Today I have the honor of hosting one of my good friends, Lena Dooley. If you’re not familiar with Lena’s work, here’s her bio:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 690,000 books in print.

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.

Lena is giving away her brand new book, Mary’s Blessing, so please leave a comment at the end of this interview and on Sunday evening we’ll draw a winner.

AND NOW FOR MY INTERVIEW WITH LENA!

1.      What genre do you write in? (Historical, contemporary, romance, etc.)

I have written both historical and contemporary books in several genres, but all of them have a romantic thread woven through. Right now, I’ve finished one three-book historical series, and I’m starting writing another contracted historical series for the same publisher.

2.      How does your faith affect your daily life?

Faith is an integral part of my life. I’ve walked with the Lord so long, that to remove Him from my daily life would require major surgery, which would be life-threatening.

3.      What message do you hope to convey to readers, either in this latest book or in all your books?

The last four books I’ve written have had a strong thread of unmerited forgiveness, and learning to trust God in all things woven through the stories.

4.      Do you believe there is evil in the world and, if you do, how do you portray it in your novels (or do you portray evil in your novels?

Yes, there are all forms of evil in our world, and if some of them appear in my story, I try to make them realistic without being offensive in the way I write it. I want reader to feel safe about reading my stories.

5.      Did you ever have a memorable book-signing? (Sad, humorous, or awesome?) If so, please share it.

I’ve had a couple of wonderful book signings at Mardel’s for a Book Release party for a novel. I’ll have the one for Mary’s Blessing there as well. One thing I’m going to do with this book is to have a signing at Chan’s Mongolian Grill. One of the characters is the book is named for Tony Chan the proprietor, and he wants to have a book signing there. I think it will be fun and interesting.

6.      How do you deal with rejection letters or an irate reader?

Rejection is part of a writer’s life. I learned years ago to trust the Lord with the sales of my manuscripts. If I receive a rejection, I know He didn’t want that publisher to publish it, because he had other people He wanted to read the story that publisher wouldn’t reach.

About irate readers, I will answer their emails or messages and agree with them, because it’s a valid opinion. I won’t please everyone all the time. I sometimes ask the reader how they would change the book. I try to make a friend, even though we don’t agree about my book.

7.      What’s next for you as an author? Any books in the hopper?

As I said before, I’m starting a new series, and I’m excited about it. This is my Restored Hearts series about people whose hearts have been broken in some way.

I totally agree with your last statement, Lena. I wrote a book about that very thing called Broken Things. The updated version is available as a Kindle download on amazon.com.

Thank you so much for being my guest today, Lena! I’ve watched your career take off from your first Barbour novellas to your trade fiction for Charisma House. (Oh, and by the way, Lena and I both write for the Realms Authors’ Blog called Just theWrite Charisma. Stop by and take a read some time.)

 

And remember, Readers, Lena is giving away a copy of her brand new book Mary's Blessing. Be sure to leave a comment and your name will be entered into the drawing.

Until next time, keep those pages turning!

The Indelible D.M. Webb

I'm pleased to host author D.M. Webb on my site today. If you're not familiar with her work, the following is her bio:

D.M. Webb drew from her experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMR to write with accuracy about the main characters, a firefighter and a police officer. Webb lives, along with her two sons and a variety of pets, in the beautiful state of Mississippi. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Her latest novel is called Mississippi Nights. Here's a blurb; 

Two brothers, one death. When Firefighter David Boyette’s fiancee perishes in a car fire, he blames his brother, Sgt. Jeremy Boyette, for her death. Three years later, David returns home with a dark and devastating secret. With the help of family, a woman’s love, and a small child’s devotion, can David overcome insurmountable odds as he and Jeremy face the bitterness that enslaves him? Together the brothers must decide if the bond of brotherhood is stronger than resentment and hate.

It looks like an exciting story! My son was a flight paramedic. He was the guy they lowered down on the chord from the helicopter, so I know from hearing his accounts how harrowing that profession can be. I'm so grateful to all police and rescue personnel for their service!!

And, D.M., I can't wait to read your book!

NOTE TO MY READERS: D.M. has agreed to do a book give-away & a praise CD here on Everything Writerly, so please leave a comment at the end of the interview. Your name will be entered into the drawing. D.M. will choose the winner on Sunday evening or Monday AM, so be sure to check back to see if you won.

AND NOW FOR MY INTERVIEW WITH D.M. WEBB!

1.    What genre do you write in? (Historical, contemporary, romance, etc.)

      I write mainly contemporary, but I do have a “starters” for a fantasy, four science fictions, and a thriller. Plus, I’ve finished three children’s stories.

   

2.    What motivates you?

      Motivates me? My never ending, never ceasing, never slowing brain. Thoughts, ideas, and “what-ifs” pop around in my head. Then there is the motivation of “wanting” and “needing” to tell a story.

3.    How does your faith affect your daily life?

      I wake up and ponder my dream, a quick conversation with the Lord, and a heartfelt prayer all before I slide my legs over the side of the bed. Then there is another prayer to help me get up, especially when I just want a few more minutes (please!). Prayer in the shower, prayer while cooking, prayer while sitting my children down for lessons (I home school), and prayer while doing chores. It isn’t always a verbal prayer, but I always have some kind of conversation running in my mind. Of course, sometimes I just hear “Peace, be still”, in other words, God is telling me to “shut up and listen”. LOL. My faith defines me.

4.    How much spirituality do you weave into your story?

      A dash plus a pinch. Not too much, because I want to draw in the secular world, but not too little because I want to uplift the Christian world. I like to show real life, real people, and real faith. One character may be like me and have a running dialogue and another may be subtle in his/her faith. It becomes a balancing act, but I don’t dilute anything. *shudder* Just the thought of watering down Jesus gives me the willies. LOL.

5.    What is your general purpose as an author?

      To tell a story that will reach out and touch people, to weave the treasured tales of romance, drama, and action into a story, to write what needs writing--all of this is the general purpose. Good thing you didn’t ask for specifics, huh?

6.    What is your greatest challenge in your writing?

      The greatest challenge is actually sitting my “buhunkus” down in the chair and actually write. I’m easily distracted by nature, pets, and other things in my life as a widowed mom of two.

7.    What message do you hope to convey to readers, either in this latest book or in all your books?

     That as people, Christians or otherwise, we are all flawed, but not beyond salvation. No one is above another and there will always be someone out there to help. I deal with issues from alcoholism, drug abuse, child abuse, suicide, and loneliness, to name a few. I want to show how the love of Christ and family/friends will help a person through even the most difficult times in life.

8.    Do you believe there is evil in the world and, if you do, how do you portray it in your novels (or do you portray evil in your novels?

      Oh, goodness yeah. Evil abounds and walks daily in this world. I portray it through my characters and their sin: anger, addiction, etc. My next book deals with murder and exhortation. Who knows how it will be portrayed in other novels!

9.    As an author, what are your goals for the future?

       Write, live, love, write, write, do a lot of sighing, and then more writing. In all seriousness though, I follow where God leads me, one stepping stone at a time, and even I don’t know where that future is going.

10.  Did you ever have a memorable book-signing? (Sad, humorous, or awesome?) If so, please share it.

      First signing--made a beautiful friendship with the people. It was suppose to be at a Barnes & Noble, but the manager was sick and had forgotten to tell her assistant what to do, so it was cancelled at the last moment, right after I finished my TV interview. My publisher raced around and found a store willing to host a signing on short notice. Sold quite a few books with them, too. Talk about God placing me where He wanted me. Then my second signing was awesome. An independent store, during a downtown festival (and I saw Elvis! -- a paramedic actually, but kid you not, he looked like Elvis). The fourth signing was with a neighboring Barnes & Noble, and it went super awesome well. Met so many people.  So far all the signings have been memorable, each in its own unique way.

11.  Is or was there a person in your life who made a remarkable difference in your writing? Who (if you want to disclose his or her identity) and why?

      Had an English teacher in 11^th grade that nurtured my gift of writing. I listed Mr. Kilpatrick on my dedication page. My family, friends, and new friends each encourage me. People who read my book encourages me. Every one of them makes a difference in my life and my writing. I really can’t pinpoint just one earthly person.

12.  How do you deal with rejection letters or an irate reader?

      I shrug. Rejection letters came with my children’s stories. Mississippi Nights was never rejected. My first contact was my publisher now (another instance of following God blindly). As for an irate reader, haven’t met one yet, but when I do I will ponder his/her comments. If it’s helpful, I will make a note. If it’s vicious and mean-spirited, I’ll file them away in the “duh” file.

13.  What’s next for you as an author? Any books in the hopper?

      Hopefully more signings. Trying to type my way through the second novel. Already starting my third, which will probably be my second and my second will become my third, if my fourth doesn’t decide to jump the gun and become my third which will lead to my third being my second, my second being my fourth, and my fourth being my third. (just went a little Marx Brothers on you). I just write and as I said before, follow God. He just might throw me a 180 or take me for a loop-de-loop. Who knows. It’s life. LOL.

Remember: Free give-a-way of Mississippi Nights, plus the worship/praise CD of Angel Dean’s Light Me on Fire (the singer who graciously allowed my publishers to use his song for my book trailer, which can be viewed on YouTube.com--Mississippi Nights Book Trailer)

Thank you, D.M. for stopping to chat with me on Everything Writerly. I wish you all the best with your new book!

The Scribe, Staci Stallings

             For the next few days, my guest will be Staci Stallings. Staci is a very diverse writer as you'll see from my interview with her below. But first, if you don't know a lot about Staci, here's her brief bio:

       A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers, including five Amazon Best Sellers.  Her books run from YA to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again.  Every title is a new adventure! 

     

     So what's Staci's latest book all about? So glad you asked!

Just out of college and completely alone        in the world, Maggie Montgomery has one shot left to save her life from an abyss of poverty and hopelessness. Clinging to the last shred of fuel and hope, she arrives at the mansion of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayers. Although Maggie is clearly not what Mr. Ayers and his wife have in mind for a nanny, they agree to hire her temporarily until they can find someone more appropriate to fill the position. However, Maggie's whole world is about to be up-ended by two way-over-scheduled children and one incredibly handsome hired hand. As she struggles to fit into a world she was never made to fit in, Maggie wonders if she can ever learn to become a perfect version of herself so she can keep the job, or is she doomed to always be searching for a life she can never quite grasp?

Keith Ayers despises his life. As the son of Texas billionaire Conrad Ayers and the fiance to a Senator from Texas' daughter, it looks great on the outside, but inside, he is dying. He would vastly prefer to manage and train his father's racehorses. However, everyone else thinks that is beneath him. He needs to get into industry and build on his father's success. Suffocating under the constrictions of his life, he meets Maggie who begins to teach him that wealth and power is not everything in this life. But can Keith defy the most powerful men in Texas to follow his heart? "This is more than a romance.  The author cuts straight to the heart of God–love.  God is love. Even through unexpected tragedies.  And we can overcome evil with good–by His love." --Betty Anne Bantz

    

AND NOW THE INTERVIEW.       

      Staci, what genre do you write in? (Historical, contemporary, romance, etc.)

I write Contemporary Christian Romance as well as Bible Studies and collections of short non-fiction stories.

 What motivates you?

I love to write.  I love words. I love stories, and I have come to be incredibly fascinated with how God puts them altogether. To me, writing is like breathing and breathing is living.  When I write, God speaks to me in ways that I can't always hear Him otherwise through the static of life.

  How does your faith affect your daily life?

I've been through some gut-wrenching tragedies in the last five years--my church burning down, my brother committing suicide followed by my brother-in-law doing the same two years later.  Without God, I wouldn't have made it.  He is my best friend, and there is nothing in the world that means more to me than that relationship.  It animates me, it gives me strength and so much peace.  As my 9-year-old son says, "Seriously Mom, what do people do that don't believe in God?"  I don't know. I really don't..       

How much spirituality do you weave into your story?

I often say that if you took God out of most of my books, there would be no book left.  In fact, I've gotten one-star reviews that said the characters required "CONSTANT input from God."  To me, that' s a compliment. 

 What message do you hope to convey to readers, either in this latest book or in all your books?

In "Deep in the Heart," I think the message is:  We all have hurts and scars--even if we've gotten very good at covering them up.  We've all had painful things happen in our past, but it is not our past that defines us.  It's our present and how we choose to use that present to shape our future that ultimately decides our destiny. 

Do you believe there is evil in the world and, if you do, how do you portray it in your novels (or do you portray evil in your novels?

There is absolutely evil in the world, and it comes in many forms.  Some evil will attack physically--for example, in abusive relationships.  The evil in those relationships tears everyone in them down.  Its goal is to confuse, harm, and destroy.  Other evil attacks more subtly in the form of mental manipulation and emotional blackmail.  In "Deep in the Heart," Keith is being controlled by those in his life.  Others in the story use the shame of his past, the fear of his present, and this dangling of "if you just do this thing I want you to do, then you'll be good enough and I'll love you" to convince him to make disastrous decisions for himself that he KNOWS are wrong.  That's the kind of evil that is present in most of my books--the kind that may actually look really good on the outside, like it "just wants what's best" for the character, but when you get underneath it, you see it for the insidiousness that it is.

 Is or was there a person in your life who made a remarkable difference in your writing? Who (if you want to disclose his or her identity) and why?

Several of them actually.  One was my second grade teacher who recognized and pointed out my gift for writing.  Then I had two teachers--one in 7th grade and one in 9th--who were fabulous at grammar.  They gave me a solid foundation to build upon.  Finally from 10th-12th grade I had a phenomenal teacher who worked with me not so much in English but in journalism for contests. I would write a story, she would bleed on it... but then she did one thing that made all the difference... she sat down with me on every, single story, and we walked through WHY she made each change.  In doing so, I learned not just the basics of grammar but how to write and craft a story that stood out from all the others.  It paid off too.  I won the Texas U.I.L. Featurewriting contest my senior year, and since then, I've gone on to have five books on the Amazon Best Sellers' lists.  So they must have done something right!

 What’s next for you as an author? Any books in the hopper?

I have a new book coming out at the end of May that I'm really excited about.  It's called, "To Protect & Serve."  It's the story of a group of firemen and the women who love them.  I'm really excited to see what everyone thinks of this one as it has been near and dear to my heart for a long time now. I'm so excited to get to share it with the world!

Thanks so much for having me, Andrea!  It's been wonderful!

      Keep in touch with Staci:

    

      Spirit Light Books--The Blog   http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

  

      Romance Novels:  http://ebookromancestories.com

      Follow Staci on Twitter @StaciStallings

More Love and Laughter in the Old West from N.Y. Times Bestselling Author Margaret Brownley

“I’ve matched up twenty-three couples over the years and in all that time I only made one error. Although I still think the marriage would have worked had she not shot her husband.”—Aunt Bessie in Dawn Comes Early

~~~~~~~~~

Everything Writerly is proud to feature Margaret Brownley!! If you're not familiar with Margaret, here's a bit about her:

Thrills, mystery, suspense, romance: Margaret penned it all. Nothing wrong with this—except Margaret happened to be writing for the church newsletter. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, her former pastor took her aside and said, "Maybe God's calling you to write fiction."

So that’s what Margaret did. She’s now a New York Times bestselling author and a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist with more than 25 novels to her credit—not bad for someone who flunked 8^th grade English.  Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

Now let's get right to the interview.

What genre do you write in?

HI , Andrea, I just want to thank you for letting me visit today. To answer your question I’m currently writing inspirational historical romance.

How much spirituality do you weave into your story?

I really don’t enjoy reading preachy stories and I try not to write them.  Spirituality should be woven naturally into a story like a golden thread in a tapestry.  I think faith is more effective if it enhances a story without overpowering.

 What is your greatest challenge in your writing?

In my other life I was a teacher.  At a teacher’s workshop I once attended the instructor asked the following life changing questions: At the end of your career which will you be able to say?  That you taught for 35 years?  Or that you taught one year 35 times?

 I use that same philosophy in my writing career.  I don’t want to write the same book 35 or 40 times.  So the biggest challenge for me is to stay fresh. 

Do you believe there is evil in the world and, if you do, how do you portray it in your novels (or do you portray evil in your novels?

Yes, I do believe evil exists, but my stories tend to be more light-hearted than serious, so my bad guys aren’t really all that evil.  In Dawn Comes Early Cactus Joe is the “bad” guy who complains bitterly that “The way this town treats its outlaws, it don’t deserve none.”  So as you can see, he’s not all that evil.

Did you ever have a memorable book-signing?  If so, please share it.

I think the most memorable books-signing was actually a fly-by (authors go from store to store to sign books in stock).  It was my first book and I was a bit shy about telling the manager I was an author, so I simply walked into the store and started signing.  I was there for only a few minutes when a police walked up and wanted to arrest me.  It seemed someone had seen him drinking coffee in the store and reported that I was “defacing” books.

I tried to explain that I was the author.  I even showed him my I.D.  Unfortunately, the book was written under a pen name and my driver’s license didn’t match. Boy did I ever have to do some fast talking!

How do you deal with rejection letters or an irate reader?

I could paper a house with the number rejections received through the years.  I remember not just one but seventeen rejections in particular—all for a single title.   I remember them because when the book finally sold, it sold big and helped launch a new line.  That taught me to view rejections as a second (third, fourth or fifth) chance to get it right or find a better publisher.  A rejection is not the end of a story; sometimes it’s only the beginning.

Fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with irate readers.

What’s next for you as an author? Any books in the hopper?

“Dawn Comes Early” is the first book in my Last Chance Ranch series.  Book two will be available at the end of the year and I’m currently working on book three and a novella.  Also, I’m happy to announce that my first non-fiction book, Grieving God’s Way: The Lasting Path to Hope and Healing will be published by Thomas Nelson in July. 

Readers can reach me through my website: www.margaretbrownley.com

I’m also on Facebook and Twitter

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Thank you so much, Margaret. And here's a blurb of her new book!

Dawn Comes Early

Brides of Last Chance Ranch

Heiress Wanted

Looking for hard-working, professional woman

of good character and pleasant disposition

willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.

Must be single and prepared to remain so now and forever more.

Her latest dime novel banned, twenty-nine-year old KATE TENNEY answers an advertisement for heiress to an Arizona cattle ranch. It seems like the perfect solution for a disgraced novelist with no intention of getting married—ever. 

Trouble begins the moment she steps foot in Arizona Territory. The west is nothing like she wrote about in her books. Not only does she have to deal with a hard-nosed ranch owner, and nefarious outlaw, but a traitorous heart.  Kate does not trust men and has no intention of falling for LUKE ADAM’S charm.  She’s determined to learn the ranching business and prove to the doubting ranch owner that she’s up to the task—if it kills her.  If only she could stay away from a certain handsome blacksmith and his two matchmaking aunts.

              

Sounds like another bestseller to me! 

Today through May 2, 2012 readers can enter to win Dawn Comes Early by leaving a comment. The drawing is Wednesday!!

Spiritual Vampires

The Lord recently showed me something – or someone -- spiritual vampires. Yes, vampires! I’m not sure if I can take credit for coining this phrase, but it refers to those men and women who enter your life “talking the talk” and end up sucking the ever-lovin’ life out of you! Creative people, like writers, seem particularly vulnerable, but anyone can get bitten.

Do you know a spiritual vampire? Perhaps you do.

These spiritual vampires might seem in need of your help at first and, as a Christian, you set out to do your duty. Then, slowly, spiritual vampires take over your life in one way or another. Others might wonder about the frequency of their phone calls, texts or visits. If a family member says, “So-and-so is weird” ask him or her why. Define “weird.”  For myself, in trying hard not to pass judgments, I occasionally lose my God-given discernment. So, my advice is to pay attention to subtle observations. If you don’t, your thoughts and very life can become consumed by a spiritual vampire.

Spiritual vampires can also disguise themselves as people in powerful positions, like therapists, priests, pastors or even popular and trusted brothers or sisters in Christ. They might appear to be serving the Lord, but if they counsel you, their drama suddenly becomes yours too (instead of them helping you deal with the issues in your life). Their personal ambition becomes the church’s mission – and it’s not the will of God. Their “special gift” suddenly causes you to feel oppressed and intimidated.

These are the warning signs. A spiritual vampire may have a word for you, but sift it through Scripture (God’s Word) before you accept it. You see, not only can spiritual vampires appear as though they are needy, but they may also appear as ones who not only know God but are as God. Um…isn’t that what got Lucifer and his host kicked out of heaven? (Ezekiel 28)

A true test to see if someone is a spiritual vampire is while he or she is speaking with authority, listen to how many times the words “I” and “me” are used. This excludes a friend who is attempting to confide in you about her troubles. This is different. Spiritual vampires will say things like “God told me thus-and-such about you.” (The truth is God doesn’t gossip, okay? God will tell you directly about you!) A spiritual vampire will say something like, “I know I’m right because I have the gift of discernment.” (So how can you argue? In their minds, they are never wrong!)

Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not insinuating that we shouldn’t help others in need or that we shouldn’t serve our local churches and respect our pastors and fellow believers. I’m not saying other believers don’t have special God-given gifts either. But the truth is we ALL have God-given gifts.  My only warning in this post is that the voice of the spiritual vampire can become louder than God’s “still small voice.”

Wherever spiritual vampires are you’ll find pride is there too. Pride is different from confidence. We can be confident in God and in ourselves because of God; but spiritual vampires feel they are more special than everyone else. We don’t want to doubt folks, but don’t idolize them either. Spiritual vampires want to be idolized. Their hearts are “lifted up” because of their gifts just like Lucifer’s heart was lifted up because of his beauty (Ezekiel 28).

Another warning sign: Spiritual vampires will never apologize – because they never think they make mistakes!

If you know a spiritual vampire run. Run far and run fast! The Lord will surely bring the individual down – just like He did Lucifer. Pride always goes before a fall.

However, the Lord showed me that I don’t have to get hurt anymore. I just have to get out of the way!

And here’s the best news of all: Spiritual vampires can be transformed. But it takes the Sword of the Spirit getting driven deep into their hearts and that’s something which can only be accomplished through prayer.

The Unsinkable Yvonne Lehman

I have the pleasure of hosting my dear friend Yvonne Lehman. Yvonne and I go wa-ay back. We're both Heartsong Presents authors and first met each other at the Romance Writers of America Conference in Chicago. We, and other HP authors, had dinner on Navy Pier with our editor. Remember, Yvonne?  :)


Today, Yvonne is a multi-published author with a new book release. Yvonne, please tell us about it.

The book is based on the true event of the Titanic's sinking, and of passengers lost and saved. Basically it’s the story of one ship, two families, three generations.

        Lydia Beaumont and her new friend Caroline Chadwick plan Lydia’s wedding aboard the “grandest ship ever built.” Yet their lives take a tragic turn when the “unsinkable” Titanic goes down.

        This epic tale of faith and perseverance follows their lives and the lives of their descendants as they struggle with all that was lost on that fateful night and what the future holds for those brave enough to face it.

                                           For a sneak peek into the story, CLICK HERE.

And for those of you who might not know Yvonne, here's a little bit about her.

Yvonne Lehman, an award-winning, best-selling author, founded and directed the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for 25 years. She now directs the Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat at Ridgecrest/LifeWay Conference Center in Ridgecrest NC. She mentors for the Christian Writers Guild, and teaches at conferences. Her second novel in a Washington DC series, A Knight to Remember is an April release and the third, Let it Snow is scheduled for December 2012. Eight E-books are in Barbour Publishing’s debut line, Truly Yours.  
Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic (Abingdon Press) is her 50^th novel.

 Yvonne will be giving away a FREE COPY of her book, Hearts that Survive. Leave a comment at the end of this interview, and you'll be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced on either Sunday evening or Monday morning.

AND NOW THE INTERVIEW WITH YVONNE

 What motivates you? 

               Yvonne: What motivates me while I’m writing is simply discovering what these characters are doing with my idea, how they deal with the problems that arise to thwart their goals, what they’re learning, how they’re falling in love, what kind of personality traits surface, what they learn about themselves, and what I learn about myself in the writing of the story. 

               Ideas are motivated by good or bad experiences in my life or the lives of others. These panoramic mountains where I live motivates the setting of many stories. Sometimes a single sentence inspires a story, such as—my daughter’s friend said to her, “I married him for his money, why can’t I love him for it?” I know a book was in that statement. It became on of the stories in my South Carolina collection.

               The motivating force for my latest book, Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic, was Ramona Richards (Abingdon) saying “Yes” to my proposal. Getting the book out in time for the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s sinking resulted in my writing 120,000 words in six weeks and then having two weeks to revise.

     How does your faith affect your daily life?

               Yvonne: It convinces me there is no life, only existence, without faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I know trials become growing experiences and will end up in a book. It’s too easy to accept the good, but it is the negative that turns me to God and convinces me again that He is in control. My puny efforts can accomplish little, but with Him I can have confidence and hope.

      How much spirituality do you weave into your story?

                Yvonne: I tried writing a story without God in it to see how it turned out. I tore that meaningless story into pieces. Spirituality naturally comes into the story because God is in my life and when a character has conflicts, goals, purposes, trials, then the character embraces or questions God, or another character does it for them.  Whether or not God works in a life, is real, or cares is always a concern in at least one character’s life because that’s realistic even if it’s an atheist saying he/she doesn’t believe in God.

       What is your greatest challenge in your writing?

                      Yvonne: Trying to handle my own career according to the way I think it should go. I don’t like it when my agent says “Wait, before we submit this,” or my editor says, “Let talk, later.” I have to rethink and remind myself that I pray for the agent and the editor and that God will direct them, me, and my career.  Writing is so much my life that I tend to think it’s over if contracts aren’t coming in and all my ideas aren’t going out as novels. I have to stop and think, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT) – Yes, a challenge.

            What message do you hope to convey to readers, either in this latest book or in all your books?

                       Yvonne: This is what I hope to convey particularly in Hearts that Survive: No matter what the tragedy, the loss, or the devastation, there is hope. Not that God sank the Titanic, but he certainly could. He can take a sunken, devastated life and give it hope and meaning. Hope is something I try to convey in all my stories.

              Do you believe there is evil in the world and, if you do, how do you portray it in your novels (or do you portray evil in your novels?

                       Yvonne: This is a tough question for me to answer. Evil is so obvious, I don’t know how anyone can deny it. If we know ourselves, and the scripture, we can be aware of its potential. Most of the conflicts, problems, illness, death, etc. in my stories is not portrayed as evil, but as part of the human condition or life on earth.  Deliberate violence or hurt against others is portrayed as evil.  The difference may be something I need to make clear in my stories. (Thanks for that question.) Bad or negative things may be within a character’s control along with the help of God. Evil is often outside our realm of control because it involves another person’s choice, intent, and actions.  Perhaps that’s why in his model prayer, Jesus prayed asking God to, “Deliver us from evil.”

              As an author, what are your goals for the future?

                         Yvonne:  My goal before getting published was to get ONE book published and the natural result, since God led me into writing, would be fame and fortune. After the ONE book, my goal was to publish another and maybe that one would achieve fame and fortune. Hearts that Survive is my 50^th book and my goal is… well, you got it.  I do have goals of every idea being turned into a published book. I have more realistic goals of specific books being published. Having written for over 30 years, and growing in faith, my deepest desire is what I wrote at the bottom of a page where I listed five goals. I wrote, “No. Six goals. Whatever God has in mind for me. He’s better at this than I am. I want the desire of His heart for me and our books.” That’s what I aim for – to get me out of the way and let God. That too, is a challenge.

             Did you ever have a memorable book-signing? (Sad, humorous, or awesome?) If so, please share it.

                Yvonne: At my first book signing I arrived 30 minutes early to be on time for the buyers who would be lined up around the block. One person was there to buy my book. The next one came two hours later. Sad, because I was a new unassuming writer with great expectations.

               

                Another was when we moved to NC and I’d already prepared the public by having a well-known columnist write about me and my entrance into these mountains. He wrote a glowing report about me and my two books. I was interviewed on the local TV station and was promoted in the newspapers. At the signing I sat at the big glass window, looking out at the empty street. The bookstore manager reminded me that even famous authors have book signing flops. Then I saw a car drive up and park. A woman got out, looked at me and a glorious expression came over her face and her eyes widened. I thought finally, someone who appreciates literature. She ran in, rushed up to me, held out her hand in which she had money, and she said, “Do you have any change. I don’t have a thing for the parking meter.” Humorous…now, not then.

               However… I’m scheduled for a three-day book signing April 27, 28, and 29 at the Titanic Display in Pigeon Forge TN. Visitors go there for a specific reason and that’s to find out information about the Titanic. They have to leave through the Gift Shop where I’ll be signing. Now, isn’t that going to be…awesome?

            How do you deal with rejection letters or an irate reader?

                   After 30 years of being a writer, I’ve learned returns are for a reason although I can’t figure out some of them. If a reader asks a legitimate question or wants to discuss my writing, I respond. I don’t respond to an irate reader because I feel their problem is within themselves and their need is greater than I can meet. What bothers me is when a reviewer sees herself as a critic, telling the reader whether or not they should read the book. There is a diversity of readers and there’s a need for diverse writers.

       What’s next for you as an author? Any books in the hopper?

                         Yvonne: I want to follow up the Titanic book with another story based on a true event. For many years I’ve been fascinated with the story of Japanese and German diplomats and families of diplomats being interned at a resort surrounded by barbed wire fencing and “protected” by 25 American Border Patrol guards during WWII. With three enemy nations together, all was not peaceful. This historic resort is a couple miles from my home.

Yvonne, thank you for being my guest!!

For more on Yvonne, visit her website at: www.yvonnelehman.com

And don't forget to leave a comment and enter the drawing for Yvonne's latest book, Hearts that Survive!

What's Cookin' with Bonnie Calhoun?

Today I have the pleasure of visiting with author Bonnie Calhoun. Bonnie is owner of the ChristianFiction Blog Alliance, publisher the Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She is the Northeast Zone Director for ACFW, President of Christian Authors Network, Appointment Coordinator for the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and ACFW ‘Mentor of the Year,’ for 2011.

Bonnie also has a new book out, her debut novel, titled, Cooking the Books. Here's the blurb:

After her mother dies from a heart attack, Sloane Templeton goes from Cyber Crimes Unit to bookstore owner before she can blink. She also "inherits" a half-batty store manager; a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood who meet at the store once a week, but never read books, called the Granny Oakleys Book Club; and Aunt Verline, who fancies herself an Iron Chef when in reality you need a cast iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. And with a group like this you should never ask, “What else can go wrong?”A lot! Sloane begins to receive cyber threats. While Sloane uses her computer forensic skills to uncover the source of the threats, it is discovered someone is out to kill her. Can her life get more crazy

Bonnie is giving away a FREE book, 

so be sure to leave a comment and enter the drawing!

NOW FOR MY INTERVIEW WITH BONNIE:

1.      What genre do you write in? (Historical, contemporary, romance, etc.)

I write in a genre all my own…it’s suspense/mystery with a whole lot of humor. Actually what I do is throw in all the laughs so that my friends who are in the Big Honkin’ Chickens Club are lauging so hard that they don’t notice the dead bodies or blood lying around.

2.      How much spirituality do you weave into your story?

There’s no hard of fast rule about how much spirituality to weave into the story. Actually I don’t go about a “weaving” process. It happens organically. My leading example is the book of Ester. There is no mention of God in the book, but yet you can see His hand all over it. And that’s how I tend to create my stories.

3.      What is your general purpose as an author?

My general purpose as an author is to be an entertainer. That is the gift that the Lord gave me. Actually…He gave me several (I wasn’t being greedy, he was being generous!) and this is the one that is most relevant at this time.

4.      What message do you hope to convey to readers, either in this latest book or in all your books?

All of my stories will be about women overcoming great obstacles in their life, most of the time they are self-imposed obstacles, and I hope to show them how to build the strength to be a survivor.

5.      Do you believe there is evil in the world and, if you do, how do you portray it in your novels (or do you portray evil in your novels)?

 Of course! I believe there is great evil in this world. But I also believe that since Adam and Eve each and every one of us has been born with the sin nature, and it doesn’t even take “great evil” to bring that out in man. He can get in trouble all on his own! Yes I portray evil…because no one lives an ideal life under a rock. We are all affected by sin…or evil at some point, and our response as Christians should be praising the Lord through that trial, and then coming out the other side of the fiery furnace and not smelling like smoke! 

6.       As an author, what are your goals for the future?

My goals…well considering that all of this makes me very excited, my immediate goals…like for book signings and such, are not to fall down or throw up. Long range goals??? To be a consummate entertainer for the Lord.

 < By the way, Bonnie had her first book-signing this past weekend in New York and didn't throw up or faint. YAY!>

7.    Lastly, Bonnie, how do you deal with rejection letters or an irate reader?

That one is totally easy! They are not part of my target audience…so I wish them well and move on!