Title of Book: THE HEART STONE
Genre: Christian fiction
Author: Sherry Kyle
Website: www.SherryKyle.com
Publisher: Abingdon Books
PURCHASE THE HEART STONE AT AMAZON
SUMMARY:
When
the biological father of Jessica MacAllister’s son decides to break
their custody agreement, Jessica and her son visit her Uncle George for
advice and refuge…
Following a year of grief, Evelyn Sweeney is
finally ready to move on. Pondering her new path in life, her mind
drifts to her first love, George MacAllister…
When the lives of
these two women cross, they discover that one heart-shaped ring binds
their stories together. But will the results be a rekindled faith and
new hope, or will it lead them both back into the darkness they’ve
fought for so long?
FIRST CHAPTER
"Jessi, it’s Andrew . . . Andrew Lawson.”
At
the sound of his voice, Jessica MacAllister’s knees went limp and her
palms grew moist. She sat down on the wooden stool near the kitchen
counter and leaned her head on her hand, her elbow resting against the
cold tile. Why was he call- ing? She hadn’t heard from him since he
signed the papers relinquishing his rights to Jacob six years before.
“Jessi, you there?”
She fought the urge to hang up the phone. “I’m here.”
“I want to see him.”
Her
heart beat a strange rhythm. She had prayed this day would never come.
“Andrew, I—I—I don’t know,” she stut-tered. As a speech pathologist, she
prided herself on her communication skills, but this man could trip her
up regardless of her training.
“We can meet at a park. I’ll sit
at a distance and watch.” The desperation in his voice was palpable.
Jessica’s jaw clenched and her stomach churned. How could she trust that
he wouldn’t rush up to Jacob and tell him that he was his biological
father? Or worse, what if he wasn’t sober? His behavior when he was
drunk could be . . . No.
She wouldn’t let a man who had no part in
Jacob’s upbringing suddenly waltz into his life—especially someone who
had shown her the ways of the world. But Andrew wasn’t entirely to
blame. She’d given in.
“No. No, that won’t work.” Jessica ran her hand through her shoulder-length hair.
“How about a restaurant? I’ll eat at a separate table. I only want to see our son.”
Our
son. Jacob was not their son. He was hers and hers only. Andrew wasn’t
there for her when she was pregnant or gave birth. He’d never been
there. Why the sudden interest now?
When Jessica woke this
morning, she planned to spend the whole afternoon with Jacob—alone. What
right did Andrew have to show up in her life after she’d assumed he was
long gone? He’d abandoned her when she needed him most. The wound hurt
deep and it would take a lot more than a casual demand.
A fire burned in her belly. “The answer is no—”
“Mommy,
who you talking to?” Jacob padded into the kitchen, softly clad in his
dinosaur pajamas. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
“Is that my boy?” Andrew’s voice rose.
Jessica
stared at her innocent son. Her hand shook and a lump lodged in her
throat. She couldn’t tell Jacob who was calling, and she couldn’t tell
Andrew the small voice he heard was indeed his son’s.
“Come on, Jessi, work with me here—”
A firm resolve flowed through her veins. She wouldn’t allow Andrew to worm his way into her son’s life. Not now, not ever.
“I’ve got to go.” She pressed the off button and hung up the receiver.
“Hungry, buddy?” On shaky legs, she swung around the counter. She hoped Jacob didn’t notice how rattled she felt.
“How about some pancakes?”
“With chocolate chips?” He hopped on a stool and grinned, showing the gap that once held a baby tooth.
Several
months ago, she’d made his favorite pancakes for his birthday. And now,
after receiving the unexpected phone call from his birthfather, she’d
give Jacob anything he wanted.
“Sure.” She smiled back.
“Can we go see Uncle George today?” Jacob pleaded.
“Thought you wanted to spend the day with me.” A twinge of jealousy twisted her insides.
She
chided herself, and then grabbed a mixing bowl from the cabinet. Uncle
George had been through a difficult patch lately. If they could spend an
hour or two visiting, it would make a world of difference to the older
man.
“I’ve never seen someone without a leg.” Jacob’s eyes grew big and round.
Jessica
cringed—neither had she. Why hadn’t she taken the time to visit her
uncle before now? The answer made her pulse race. Fear. The smell of
hospitals and rehabilitation centers turned her stomach. Glancing down
at her hand, the heart-shaped stone glistened and caught the light
filtering through the window. Uncle George had given her the diamond
ring when he found out she was pregnant with Jacob to fend off any
unwanted advances—or unwanted questions. He had said, “It’s hard enough
being a single parent.”
“Can we, Mom?” Jacob’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
The phone rang. She recognized the number from moments ago. Andrew.
The phone rang twice more.
Jessica continued to gather the utensils and ingredients for the pancakes. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d go away.
“Can I answer it?” Jacob reached for the phone.
“NO!” She stopped him, and then clicked the off button of the answering machine before it could pick up.
“Who
keeps calling?” Melissa, her roommate of a couple years, strode into
the room. Her short blonde hair stuck out here and there, and her pink
jersey T-shirt hung almost to her
knees over her navy sweat pants.
Jessica
shot her a “don’t ask” look, and then gestured to her little boy.
“Jacob and I are going to Santa Cruz today to see Uncle George.”
“Yeah!”
Jacob hopped off the stool and thrust his arms in the air. He ran
around the table like a speeding train pumping his small fists.
“Whoa, buddy.” Jessica caught him, wrapping her arms around his chest. “Jacob, listen. I need to talk with Melissa.
Why
don’t you watch cartoons and I’ll call you when the pancakes are
ready.” Jessica rubbed the top of his head, his soft, brown hair
slipping between her fingers.
“Okay.” He ran toward the couch. On
his way, he reached down and grabbed his favorite dump truck from the
floor, and then huddled in the corner cushion of the sofa. Jessica
flipped on the television, then motioned for her roommate to join her in
her bedroom.
“What’s up?” Melissa planted her hands on her hips. “You’re acting strange.”
“It’s Jacob’s birthfather. I spoke with him this morning.
Jessica
paced the room. She grabbed her purple terrycloth robe and slipped it
over her shoulders. “I hung up on him. And now he’s calling again.”
“What does he want?” Melissa sat on the edge of Jessica’s unmade bed and covered her legs with the striped comforter.
“To see Jacob.” Jessica leaned against the wall, slid down, and landed with a thud on the hardwood floor.
“Has he ever been part of Jacob’s life?”
“No,
and I won’t let him start now. When he found out I was pregnant, he
made it clear he didn’t want anything to do with the baby or me. He even
blamed me for sleeping around, saying the baby wasn’t his.” Jessica
hugged her legs with both arms. “I wish I’d never gone to Mexico on that
college trip. But I did.” She sighed. “My roommates and I wanted to
celebrate. I knew better.”
“Celebrate what?”
“Graduation
from Fresno State.” Jessica bit her lower lip.“We were seniors looking
for a good time. That’s where I met Andrew.” She stared at the floor,
wishing the memories away.
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. You have a beautiful little boy.” Melissa stood and meandered over to where Jessica sat.
Holding out both hands, she pulled her up. “From now on, I’ll answer the phone. I think Jacob’s waiting for those pancakes.”
Her roommate was never one to mope and she wouldn’t allow Jessica to either.
She cinched the belt of her robe. “Please don’t tell Jacob who called.”
“Never in a million years.” Melissa led her back to the kitchen. “So, when do you leave for Santa Cruz?”
“Right after breakfast.”
“It’s spring break. Why don’t you take the whole week? I’ll ward off any unwanted callers.”
With
Jacob having time off from school, Jessica had cancelled all her
clients. Her speech pathology business, SpeakEasy, would take a hit
financially but she’d promised Jacob to spend time with him. Santa Cruz
sounded great. Still . . . .
“But tomorrow is Easter and we
planned a big dinner. I can’t leave you alone.” Jessica poured a cup of
coffee and handed it to Melissa. “I bought more vanilla creamer. It’s in
the side door of the refrigerator.”
“Don’t worry about me.” Melissa’s eyes danced. “A guy from work hinted he had no place to go.”
“Oh, I get it.” Jessica grinned. “Don’t let us get in your way.”
“It’s
not like that, and you know it.” Melissa returned the tease. “I was
going to ask you today if he could join us, but since you’re leaving
town, I didn’t want you to worry.” She grabbed the creamer and poured a
hefty portion into her coffee.
“If it makes you feel any better, I’m glad you’ll have company.”
“Where will you stay in Santa Cruz?”
“My
uncle has a trailer. I’m sure we can crash there.” Jessica cracked two
eggs into a bowl and beat them before adding the flour, baking powder,
sugar, and milk to the bowl. “He’s going to be surprised to see us. I’ve
been hesitating—didn’t want to scare Jacob. He’s never seen someone
without a leg.”
Melissa took a swig of her coffee. “Jacob didn’t look scared to me. Are you sure you’re not the one who’s nervous?” She winked.
Jessica placed a small bowl of butter in the microwave.
“Okay,
you got me there. I admit I’m scared. I can’t imagine my uncle, someone
I’ve leaned on for strength my whole life, needing assistance. I’m glad
the nurses at Pacific Coast Manor are available around the clock.” She
stirred the batter gently, leaving small clumps of dry ingredients. “I
almost forgot the chocolate chips.”
“In the pancake batter? It’s
not anyone’s birthday.” Melissa opened the cabinet above the dishwasher
and handed the bag to Jessica. “You really are worried about that phone
call.”
Jessica nodded and let out a breath.
Melissa sidled
up to her and spoke in hushed tones. “Remember, it’s not the end of the
world. So, he wants to see his son. Are you sure that would be a bad
thing?”
Jessica scrunched up her nose and looked directly at her
roommate. “I’m positive.” She placed a frying pan on the stove and
turned the heat to medium low before she added a handful of chocolate
chips to the mix.
Melissa dropped a pat of butter into the pan. “Okay, if you’re sure, then I’m with you on this.”
“Thank you.”
“But
promise me you’ll take this week to really think it through. Jacob
needs a man in his life. And you haven’t brought one around since he was
born.” Melissa sprinkled a few flecks of water into the pan. The drops
sizzled.
“You forget. We’re going to visit my uncle. He’s the best
role model I could ask for. No other man is needed.” Jessica poured
circles of batter onto the hot griddle.
“If you say so.”
“Jacob, can you please turn off the television,” Jessica called. “It’s time for pancakes.”
“Buckle
up.” Jessica glanced over her shoulder at her six year old. He sat in
his booster seat between several suitcases, clutching his stuffed teddy
bear.
“How long ’til we get there?” Jacob clicked the seat belt.
“About three hours, give or take.”
She couldn’t get out of her apartment fast enough.
Considering
she hadn’t heard from Andrew in years, he’d suddenly become persistent.
He must have done plenty of searching to locate her unlisted phone
number. She’d been careful to keep her whereabouts a secret.
Melissa stood by the curb waving as Jessica turned the key. “Jacob, wave goodbye.”
“Why can’t Melissa come?” Jacob leaned toward the door and moved his hand back and forth.
“Because she has a special guest coming for Easter dinner tomorrow.” Jessica grinned.
No
one should be alone on a holiday, including Uncle George. It had been
at least two years since the last time they’d been together, and she
hadn’t been with him much before that either, although they’d always
stayed in touch. His ministry to the people in the Philippines had
spanned decades. She knew he’d hoped to live out his days there, but his
high fever and toe infection brought him back home to the States. No
amount of antibiotics could cure the gangrene that set in or the hearing
loss in his right ear. His left leg was amputated below the knee, and
he was fitted for a hearing aid. And now, according to the nurses, he
was becoming more and more withdrawn as the days wore on. Jessica could
hear it in his voice every time she called.
After weaving through
town to load her car with gas, she turned onto CA-180W toward CA-99 and
drove her Honda Civic with the air conditioner on full blast. She
flipped on the radio and sang along.
“Mommy.”
Jessica looked into her rearview mirror. “Yes?”
“I need to go potty.” He bit his lower lip.
Jessica let out a sigh and stared back at the road. “Didn’t I tell you to go before we left?”
“I forgot.”
“I’ll look for a rest stop. You may need to wait until we get to Madera.”
“How long is that?”
“Twenty
miles.” Jessica glanced at him once more. Her son’s brows were
furrowed, his lips pinched, and his arms were tightly wrapped around his
stuffed animal. The life of a six-year-old was hard. She stifled a
grin. If worse came to worst, she’d pull over to the side of the road.
“When we gonna get there?” Jacob whined.
This was going to be a long trip.
The Writer's Life: Author Interviews, Book Promotion Tips, and more!
Friday, May 17, 2013
First Chapter Reveal: The Sixth Power by Carol Nicolas + Win $75 Amazon Gift Card!
Title of Book: THE SIXTH POWER
Genre: YA Paranormal
Author: Carol Nicolas
Website: www.carolnicolas.wordpress.com
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
PURCHASE AT AMAZON
SUMMARY:
Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.
FIRST CHAPTER:
Genre: YA Paranormal
Author: Carol Nicolas
Website: www.carolnicolas.wordpress.com
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
PURCHASE AT AMAZON
SUMMARY:
Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.
Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived
an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom's
research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring
break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania
reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect
Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use
her powers to help save Dan's sister in time to keep Tom's secrets safe.
FIRST CHAPTER:
Sometimes, even when
you know that death is imminent, you just have to go ahead and complete your
small task in the great plan, Tom thought as he glided through the still,
dark room. His bare feet made no sound
on the smooth, hardwood floor. He felt
strange sneaking around like a thief in his own house.
Tom paused at the ornate chess set on the living room coffee
table. His sister, who always played
white because his dad insisted she have the first move, could lose in three
moves if she wasn’t careful. Tom moved
her bishop. There, that should buy her
some time. Too bad his own problems
weren’t so easily solved.
The grandfather clock ticked steadily in the elegantly
furnished living room. He had to
hurry. He used his Gift and sent out a
mental sweep of the La Jolla neighborhood.
None of El Calavera's men were in the area, though he had spotted them
following him earlier that day. He knew
they were close and would catch up to him.
He planned to be far from here by then.
Tom entered the study and sat down at the family computer
where he and his sister had spent many hours playing on-line games. He accessed his email and opened a file he
had sent earlier from Triumph Genetics Lab.
At once the virus he had created began to destroy all the files in every
system.
“Forgive me, Tania.
You’ll understand someday.”
He opened the door to his father’s bedroom and moved
noiselessly to the dresser. His father
had set up a shrine there: a vase of
gladiolas and lilies, his mother’s framed picture, her gold cross on a fine
gold chain, and a pair of fat purple candles that illuminated the room and sent
the fragrance of lavender through the air.
Three sympathy cards stood open on the left. In the center was a bronze box with a plaque
engraved with the words ‘Maria Valdez Walters Westing.’
“Mother.” He kissed
his fingers and touched the words.
He glanced at the rumpled bed. His father must have taken a sleeping pill;
his mouth was slightly open and his breathing hoarse and ragged. Tear stains glistened on the side of his
haggard face. Tom bent down and kissed
his father’s forehead. “Love you, Dad,”
he whispered. Sorrow flooded Tom’s heart.
He knew he was about to cause his father even more grief. He touched his father’s forehead and sent a
specific command to his subconscious.
Next, he went to his little sister’s room. At fourteen years old, Tania was already a
beauty: tall and slender, with straight
black hair that fell past her shoulders, and smooth, light brown skin. She was so much like their grandmother. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and
peaceful. Her favorite book, The Lord of the Rings, lay beside the
pillow where it had slipped from her loosely curled fingers, and her bedside
lamp cast a dim glow into in the dark room.
He wondered if she ever turned it off at night now. Even in sleep, she looked a little sad. His heart ached.
He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Sweet dreams, little Sis. Remember me.
Take care of Dad.”
Tania surprised him when she opened her large, dark eyes and
grinned. “Gotcha! You thought I was asleep, didn’t you?” She sat up and wrapped her arms around
him. “Are you home for the weekend?”
“No, I just stopped to say goodbye.” He squeezed her tight,
memorizing her.
She sniffed. “You
smell weird.”
He sighed, released her, and sat down next to her on the
edge of the bed. Tania was much too
observant, but he would let her play their game. “Go ahead.
Deduce.”
Tania’s eyes twinkled as she studied him. “You’re wearing old clothes, and you smell
like smoke, sea brine, and sweat. There
are ashes in your hair. Your left
forefinger and thumb are red. Your
sleeves and cuffs are wet at the edges.
Therefore, you and some of your fellow profs -- no, make that your two
buddies at the lab -- those other dolts are much too stuffy to do something fun
-- had a hot dog roast at the beach before you came here. Whatever you used for wood had a lot of
chemicals in it. You got a little too
close to the fire. Try using a coat
hanger next time.”
He grinned. “Very
good, my dear Sherlock. The hot dogs
were delicious. We even tossed the
football around.” He was dressed in his
darkest jeans, a faded black t-shirt, and a black wool coat, but it was more
for camouflage than anything else. There
hadn’t been time to clean up before he’d come from the lab. He wouldn’t tell her what he had really been
doing there.
Tania reached out and tugged gently on his long, tangled
hair. “It’s grown since I saw you
last. If you stick around, I could cut
it for you tomorrow.”
Tania looked so hopeful, but he shook his head. “No. I
can't stay.”
She frowned. “Where
are you going?”
He brushed a strand of her hair away from her face and
tucked it behind her ear. Sorrow
clenched his heart, but he didn’t let on.
“Away.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she took his hand. “I love you, Tom.” Her words were underscored with a yearning
for him to stay, as if those words were strong enough to bring him back home
for good, strong enough to heal the rift between him and his father, and make
them all a real family again. But
nothing could do that now. Their
mother’s ashes were three months cold, and soon he would be with her.
“I love you too, more than you know.” With all his heart he wished he could be
there to see her grow up and fulfill her enormous potential. Like Tom and the others of their mother's
family, Tania had inherited many of the usual Gifts. But Tania was special. His genetic studies had revealed that not
only did she have her mother's DNA for the extremely rare gift to heal, but she
also had the DNA that would signal the pituitary to secrete the hormone that
would activate the Gift. Tania would
become a great healer.
As yet, Tania was untrained and barely aware of her
Gifts. All their mother had been allowed
to do was to teach her to how to hide her uniqueness, to blend in with the
normal population. For her own safety,
Tania would have to remain that way until Aunt Sarah decided otherwise. The research which he had conducted with DNA
samples from those with the Gifts, including his startling discoveries which he
had planned to share with Aunt Sarah, would have to remain hidden as well. He was out of time.
Tom took Tania's hand and turned it so that the ruby in the
delicate gold ring glittered in the lamplight.
This ring was more than just a symbol of the powerful Valdez family; it
would shield her mind from those who sought to probe her thoughts. In a few years, when Tania would begin
training in her Gifts, she would learn to actively protect herself. Aunt Sarah and the others would keep her safe
until then. “Promise me that you’ll
always wear this ring.”
Tania squeezed his hand.
Her eyes were sad. “I promise.”
The clock struck the half hour. Tom had to get out.
He picked up the book from beside her pillow, removed her
bookmark, and opened it to the page he needed.
The Lord of the Rings had been
one of their favorite stories as children.
They had spent so many hours playing together. He smiled.
“Remember how we used to pretend to be Frodo and Sam on the way to Mount
Doom?”
“Yeah.” Tania
grinned.
“We also used to make up riddles for Bilbo to use on
Gollum.”
“Those were great times.”
He looked out the window and blinked back tears. He would never see his sister again. His hand rested on the page as he
recited. “‘All that is gold does not
glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not
wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be
woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was
broken, the crownless again shall be king.’
Remember that, Sis. Listen with
your heart to find the truth.”
Tania’s eyes were on his face, so she didn’t see how he pulled
a bookmark from his pocket, inserted it into the book at the passage he had
just quoted, and then slipped her bookmark into his pocket. Keep it
safe, he silently commanded. He
looked down at her, wishing there was more he could do. Then he placed two fingertips at her temple
and whispered, “Na dolen.” The command would keep her from remembering
this conversation until she needed it.
Her eyes blinked in blank, sleepy surprise. “Tom?”
THE GIVEAWAY
Carol Nicolas will be giving away a $75 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person at the end of her tour! Enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Interview with Cynthia Ruchti, author of Christian fiction 'When the Morning Glory Blooms'
---------------------
Cynthia Ruchti is an author and speaker who tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels, nonfiction, women’s events, and outlets related to the Heartbeat of the Home radio broadcast she wrote and produced for thirty-three years. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five joy-giving grandchildren.
Her latest book is the Christian fiction, When the Morning Glory Blooms.
You can learn more about Cynthia and her writing and speaking at www.cynthiaruchti.com.
---------------------
Q: Welcome
to The Writer's Life! Now that your book
has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process. Can we begin by having you take us at the
beginning? Where did you come up with
the idea to write your book?
When the Morning Glory Blooms lived under my heartbeat for a long time. Other books were born while it waited, but the gestation period for this novel was more than twelve years.In its earliest stages, the book allowed my curiosity to roam over the idea of what it would be like to run a home for unwed moms during the late 1800s. I expected it would be tough, an assignment with many obstacles and a heartache or two along the way. I wondered how society’s attitudes would be different and how they’d be the same as today’s.The book refused to be told from that single perspective, through the eyes of Anna, the woman who welcomed unwed moms into her home. So I introduced a second main character, Ivy, who cares for Anna in the older woman’s final days. Ivy, with one hand pressed against the spot in her belly where a baby grows, listens to Anna’s wildly imaginative stories about the outrageous number of daughters she had, none of whom come to visit her in the nursing home. Ivy listens long enough to realize the stories are rooted in reality, a reality that may hold the key to Ivy’s own search for hope in her situation, with a child on the way and her boyfriend serving in the Korean Conflict, the 1950s version.
But the novel kept pacing, as if it wasn’t quite satisfied. And my own family faced the aftershocks of an unwed pregnancy and the birth of a grandchild that showed us the meaning of grace.So, after resisting what I perceived might be a logistical complication, I added a third point of view character—Becky—who is the present day mom of a teen mom, finding her way through the difference between helping and enabling, discovering that it’s not so simple to parent a teen parent.The result is When the Morning Glory Blooms—three eras, three women desperate for hope, three reasons to believe it won’t come in time.
Q: How
hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could
pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?
When the Morning Glory Blooms touches on issues that are emotionally-charged—love and loss, abandonment, relationship breaches, single parenting, unapproachable and uninvolved dads, women not ready to be moms, women who long to be moms, marriage in the tough times. It couldn’t help but be emotionally exhausting to write. Creating realistic yet intriguing scenes demanded constant attention to how they each flowed into the other and how the stories blended so readers wouldn’t get whiplash moving from one era to another.One suggestion I’d have for other authors writing a novel encompassing more than one era is to watch for parallels in each of the eras that you can capitalize on in order to make the flow more seamless. A rough example would be ending a 1770s chapter with a scene of snow falling and beginning the next chapter in the 1970s with a dusting of snow. Something that links the eras together with an element or felt need or word or point of tension in common, although making it absolutely clear in which era the chapter is set.Another suggestion: Avoid writing stories with multiple eras unless absolutely necessary.
Q: Who
is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?
When the Morning Glory Blooms is published by Abingdon Press. I met the acquisitions editor at an American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference, the premier conference devoted exclusively to inspirational fiction. The editor acquired my debut novel—They Almost Always Come Home—as a direct result of that conference. A couple of years later she invited me to submit other ideas. When the Morning Glory Blooms is one that resonated with her and the rest of the fiction team. I have another novel releasing with Abingdon Press as well, in 2014—All My Belongings.
Q: Is
there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?
It surprised me that as well as I thought I knew my novel, I learned even more about it when seeing it through my readers’ eyes. Their perceptions, the details they noticed, the questions they asked, the way they related to the characters helped me view it in a new, refreshing light.
Q:
Can you describe the feeling when you saw your published book for the first
time?
My story may differ from others on this point. My mom had been my strongest cheerleader for my writing. Due to congestive heart failure, she entered a resident hospice facility for her final days of life in August 2009, grieving that she wouldn’t live to see the book’s release in May 2010. She hung on far longer than those first three days we expected to be her last. One day in mid-February, with her strength almost gone, she held the first copy of the Advanced Reader version in her hands. She kept it on the hospital table near her bed and talked about it with every visitor and hospice worker who came near. The staff noted that as soon as the book was in her hands, it was as if she began to let go. She died two weeks later. So my first glance at my first published book is tied to those tender memories.
Q:
What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?
I have a non-fiction book releasing with Abingdon Press in July—Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices. Mornings with Jesus 2014 with Guideposts will contain 40 of my devotions. Also in 2014 is the release of All My Belongings, another novel with Abingdon Press Fiction. Then, in 2015, I’m part of a 4-author Christmas novella collection with B&H Publishing—Merry Christmas, Mine. Other projects in the works!
Q:
Fun question: How does your book contribute to making this world a better
place?
Any good story makes the world a better place by sheer enjoyment and time well-spent. But my hope is that When the Morning Glory Blooms will also be a conversation starter in families and among friends, that it will help enable some readers to leave their past behind them, and that those who are desperate for hope will find it in the pages.
Q:
Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?
On a page by itself before the story begins is this line: The sound of our falling is the call that sends Him to catch us.It’s an embracing message of grace for our mistakes and hope for what lies in the aftermath.
Q: Thank
you again for this interview! Do you
have any final words?
I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity to talk about the stories close to my heart. When the Morning Glory Blooms is still speaking to me. I hope readers discover the same to be true long after they finish the last page. My cyber-door is always open to those who want to connect through my website www.cynthiaruchti.com, www.facebook.com/cynthiaruchtireaderpage, or www.twitter.com/cynthiaruchti. Thank you again for inviting me to visit The Writer’s Life.
Blog Tour: Interview with Joseph Spencer, author of 'Grim' + Win $25 Starbucks Gift Card!
As a boy, Joseph Spencer immersed himself in the deductive logic of Sherlock Holmes, the heroic crime fighting of Batman and Spider-Man, and a taste for the tragic with dramas from poets like Shakespeare and Homer.
Before Joseph took to spinning his own tales, he pursued a career in print sports journalism, graduating summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He covered such events as NASCAR’s Subway 500 race in Martinsville, the NBA Draft Camp in Chicago, the Junior College World Series, and Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League All-Star Game during a ten-year career throughout the Midwest. Now, he works as an emergency telecommunications specialist with an Illinois police department. The combination of years of writing experience with a background working with law enforcement professionals gave rise to his writing aspirations.
Joseph was married Dr. Amy (Waggoner) Spencer, an accomplished veterinary doctor, on March 14, 2012. He received word his debut novel was accepted by his publisher, Damnation Books, the next day. Joseph and Amy look forward to their honeymoon in Paris in September 2012. Murphy, a 15-year-old orange tabby, is perhaps the most vocal member of the family. The Spencer family enjoys reading Charlaine Harris, George R.R. Martin, Mary Janice Davidson, and most paranormal stories. The Spencers also enjoy quoting movie lines from “The Princess Bride”, “Rain Man”, “Bridesmaids”, and “Office Space”.
His latest book is the paranormal crime thriller, Grim.
Visit his website at www.JosephSpencer.com.
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Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life! Now that your book has been published, we’d
love to find out more about the process.
Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning? Where did you come up with the idea to write
your book?
I began my professional life as a newspaper
reporter, writing for large regional dailies in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Virginia over a 10-year
career. When digital media began to threaten the future of print media, I
decided to switch careers and have worked as an emergency 9-1-1 telecommunicator for the past four
years. I missed writing, and thought that writing crime fiction would be a nice
blend of my two jobs. I work with police, firefighters and paramedics on a
daily basis, so I try to integrate some of the personalities from my real life
experiences into my characters.
Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do
you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier
for other writers?
With the responsibilities of my full-time job, it
was difficult to devote time to write, too. I imposed a daily goal of writing
at least three pages per day, and that steady commitment to it helped me
finish. I’d never written fiction or before Grim,
so it was an accomplishment to see it through. My best advice for any writer is
to write every day, and never quit.
Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them
or did you self-publish?
My publisher is Damnation Books, an independent
horror trade press from Santa Rosa, Calif. I queried
several houses which accepted unsolicited manuscripts, and right away they were
excited to work on Grim. It was quite
an exciting week for me because they accepted my manuscript on March 15, 2012, the day after
my wedding.
Q: Is there anything that surprised you about
getting your first book published?
I had no idea how difficult the entire process would
be. I thought I finished the heavy lifting when I finished writing, but the
querying process with agents and publishers is even more nerve wracking.
There’s a lot of rejection, so when you get accepted it’s exhilarating. It’s a
Herculean task to make a success out of an independent book. You’ve got to make
a lot of successful decisions with marketing, and be willing to spend a little
to get your name out to readers who’ve never heard of you or what you’ve
written. It’s a cluttered marketplace, so you’ve got to win over readers who
are wondering why they should spend their hard-earned money on you.
Q: Can you describe the feeling when you saw your
published book for the first time?
My cover artist is Dawne Dominique, a talented
designer for horror and romance novels with Damnation Books. I thank her all
the time because she took my breath away when she first emailed my cover to me.
When I saw it, it created a sense of pride and legitimacy. My story became
real. A character I’d only known from my imagination stared back at me, and he
looked exactly how I’d envisioned him. I cried when I held the first paperback
copies I received because this was something I didn’t even know I could finish
when I started.
Q: What other books (if any) are you working on and
when will they be published?
Wrage, the second book
in my Sons of Darkness series, was
released June 1st by Damnation Books. It picks up where I left off
with Grim. It tells the story of Jeff
Wrage, who is seeking vengeance for his murdered wife.
Q: Fun question: How does your book contribute to
making this world a better place?
My book attempts to make you take a closer look at
the human condition. It’s a morality tale about losing your humanity when you
become obsessed with personal loss.
Q: Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to
get across with your book?
My message is that it’s easy for any of us to fall
from grace. Without discipline, faith and hope, any of us can lose our way. In
my story, great men fall victim to the temptation of one of the deadly sins –
wrath. They lose everything but can’t stop themselves, even when they suspect
what they’re doing is wrong.
Q: Thank you again for this interview! Do you have any final words?
I am humbled and honored by those who’ve already
read Grim. It’s one of the greatest
thrills of my life when someone writes to let me know I’ve entertained them.
Feel free to contact me at heathgrim2012@gmail.com
with any questions, feedback or if you’d like me to send you free swag. I
invite those of you who enjoyed Grim
to pick up a copy of Wrage. My
publisher is offering 28 percent off all of our ebooks at www.damnationbooks.com with coupon
code 289snake. Thank you for having me.
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WIN $25 STARBUCKS GIFT CARD!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Romance Book Club by Michelle Hughes Book Blast
Join Michelle Hughes, author of the contemporary romance novel, Romance Book Club, as she tours the blogosphere May 10 through May 15 on her first Book Blast with Pump Up Your Book! Michelle will be giving away a $25 Amazon GC/Paypal Cash to one lucky reader! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form on the participating blogs below anytime during the tour and good luck!
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ABOUT ROMANCE BOOK CLUB
A book club, a romance novel, and a group of professional women in Atlanta, Georgia. That might bring to mind a nice enjoyable evening of companionship and fun, but what if the women in question wanted to take things just a step further than the safety of a cozy living room meeting? When Jessie's book club decided to put some real-time research into the background of their latest reading topic, she had no idea it would land her right in the middle of Sensation's Dungeon!
Chase Davenport had seen dozens of women walk into his dungeon, curious about what his lifestyle entailed. Never had one ran for the door and looked on in abject horror like a certain petite little brunette. Challenge, that's what he considered when he stared into eyes the color of a Caribbean sea at sunset filled with fear.
The sexy club owner fit the description of a sexy alpha male romance character to a tee, and to Jessie that wasn't a compliment. When he offered to give her a tour of his dungeon, and discuss the reality of his lifestyle, she should have ignored the temptation. But how did anyone resist a chance to talk with a man that had a body built for sin and a smile that made her knees tremble?
Determined to give the tempting beauty just a little education about his world, he had no idea unlocking her mind would result in his own need to stake his claim. He was a man accustomed to having women beg for his attention, but there was something about Jessie that called out the true alpha in him. Would she be able to accept what he really wanted from her, or walk out his dungeon never to return?
It began with a love of reading romance behind the pages of a book... but in the end, reality would show a different world awaited if either of them were willing to take the chance.
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ABOUT MICHELLE HUGHES
Michelle Hughes is an international bestselling independent author. She currently resides in Alabama with her husband and her five children. Hughes began her career in entertainment as a singer and host for a nationally televised satellite talent program and continued to perform across the United States until she decided to move home and start her family.
Hughes owns Tears of Crimson. The website began as role-play and fan fiction base and has since become the home of Tears of Crimson Books. Hughes states her love of writing comes from her muse Rafe, who has given her dreams of fantasy worlds since she was a young girl.
Hughes started reading Harlequin romance books at eight years old, sneaking them from her grandmother. It instilled in her a love of romance that is still with her today. Her grandmother was raised on a cotton farm and only completed a sixth grade education, it was through watching her struggles with reading that Hughes states gave her the love of the written word.
Connect with Michelle!


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Pump Up Your Book and Michelle Hughes are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash!
Here's how it works:
Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour. This promotion will run from May 10 through May 15. The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter and announced on May 16. Each blogger who participates is eligible to enter and win. Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog. If you would like to participate, email Tracee at tgleichner(at)gmail.com. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments for your blog, too! Good luck everyone!ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway-----------------------
Romance Book Club Book Blast
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Participating Blogs:
Friday, May 10
Saturday, May 11
Sunday, May 12
Monday, May 13
Tuesday, May 14
Wednesday, May 15
If you would like to join this book blast, leave a comment below with email information or email Tracee directly at tgleichner (at) gmail.com.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Book Publishing 101: Interview with Fantasy Author Kraig Dafoe
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As a reader of this blog, The Writer's Life, I would hope the reason why you love us so much - ahem - is that you are drinking up all the wisdom you can to find out how to get your book published. We have a great author here with us today to give his side of the story in the hopes that it will help you on your own road to publication. We welcome, Kraig Dafoe, author of the fantasy adventure novel, Search for the Lost Realm.
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Thank you for your time in answering our questions, Kraig.
Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to write a book?
I have always wanted to entertain others and I found this to be an easy way to do so. I have a vivid imagination that I would like to share with the world.Is this your first book?
This is my first title but I have more on the way.Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?
The road to publishing is a long and difficult journey; at least it was for me. I tried the conventional route of getting an agent, which soured me on the idea of ever trying again and then I went directly to the publishers. After a certain amount of time I just threw the gloves off and did it myself. If you have no patience, I don’t recommend this but when there are no alternatives, you do what you have to.What lessons do you feel you learned about the publishing industry?
It’s tuff and seemingly unfair. The publishers don’t want to take the chance on an unknown author yet they complain when that author goes to companies like Amazon. The industry can’t have things both ways and it needs to take a step back, assess the situation, and welcome new blood to the mix.If you had the chance to change something regarding how you got published, what would you change?
I would go with a traditional publisher. Publishing is hard work. You might think writing is hard but once the writing is over, you still have six months to a year worth of work just to get the book out and then you spend another six months trying to promote so people know it’s out there.Did you credit any person or organization with helping you get published?
Nope. This is the road I traveled alone. If this book becomes a success I will credit the people like you who helped me promote it, but the publishing road itself was a long lonely journey.What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
I’ve said this before, I’ll say it again and again. Never give up. If you have a story worth reading, do whatever you have to do to get it read.
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About the Author:
Kraig married at the age of nineteen and moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia where he worked as a Private Security officer for The Christian Broadcasting Network and also attended the Tidewater Community College for business.
After five years as a security officer, he became a Deputy Sheriff for the city of Chesapeake Virginia.
Kraig left the Sheriff’s office after nine years of service and pursued a couple of different business opportunities before he went on to publishing his debut novel.
Kraig is the father of five children and he currently resides in Kansas, raising his youngest son.
His latest book is the fantasy/adventure, Search for the Lost Realm.
Visit his website at www.kraigdafoebooks.com
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About Search for the Lost Realm:
Search for the Lost Realm is an epic journey in which a young man named Varan wants to find a power which has been missing from the world of Kantania for thousands of years.
Varan sets out but soon discovers his true mission is to save the worlds creator from a spiritual bond placed upon him by the powerful demon, Eldrok.
From demons to dragons and sorcerers to soldiers, battles erupt and Varan must hurry or the world could be lost to darkness forever.
This story does not consist of action alone as Varan faces dilemmas of the heart, struggles of the flesh and complex issues of the mind.
PURCHASE:
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | ITUNES
Interview with Linda J. White, author of 'Seeds of Evidence'
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By day, Linda J. White writes editorials for The Free Lance-Star, a newspaper in Fredericksburg, VA. By night, she plays the “what-if?” game, entangling engaging characters in “white-knuckle” plots. Her first FBI thriller, “Bloody Point,” was published in 2005. “Seeds of Evidence” (Abingdon Press) will be released in April 2013. Linda’s husband, Larry, was a video producer/director at the FBI Academy for over 27 years. Married since 1970, they have three grown children and now live with two dogs and two cats on two beautiful, wooded acres in Virginia.
You can visit Linda’s website at www.lindajwhite.com.
-------------------------------
Q: Welcome
to The Writer's Life! Now that your book
has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process. Can we begin by having you take us at the
beginning? Where did you come up with
the idea to write your book?
I met a woman from Tibet five years ago, who, as a impoverished teenager, had been promised a job in Mumbai as a domestic servant. Instead, she was trafficked in for prostitution, raped and ruined. Her story stunned me, and right then, I knew I wanted to write about modern day slavery.I had fallen in love with Chincoteague Island, Virginia, years ago. My grandparents lived there when I was a child. Walking on the beach on neighboring Assateague one day, I began mulling the story I wanted to write. In my mind’s eye, I saw a body washing up in the surf … a little Latino boy … perhaps the child of agricultural workers. Perhaps a victim of labor trafficking. Seeds of Evidence was born.
Q: How
hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could
pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?
The research is the hardest part for me because I write FBI thrillers and I want very much to portray the agents’ actions realistically. I’m fortunate to have a lot of friends in the Bureau who are generous with their expertise. I’d recommend that other writers do their homework. They’ll find that experts are generally quite willing to share what they know. In the end, it’s those accurate details that make the story believable.
Q: Who
is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?
Seeds of Evidence is published by Abingdon Press. I met their acquisitions editor at a writers conference, and my agent connected with her as well. I definitely recommend writers conferences! That face time helps!
Q: Is
there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?
Seeds of Evidence is actually my second book. My first, Bloody Point, came out some years ago. I remember being thrilled when I discovered readers were connecting with the characters I had created! Very exciting!
Q:
Can you describe the feeling when you saw your published book for the first
time?
I held it up and said, “It’s a BOOK!” Before that, it had been a thought, words on a computer, and a manuscript. Seeing the whole package was just amazing!
Q:
What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?
I have another book coming out in April 2014 from Abingdon Press. In Words of Conviction, FBI agents use forensic psycholinguistics to chase down the kidnapper of a powerful senator’s five-year-old daughter. I am learning a lot about how our words reveal our character!I’m just now beginning a book based on the 2002 Beltway Sniper incidents, which I lived through and reported. Scary!
Q:
Fun question: How does your book contribute to making this world a better
place?
I hope to wake people up to the scourge of human trafficking. There are 27 million people held in bondage today, in brothels, brick factories, and on farms. It’s time to end that abuse.
Q:
Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?
I hope readers will discover the freedom of forgiveness as they read this book. We’ve all been hurt. We need to let go of that hurt and reach for hope: That’s the message of Seeds of Evidence.
Q: Thank
you again for this interview! Do you
have any final words?
A lot of people say they want to write a book. A true writer must write. These stories are like fires in our bones: they must be let out. If that describes you, keep at it. Never give up. Feed your muse. And write.And thank you for the interview!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Book Trailer Reveal: Revived by Grace by Emma Clay
Revived by Grace
Emma Clay
Metokos Press
Christian Memoir
Emma Clay
Metokos Press
Christian Memoir
Emma Clay lived a life of rebellion, led astray by her own desires and her attraction to an indulgent life and a difficult man. This book is her memoir, telling the powerful story of her downward decline and the way God brought her back to himself through his love.
Moving between personal storytelling, Biblical reflection, and political application, Revived by Grace is a book that speaks to the wounded place in all of us that can be healed only by the grace of God.
ABOUT EMMA CLAY
Emma Clay is a writer who shares her own experiences about her
encounters with self and her bad decisions. She shares how she
transformed a life that seemed hopeless and seeks to give answers to
your own questions. She is dedicated to sharing her true stories with
others, in the hopes they will avoid the same pot holes, pitfalls, and
detours in their own lives.
She loves people, and her need to share this love will hopefully encourage others to find their own way.
Her latest book is the Christian inspirational memoir, Revived by Grace.
Visit her website at www.EmmaClay.com.
She loves people, and her need to share this love will hopefully encourage others to find their own way.
Her latest book is the Christian inspirational memoir, Revived by Grace.
Visit her website at www.EmmaClay.com.
Connect with Emma:
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