Jill Kemerer

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Made to Last: Interview with Melissa Tagg!

You are in for a treat today! Melissa Tagg, author of the inspirational contemporary romance, Made to Last, is here, answering my questions. Melissa writes for Bethany House (publishing home of several authors I love including Jody Hedlund and Becky Wade), and yes, I loved her debut novel! My review is later in the post. :)

Melissa, thanks for being here today! Let's get to it!

1. In Made to Last, the main character, Miranda, has a natural talent for working with wood. Do you have wood-working skills? What are you naturally talented at?

Haha, um, no…I’m really not at all talented at wood-working. Although, truthfully, I guess I’ve never really tried that hard. But I do have a clear memory of my high school shop class teacher walking past me and just shaking his head. LOL!

I am naturally good at dumb things like remembering tons of classic movie trivia and saying the alphabet backwards (for real). I’m also good at accidentally starting fires and tripping. And to be serious for a moment and in hopes of not sounding at all cocky, I do think writing comes somewhat naturally to me. But I know I’ll always have more to learn as a storycrafter. :)

2. Miranda has an assortment of men in her life: her manager Brad, fake husband Blake, ex-fiancé Robbie, and, of course, Matthew, the hero and reporter. Let's say you had these men to choose from, who would you pick? (I'm loving Blake!!)

Ohhhh how I love this question. Brad and Robbie are easy no’s…Brad because he’s a little too suave and polished for my taste and Robbie because he flaked out on Miranda. :) But choosing between Matthew and Blake? I don’t think I can do it. If we were just talking Made to Last, I’d choose Matthew in a heartbeat…he is funny and sweet and he sees deeper into people than most, probably because of his career as a journalist. I love that about him.

But now that I’ve been working on Blake’s story for months now (it’s called Here to Stay and comes out May 1, 2014), I’m seeing all his deeper layers too. Plus, he’s just hilarious. And underneath his goofiness, there’s a wounded vulnerability that tugs on your heart.

I don’t think I can choose! Ooh, how about this: Whichever one goes the Pinnochio route and becomes “a real boy!” first…that’s the one I choose.

3. What has surprised you the most about publishing your debut novel?

Hmm, two things, I think:

1. The busyness of it all. People said this would be a busy season. But I think in the back of my head I was all, “Yeah, yeah, cool, I can handle it.” Um, now I’m a little less confident of my ability to juggle. Haha!

2. The joy of reader support. Ever since I’ve started on this writing journey, I’ve been blown away by the support of fellow writers. But now it’s also readers, too, who are encouraging me on a daily basis. I’m so grateful for that!

Melissa, you've been an inspiration to me in many ways. Your deep faith comes across in everything you do. Your talent as a writer sucked me into your book (can't wait for your next one!). And your friendship means the world to me. Congratulations!

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Made to Last

Miranda Woodruff has it all. At least, that’s how it looks when she’s starring in her homebuilding television show, From the Ground Up. So when her network begins to talk about making cuts, she’ll do anything to boost ratings and save her show–even if it means pretending to be married to a man who’s definitely not the fiance who ran out on her three years ago.

When a handsome reporter starts shadowing Miranda’s every move, all his digging into her personal life brings him a little too close to the truth–and to her. Can the girl whose entire identity is wrapped up in her on-screen persona finally find the nerve to set the record straight? And if she does, will the life she’s built come crashing down just as she’s found a love to last?

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Melissa Tagg ~

Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. Her debut novel, a romantic comedy titled Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013, with a follow-up slated for summer 2014. In addition to her nonprofit day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers founded by award-winning author Susan May Warren.

During her reporting days, Melissa interviewed presidential candidates and llama farmers, rode a hot air balloon and flew a plane, and once found herself face to face with a buffalo. But today she gets her kicks by letting her characters have their own fun. She's passionate about humor, grace and happy endings.

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My Review (5 Stars!!)

Wow! *fanning myself* Melissa Tagg blew me away with her debut novel! This is the kind of romance I love--terrific writing, lovable characters, gorgeous setting details, humor, a little sizzle, and a very satisfying happily-ever-after! I loved this book!!

From page one I sympathized with Miranda (Randi) Woodruff. She's in a predicament, feels very guilty about it, and has strong reasons for staying in it. Enter two men new to her life: Blaze and Matthew. I'll admit it--I loved Blaze. Praying he gets his own story. Yum! But Matthew is the hero in THIS book, and he's fabulous.

I laughed out loud so many times, I lost count. I can't wait to read more from this talented author!!

(I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own--I loved this book!!)

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Thanks so much, Melissa, for being my guest!

Do you watch home-improvement shows? Which one is your favorite?

Have a wonderful day!

Help? Caramel Apples

I've unwrapped Kraft caramels and melted them per the instructions on the bag.

I've also attempted to make homemade caramel.

For some reason, my caramel apples always end up with a wad of goo on the bottom and a too-thin layer on the remainder of the apple.

What am I doing wrong??

For all you caramel apple gurus out there, I'm begging for your help. I love these treats. I want a recipe that will ensure an even coating of caramel.

The pre-made apple wraps aren't bad, but I feel like I've contaminated every square inch with my fingerprints by the time I get them to stick. Plus, they get expensive!

Do you have some tips on making the perfect caramel apple? Please share!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Not Becoming a Recluse: 2 Minute Resolution

I've been too much of a homebody lately. When driving to the gas station seems too much of a bother, I know I need to get out more. So this month's 2 Minute Resolution is to Not Become a Recluse!

October 2103: 2 Minute Resolution

Not Becoming a Recluse

Do you ever get reclusive tendencies? How do you combat them?

Have a terrific weekend!!

The Disappearing Key: Interview with Wendy Paine Miller!

I am SO excited to host Wendy Paine Miller on my blog today!! Wendy and I "met" online years ago through our blogs. I was immediately drawn to her deep, lyrical writing style, not to mention her humor. We became friends. Critique partners.

Earlier this year we chatted, and she mentioned her idea of releasing this off-the-wall novella. I read it. Was BLOWN AWAY. My goodness, this woman can write! Wendy graciously agreed to answer some of my questions, so let's get to it!

1. The Disappearing Key has a twisty concept. What sparked the idea?

I almost feel like answering this one with if I told you you wouldn’t believe me. Life is stranger than fiction. A culmination of experiences and ponderings I’ve wrestled with intersected, and so the concept of The Disappearing Key was born. Things as routine as my mom getting vitamin B shots in her ear to help with her Ménière's disease, to having to turn my daughter’s orthodontic palate in the roof of her mouth every night, to knowing what’s it’s like to love someone with a brain tumor. Like I said, a random combination of things collided in my brain to trigger the idea for this novella.

2. You took a break from writing full length women's fiction to write this novella. What did you like about writing shorter fiction?

The pressure. And the challenge. Let me explain. I felt strongly about crafting fully developed characters with intricate storylines. But doing this in half the length of a novel can get tricky.

I also did it to experiment. It’s exciting for me to explore new methods of writing.

In this particular work, I loved how the point of views unraveled, how each of the main characters had an opportunity to share.

3. What surprised you the most about preparing this piece for publication? Did you have a favorite moment? (I love your cover!!)

What a phenomenal question. Seeing the cover for the first time was certainly a highlight. I was also surprised at all the details that go into launching a successful work.

Lastly I must admit I never imagined how rewarding it would feel to receive feedback, from the professional edits to the initial endorsements. It made the entire experience more real and reminded me of the beauty behind why I write—to reach others.

***

Wendy, I love your last point that as writers we long to reach others. When our manuscripts sit on a flash drive or in a file cabinet, our spirit cries out because we want to share our stories. I'm so glad you're sharing yours!

***

The Disappearing Key

Gabrielle Bivane never expected parenting a teenager would be this hard, but she never expected stillborn Oriana to live to see fourteen, either. The night of Oriana's birth, Gabrielle and her husband Roy fused their genetic and engineering geniuses to bring back all that was lost to them—at a cost.

The secret must be kept.

Oriana Bivane senses she’s not like the other girls her age, but the time has come for her to change all that. She’s tired of secrets, but does she confide in the wrong person?

The life-giving key, suddenly missing, must be found.

***

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 Disappearing Key may be a novella, but it packs the punch of a full length book. Wendy Paine Miller explores ethical choices about life, stillbirths, and the secrets we keep. Told from three very different viewpoints, the story of Oriana's mysterious birth and ongoing "treatments" unfolds with breathtaking intensity and will have you questioning until the very end.

Ms. Miller excels at lyrical storytelling with an honesty prized in modern fiction. Her word choices remind me of music, but her control over the tension impressed me the most. This story just does not let up! No spoilers, but be prepared to turn pages way past your bedtime!

A remarkable debut. I can't wait to read more by this talented author!

***

Thanks again, Wendy, for being my guest. Congratulations!!!

The Disappearing Key is available now at Amazon (click to purchase!!) and other online retailers!

Do you have a question for Wendy? Chime in!

Have a lovely Wednesday!

Rule Busters: Romance Genre

Ever read a book about the craft of fiction writing? I've read (and own) many! I'm grateful for talented authors who share their hard-earned knowledge with the rest of us. Advice about the writing craft tends to focus on the same concepts, such as plot, structure, dialogue, action, and narrative, but some of the "rules" need to be tamed for the genre you write.

Romance novels have been my favorite genre to read since I was a teenager. Naturally, I write romance novels, too! But I went overboard on the advice when I started writing, and my books suffered for it. Here are three "rules" to be cautious about when writing romance.

1. Conflict

Have you ever started reading a romance novel and been turned off at the hostility between the hero and heroine? I know. It's confusing. You've bought the book with the hopes of reading a love story only to be flung into a war--one you don't want to continue reading. What's romantic about that?

Romance novels need a compelling romantic conflict--a reason the hero and heroine can't fall in love and live happily-ever-after. The book would be B.O.R.I.N.G without it. But writers can go overboard on the conflict, creating unlikable characters whom the reader can't root for or extreme circumstances no couple can realistically recover from.

If you have a hero and heroine at war with each other, show us the backstory. Let us in on why they are at each other's throats. Don't make them mean just to make a point. And give them downtime where they call a truce and begin to understand each other. Whatever your romantic conflict, make sure neither character is coming across as petty, immature, or spiteful. I can't fall in love with those traits, and most other romance readers can't either.

2. Character Growth

Another rule romance writers can take to the extreme is character growth. Character growth doesn't mean giving characters terrible personality traits to overcome. Readers will toss the book or Kindle across the room rather than continue reading about a spoiled, jerky, or mean main character. Character growth should be about making a character stronger in some way.

3. Action/Introspection

Romance is character-based. We want to feel what the heroine is feeling. We need to understand why the hero reacts the way he does. And more than anything, we want to experience the rush of falling in love.

Mainstream fiction rules talk about action, pacing, and dialogue, and they typically say to minimize introspection. Obviously, all writers need to strike a balance. But romance writers shouldn't skimp on introspection or deep point-of-view. Remember, romance readers crave an emotional read. If your characters are running from one crisis to another without any time to reflect, the romance gets lost.

What is your favorite genre to read? Any pet-peeves when reading it?

Happy Monday!

Three Tips for Managing Your Day

I've been reading about time management, routines, creativity, and schedules. This week I altered my daily schedule, and, what do you know, I accomplished more than usual. Felt better too!

So what did I do differently? Nothing much, but it made all the difference.

Here are three things you can do to take charge of your day.

1. Get centered.

For me, getting centered means inviting the Lord into my life.

After my family heads out the door, I read two chapters of the Bible (one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament) followed by a prayer session. God wants us to come to Him. He loves it when we pray, when we rely on Him, when we study His word. This practice is vital to me. It sets the tone and keeps needless anxieties from taking over.

2. Write down one to three tasks that will move you closer to your goal.

I'm a writer. My goals usually revolve around my books. A sample of tasks I've tackled in the last six months includes:

Write two scenes.
Revise chapter thirteen.
Read chapters six through ten out loud.
Create two pages for mobile website.
Write Friday's blog post.
Email so-and-so about guest post.
Brainstorm possible turning points for upcoming book.

You might only be able to cross one of these tasks off your list. That's okay. Just move the other tasks to tomorrow's calendar. The important thing is creating movement in your project.

3. Set limits on your time wasters.

My time wasters are all Internet related. Facebook, in particular, can suck me in for way too long! All week I've been diligent about logging off in 10-15 minutes. Mission accomplished. I'm getting more done and feeling better about it!

These three steps give me a sense of control over my day. I feel better overall because I've placed my time into God's hands. I feel better at night because I made progress toward my goals. And I feel better about myself because I'm not turning to the Internet to fill a void in my life.

**For fun, head to Scott Belsky's website and check out his Clever Tip Jar Collection. I love the idea of clever tips--cash or ideas!**

What's your best tip for managing your day?

Have a terrific weekend!!

Handbag Hoopla! Guest Post by Jenny Sulpizio

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Jenny Sulpizio, author of Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe: On a Mission to Save Sanity, One Mom at a Time. I loved Jenny's book! Funny, faith-filled, with tons of tips--it's perfect for Christian moms. (My review is listed later in the post.) Jenny agreed to share an excerpt. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy Jenny's advice about handbags!

Handbag Hoopla

(An excerpt from “Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe: On a Mission to Save Sanity, One Mom at a Time.”)

Gosh. If there’s one thing we moms have a lot of these days, it’s got to be an overabundance of stuff. It fills up our cars, homes…and especially those handbags we’re forced to carry. Indeed, our purses have become magnets for lost trinkets, unexplained junk, and loads of other useless items that can’t help but make us wonder how they even got there in the first place.

Chances are, if you’re a purse-toting mom like me, you’ve found yourself bombarded by the overwhelming contents of your oversized handbag on more than one occasion. And with all this junk taking up valuable space within our purse(s), it’s no wonder we can’t locate important items when we need to.

So what are moms like us supposed to do?

In an effort to get our satchels under control, and avoid being swallowed (whole) by the contents within them, check out these tips to get that purse of yours clean, organized, and functional:

1. Go smaller: As we’ve already learned, bigger isn’t always better…especially when it comes to our purses. Think small after all.

2. Clean your clutch: Often and all the time. Rid yourself of old receipts, used tissues (ew!), and the likes. Make it sparkle!

3. Stock it: Stock your purse with only the essentials you’ll need. We’re talking a wallet, cell phone, a feminine hygiene item or two, some antibacterial goo, and that’s it. No more, no less.

4. Pick pocket: Designate specific areas in your purse for holding important items. For example, always place your wallet, cell phone, and keys in their assigned areas. Major sanity-saver here, girls!

5. Go new: If your purse has been to war and has the battle scars to prove it, it may be time to invest in a new one. Or, if your current handbag just isn’t doing the job, looks like it’s time to go shopping. Remember friends--finding a purse that will work for you and your needs is of utmost importance. Don’t be afraid to spend a little bit of money in this area. You’ll be happy you did.

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Jenny Lee Sulpizio is a wife and mother of three who enjoys writing about anything and everything under the sun, but especially loves to instruct, motivate, and guide other moms with practical advice, tips, and a whole lot of comic relief in the process. Jenny is a contributing writer for The MOB Society and Moms Together, and is the author of the recently released guide for all mamas titled, “Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe: On a Mission to Save Sanity, One Mom at a Time.” To find out more about Jenny or to follow her blog, visit www.jennyleesulpizio.com. Connect with Jenny on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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My review of Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe: FIVE STARS!!

The breezy style and solid advice in this self-help book for Christian moms had me laughing, nodding, and taking notes. Ms. Sulpizio shares her struggles, her hard-earned wisdom, and all of her tricks in this lovely book. Moms of small children will appreciate the chapters on finding time for themselves, and moms of all ages can pick up tips about taking care of ourselves, organizing, and saving money.

I appreciated the resources included--websites to help us figure out our body shape, lists of must-haves in the car, etc...

Prayer is a major theme--just as it is in my life. We can't be perfect, but we can take our struggles to God.

Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe is a must-read for Christian moms!

(I received an advanced reader copy with no obligation to review this book. All opinions are my own.)

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Alright, so let’s have some fun. Tell me the first three items you find after reaching into your handbag right now (include your email address) and get entered to win a copy of “Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe.” Ready? Go!

**Must be a U.S. citizen and 18 years or older to enter. Winner will be randomly selected from qualifying entries.**

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Thank you, Jenny, for being such a fun guest!

Have a terrific day!!