2014 Carol Award Finalist

Congratulations Everyone!!

 

Debut Novel:

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Natalie Hanemann

Jasmine by April McGowan, WhiteFire Publishing, editor Roseanna White

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, Natalie Hanneman, L.B. Norton

 

Contemporary:

The Language of Sparrows by Rachel Phifer, David C. Cook, editor Tonya Osterhouse

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, Natalie Hanneman, L.B. Norton

The Dance by Gary Smalley and Dan Walsh, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

 

Historical:

When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell, David C. Cook, editors Ingrid Beck, John Blase

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Philpott, Julee Schwarzburg, Jodi Hughes

Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate by Diana Wallis Taylor, Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Lonnie Hull Dupont

 

Historical Romance:

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Dave Long

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky, Waterbrook Multnomah (Random House), editors Shannon Marchese, Karen Ball

 

MST:

Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Dave Lambert, Sue Brower, Ellen Tarver

Dark Justice by Brandilyn Collins, B&H Publishing, editors Karen Ball, Julie Gwinn

Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes, David C. Cook, editors L.B. Norton, Jack Campbell

 

Novella:

An Ever After Summer from A Bride for all Seasons by Debra Clopton, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Ami McConnell

Love by the Letter by Melissa Jagears, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

A Christmas Prayer by Linda Wood Rondeau, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editor Amberlynn Noelle

 

Romance: 

Silver Bells by Deborah Raney, Summerside Press (Guideposts), editor Rachel Meisel

Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Jessica Wong

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Sarah Long, Charlene Patterson

 

Romantic Suspense:

Trapped by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

Vanished by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink, River North (Moody Publishers), editor Deb Keiser

 

Short Novel:

Seaside Blessings by Irene Hannon, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

The Doctor's Family Reunion by Mindy Obenhaus, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

Mending the Doctor's Heart by Tina Radcliffe, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Rachel Burkot

 

Speculative:

A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long, Karen Schurrer

The Hero's Lot by Patrick W. Carr, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long, Karen Schurrer

The Sinners' Garden by William Sirls, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Natalie Hanemann, Lisa Bergren

 

Young Adult:

A Simple Song by Melody Carlson, Revell – A Divison of Baker Publishing Group, editors Lonnie Hull Dupont, Wendy Wetzel

Captives by Jill Williamson, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Jacque Alberta, Jeff Gerke

Project Gemini by Jill Williamson, Marcher Lord Press, editor Jeff Gerke

 

 

KILLER VOICES

These are the first round teams of Killer Voices. Love Inspired held a contest to decide who had writing voices for the Love Inspired Suspense line. Today these teams were announced. Congratulations everyone!!

TEAM ELIZABETH

Mary L. Ball –Voices of Suspicion
Kathryn Barker—Catch a Falling Angel
Lynn Huggins Blackburn—Need To Know
Lillian Duncan—Game On
Leigh Herren—If Walls Could Talk
Rhoda C. Hill—Glorified Manor
Megan Kellett—Strangled Love
Dena Marie Lopez—Deadly Homecoming
Dana R. Lynn—Oblivion
Jenna Night—A Sentry by Her Side
Mary Ellen Porter—The Last Find
Shirley Riggins—Trade Winds of Love
Patricia H. Rushford—Deadly Deception
Lucy Sawyer—Deadly Secrets
Karen Sims—Terror in the Ozarks

TEAM EMILY KRUPIN

Liza Brandt—In the Line of Duty
Annie Wright Burnett—Deadly Assignment
Karen Cogan—An Unlikely Duo
Karen Collier—An Eye for an Eye
Jim Cook—Z-a-z-z-y Spells Murder
Nancy J. Farrier—Hide and Seek
Denise Frazier—Mountaintop Danger
Jessica Hayes—Tempestuous Love
Delia Latham—The Cottage Caper
Barbara Lukow—Sinister Legacy
Janelle Mowery—Found Hidden
Connie Queen—Killer at Kiddie Kampus
Marilynn Rockelman—Nine-One
Marina Teller—The Inheritance
Anna Zogg—Flying Blind

TEAM EMILY RODMELL

Angela Arndt—One for Sorrow
Rebecca Ashby—Hijacked
Lorelei Bedford—Desperate Measures
Laurel Blount—Reckless Endangerment
Amara Brooks—Capsized
Allyson Carter—Against All Odds
Meghan Carver—The Lawyer’s Last Hope
Mary Curry—Christmas in Hiding
Lauryn Eason—Betrayal
Joanne Graves—Blue Creek Protector
Caitlin Hemphill—Flirting with Danger
Michelle Karl—Iced
Jennifer Laird—Lavender Skies
Shawna Mumert—The Ties that Bind
Jenna Victoria—Heirloom Secret

Team Shana
Shanda Arnett—A Night to Remember
Lisa Christenson—Hawk of Wa Pu Ta Creek
Deb Harkness—What Lurks Beneath
Tammy Johnson—In the Wind
Janice K. Olson—Run…But You Can’t Hide
John R. Pickens—Desert Rain
Kavanagh Rees—Death by Number
Muna Sheik—Shotgun Dead
Dianna Shuford—Hidden Motives
Anne Marie Sinclair—Unbroken
Tanya Stowe—Danger in Dhofar
Angela Ruth Strong—Presumed Dead
Therese Travis—Guardian of Angels
Alexa Verde—Lost Solitude
Terri Weldon—Dead on Monday

Writing with Emotion, Tension, & Conflict

Today I am posting about a book that I believe will change the way I write. Cheryl St. John is the author of this book, WRITING WITH EMOTION, TENSION & CONFLICT.

 

 

It doesn't matter how many books I write and sell. I always look for 'how to write' books. I want to learn how to write better. This is one of the best I've found in a long time. If you want to learn more about conflict, this is the book for you. After all, don't we all want to add conflict to our stories? Emotion and tension are important when writing conflict. This is a win/win book!

 

Please, if you are a serious writer, click on the cover of this book and get your copy today. You won't be sorry.

How to Write a Book

I'm asked all the time how to write a book. So today I thought I might break it down into 4 simple steps that work for me.

1. Come up with an Idea.
        Now I know that seems simple enough but that's not always the case. Here's how I look for ideas: I listen to people talk sometimes something that is said will spark an idea. I enjoy writing historical novels so I go online and look up town histories or think of a famous real life character such as Billy the Kid and read up on him. Some authors get ideas from TV. Those are just three general ways but I think you get the "idea." Pun intended.

2. Create well-developed Characters.
      Ask yourself what makes this character unique? What does he/she want? And what will stop him/her from getting what she wants? Give your characters flaws.  It's important to make your characters as interesting as possible. There are whole books written on how to develop characters, I'm simply giving you basics to get you started.

3. Create a Deadline.
      There are lots of people out there who dream of writing a book. Serious writers give themselves a deadline and stick to it. Even before I became published, I gave myself deadlines. Why? An idea is exciting when you start, writing a book around that idea is work. By setting a deadline you don't give up. You press on. And, if you are a serious writer, you finish the book. Now, let me make myself clear, I am not saying if you don't meet your deadline you are not a serious writer. Life happens and sometimes you just can't meet that deadline, that's ok. Set a new deadline and press on until you finish your book.

4. Sit down and write
     I hear you screaming but I'm not ready yet! I haven't read all the books on writing. I'm not sure my characters are completely developed. I still have research to do. And the excuses go on and on...
I understand... but you will never write a book if you don't sit down and write. Yes, keep studying books on writing (I'm reading two right now) But at some point you have to write to finish a book. Write while waiting on appointments, while at your kids sports practices and any other free moment you might have. Set a word or page count that you will write daily to meet that deadline.

Those are the four basic things you can do to write a book. Happy Writing and let me know how it goes!

The Writer's Desk with Rhonda Gibson

This is my desk...

 I write in what I call "The Writing Cottage". I wish it was this clean all the time. I love this workspace.

 

 The writing cottage is a small building that my husband built for me. Here is a picture of the outside. 

 

There are plus's and minus's with this space. The plus, I have my own private, quiet spot to write. The minus, I have to go outside in all kinds of weather to get to this awesome space. I admit, most days going outside is a small price to pay for having my space.

 

I have moved between the cottage and a bedroom in my house since 2007. But, I have come to the conclusion that out here is the best!

 

Right now I'm working on a book that is tentatively titled: Pony Express Bride. It will be coming out in December of this year.

 

If you want to read my latest title, that was written in my office, look for Taming The Texas Rancher. Available now :)

 

 

A Weekend Writing

What does a writing weekend look like?

For the busy writer, weekends are often the only time they have to write. Most of the time, I write on Saturdays and take Sunday off. This weekend I'm working on a tight deadline for a new Love Inspired Historical that comes out in December of this year. So it's a full writing weekend.

What does that mean? Well, I'll be writing all weekend.

This is how today looks. Saturday: Up at 7:30am - in cottage by 7:40 with a glass of coffee. Computer on, write until noon. Run in make brunch for hubby and I. Eat, kiss hubby goodbye for the afternoon and back out to cottage. Sweet hubby will "probably" head to town for movies and fun with friends, but when he returns I'll run back into house fix dinner (if I'm lucky he'll bring dinner home) eat and then back out to write for the rest of the evening. Not sure what time I'll quit, depends on how well I've done during the day.

I know many of my writing friends have schedules similar to this. Not all my weekends look like this but this weekend ... it does.

Anyone else writing the weekend away?

Want to learn How to Write?

I'm excited that night classes will be offered in Seekerville in January 2014! To see the schedule and teachers, click on the link below.
http://seekerville.blogspot.com/p/night-classes.html

ACFW 2013 Carol Award Finalist

Here are the finalists for the 2013 Carol Awards. The winners will be announced during the 2013 ACFW National Conference in Indianapolis at the Gala on September 15, 2013. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!

Category

Seaside Reunion by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired * Editor: Melissa Endlich)
A Horseman’s Hope by Myra Johnson (Heartsong Presents * Editor: Rebecca Germany)
Lost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired * Editor: Emily Rodmell)

Contemporary

Heart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House * Editors: Karen Watson/Stephanie Broene,/Kathy Olson)
You Don’t Know Me by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House * Editors: Karen Watson/Sarah Mason)
Beyond the Storm by Carolyn Zane (Abingdon Press * Editor: Ramona Richards)

Debut Novel

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah * Editor: Shannon Marchese)
Proof by Jordyn Redwood (Kregel * Editor: Dawn Anderson)
A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh (Guideposts Books * Editors: Beth Adams/Rachel Meisel/Lindsay Guzzardo)

Historical

Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah * Editor: Shannon Marchese)
At Every Turn by Anne Mateer (Bethany House * Editor: Charlene Patterson)
The Discovery by Dan Walsh (Revell * Editor: Andrea Doering)

Historical Romance

To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander (Zondervan * Editor: Sue Brower)
A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell * Editor: Vicki Crumpton)
Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House * Editor: Karen Schurrer)

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Downfall by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan * Editors: David Lambert/Sue Brower/Ellen Tarver)
Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing * Editor: Karen Ball)
The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing * Editors: Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez)

Novella

You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch by Paula Moldenhauer (Barbour Publishing * Editors: Rebecca Germany/JoAnne Simmons)
Impressed by Love by Lisa Karon Richardson (Barbour Publishing * Editor: Rebecca Germany)
A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson * Editor: Natalie Hanemann)

Romance

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson * Editors: Natalie Hanemann/L. B. Norton)
Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing * Editors: Julie Gwinn/Julie Carobini)
An Uncommon Grace by Serena B. Miller (Howard * Editor: Holly Halverson)

Romantic Suspense

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson * Editor: Ami McConnell)
Saving Hope by Margaret Daley (Abingdon Press * Editor: Ramona Richards)
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell * Editor: Andrea Doering)

Speculative

Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)
Judge by R. J. Larson (Bethany House * Editors: David Long/Sarah Long)
Daystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)

Young Adult

Prophet by R.J. Larson (Bethany House * Editors: David Long/Sarah Long)
Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan * Editor: Jacque Alberta)
The New Recruit by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press * Editor: Jeff Gerke)
- See more at: http://www.acfw.com/carol/2013_carol_finalists#sthash.Z2v3zF2Z.dpuf

3 Writing Tips

Good Morning everyone!!

I did an interview over at Christian Writer's World on Wednesday (if you go there and comment before next Friday you could win a copy of my latest book) and someone posted they enjoyed my writing tips. So I started thinking, why not offer a few writer's tips on here as well. I'll start with 3 and see if anyone is interested in more.

1. Pray over everything writing related. This is very important, if you truly want to succeed.

2. Write everyday - even if it is just a sentence. If you aren't working on a novel, start small with a journal :o)

3. Join a writer's group! I can't encourage you enough to join a group. American Christian Fiction Writers, is my favorite.  If you can find a local group, check them out. But before you pay your dues, make sure they are there to learn writing and encourage each other and aren't just a social group. The time you spend socializing could be used writing.

I hope you enjoyed these three tips. If I get a lot of comments on this post, I will post more writing tips. So let me know. Do you want more tips?

Writing on Vacation

James and I just got back from a week vacation. I told myself I was going to write so took the netbook, writing notebook, jumpdrive and away we went!

First off, writing in the car DID NOT WORK! Why? well, I didn't bring the little table top that "might" have stablized the netbook as we drove on bumpy roads and took curves at amazing speeds! So after an hour of frustration at the jumping mouse, I gave up.

Then when we got to the hotel, we discovered there was just sooo much to do! Hoped out of bed in the mornings and away we went. We walked alot to get to places, once there we saw amazing shows, saw beautiful wildlife and enjoyed talking to the locals. Needless to say, it was way past my bedtime when we returned to our room, so no writing in the evenings.

Now take heart dear readers... there are things you can do writing related while on vacation. 1. Take lots of pictures for future books or your scrapbook. 2. Buy research books (I brought home 5, plus a new baby name book) 3. Relax and allow yourself to enjoy the time off from writing, your writing will be better if you take the time to relax your mind.

If you are a writer, do you write when on vacation? if you aren't a writer, do you take your work with you when you go on vacation?

Writing is Easy ... Really? Is that what you think?

Writers, write....

Except, sometimes they get stuck.

This is what happened to me. I was writing along and wanted a scene where my hero and heroine could have a "date". Not just any date, but a date where they would be alone and could talk about some things that they really needed to talk about.

You're probably thinking, so send them on a date. What's your problem?

My problem... The year is 1886. The time is Spring. I didn't want the "normal" date for these two. You know, picnic, dance, or social event. No, I wanted something really special.

And so for several days now, I've been praying, "Lord, help me out here. I don't know what I want but I want something special."

Today He gave me my break through!

So tonight I am happily writing a very romantic scene/date.

And you thought writing was easy?

Laughing, sometimes it is. Sometimes, not so much.

Barbour Sells Heartsong Presents to Harlequin

Many people are asking, "What does that mean? What does it mean for the HP authors? What does it mean for Harlequin's Love Inspired authors?" There are many questions and we don't have all the answers yet. But what I do know I learned from Literary Agent Steve Laube . He was kind enough to blog about it.

And, you can also find the press release here.

I think this is great news for the Heartsong Presents book club readers!I'm praying many more books will be bought by Harequin from both Heartsong Presents authors and the Love Inspired authors.

What are your thoughts about this news? Leave a comment!

Writing... A Lonely Business?

Yes and no...

Writing can be a lonely business but it doesn't have to be.

You may join all kinds of writers groups, join all kinds of social media groups and talk writing to your friends every chance you get but as most writers know, you are the only one facing your monitor when it comes time to sit down and write.

I used to feel lonely, I'm a social girl most of the time. Internet stole a lot of my time because I was lonely and wanted to "chat". Now that isn't true.

I have a friend who is with me all the time. As a matter of fact, he is the true author and I'm the co-author of all my books. He sits with me every minute that I am writing. Who is this ghost writer?

Jesus. He is my best friend. And we co-author books.

I used to think I was alone and then one day it dawned on me. I pray before I write. I'm constantly asking Jesus/God for help and He is always there to answer questions, get me over tough spots in the book and even helps me do research.

You are not alone either. Ask God to become the author of your books and writing time.

Loneliness will become a thing of the past... I promise.

Trains in the 1800's

I'm planning a trip to Durango, Colorado one day next week. My heroine is about to meet her hero in Durango and how do you think he will arrive? by train of course :)

I love researching books and am looking forward to this outing. I'm hopeful that the train yard looked about the same in 1887 as it does today... I'll let you know. Until then... enjoy the picture of one of the Durango trains that a friend of mine too. It is headed to Silverton, Colorado... now there is a historical town that I love!

Why Do Writers Write?

This question is asked a lot in my circle of friends and fellow writers. Some write to tell a story. Some write because they feel like it's God's calling on their lives. Some write thinking they will gain fame once published and some write to get rich.

This week I got a letter in the mail from a woman in jail. She said that in the facilities she is currently residing in, they are only allowed to read Christian books. She'd just finished reading TO TRUST AN OUTLAW and said that she loved it, something every author and publisher loves to hear. But, it gets better! Because she's only allowed to read Christian books, she has learned more about God while in jail then ever before in her life. She told me she is 45 years old and has two grandchildren. When she gets out, she is going home and teaching her children and grandchildren about God.

Her letter is the reason I write.

Writing Tips

Over the last few years I have read many writing tips. So I thought I'd share 3 of them here with you.

1. Write what you enjoy reading:
I want to add to this tip. Once you start to write what you enjoy reading... continue reading. This is very important.

2. Never stop learning:
Read books on writing. Take classes on writing. Join a writer's group and last if possible attend conferences to learn the trade.

3. Write:
Find a place to write. Create a time to write. Write.

Any questions? feel free to ask.

A glimps into a writers life

Today has been a busy day. I thought some of you might like to see what life is like during VBS for this author.

7:00 am -- Up and going over VBS lesson for tonight. Peter's betrayal and Christ's death.

8:00 am -- Answering email and playing on facebook

8:30 am -- pulling up current book and realizing that I saved my latest edits on a jumpdrive that isn't in it's slot.

Next Hour spent looking for said jumpdrive

9:30-10:30 chatting with friend about missing jumpdrive and other stuff

10:30-11:30 re-writing what is on lost jumpdrive

11:30-2:30 Off to town for lunch and Walmart... buying stuff for VBS kids and hubby's dinner

2:30 -3:30 working on book again

3:30-4:00 working on this blog and getting ready for VBS

4:00-9:00 VBS stuff

9:00-10:00 hubby time

Then off to bed...

And I thought this life would be soooo glamours when I started. LOL

What is conflict?

Dwight Swain described conflict as "two dogs fighting for the same bone".

I have a love hate relationship with conflict. I hate making my characters suffer but I love when the story is interesting enough that the reader will keep reading the book.

There are three kinds of conflict.

Man against man: Example all the Indiana Jones movies
Man against nature: Example the movie, The Perfect Storm
Man against self: Example the movie, Spiderman 3

Try to figure out other movies or books that have one of these three forms of conflict. Be sure and share your ideas here.