Travel with Winston While Staying at Home: Author Interview with Cynthia Anne Finefrock

You’re an avid photographer. What made you decide to write a picture book about a dog’s travels rather than a glossy coffee table book?
Great question! I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book ever since I was little. I didn’t take this goal any further until the pandemic happened and, like so many other individuals, I lost my job. With time on my hands, I decided to make my dream a reality. 

My photography website had just gone live and my friend thought it would be a funny idea to Photoshop my dog, Winston, into my travel photos. I took that idea and ran with it and now here we are, two books later! I do hope to have a coffee table book of my photographs someday but for now my attention is focused on Winston and his books.

Have you actually done the traveling shown in the books with your dog? 
All of the photos I use in Winston’s books are my personal photographs from my travels. Winston doesn’t actually come with me on these trips, though. He poses for the photos at home (with cheese as a treat, afterwards) and then I edit him into my travel photos.

What's one of the most unique events you remember most about your travels?
One special event I remember from my travels is seeing the pyramids in Egypt for the first time. There’s nothing quite like seeing something in person that you’ve only seen in textbooks, photographs, or on TV. It took my breath away and it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.

What was the hardest part of putting together this book?
The hardest part of putting together this book is probably taking the photos of Winston. For the most part, he’s an amazing model. He sees the camera and starts smiling and posing. There are definitely some days, though, when he won’t cooperate. I have to put the progress of the book on hold until he’s ready to take the photos. I usually just try again another day and he’s more than happy to do his job! He loves working.

Did you personally design the full book or hire on others for the work?

I hired a book designer to create the cover, do the formatting, and add the graphics you see in the book. She lives in the UK and is great! I found her on Fiverr.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had from readers?
The best encouragement I’ve had from readers is hearing that Winston’s books have sparked conversations between caregivers and their children about the places Winston visits. This was my main goal in publishing these books. I wanted to introduce children to other parts of the world and hopefully spark their interest to learn more about these places and, even better, travel there someday themselves when they're older. With traveling comes learning, not only about others but yourself as well!

Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather than just clicks?
Visiting schools as an author has been my best source for marketing in the US. Winston’s Instagram has been great for reaching an audience outside of the US. He’s sold books in Germany, Poland, Amsterdam, Australia, and New Zealand thanks to his amazing Instagram followers! His instagram is @WinstonTravels_

What do you know now about publishing you wished you had known sooner?
There’s a TON of learning involved with self-publishing a book. Something I wish I had known about sooner was Kickstarter Campaigns. Publishing a book is expensive and this would have helped a lot. I plan on running a Kickstarter for Winston’s third book.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
The best advice I can give is don't compare yourself to others. We are all on our own journey and sometimes success can take longer than somebody else’s.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me some details?
Winston’s third book will hopefully be released in the summer of 2023. I won’t say which countries he’s going to so there’s an element of surprise left, but I will say he’s going to South America! We are also working on a Christmas book, as well.

Winston's books are available through Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble. You can find them on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cynthia-Anne-Finefrock/author/B094YV7PV2

You can also purchase them on Cynthia Anne's website.https://cynthiaanne.com/publications Winston signs (pawtographs) those books and 10% of the sales go to various animal rescue efforts.

And here's a bonus for my readers. If you leave a comment on this post before  8:00 p.m. on 2/20/23, you'll be entered to win  your choice of one of Winston's eBooks.  So do that now!

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas: Featuring Amy R. Anguish

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
The book includes 5 Christmas stories by 5 different authors. For the book, I was given the theme of Christmas on the beach. The setting at the beach was the only requirement. But I already had an idea of "what would happen if someone came up to you in church services and dropped a bulletin in your lap that had a note asking you to pretend to be his girlfriend?" So, I combined the two and placed it on my favorite island (the one where I honeymooned), St Simon's Island, Georgia.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
My family loves to drive around and look at lights while drinking hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music. And every year we make sure to watch "White Christmas."

What’s next for you? 
I just had a new novella collection release at the end of September which has one story for each season (mine is summer), and is so much fun. It's called Love in Any Season.
In December, the second book in my Roadtrip Romance series releases. This is the first series I've done and I'm loving how excited everyone is about reading the next book! I might be addicted, too. :)

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Don't edit while you write. It's hard and I sometimes do it anyway, but I get so many more words down when I turn off my inner editor first and wait to edit later. I also wait at least a month, if possible, before going back to edit after writing a first draft. I need that distance to be able to catch things.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I should've taken a marketing class in college! Never would I ever have imagined how much marketing I have to do now. But I'm learning as I go, just like each story improves in my editing and writing, too.

Any last words or tips?
My favorite excuse for reading is that it's helping me improve my own writing. ;) I know I'd read anyway, but when I'm reading an award-winning author in my own genre, I can say it's research. Ha!

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
I have several releasing next year, but if you want to know about another Christmas one, I have a full-length novel coming out in October 2023. It's called My Mama Dated Santa. And it's set in Waco, TX. It has a surly toy store manager, a mischievous nephew, really good chocolates, a sleigh ride, and Santa, of course. Among other things.

 
That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Amy's books, here are some links to get you started. And here's your chance to win a FREE book...leave a comment on her blog within the next 7 days and she'll pick a lucky winner from the posts!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amy_r_anguish
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEiu-jq-KE-VMIjbtmGLbJA

Website: https://abitofanguish.weebly.com/

Don't Be Afraid of Writing Rejection - Keep Writing: Author Interview with Dennis Bailey

You retired from being a police detective and turned to writing. What made you decide to write biblical fiction? 

For most of my adult life, I've been an ardent student of the Bible. Back in the mid-90s, I also became a big fan of Jerry B. Jenkins' and Tim LaHaye's Left Behind series. After reading those stories, all I can say is that I felt the call of God on my own heart to take what I'd learned in the Scriptures and use it to write something similar using the Biblical account of Noah. 

What type of research did you do for that first book, Army of God, to create a story that grabs at the reader’s heart? 

All of the historical research for Army of God is based on that account and the writings of Flavius Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews. At it's core, Army of God is a revenge story, with the hook being how the animals are employed as more than just cargo, but as defenders of the ark itself.

Your books are independently published. Prior to writing these books, what experience did you have with marketing and publishing? 

I had no prior experience in marketing or publishing prior to my first book. Army of God was originally published by a small, newly-formed, boutique publisher. However, following a less than successful launch, I regained control of the rights to the novel and published it independently. 

How much of the non-writing (formatting, cover design, website design, etc.) did you do?  

Surprisingly, I do quite a bit of the non-writing tasks. While I contract others to handle the eBook formatting, cover design (based on my own concept), and website development. 

Starting with my second novel, I took over formatting of the print version (using Adobe InDesign) as well as the production and publishing of my own book trailers (Wondershare Filmora). For me, the hardest part of the publishing and marketing of my own books is the time it takes away from the creative process of writing.

Marketing is a big part of increasing book sales. You’ve managed to get 500 + reviews, which is not easy for a new author. What marketing venue have you found most successful in not only getting clicks but sales as well? 

I've benefited from a lot of good advice. I hired both a personal book marketing consultant and a separate commercial marketing team. The personal consultant provided a tailored marketing roadmap for promoting my books using the major book promo sites (e.g., Robin Reads, Freebooksy, EReader News Today, etc.) in conjunction with running price promotion campaigns on Amazon. 

The marketing team handles all of the direct advertising that appears on the Amazon sales pages. As for the most successful marketing venue, I'd say the three I mentioned above are equally good. Everybody talks about how great BookBub is (and they are), but what good are they if you can't get them to accept your book for promotion.

Both of your books have wonderful cover designs. How did you find the right designer? 

That's an interesting story. A few years ago, I ran a design contest on the graphic design website 99Designs, but wasn't able to find an acceptable candidate. After that I went looking through their list of artists on my own and found someone whose portfolio contained some truly magnificent character designs. His name is Darko Tomic and he's from Serbia. He did both of my covers and, with luck, will do all my future ones.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?  

I'd have to say overcoming inertia. When I get stuck and the words aren't coming, I get depressed. So, I take a break. But then I find myself not wanting to come back. I'll come back to the screen two, three, four times during the day and just end up staring at it, all the while becoming more frustrated and discouraged. 

I've heard of writers who can write 18,000 words in a weekend, or a complete novel in 90 days. I could never do that. Writing for me is an inherently slow, deliberate process. I've spent half a day writing a single paragraph. The price of being a perfectionist, I guess.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? 

Her name is DiAnn Mills. She's an established Christian author, writer of more than 55 books. I met her at a Christian Writer's Conference in Dallas 11 years ago where she inexplicably invited me to join an advanced writer's class she was teaching. Since then, she has become my friend, editor, mentor, writing coach, and varsity cheerleader. Her best advice to me. "Keep writing."

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner? 

Only that I'd taken it up sooner. I've always loved writing, the crafting of words into a coherent thought that might touch, move, persuade, or even change a person's life in some way. Even as a police detective, I'm humbled to say I had a reputation for writing a fairly good investigative report. But I'd never thought to use that gift to tell stories. Jerry Jenkins once said, "Whatever else the writing life offers, nothing compares with the dream of actually changing lives with words." He was, of course, correct.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 

Don't be afraid to follow your dream. If your dream is to write, write! Next, develop a thick skin and prepare yourself for rejection. It happens to us all. I was dropped by my agent a year after being signed. Army of God was overlooked by all but one small publishing house and has been rejected for promotion by BookBub 26 straight times. And yet it continues to garner 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and was a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award winner in 2020. Above all, don't give up!

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 

Writing is a sedentary occupation, one that can lead to a variety of ailments related to being inactive. To combat this, you're going to want to develop a regular exercise regimen and stick to it. It doesn't necessarily have to be strenuous, but should involve something other than sitting. 

It may be tough when the creative juices are flowing, but I wouldn't suggest sitting more than two hours at a time without getting up to take a walk around the house or the yard. I have an adjustable standing desk that allows me to alternate between sitting and standing to prevent strain in either position while writing.

Your newest book, The Boy Who Cried Christmas, is a boy who cried wolf story. Tell me about how you crafted your plot. 

I wish I could take credit, but must confess I rely heavily on the Spirit of God for all of my story ideas.  Even in my youth, I was never quite that creative or imaginative and probably the reason I chose the pragmatic, analytical career of a police officer. Of course, after Army of God, I did want to tell a Christmas story, one that focused more on the birth of Jesus than the commercialized Santa Claus. I thought the boy who cried wolf fable was the perfect vehicle to use. 

Rather than a farfetched tale of a pending wolf attack, I used the farfetched tale of a boy witnessing the birth of Christ. Strategically, the story is broken into two main overarching themes. The first involves the boy traveling back in time to witness the event and all the dangers he faces there. The second deals with the scrutiny and dangers he faces upon his return to the present. I'm particularly proud of the ending, which turned out to be quite a surprise to many readers.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Dennis's books, here are some links to get you started.
Website: https://dennisbaileyauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennisbaileyauthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Dennis-Bailey/e/B078T3BF7J
Army of God book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBrTF3Hroj0&t=1s
The Boy Who Cried Christmas book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT3Ga7ziKTQ

The Joy of Writing Historical Fiction: Author Interview with Madeline Martin

Today's interview is with a New York Times and International Bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. Read on to learn her writing journey.

You’ve now published almost 40 novels with several series, but what inspired you to write that first novel?

While I was on maternity leave with my first daughter, I started reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve always been a huge reader and started writing short stories when I was in school. After falling in love with Scotland through her storytelling, I decided to take the plunge and try my hand at writing my own Highlander romance.

How many books in did it take before writing became your full-time career?

I was actually laid off from my job as a Business Analyst just before the pandemic due to a slowdown of incoming work. When that happened, I decided to try writing full-time. At that time, I had around 28 books under my belt. I've been writing full-time for the last two years and it's been an absolute dream come true

Your three most current books cover stories set during WWII, but your previous books were of lords and ladies in castles from centuries in the past. Why the change in genre? 

I've actually always wanted to write a historical fiction and decided 2020 was the year I was going to do it. I really enjoy digging deep into the research and losing myself in non-fiction books about the time period I'm writing. With romance, the focus of the story in on the love developing between the characters, but with historical fiction, the historical detail is as important as the protagonist.

Getting to add in so much of the amazing facts and historical backstory necessary for historical fiction is something I have found I absolutely enjoy. As far as the time period goes, WWII is something that means a lot to me after having spent more than 12 years of my life living in Germany. I grew up going to museums that were designed to not only share what happened during WWII, but also ensure such atrocities never occur again. 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

I have to say it's the plotting. I’m a very Type A writer and need to have all of the character charts and plot completely done before I can start the book. It is very hard to hold off on writing when I have to sit there and narrow down the chapter-by-chapter details. But if I start too much before my plot is done, I find myself in a hole that is very hard to get out of.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?

 My friends! When I first started writing, I had somebody very important in my life who did not support me at all - in fact, they were very disparaging about my work. It was through my friends’ encouragement that I entered several writing contests. I then won first place in those contests and that is what gave me the confidence to find an agent and put my writing out there for publication. I would never be where I am today without the love and support of my friends.  

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?

I wish I would've had a little bit more confidence in myself from the start. In my earlier books, I never felt like I could push back with edits because I didn’t feel worthy of speaking up for myself. Now that I’ve written so many books, I’m comfortable with politely standing up for what I think should remain in my books if I don’t agree with the edits. I think that confidence is definitely something that comes with time though. 

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?

When you have to stop writing, take a few seconds to jot down at least a sentence about what you plan to have come next. It can be as simple as “He says no, she gets mad and goes to see her neighbor” – whatever – anything that can help jog your thoughts to pick up where you left off the next time you sit down in front of the computer. 

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?

Two very important things to always continue as a writer: 1. Read! In your genre, out of your genre, classics, contemporaries, best sellers…all of it. Keep your well full or it will go dry. 2. Never stop learning. Nobody knows everything - and if they think they do, they haven’t been digging deep enough.  

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?

The Librarian Spy is my next upcoming book that comes out July 26, 2022. This was a really incredible book to write, not only because I had to research three different countries during World War II (Portugal, France, and the USA) but also because I was able to travel to each of the locations.

Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.

Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.

As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.

 Sounds intriguing! If you’d like to learn more about Madeline’s books here is the link to her website which also features all her social media links!

Website: https://madelinemartin.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Madeline-Martin/e/B00R8OGFN2
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/madeline-martin

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12062937.Madeline_Martin

Finding the Balance Between Writing and Marketing: Author Interview with Heather Huffman

Heather Huffman writes cozy mysteries, romance, and women's fiction. She is not afraid to include the topics  of poverty, empowering women, and fighting human trafficking in her stories. She also walks the talk and supports charities that fight poverty and human trafficking.  Read on to learn her writing journey.

What inspired you to write your first novel?
I’ve always loved to write, ever since I was a child. At one time, my closet was filled with notebooks that were my early books. My first published novel was Throwaway. Like so many of my books, that one came to me in a dream. I dreamed a scene–it was like watching a scene from a movie. In it, a prostitute and a cop were sitting in a greasy spoon diner having a conversation. I woke up and instantly knew I wanted to write their story. I spent weeks thinking about them, who they were, what their backstory was, and how they came to be in that diner. The more I researched, the more things fell into place.

You write contemporary romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. What storyline is easiest to write for you? 
Each genre has something that’s easier about it and each comes with its own set of challenges. With my romances and women’s fiction, I was always a “pantser” –I’d fly by the seat of my pants as I wrote. My mysteries have to be plotted out a bit more than that; there are too many loose ends to lose track of otherwise. With my straight-up romances, I think the hardest thing is to put believable conflict in that isn’t just drama for the sake of drama, if that makes sense. I hate reading a book and thinking “Oh, just grow up and talk to each other already!” When I write romance, I tend to fly through the first half, get bogged down in the murky middle, and then things fall into place in my mind and the end moves quickly for me.

For the mysteries, they move slowly while I’m still puzzling things out. I tend to creep through those first five chapters, getting to know the story and who my lineup of suspects is. I spend so much time researching and thinking about those books. Once I have the puzzle pieces in place, it moves much faster. I also know about how many chapters I want them to be. I know what needs to happen in the first couple and last couple of chapters. I know what side stories I have going on. So, before I write, I create an outline of what needs to be addressed in each chapter. That helps me stand back and look at the pacing and side stories and whatnot to be sure it all works.

Your books are independently published. Did you do the formatting and cover design, or did you hire others? What’s the hardest part for you in publishing and marketing your own books?
I started out wanting to be published by one of the big houses. For about six months, I submitted my books and met with agents and had a lot of promising leads that never quite went anywhere. Finally, an agent from a respected agency told me “I love your writing, but I can’t sell this book.” She went on to say that my books were too much of a paradox for her to be able to market them well – awful things happened to my main character in Jailbird, but the story is actually warm and funny. So, I independently published the first four books that I had written (through Smashwords, at the time.)

Then I was picked up by a mid-sized publisher out of Seattle. They republished those first four books under their banner and went on to publish the next seven or eight books that I wrote. There was a lot I loved about that publisher, but I found the benefits didn’t outweigh the cost: my freedom.

I reclaimed the rights to my first twelve novels in 2016. My career took a bit of a hiatus after that because life pulled me in so many other directions. When I got serious about my writing again in 2021, there was no question for me that I wanted to stay indie. I love the pacing and the creative control. I enjoy the process of publishing a book every bit as much as the writing of it.

I do have a team I work with. Shari at Madhat Studios does my covers (and I adore her). I work with Wing Family Editing to edit most of my books, though I am lucky to have a lot of great editors and proofreaders in my friends and family circle, so sometimes I ask them for help if my usual editor is booked. A friend of mine runs a small publishing company and helps lay out the book interiors for me, though I’m looking to bring that in-house this year.

I worked for a publisher for a while as well, so I live and breathe books. I love them. I suppose the hardest part of the process for me is not always having a second opinion—or perhaps balancing things. I feel like I could spend 40 hours a week writing and not keep up with the stories in my mind. I could also spend 40 hours a week marketing. Finding a balance between the two—while still having a semblance of a life—is tough.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? 
I think the hardest part depends on the genre, but universally it would have to be starting. Once I get that first sentence out, I’m usually pretty good to go. If I get stuck beyond that, it’s always in the middle. That’s about when I start to question everything I’ve ever written.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
There have been so many wonderful moments along this journey. Seeing Jailbird, the book I was told would never sell, at the top of the Amazon charts in between Hunger Games and Mockingjay was a particular highlight. Watching the Nora Jones Mysteries take off has been incredibly gratifying. (When my sister called me to compliment that series, I knew I was on to something—she’s never done that before!) But more often than not, the best encouragement comes from my readers. It never fails that about the time I think I’m crazy to do this for a living, I get an email from a reader telling me what one of my books meant to them and it keeps me going.

You have a book series about human trafficking. What made you decide to delve into this topic? How have the books been received?
When I was doing my research for that first novel, Throwaway, I stumbled across human trafficking. That was more than a decade ago, before people were really aware it was going on. The more I learned, the more appalled I was. I knew I wanted to do something about it. I went to a conference in mid-Missouri to learn more and the keynote speaker said something about “Maybe one of you sitting here in the audience will be the voice for those who have no voice,” and I knew I wanted to use the books I was writing to give these people a voice.

Throwaway wound up becoming a 12-novel series, The Throwaways. Most of the books can stand alone, all of the stories intertwine in a shared universe, though. Some deal with human trafficking and some don’t. So much of what touched on trafficking in Throwaway I found through my own research. But after those first four were released, a reader contacted me to say her grandmother ran a nonprofit that was at the front lines of the fight. She put us in touch, and I began working with Project Liberty to raise money and awareness. In turn, she put me in touch with their lead investigator, who shared with me stories of children and women they’d recovered through the years. Those stories were woven into my books to raise awareness, especially Devil in Disguise.

There are some people who can’t stand The Throwaways because they aren’t dark and gritty. I’ve been dinged on reviews saying Throwaway is too unrealistic and could never happen. But I’ve also received emails from trafficking victims who said my books made them feel seen. I was told that Devil in Disguise was sitting on the desks of one of our country’s first human trafficking units to remind the officers there were people behind the statistics. Grandmothers and parents have said they watch their children more closely now.

I’m honestly humbled and grateful for the reception those books got. They changed my life.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
Oh, gosh. That’s a good question. I mean, I do believe I’ve gotten better at my craft through the years. But so much of that growth there is no shortcut for—just lots of words on page. I suppose the hardest thing for me to learn was to balance the feedback with being true to my stories. 

The agent all those years ago wasn’t wrong: There are rules to genres, toss them out at your peril. But if I’d worried too much about the rules, I wouldn’t have written the books I know I was meant to write. That said… there are rules to genres, toss them out at your peril. It’s a balancing act, giving readers what they expect without getting so hung up on those rules that you lose all the magic in the creating.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Write—and keep writing. The book won’t manifest itself; you have to put the work in to write, even if you don’t feel like it. Make yourself sit down, turn the wifi off on your laptop, and put words on a page for a set amount of time every day. (I do give myself Sundays off.) Even if they’re terrible words. Editing is easier than starting from scratch.

If you don’t take your writing seriously and prioritize it, nobody else will. I spent too many years letting everything else take priority and my books kept getting pushed back to “someday”. It took getting a serious case of Covid to make me reevaluate those priorities.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by all of the advice. Just keep chipping away at the marketing stuff and getting ever-better at the craft of writing. And don’t forget to enjoy it!

Tell me about your latest release. Can you give me a short synopsis?
My most recent release is Gator in the Gallery, the third installment of the Nora Jones Mysteries. These books are lighthearted, fun escapes set in St. Augustine, Florida. They’re full of endearing characters, intriguing mysteries, and a dash of romance. In this third book, one of Nora’s friends finds a live alligator in her art gallery! Fortunately, she’s got a group of friends who love sticking their noses where they don’t belong, and the crew sets out to help her solve the mystery.

I have a handful of books planned for this year—a sequel to my women’s fiction novel, the next two books in my Lakeport Romance series, more Nora Jones, and a spinoff or two from Nora Jones’ world!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Heather's books, here are some links to get you started. 
Website: https://www.heatherhuffman.com/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-huffman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathers_mark/
Body in the Books (free!): https://dl.bookfunnel.com/wcasr8b18u 

Celebrating Christmas Books Featuring Patrick Higgins

Today's featured author is one of my favorites. I hope he'll become your favorite as well. Read on to learn more about his writing.

How did you come up with the idea for your Christmas book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
I was reading the Book of Hebrews one day. When I got to chapter 13, verse 2, which states, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” a seed was planted in my mind that day which eventually led to the story, The Unannounced Christmas Visitor.

While it wasn’t my first time reading that verse—I’ve read it many times—my mind became alive with activity that day, as I started thinking about plots and storylines. It’s amazing how God works! Even though I didn’t know the title of the book, it didn’t stop my imagination from running wild with numerous thoughts.

The story takes place in a homeless setting, of all places, where broken souls are radically changed by a man named Enoch, who just happens to be an exact representation of that scripture. Sent to Planet Earth by his Maker, disguised as a homeless person, Enoch was on a mission: to rescue a man whose life was slowly but steadily spiraling out of control.

In the brief time he spent at the city park, his impact was felt by all who were exposed to his preaching, in that they felt closer to Jesus in this city park church without walls, than they ever did at the “walled” churches they occasionally attended in the past. In that light, it wasn’t just one man whose life Enoch was there to transform, it was many…

I rejoice in saying this story won both the 2016 International Publishers Awards (IPA) and the 2018 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Awards in Christian fiction. It just came out in audiobook on 09-27-21.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love going to Christmas Eve candlelight service, then gathering with family and friends for food and fellowship. But what could be better than seeing the joyful expressions on the faces of little ones as they open gifts on Christmas morning, to include those living halfway around the world in the Philippines who call me, “Uncle”. It never grows old!

My newest tradition, which started approximately 12 years ago, is that I randomly find myself listening to Christmas music all throughout the year, especially when I am writing Christmas and/or winter scenes into my stories.

This wasn’t always the case. In the past, once the Christmas decorations were put away, I wanted nothing to do with anything “Christmas” until the following Thanksgiving at the earliest. Now I can listen to Christmas music pretty much anytime and anywhere. Go figure…

What’s next in writing for you? 
Once I finish writing the “Chaos in the Blink of an Eye” series, I hope to take a short break and do some traveling, to recharge my batteries, as the saying goes. After that, Lord willing, I will write my first non-fiction Christian book, which will be semi-autobiographical.

By no means does this suggest in any way that my days of writing fiction will be over. In fact, I have already started working on a few more stories which, Lord willing, will come to fruition in God’s perfect timing.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
While the writing process hasn’t changed for me over the years—I still sit at my desk each day pecking away at the keys on my laptop—it’s remarkable just how much the publishing industry has evolved in this technology-driven society in which we live.

In the past, once a book was written, a rather sizable amount of time and financial investment were needed before books could be published in paperback format. But in today’s print-on-demand publishing world, you can have a paperback copy in your hands just days after the book was finished. A few decades ago, this was unthinkable. The money I would have saved!

Any last words or tips?
Since this interview is centered on The Unannounced Christmas Visitor, let me encourage you all with Enoch’s last words to his fellow homeless brethren, before he left them to rejoin his Maker. Said he, “Cherish this brief but blessed opportunity that Yahweh God has chosen for you to be alive at this precise moment in history…”

As we approach the holiday season, even despite the chaotic times we presently find ourselves living in, I offer that same encouragement to all who read this. Advance Merry Christmas, everyone. God’s grace and peace be multiplied to you all.

Thank you, Christine, for the privilege of allowing me to be interviewed by you again, and for the kind and encouraging reviews you have posted on Amazon for my books. I appreciate it more than you know!

That's all for today's interview. I hope it has encouraged you to read Patrick's books. He's currently in the midst of publishing a 12 book series - Chaos in the Blink of an Eye - and so far 6 of those books have been published. The 7th one will be released next month. They're not Christmas related, but they are prophetic in their biblical basis. These are well-written, thought provoking books and I look forward to reading each one. 

Website: http://forhisgloryproductioncompany.com
Personal e-mail: patrick12272003@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick12272003
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrick12272003
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick12272003
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10796904.Patrick_Higgins

Celebrating Christmas Books with Beth Carpenter

How did this multi-author collection of Christmas stories come about ?
Our group, who all write for the Harlequin Heartwarming line, have put out several story collections that take place in fictional Christmas Town, Maine. Over the years, the readers and writers have gotten to know the town quite well, from the matchmaking ladies from Over the River Retirement Home to the famous peppermint pie in Posey’s Diner. 

Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?

This year’s theme is a ten-year high school reunion at Christmas time. My story is about Marissa. Marissa felt invisible in high school, but now she’s changed, and she’s determined her high school crush will finally notice her. But you know what they say about the best laid plans.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Cookie baking, tree decorating, and candlelight service on Christmas Eve are my favorites. I go overboard with cookies, baking for my friends and family and all the families on the block.

What’s next in writing for you? 
Next year I’ll have three books coming out. Two are continuations in my Northern Lights series in the Heartwarming line. The third, which will be out in August, is called Kidnapped in Alaska and is a suspenseful Love Inspired story. This is something new for me, and I’m excited!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
That bad first drafts are okay. Someone says all first drafts are perfect, because their only job is to exist.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
That everything takes longer than you think it will, and that writers are an amazing group of people willing to share their knowledge and cheer one another on.

Any last words or tips?
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and that the new year brings joy and peace for you and yours.

Are there any other books that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Please check out the whole Northern Lights series. Each is a stand-alone story, but they all take place in my home state of Alaska with loosely overlapping characters and settings.

If you'd like to learn more about Beth's books, here are the ways to get you started. 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethCarpenterBooks
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/4BethCarpenter
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bethcarpenterbooks/
To subscribe to her newsletter with book news, giveaways and recipes: https://bethcarpenterbooks.blogspot.com/p/home.html
Heartwarming Christmas Town Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1091942694272780

The Many Facets of Writing: Author Interview with Bonita Y. McCoy

Was your first novel published actually the first one you wrote?
Truth Be Told which was published in 2018 wasn’t my first book to write. The first book was Twisted Plots. I wrote it in 2014 but didn’t have it published until 2019.

What inspired you to write cozy mysteries?
My love of cozy mysteries led me to writing Twisted Plots. And because I taught high school literature for years, my protagonist, Amy Kate Anderson, owns a book shop.

You’re both indie and traditionally published. What was the most difficult part of producing your own books? 

I self-publish my Sawyer Family Romance Series and Winged Publications publishes the rest. I do my own book formatting, but I hire someone to do the covers for my self-published titles. You would not want me to make a cover. I also hire an editor and run the manuscript through several Beta readers before pushing publish. My Beta readers have saved the day several times.

What type of promotions do your run? 
I run promotions on both the self-published and traditionally published books. Facebook is my choice for paid ads, though I do have some Amazon ads running and will do a KU promotion every few months.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
I tend to use “as” when it should be “while”. Over the years, I’ve made a list of the words or phrases that weasel their way into my writing. It’s two-sided just so you know and part of my editing process.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? 

In 2020 and 2021, I was a finalist in the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards for Best Cozy. And in 2019, Twisted Plots won a publishing contract. Like many authors, I suffer from imposter syndrome. Having someone else tell me they liked my work, helps me on the days I wonder why I write.

We have all experienced rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
My very first critique with an agent ended with her telling me the only reason she finished the ten pages was because I had paid her for her opinion. She promptly told me the entire first chapter was back story and that the action started in chapter two. She was right. I made the changes and it’s one of the cozy’s that was a finalist at Killer Nashville. What I learned was to listen to those in the industry who knew a lot more than I did.

What has surprised or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing? 
Writing isn’t simply sitting in a chair writing the story which surprised me. To be a writer means you are a marketer and a partner with your publisher. You’ve got to do your portion toward the publishing like the self-editing, input on cover designs, whether you’re traditionally published or self-published. I wish someone had told me that a writing career involved all these facets. I probably would’ve done more research in the other areas while I wrote that first novel.

I see you’ve done a few books jointly with other authors. How did those come about? 

My publisher asked the authors if they’d like to participate in a box set, and I said yes. I also did an independent Christmas box set with a writer’s group back in 2019. I love working with other authors. We cheer each other on.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give? 

Start now building a platform. You don’t have to be everywhere but be somewhere consistently. And write a reader magnet for your newsletter. I’m still trying to fit that into my writing schedule, and it’s putting me behind not being able to offer potential readers a gift to join.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add? 

If you feel called to write, if you love it, if your characters keep you up at night, then write. It’s the most wonderful job. You’ll be glad you did.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short blurb? 

My next book will be the third in the Amy Kate Mystery Series called Twisted Vows. Let’s just say the minister is found dead at the wedding, and the groom is standing over him, holding the bloody cake knife. Should be fun!!

That does sound intriguing. If you'd like to learn more about Bonita's books, here are some links to get you started. 

www.bonitaymccoy.com
www.facebook.com/bonitaymccoyauthor
www.instagram.com/bonitaymccoy

Be Ready to Re-Write and Delete: Author Interview with Stephanie Landsem

Your newest book takes place during the 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood, but your previous novels were Biblical interpretations of the women in the Bible. Why the switch in genres? 
As I wrote my biblical novels I was drawn over and over again to the parable of the Merciful Father and wanted to write the story of this prodigal who runs away to a far-off land. Not long after I finished The Tomb, I went on a short trip to California and that’s where I got the idea that setting this story the decadent world of early Hollywood. And what better time than during the Great Depression, when hardship and famine were sweeping over the nation?

How did you go about finding an agent / publisher? 
Finding an agent was an arduous process of querying and rejections! One thing that helped a lot was entering contests while I waited to hear back from agents. It increased my confidence and helped me in my craft, and when I finaled in the ACFW Genesis contest, I had something to tell agents that caught their attention. 

From the point you were offered a contract on that first book, how long did it take to make to print for your initial book?

After Howard Books offered me a three-book contract for the Living Water Series, I didn’t see my first book, The Well, in print for almost two years!

What is the hardest part of writing for you?
The hardest part for me is backstory. How much to include, where to put it, and when to stop writing it.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
Probably just trust myself. All of my editors have been wonderfully supportive.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
My critique partner, Regina Jennings, is always such a huge help. She sees my manuscripts when they are utter disasters and is always ready with positive suggestions. She keeps me from succumbing to despair!

We have all experienced writing rejection. How have you learned to write past it?
When I was first writing biblical fiction I heard over and over that it was a genre that just didn’t get read. But I knew that was what I wanted to write and so kept at it. Ten years later, and biblical fiction has really taken off and there is a large and dedicated audience.

What has surprised you the most in writing/publishing? 
I’m still surprised at how long it takes to get a book from manuscript to finished product in traditional publishing. The time frame from when I get an idea to when the book is in my hand can be several years.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
There’s no shame in deleting. I write twice as much in a single book than the reader ever sees. I try to remember that a large portion of what I write will eventually be condensed, re-written, or deleted.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Connect with other writers! It’s my weakness to think I can do this on my own but I’m always encouraged and inspired when I connect with other writers and learn from them.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next novel is based on a little-known story of the rise of Nazism in 1930s Los Angeles. While the Great Depression was deepening in our country, Germany was coming out of its own economic disaster with the help of a new leader, Adolph Hitler. Most Americans hardly knew his name, but he was already working on a plan to infiltrate German communities with National Socialists and turn Americans against their Jewish neighbors. 

He especially wanted to gain control of the Jewish-run Hollywood movie studios in order to spread his anti-Semitic propaganda. Only one man knew Hitler to be a threat, a Jewish lawyer named Leon Lewis. He took it upon himself to set up a private spy network of Christian men and women who infiltrated the growing fascist groups in Los Angeles and worked together to stop the Nazis.

Codename: Edelweiss is a fictional account of how Leon Lewis and his spies foiled Hitler’s plan to take over Hollywood.

Wow! That does sound intriguing! If you'd like to learn mora about Stephanie's books, here are some links to get you started. 
Website: https://stephanielandsem.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanielandsem/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanielandsem/

Own Your Creativity: Author Interview with Heidi E.Y. Stemple

Writing was not your first career choice. What made you finally decide you wanted to start writing with your mom, Jane Yolen? 
I had actually just interviewed at a battered women's shelter to become a counselor when I found out I was pregnant (and very sick) with my daughter. I had to turn down the job (I was THAT sick). I had never not worked--so I was bored at home. My mother was invited to write a short story for a book called FAMOUS AUTHORS AND THEIR KIDS WRITE SPOOKY STORIES so she asked me to collaborate. I did. From there, it's been almost 27 years of working with her and alone. I've been writing solo more recently because I am an empty nester. I just signed the contract on my 38th book. Also, that daughter, now in law school, has her first book (co-authored with her grandmother) coming out in the fall. It's called WHEN NANA DANCES WITH ME.

That's a great family collaboration story! What is the hardest part of writing for you? 
--A story comes from an idea, and for me, ideas can be a word or a phrase, a line in an article that sends me to a nonfiction story, a character... The easy part is the first bit of writing. I always give myself permission to write badly at first. Just write until I can write no longer. Generally, that's where I get stuck. So, I stop. 

The hardest part is that waiting. I don't worry, I know it will always work its way through. But, I wish there wasn't that time away from a story trying to figure out how to get to the ending. Luckily, I can turn to another story during that time. But, I guess, it's that section, usually about 2/3 of the way through a story, where you need to find a solution to the problems you have created that, for me, is the hardest part.

What does your editor remind you to do most often?
--Hmmm... every editor is different and I work with lots of them. The one constant is my agent. She often says to me that I write too tightly--meaning I need to relax a bit and allow more language to come through. I'm always trying to leave room for the illustrator and I forget that I also need to allow myself the space to write as much as I want. It's sort of the opposite of what many editors tell you.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
--I live in a family of writers and have a community of creative people. I think the answer to this question is twofold. I love that my parents raised us (myself and my brothers) to believe that a job in the arts is a job. That we should do what we love. They never said, "you need to have something to fall back on." They supported and encouraged us in and out of the arts. And, the second part of that is when kids read my books and send me letters or tell me face to face that they learned something, or loved a book I wrote, or it changed them in some way--that is an immediate reminder of why I continue to write.

What has surprised or frustrated you the most in writing/publishing? 
--I grew up in this business so very little surprises me. I think the best answer to this question is that, when I have written something I think is great, the rejections always surprise me. You are sure you are writing something an editor will fall in love with, and when they don't, it's always a surprise. Sometimes that means it just isn't the right fit for that particular editor, and sometimes it means I have to go back to the drawing board and revise.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
--That it's fun. Don't get me wrong, it's also a ton of work and it can be really hard. But, at the core of it, I find joy.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
--SAY YES! I'm asked to do a lot of things--write something, revise something, create something--most of which I have NO IDEA if I can do. But, I always say "Yes! I can do that!" Then I can set about to figure out HOW to do it. My mom, by the way, gave me that advice.

Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
--Everyone can be a writer. To be an author, you also need to be a business person. Always be learning. You are never an expert in this field. You need to be a lifelong learner. And, finally, believe in yourself--own your creativity.

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
--I have 3 books with release dates this year:

Released May 25: PEOPLE SHAPES illustrated by Teresa Bellon: A die-cut board book about a little moon with family members of all shapes.

August 30: TOUCAN WITH TWO CANS illustrated by Aaron Spurgeon: a Ready to Read about a Toucan who decides to juggle and the mess that, predictably, happens.

September 7: ADRIFT illustrated by Anastasia Suvorova: A picture book about a little mouse adrift in a storm at sea feeling afraid and lonely until he spots other boats and they ride it out together.

You are one prolific lady! If you'd like to learn more about Heidi's books, here are some links to get you started.

http://www.HeidiEYStemple.com
https://www.interlinkbooks.com/product/adrift/
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/People-Shapes/Heidi-E-Y-Stemple/9781534488908
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Toucan-with-Two-Cans/Heidi-E-Y-Stemple/Ready-to-Reads/9781534485921