stop by to make her feel welcome, since I won't be around to pop. Thanks so much! :-))

A Prayer for Sandra

2011-09-16T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the chance to spend another week with Sandra. It has been a pleasure to see what You are doing with her writing career and the broadening opportunities You have provided. With the release of her latest book for the adult fiction market, I ask that You would give Sandra creativity to reach new readers, to expand the horizons of where her fiction goes and that You would be in every single step of the way. Take her books where You want them to go, place them in the hands of the readers who need to read them.

May Sandra's writing speak to the hearts of the readers and minister to the souls who need this story. May Sandra's heart for readers and her heart for You shine clearly through everything she does. Thank You for the example she is for Your kingdom.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: To Die For

2011-09-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to arrive at the Tower of London though there are few ways out. Kings and Queens ride in before a coronation, retinue trailing like a train of ermine. Prisoners, however, arrive on foot, shoved through one cavernous gate or another by the wardens who live, as all do, at the mercy of a merciless king. Some unfortunate few are delivered to the Tower by water.
—
The Thames lapped against our boat as it stopped to allow for the entry to be raised.

Talk about a teaser! And don't you just LOVE that cover???

She's Back!! Author Sandra Byrd and "To Die For" Spotlight

2011-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sandra Byrd is baaack!!

I'm not sure why I introduced her that way, but it just seems to fit her personality. :-))

I love to feature returning guests. Why? Because it proves how great all you readers are when it comes to visiting this blog! You have encouraged and lifted up so many authors and I love that authors like Sandra love visiting enough to schedule a second visit.

Now, onto business. Have you seen the cover of her latest book?? It's directly below, take a peek-- it is gorgeous! Tamera Alexander has endorsed and says it is awesome.

Sometimes when authors jump genres, it can a bit of a rocky transition. A bit of a different mindset and readership comes with historical fiction. I hope it's going smoothly for you this week Sandra! And readers, if you happen to think of her this week, and since you're HERE right now, would you say a quick prayer for her? Just pray a bit of peace over Sandra, that this week will be productive and fulfilling!

5 fun facts about Sandra Byrd....

I knew that I wanted to be a writer at six years old, as soon as I'd learned to read the Bobbsey Twins books. When I was a kid I wanted three careers: to be a hair stylist, to be a waitress, and to be an author. After I mohawked my Barbie I knew I wasn’t cut out for the hairstylist career. I actually was a waitress in a Jewish deli when I was a teenager, and I worked for a caterer. Writing, however, was the real passion. And it stuck.

I went to see a Shakespeare play in Stratford Upon Avon last year. Romeo and Juliet!

I climbed the French Alps as a teenager.

I accidently set a house on fire when I was in college.

I would own a French tea house if I wasn't a writer

Casey here again: Oh my goodness! Sandra, you are NOT getting out this spotlight until you spill on how you could accidently set a house on fire! There is a story there somewhere, wouldn't you agree readers??

Connect with Sandra via the 'net:

Website

Enter her contest (she's giving away a Kindle!)

Facebook

Blog

Sandra would like to have a giveaway of the featured book (above) but remember there must be at least 10 unique comments for the giveaway to become valid. Remember "please enter me" type comments are not accepted and will be discarded from entry and the blog. U.S. addresses only please, but of course comments from anywhere are always gratefully accepted. :-))

Thanks for being here! I'll see you inside...

End of Linore's Spotlight

2011-09-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

It is ALWAYS a pleasure to host such great authors. I can't say enough times how blessed I feel to be surrounded by such talented people--people that work hard and honor God in the process. What better calling could there ever be??

Linore, thank you so much for being here this week! I wish you the very best, a bright and promising future as a writer and may you continue to be blessed by eager and joyful readers as they discover your fiction. My God's blessings continually surround you!

The consensus was clear, The House in Grosvenor Square was your favorite of Linore's three. Always fun to see what your opinions are on those polls!

And my guest next week will be author Sandra Byrd, be sure and stop by for a sneak peak of her GORGEOUS new novel, To Die For .

See you then and have a great weekend!

A Prayer for Linore

2011-09-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

As Linore journeys into the Regency past to pen stories of love, life and faith, give her the inspiration to pursue hard the little details that will make her book stand above the rest. Give her motivation and determination to mine those little details from history and use them in her stories to create a tasteful display to tantalize the heart and mind of historical readers.

Put her in contact with the people who will support and encourage her. Thank You for this chance this week to play that role in her life, what an opportunity to help a writer continue on their journey! But as she leaves this blog, Lord, continue to put her in contact with the people that will hold her before Your throne and sing her praises with utter abandon.

Thank You for the ministry she is in the novel industry.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: Before the Season Ends

2011-09-07T01:02:00.000-07:00

CHAPTER ONE

Chesterton, Hertfordshire: England – 1813

Something would have to be done about Ariana.

All winter Miss Ariana Forsythe, aged nineteen, had been going about the house sighing.

“Mr. Hathaway is my lot in life!”

She spoke as though the prospect of that life was a great burden to bear, but one which she had properly reconciled herself to. When her declarations met with exasperation or reproach from her family—for no one else was convinced Mr. Hathaway, the rector, was her lot—she usually responded in a perplexed manner. Hadn't they understood for an age that her calling was to wed a man of the cloth? Was there another man of God, other than their rector, available to her? No. It only stood to reason, therefore, that Mr. Hathaway was her lot in life. Their cold reception to the thought of the marriage was unfathomable.

When she was seventeen, (a perfectly respectable marrying age) she had romantic hopes

about a young and brilliant assistant to the rector, one Mr. Stresham. It was shortly after meeting him, in fact, that she had formed the opinion the Almighty was calling her to marry a man of God. Mr. Stresham even had the approval of her parents. But the man took a situation in another parish without asking Ariana to accompany him as his wife. She was disappointed, but not one to give up easily, continued to speak of “the calling,” waiting in hope for another Mr. Stresham of sorts. But no man came. And now she had reached the conclusion that Mr. Hathaway--Mr. Hathaway, the rector, (approaching the age of sixty!) would have to do.

Her parents, Charles and Julia Forsythe, were sitting in their comfortably furnished morning

room, Julia with a cup of tea before her, and Charles with his newspaper. A steady warmth was

emanating from the hearth.

“What shall we do about Ariana?” Mrs. Forsythe, being an observant mama, had been growing

in her conviction that the situation called for some action.

“What do you suggest, my dear?” Her husband reluctantly folded his paper; he knew his wife

wanted a discussion of the matter and that he would get precious little reading done until she had got it.

She held up a folded piece of foolscap: the annual letter from Agatha Bentley, Charles’s sister,

asking for Alberta, the eldest Forsythe daughter, for the season in London. It had arrived the day before.

Aunt Bentley was a childless wealthy widow and a hopeless socialite. For the past three years

she had written annually to tell her brother and his wife why they ought to let her sponsor their eldest daughter for a London season. She owned a house in Mayfair (could anything be more respectable than that?) and knew a great deal of the big-wigs in society. She had, in fact, that most important of commodities which the Forsythes completely lacked: connexions. And as Charles’s family were her only living relatives, she was prepared--even anxious--to serve as chaperon for her niece.

Much to the lady's frustration, Julia and Charles had annually extinguished her hopes, replying

to her letters graciously but with the inevitable, “We cannot countenance a separation from our child at this time,” and so on. Charles was unflinching on this point, never doubting his girls would reap a greater benefit by remaining beneath his own roof. They knew full well, moreover, that Aunt Agatha could not hope, with all her money and connexions to find as suitable a husband for their offspring as was possible right in Chesterton.

Why not? For the profound reason that Aunt Bentley had no religion whatsoever.

And yet, due to the distressing state of affairs with Ariana, Julia wished to consider her latest

offer. With the letter waving in her hand she said, “I think we ought to oblige your sister this year. She must be lonely, poor thing, and besides removing Ariana from the parish, a visit to the city could prove beneficial for her education.”

Ariana’s father silently considered the matter. His eldest daughter Alberta was as good as wed,

having recently accepted an offer of marriage--to no one’s surprise--from John Norledge. Ariana, his second eldest, had been irksome in regard to the rector, but to pack her off to London? Surely the situation was not so dire as to warrant such a move.

“I think there is nothing else for it,” Mrs. Forsythe said emphatically. “Ariana is determined

about Mr. Hathaway and, even though we can forbid her to speak to the man, she will pine and sigh and like as not drive me to distraction!”

Taking a pipe out of his waistcoat pocket (though he never smoked), Mr. Forsythe absently

rubbed the polished wood in his fingers.

“I recall other fanciful notions of our daughter’s,” he said finally, “and they slipped away in time. Recall, if you will, when she was above certain her destiny was to be a missionary--to America. That desire faded. She fancies this, she fancies that; soon she will fancy another thing entirely, and we shan’t hear another word about the ‘wonderful rector’ again.”

Mrs. Forsythe’s countenance, still attractive in her forties, became fretful.

“I grant that she has had strong…affections before. But this time, my dear, it is a complicated

affection for in this case it is the heart of the ah, affected, which we must consider. It has ideas of its own.”

“Of its own?”

Mrs. Forsythe looked about the room to be certain no one else had entered. The servants were

so practiced at coming and going quietly, their presence might not be marked. But no, there was only the two of them. She lowered her voice anyway.

“The rector! I do not think he intends to lose her! What could delight him more than a young,

healthy wife who might fill his table with offspring?”

Mr. Forsythe shook his head. ”Our rector is not the man to think only of himself; he must agree

with us on the obvious unsuitability of the match.”

The rector was Thaddeus Admonicus Hathaway, of the Church in the Village Square. Mr.

Hathaway was a good man. His sermons were grounded in sound religion, which meant they were based on orthodox Christian teaching. He was clever, and a popular dinner guest of the gentry, including the Forsythes. If these had not been true of him, Mr. Forsythe might have been as concerned as his wife. Knowing Mr. Hathaway, however, Charles Forsythe did not think a drastic action such as sending his daughter to the bustling metropolis of London, was necessary.

Mrs. Forsythe chose not to argue with her spouse. She would simply commit the matter to

prayer. If the Almighty decided that Ariana must be removed to Agatha’s house, then He would make it clear to her husband. In her years of marriage she had discovered that God was the Great Communicator, and she had no right to try and usurp that power. Her part was to pray, sincerely and earnestly.

Mr. Forsythe gave his judgment: “I fear that rather than exerting a godly influence upon her

aunt, Ariana would be drawn astray by the ungodliness of London society.”

“Do you doubt her so much, Charles? This infatuation with Mr. Hathaway merely results from

her youth, her admiration for his superior learning, and especially,” she said, leaning forward and giving him a meaningful look, “for lack of a young man who has your approval! Have you not frowned upon every male who has approached her in the past? Why, Mr. Hathaway is the first whom you have failed to frighten off and only because he is our rector! 'Tis little wonder a young girl takes a fanciful notion into her head!”

When he made no answer, she added, while adjusting the frilly morning cap on her head, “Mr.

Hathaway causes me concern!”

Welcome to Regency Author Linore Rose Burkard!

2011-09-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

So often we can become discouraged, beat down or tempted to quit.

It's in these moments when we have to stand the strongest, fight the hardest, and not hesitate to kneel.

It can also be a time to be lifted up, boyed on another's strength. We are the body of Christ for a reason. He has given us a place on this earth to love and support our fellow brothers and sisters.

And I pray that is what will happen for my guest, Linore Rose Burkard this week!

Linore has a talent. She wouldn't be writing or selling books if she didn't. And as writers we can become lost in the word of our own making or often forget we much we need interaction with other people/readers. You serve a great purpose for a great God, loving and encouraging one of His kinds this week! Thank you for being here today for Linore!

More about Linore...

1. If I'm watching a ball game I'll be one of those loud people who can't keep quiet! (You call that a strike!?)
2. When I put my kids to sleep when they were little I loved having a captive audience when I sang. tee hee
3. I can't stand being bored while waiting for things. I rarely go anywhere without my Kindle. 4. I can't stand being caught off-guard, either. I rarely go anywhere without my makeup!
5. I love playing games and I'm very competitive, but don't ask me to play Monopoly!

Casey here again: Linore, I LOVE your personality. One of the things I love the most about authors is their transparency and allowing their personality to spill forth on the page or screen. :-)

Catch up with Linore online...
Website
Facebook Group
Facebook- Personal
Twitter
Linore's Women of Faith Blog

Thanks all for stopping by today! Don't forget the sneak peek of Before the Season Ends on Wednesday.

See you inside...

End of Spotlight and Shirley's Winner

2011-09-03T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's always a joy to feature an author. I recently re-discovered this week my PASSION for promoting and supporting Christian fiction. Yes, it is my passion. Because not only can CF tell a good story, but it can speak to the heart of a hurting soul.

My thanks to Shirley Connolly, for being with us this week. Shirley, I wish you all the best not only in your writing career, but may you see God's hand working in your life and in your writing. May He overflow you with the love of readers and story ideas to brim your heart for years to come.

Five of you voted this week (always fun to read those results) and four have yet to read a book by Shirley. That should change in the next few minutes. ;-)

The winner of Say Goodbye to Yesterday (love that title!) is...

nancyunruh@...

Thanks all for visiting! My guest next week is author Linore Rose Burkard. See you then!

A Prayer for Shirley

2011-09-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for granting Shirley's dream. As writers and authors we can spend so much time with our words and even start to lose hope that we will ever see them in print. Ever see them in the hands of our readers. Ever see them affect the readers who pick them up.

But You have given Shirley the opportunity to see her hard work and effort of so many years to be available for the masses.

Wow! What a thought that is Lord, and I ask that You would continue to inspire her, that she would not be so overworked and overwhelmned, but that you would give her a passion that is on fire for You. That no matter how much work comes through this profession of "published author", she would never lose that grasp on the dream that started so many years ago.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: Say Goodbye to Yesterday

2011-08-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

Was the woman about to cry? Good grief. She was. Carlton couldn’t bear it when a woman cried, especially about that which she knew nothing. Wasn’t that precisely what she was doing? Blowing out his breath, he let out a noisy groan.

When she rose again and took a step back, one of her boots caught in the rung of her chair and nearly tripped her over. Carlton reached out his hand, and though she took it with a blush, at least she took it.

No doubt in this proud moment she was trying to show him a false defiance that she was perfectly fine, but the shimmer of fear behind her smugness showed nothing less than embarrassment. Did she realize how endearing she was when she did that?

The minute their fingers touched, an invisible magnetic attraction drew him to Annabelle, much like that first night he remembered her resting innocently in his arms.

One of her hands lifted to her face to cover crimson-dappled cheeks. "Please, sir, you're

no help at all." She seemed to chew on her words before spitting them out.

Not letting go, Carlton dug in his pocket for his handkerchief again and handed it over. He had to do something to stop the tears. Heat rose along his neck when he glanced closer. Hopefully, she hadn't noticed what was obvious to him.

Like a shooting star in the dead of night, his West Point class ring sparkled brightly on the third finger of his left hand. Carlton quickly dropped the hand to his side and eyed the distraught Jordan woman.

He was spending far too much time thinking about Annabelle and her family and what he could do to help the three of them -- to be there for them. But how can I help someone else, when I cannot even help myself? When I have a child of my own on the way?

Welcoming Author Shirley Connolly!

2011-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed with all that Shirley Connolly fits into her schedule. From blogger to author, she has an ever revolving door of new activies going over at A Pen For Your Thoughts.

So I'm looking forward to featuring HER for a change here on OEA. That's what I love to do best. Take people that give so much and give them a chance to receive. Even though it is better to give then to receive, I think there should be an exception in this case. :-) Don't you??

And what's even more exciting is she JUST released a brand new novel through Desert Breeze publishers, (see the fab cover below, it's a lovely one!)

Shirly, I'm so glad you share this piece of blog space with you. I hope you are encouraged and supported this week and reminded once again how deep the Father's love for us! May we be able to share a small dose of that with you this week!

Getting to know Shirley...

What is your favorite:

Book I have lots of favorite books, but if I was to choose the one inspirational romance, BEYOND THIS MOMENT by Tamera Alexander would probably be it, and the one secular romance, THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER, which was Kathleen E Woodiwiss's first romance, and as an allegory, THE GREAT DIVORCE by CS LEWIS. That book is amazing to me. Kind of a strange mix, huh.

Author I really like CS Lewis. There are lots of others that are my favorite authors, if I was to consider Romance writers or Inspy writers.

Blog Is it okay to say my own? SMILE http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/ I like it because so many come over that way, and also because I have some wonderful and talented writers who contribute regularly. It's really a blessing to me.

Animal I have lots of favorite animals. I used to raise pygmy goats -- I adore them. But I also love chickens as pets, because they talk to me and follow me all over my yard. I love to see the doves that come and take baths in my birdbath and watch me through the window, and I love my cats and my dogs. They are my joy. Oh, and I also enjoy ducks and geese except that the geese get awfully messy. Perhaps that is not the best question for me to answer either.

Character I'm really enjoying the youngest daughter of the heroine in my new book, Say Goodbye to Yesterday. The little one's name is Geraldine, and in places, she almost stole the show.

Event: The births of each of my children.

Holiday: I absolutely love the Thanksgiving season. I love to find reasons to give thanks.

Game: Used to be Chess which I played with my dad as I was growing up. I think now it's Scrabble. Anything that has to do with words. I also enjoy crossword puzzles.

Food: T-bone Steak, almost mooing, with A-1 Steak sauce, but also roasted vegetables, with olive oil. But I also love seafood too. LOL Wow! These are just not easy.

Scent: LAVENDER around my house, and in many of my stories. Donna Karon perfume to wear and at other times, Oscar de la Rente.

Casey here again: I love Tamera's books as well! Such a fantastic author! I need to figure out a way to get her on here. :-)

Connect with Shirley online:
A Pen for Your Thoughts blog
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter

Shirley would like to give away a copy of her novel: Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Remember there must be at least 10 comments for the giveaway to be valid. Sharing the link to the blog is always appreciated. :-)) You can find out more about the "rules" for OEA at the bottom of the blog. Remember, "please enter me comments" are not accepted. Contest is open it all as this is an ebook giveaway.
Thanks for coming by this week!

End Spotlight and Miralee's Winner

2011-08-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone! I love the weekend and I love writing these ending posts, because I am always so grateful to everyone who stops by and helps keep this blog running. Wouldn't be possible without you!

And while I'm at it: I am currently look forward someone who would be willing to help me out once in a while (mainly when I happen to be gone on vacations--like the end of September for a writer's conference). This would most likely be a couple times a year and would probably only include taking down and setting up book covers and writing closing posts like this one. If you are interested in learning a bit more, pleace contact me, asap! (my email: caseym.writer@gmail.com)

My thanks to Miralee for being with us this week! I know your internet was giving you fits, but thank you for coming by and I hope you were uplifted and reminded of the great support from readers all around you! Best wishes on your many writing ventures!

I did a bit of a twist on my normal poll question and thank to all those who jumped in with their votes! The book that had the most votes for which of Miralee's novels you have not read was Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming.

Fun! :-)

And I have a winner for the affore mentioned novel:

Teri Metts!

Thanks all for stopping by this week! I'll see you next week with my guest, Shirley Connolly!

A Prayer for Miralee

2011-08-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Lord, I pray for Miralee today. Thank You for this chance to spend time again with her this week and uplift her on this journey of writing fiction.

She has been given great success with many books touching the lives of readers, but God it can be such a tiresome journey sometimes. I ask that during those times Miralee would turn to You before any human. Be the ulitimate comfort in her life.

You give us people to encourage and support us, to walk this journey of life with us, but may Miralee not become solely dependent upon them. May she not be so caught up in her characters and their journeys that she neglects her own.

Give her pure inspiration that is only found in You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Sneak Peek: Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming

2011-08-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Angel Ramirez is tired of living a lie. But can she learn to live like a lady?

On the run from a dangerous outlaw, Angel works her way across several states disguised as a boy and working as a varmint tracker and horse wrangler. After taking a job on a Wyoming ranch owned by a bachelor and his widowed sister, she finally reveals her true identity and must fight to prove her worth as a ranch hand while somehow discovering her role as woman.

Hiring a woman doesn’t sit well with Travis Morgan, and the dark-haired beauty is causing a
ruckus among his cowboys. Just as Angel decides she’ll never be able to please her boss, an
unexpected surprise arrives from across the ocean and makes trouble on the ranch. Will Angel leave
with the person who’s come so far to claim her?

Hard, but Fulfilling Work! Author Miralee Ferrell this week!

2011-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

See the picture to the left?? When I saw this picture of Miralee Ferrell for the first time last week, I couldn't help but smile. This is the kind of author who takes her writing seriously and LOVES what she is doing to boot!

Historical fiction is a popular genre and well-loved by so many readers. But it takes an incrediable amount of patience and endurance to get the story right.

Facts, historical details, if even one detail is out of place, one reader, somewhere is going to notice.

But when it's written really well, it's a seemless read and we are swept away into a created world.

I think as readers and non-writers, we so often forget how much work the research is! It's hours and hours and making sure you've gotten everything just right, only for a reader to devore it in a matter of hours. ;-)

But really, that should be the highest compliment, wouldn't you say? I hope if you've read Miralee's books (and even if you haven't) you'll let her know how much her hard work is appreciated.

Facts You Might Not Know About Miralee

She…

Helped her husband build their sawmill operation from a small mill that only cut logs into railroad ties, to a full-scale mill with dry kiln, planer, edger, and more. She helped off-bear the lumber coming from the big circular saw, pulled and stacked finished lumber from the planer, stoked the boiler that fired the dry kiln with wood, drove the forklift, and more, until they could afford to hire outside help.

Got to land on the top of a glacier in a plane on skis while living in Seward, Alaska, where her husband was an airplane mechanic for a flight seeing and commuter business. While there, she worked part time booking flights for various scenic tours and started her first women’s prayer/ministry group (of many to come).

Never broke a bone, had any stitches, or spent time in the hospital (other than childbirth) until after she was forty-seven-years old when she broke two fingers throwing a chunk of oak into the boiler (for the saw mill), catching her hand between the steel plate and the wood. Ouch. Still no stitches, and just had her first overnight hospital stay a couple of years ago (nothing serious). She’s blessed with good health and plans to keep it that way!

Worked in sales for years (insurance for one year, newspaper advertising for 7 yrs, Christian book store 5 years where she was their fiction expert), before starting to write novels (which didn’t happen until after her 50^th birthday).

Took their cougar kitten to work with her at the newspaper office for several days until her husband was able to build the cat’s large, chain-link enclosure. The cub slept by her desk while she worked in the office, and in the back seat while Miralee traveled from business to business collecting ad copy. He definitely generated interest and increase ad sales that week! Spunky (the kitten) was not taken from the wild but was 27 generations in captivity. You can read more about the Ferrell’s adventures with big cats on her web site.

Has every western written by Zane Grey (with many in first edition), and has read all of them, many twice. Her love affair with Zane Grey started in her teens and generated a passion for everything Western. Her acquisition of her first horse at the age of 19 continued that love, and both influences show in her historical novels today (three of which are Old West romance).

Is a licensed minister (not a pastor) ministering to women in prayer and counseling.

Casey here again: Wow, Miralee! You've do so much! One can not say that you have ever been bored. What exerience to draw on for your novels. :-))

Connect with Miralee...

Facebook
Website
Blog
Facebook Reader's Group

Miralee would like to have a giveaway of the featured book (above) but remember there must be at least 10 unique comments for the giveaway to become valid. Remember "please enter me" type comments are not accepted and will be discarded from entry and the blog. U.S. addresses only please, but of course comments from anywhere are always gratefully accepted. :-))

Thanks for coming by this week! See you inside....

End of Lisa's Spotlight

2011-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's come time once again to say good-bye to our featured author. My thanks once again for those who have stopped by this week and spoke kind words to Lisa Lickel!

Lisa, I want to thank YOU for being the wonderful woman that you are. You have encouraged and supported me when it comes to this blog and I'm thrilled to have you back on once again. I hope that the book co-authored with Shellie will go wonderfully well and speak to many hearts for Christ. You are very gifted!

I'm afraid I fell down this week and completely forgot a poll. My apologies! But I do hope you took a moment to visit Lisa's re-vamped website. Nice place!

And we fell shy of holding a book drawing, but thank you to Lisa for offering to hold one!

My guest next week is author Miralee Ferell, so we will see you then!

Have a great weekend. :-)

A Prayer for Lisa

2011-08-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving Lisa a heart for possibly more "unconventional" fiction topics, but You have given her a voice for those topics and a heart that will speak them to the reader in a way that will not only make them think, but will inspire them.

We all have predjuces, struggles and aspects of our lives we would rather not show to the world, but fiction so often shows the "nitty-gritty", the ugly and the tainted, but it gives us what life won't show us until we stand at Your throne- a happy ending. Thank You for giving Lisa a voice in this world that will proclaim those topics that might scrape at our heart, but may they make us a bleed for You and long every more for that "happily-ever-after" in You. May we fall deeper in love and most of all, live our lives to honor and glorify You.

Inspire not only Lisa, this day Lord, but also her readers. Thank You for this opportunity.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Sneak Peek: A Summer in Oakville

2011-08-17T02:18:00.000-07:00

Note from Lisa: Shellie Neumeier and I are celebrating the release of our co-authored work, A Summer in Oakville, which releases next month! Join our Facebook page. There might even be a contest on deciding the cover when this post airs. Check it out. In the meantime, here’s a little peek from Art’s Story:

“I’m taking your phone and your car keys,” Art told his son.

Andy blinked in slow motion. His mouth opened and closed as his shoulders slumped.

“And I arranged to leave work early until school’s out so I can pick you up. I’ll take you in early so you can start scraping off that spray paint.”

“You can’t make me!” Andy sounded like one of the geriatric patients in Art’s study group at the University Hospital lab.

“I talked to Grandma and Grandpa Hasmer this morning. As soon as school’s out, you’re going to stay with them.”

The rage returned to stiffen his son’s posture. The glare alone from his son’s eyes would have fried bacon. “In hicksville? You have got to be—”

“You’re going to Oakville, and that’s all I have to say.”

“I won’t stay—”

“You will.”

“For how long?”

Art cocked his head, wondering how much he could get away with. The folks had been cautiously enthusiastic, though Andy hadn’t done more than spend a night or two at the farmhouse over the years. It was time Andy got to know his grandparents better. But Art couldn’t inflict this mass of young male ego on his parents for too long.

“Three weeks.”

“No way. I’ll take off first.”

Since Andy didn’t move, Art figured he had some wiggle room. “Let’s try a week. They’re getting a little older and could use some help. Can I count on you to give them a week?”

Andy stayed still, although he folded his arms and jutted his lower lip.

Do not negotiate. This is too important.

“I do this, I get my phone back.”

“When school’s out.”

Andy’s eyebrows furrowed and he squinted. “How’m I sposed to get to nowheresville since you can’t seem to suck it up and go there yourself?”

Art hated the combined red hot prickles of anger meeting up with the icy fingers of disgust somewhere in his sternum. This was for Andy—nothing to do with himself. “I’ll take you.”

“That I’d like to see.” His son sneered. “Might hurt you worse than me.” Andy grabbed his iPod and squeezed it. “Maybe they’ll let me drive a tractor to town.”

Through a haze of sudden apathy Art watched Andy leave the room. What a mess. And Art didn’t mean the jumbled colorful piles of Amy’s clothing. He mechanically picked up her dresses and eyed the closet. Sweating, he set them in an empty box. He took a few deep breaths before he gathered a blouse, the blue one she’d wear around the house because of a grease stain from a Fourth of July barbecue. He tossed it in the box and reached blindly for something else—and came up with a satiny nightshirt that still bore her scent. He closed his eyes and brought it to his cheek as he sunk onto the bed. Why?

Turning the Support Back on Lisa Lickel!

2011-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is feature the same author twice and this week I have the priviledge of welcoming back to the blog Lisa Lickel.

Lisa has been such a support to me in running this blog and it's an honor to turn it back on her.

Lisa is one of those people that just makes you smile. There is a charm about her that draws people to her, which is a good thing to have as a writer. ;-)

But so often when we give and give, in creativity, in marketing, in our day-to-day life, we can become run down and fatigued.

Your visit today is a shot of support just when it's needed. Our God is an awesome God and I've seen Him do it many times through this blog and you! Thanks for coming by today. :-)

A few of Lisa's favorite things...

Book – Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. Life through the eyes of a young boy who makes me experience what it means to be real, yet still keep the magic of pretend.
Author – At the moment, it’s Steven James. Ask me again next week.
Blog – Um, two, of course: www.TheBarnDoor.net and www.ReflectionsinHindsight.wordpress.com
Animal – I’m not much of a pet person, but I’d probably have a cat if I lived alone.
Character – Still is Melanie Wilkes in GWTW.
Event – Receiving a Grace Award for Meander Scar.
Holiday – Christmas
Game – National Parks Monopoly
Food – Our local cheese factory makes this really groovy vegetable Jack. What can I say? I’m from Wisconsin.
Scent – And that would be pine. White pine. Even though it makes me sneeze.

Casey here again: LOL, Lisa! Isn't it funny how we can still like something even though it does funny things to us?? I love fish, but it always makes my mouth feel weird. (sorry if that was too TMI :-)

Connect with Lisa online:

Website

Facebook (personal)

Facebook Public Fan Page

A Summer in Oakville Facebook page with Shellie Neumeier

Reflections in Hindsight blog

The Barn Door Blog

Lisa would like to have a giveaway but we are switching up the rules a little bit and there must be at least 20 unique comments for the giveaway to become valid. Remember "please enter me" type comments are not accepted and will be discarded from entry and the blog. U.S. addresses only please, but of course comments from anywhere are always gratefully accepted. :-))

Thanks for coming by this week! See you inside....

End of Spotlight and Teri's Winners

2011-08-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

My grateful thanks to all who stopped by this week! I loved seeing so many encouraging and uplifting messages pouring through for my guest Teri Metts. We belong to a wonderful family of God, wouldn't you say??

Teri, thank you for being with us this week. It was a pleasure to host you and I hope you leave here feeling uplifted and blessed by God for the place He has put you in to minister to so many hurting souls.

Hands down, Caribbean Paradise was the winner of the viewer's vote of which book by Teri they find the most intriguing. Thanks for casting where your interest lies!

And I have two winners, the first name drawn will have first-come, first-serve to which one gets one of Teri's novels.

And they are:

Rebecca!

and

nancyunruh@...!

I'll be contacting you soon, ladies!

And my guest next week is Lisa Lickel. Hope to see you then. :-))

A Prayer for Teri

2011-08-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

You have given each of us words. Some of us use those words to argue verbally, some of us use those words to soothe through the screen or print version, writing inspirational messages for those that need them them most. And some, like Teri, use words to craft stories and characters that will speak to the heart of a reader. Words that will argue against their defences, or build up their convictions, words that will soothe and minister, words that will capitvate and entrall those that pick up her books.

Thank You for giving Teri the chance to spread Your word through her fiction. I ask that You would continue to inspire and motivate her to learn and grow in her craft and that more people may be reached by her passion for You and words.

Thank You for this chance to encourage and support Teri on her journey this week.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.