Featured Author Oct/Nov 2015 Emma Shade

A Well-Written Autobiography (from creativewriting-prompts.com)

AutoBiography Format  (from creativewriting-prompts.com)

 

1. Title .Write your title or your prospective title in underlined bold font across the top of your word processing document. Remember that you can come back and refine or change your title at any time, the perfect title will probably only surface at the end of the writing  process.

 

2. Dedication. You might have already decided who you would like to dedicate your work to before you start. Someone who has inspired you to become who you are today, maybe someone who has encouraged you to take the initiative or simply a special person that you would like to mention who has made a significant impact on your life. It is best to leave the dedication until last as working through your autobiography will trigger many memories; you can include a dedication to more than one person.

 

3. Table of Contents. Finished writing? Compile your table of contents and index.

 

4. Acknowledgements. This is the place to thank everyone who has helped you compile your autobiography from start to finish. Keep a simple list as you work through the various chapters so that you don’t forget to mention anyone. Come back and wrap it up when you are finished to show your gratitude and appreciation in a few carefully crafted words.

 

5. Foreword. The foreword is the place to jot down your reasons for writing the autobiography; what you hope to achieve from it and what you hope others will benefit by reading it. It is a good idea to write down some brief thoughts in this section before you start to help keep you focused throughout the writing process.

 

6. Introduction. Your introduction needs to grab attention, create interest and keep them  reading.

 

7. Body. Create a series of chronological headings and sub headings in your autobiography outline. Write the autobiography based on locations if you have been stationed at many different places throughout your life. Write about one specific event that has been the turning point in your life. Use other common threads to link your body together in an interesting fashion. Include one or two relevant subheadings under each point. Expand your list with all the relevant material you can remember under each section, include names, dates, experiences etc.

 

8. Conclusion. Your final thoughts. Look back on your completed works, think about what you have learnt from the experience and how it has molded and shaped you. Tie it together in an interesting fashion to provide the perfect ending.

 

9. Memorabilia. To round off a perfect autobiography and highlight special moments include some memorabilia such as pictures of family heirlooms, medals, letters, photos etc. that  capture special moments. Snippets of memorabilia can also be spread throughout the book  to add some colour and interest.

 

10. Index. Finished writing? Compile your table of contents and index.

 

Pen It! Magazine Fall Issue

As I near completion of the September/October Issue of Pen It! Magazine, I am looking for submissions from you, readers.  I'd like to have some poetry, short stories, articles, etc.  The theme, of course, is Fall or Halloween. 

This issue's Featured Author is Emma Shade.  Emma has five published books and has been a featured author at many local events. 

Here is a great poem from Deb Bowden of Nashville, Indiana:

Autumn

By Deb Bowden

Fall’s coming soon;

I tasted it today.

Sign in Libra,

October’s ways.

Magic and mystery

Steeped in with age.

Child’s world, old stage,

All joined in play.

Pumpkins all growed;

Harvest time set.

Crisp smell of apples,

Bobbin’ and wet.

Loved to be warmed;

Tummies all fed.

Soon to be nighttime,

Ghost stories in bed.

 

Our Miles With Miles by Terry Trautman

Our Miles With Miles by Terry Trautman

 

Those of you who have read my offerings in Pen It! know that I often write of experiences on the many miles of our travels whether by car, air or ship.  This too is about our  journey with miles or more correctly, Miles.   You see, Miles was our beloved golden retriever.

 She was a very sweet, mild mannered, friendly (unless you asked a squirrel) and lovable companion to have around the house.  Her favorite pastime was leading us around on the people trail in Columbus on her twice daily required (by her) walks.  We would refer to these treks as aromatherapy.  You just wondered what was going on in her mind as she sniffed her way along the trail.  “Oh, yes, that’s Brutus, but he peed a hundred feet further north yesterday.”  “Hmmmm, I missed that squirrel by only a few minutes.”  “Don’t   worry, Terry and Linda, I’m eating grass because I like it.  My stomach feels just fine.”  “Here come some strangers.  Gotta get the tail started.” 

Miles was an integral part of our lives for fourteen years.  In that time she developed some very reliable habits.  I never figured this out because the door to our pantry does not squeak or make any sound when opened.  Miles could be literally snoring and oblivious to life around her until one of us opened that door.  Zoom.  There’s Miles.  Further, she was never asleep nor more alert at our meals.  Those big brown eyes and doleful brows looked right through you with very high expectations of instant gratification for some juicy morsel that tasted soooo much better than the dry crappy stuff of her normal fare.  This is not unique with her but when seated, if your hand is hanging over the arm of the chair she invariably walked under it expecting, almost demanding a good scratch.

Miles had another talent.  She liked to write.  For years, she was the author of our annual Christmas letter and became very popular to the recipients of them.  The evidence of this was never more apparent when one year I decided to give her a sabbatical and substitute for her.  Big mistake.  The outcry was instant and clamorous.  She also wrote a nice letter to the pet dog of the people who bought our prior home.  She was quite envious that they had erected a protective fence for Sadie instead of the shock collar she wore.

But time began to take its toll, so slower of gait and deaf of ear (a blessing because she could no longer hear the doorbell), we began to notice the inevitable deterioration in her long  life.  Sadly, on March 28, 2013 we bid Miles a bittersweet adieu as we sent her to doggy heaven:

 

                                                We saw the road was getting tough

                                                 And the hills were hard to climb

                                                  So he closed your weary eyelids

                                                 And whispered “peace be thine”

 

                                                  It broke our hearts to lose you

                                                    But you never went alone

                                                 For part of us went with you

                                                 The day God called you home.

 

 

 

 

Terry Trautman is a native of Columbus, IN, graduated from Columbus High School in 1956 and Valparaiso University in 1960 with a business and accounting degree.  In 1971 he graduated from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University with an MBA in Business Administration.  His career path included Irwin Management Co., Cummins Engine Co. and U.S. Bancorp where he served in various financial management positions.

 He is blissfully retired and enjoys an active life currently as Treasurer of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and First Lutheran Church both in Columbus.  He and his wife, Linda, sing in both choirs.  His hobbies include photography, scale modeling, traveling, reading, painting and drawing, a love/hate relationship with the game of golf and, more recently, writing.  He is the author of “My Columbus was Different from Yours”, a collection stories about growing up in Columbus, IN in the late 40s and early 50s.

 

 

New Releases:

The Mini Guides to Writing:  Creative Writing Basics was just released by Debi Stanton.  This is the first in a series of small handbooks that can be carried with you.  This series is dedicated to helping writers hone their craft.

It is available on Amazon.com for $2.99 for E-Book and $6.99 for Print version.  Order your copy today.  Look for Writing Dialogue to be released in August or early September.

http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Guides-Writing-Creative-Basics/dp/1516885252/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439811326&sr=8-1&keywords=debi+Stanton

 

Shane O'Carroll is a talented artist who suddenly falls into a deep paranoia.  Her family and her doctor, Dr. Greg Callahan fear she may never pull out of this.  Dr. Callahan dedicates himself to finding out what has brought Shane to this crossroads in her life. 

The White Sofa from Debi Stanton is available in August for only .99 cents on Amazon.com as an Ebook.  Print version is $7.99.  Pick up your copy today. 

You may contact Debi Stanton at debih7606@frontier.com

Rain Drop Press

Rain Drop Press is an affiliate of  The Write Source, LLC.  They are seeking writers who wish to get their work into print.  They are taking submissions for their  “Story of the Month” page.  These stories consist of non-fiction and creative non-fiction. 

 Mission:  Rain Drop Press is dedicated to reaching a nationwide audience with human interest original stories that read like fiction.  They also aim to provide authors with a widespread forum to present their work.

They are located in Franklin, Indiana.  You may call 317-441-7726 or drop them an email.

Check out their website at:  http://raindroppress.org/

 

 

 

Heighten Your Senses—Summer’s Here!

Heighten Your Senses - Summer's Here!

   Summer has arrived with the winkling lights of fireflies above fields abundant with tasseled corn and golden wheat. The warm evenings call upon us to run barefoot through lush yards and enjoy the feel of soft grass, damp with dew, against our feet. A stray storm brings the rumble of distant thunder, and the scent of fresh rain is carried to us on a gentle breeze that caresses our face.

     Our picnic table is laden with the bounty of the season, and we can’t wait to savor the flavors of corn on the cob, tomatoes, and home-cooked green beans, a feast to be topped off by delicious homemade ice cream for dessert. Seated around the table are family and friends, accompanied by the spirits of those who have gone before . . .

     The two paragraphs above employ a technique I encourage you to use in order to take your writing to a higher level. It is a simple practice but a powerful one: when writing a scene, use all five senses! Many folks get mired down and write only about what they see, forgetting about the other senses—hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Now, you don’t need to use all five in every scene, but work in as many as comfort allows. Although it may take a while for you to become proficient in writing with all five senses, in due time the skill will become natural, and it will give your readers a richer experience.

     Since I enjoy writing science fiction, you’ll notice I couldn’t resist the temptation in my example above to use the sixth sense!

 

 

 

Author: Denisea Kampe

Author Denisea Kampe is with us today.  Welcome Denisea!

Lessons in Humility

It’s been over five years now since my first book was published in its first edition. At the time, there was minimal fanfare compared to what would come much later, although back then I perceived trumpets blaring and cannons firing in the distance. (Yes, I have since climbed down from that unicorn, not to worry dear readers.) In spite of my misperceptions of what was really going on, it actually was quite the celebration. A few of my friends and I had a toast to our mutual success as they also had their first releases around that time and a beautiful bouquet of flowers showed up at my door as a congratulatory offering.

Then I discovered the real world writers live in and advertising efforts consumed me through the next several releases. I was doing everything from buying ad spots on websites to newsletter advertising to blog tours and bombarding my Twitter feed, Facebook pages and groups, and Yahoo groups with plugs for my latest and greatest. Each release day found me on top of a very tall mountain (trusty unicorn by my side) shouting until I was hoarse.

I don’t recall telling the most important force in the universe thank you once.

I did constantly reiterate my gratitude to my press and readers, but the one entity which deserved my praise above all was left wanting. Sad.

As my regular readers know and I’ll now discuss with all of you here today, my life has come back full circle and I find myself centered once again in my family and faith and while I’m still immensely grateful to my readers and fans, my Maker is constantly at the forefront of my thanksgiving. I’m just a miniscule dot on the face of an immense cosmos and something greater than me is in control and has afforded me the courtesy of the opportunities I enjoy. Fate, karma, God, Goddess, whatever you call this force in your world, it IS in complete and utter control, make no mistake. For me, professing as a Christian, God sits at the control panel in my world.

It was that complete and utter control which turned my world upside down not weeks prior to the release of For His Country last year. I won’t get into any of the gory details, but let’s suffice it to say, serious illnesses suck and our mortality is never clearer as when threatened through the sufferings of another, or the terror of it happening to you as it would only weeks after Gran’s suffering ended. I found myself packing a bag last April as quickly as possible in the middle of the afternoon and my dear and loving MarshFox packed me into the car along with my office in a box and my dogs to drive me thirty-five hours so I could be home with my family. I spent three months there then came home for three, and returned home where I stayed until my beloved Gran’s passing.

It was in the midst of those happenings I realized I had forgotten my own release day. Once that one minute detail of my otherwise harried life at that point became a minor detail, that otherwise harried life suddenly became a lot less hectic even in the face of terminal illness.

I discovered humility is as much a part of writing as anything else. Humility trumps reviews, advertising forays, blog blitzes, and sales. It’s a most humbling experience when you realize you’ve let go of your own world, needs, and desires, and replaced them with things so much more important. My faith teaches me that in order to grow in love and grace, I must let go of me and embrace something bigger. It teaches me when I do so, the stresses of this world will fall away to be replaced by peace.

I’m not sure how much peace there actually is in having an extremely ill family member then being faced with the same class of illness yourself, but I found where peace can reside if I let it. There is peace on release day when I let go of myself and my greedy ego. I used to be completely manic about the whole affair, sitting on pins and needles, fretting, checking numbers every hour on the hour, making check lists of things I needed to do and places I needed to be and advertise at.
When something bigger than me took center stage and I forgot all those things, peace settled in my heart and I found none of that mattered as much as I once thought it did.
And I was quite content to be in that space. I’m still content in that space.

The fact of the matter is, only a handful of people make it in this crazy publishing world. I do this to entertain my faithful following and my family. I do it because it’s what makes me happy and is a creative outlet for me. If I never know fame and fortune, I’m perfectly okay with that. After knowing how peaceful this existence can be if I let it, I don’t want to give up that peaceful place. I won’t be returning to the madness that used to be release day. A humble heart fertilizes moderation. Moderation is a good thing. Anything above and beyond the initial surge which may come my way I’ll consider a gift from above and accept with grace…and humility.
Humility is often a lesson hard learned. While I’m sad a series of family emergencies brought me to this place, I’m also grateful for it.
Thanks you, Debi, for allowing me time on your blog today and thank you, readers, so much for spending a few minutes with me today…

Denisea Kampe

Born and raised in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Denisea Kampe was spinning tales before she could even spell and once her sixth grade creative writing teacher encouraged her by leaving a most prophetic comment on one of her assignments, the wheels of destiny were set in motion. But those wheels would need greased again and again as her writing would take a back seat to life and her jobs of mom and wife many times over before she’d finally see her dream of becoming a published writer come to fruition in 2010.

Denisea is a military wife who’s traveled the world over. She’s lived in four states and Okinawa Japan and held more driver’s licenses than she can count. Her nest is empty save one furry and quite mischievous Siberian Husky and one spoiled rotten Rat Terrier mix. Denisea takes much of her inspiration for her heroes from the marines she’s lived around since marrying her very own fairy tale prince in dusty cammies.

Coining the term realmantica, she strives to produce quality romance in a realistic setting. Her genre of choice is contemporary romance and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on, trips to the museum, taking field research trips, crafting, and sewing. Her works include One Tear, The Executive Officer’s Wife, Bridge of Lies, For His Country, and the Slower Lower series. You can find Denisea at her BLOG, AMAZON, SCRIPT CHICS, and on Facebook HERE and HERE.

Taking Submissions for our Annual Pets Issue

Annual Pets Issue Coming Soon!

We are now taking submissions for our Annual July/August Pets Issue.  If you would like to submit a picture of your pet along with their name and the owner's name.We are also taking submissions for Pet Memorials (pets we have lost)

Feel free to send in Pet Poetry, Pet Short Stories, and pet pics to debih7606@frontier.com.

This is one of our most popular issues.  EVERYONE whose submissions are used will receive a free Email copy of this issue. 

SUBSCRIPTION SPECIAL:  If you are interested in subscribing to Pen It! Magazine, we are running a special during August for $3.00 off any subscription.  E-subscriptions are normally $15.00 and would now be $12.00.  Printed subscriptions are normally $40.00 and would be $37.00.  Don't miss this opportunity!  email debih7606@frontier.com for more information.

Come back on Wednesday, when our guest blogger will be Denisea Kampe! 

A Discussion with BethAnn Beuler

Author BIO

BethAnn Buehler's world revolves around her family, her friends, her faith and her love of writing. When she's not writing, in her studio creating the latest craft project sensation, driving carpool or checking email, she can most often be found having breakfast at a local restaurant with her parents, enjoying a caramel latte with her girlfriends or neglecting her responsibilities as a wife and mother because she's thinking about her next story.

BethAnn switched to the inspirational side of the romance pond after taking serious stock of her writing career and rebalancing her personal priorities. She gets most of her ideas from talking with her friends about what everyone really wants for Christmas---a little bit of hope for a brighter tomorrow and someone to hold hands with on the journey.

BethAnn accepted her first publishing contract in March of 2010. BethAnn is a member of the Indianapolis Writer's Group as well as Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her awesome husband, handsome teenage son and four rotten Silky Terriers.

To find out more about BethAnn and her current works, please visit her at her blog: bethannbuehler.blogspot.com, on Facebook: Author Bethann Buehler, or contact her via Email at babwrites@gmail.com or blogging about a myriad of topics with her writing sisters at scriptchics.blogspot.com

You can find BethAnn’s work at the following:

Amazon.com     AllRomanceebooks.com     BarnesandNoble.com

Rogue Nation, releasing August 10th…


Well overdue for rest and relaxation, Gunnery Sergeant Brogan Baker’s four man MARSOC team sets out on a command ordered vacation in hopes of escaping the string of bad luck that’s been plaguing them over the course of the past few months. Bad intel, faulty reports, and missing operatives have followed them through three missions and quite honestly, Brogan’s not sure if he’s coming or going. Add in the one phone call he’s been dreading for years and he’s beginning to fully understand why some guys choose the easy road out of the Corps: UA. He’d like nothing more than to fade to gray and blend in somewhere far away. Fat chance. As it turns out, the teams’ vacationing skills aren’t currently much better than their operational skills and before they’ve even had time to think bikinis and beers, they have a sick woman on their hands, the two youngest members of the team are knee deep in trouble with the oldest, and a report and muster message flashes across Brogan’s beeper.

Being a female marine isn’t easy for Staff Sergeant Allison Blaise. Choosing a life all about proving herself worthy of the title one of the few and the proud alongside her male counterparts, Alli volunteers for every special assignment that comes down the pipeline. Quite frankly, she’s in the top three in her field and that has someone scared and on the defensive. Alli reads intelligence like no-one’s business, speaks several languages, and is certified to take out the enemy utilizing no less than a dozen methods if necessary. But none of that is of much help when her insertion team deserts her and her extraction team is a no show. Pinned down in enemy territory and enslaved to a band of Somali pirates, her go-to attitude has landed her a stay as a prisoner, and her captors have her on the brink of cracking. Then along comes Brogan Baker, her superior, her savior, and a man who could destroy so much more of her than a few terrorists managed.

Courage, honor, and commitment are the rules Alli and Brogan have lived by since signing on the dotted line, but as evidence surrounding the botched missions they’ve had to clean up continues to build around them, they learn not all their fellow marines follow the same code. While they’d like to hate each other to preserve their hearts, avoiding each other is impossible as it will take all their skills combined to isolate the enemy and contain a nation gone rogue.


 The Men of Faith Series 

Charity 12, Book three in the series...(Coming winter, 2015...)


After years of playing gatekeeper for the people he cares for most and watching several of his best friends marry and start their families, Burke Miller suddenly feels like the old man at the party. While he doesn’t have trouble getting a date, Burke’s never met anyone that’s caused him to consider risking it all.

Abigail Foster didn’t mean to ruin her life. She didn’t mean to watch her home burn to the ground as she faded into the blackness of that night, never to be heard from again, as the result of her addiction. And she certainly didn’t expect to see steel blue eyes staring back at her through the darkened windows of a limousine as she scrounged for food on the side of the road.

When a successful attorney meets a homeless woman on the cold streets of Indianapolis, all becomes fair in games of chance and it’s anybody’s guess as to who’ll be left holding the winning hand.

   

Hope 22, Book one in the series… (Now Available)

In the aftermath of losing his wife and unborn son, professional quarterback Brody Jackson turns to his faith, making a vow to live a life that will honor those he’s lost. Yet on a field of endeavor where outrageous antics get a player noticed and if it feels good, do it often seems to be the maxim, walking the straight and narrow path can be a hard thing for a guy to do.

Whitney Ryan is in the mother of all slumps, struggling to watch as her player ranking dips into double digits. With three weeks to go until she’s slated for her next tournament, Whitney would rather be anywhere than on the tennis court and under her mother’s constant glare. When Whitney decides to run away from her responsibilities, her resolve is firm—she doesn’t need anyone getting in her way, especially a know-it-all with problems of his own.

When two household names holding widely varying views on how to live life in the spotlight and measure success are thrown together, is there any hope they can call a time out and find middle ground?

  

Faith 15, Book two in the series… (Now Available)

Cooper Hensen is back in the Midwest, a place that holds haunting memories for him. Worse, he’s been labeled the newcomer, the guy now responsible for replacing a pro bowl, quarterback superstar destined for the hall of fame. And while the other guy’s name graces everything around the city from a children’s hospital to a golf course and philanthropic foundation, people keep misspelling Cooper’s, driving him crazy. Twice in as many weeks he’s heard his neighbor, a die-hard other guy fan, refer to him as Copper. Seriously?

Cali Carter is a hard charging, no non-sense district attorney determined to clean up the city of Indianapolis. But lately things have shifted and she’s felt torn between her work and the position she fought so hard to achieve, and helping her sister, who’s struggling to manage her own young family and run the small café where she’s invested all of her heart, not to mention her life savings.

When a bossy, quick thinker who likes to fix things meets a man with incredible potential clouded by a haunted past, can two household names find a balance of power within their relationship and share the spotlight?

Short stories now available… 

Jake & Haley, Chicago Couples, Part 1…

If you survive...

When Haley Ellis is left for dead, she knows her life will never be the same. The public face of the largest fashion house in North America, Haley has fallen out of favor with the powers that be, the advertising execs seeking a much younger woman to take her place in the spotlight. Haley never dreamed she’d be washed up at the tender age of twenty-six.

Can you rebuild?

Jake Austin has given up trying to force relationships. While he longs for someone to share his life with, Jake’s content growing his private therapy practice and helping his dad keep the family recycling business in the black.

Or is it worth the risk?

When a chance trip to the wrong side of town on a frigid Chicago morning brings   Jake and Haley together, there’s a moment when Jake believes fate might just be on his side. But two white lies, one favor, and an empty hospital bed later, Jake realizes he’s the one that’s been left this time. And that really stinks because Jake knows first hand no one deserves to be thrown away.

No Ordinary Witch…

Abigail Bartlett hates being a witch. While she loves her grandmother, Margaret Bristol Bartlett, Abigail is frustrated that the older woman would bestow her with powers that Abigail has no plans of using. But Margaret knows the family secret. No Bartlett witch who has passed away can rest in peace until a centuries long feud between the Bartlett women and the Griggs men can be resolved, a feud that started in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.

Grier Griggs is trying to get to New York for Christmas but he's in no big hurry. Although he promised his mother, the last thing he wants to do is go hang out with the Griggs clan. Grier happens to play professional football but outside of him, his entire family makes their living studying, teaching or talking about various aspects of the Salem Witch Trials. Grier doesn't even believe in the Easter bunny, let alone witches.

When Grier stumbles into the small town of Lost Falls and into Abigail's office to ask for directions, Margaret senses his presence and sets a plan in action that puts her granddaughter on a collision course with love. The only problem is, one touch of Grier's hand on Abigail's skin sends the young woman writhing in pain.

Armed with gloves, antibiotic cream, bandages and love in his heart, Grier sets out to win over Abigail. He just hopes love will be enough to save them.
 

15 Questions with BethAnn

Tell us about your current title...
Charity 12 is the third in a five part series of novels set in various cities throughout the Midwest featuring five friends and the women they fall for. When Abigail Foster’s otherwise orderly life falls apart, she gets unwelcome help from an old acquaintance, Burke Miller. Abigail knows better to believe in the fairytale but she finds herself falling anyway…

Where is your novel set and why did you make this specific choice?
The Men of Faith series was born on a mountain in Utah. I was hanging out and reading in the lodge at Deer Valley (Utah) while my husband and son were out skiing. I took several books to read for the week since I don't ski and honestly, each one I finished left me flat. By the end of the third day (and the fourth dissatisfying book), I ran to the gift shop, bought a notebook, refilled my hot chocolate for the hundredth time and Brody started talking.

How did you come to write this particular book?
I'm a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom to a kiddo with Asperger's Syndrome, which is a very mild form of Autism. It's the hardest job I've ever had but it's my favorite. I started writing to carve out personal time for myself as a way to escape some of the stress in my daily life. I know it sounds corny but I love "love." I love the underdog, the person who deals with their own brokenness and finds the courage to make their life happen against the odds. That's why I write romance. I really want the happily-ever-after.

What are your writing habits?
I love to research the finer details of my books. That's to say if I state the name of a gun, let's say, I know enough about that weapon to know how far it shoots, the noise or lack thereof it makes when fired, its cost... For the Men of Faith series, I've consulted various doctors for the medically technical parts, an attorney for all of the legal parts and I have a military consultant for the weapons and communications aspect. My brother-in-law is a former NFL player so I have a football specialist on my team as well. I'm my own car buff so the wonderful cars my characters drive are all me. I'm not so big on outlining although as the series grows, I've needed an outline just to make sure I give proper closure to the various storylines I've introduced. I try to write everyday and usually set a goal of about 3,000 words. My muse and I are both Type A personalities so we're very goal oriented. However, given I’m raising a human, I don't always make it.

Please tell us about yourself (family, hobbies, education, etc.)...
I've been married almost 22 years and our son heads off to high school this fall. Honestly, with all of the craziness in this world today, I consider my family to be my greatest accomplishment. We're still making it work every day. I'm an avid tennis player, reader, movie buff and music lover. I drive too fast. I love my iced tea. And, I have four Silky Terriers that are spoiled rotten.

Do you have support, either from family and friends or a writing group?
My husband is very supportive but he doesn’t read my work. Because he flinched first, I don't share it with him. In fact, other than reading these interviews and visiting my author website, he's never read my stuff. We talk about my characters and stories quite often. I'm also blessed to have several critique partners, women whom I respect and trust that give me honest feedback. And I have to say my oldest and dearest girlfriend has been there every step of the way offering opinions and questioning my story line and ideas. I always tease that without her my novels would have been little more than a few paragraphs. She's the best line editor in the business.

What are your thoughts on love scenes in romance novels, do you find them difficult to write? When I wrote more contemporary, erotic romance, I felt research was key and I found I had to be in a certain frame of mind to write heavier sex scenes. The same goes for a fight scene. If someone makes me mad, I guarantee my characters are going to fight when I write that day. Now that I write inspirational romance, I work hard to make the story emotional and the relationships intimate without graphic sex.

Who are some of your other favorite authors and genres to read?
I just finished a great read by Denisea Kampe (contemporary romance) and I’m honored to announce we have a story coming out soon (see above). I enjoy Robyn Carr's books as well (Contemporary Romance). I also read quite a bit of autobiography. On my nightstand right now is Open by Andre Agassi (we both love to hit that fluorescent yellow felt ball). Elin Hildebrand is my favorite women's fiction author.

Among your own books, have you a favorite? A favorite hero or heroine?
Cooper Hensen is my favorite hero (Faith 15) and I have to admit I fell in love with him the more I wrote about him. I will say the 5th book in the Men of Faith series features a married couple and Eric, my hero in that story, is really starting to get under my skin. The million-dollar question everyone wants to know is if any of my books are about me. I have Whitney’s standoffish quality and share her love of tennis (Hope 22). I have Cali’s loyalty to the people I love (Faith 15). I have Abigail’s longing to be accepted and her heart for wanting the fairy tale (Charity 12). An old character I wrote in my first novel series, The Rebel Canyon Series, which is currently being reworked to fit a more inspirational standard, Rachel, is the one woman that's always spoke to me the most. When I first created her, she was someone all together different and to say she's changed as her story has unfolded would be a huge understatement. Wait until you meet her when that series is re-released. We'll have to talk.

Which of your books has been the easiest to write? The hardest? The most fun?
I find writing in the middle of series the hardest so I’m there right now, wrapping Charity 12 and heading into books four and five. In my mind, I see the end so taking the time to get it on paper is just brutal. My first novel, Broken Destiny (currently unpublished) was the easiest to write but as I’ve gone back to rework it, I know why. I thought I knew exactly what I was doing with that one and let me just say, nope. Not even close. What I didn’t know about the writing craft nearly six years ago amazes me.

Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?
With the Men of Faith series the characters walked through the door and started talking. Brody, Cooper, Burke, Gage and Eric brought me their stories.

Are you in control of your characters or do they control you? Oh man, they own me! Just the other day I finished a scene and walked downstairs to announce that so-and-so and so-and-so (sorry--don't want to spoil anything!) were getting married. I think my exact quote was "well, I didn't know we were having a wedding but clearly we are." My husband fell out laughing.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

 

Holding my novel in my hands, knowing that I'm fulfilling one of my dreams.