The Writer's Desk Welcomes Amanda Dieckmann Olsen

 

I actually have two places where I write. I wish I had an office, but my house is small- less than 1200 square feet.

In the morning I write at the kitchen table. The kitchen is the only finished room in our house, so I like hanging out in there. I stare out the bay window at the birds or watch the dust dancing in the slanting light while I drink my coffee. Then, I start typing. I don’t always get a solid hour in before my kids start making demands, but I do what I can. I usually leave the laptop out so I can take advantage of every lull in the chaos. Between cooking, cleaning, and diaper changes, I get quite a bit done.

The other place I write is a big, red wingback chair. I inherited this chair from my Nana. It’s a lovely, cozy place full of happy memories. I work here mostly at night. I don’t need complete silence to write, so I can curl up in my chair while my husband watches the Mets lose. In the winter I cover up with a crocheted afghan and in the summer I am in front of the AC.

Being flexible about my writing environment helps me get more done. If I can’t write something out completely, I will at least get the idea down in my notes. That way I can flesh it out when my kids are in bed. I hardly ever lose a thread, and if I do, that usually means it wasn’t strong enough in the first place. I try to write wherever I am, whenever I can.

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Jean Kincaid

If you were blind, how would you describe your writing space? My office is light and airy with bookshelves on each side of the desk. There are potted plants at eye level as well as on the floor.

Is there anything unique about your space? My office sits right at the top of the stairs above an open foyer and I face the window that looks out over the airport office.

How long have you used this space? Eighteen years.

Any organizational or writing space tip, tool, method, hint or amazing revelation you’d like to share. I try (TRY) to keep my desk cleared so I have room for the tools I need when I get busy writing. I keep folders in a slotted tray and the folders have different WIP’s with idea’s and photos to help me stay focused.

If you were going on a trip, what two writing tools would you take from your desk besides your computer? My Nook and whichever folder needed working on.

What are your favorite writing books? Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell and Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Dave King and Renni Browne

What do you love most about your space? The light and space.

What do you hate or dislike about your space? Still not in love with my chair.

What do you surround yourself with that isn’t writing related but that helps you to enjoy your writing space? Devotionals. Lots and lots of them.

What are you currently working on? A Historical Romance

 

Do you have a new release you’d like to tell us about? My latest release came out on January 1^st. It’s titled Wedding at the Hacienda. It’s the 3^rd book in the Rio Grande Romance series with Heartsong. It’s the story of the youngest Fuentes brother, the lifestyle of Hispanics and the love of a good woman.

Thank you so much for being a part of THE WRITER’S WORLD blog series. It was fun doing this interview with you.

J Thank you very much Rhonda for this opportunity. It’s so appreciated.

 

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Belle Calhoune

Hello Everyone!

 

I have been using my current work space for about four years.  The desk is pretty unique because my husband and I purchased it at a vintage store in our area.  We saw it one afternoon and fell in love with it due to some of the unique markings on it that were hand painted.  We made an offer on the spot and took it home. 

 

My revelation about writing is fairly simple.  Just do it.  It doesn't have to be pretty the first time around. For the first draft it's really important to just get the words on the page.  Plant yourself in your chair, transport yourself to the world you've created and write write write.  You can always go back in and tweak things to make it as perfect as you want it to be.  But a blank page will get you nowhere in the writing business.

My favorite writing books are Debra Dixon's "Goal, Motivation and Conflict" and Romance-ology 101 by Julie Lessman.  Dixon's book is classic and it yields such a great result if you apply the principles to your work in progress.  It really helps to look at your work and examining the GMC.  Romance-ology 101 is a great book on creating romantic tension in inspirational romance.  I really enjoy this book and I have it on my Kindle where I can refer to it often.  Writing Inspirational romance is very specific and there are certain limitations in the genre and nuances we have to emphasize in order to maximize our romantic tension.

What I most love about my writing space is that there is a window right above my computer.  I don't have to guess about the weather.  There's nothing better than to have the sun shining outside or the snow falling in winter.  And this really helps if I'm writing an outdoor scene and I need some visual inspiration.

The two writing tools from my desk I would take with me on a trip would be one of my fancy notebooks and a special pen.  I am somewhat obsessed with notebooks and pens, the fancier the better.  People in my family buy them for me as presents, which delights me to no end.  I like to write on the fly.  If I'm waiting for the kids as they take a dance class or a horseback riding lesson, I'm jotting down notes for scenes.  And there is something about a fancy pen that makes me feel very empowered and special.  I just love them!

The thing that I like least about my space is that it tends to get a bit crowded at times.  I don't like that feeling, although it is my own doing.  I need to streamline the things in my work area so I don't get distracted or fidgety.  I also have a book case  next to my desk, which can be very tempting at times. 

On my desk I have some special stones that I love to surround myself with for inspiration.  The stones each have a word on them.  Faith.  Love.  Creativity.  Peace.  Cherish.  Just looking at these stones helps me focus and reminds me of everything I stand for and hope to create with my words.  I also have a candy dish, usually filled with York peppermint patties or mini Reeses cups.  I love candles also.  I love France and consider myself a Francophile after studying the language for ten years.  I have a beautiful Eiffel Tower on my desk adorned with an I Love You ornament my daughter Amber gave me.  Basically, I like to surround myself with beautiful things that center me.

I'm currently working on a continuation of the story I began in Reunited with the Sheriff.  In my debut Love Inspired book I introduced the heroine, Cassidy Blake, along with her three best friends.  Now, one by one, the best friends are getting their own stories.  And their happily ever afters.

My new release (a May  Love Inspired) is entitled "Forever Her Hero." It is very near and dear to my heart.  It centers around Sawyer Trask, a courageous Coast Guard hero, who returns to his hometown in Cape Cod after a year in Africa on a mission.  Two years earlier his cousin Billy died tragically, leaving his widow, Ava, to raise their twins alone.  Sawyer and Ava were childhood best friends whose close relationship was forever altered when Ava married Billy.  Sawyer has always loved Ava, yet never managed to tell her.  Although Sawyer's goal is to be a part of the twins' lives, he also is determined to come clean with Ava about the night Billy died, a revelation that could forever alter their relationship.

Thanks so much Rhonda!

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Tamera Lynn Kraft

My writing area is also our living room when company visits and my area where I talk to God, read my Bible and pray. We redecorated recently, and this is my favorite place to be at home.

 

 This area, pictured above, has my laptop computer desk, A straight comfortable chair, and my laptop and Ipad. On the End Table is my book nook with my Bible, prayer journal and current reading material. It also has a lamp, my phone, and a walnut chess board in case a friend stops for a game of chess On the bottom shelf, that patch of blue is my footies in case my feet get cold. Behind the door of the end table is a portable file box. In the drawer of the other end table is a memo pad and pen and my Ipod and charging cords. On the wall are the high school pictures of my son and daughter. My son’s picture didn’t show up because of glare. There’s also a picture of Jesus when He calmed the seas with a caption, “Peace, Be Still”. That picture always makes me feel better when things are chaotic.

 

Going counterclockwise around the room, next is my couch. It’s very comfortable if I decide to take a break and have a nap. Above the couch is my eye candy. I love good art. This is my original Klee that my husband bought at a mall after watching him paint it. It was before he became well known. I love the colors in this painting.

Next is my view when I look up from the computer. Outside the window, it’s snowing today. It’s very pretty. The flowers on the table in the corner are my attempt at floral design. The bottom shelf of the table has a real hour glass. I love early American. The swivel rocker is great to turn around and sit in while I take in the view. There’s quite a bit of red in my living room toned down with taupe flowered wall paper, cream carpet, and this green/taupe chair. I love the color red. It makes me happy.

To the right is my oak roll top desk with curio cabinets on either side. I love my desk because it’s early American and because I can hide what I’m working on when company comes. On top of the desk is our oil lamp for when the electricity goes off, some candles, and another attempt at flower arranging. Above the desk hangs a photo of the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. My husband took it when we were in the area for a kid’s crusade. It was so cool because I can say I walked across the Mississippi River. In the curio cabinets are mostly bells and Hummel's. I collect them both. My oldest Hummel's I inherited from my grandmother who also collected them. In the right curio cabinet, five shelves down, is my International Shepherd’s Cup Award dated 2007. I received it for lifelong achievement in the advancement of children’s ministry. It’s one of my most treasured possessions because of what it represents.

We’ve come full circle where you can see a glimpse into my kitchen and hallway. In the kitchen is my ceramic checkered floor and checkered wallpaper, my china cabinet, and my quaker parrot, Olive Oil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's it for my office, here is a book blurb of my latest book,  Soldier’s Heart:

Noah Andrews, a soldier with the Ohio Seventh Regiment can’t wait to get home now that his three year enlistment is coming to an end. He plans to start a new life with his young wife. Molly was only sixteen when she married her hero husband. She prayed every day for him to return home safe and take over the burden of running a farm.

But they can’t keep the war from following Noah home. Can they build a life together when his soldier’s heart comes between them?

Soldier’s Heart can be purchased at these links:

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-American-Civil-Soldiers/dp/1622084667/ref=la_B00H9EW5XU_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394736845&sr=1-1

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Murray-Puras-American-Civil-War-ebook/dp/B00FKNQLGE/ref=la_B00H9EW5XU_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394736845&sr=1-4

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murray-puras-american-civil-war-series-cry-of-freedom-volume-13-soldiers-heart-murray-pura/1117191335?ean=2940148560067

 

 

Tamera Lynn Kraft always loved adventures. She writes Christian historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many adventures in American history. Strong elements of faith, romance, and suspense are in her historicals, but the main feature is that sense of adventure that's inherent in the history of the United States of America. She writes from a Christian worldview. Linda Glaz from Hartline Agency is her agent.

Tamera has been married for 35 years to the love of her life, Rick. They have two married adult children and two grandchildren. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years.

She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. Her curriculum has been published including Kid Konnection 5: Kids Entering the Presence of God published by Pathway Press. She is honored to be the recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

The Writers Desk Welcomes Louise Gouge

Today we are talking with Louise Gouge about her writing and workspace. Louise is an Award-winning Florida author who  writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired imprint. In addition to numerous other awards, Louise is the recipient of the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award for her 2005 historical novel, Hannah Rose (first place) and her 2011 Regency novella, The Gentleman Takes a Bride, (second place).

 

Welcome Louise!! Let's get started....

 

 

If  you were blind, how would you describe your writing space?

My desk sits in the corner of my bedroom and has all the comforts and utilities of an office: comfy chair with back support, keyboard drawer, laptop computer connected to a large monitor, land line phone, file drawers, and bookshelves beside and above me. A sliding glass door beside me provides a view of our grassy back lawn.

 

 

Is there anything unique about your space?

It’s a cozy place where external sights and sounds don’t intrude unless I let them.

 

How long have you used this space?

I’ve had this spot for over two years.

 

Any organizational or writing space tip, tool, method, hint or amazing revelation you’d like to share.

Because my bedroom has plush carpet, I have a mat under my chair that permits me to roll around to easily reach anything I may need.

 

If you were going on a trip, what two writing tools would you take from your desk besides your computer?

Good old-fashioned pen and paper. And postit notes.

 

What are your favorite writing books?

Brandilyn Collins’ Getting into Character is my favorite. As a former amateur actress, I really related to her method of discovering my characters by getting into their skins.

 

What do you love most about your space?

I just love the cozy, comfy feel of it.

 

What do you hate or dislike about your space?

I can’t really think of anything I don’t like about it. I feel very blessed to have such a great spot to write.

 

What do you surround yourself with that isn’t writing related but that helps you to enjoy your writing space?

I have a television in the room. When I need a break from writing, I can catch up on my favorite shows or just watch the news without having to move an inch.

 

What are you currently working on?

I’m very excited to announce that I’m writing my first western series for Love Inspired Historical. The series is entitled Four Stones Ranch, and the first book, Cowboy to the Rescue, will be released in September 2014. I’m working on the second book now. I also have several books on sale in e-book format. Please take a look at Escape from Kikwit!, the fictionalized story of my daughter's missionary adventures in the Heart of Darkness.

 

Do you have a new release you’d like to tell us about? 

My most recent release is my final Regency romance entitled A Lady of Quality (July 2013). I loved writing stories set in England, but I’ve always wanted to write westerns, so it’s fun to challenge myself to learn a whole new genre. My newest release is an new ebook titled, Escape From Kikwit.

 

 

Oh this looks interesting, Louise. Would you please share a little about this book?

 

Sure... Abandoned in the Heart of Darkness during a deadly rebellion in the western African nation of Zaire, missionary school teacher Jenna Grant misses the only plane to safety and finds herself left behind in the company of a French Foreign Legionnaire. The only thing more dangerous to Jenna than the rampaging rebels out to take her life is the handsome young soldier who attempts to steal her heart.

At last Legionnaire Jean-Richard Chanson has found the fulfillment of his quest for happiness: a beautiful missionary teacher he must rescue from violent rebels. But how can he win her heart when she has already given it to an invisible rival, a God whom Jean-Richard has long ago rejected?

 

Where can we learn more about you?

 

Please visit my Web site at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com  

 

Thank you so much for being a part of THE WRITER’S DESK blog series J

 

Thanks for having me!

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Linda Ford

Good morning, Linda Ford here:

My writing space is a small room with desks on three sides, a closet and bookcase on the fourth and a big window looking out on the yard.

I had the window specially installed. It comes down to desk level and uses up most of the wall, which, remember, isn't that big. I've been in this space since we moved here 19 years ago. It was the first room I set up.

I have one desk for the computer, one for note-taking and the third for farm/business stuff. I try to keep everything sorted out. My writing desks are a mess when I'm writing but I know where things are (mostly) and I keep the bills, etc. on the farm desk. Other than putting things on the appropriate desk, I have no wonderful ideas on how to be organized.

 

I love that I have a door and that I can shut it and hope for some peace and quiet though my family comes and goes at will. I wouldn't have it any other way most days. I'd love more space, room enough for a comfie chair and a treadmill. Right now I need a new keyboard, a new keyboard tray, a new chair and a new floor mat. And I'll soon be needing a new computer. But I haven't found the time for an all-day shopping trip.

 

Speaking of trips, when I am going to be away from my office for a while I take pens in a variety of colors and a notebook with an elastic to keep it closed. I love using pen and paper.

Rhonda just leaned over and asked what I'm working on now and told me to mention my new release. She really likes the cover of my new release... I wonder why? 

At the moment I am working on a wagon trail story that is the first in a 3-book continuity. As well I am finishing up 3 stories about 3 girls who live in Montana and working on another 6 books I want to do in the Eden Valley Series.

Winning Over the Wrangler is a March release in the Cowboys of Eden Valley series. Three young women have traveled from England to the ranch. Jayne, in Claiming the Cowboy's Heart (Jan. 2104) is sister to Eddie Gardiner who owns the ranch. Sybil is her friend and this is her story. She meets a cowboy with a secret that could destroy them both. I got the idea for this story when I saw a picture of a cowboy on horseback carrying a dog. I wanted to get to know that cowboy.

 

  Linda, thank you so much for being a part of THE WRITER’S DESK

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Deborah Raney

 

I can honestly say that today I am a little star struck. Deborah Raney is an author that I have always enjoyed being around. She is open, honest, friendly and the love of our Lord radiates with her smile and good heart. Today I wanted to present her office in an interview style. Thank you all for joining me as we talk to Deborah about her office.


Welcome, Deborah. I'm excited to have you here and I'm going to jump right into the questions so as not to embarrass you with my gushing. So, is there anything unique about your space?
 

Probably the most unique thing about my office is the antique post office box that serves as a display case for my mug collection (60+ and counting!) It sits atop a slanted reference desk my dad made, and along with my Keurig coffeemaker creates a great little coffee bar I use every day.

How long have you used this space?
 

Ken and I just moved to a new home a year ago in March, so this space is new, but a lot of my same furniture came along with me from our last house in the small town we lived in. This is the old office setup:

If you were going on a trip, what two writing tools would you take from your desk besides your computer?
 

My Keurig coffeemaker and my big desk copy of the Chicago Manual of Style. I know it's available online, but I really like using the hardcopies of reference books. 

What are your favorite writing books?
 

Anything by James Scott Bell, Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass, Self-editing for the Fiction Writer by Browne and King...there are many. I have a whole list of my favorites on the sidebar of my website under FOR WRITERS. www.deborahraney.com  

What do you love most about your space?
 

I love the sunshine and the windowsill where my orchids bloom. I've always loved orchids, but this house is the first place, the light has been just right for getting them to RE-bloom.

What do you hate or dislike about your space?
 

Honestly, nothing! I just love everything about it! Well, I guess I wouldn't mind if our neighbor didn't park their trashcan RIGHT in my line of view. But other than that, this is really a perfect office for me!

What do you surround yourself with that isn't writing related but that helps you to enjoy your writing space?

 

My husband's and friends' art, lots of plants and blooming orchids, music to write by (movie soundtracks are the best!), and of course coffee!

 

What are you currently working on?
 

A new 5-books series for Abingdon Press. Home to Chicory Lane is the first book in the Chicory Inn series. It is finished except for the edit, and I'm working furiously toward my deadline with Book 2. I'm having a blast with these books that follow the children of an empty next couple who spent their retirement savings turning the family home into a bed and breakfast only to have their five kids return home in one way or another.

 

Thank you so much, Deborah for being a part of THE WRITER'S DESK blog series J

Thanks, Rhonda! It's a great idea and I'm delighted to have gotten to "play!"

 

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Cheryl Bolen

Welcome back everyone!!

Please join me in welcoming Cheryl Bolen. We decided to show you her office as if I were interviewing her. Hers is the first that will look like this, trust me, there will be others :) My questions are in bold and her answers are lighter. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed doing it.

 

How would you describe your writing space?

Light filled

 

Is there anything unique about your space?

I have a view of some woods that surround my house.

How long have you used this space?

The sun room has been my office since I bought this house in 2001.

Any organizational or writing space tip, tool, method, hint or amazing revelation you’d like to share.

Those who are savvy with computers will find me a dinosaur. I still have an assortment of three-ring notebooks. Some are for books in progress. Some are for various kinds of research.

One thing I find invaluable, since I write English historicals, is a map of England on my desk because I have to consult it a lot.

My office also houses many of my research books. And I have a lot.

 

 

What are your favorite writing books?

There are so many! But one that is most helpful to an author is my The Word Finder. It's not like a synonym finder or thesaurus. It helps you find something elusive like a word to describe a verb. For instance, I could look up a verb like descend and it gives me 13 adverbs to go with it, including pompously, hastily, noiselessly, and quickly. You can also look up adjectives to describe the noun you're using. It's lots of fun to play with.

For plotting a new book, I like Save the Cat, Hero's Journey, and Goal, Motivation, and Conflilct by Deb Dixon.

 What do you love most about your space?

I love all the light. And my Herman Miller Aeron chair – which was a necessity for one (with back trouble) who sits in front of a computer so many hours a day.

 What do you hate or dislike about your space?

Because my room is all windows with cold, tile floors, it can get nippy in the winter.

What do you surround yourself with that isn’t writing related but that helps you to enjoy your writing space?

Pandora Radio. I love every song they play on my "customized" channel. It's pretty much old standards of the American Song Book. I like music that's even older than me.

What are you currently working on?

I'm working on a proposal for my second Stately Homes Murders to follow my 2013 Montlake book, Falling for Frederick.

Do you have a new release you’d like to tell us about?

I have a Jan. 27 release of my fifth book in my Brides of Bath series of historical novels set in Regency England. It's titled Love in the Library. That's today!!!

 

 

Thank you Cheryl for such a fun interview. I look forward to reading your future books :) 

 

The Writer's Desk Welcomes Patricia Johns

Welcome to the blog, Patricia. Please grab a cup of tea or coffee and relax for a few minutes and tell us about your writing space.

 

This is my gorgeous desk. My parents bought it for me at an estate auction when I was about 24, and they dropped it off at my teenie, tiny rented bedroom during my starving artist years. It used up a good amount of my free space, but I didn't care. I loved it! Starving artist years are a whole lot less heroic when you have parents who shop for you at estate auctions. Just saying.

Every published novel I've written (about 13 now) has been written at this desk.

My desk and I have a deep and devoted relationship. As a mother, I don't have a lot that belongs to me and just me. Except for this desk. This is "Mommy's Desk." Truthfully, I don't do all of my writing at the desk. I have a laptop, and it travels with me around the house. I type at the kitchen table while I cook so that I don't burn the house down. (We've had a kitchen fire, but in my defence, I had the flu, so it wasn't a writing-related accident.) I type propped up in bed in the evening. I type on the couch while my husband watches a movie.

I'm curious Patricia, what do you surround yourself with that isn’t writing related but that helps you to enjoy your writing space?

 

I'm a mom. Really, all I need some quiet. And a big sign that says, "Go ask your father."

I'm curious, what are you working on right now?

 

Right now, I'm working on a novel I'd like to pitch to the American line. It's a nanny romance.

 

Thank you for stopping by today. Before I let you go, do you have a new release you’d like to tell us about?  

It isn't a new release, but it's my first Love Inspired. (There are move Love Inspired to come!) Oh good! I can't wait!!

 

 

 

His Unexpected Family

When a baby is dropped into her life without warning, Emily Shaw is overjoyed. It's a bit odd that her distant cousin named single Emily as guardian, but she's thrilled all the same. She never thought she'd get to be a mom. Another unexpected blessing is that baby Cora arrives in the arms of police chief Greg Taylor. Despite all three of them instantly bonding, Greg has promised himself he'll never be a father. And now Emily's smooth-talking relative is challenging her right to raise Cora. Will Emily have to make an impossible decision between the child she already loves and the man who loves her?

If my readers want to learn more about you, where can they find you?

 

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaJohnsAuthor

Blog: http://patriciajohnsromance.com