Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

On my website right now I'm giving readers the gift of story. 

Go to: www.andreaboeshaar.com 

and download your FREE copy of 

Let It Snow: A Christmas novella.

The Story Behind the Story

 This novella first appared in a 2-story collection called Snowbound for Christmas as well as a 4-story collection called Holiday at the Inn, both published by Barbour Publishing in 2004. Snowbound featured Debby Mayne and me while Holiday included novellas by Pamela Griffin, Debby Mayne, Kristy Dykes, and me. 

As I recall, the whole "stranded at Christmas" theme was Kristy's idea, and I was so glad to have finally worked with her in a project. Kristy was an upbeat, dynamic, and forever-smiling lady who always began her email messages with, "Greetings from sunny Florida…" In mid-February here in Wisconsin, I always felt envious of those salutations. In 2008, Kristy died of a GBM brain tumor, but she was a fighter till the end. She is missed by family and friends all over the world to this day.
 Let us, this Christmas, endeavor to bless others even if our holiday plans go awry. Accepting what we cannot control (like winter storms and blizzards) can lend us that sense of inner peace. And if we've got peace, we can make the best of any situation. 

After all, Christmas isn't about the parties and presents. It's about remembering that God sent His only begotten Son, the Savior of the world, to us in the form of an infant. He's God's gift to us.  Christ's humble beginnings mean that believers in Him will spend an eternity with the King of kings and Lord of lords in a place so splendid that every imagination comes up short with its description.


So shop, bake, decorate those Christmas cookies, and enjoy your time with family members. But if you find yourself stranded at home -- or at an Inn -- for the holidays, make sure you're safe and then smile and sing along to that favorite classic, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Merry Christmas!

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop with...MOI: Andrea Boeshaar

Thanks so much to Wisconsin author Lily Silver who tagged me in 

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. 

I thought this might be fun so I agreed to participate. For this multi-author promotion, I've decided to give readers a sneak peek at my upcoming novel -- as well as my books already on store shelves and available as ebook downloads.

Here's the interview:

 What is the title of your next book?

         Threads of Love, which will be released in May 2013
                  (Isn't this cover GORGEOUS!?)

 Where did the idea come from for the book?

          This series is based on my Norwegian heritage and
          my family history (fictionalized!). Threads of Love
          is book 3 and the last novel in my Fabric of Time series.



       

 Books 1 and 2 are now available in both traditional print AND ebook formats. 

Threads of Hope (book 1) 

Threads of Faith (book 2)

What genre does your book fall under?

          Christian/Inspirational historical romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

           To play Jake Edgerton, I'd choose Luke Perry as he appeared in the Hallmark Channel movie 
           Goodnight for Justice. 
                You can watch the movie trailer by CLICKING HERE.
          

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your latest series?

          Follow the journeys of first Kristin in 1848 (Threads of Hope), 

          then Julianna in 1877 (Threads of Faith), and finally Emily in 1902 (Threads of Love) 

          as these women weave a tapestry of love, honor, and family unity into life's Fabric of Time.

          Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

         It's published by Realms -- a division of Charisma Media and I can usually write a 75.000 
           word novel in 6 to 9 months time. That is, if life doesn't get in the way.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

My last series, Seasons of Redemption, was published by Realms/Charisma Media.

Other authors include: Lena Nelson Dooley, Martha Rogers, Jillian Kent, and Beth Shriver and many others. You can find out more about Realms/Charisma Media authors, their books and their websites, by going to the blog called JUST THE WRITE CHARISMA.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

 For my Fabric of Time series, my Norwegian heritage inspired me. For my Seasons of Redemption series I was inspired to write stories set during and just after America's Civil War. I thank God Almighty for giving me the gift of writing.

What else about your book might pique the reader interest?

My latest series, Fabric of Time, is set in Wisconsin, although my characters visit other places like England and Montana. My grandmother, an art and reading teacher in Tigerton, Wisconsin, painted a picture of Manitowoc's harbor. Many family members said the scene was "dark," and after my grandfather died, no one wanted it. But secretly I had always coveted the painting. It's no Monet, but my "Nana" painted it and I treasure it.

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Now it's time to pass the baton to additional authors so they can tell you about their amazing books. Their posts, which will have the same title as this one -- The Next Big Thing Blog Hop -- will be live on or around November 30th and over the weekend, so watch for them! Here are their names: 

Lily Silver
Loree Lough
Loz Tolsma

Also, check out the other authors I blog with on Just the Write Charisma and The Barn Door.

We're Back -- With A New Author Interview!

Deb Ullrick: 

From Colorado Ranches to Writing Romance!

I have known Deb for many years and it's a pleasure to feature her on my blog Everything Writerly. If you're not familiar with Deb and her books, here's a brief bio:

Debra Ullrick is an award-winning Christian romance author. In addition to multiple full-length novels, her stories have been featured in several novella collections, one of which made the New York Times bestseller’s list. Debra is happily married to her husband of thirty-seven years and has one daughter. For over twenty-five years, they lived and worked on cattle ranches in the Colorado Mountains. She now lives in the Colorado flatlands. Debra loves animals, classic cars, mud-bog racing, and monster trucks. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drawing western art, feeding wild birds, and watching Jane Austen movies, COPS, or Castle.

Deb's latest book is Groom Wanted and here's a blurb:

It's a perfect plan-best friends Leah Bowen and Jake Lure will each advertise for mail-order spouses in the papers, and then Jake will help select Leah's future husband, while Leah picks Jake's bride-to-be! Surely the ads will find them what they seek: a wife who'll appreciate Jake's shy charm and a groom who'll take Leah away from the Idaho Territory she detests. When the responses to the postings pour in, it seems all Leah's and Jake's dreams will soon come true. But the closer they each get to the altar, the less appealing marrying a stranger becomes. Is it too late to turn back-or to turn around and find the happiness they truly seek together, at last? 

And now for the interview!

1. What is your general purpose as an author?

More than anything, I want to minister to people. When I first started reading Christian fiction books, I remember how many times a certain story ministered to me in such a special, uplifting way. After that, I wanted to be a blessing to people like that too.

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

In Groom Wanted the message I hope to portray is how many times we look for something or someone else when what we already have or need is right in front of us. And that we can’t run away from our problems because no matter where we go, they will be there unless we face them and allow God to touch and heal us everywhere we hurt.   

3. Is or was there a person in your life who made a remarkable difference in your writing? Who and why?

Oh yes! Staci Stallings, an amazingly gifted author and my dearest friend. This woman has spent endless hours mentoring me and teaching me with the utmost patience. And she’s never once criticized me or made me feel small when I didn’t understand something. She edits all my books and adds to the quality of them with her poetic words and input. Staci, along with the Lord of course, is the reason why I’m published today.

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

I’ve only had one rejection so far. Thank You, Jesus! hehe *smiling* It was when I first started writing. So many people in the ACFW (ACRW at the time) encouraged me to not give up and gently informed me that rejection was part of the publication process. I took their advice and used it as a learning experience. As for irate readers… I haven’t encountered any. A few negative reviews, yes. But those I handled by realizing it is all subjective. Not everyone is going to like my stories. I do, however, take into account why they didn’t like a story to see if I can improve next time.

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

The Rancher’s Sweetheart a Love Inspired Historical, winter-themed novella, will be coming out early 2013. It will be a two-books-in-one collection with Cheryl St. John. Plus, I’m working on another 3-book proposal.

6. What genre do you write in?

I write both contemporary and historical romance. Lately, I’ve been writing more historical novels but hope to write a few contemporary ones real soon.

7. What is your greatest challenge in your writing?

Trying not to get bogged down with that editor in my head. I so want to please my editors that sometimes I hear their editing voice, along with my own, talking to me while I’m writing. It really stifles my creativity, so I’m learning to just write my story and then go back and let those editor voices talk to me.

*     *     *

Thank you, Deb, for being my guest today. The interview will run Thurs to Sun. I wish you God's best on your career! 

Readers can connect with Deb, by logging onto her website: http://www.debraullrick.com/

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!!

CHATTING WITH CATHERINE RICHMOND

Author Cathy Richmond stopped by Everything Writerly today.  Cathy, for those readers who aren't familiar with you and your books, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was busy raising a family, working as an occupational therapist, and trying to remember where I hid the chocolate, when a song sparked a story within me. The journey to publication has been long, but full of blessings. I couldn’t have done it without ACFW, RWA, andFHL, the inspirational chapter of RWA, and Nebraska Novelists critique group.

Support is important in this business. Sometimes writers can feel very much alone. Please tell us about your new book.

With no prospects for marriage and her parents recently deceased, Susannah Underhill agrees to go west to the Dakota territory to marry her minister’s homesteading brother, Jesse. But Susannah is painfully shy, doesn’t see herself as worthy of love from either a husband or from God, and lives in constant fear that Jesse is going to ship her back to Detroit.

AND NOW FOR THE CHAT WITH CATHY...

1. What genre do you write in? (Historical, contemporary, romance, etc.) Historical romance.
2. What motivates you? A story that won't let go.
3. How does your faith affect your daily life? I'm a work in progress. Often my characters' struggles mirror my own.
4.  How much spirituality do you weave into your story? With every thread!
5. What is your general purpose as an author? To tell a story so well a reader will forget she's reading!
6. 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? I'm my own worst enemy and I think that's true for many people. Showing that in a story is difficult - it's much easier to show an external villain.
7.  As an author, what are your goals for the future? To do my best with whatever opportunities God brings my way.
8. How do you deal with rejection letters or an irate reader? A few readers complained Spring for Susannah showed too much intimacy - it's the story of a marriage. I apologized and asked them to give me another chance - my next book is less explicit.
9. What’s next for you as an author? Any books in the hopper? Through Rushing Water releases July 2012. Sophia has been proposed to so many times, she doesn't recognize true love when it hits her.

Cathy, thanks so much for dropping in. I know you're busy writing! And to my readers...please check out Cathy's web site: http://catherinerichmond.com/ From there you can find Cathy on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

GETTING TO KNOW MARY MANNERS

Today through Thursday I'm hosting author Mary Manners on my blog.

Mary is an award-winning author of inspirational romance who lives in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband and teen-aged daughter. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Smoky Mountain Romance Writers.

During the school year, she teaches middle-schoolers reading and algebra. In her free time, she likes to garden, take long walks with her husband, and read romance novels in a hammock beneath century-old shade trees.

Visit Mary at  www.marymannersromance.com

Here's a blurb about Mary's most recent release:

In eight seconds Dalton Merrill's professional bull riding days—and the fame he enjoyed—ended. When the adrenaline-junkie returns to Lone Creek Ranch to heal, he discovers a single reckless romp with sweet Emilee Walker has left her with more than a little heartbreak. She’s carrying his child. The last thing he wants is to be tied down with a wife and a son. Emilee Walker trusted Dalton with her heart, and he left her for the rodeo. She wanted Dalton to return home, but not like this. Now she wonders if it's responsibility or love that holds him on Lone Creek. This time she vows to show him what family ties and faith in God really means.

And now for the interview with Mary:

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

I write contemporary inspirational romance with a focus on family elements.

2   What motivates you?

I have loved to write for as long as I can remember. My motivation is to get as many stories down on paper, to share with others, that I can. If only there were more hours in the day! I have so much I want to share.

3    How does your faith affect your daily life?

Writing is a form of worship for me. I write to glorify God. My books deal with real-life issues and my characters have real flaws and fears. I hope my readers can relate.

4    What is your greatest challenge in your writing?

My greatest challenge is to tackle marketing along with writing. I am not very computer literate, so working with Facebook, etc. can be a challenge.

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

I want readers to know that, although we make mistake, there is always hope for and the possibility of redemption.

6    As an author, what are your goals for the future? I would like to write full-time.

Currently, I teach 7^th grade math (my 26^th year teaching). Being able to stay home and write would be a blessing.

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

I am currently under contract for 21 books/novellas with Pelican Book Group. Lullaby in Lone Creek is the 13^th to release, so there are many more to come!

WOW! 21 books? That's awesome, Mary. I wish you continued success. 

To my readers: THANK YOU for visiting my blog and reading my interview with Mary Manners. It's great to get to know her better.