Introducing Author April Gardner!

Business or Hobby—How Do You View What You Do?

When I discovered I needed a business license to be “legal,” applying for and obtaining one for my fledgling home business did something for me I never expected.

I’m an author and, more recently, an editor with Astraea Press. True to their claim, authors don’t make much money. I got my first royalty check nearly three years ago and, for whatever reason, have struggled to go anywhere much with sales. Paying taxes hasn’t even been necessary.

But to be perfectly honest, I viewed writing more like a hobby than a business. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want it to be a hobby. I WANTED to earn money, but a person’s mindset has everything to do with whether or not that will happen. If a girl doesn’t take her work seriously, if she doesn’t appropriately value her skills and time, no one else will either.

Late last year, I came to a critical juncture in my career. Frustrated and weary, I decided I’d either swim or sink, but I was going to do it on my own. One of my 2012 New Year’s resolutions (the only one I’ve ever stuck with) was to have my writing support itself 100%—no more begging money off my very sweet and willing husband. I’d pay for business cards, fliers, or that $1,000 conference, or I wouldn’t have them.

It seemed an outrageous notion. I honestly didn’t think I could do it and actually get anywhere, but for half the year, I did OK.

This summer was turning point. It happened the day I decided to get a business license.

It took me some weeks to get around to making it official, and if you want to read step-by-step how I went about doing that, you can visit my last Reflections post.

Come to find out, investing (yes, investing!) in a business license was exactly what my floundering career needed. The moment I held that license, I felt like a business woman. Stupid, I know, but it’s true. I view my job in a whole different light now. Notice my use of the word “job”? Yep, writing and editing isn’t a hobby anymore.

It’s what I DO. And I treat it with all the value and respect of a business. I have a budget and daily, weekly, and yearly goals. My time is blocked for certain activities, putting the most time toward my DPAs (dollar producing activities).

I require others to value and respect my work and time, too. No middle of the day chats with friends. I love you all dearly, truly, I do. But if you call me while I’m working, I’ll let the phone go to voicemail and get back with you at my next scheduled break.

At the risk of sounding New Age, let me point out that the mind and one’s attitude are a powerful things. Do not underestimate them.

God called me to this job. He believes in me. I should believe in me too! After which, I’ll give Him all the glory for the skill, energy, and encouragement He provides along the way.

I’m not a name-it-and-claim it kinda Christian, and I’m not rolling in the dough (far from it!!), but I’m got business cards, fliers, and went to that $1,000 conference. No thanks to my sweet, willing husband’s wallet.

In addition to that, at the suggestion of a my very business savvy sister, I set a goal to reward myself for my hard work. She told me to think of something–a luxury–I’ve wanted but couldn’t afford. Something I’d never spend the money on because there’s always something else more important that needs to come first.

So I did.

Somehow, that goal in mind made me work harder, and to my utter astonishment, I not only  reached my goal, I surpassed it. Now, I work from my patio on my lovely new furniture. (Pix above)

And you guessed it, I have set another reward-goal for myself.

My business has supported itself probably 95% this year. 2013 will be even better. Actually, in 2013 I plan to make a PROFIT. There have been times since January I’ve had to say “no” to whatever marketing venture I wanted to explore, but for the most part, God has provided.

What was the big change? It’s as simple as this–I’m viewing what I do as a business, and THAT makes all the difference.

How do you view what you do? Is it an accurate perception? What are your time and skills worth? Put a monetary value on them, then shoot for it!

–April W Gardner is an award-winning author, an editor,

and the founder of the literary contest site, Clash of the Titles

April’s latest release!

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German bombs drop on her crystal beach, her peaceful world is shattered. For months, the big war on the continent has been nothing more than stories in the paper, but as the enemy takes over Guernsey, the war rushes to her doorstep. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it.

Phillip Seifert, the odd boy from down the street, has all the markings of a genuine Nazi-lover. Lizzie knows better than to trust him, but he somehow manages to weasel his way into James’ good graces. Phillip joins the gang in their audacious escape plan, and Lizzie can do little more than pray he doesn’t get them all shot. But Lizzie soon learns that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way she expects. He might actually plan for them to live under Nazi rule…forever.

Connect with April!
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Meet Author Sarah Sundin!

Who Are You?

I’m just your average author/pharmacist/soccer mom. All right, so that’s pretty strange.

I was raised in southern California in a home full of readers and always had my nose in a book. Although I flirted with idea of becoming a writer, I also wanted to be a ballerina and a protozoologist. When I learned I get seasick, I abandoned marine biology. When I grew hips (and hated pointe work), I gave up my ballet dreams. And as for writing…well, I kind of wanted to eat. My practical side won, and I majored in chemistry at UCLA, then went to pharmacy school at UC San Francisco.

My husband and I met at UCSF. We’re both pharmacists, and we live in a suburb in the San Francisco Bay Area. After our first son was born, I went down to working one day a week so I could stay home with him, fully intending to return to part- or full-time work once the kids were all in school. We had a daughter and another son, and I got involved teaching Sunday school and women’s Bible studies.

In 2000, when our youngest was a toddler, I woke up one morning from a dream that was so compelling I had to write it down. And it became a full-length novel. A really bad novel, but I didn’t know that at the time. I decided if I was going to dedicate so much time to writing, it had to be more than a hobby. I had to treat it seriously. So I started attending writers’ conferences and joined a writers’ group. In 2003, I submitted for the first time. Five long years of rejection letters later, and I received my first contract. My first novel, A Distant Novel, was published by Revell in 2010.

Where Are You Now?

In a state of transition, but aren’t we all. Our oldest son is away at college, and our younger two children are in high school, so the nest is slowly emptying. I still work one day a week as a hospital pharmacist, teach Sunday school, and lead women’s Bible studies.

My fourth novel, With Every Letter, released this month, the first book in the Wings of the Nightingale series. I just finished my publisher’s first edits on the second book in the series, On Distant Shores (June 2013), and I’m preparing to dive into the third book.

I’m still adjusting to the life of an author—the writing, publicity, speaking, blogging, Facebooking…and balancing it all.

Where Are You Going?

Wouldn’t that be fun to know? If only the Lord trusted us with that information. But He doesn’t, for a very good reason. So all I can say is, “Lord willing…”

Lord willing, the next two novels in the Wings of the Nightingale will release as scheduled. Lord willing, my kids will graduate and get married and have fulfilling jobs and give us adorable grandbabies. Lord willing, my husband and I will grow old together. Lord willing, I’ll get another contract, and another, until He decides I’ve told all the stories He wants me to tell. Lord willing, I’ll keep teaching and speaking and helping people grow in their walks with God.

About Sarah Sundin

Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, the first book in the Wings of the Nightingale series from Revell, and also the Wings of Glory series (A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow). In 2011, A Memory Between Us was a finalist in the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards and Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Sarah lives in northern California with her husband and three children. When she isn’t ferrying kids to tennis and karate, she works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women’s Bible studies. Please visit her at http://www.sarahsundin.com.

As part of a morale-building program, World War II flight nurse Lt. Mellie Blake begins an anonymous correspondence with Army engineer Lt. Tom MacGilliver in North Africa. As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, they develop a deep friendship. But when they’re both transferred to Algeria, will their future be held hostage by the past—or will they reveal their identities?

Meet Author Vannetta Chapman!

Who am I?

I’m a Texas country girl!

I was a high school and college English teacher for 15 years and now I’m writing full time. I write Amish mysteries for Zondervan, Amish romances for Harvest House, and Amish novellas for Abingdon Press. I adore my job! But it feels more like a calling than a job. With each book I try to share a story about God’s grace.

My husband and I have an empty nest, after 17 years of college tuition for our 4 children. We have one child who is a pharmacist, one who is a vet, and one who is a business major. We also have a special needs child who is working toward independence.

You’re more likely to see me in cowboy boots than heels, and I do not get cleaned up before I go to the gym — so sometimes I look a little frightening. I play keyboard in the praise band at my church, and I love to knit, crochet and quilt.

We have THREE cats (oh my) and an entire herd of deer who hang out around our yard. We also have four grand-dogs.

Where am I now?

A few years ago we moved from the Dallas area to a small town in the Hill Country. I love everything about it! We’re a close knit community, away from the hustle and bustle. I have no doubt this is where God meant for my husband to retire … and it’s been a perfect place for me to begin my writing career.

Since I quit my teaching job, I’m able to focus on my writing and on spending time with my family. I think it’s very important to keep that balanced as it’s easy to spend too much time on one thing and neglect the other.

My first book released in 2010 (A Simple Amish Christmas), and my fifth book released this month (Material Witness). I have 9 more coming in the next few years. All of them are Amish and all focus on the grace God gives us.

Where Am I Going?

I am completely trusting God to lead me, so I’m not sure I can answer that question! It would be easy to say “yes” to everything, but I’ve found myself saying “no” to some opportunities and waiting on others. I’ve had some really interesting avenues open up in my writing career, and I am so thankful for that.

All I know for sure is that I’m going to continue to get up, write about God’s grace, and care for my family. Any other details? Well, those are up to Him.

About Material Witness

Tragedy strikes on the opening night of the Fall Crafters Fair when a woman is killed in the parking lot of Daisy’s Quilt Shop, and the only material witness is one of Melinda Byer’s boys. The investigation takes a more bizarre turn when detective Shane Black becomes convinced the killer was actually after Callie.
This time it’s a madman loose in the largest crowd of the year, and he’s looking for something or someone. If they can’t figure out what, one of Deborah and Callie’s close circle of friends may be next. Masked identities, antique quilts with hidden messages, an Amish boy whose handicap makes him stronger, one brave dog, and a possible hidden treasure … this time it’s nonstop action, danger, and a dash of romance.

About Vannetta

Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania. Her novel, Falling to Pieces, is a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist. A Promise for Miriam earned a spot on the June 2012 Christian Retailing Top Ten Fiction list. Chapman writes Amish fiction for Abingdon Press, Zondervan, and Harvest House. She lives in the Texashill country with her husband.

Vannetta has offered to do a GIVEAWAY – the book of our winner’s choice, so be sure to leave your contact information in the comments! 

Connect with Vannetta! 

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Buy Vannetta’s Books!  

Finally Able to Announce….

 

 

My new novel, Hidden in the Heart, will release SEPTEMBER 15th, through OakTara Publishers. As you may have gathered from some of my posts this summer, getting this book out has been more than a little stressful. But I suppose the saying is true, All good things come to those who wait…

So now I am in the midst of trying to organize influencers and reviewers and figuring out a marketing strategy that works…with no time to spare. But I’m excited. This story means a lot to me and I’m thrilled that it is finally going out into the world. I hope you love it like I do.

About Hidden in the Heart

Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach…

 After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living. Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price.

With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother.

For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from.

But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?

For all those who have loved, experienced loss, and lived life’s roller-coaster

IF you are a BOOK REVIEWER (seriously reviewing books, posting on Amazon, GoodReads, CBD etc… and are interested in reviewing Hidden in the Heart, please contact me at catherine at catherinejwest dot com

The book isn’t up on Amazon yet, but I have put it up on GoodReads.

You can check out my Facebook Author page as well, spread the word and share the news with your friends!

On a different note, I found out today that my first novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, received the Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, so that’s pretty cool!
Thanks for helping me celebrate!

 

Meet Author Susan Sleeman!

Who are you?

I am small town girl who grew up in rural Wisconsin in a farming community of only seven hundred people. My family owned the local grocery store, where I started working at a very young age and learned the value of working hard to achieve a goal.

I am the wife of a church music director, mother to two terrific daughters (one who is married to a wonderful man), and grandmother to an amazing three-year-old grandson. I’m a Christian, a church librarian, and church website administrator.

I have been blessed by having a number of jobs over the years that has allowed me to live in nine states. As I mentioned, I started life in Wisconsin then lived in Texas, Minnesota, New York, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, Texas (you have to live there twice because it’s such a big state), and Florida.

I am a writer and website designer. I am a woman who lives with a chronic illness and pain. In fact, the illness is what gave me the time to write as I was forced to quit working. A type A personality, imagine how difficult it was for me to go from being on the go all the time to sitting. I had to find something to do and always wanted to write a book so I tried it. Six years later, my dream came true as I signed my first contract to have my novel published. Praise God!!

Where am I now?

I am in a wonderful place in my life, living with so many blessings from God that I often pinch myself to see if my life is real. On a personal level, I physically I live in Florida but our oldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson live in Oregon and our youngest daughter goes to college there. So I spent many hours on Skype talking with them and lots of time and money traveling there several times a year. I am a member of an amazing church with a heart for outreach and the most amazing worship band ever. Yay, for my husband and his super talented team!

On a professional level, I became a published author in 2010 with the release of first book in my Garden Gate Mystery series, Nipped in the Bud, a lighthearted cozy mystery. Today, I write both romantic suspense and cozy mysteries. I have six books in print with six more under contract that will release by early 2014. I am represented by a top-notch agent and thank God for allowing me to work with this superstar of a man. Go, Chip!

Where Are You Going?

Though I will go wherever the Lord leads, at the moment, I see us moving back to Oregon to be close to our children and grandson. I’ll put away the sunscreen that you cannot survive living in Florida without and bring out the raincoat. LOL With the cooler weather of Oregon, I hope to spend more time gardening. I love growing beautiful plants and reaping the harvest of a vegetable garden.

I hope to continue to have a full time career in writing. I’d love to continue writing romantic suspense books for Love Inspired Suspense with at least two if not three books releasing per year. I also hope to continue pursuing my dream to write longer, more in depth suspense novels with a strong romantic element. Whether this will be in the inspirational publishing market or the general market, I don’t know, but God willing I will achieve this dream.

Double Exposure

A PICTURE WORTH KILLING FOR
Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer’s next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again.

Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie’s love, he’s willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

About Susan:

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. To learn more about Susan stop by any of these locations on the web.

Website  http://www.susansleeman.com/”>

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Meet Author Lisa Jordan!

Lisa Jordan is a wonderful romance writer who is celebrating the release of her second Love Inspired novel, Lakeside Family.  If you enjoyed Lakeside Reunion, you’re sure to love this one as well!

 

Who are you?

I’m a small town woman who loves a big-time God. I wear my princess crown (my Father is a King, you know) with humbled pride. Honed by life experiences, I strive to be the wife, the mother, the educator, the writer God has called me to be. Sometimes my faith is shaky and my bucket of grace needs to be refilled on a regular basis. I’m imperfect, but my flaws are a testament to God’s daily grace.

By day I’m an early childhood educator to 6 Little Darlings in my family childcare program. By night I write contemporary Christian romance for Love Inspired. My dream of becoming a published author became a reality in January 2011 when my fairy godmother agent Rachelle Gardner called with news Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired loved my novel and wanted to offer me a contract. I learned recently Lakeside Reunion is a 2012 Carol Awards finalist. My second book, Lakeside Family, released this month, and I’m working on book #3, hoping to sell it soon.

Where are you now?

I’m at a place in my life where contentment isn’t about what I have, but who I have in my life. Being surrounded by family, good friends and mentors of faith help me to balance the crazy demands in my life. Sometimes I picture myself as a juggler at a circus. I’m a newbie author trying to keep many balls in the air—life, family, work, writing, day job—without dropping any. My responsibilities can be challenging at times, but they’re blessings…every one.

Where are you going?

I’m going through a season of change—no, not that change. Our oldest son moved to a new school three hours away to study culinary arts. Our youngest son graduated high school in June, so he will be going to college in August 2013 to study photography—he decided to take a year off to work and save money. Hubby and I will be empty nesters by this time next year. It’s a bittersweet season. I’m embracing it, yet not wishing my days away. For 22 years, my life has revolved around caring for our two boys and helping them to develop and grow into fine young men. I’m so thankful for the opportunities that God has given our family.

Professionally, I’m looking forward to growing stronger in the craft as I write more novels that promise hope and happily ever after. Juggling two careers can be a challenge, but I’m thankful to know I’m not doing it alone. I have a strong support system on the home front and an amazing writing team to help me along the writing road. I’m humbled and blessed to be doing what God has called me to do.

~*~

Lisa is celebrating the release of Lakeside Family with a month-long party of giveaways, including Coffee Lovers and Tea Lovers baskets. For more details and to enter the gift basket giveaways, leave a comment here. (Here’s the link in case it doesn’t come through: http://lisajordanbooks.com/novels/lakeside-family-book-release-celebration/)

About Lisa

Married 23 years to her real life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two college-aged sons and will be facing an empty nest soon. By day, Lisa is an early childhood educator, and by night, she is a contemporary romance novelist with Love Inspired. Lakeside Reunion, her debut novel, is a 2012 Carol Award Finalist. Lakeside Family, her second novel, releases in August 2012. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Agency. In her free time (ha!), Lisa enjoys good books, chick flicks, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. To learn more about Lisa, visit her website at www.lisajordanbooks.com.

Lakeside Family

The one man she never wanted to see again is the only who can save her daughter’s life.

In the space of a minute, Nick Brennan learns he has a nine-year-old daughter— and that she desperately needs his help. All this time, his high school sweetheart, single mother Josie Peretti, thought he knew about their child. And that he just didn’t care. About the ill little girl—or Josie, the woman he’s never forgotten. But Nick made a long-ago promise never to forsake his family the way his father did. A promise he vows to make good on now… if only Josie will bless him with a second chance.

Read Excerpt

Lisa has graciously offered to giveaway a copy of Lakeside Reunion, so be sure to leave your email in the comments for a chance to win!

Featured Friday Author – Ann Gabhart!

I love books. So it stands to reason I’m going to love a blog about books. What a great place to meet new reading friends and to find out more about those people behind the books! I’ve always been fascinated by other writers’ stories. I love reading about when they first started writing and how they broke into publishing. I’m guessing that many of you out there are like me and enjoy hearing the who, what, and where of the names under the titles on the books you read. Since my name may have been on a few books you’ve seen or read, here I go with my own story on how that came about.

So who am I? I’m a country girl who grew up on a farm. I was one of three daughters and no sons, so we helped our dad out in the fields. I liked driving the tractor, but didn’t get to do that very often since I was the youngest of the girls. I married a farm boy and naturally, as soon as we could get a loan, we bought a farm for ourselves. I was a very young mother who had two children by the time I was nineteen and added another a few years later. But from the time I was a kid, I wanted to write down stories. I filled countless wire-bound notebooks with my stories and kept a journal from the time I was a young teen. But that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to publish my writing. I wanted readers to read my stories. I didn’t want to simply hide them away in a drawer. With that goal, I began typing up my stories, stuffing them in manila envelopes and sending them out to magazines. I published a few of those short stories and personal experience pieces now and again. Then I tried my hand at writing a novel and knew I’d found my writing niche. That’s what I wanted to write – big, long stories where I could stay with the same characters for months while they lived out their stories in my head.

In 1978, I experienced the magic of writing a story an editor actually decided readers might want to buy, and my first book, a mass market paperback historical romance, was published for the general market. That was followed by another historical romance and eleven young adult and middle reader books in the 1980s and 1990s. Then my writing magic seemed to lose its twinkle. The editors stopped thinking my stories were stories their readers would want to read. One of my rejects said that there was nothing really wrong with my novel but nothing right either. Now that was helpful!

But even when my books weren’t finding loving editors, I kept writing. It seems writing is necessary for me to keep my happiness quotient at the proper level. After several years of no letters saying there was enough right about my books, I decided to take the age old advice and write what I knew. I quit worrying about market and wrote a story I could love whether anybody else did or not. That story became my first inspirational fiction novel, Scent of Lilacs, published by Revell Books in 2005. I’m happy to report that book is being repackaged for a second release in March 2013.

Then I wrote a book about the Shakers that became The Outsider. Now The Gifted is my fifth Shaker novel set in my Shaker village of Harmony Hill. The Shakers were a unique and interesting group and made a great background for my historical novels. I’ve also written other historical novels for Revell Books that don’t have the Shaker background – Words Spoken True and Angel Sister. A follow-up novel, Small Town Girl, with the same characters as Angel Sister is scheduled for July 2013.

 So where I am now is still where I’ve always been–loving to tell stories. In The Gifting, my character, Jessamine, has the same innate desire to write down stories. She has lived with the Shakers for half her life, but can’t contain her curiosity about the world. I gave her the same joy in writing that I’ve always known.

Where am I going? I hope I’ll continue to have characters come to life in my imagination. Writing isn’t always easy. Sometimes the words are hard to dig out of my mind to tell those stories, but I can’t imagine not writing. It’s what I do.  I hope some of you will go along with me on my story trails.

About The Gifted

Some dreams were meant to come true. Jessamine Brady has been in the Shaker Village for half her young life, but in spite of how she loves her sisters there, she struggles to conform to the strict rules. Instead she entertains dreams of the world outside. When Tristan Cooper seems to step out of those dreams to entice her into the forbidden realm beyond the Shaker Village, her life turns upside down.

Will Jessamine be able to survive the storms of the world? Or will she retreat back to the peace of Harmony Hill?

About Ann

Living just thirty miles from a restored Shaker village in Kentucky, Ann H. Gabhart has walked the same paths her character might have walked in generations past. Her thorough research provides a colorful backdrop for her Shaker novels. Ann is the author of several bestselling novels, including The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and Angel Sister. The Gifted is the fifth book set in her Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

Ann lives on a farm with her husband, Darrell. They have three children, three in-law children, and nine grandchildren. To find out more about Ann or her books visit her:

Website

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All right, now you tell me. Do like hearing about how your favorite writers got started in the book business? I guess I’m hoping you’ll say yes after I just told you my story. LOL.

Ann has graciously offered to GIVE AWAY a copy of The Gifted, so be sure to leave your contact information when you comment!! 

Meet Author Nike Chillemi!

Who are you?

As most of us are, I’m a number of things. I’m a wife, mother, animal lover, fiction writer, and Christ follower…not necessarily in that order. I’ve been a foster mother and am now the adoptive mom of a fascinating fifteen year old young woman. I’m an urban dweller who loves the ocean and long walks on the beach. I’m a fan of crime fiction. I go bonkers for a good murder mystery, detective story, police procedural, and/or thriller. My moniker is the crime fictionista. Most of the time I’m either reading or writing a mystery. I’m a foodie who loves to prepare healthy food. I watch many of the TV shows on the Food Network. Most of my novels have at least one character who is an excellent cook or baker. PERILOUS SHADOWS is the exception. Kiera Devane can’t cook. She does receive a cookbook as a gift in an effort to help her in this area. There are mouth watering restaurant scenes in all of my books. In fact, one blogger listed my novels as “foodie fiction.” Over six years ago, before I started seriously penning suspense novels, I was an animal rescuer.  I’ve rescued about 40 abandoned cats and dogs from the streets and several baby squirrels that fell out of trees and were later released to the wilds of New York City. PERILOUS SHADOWS has Aggie, a female Boxer as a character.

Where are you now?

In my professional life, I’m at the point where I’m a multi-published author. My Sanctuary Point series (set in the mid-to-late 1940s) released through Desert Breeze Publishing in electronic form as ebooks. I’m happy to announce that Desert Breeze is going into print format and they’ve offered me a print contract for BURNING HEARTS, GOODBYE NOEL, and PERILOUS SHADOWS. Naturally, I’m thrilled beyond belief.

I’m writing like mad. I’ve got a contemporary series in the works. It’s so different writing in the here and now rather than on a story set in the 1940s. But I’m excited about it and am developing the main characters so they’re entirely three dimensional.

 Where are you going?

As noted, I’m looking forward to the release of my Sanctuary Point series in print form. As much as I loved writing a historical series, I’m now firmly committed to writing contemporaries. I have two series in planning stages. The most time consuming aspect of this endeavor is getting to know my main characters really well, so they come alive on the page. Before I put anything on paper, I like for my characters to be real to me.

In my personal life, my husband and I are looking toward retirement. We’re not there yet, but we’re planning. Joseph has had a few health issues that he’s come through with flying colors. So, we’re looking forward to a season of relaxation and a time for doing the things we always wanted to do. We have a teenage daughter who is going into high school in the fall. New York City has specialized high schools and she’s been accepted to an oceanographic high school affiliated with the New York Aquarium. She’s very excited about that and so are we.

About Perilous Shadows:

 

Pioneer newspaperwoman Kiera Devane is on a mission to prove a woman can do a man’s job, as she hunts a young coed’s killer? Ace radio broadcaster Argus Nye lost one love to a murderous fiend and his pulse races as he tries to protect Kiera from herself as much as from this killer. 

Kiera was doted upon by loving parent, but they were killed when she was a girl and she was shipped off to live with a socialite aunt who had little time for her. In her aunt’s house, she learned life could be cold and cruel. As a result, she grew up to be an independent and demanding professional woman. 

Argus Nye, still bereft from the loss of his first love, can’t understand why this female reporter is mesmerizing him. As she takes chances with her life trying to catch a killer, he’s determined to protect her.

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Introducing Author Sherrie Hansen Decker!

It’s my pleasure to have romance author Sherrie Hansen Decker on the blog today!

 

Who Are You?

… a very complicated question that requires a complex answer. Twenty years ago, I bought a dilapidated Victorian house in northern Iowa so I could move home and be nearer my extended family (nieces and nephews, because I didn’t have kids of my own). I rescued an amazing but very run-down old house from the bulldozer’s grips and turned it into a bed and breakfast and tea house, the Blue Belle Inn. Welcoming guests, running the business and cooking wonderful food has consumed the largest chunk of my life ever since.

Before that, I lived in Colorado Springs, CO, and before that, Augsburg, Germany. Before that, I attended Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL and spent one life-changing summer in Bar Harbor, Maine. I grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota.

After 12 years of writing romance novels late at night when I couldn’t sleep (mostly because I was so keyed up from working 12 hour days at my B&B), I met and married my real-life, romantic hero, Mark Decker, a pastor. I enjoy playing the piano with the worship team at church, needlepointing, photography, renovating and decorating historic houses, traveling, and going on weekly adventures with my nieces and nephews.
I live in 2 different houses, 85 miles apart, and still write on the run, whenever I have a spare minute. “Love Notes” is my fifth book to be published by Second Wind Publishing, a mid-sized, independent press out of Kernersville, NC, and my debut Christian Inspirational novel.

Where Are You Now?

Right now, I’m a juggler living in a circus tent, hoping I don’t drop too many balls when (if?) the big top blows its… top. Seriously, my life is crazy right now… in a good way for the most part, but way too busy. I’m promoting my new release (Love Notes) and working on my next book (Wild Rose of Scotland), and trying to keep my head above water in all aspects of my life.  The highlight of my week, and the thing that most helps me refocus, is my Wednesday outings with my 8 and almost 11 year old nieces.

Where Are You Going?

What a great question. I have no idea. Really. I do have faith that God will lead me where he wants me to go, but what he has in store for me next, I don’t know. I have 3 or 4 more books charted out in my head and or partially written – I can’t wait to get started on them. I want the Blue Belle Inn to be better than ever (I celebrated 20 years this winter). And, I want to see the parts of the world I’ve never seen, and revisit the places I love one more time. I want to have more time for the important things and fewer encumbrances. So, I’m forging ahead and hoping things all come together. Hope, joy, peace, love and of course, faith. Easy, right?

About Love Notes:

Hope Anderson’s heart is finally starting to thaw. Tommy Love is treading on thin ice. They both want Rainbow Lake Lodge. Only one of them can have it.

For Hope, recreating the past – reopening the lodge and seeing it bubbling with families, children, and laughter again – means new life. It’s the only way she can honor her late husband’s legacy.

For Tommy Lubinski of Tommy Love and the Love Notes fame, Rainbow Lake means coming home – peace, quiet, seclusion – and a second chance at stardom. Once he’s bulldozed the lodge and built his dream house overlooking the lake, everything will be perfect.
Hope is sinking fast, but she’ll be fine if she can just keep her head above water until spring. Tommy’s troubles run a little deeper, but there’s no need to worry for now… Rainbow Lake is frozen solid. Or is it?

Endorsement by Author Lyn Cote:
“I would subtitle Sherrie Hansen Decker’s inspirational romance, *Love Notes*, ‘When Dreams Collide.’ The hero, a famous pop singer-songwriter, and the heroine, an owner of a failing MN resort are both burdened with the “dead” past. But neither see it that way–until forced to. A cast of interesting and very alive characters and plenty of intriguing plot twists make for a satisfying read.” Lyn Cote, author of the Women of Ivy Manor series.

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Meet Lena Nelson Dooley!

Meeting and chatting with Lena for the first time is like reuniting with an old friend. Seriously. She makes you feel like you’ve known each other forever! And her writing is pretty amazing too, so if you don’t yet know this wonderful author, hang out a while and then go check out her books! It is my pleasure to have Lena with us today!

Who are you?

First and foremost, I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. I don’t think I could live without Him in my life. Everything that comes into my life comes through Him, and I praise Him for walking with me through the highs and lows, never leaving my side.

Then I’ve been the wife of the love of my life for almost 48 years. So I’m also a mother of two daughters and two sons-in-law, the grandmother of two grandsons, two granddaughters, and now one grandson-in-law, and the great grandmother of a very bright almost 5 year old.

And lastly, I write novels. This is what God created me to be at this season in my life. I praise Him for it.

Where are you now?

Most of my family live near us in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex—all except my Army grandson, who is serving in South Korea right now.

I’ve finished writing book three of my McKenna’s Daughters series, published by Realms, the fiction line from Charisma Media. Book two of the series just released. We’re featuring it here. The last book will release in January. Right now, I’m writing book one of my Restored Hearts series for Realms.

In addition to being active in my church, I’m also actively involved in American Christian Fiction Writers. Sometimes I speak to writing groups or women’s groups.

Where are you going?

I’m as anxious as you to see where God is going to take me next.

About Mary’s Blessing: 

When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?

 Mary Lenora Murray knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.

 As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.

 Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?

About Lena: 

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 690,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s a member of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with eighteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers, and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books.

Her 2010 release was Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, from Summerside Press which recently won the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western literature for fiction. Lena is currently under two 3-book contracts with Charisma House/Realms. The first book released in October 2011. Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers Top Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for historical fiction. The second is Mary’s Blessing, which released in May 2012. Catherine’s Pursuit is coming in January 2013.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She is also one of the co-hosts of the Gate Beautiful blog radio show.

Lena has an active web presence on Shoutlife, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Linkedin and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books.

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