Two Fun Announcements!

So much has happened since I last posted! I'll catch you up...

We spent Thanksgiving with family, and I ate too much, as usual. Then we decorated our house for Christmas, watched the Michigan Wolverines lose (*sob*) and did some online Christmas shopping. Hooray!

And guess what? I sold another book to Harlequin Love Inspired! It's working title is A Family for Macy, and it will be released in September 2015!! I couldn't be happier!

The good stuff doesn't stop there. On Monday, A Recipe for Romance, released! Twenty-two Love Inspired authors contributed short stories and recipes for this collection, and the best part? All the royalties go to children's charities (Big Brothers Big Sisters of America)! I am SO honored to be part of this wonderful project!

Special thanks goes to Lacy Williams and Dana Corbit for putting so much time and effort into the book. Thanks, ladies!!

Interested in purchasing A Recipe for Romance? Click on the links below!

A Recipe for Romance Kindle version

A Recipe for Romance Paperback version

My story, A Saturday of Surprises, features Chicken Enchilada Soup and a splash of romance with an unlikely couple. I hope you'll consider purchasing the book!

It's a busy, busy time of year. Please take a minute to fix yourself a warm beverage and just relax. I'll even send a plate of virtual chocolate chip cookies. :)

How do you relax this time of year?

Have a wonderful day!!

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Strengthening Weak Areas in Your Writing

I'm writing a first draft. I'm not a fast drafter, and I'm not a revise-as-you-go writer either. I'm somewhere in between.

There are days when I have to glue myself to the chair in order to achieve my word count goal. I should have invested in superglue this week. Yikes. The first fifty pages are slow and torturous for me.

Each writing session starts with a review of the previous scene. Weaknesses glare at me. I tidy up the details before writing a new scene.


Here are the weaknesses I'm fighting in this book:

1. Boring, useless, overdone gestures/action beats (I fight this weakness in EVERY book!)

2. Piles of backstory

3. Not enough motion to ground the reader physically in the scene


Here's how I'm strengthening these weaknesses:

1. I keep The Synonym Finder by J.I. Rodale next to me so I can use better descriptors. Some of the action beats I just delete.

2. The backstory? I highlight any obvious sections and move them when I've written a scene they'd fit into.

3. I add movements within the scene so the reader has a better mental picture of what's happening.

Each book brings a new challenge. I'm constantly on the lookout for lazy writing. I've successfully strengthened my writing by actively trying harder.

The weaknesses I've made progress with over the years:

1. Setting the scene

2. Giving each scene weight with either a story goal/conflict/failure or an action/reaction/decision

3. Weaving the spiritual thread throughout the story

4. Balancing dialogue and introspection (my earlier manuscripts had tons of dialogue and not enough introspection for what the romance market requires)


I still have plenty of weak areas that will scream at me when I finish the draft and start revising, but it's good for my soul to fix what I can in the first draft.

By the way, many experts recommend you turn off your internal editor and just write the draft. I think that's really good advice for anyone who struggles to make progress on a manuscript. It just doesn't work for me.

When I've turned off my internal editor in the past, it created so much extra work because the story veered off and my word choices were lazy. I'd rather keep my internal editor on and write slower in the first draft. It saves me tons of work in the revising stage.

Works for me, but you have to find what works best for you. :)

If you're a writer, how do you fight your weaknesses? I'd love to hear your tips!

Have a terrific day!

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3 Fun Websites for Fiction Writers

Fiction writers and the Internet--terrific combination! I Google things often when I'm writing a first draft. The spelling of a word, a grammar question, pictures of my characters, job details, you name it--I'm checking it!

I bookmark the sites I like and organize them in folders in my bookmarks toolbar. Here are three fun websites that fiction writers will find helpful.

1. Behind the Name: Random Name Generator 

This site is awesome! If you're stuck on choosing a name for your character or want a name specific to a culture or country, start here. Simply select if you want the first name and middle name or only the first name, the gender, and any filters that apply to your character. The generator will spit out a name for you.

Example:
a. I chose first name only, female, Russian and got Rufina.
b. I chose first and middle name, male, Hillbilly and got Joey Ray Hoghauler.
c. I chose first and middle name, female, French and got Ariane Rosette.

This site also allows you to browse names and their meanings and check the etymology.

2. 100 People Doing Extraordinary Things

When I'm in a plotting rut, the characters I'm brainstorming tend to act similarly to characters I've written in the past. Instead of moaning and searching my brain for fresh ideas, I read lists like this. Seeing the unique things real people have done in their lives always sparks a way to make my characters fresh.

Warning, offensive language blasts you in the first sentence; however, the list itself inspires me when I'm plotting. 

3. Writers Helping Writers

This site was formerly The Bookshelf Muse. I own The Emotion Thesaurus, and I've used many tools on the site itself. There are articles and charts and tips for just about everything a fiction writer deals with. Scroll down the site, look to the right sidebar, and find Categories. Have fun! You could read through the articles for hours.

What fun websites have you found lately? 

Have a terrific weekend!

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I Now Offer Paid Critiques

Two weeks before getting "the call" (you can read about it in "Celebration Time, I Sold!"), I decided to offer a paid critique service. I'm happy to announce The Critique Boutique is now open!

I've belonged to several critique groups over the years, and I currently have two excellent cp's who have become two of my best friends. (Thank you, Wendy Paine Miller and Jessica R. Patch!) I'm blessed that way! But I didn't always have reliable critique partners. In fact, I had long periods with no extra insight on my manuscripts. During those times I had to rely on contest feedback and my own revising skills.

Guess what? Contest feedback and my revising skills weren't enough, and I knew it. But I wasn't comfortable asking just anyone to read my work, and I couldn't afford an expensive freelance editor. So I made an effort with other bloggers, reached out to those I thought would be a good fit and slowly forged the relationships needed to have strong, long-lasting partnerships.

Along the way, I learned a lot. I've critiqued books in a wide array of romance genres: paranormal, historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, inspirational, and women's fiction with romantic elements. Additionally, I joined RWA and took advantage of everything it had to offer, including joining a local chapter (I served on the board of MVRWA for four years), studying the monthly magazine (RWR), and attending their annual conference to pitch, take classes, and network with other romance writers.

About five years ago, I joined ACFW and got serious about learning how to write Christian romance. I finaled in the Frasier contest (2012) and the Genesis contest (2013). Over the last seven years, I've studied more than thirty books on the writing craft. Additionally, I've worked hard at building my author platform. I can spot weaknesses and strengths in a writer's web-presence because I constantly analyze my own.

In April 2015, my debut novel, Small-Town Bachelor, releases through Harlequin Love Inspired. All that work paid off, and my writing wouldn't be where it is today without valuable feedback.

While I'm able to spot strengths and weaknesses in all fiction, I only critique sweet or inspirational romance novels. Why? I'm the most qualified to give advice for sweet or inspirational romance whether it's historical, romantic suspense, or contemporary. I read many books in these genres and understand the markets for them.

What Services are Offered in the Critique Boutique?

1. First Chapter Critique
2. First 50 Pages Critique
3. Synopsis Critique
4. Social Media Evaluation

In addition to a quick turnaround and affordable rates, you can expect an honest, thorough critique. I consider it a privilege to read your work. 

*Due to time constraints, I do not offer full manuscript critiques.

For a full breakdown of services, prices, my qualifications, testimonials, and terms, go to Critique Boutique. It's also a permanent tab on my navigation bar. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at critique(at)jillkemerer(dot)com. Just type "Critique question" in the subject line.

Would you help me spread the word about the Critique Boutique? You can share this post on Facebook or Tweet about it by clicking on the buttons below. 

Thank you!

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How to Get a Lot Done This October

I love the first day of October! I really don't know why. It just makes me happy. :)

I have big plans for October. One thing I've learned over the years? I have to be deliberate with my time. It's way too easy to slip into bad habits. My days get away from me, and at the end of the month I'm scratching my head and wondering why I didn't get anything done. Not this month!

Here's how I'm making the most of October:

1. Write down my business commitments.

Several things are already on my calendar. One of my critique partners sent her novel (yay!) and my other partner will be sending a novella (yay!) mid-month. I also have a guest blog post to put together, and I need to finish and submit a contracted short story. Additionally, the first of the month is when I update my website, so I'll be tackling that today.

2. Identify my main goal--the project that's most important for me to work on.

My main goal isn't listed on the business commitments above. I plotted a new novel this summer, and I want to write a large chunk of the rough draft. I add this to the list.

3. Review the family calendar. 

I'm blessed to be able to work from home, but most days I feel as if I have a second job on the night shift due to my children's activities. Weeknights mean cross country and football practice, cooking dinner and homework assistance. On weekends, my daughter has cross country meets, my son has baseball scrimmages and he's taking catechism classes.

Why is it important to keep these activities in mind? It's very, very hard for me to squeeze writing or other business tasks in at night or on weekends. If I don't work on them during the day, they don't get done.

4. Create a plan based on the above.

Critiquing will be a nice change of pace for me, so I'm heading into critique partner #1's work first. I'll also set a few hours aside to finish writing the short story, and I'll put the guest post together. Sometime next week, I'm starting my new novel. I'll also schedule time to revise the short story. When critique partner #2's novella arrives in my in-box, I'll probably start critiquing it and lower my word count for that week. Then, it's writing, writing, writing until the end of the month.

5. Set personal goals.

My personal goals this month are to continue my exercise routine and eat at least one serving of raw vegetables a day.

***

Organizing my month this way allows me to be flexible and gives more weight to my motivation.

You might want to add extra goals such as heading to the pumpkin patch, decorating the house for fall, or trying that new recipe. I hung a fall wreath on the door, so I'm good on decorating, and I'll be purchasing pumpkins from the ginormous cardboard box at Kroger. In the past, we've had lazy Octobers where I can make homemade cinnamon buns and spend a day at an apple orchard, but this is not that October!

I don't mind. I've accepted that each year brings its own challenges. If I can squeeze in an afternoon at a local park to take pictures of the fall colors, I'll be happy!

What do you want to accomplish this month?

Have a fabulous day!!

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How to Make an Okay Romance Plot Compelling

Two story sparks have been taking turns in my brain since mid-July. For one of the sparks, I only have a rough impression of the characters--they're going to be a LOT of fun! I decided to develop the other spark first.

I knew the setting, the hero's backstory, and a vague idea of the heroine. That was it! But it turned out to be enough. I immediately listed reasons they could be together throughout the story. The one I liked best was okay, but not page-turning.

How did I know? Well, I asked myself if the stakes were high for both characters. The answer was no. Sure, it gave them a reason to be together, but if either could quit at any time and go on their merry way, the plot won't be very strong.

So I tried on other reasons for them to be together, but I kept coming back to the first one. I figured it was a sign I was on the right track. At that point, I brainstormed ways to raise the stakes. A few came easily, but they still weren't as big as I'd like. Since I was busy updating my website and putting my business records in order, I didn't worry about it too much.

And what do you know? A week later the lightbulb flipped on, and I knew exactly how to raise the stakes. I was ready to plot the book! Yay!

Questions I ask to make an okay plot compelling:

1. What is keeping the hero and heroine together throughout the story?

2. Is it coincidental (ex: they live in the same town and bump into each other every other chapter?) or is it goal-oriented (ex: they're working together on a project)?

3. What is keeping the hero from walking away from this arrangement? Does he have a good reason to be in it?

4. What is keeping the heroine from walking away from this arrangement? Does she have a good reason to be in it?

5. Can you find a side reason for them to work together too? (ex: they are co-chairing a benefit dinner to raise money for cancer. His nephew has cancer. Her mom died of cancer. Side reasons? His sister begged him to help plan the benefit because he owns a local insurance agency and has tons of connections. He gave his sister his word. And the heroine's side reason could be that she is a party planner and trying to launch her own business.)

6. Do both characters have strong motivations to work toward this story goal? What are they?

I'm convinced a good romance writer can take an okay plot and make it compelling. Just give the reader plenty of reasons why the characters are doing what they're doing!

How do YOU make a plot compelling?

Have a wonderful weekend!!

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Writer's Life: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

I'm super excited to have Sarah Loudin Thomas on the blog today! Sarah and I originally "met" online. We've crossed virtual paths for a few years now, so I was thrilled when Sarah signed with an agent from Books & Such Literary Agency AND sold her debut novel to Bethany House Publishers! Woo-hoo!! Sarah has a warm, friendly personality that comes through in everything she does. I'm so glad I finally got to meet her in person last year! And her inspirational romance, Miracle in a Dry Season, surprised me. I knew it would be great, but I wasn't expecting such a unique time period and voice! My review is below.

Let's get to it!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?  

My writing is a love letter to my family and my heritage. I grew up hearing all these wonderful stories mostly about people who are long gone. West Virginia hunting stories, farming stories, funny stories, LIVING stories. So when I draw on the wealth of my family's oral tradition to put words on paper, it's as though I get to be a participant. I get to meet people, to know them intimately, and to experience life with them. It really does make my heart sing!

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer? 

I've gotten just enough reader feedback to begin to feel confident that Miracle in a Dry Season is a book people like. Which feels fantastic. It also makes me shake in my boots when they say they're looking forward to the next book. What if it's not as good? What if readers just don't like the story? What if I'm a one-hit-wonder? So, yeah, my biggest hurdle right now is self-doubt. Thank goodness the second book is already written!

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I hike! I take Thistle (my dog) to the woods almost every day. We're fortunate to live really close to Pisgah National Forest where there are miles of trails to wander. I do my best thinking and plotting while I'm out there surrounded by nature breathing the fresh, clean air--the same sort of nature my Appalachian characters are surrounded by. We even walk in the rain and winter wind. I guess you could say Thistle is my muse since she won't let me skip our daily walk!

4. What are you working on now?

I just turned in book #2. While I'm waiting on the next round of edits for that, I'll get cracking on the third book in the Appalachian Blessings series. I have a draft but I want to make MAJOR changes to it. And then there's all the work of promoting Miracle in a Dry Season--social media, events, soliciting reviews, interacting with readers--it requires a good bit of time. When I started out I didn't realize how much books would overlap. Here I am promoting book #1, waiting for edits on book #2, and rewriting book #3. AND there's a fourth book I'm just itching to write!

*** 

Sarah, your love of West Virginia came through in your book. What a blessing to have a rich history brought to life through family stories--and brought to the reader as well! I understand the doubts too. We can't help but worry how our work will be accepted! Thistle sounds like the perfect muse and personal trainer. I get ideas when I walk too. :)

Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

Miracle in a Dry Season 
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.

***

About Sarah ~

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014 through Bethany House. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.

A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.

Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.

***

My review ~ 5 Star!!

Settle in with a soft blanket and a warm beverage, because this book is all about savoring the details. Several things surprised me: the 1950's setting, the dominant point of view being male, and the gentle tone. It's a lovely book, one that stays with you, one that you wish wouldn't end. 

Ms. Thomas uses her rich knowledge of West Virginia to bring the little town of Wise to life during a drought. While full of conflict, it's never overly dramatic. I loved watching the main character, Casewell, grow spiritually. His relationship with his father brought tears to my eyes. And Perla, the heroine, was so easy to love. The characters and town came to life for me--they felt very real.

I loved this book and can't wait for the next novel in this series to come out!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.*

***

Did you grow up hearing about family lore? Did it shape your impressions?

Have an amazing day!

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Celebration Time! I SOLD!!

I can't believe I'm writing this post. 821 blog posts and I'm finally writing it.

I sold a book to Harlequin Love Inspired!!!

Yes!! I. Sold. A. Book.

The current title is Her Wedding Hero and will be released in April 2015! Amazing!!

Signing my contract!!

I don't know about you, but whenever I hear a writer sold her first book, I'm curious about her writing path. Let's go back, shall we?

1992 - I throw a romance novel across the wall, mutter "I can do better than that," and decide I will. I write twenty-two pages of a dippy romance where the hero and heroine have no problems and go on fun dates. It hits me that characters need problems or the book ends at page twenty-three.

1996 - Browsing a bookstore, I find How to Write a Romance and Get It Published by Kathryn Falk. I'm mesmerized. A manual? For a job I never dared dream about? I'm in! I devour this thick book.

1997 - Nine months pregnant with our first child, I quit my job. My husband and I agree I'll be a stay-at-home-mom. I announce my next career will be writing romance novels for--wait for it--Harlequin!

2004 - After years of putting writing on hold, I'm itching to get back into it. Our youngest will be in pre-school soon. I join a local writing group and get very excited about our assignments. Publishing feels real again.

2007 - I join RWA. My youngest will enter Kindergarten, so I begin writing full time. I finish a romance novel--a delightful kidnapping/private island contemporary. Imagine my giddiness when Harlequin Romance requests a partial! This is it! I'm on my way! (On a side note, I believe this was when I said, "I'll give it a year. If I don't get published, I'll find a job." *snort*)

2008 - We move to Michigan. I join MVRWA, a local RWA chapter. A form rejection for my first book arrives on our anniversary. Depressing, yes, but I've written another romance. I send the query. Surely, this book will be the one!

2008-2009 - More books, queries, rejections. I finally take the rejections for what they are--indications I need to study the writing craft. Additionally, I start this blog. I eat up every piece of writing advice and craft book I can find. I join ACFW. Get very active in MVRWA. Meanwhile, I write constantly. Revise. Critique and be critiqued. Query. Repeat.

2010 - I get the call in October from Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency. She wants to represent me! *fist pump*

2011 - Another rejection. Great. Now I'm the dud client Rachel's going to regret signing. But wait...Rachel's amazing. She believes in me and urges me to expand the book to full length. I agree. For the first time, I write both category and full length romance novels for the Christian market. However, I can no longer walk into book stores. Every time I do, I cry. This dream has become raw. Real. And heart-breaking.

2012 - Bad start to the year. Every editor rejects both books I have on submission AND I find out my dad has dementia. I seriously consider quitting. Instead, I study the market for a month and jump back into my normal full-time writing routine. I have to push myself to meet my daily word count goals. I find I don't have to feel good to write well.

I get a call from Susan May Warren. I'm a Frasier Contest finalist! (My Book Therapy sponsors the Frasier!) The contest is a bright spot in a dreary few years.

I've had six novels rejected at this point. I'm not sure I have what it takes. Talent obviously eluded me. I'm no longer as excited to blog and keep up with social media. I begin to feel like a has-been who never was. 

We move out-of-state again. This makes three states in five years. Everything I'm clinging to slips away. I have to trust God to hold me together. Sometimes I fall apart.

I attend my first ACFW conference. I'm so blessed to meet old friends and make new friends, but after two so-so pitch sessions, I spend a lot of time crying in my room. Oddly, I take this experience as a sign God wants me to keep writing. I sense He's breaking my spirit for a reason. I started this journey so confident and excited. I'm now humble. Numb.

2013 - I do not think about my submissions. No dreaming. No excitement. Just prayers. Pleading prayers. Rote prayers. Prayers I'm not sure I believe in anymore. Publishing prayers. Since 2011, I've teared up when I see good news by someone I don't know. That's terrible. I feel guilty. How can I be such a jerk? Their success has nothing to do with me. But it still hurts. And I continue to get sad when I see good news that isn't mine.

I enter an online pitch contest through Harlequin Love Inspired, called Happily-Editor-After. Shana Asaro seems like the ideal editor for my work. I sign up to pitch to her. I'm desperate, but I have a blast plotting the new book. That's the thing, I've always loved writing. Shana requests a proposal. Yes!

I get a call from Ann Mulligan. I'm a Genesis finalist! (ACFW sponsors the Genesis Contest!) Soon Chicken Soup for the Soul contacts me. They are buying one of my pieces! My husband brags to family and friends that my work will be in bookstores. He's one of the main reasons I'm still writing at this point.

Shana asks me to revise and resubmit my proposal from Happily-Editor-After. I happily revise and resubmit. Later in the year, the full is requested. Good news, but I refuse to get my hopes up.

One day, I force myself to walk through a Barnes & Noble. As usual, my heart squeezes until my soul hurts. But I see all the books written by authors I personally know. I think how amazing it is that I know them. I feel incredibly blessed to have been given the opportunity to meet these women, to be friends with them. Soon I'm a regular at the book store again. No more tears.

2014 - My dad's dementia (and Parkinson's disease) worsens. He's now in late stages of Alzheimer's. Strangely, I want to be published more than ever. Our finances have been strained for five years. I'm tired. Tired of pouring all my free time into a career that isn't panning out. I want validation. I want to be paid. I want a chance. I still cry when I see good news from anyone other than a good friend. Still feel guilty.

I browse Monster.com. Tell my husband this is it. One more rejection and I'm going back to a full-time job in electrical engineering. I'm tired of feeling like a failure. I CANNOT do this anymore. And I'm still praying every day. I know God doesn't want me to be miserable. I've been miserable for almost three years. Enough is enough.

And then one day it happens. I answer my cell phone, convinced it's a telemarketer because I don't recognize the area code, but it's not. It's Rachel. She tells me "this is the call I've been waiting a long time for." And I burst into tears. (Clearly, I'm a crybaby.)

I submitted my first romance novel six years and seven months ago. I've been on submission with ten different novels for five years and two months.

You read that correctly. On submission with ten books for FIVE YEARS and TWO MONTHS. 

The book I sold is my thirteenth novel. I'm convinced this is 100% God. I would have given up years ago if He hadn't put someone in my path, given me a small win, or just held me steady during the nothing times. Everyone says you have a breakthrough when you hit rock bottom, but I hit that point three times and did not have a breakthrough. You have a breakthrough when God determines the time is right. Period.

I'm sharing all this because it's easy to become discouraged trying to get published. In fact, it's easy to get discouraged, depressed, and desperate at any point in your writing journey.

About three years ago I realized publishing is a dream come true, but it doesn't make all your dreams come true. I needed the rejections, the endless waiting, the discouragement, and yes, the countless times I forced myself to write to understand this. 

The day after I got the call, I wrote myself a note card. It's pinned to my bulletin board above my desk. It says, "Whenever you feel like complaining, remember all the years and heartbreak it took to get here. Gratitude!"

I'm extremely grateful Love Inspired is taking a chance on me (thank you, Shana!!). I owe so much to my agent (thank you, Rachel!), for all the work she's poured into me and my books. And I have a long, long, list of close friends and family to thank, particularly my critique partners Wendy Paine Miller and Jessica R. Patch, as well as my former critique partners Cindy Wilson and Terri Tiffany. It truly took a village to get this gal a contract!

Thank you for celebrating with me! Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog! Thank you for being you!

Please sign up for my newsletter if you haven't already. I'll be sending my first one out soon! It will contain my latest book news, a healthy dose of quirkiness, and personal photos of my new-to-me hometown. Also, my e-mail address is jill(at)jillkemerer(dot)com. I love to hear from you!

Thanks again!!

Are you surprised about anything on my writing journey? 

Have a wonderful day!!

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Writer's Life: Heidi McCahan

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

This week I'm so excited to share a NEW author with you! Heidi McCahan's debut novel, Unraveled, released this spring through Winslet Press. Heidi and I met online through blogging and, believe it or not, Google+! She makes me laugh and is always super supportive. Once again, we have a stunning cover to ogle!

Let's get to it.

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Wow, great question. I love the creative process: taking that initial spark of an idea and running with it, enjoying the journey of where these fictional characters take me. As a child, I loved using my imagination so I’m grateful I’ve found an outlet where I can still enjoy using my overactive imagination.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now as a writer?

I have a hard time taking the raw rough draft and structuring it into a plausible novel, making sure the different threads weave into something that’s an enjoyable, satisfying read. The obvious solution to that would be to embrace being a plotter. But I’m starting my third novel now and decided to try becoming a straight plotter and nearly hyperventilated. I tried to write a detailed synopsis before I started my rough draft and it just didn’t work. I think I need to find a happy medium … someone once referred to it as a plantser: half plotter, half pantser. That’s a more workable method for me.  

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

I’ve discovered that being near the ocean really inspires me. I’m a few hours from the coast now, so I don’t go very often. But there’s something about being at the beach and watching those waves crash on the shore that brings out my inner artist. Someday I would love to attend a writing retreat at the beach or (dreaming big here) have access to a beach rental in the off-season for a big chunk of writing time. I also like to scrapbook and that’s a great hobby for feeding my creative side apart from writing.

4. What are you working on right now?

I have a few irons in the fire at the moment. I’m editing my second novel now, trying to re-write and shape it into a more enjoyable read. It’s a heartwarming romance about a reclusive American baseball player trying to re-start his pitching career in Japan after a terrible tragedy. A beautiful American female sportscaster is trying to prove she can make it in the profession by landing an interview with him. It’s a ‘love finds you when you least expect it’ story. Also, a dear friend sent me a text with a wonderful idea for a setting and plot, so I jumped into writing my third novel while I was on vacation. Lastly, I’m trying to find time to promote my debut novel, Unraveled, which released in April. 

***

Heidi, writing is the perfect outlet for an overactive imagination! And I've always said, you have to embrace your process. If plotting gives you the hives, don't do it. Your hybrid solution sounds perfect! As long as we're dreaming big, I'm all in on attending your beach writer's retreat. The ocean calms and inspires me too. I love the concept of your new book! Have you been to Japan? What a trip that would be! Thanks!!

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Unraveled ~

Blind-sided by her questionable fiance, Lauren Carter returns to the one place she’s been avoiding, the place she used to call home. As she’s forced to look into the eyes of her past and even worse, her unraveling future she discovers that running only leaves you out of breath on a dead end street. Will she choose to unveil the secrets that haunt her? Or will she bury them once and for all and embrace a new life so different from the one she once held dear?

Blake Tully, wildly successful and breathtakingly winsome owner of a new rafting business, finds Lauren’s unexpected reappearance confusing. As he torments himself with what if’s and what should’ve been’s, he can’t mistake the feeling that crawls down his spine every time he looks at her. Although she broke his heart once, he longs to give his childhood sweetheart another chance, but can he convince her to stop running away when life gets tough? And can he forgive her when he discovers the reason she’s been hiding?

Follow the story of these two shattered hearts as they discover the beauty of grace and forgiveness.

***

About Heidi ~

I am a Northwest girl recently transplanted in the South, where I’m cultivating a writing career in the midst of mothering our three fabulous boys. When I’m not stepping on Legos, chauffeuring the fellas around suburbia or folding laundry, I like nothing more than to curl up with a great cup of coffee and a compelling read.

My husband and I come from a long line of seaside vacationers. We are happiest at the beach, for sure, and consider ourselves blessed to live within a few hours drive of several fabulous destinations. It is, however, about as far as I can get from the land I once called home (without actually leaving the country).

I was blessed to call Alaska home for the first eighteen years of my life. My family’s experiences there, combined with the Last Frontier’s rich history, inspires much of what I write.

***

Since I love romances between reunited childhood sweethearts, I have to ask--do you enjoy reunion stories? 

Have a great day!! And please stop by Friday for a BIG announcement!!

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Writer's Life: Wendy Paine Miller

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

This week we have someone very special. Wendy Paine Miller and I met online through blogging, then we became critique partners, and through it all a friendship grew. I consider her one of my best friends. Not only is she an amazing writer (buy The Flower Girls HERE!!), she's also supportive and very, very real. I can't tell you how many times I called her when my dad was in the hospital earlier this year (and every other day too--keeping it real!). We all need a Wendy in our life!!

Anyway, I'm so excited about her new book, The Flower Girls. My review is below!!

Let's get to it!!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

I love this question, Jill. Going with how alive I feel when my fingers are pecking at the keyboard and my mind is strumming. I’m also enraptured when hints of myself and those I’ve known and loved show up on the page. My stories end up being a culmination of my life and experiences. Writing is also a form of worship for me.

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Focus. I have three different plots spinning like plates in my brain. I’ve written half of one story, and at least a third of the other two. I’m trying to pinpoint which one needs to be told most. Problem is I’ve fallen in love with the characters from all of them.

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Lately I’ve had to be harder on myself about getting rest. A few nights I’ve awakened at 4am and headed straight for my computer and I’ve had to force myself to go back to bed. What I really love to do is paint. Between painting, running, reading, and getting immersed in deep conversations my well pretty much runneth over. There are days when I feel like I do more mopping up of all the water that’s sloshed over my creative well than actually drinking from that well.

4. What are you working on now?

Pick a novel. Any novel. No, seriously, please pick one of the three aforementioned novels. I’m breathing life into those characters and stories. I’m also spending a good deal of time interacting with readers, celebrating the release of my first full-length novel, THE FLOWER GIRLS. I’ll never say it enough…I love my readers!

***

Wendy, anyone reading your books can feel the passion you have for writing! Sounds like the characters are clamoring for attention. 4am wake-up calls aren't good! But I understand. :) What have you painted lately? The kitchen cupboards, if I'm remembering correctly? I'll pick a novel. I'll make it easy on you!!

***

The Flower Girls ~

Imagine staring into the face of a loved one with no recollection of who they are. Every person a stranger. Daisy O’Reilly's inability to recognize faces, a cognitive disorder resulting from a childhood accident, causes her to rely heavily upon her twin sister, Poppy. Perhaps too much so. 

Overwhelmed by Daisy’s needs, Poppy anticipates the freedom her upcoming wedding will bring—a chance to relinquish her obsessive worries about Daisy and escape the clutches of guilt from one hazy day when the girls were seven. When they were still invincible. 

With a thriving floral photography career but a floundering love life, Daisy questions how strong she will be on her own. And who she might become without Poppy living down the hall or offering a deluge of reminders during each social interaction. 

But for the O’Reilly sisters to properly let go, they must first understand what they’re holding on to.

***

About Wendy ~

Wendy is a native New Englander who feels most alive when she's laughing, reading, writing or taking risks. She's authored nine novels and is currently writing what she hopes will be your future book club pick. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and online sites. Wendy lives with her husband and their three girls in a home bursting with imagination and hilarity.

She's represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency. 

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My Review ~ 5 STARS!!

The Flower Girls is the story of twins whose lives are intertwined due to genetics and past tragedies. The book alternates between Daisy, a flower photographer with face blindness, and Poppy, a midwife with a major guilt complex. The sisters grapple with how close is too close, how much do they owe each other, and how will their futures develop when Poppy gets married?

The New England setting wrapped me up, and the tone reminded me of a gentle but persistent rain--relentless, yet nourishing. Wendy Miller is a master of subtle revelations. At first Poppy seems the stronger of the two twins, but as the story develops, you see the core strength of Daisy, and how courageous she is in light of her disability. Also, anyone with siblings will relate to the intricacies of their relationship!

I highly recommend this book! It's a perfect summer read, and the characters will stay with you long after The End!

***

Are you fascinated by sibling interaction? Do you have brothers and sisters?

Have a fantastic day!!

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Writer's Life: Melissa Tagg

Welcome to another edition of Writer's Life! Every Wednesday features a romance writer of inspirational or sweet romance novels. I'm excited to share some of my favorite authors and hope you'll find new books for your to-be-read pile!

Today we have the fabulous Melissa Tagg!! Melissa writes contemporary romance for the inspirational market. Her latest, Here to Stay, released this week! I spent ten minutes debating with myself about the cover, and in the end, I decided it's my favorite romance cover of 2014. Isn't it pretty? I'm a sucker for small towns, brick sidewalks, and cute couples. :) My review is posted at the end of the interview.

Let's get to it!!

1. What about writing makes your heart sing?

Writing The End. LOL! No but seriously, probably what most makes my heart sing are those moments when I'm deep in a scene and the characters suddenly start doing things I didn't expect, saying things I didn't plan on...when the words almost don't feel like my own. Especially if it's a serious scene...those are just amazing moments as a writer. And it's often those moments when a nugget of truth comes to light and I have the realization that God has me writing this story at this time for a reason...and that he's changing me or working in my heart. 

2. What is the biggest hurdle you're facing right now as a writer?

Hands-down my biggest hurdle is time and focus. I work full-time at a nonprofit organization, and I do try to, you know, have a social life. Haha! So doing the writing thing on top of that is a lot. I often feel like I'm working two full-time jobs. But I keep telling myself, this is the season I'm in right now. Embrace it! 

3. What do you do to fill your creative well?

Spend time with family for sure. Nothing relaxes and reenergizes me as much as spending a Sunday afternoon with family. Too, I love classic movies...especially classic movies with witty and fast-paced dialogue. (I'm sorry, so many of today's movies are sooo lacking in brilliant dialogue! If that makes me sound like a snob, well, so be it.) So sometimes if I'm feeling less-than-creative, I'll go watch one of my favorite movies to get inspired.

4. What are you working on next?

Well, when this interview goes up, I will be just days away from the deadline for my third book! It's called From the Start and it comes out in spring 2015. It's the start of a new series that takes place in Iowa and features the Walker family. The first book in the series is about Kate Walker, a romantic movie scriptwriter who doesn't believe in love, and a brooding-but-adorable ex-NFL-er named Colton Greene. This summer I'll be writing a novella to preclude and introduce the new series, and soon after, I'll start on the second book in the series. So...lots of writing in my world this year!

***

 Melissa, I think we can all relate on struggling to balance our time. You really are working two full-time jobs. Writing involves so much more than just putting words down! I'm with you on classic movies. In my twenties, I had a thing for Cary Grant movies. Just love the dialogue, sets, and proper clothing! Congratulations on finishing book three (I have complete faith you'll make that deadline without any problem)! And thanks for being my guest today!

***

Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he’s finally returning to his hometown–the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he’s surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer–coordinating the annual Christmas festival–even though he has no idea how he’ll pull it off.

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family’s inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.

Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees…in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who’s had enough of running away and the woman who can’t wait to leave join forces.

***

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.

 ***

My Review ~ 5 Stars!!

Charming, whimsical, and oh-so-warm, I loved Here to Stay! Ms. Tagg excels at writing lovable characters. Since I spend time every summer on Lake Michigan, I especially enjoyed the autumn setting on the lake. Look for fun cameos by Miranda Woodruff from the first book in the series, Made to Last. With a strong romance, touching spiritual journeys, and comedic situations, Here to Stay is a must read! 

***

What do you look for in a cover? Does a gorgeous one make you more likely to read a book?

Have a fantastic day!!

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