Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #23

Welcome to the 2013 Fall Scavenger Hunt! This hunt has 25 stops and runs 10/18-10/20. You can make the loop, reading unique content from 25 different authors, and if you complete the loop, and fill out the Rafflecopter form at Stop #25, you'll be in the running for an iPad Mini, or one of two runner-up prizes---all 25 of our new releases in paperback. In addition, some authors are offering additional prizes, so be sure to read each post thoroughly to be in the running for all that are available. The contest is open internationally.

If you've JUST discovered the hunt, I recommend you begin at the beginning, Stop #1, found at LisaBergren.com. But you can also begin here, and keep on rolling.

Just be aware that you have to have the COMPLETED phrase in order, which you construct gathering the clue at each stop, within 24 hours of email notification from Lisa Bergren that you won. If Lisa doesn't hear back from you with the correct phrase within the time limit, she will move on to the next winner to enter. Ready? Here we go...

NOTE: IF YOU ARE USING INTERNET EXPLORER, YOU MAY HAVE SOME TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH THIS PAGE



PLEASE WELCOME OLIVIA NEWPORT

Olivia, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been married for over thirty years and have two twenty-something kids. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.






 Olivia has shared pictures with us that she used for the inspiration in her newest novel.

Glessner Bedroom

Glessner House

 UNIQUE CONTENT from THE INVENTION OF SARAH CUMMINGS
(Some backstory from the heroine Sarah Cummings when she was eleven years old)
 

Eleven-year-old Sarah Cummings set her jaw and rolled her eyes. Margaret Eddington, full of tales again, patted the bun on one side of her head. Sarah smirked. Margaret probably did not even know her hair was drooping out of its clip at the end of the school day.

            “I must go.” Sarah shook the dark ringlets her mother had rolled meticulously the evening before, and they shuddered across her shoulders. “My mother is expecting me. We’re having a special dinner tonight to celebrate my father’s promotion at Mr. Field’s store.”

            Margaret put her hands on her hips. “I’m not finished telling you about the party.”

            Sarah smiled with graciousness that would have pleased her manners-minded mother but pivoted nevertheless. She tightened the strap around her books and scooted across the schoolyard, down the sidewalk, over four blocks, and around the back of the small square two story home to the kitchen door she knew would be unlocked. It was Tuesday. Sarah sniffed for the fragrance of fresh baked bread.

            Instead she inhaled the drenching overindulgence of Mrs. Fordyce’s perfume. The gray-haired neighbor sat pale and stiff in a kitchen chair, her ankles crossed and a black hat and bag in the lap of her navy blue dress. Sarah’s fist unfolded, and her books thudded to the linoleum floor.

            “Do you have a small carpet bag?” Mrs. Fordyce asked.

            Sarah nodded as her throat thickened.

            “Let’s go pack it. I’ve made all the arrangements.”

            “May I ask what arrangements, ma’am?”

            Mrs. Fordyce cleared her throat. “Your parents had an accident this morning. Their driver was going much too fast, I’m afraid, and the carriage overturned on State Street. I’m sorry.”

            “Are we going to the hospital?” Sarah’s stomach burned.

            “If only that were true.” Mrs. Fordyce stood up. “You’ll just need two dresses, I think. I shouldn’t bother with hair ribbons, if I were you. They’ll only be stolen.”

            Sarah put a hand to the green band that kept her hair off her face. “If we’re not going to the hospital, where are we going? Where are my parents?”

            “I’m sorry. I thought I was clear. Your parents did not survive the accident. It’s my understanding you have no other relatives.”

            “My father was an only child, and my mother’s brother died when they were children.”

            “Then I have assessed the situation accurately, I’m afraid. We’ll get your things and go straight to St. Andrew’s.”

            Sarah’s stomach clenched in refusal to cry in front of Mrs. Fordyce.

            Within thirty minutes they stood outside the mammoth brick building. Mrs. Fordyce did not even go in with her.

            

If you've enjoyed this short excerpt, you'll be sure to love the whole book. You can find it here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book Distributors

Olivia's contact information is:
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/olivianewport
TWITTER: @OliviaNewport
www.olivianewport.com

If you would like to be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card, you have two final steps before moving on to the next stop.

1. Like my Facebook Page and leave a comment on it saying,"I found you via the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt" (if you already Like my Page, leave the comment and say "I'm participating in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt"  and …
2. Sign up for my newsletter which is sent three to four times per year (I promise not to clog your inbox or share your address). Your name on the newsletter signup must match your name on Facebook. If you are already a subscriber to my newsletter, first click on the link and make certain your name is subscribed as well as your email address. Then private message me on Facebook with your email address so that I can verify and get your name entered in the drawing.

All eligible names will go into a hat for a drawing after the close of the scavenger hunt. Winners will be announced on this blog, on Facebook, and via the email address signed up on the newsletter mailing list.

USA mailings only...sorry to my international friends...

Good luck in both the scavenger hunt and in my bonus contest.

 Here is your clue: encourages you

Don't forget to head over to the next stop. 

You can find Olivia's post here:  

http://www.olivianewport.com/2013/10/scavenger-hunt-stop-24/

God bless and enjoy the weekend fun!

Lynette

Diane Burke is giving away a free book!

Award-winning author, Diane Burke, writes for Love Inspired Books. She loves to read all of the lines and writes for the romantic suspense division. She lives in Florida and when she's not writing, she's reading, walking the beach, visiting with her grandchildren or playing with her dogs.

Welcome, Diane!

Thanks, for having me, Lynette.

So, tell us how you came up with the idea for Double Identity.

The original idea began as the wispy remnants of a dream. I woke up and remembered dreaming about a woman who picked up a letter from her kitchen table. The letter began, “By the time you read this letter I’ll be dead.” Of course, that caught my interest. That’s probably why the dream stuck with me. I don’t usually remember my dreams.

I started asking myself questions. Who was this woman? Who was the person who left the note? When she goes in search of answers and discovers that her name, her identity, is all false, what would she do? And soon a plot was born.

However, plotting is only half the battle. I had to try and put myself in my characters shoes and answer the all important question---what is going on emotionally within this woman and how is she going to cope?

That made me think about teenagers. So many teens get angry at their parents and have moments that they wish they belonged to some other family. Or they sometimes don’t feel like they belong in the one they have and wonder if they’ve been adopted.
So how would it feel if you found out the family and life you felt belonged to you wasn’t real?

We all wear masks. We’re wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, employees, friends. But who are we really? If every title, if every mask was stripped away, what would be left behind? Who really is the person in the mirror?

I’d love to hear from your readers and see how they’d answer that question. I’m still trying to answer it for myself.


All right readers. I hope you'll give Diane an answer to her question. I know I'm going to have to think about this one a bit.

Louise Gouge is here. Win her book!

Bio:
Award-winning Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction, calling her stories “threads of grace woven through time.” In addition to numerous other awards, Louise is the recipient of the prestigious Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Married to David Gouge for forty-six years, Louise is a mother of four and grandmother of six children. In addition to writing, she teaches English and humanities at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee , Florida.







1. Tell us about your current release. A summary or back cover blurb will do nicely.
In At the Captain’s Command, a heroic British naval captain, son of an influential earl, dares to fall in love with a provincial American girl. Then he discovers her family's devastating secret.


Loyal to the British Crown, orphaned Dinah Templeton has vowed never to marry a seafaring man, for her father died at sea and her merchant captain brother is always away. But when Captain Thomas Moberly sails into St. Augustine to defend the East Florida shores from American pirates, Dinah finds that her heart may overrule her head regarding this seafarer. Captain Thomas Moberly, captain of HMS Dauntless, has been assigned to capture the notorious American pirate Nighthawk, who plagues the Atlantic coast of East Florida. War-weary and hoping for a refreshing visit with his brother and sister, who live near St. Augustine, Thomas never expects to find love. But how can he resist the lovely Miss Templeton, even though she is what his father, Lord Bennington, would call a common American?

2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always had an active imagination, so it was a natural step to start writing down my stories. I didn’t have time to do it until my children were pretty much grown (they were in middle school and high school). But once I got started writing back in 1984 at the encouragement of a friend, I didn’t stop. I even went back to college and grad school so I could learn to write better.

3. How/where do you come up with ideas for your stories?
Stories are all around us. Sometimes a story can come from reading some historical detail or watching a documentary on television. My very first story was inspired by watching a father and son toss a football in a field outside my window. That story grew into my first two publishing credits. I look for the human element in any situation and try to choose a compelling story that will show my readers how God moves in our lives.

4. Writing historicals means tons of research. How do you do your research? Do you have all your facts ready before you sit down to write the story? Or do you research as you go along?
I love the research process, but story or research first? It’s different for each book. Sometimes I find that wonderful historical detail that sparks my imagination, and I rough out a story. I check online about the era and begin to flesh out the plot and setting details. Other times, I have a character in mind and try to discover what time period in which to set her or him. Yes, I definitely continue to research details as I go along. When I make an actual research trip to someplace like Boston, Nantucket, Annapolis, or St. Augustine, I prepare my questions carefully and contact the local historical societies beforehand. Historians are wonderful in sharing information to help authors make our stories historically accurate.

5. Who are some of your favorite authors?
Laurie Alice Eakes (Lady in the Mist), MaryLu Tyndall (Surrender the Night), and Ramona Cecil (Freedom’s Crossroad) not only are my favorite living authors but my former critique partners. Each of these ladies has a gift for bringing her characters to life and describing settings so subtly that readers feel as if they are there. My favorite authors of previous eras are Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens. Funny thing is that we consider them historical writers, but they were writing contemporary novels of their own times.

6. Did you have someone who really made a difference in your writing? A mentor that helped you get to where you are now?
How about a whole organization? American Christian Fiction Writers has made all the difference in my writing career. This is the place where I met and networked with agents, editors, and other writers. Before that, I had published two novels with a major publisher, but had only modest success. After joining ACFW, I saw a whole different world.

7. Where do you get your ideas for your characters? Are they based on people you know?
Just like my stories, my characters are all around me. Sometimes people inspire characters. Sometimes my character is a composite of more than one person. I always add my own touches. And like most authors, I’m always on the lookout for that one special character whose journey will have a huge impact on my readers. Someone like Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird or Jane Eyre in her self-named novel, characters whose person strength and core values are something we all can admire and hope to emulate.

8. What are your goals as a writer? Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I want to keep writing stories that inspire people to walk closer to Jesus Christ. I hope to still be doing that in five years.

9. What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’ve begun to write in the Regency period in England. It’s a delightful era that provides opportunity for both comedy and serious drama. But I also love to write Americana, especially post-Civil War stories. I’m waiting on the Lord for His direction.

10. How can your readers get in touch with you?
I love to hear from readers and always answer them. My website/blog is http://blog.Louisemgouge.com. Please write!

Thank you so much for stopping by, Louise! Love your answers and your books! I was in my local Christian bookstore just last night and saw it sitting proudly on the shelf. So, glad to have you.


All right, lovely readers, if you want a copy of this book, leave a comment and maybe tell us why you love to read historical books.

Bonnie Leon is here today...leave a comment to win a free book

Storytelling has always been an integral part of Bonnie Leon’s life. From childhood, she cherished the legends and family history handed down through her Aleut ancestors.

Throughout the ensuing years, Bonnie dabbled at writing but didn’t seriously consider becoming a professional author. Instead, as a young woman, she happily stepped into the full-time profession of homemaker and mother. Pollywog hunting, finger-painting, blackberry picking, and creating fun messes in the kitchen with her children are some of her most precious and irreplaceable memories.

When her youngest child was nine years old, Bonnie decided it was time to return to the working world. She took a position in her hometown of Glide, Oregon, working with the elderly and handicapped.

Then on June 11, 1991, her world was shattered when a log truck hit the van she was driving. The accident left her unable to work, and after months of rehabilitation she was told by physicians that she would never return to a normal life. Facing a daunting fight to reclaim her life and feeling as if she had nothing to offer the world, she asked God to give her something to do that mattered.

His answer came when she received a scholarship to attend the Oregon Christian Writer’s Summer Conference. That conference ignited Bonnie’s passion for literature and for writing, and she has been writing ever since.

Her first book, The Journey of Eleven Moons was released by Thomas Nelson in 1994 and made the CBA bestsellers list.

Since that time, she has written and published thirteen historical novels. Her most recent series, The Queensland Chronicles, published by Revell, has been contracted for a Dutch-language edition by Ultgeverij De Banier bv, an organization based in The Netherlands. Her books are truly being read across the globe!

And with each book she writes, her love for the craft and the challenges of writing grows. “The learning never ends,” she says, “But I relish the challenge of becoming a writer known for quality storytelling.”

In addition to her work as a writer, Bonnie has a passion for teaching of all kinds, especially on the art and intricacies of storytelling. She teaches at conferences and workshops and says, “There’s nothing more thrilling than to see a student’s eyes light up with understanding as she grasps the concepts of the writing craft and begins to believe she can tell stories someone else will want to read.”

Hi Bonnie! Welcome to my blog. Thanks so much for joining us.

Plug time! Please tell us a little about your latest release and why readers should run out and buy it as soon as it hits the shelves.
“Enduring Love”, book three in the Sydney Cove Series, will release on May 1st. I’m very excited about this book. It’s a great ending to the series and will keep readers wondering how even God can fix the mess my characters have gotten themselves into.

How many full manuscripts did you write before you sold? And how many have you written to date?
My path to publication is not typical. I sold the first book I’d ever written to the first editor who looked at it. In 1992 I attended the Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference. The coaching conference is fabulous and provides endless opportunities for learning. That first year I learned enough to write my first book, which I sold the following summer.

In your opinion, what’s the most fascinating thing about writing?
I’m still surprised by the process of story development. I never know exactly how it’s all going to work out, but it falls together, somehow. Although I outline before I begin I’m always surprised by unexpected plot twists and new and interesting characters who jump into my stories.
At this stage in my career I’ve written enough books to have confidence in the process. Ideas for foreshadowing often just seem to appear, characters become real and their lives intertwine with one another and the story makes sense. I’m fascinated at how it all just seems to work and it’s always great fun.

What’s something you can tell us about yourself that most people don’t know?
I’m a very open person and there’s little people don’t know about me. But readers might be surprised to know that at one time I was addicted to drugs. It was a very long time ago. Back in the late 60’s I fell into the “drug scene” and amphetamines were my drug of choice. With the help of a friend (who is now my husband) I kicked the habit. At the time I was very unhappy and could never have imagined the wonderful life that waited for me. I’ve been blessed beyond measure.

Wow, thanks for sharing such a personal issue. Your husband must be an incredible man.

When did you start writing for publication and what did people say when they found out?
In 1992 I started to imagine that one day I might publish my writing. I kept it a secret for a long while because I was embarrassed. After all, who did I think I was? Only extremely intelligent and incredibly creative people wrote books—right?
My family was very supportive. My mother got real excited and bought me a computer, and my husband made sure I had a good desk and chair. My children were a little miffed because instead of being a full-time mother I was working. However, they adjusted and are very proud of their writing mom.
Friends were surprised. They had no idea what I’d been up to. I remember a long-time friend read my first book when it released and she admitted that she was surprised that the book was good. I guess she’d never imagined me as a writer. I’ve heard from other friends, who read my books, that while they’re reading they sometimes stop and think, “I can’t believe Bonnie wrote this.” I take that as a compliment. :- ]

What is your favorite food?
I’m a pasta lover. And of course there’s always chocolate.

Tell us a little about your family.
I grew up in a large family—there were five of us kids. My parents were married twenty-eight years and then my father died at an early age. My mother remarried and is now in her 31st year of her second marriage.
I met my husband when I was seventeen. We married two years later and are still together thirty-eight years later. We have three children Paul, the oldest, Kristi, our middle child and Sarah our youngest.
Paul has his mind on his career so children are not on his radar yet, but Kristi has a little boy—Gabe. Sarah has three children—Corey, Ezra and Olivia. Her husband, Fernest, is in the army. Please keep him in your prayers.
My husband and I decided early on that I should stay home with the kids and that’s what I did. Those years as a full-time mom were my very best. Now I get to be a grandma and I adore my grandchildren. They are so cute and smart and . . . well I really have no clear perspective—they’re nearly perfect. 

LOL! Funny, that's what my parents think about MY children. What is it with you grandparents?? HA!

Who are your favorite authors?
In the Christian market I have two favorites—Francine Rivers and Ann Shorey. They write beautiful stories. I like a book with characters who feel real, people that I care about.
In the general market I’d have to stick with some of the classic writers, such as John Steinbeck and James Michener. Their writing styles are very different from one another. Steinbeck is a magician with words and Michener writes great stories.
Now, if you asked about favorite novels that’s easier—Redeeming Love, The Thorn Birds, The Girl With the Pearl Earring, Hawaii, The Kite Runner, and The Last Sin Eater to name a few.

What are you reading now and what’s in your “to be read” pile?
Presently I’m reading the book of the month for the ACFW Readers Group—Suspicious Minds by Christy Barritt. I’ve never read one of her books, but so far it’s great fun. And the next book in my to-be-read pile is Secrets on the Wind by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I can’t wait to begin. Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read and write.

Do you set out to write each story with a particular theme or does the theme develop as the story does?
I always begin with a theme, but occasionally the theme changes as I discover the story. When I write I want to say something of significance and I hope what I pen will make a positive difference in a reader’s life. That, however, does not mean characters and plot are not important. Careful plotting and creating characters who feel like real people are imperative. After all, what good is a noteworthy theme without a great story?

Do you have a particular method for tracking the details in your story? Can you tell us a little about this?
I use a time line for every book. It may look a little complicated to someone seeing it for the first time, but it really isn’t. I use a chart. Across the top I divide the book into months because my books usually span a year or more. Along the left hand column I write in different geographical areas that matter to my story, usually it’s world history plus state and regional history. Also on the left hand column I include the main characters names and the plot lines of my story and fill in events in the date columns.
Using this method helps me connect the events of the time period with the story my characters are living. The world’s events have an effect on how my characters live and think. Knowing what was going on at any given time adds realism to the story. Sometimes I find incidents in history that fit perfectly with my story, and also some that drive home the message of my theme. I love it when that happens.
The written description of this may be confusing. I’d be happy to send an example to any of your readers who’d like more clarification. They can contact me at www.bonnieleon.com.

Who has had the most influence on your life in general? In your writing life?
The most influential person in my life has to be Jesus Christ. He took a sad, empty person and filled me with love and gave me hope. He’s my inspiration for every book I write. When I’m working I always keep Him in mind. I want to honor Him in everything I do and say.
In my persona l life, my husband is my greatest influence. He’s a fine man who loves me just as I am. I know he prays for me and always supports me. He’s forever patient and works hard without complaint. He’s a wonderful example of living sacrificially.

Do you have an agent? If yes, did you have the agent before you sold your first book or after?
Presently Wendy Lawton is my agent. She’s wonderful to work with and has been a great help to me. However, when I signed for my first book I was unagented. Back in the early nineties most writers didn’t use agents. But things have changed a great deal since then. Most publishing houses prefer to work through an agent and unless a writer can get their manuscript in front of an editor at a conference they’ll have a difficult time finding a home for their work.

What advice do you have for a beginning author?
Most budding authors don’t understand how much work lies ahead of them. The process of learning to write for publication is a long road. There are highs and lows and lots to learn.
I was one of the few who sold right off. However that’s not all good. I had a great deal to learn about the art of writing. I was truly a newbie. I’m certain there are readers who tried my early work who didn’t stay with me.
Having time to mature as a writer is a gift. I know it doesn’t feel like that when writers work hard year after year, hoping to publish and find themselves waiting. But the time and the work will pay off. It’s wonderful to explode on the writing stage already tested and tried and able to present a great read right from the beginning.


Any parting comments?
Stepping into the writing world takes courage. It means people will know who we are. We always show up in our books in one way or another, at least our views do.
Writers need to develop thick skins. There will be those who adore every word we write and others who will be unimpressed. We mustn’t be afraid of growth, but we must also sift out the voices we should listen to and those we need to shut out.
Relish the gift and the joy and fulfillment found in serving God in this creative and surprising life. It is a fabulous, frightening and unforgettable journey.

Thank you Bonnie! What a wonderfully inspiring interview. I so appreciate you taking the time to answer the questions as it's always fun to learn a little more about a fellow writing buddy.

All right everyone, it's time to tell Bonnie how much you want to read her book! Leave a comment for the possibility to win. The winner will be announced on Saturday, so check your email. God Bless!

Author Michelle Sutton talks about her new book and answers a few other questions. Win a free copy!

Michelle Sutton is here today to talk about her newest release, It's NOT About ME. Please be sure to leave a comment so you can be put in the drawing to win a copy of this awesome book.

Welcome Michelle, it's good to have you here.

BIO: Michelle Sutton is a member of ACFW, Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating Board, Editor-in-chief for Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Sheaf House Marketing Director, edgy fiction writer, book reviewer, avid blogger/alliance member, CWOW blog mistress, mother of two teenagers, wife, pet owner, social worker by trade, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Plug time! Please tell us a little about your latest release and why readers should run out and buy it as soon as it hits the shelves.

It’s a fast paced story with characters who are very much like real people. It’s also edgy, so if you like a nice sweet prairie romance you won’t want to read my story. However, if you love angst, drama, and tension in a story you’ll probably like mine. Just don’t read it during a weeknight if you have to go to work the next day. I’ve been accused of keeping people up too late at night.

If you’re like me, you’re always writing something whether on the computer, in your head, scratch pieces of paper, etc. Where do you get your ideas? What triggers a story idea for you?

I may see someone in a situation and think, “what a great premise that would make.” But I’d say nine times out of ten I just feel like the idea came from the Lord. He’ll pull to mind some experiences I’d had either through work or my personal life and prompt me to create a tale using those scenarios or something very similar in order to bring the reader to a place where they will glean something from it.

In your opinion, what’s the toughest thing you find about writing? The easiest?

The toughest thing? I don’t know. Never had writer’s block. Maybe just sitting down and doing it. The easiest is actually writing the story. It’s like a movie reel is rolling in my head while my fingers type the story as I see it.

When did you start writing for publication and what did people say when they found out?

I started writing in August 2003 with the intention of selling to Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired line. I hadn’t a clue how to write so it was rejected, but considering that I had no experience at all, it was still a pretty good story. From that point on I’d be asked by everyone who knew me if I’d sold a manuscript yet. Then after my book came out in print people constantly ask how my book is doing in regards to sales. They seem to want to see me do well as an author rather than just being nosey. It’s funny how people just assume you’ll be quitting your day job in the future, like selling a novel will make you rich or something. They have no idea.

Tell me about it! (Although, I did quit my day job, but not just to write! LOL)

How long did it take you to get published?
Exactly five years and one month from the day I started my book was in print and for sale.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Depends on the story. If it’s a story that I don’t want people to associate with my job or me as a state employee, then I’ll locate it in another state. Otherwise I will place it in Arizona.

What would you be doing with all the time you spend writing if you weren’t writing?

Reading, of course. I have been an avid reader all of my life.

Where’s your favorite place to write?

Smack dab in the middle of my living room.

How do you make time for God in the craziness of life?

I pray when I am walking or driving or just singing. I try to read my Bible regularly. I’m in a weekly Bible study and I never miss church. This all helps.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married for 18 years to a great guy. He graduated from high school before I was born so there is a big age difference, but we are very compatible. I have two sons who are sixteen and fifteen. One is a junior and the other is a sophomore in high school.

Who are your favorite authors?

Do you have all day? Sheesh, I love so many authors I’ll just list some right now off the top of my head. Siri Mitchell, Tosca Lee, Susan Meissner, Sherri Lewis, Melanie Dobson, Virginia Smith, Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Deb Raney, Rachel Hauck, Susan Page Davis, Julie Lessman, Kristin Billerbeck, Karen Kingsbury, Kathi Macias, J. M. Hochstetler, Victoria Christopher Murray, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Claudia Burney, Melody Carlson, Maureen Lang, Marlo Schalesky, Bonnie Leon, Sandra Glahn, Nancy Jo Jenkins, Tracie Peterson, Cindy Woodsmall, Kristin Heitzmann, Nancy Rue, Chris Fabry, Christa Banister, Tamera Leigh, Julie Klassen, Tracey Bateman, Deanna Dodson, Michelle Moran, Jenny B. Jones, Tricia Goyer, Allison Pittman, etc.

Wow! And I'm right there with you on the favorites. Just about everyone you listed is in my to-be-read pile right now...ha.

What’s next for you in the world of publishing?

The sequel to “It’s Not About Me” releases in Sept. 2009. It’s called “It’s Not About Him.”

What do you hope people take away from when they finish reading your book?

Examples of true love, real faith, and boundless joy for Christians and non-Christians alike.

How many books have you written? List them for us so we can be sure to find them in the bookstore or online!

For now you can only buy It’s Not About Me. Look for the sequel next year. The others are listed on my website and have not been sold yet.

What advice do you have for a beginning author?

Learn the craft and join a legitimate writer’s organization like ACFW where you can learn about the business and become a better writer before you try to sell something.

Any parting comments?

Thanks for the opportunity. Peace, everyone!

Thanks so much, Michelle.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us.

Readers can find Michelle online at:

http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com
http://www.michellesutton.net
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com

Just a reminder: Leave a comment and I'll enter you in the drawing for a free book. Winner will be announced on Saturday, November 8th!

I suppose it's time to catch up here

Hi all, I've been a little slack lately, wouldn't you say? But all that's about to change. I've been hit with requests to blog, so I'm going to give it my best shot. Pretty soon, I'll have author interviews up and going and will be running contests for you to win. Just wanted to let you know. Also, Holiday Illusion, the third in my Amazon Adventure series is just about to be released to stores. I hope you'll pick it up!

God Bless,
Lynette