Friday Five: With Sensational Historical Romance Author AMBER LYNN PERRY

It is my great pleasure to introduce a very dear friend and fantastic author! This girl is a DYNAMO! I absolutely LOVE her novels (and that's saying something because historical is not my preferred genre)... But sometimes the beauty of the writing and the mastery of story is all you need to get lost. (And don't even get me started on her covers!)

I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of Amber's newest release So True a Love... and here's why you should too!

About the book:

Since the night her dear uncle gave his life for hers, Hannah Young is determined to risk everything by spying for the Patriots in order to seek retribution against the British soldier who killed him. But when her former love, Joseph Wythe, insists on ensuring her safety, she must decide if the vengeance she seeks is worth the danger of his nearness. For the love she once felt is liable to grow deeper and more threatening to her heart than it ever was before.

Leaving his young ward to join the fight for liberty is the hardest thing Joseph Wythe has ever done. Nearly. The most difficult happened ten years past, which he tries his best to forget. Seeing Hannah Young again after all this time does something frightening and wonderful to his soul. Though her determination to spy for the Patriots is honorable and brave, he will never allow her to take such a risk without him to protect her, no matter how she protests—and no matter how he knows he will ache all the more for the thing he always wanted and still could never have.



My thoughts:

A magnetic glimpse of history, heroism, and espionage, all entwined with a forever, young love that's endured time and deceit and loss, Perry continues to change my mind about dusty historical fiction, instead painting a vibrant landscape of early patriotism with its unsung heroes of our nation's past. I love how seamlessly and poignantly Perry unwraps the era and yet tangles me irrevocably in the high-stakes suspense and heart-quaking romance of this second-chance love story between Joseph and Hannah. Seriously, don't miss this one. Or any of the others in the series. They're simply too good to pass up! ~AMY LEIGH SIMPSON, author of When Fall Fades and From Winter's Ashes

And now... let's get the dirt on AMBER...

1. Do you have a writing ritual? Place, time of day, writer quirks? 

ALP: I have no writing ritual as far as time goes. It's "git 'er done whenever the heck you have five minutes." LOL! You writer mom's know what I'm talking about it. I mean, sometimes in the evening I will sit down to write, get my headphones on and boot up Amazon Music (I like to listen to amazing movie soundtracks like Belle, Last of the Mohicans, John Adams, etc.) and crank out the word count. But let's be honest. I'm not someone that can stay up until even 11:30 without writing pure gobbledygook--I need my sleep! The only constant, is that I write on my bed, legs out, laptop on my little "lap desk" and *maybe* some HotTamales near by. 

2. What's your writing brain food (or drink)? 

ALP: Do I have to pick just one? Other than the aforementioned red hot candies, I was just at a conference with Laura Frantz and we had some basil lemonade, so now I'm a bit obsessed. HAHA! And that's saying something because I'm not usually a fan of basil. You've got to try it--that drink is ridiculously delicious and SO refreshing on a hot day!

3. Most random thing in your purse... 

ALP: LOL! My purse is a dark and frightening abyss. Even I'm scared to look in it sometimes! The most random thing I found recently was one of those little green army men. (Toy Story comes to mind...HAHA!) I was like, "Where in the world did this guy come from?" But one of my daughters quickly claimed him before I could carelessly toss him into the trash.

4. Do you have a hidden talent? 

ALP: *stares off pensively* Hmmmm...Does this have to be like an awesome talent or can it be a sad "I-try-but-I-always-fail" kind of talent? Cuz the first thing that comes to mind is that I can't seem to keep a plant alive for the life of me. The flowerbed is ok, but the garden and any potted plant--any living thing that goes in there has a bleak future. I have the *opposite* of a green thumb. But I'm the kind of person that doesn't let accidental mass murder of innocent vegetation get me down. I keep trying and I will say....I've only killed a handful of things this year, so I think I'm improving. LOL!

5. Tell us why you are passionate about your genre? 

ALP: I love American history, and liberty in particular. I never cease to be inspired by the stories I read in my research and I want to share those amazing bits of history with other people. I really hope to live up to my little personal tag-line: penning the past to inspire tomorrow. 

**********************************************************GIVEAWAY*****************************************************

AMY here! Hey Alley Pals... if you haven't yet become acquainted with Amber's books, here's your chance! Because I am such a HUGE fan of this series, and the newest book JUST released last week, I'm going to buy someone an e-book! Here's what you need to do... leave a comment with your email address below. (And to make it more fun, answer one of the questions I asked Amber in your comment.) If you're feeling motivated (and generous... because word of mouth helps SO very much!) share this post on your wall and I'll enter your name twice. I'll draw a name Sunday night and announce it on here (and on FB). SHARE away and happy reading!!! 

Amber Lynn Perry lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. A homemaker by day and writer by night, Amber loves to study the Revolutionary era of American history. Through these books Amber hopes to not only give readers a chance to escape into the past, but to instill in them a lasting love of liberty.

Connect with Amber on Facebook and twitter... and be sure to check out all of her gorgeous books on Amazon.

<3 Amy

FRIDAY FIVE with Cara Putman (plus Alley Cat cover reveal!)

Excited to host our own Cara Putman. She has published over 20 books in a variety of genres: suspense, romantic suspense, historical romance, mystery and even nonfiction. She is a very busy lady with her hands in writing, law, teaching and more. She has a new release you'll want to check out, too!

FRIDAY FIVE WITH CARA PUTMAN

1) Julia: What has surprised you the most about the writing journey?

Cara: How much joy I get from my writing friendships. At least in Christian fiction, there is such a community of writers that have come alongside me—and I get to come alongside them. I truly can’t imagine my life without these friendships. They have added such richness and beauty to my life.

(I agree, the community of writers just can't be beat...)




2)  Julia: Do you have a favorite summer place?

Cara: Friends of ours used to have a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina that we loved to escape to about every three years. It was such a retreat for us at the times we really needed a break away from life. We miss that cabin. Because I teach even in the summer, it’s hard to get too far away, but we also enjoy traveling to Mackinac Island or to Nebraska to visit family. We have this thing for going places ten hours away. 

(I've always wanted to go to Mackinac Island. My family is about 10 hours away, too...)




3) Julia: Is there a book or verse of the Bible that keeps speaking to you this year?

Cara: Such a great question. This year I’ve been reading several books as well as reading through different portions of Scripture with my kids. Lately we’ve been reading Romans and a Psalm. There’s something exciting about diving into such a theologically rich book as Romans with my kids. My six year old son’s reaction to all the talk about circumcision was hilarious. But I truly count it an honor to have the opportunity to grow with my kids in the Word.  

 (Kids...and Bible study can be a fun combination. So great when you can find opportunities to be in the Word as a family....)





4) Julia: If you had a free day, what would you do with it?

Cara: Right now? Curl up with a book or two and never get out of bad. I’m fighting a bit of a post book deadline blah, so that sounds really good. Any other day, I’d pack the kids in the car and go find a place we can hike and get out in nature. 

(Hiking and books...both great choices! Congrats on hitting that deadline, that means you'll have more books to share with our readers soon...)





5) Julia: What projects do you have coming up that you are excited about?

Cara: I am super excited about the Hidden Justice series. The first book just released last month. it’s been humbling to see people’s reactions to Beyond Justice because it’s a legal romantic suspense. I just turned in the nearly perfect version of Imperfect Justice, which will release in December, and I’m headed into writing the third book. It’s been fun to write these bigger books the combine romance, the law, and ripped from the headlines issues. If people bop over to my website and sign up for my enewsletter, I’ll send them Dying for Love, the ebook prequel to the series.

(Congrats, Cara! Excited about your new release! Sounds like a thrilling read and very timely. Don't forget to head to Cara's website for that free ebook prequel!!!)

MORE ALLEY CAT NEWS:

Alley Cat Angie Dicken has a cover for her fall release!!!

Check it out!!! With Laurie Tomlinson's book recently hitting a mailbox near you, we have all kinds of Alley Cat fun going on around here!!!

 

Seekerville Sighting: Our very own Laurie Tomlinson was featured on Seekerville Thursday talking about Branding and Why Its Important.



What's it like in your neck of the woods? Here in southwestern Virginia we've been sweltering with weather in the low to mid-90s...but I hear some parts of the country are seeing white right now (and not the sand!). Hope you have a restful weekend! Thanks for stopping by...





 

Friday Five with Jennifer Erin Valent!!

Jennifer Erin Valent

Excited to feature Christy-award winning author, Jennifer Erin Valent, on Friday Five. Jennifer and I live in the same hometown, we met a few years ago over coffee and I've really enjoyed getting to know her since. I know you will, too. She has a strong passion for God's word and truth and spreading his message through her fiction.

1) This is probably a bit like asking which child is someone's favorite but do you have a character in one of your books who has taken on a special meaning in your life?

Definitely Miss Cleta! I always say I want to be her some day. She's that amalgamation of tough honesty and empathetic understanding; of boldness and humility; of toughness and affection. One minute she's sitting you down in a rocker on her front porch, feeding you lemonade and pastry; the next minute she's grabbing her shotgun and firing a warning shot. If one of my characters could come to life and I could have a long chat with them, she would be my pick.

(I had a feeling you might say that, judging from reader's responses I think many of your readers would agree...)

2) I always love asking what are writer's writing routines or rituals? Do you write out your stories longhand or on the computer? Do you have a favorite writing spot?

I never write longhand. My brain goes faster than my hands can, and I wouldn't be able to decipher my own handwriting. So usually I'm at my computer, maybe with a coffee at hand and some sort of noise in the background-music or the TV on low. I have to have something to distract the practical part of my brain so the creative part can take over. And I always write at my desk. There are way too many distractions for me to write in, say, a coffee shop. That's not the kind of noise that helps me focus creatively because there are too many different conversations going on and people to watch.

(Definitely can get that...)

3) So, knowing you are a foodie I have to ask the age old question, what would you pick as a last meal?

Duck confit risotto from The Saltbox Cafe in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. That was hands-down one of the most memorable meals I've ever had, and I've been thinking about it since. Top that off with a cup of good coffee and something chocolatey and gooey, and I'm set.

(You have me at chocolate and coffee...)

4) What's your all-time favorite movie? 

That's a tough one. I'm a huge classic film fan, and I have several favorites in every genre. But overall I'd say my absolute favorite, and the one I've probably seen more times than any other, is Arsenic and Old Lace starring Cary Grant. That movie has a little bit of everything in it, despite the fact that it's mainly screwball comedy. But there's some suspense, some romance, and plenty of laughs. I quote that movie all the time. They simply don't make them like they used to!

5) Can you share a bit about your research process and what that looks like for you? Do you have any good tips for others writing historical? 

One of the main things for me is understanding the time period and how people lived. It isn't so much about specific historical events, because I don't tend to write based on major moments in history. My goal is to know what it would be like to live in that time and place so I can pull readers into the setting. It helps that I'm such a classic film fan, and that I've always been interested in the time period when classic Hollywood was in its heyday. By the time I started writing stories set in the depression era, I had a good idea of what styles people wore, what some of the slang was, the appliances that would be available, etc. Those little details matter! I also read non-fiction books about the time periods I'm writing in, filter through photos and articles online, browse through antique stores and E-bay... whatever will get me more familiar with life in those places and times that I write about. If I can accurately depict the everyday life of my characters, then I can draw readers in by showing them the setting instead of telling them about it.

(I can see how your interest in classic films can stir your research process. Details are so important, thanks for sharing how it works for you...)

Be sure to check out Jennifer's website and like her Facebook author page for more updates.

Also, check out Jen's novella, Magnolia Spring

FRIDAY NEWS and LINKY LOVE:

NOVELLA NEWS: This week LOVE AT FIRST LAUGH released. It includes not one but THREE Alley Cat authors: PEPPER BASHAM, KRISTA PHILLIPS, and LAURIE TOMLINSON. Check it out!

LAURIE TOMLINSON: Don't forget you can preorder WITH NO RESERVATIONS due to release in May...

ANGIE DICKEN: Angie's release THE OUTLAW'S SECOND CHANCE is also available for pre-order. We've been following our fellow cats' releases so its super exciting!

PEPPER BASHAM: Pepper also has a book releasing in April, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. Check it out, lots of exciting Cat news!

Enjoy your weekend, y'all! Is anyone else having wonky early spring weather? Shorts one day, chance of snow the next! Welcome to March in the South, I guess!

Friday Five with the Fabulous Krista Phillips!

Today we have the delightfully sweet and seriously funny fellow Alley Cat, Krista, in the hot seat! Ready to dish some randomness...

1.  Do you have a writing ritual? Favorite spot, mood music or silence, kinda thing?

Krista: Favorite spot - Panera in a neighboring town, side room, back booth. I don’t go there often but it is by far my favorite spot!! 

Mood music – honestly I usually play praise and worship music, but when I wrote my Christmas novella in July, I was rockin’ some Christmas carols and with my most recent book that comes out in a novella box set next month, I was rockin’ some country music because the hero is a drummer in a country rock band :)

2. Writer’s brain food (and/or drink)… what’s your poison?

Krista: *rolls eyes* Dr Pepper. And anything sweet and chocolatey. In other words, super healthy! 

Amy: Hey, chocolate is basically a bean. Legumes are healthy, right? Perfect brain food! I comcur!

3. Juggling writing life and home/mommy duty can be a daunting task. Often times I feel like I say the same things over and over again, ad nauseum. For example: Hands to yourself! No hitting! Pick up your toys! (and yes, all of those require exclamation points as my children suffer from poor listening skills.) If you could record one phrase you use exhaustively at home and play it on repeat, what would it be? ;)

Krista: WOW. There are so many. “I know it isn’t fair. I don’t care. Life’s not fair. Get over it.” 

“What?” (this more points to MY poor listening skills since it is usually said after they have said mom 100 times and I just then heard them…)

“Do your chores.” OHHHHH. That one. I choose that one. HANDS DOWN!!!!!!

4. Top five favorite authors to read…. (Tough, I know! You can do it!)

Krista: Uh--- I mean. I’m gonna say all my alleycats but because there are more than five of us, let’s just say that is assumed so BESIDES my amazing alleycat sisters ---

(THIS IS STILL HARD)

Tamara Leigh

Jody Hedlund

Becky Wade

Francine Rivers

DeeAnne Gist

(there are so… SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo many others!!)

5. Favorite weird food combination?

I don’t really have one. I like normal, mostly not healthy food. I dip my McDonald’s chicken nuggets and fries in honey. Does that count?!?

Amy: Totally! Super weird! And while I've got you here, tell us about your upcoming books!

Krista: I’d love to! I have TWO of them, actually. My next novella, A (nearly) Normal Nanny, releases in a BOX SET along with 7 other AMAZING authors (2 of them are fellow alleycats) in March! It goes on PREORDER next week! Look for it—Love at First Laugh!

THEN my next full length releases with Barbour in November, The Engagement Plot! SO STINKIN’ EXCITED about that!!! 

The (in progress so subject to change) blurb:

Six months ago, William took Hanna’s heart and shattered it in front of millions of people. And now the big-wig CEO is back on Hanna’s home turf in Minnesota and wants her to forgive him? Fat chance of that.

But life is swirling around faster than snow in a blizzard, and despite her objections, teaming up with William seems like the only option to rescue her reputation.

William has never regretted anything more than the day he gave that ill-fated interview for the reality TV show, The Price of Love. But while he can’t change the past, he’s determined to fix the future. He just needs to convince Hanna to forgive him and—pretend to be engaged with him. Simple, right?

Despite the crazy that swirls around them, an attraction neither of them can fight off rises to the surface. Could this love run deeper than a price tag, or will old wounds tear them apart once and for all?

Amy: Love love love! Can't wait! <3

Alright Alley Pals... who has a favorite Krista Phillips book??? I'm going with A (Sorta) Southern Serenade! 

Friday Five Feature with Mesu Andrews

Happy Friday the 13th, People!! One of my favorite days of the year.

We are celebrating with a Friday Five Feature with author Mesu Andrews!! YAY!!

So, Mesu, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet you at ACFW for the first time in 2016 and then share a delightful lunch with you! Your publishing story is pretty amazing, but also your unique historical writing period.

1.       What draws you to the Biblical history genre?

Well, I actually started my journey as a speaker and Bible teacher. I was an off-the-charts extrovert and never sat still long enough to write a note, let alone a book. When I was diagnosed in 1997 with fibromyalgia, my speaking ministry slowed down, and I began journaling and writing devotionals that I emailed to family and friends. In 2002, I had a health crash that put me in bed for six months. That’s when I wrote my first novel—biblical fiction—because my first love is deep research into Scripture. I’m a library nerd that loves the ancient texts and original languages!

2.       Your journey to fiction publishing started in nonfiction, right? How did the transition go and do you still enjoy writing nonfiction?

Oooops! I guess I sort of answered some of that above, but the transition was ugly. I was determined to write something I called “Deep-o-tionals,” one-page mini-studies that were deeper than a normal devotional but short enough to get through in twenty minutes or less. Publishers didn’t want them because retailers wouldn’t know where to put them on their shelves—study or devotional? I had one of the best agents in the CBA knocking on every door, but no one was interested. I nearly gave up on publishing altogether.

Then a friend said, “Why don’t you teach with fiction?” I was a little offended. I mean, I was a SERIOUS Bible student. I’d never even read a Christian novel! She then pushed a little harder. “Do you think you’re a better teacher than Jesus? He taught with stories, you know?”

Ouch! That’s when I started learning the fiction craft. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do—and I LOVE it!

3.       Deep-o-tionals? Really? And what a wise friend to challenge you!!

As a blog for ‘newer and not-so-new- writers, we’re constantly trying to glean wisdom from other authors. What advice would you share with a new author…or one who just really needs to hear some encouragement today?

I guess my advice is, Don’t give up, but listen for God’s change in direction. If I hadn’t been listening for His change in direction, I’d still be knocking my head against the wall with Deep-o-tionals, and I wouldn’t have discovered how much I love writing fiction. He may not ask you to make as drastic of a change (from non-fiction to fiction), but He may ask you to consider contemporary instead of historical or YA instead of contemporary.

And, BTW, I still think I’ll publish Deep-o-tionals someday. I may even publish Bible studies. But it will be when God opens the door, not when I have to shove it open with a crowbar. I’m still learning to watch for His road signs and follow the path He leads me on…not the path I make for myself with a bulldozer.

4.       Wise woman!! You’ve recently moved to the mountains of North Carolina (GREAT choice ;-), what have you enjoyed about the move and what has been an unexpected challenge?

My two greatest joys in this move are being closer to our daughters and their families (love those grand babies!) and the folks at our new church. We’ve found an incredible sense of “home” already, and I’m so grateful to my Heavenly Father for that.

The challenge (and it was actually expected) has been juggling family and new church responsibilities with writing full time. While we lived in Washington State, we were empty nester “old farts,” who had no family around and only our careers and friends at church to enjoy. I could work fourteen-hour days and not feel as though I was cheating anyone. Not so with family and church family around! I’m still praying for godly wisdom to juggle all aspects of my new blessings well.

5.       Please share with us about your most recent release and anything you have in the works for the future.

My most recent release is Miriam, the second of two installments in The Treasures of the Nile series. Here’s the back cover blurb:

Buzz Line: Enter an exotic land where a cruel Pharaoh reigns, pagan priests wield black arts, and the Israelites cry out to a God they only think they know. 

Back Cover Copy: At eighty-six, Miriam had devoted her entire life to loving El Shaddai and serving His people as both midwife and messenger. Yet when her brother Moses returns to Egypt from exile, he brings a disruptive message. God has a new name – Yahweh – and has declared a radical deliverance for the Israelites. Miriam and her beloved family face an impossible choice: cling to familiar bondage or embrace uncharted freedom at an unimaginable cost. Even if the Hebrews survive the plagues set to turn the Nile to blood and unleash a maelstrom of frogs and locusts, can they weather the resulting fury of the Pharaoh?

My upcoming release, Isaiah’s Daughter, is scheduled for Fall 2017. It tells the story of Hephzibah, wife of Hezekiah—the most righteous king of Judah—and mother of Manasseh—the most wicked king of Judah. Jewish legend says she was the prophet Isaiah’s daughter, and my research has revealed some amazing things about her. I can’t wait for folks to get to know Hephzibah, my favorite name in Scripture—“God’s delight is in her.” I want to be Hephzibah every day of my life! How about you?

This sounds GREAT!! What a wonderful gift you have to bring the stories/culture of the Bible to life through fiction! Thanks so much for being a part of our Friday Five Feature, Mesu!!!

You can learn more about Mesu and her books on her website at http://www.mesuandrews.com/ 

If you missed out on the posts for this week, it's not too late to glean the wisdom and encouragement.

Julia has a beautiful post about Kissing Frantic Goodbye

And from author Cara Putman we have a helpful post about how to write More than 1 Book at One Time...WOW...feeling that right now!!

Friday Five with Meghan Gorecki

Happy New Year, y'all! What is your tradition? Now that our children are 8 and 11 we'll be ringing in 2017 with soda, munchies, and a night of family games. Do you stay up? Party? Sleep?

THRILLED to have Meghan Gorecki here to ring in the New Year with us! Meghan is an awesome Alley pal who has lots going on in her writing life. I know you'll enjoy hearing from her! And be sure to check out her blog!

Meghan M. Gorecki is an author of inspirational fiction, a blogger, book reviewer and voracious reader. Taking her life a day at a time as God leads, she is pursuing a career in the publishing industry as an editor in training and as a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. A hopeless romantic, history and Marvel nut, she's also a redhead (thanks to a box), who knows way too much trivia about movie musicals and the Civil War. Find her on social media and at her blog, A Northern Belle (http://www.northernbellemeg.com)

Facebook || Twitter || Instagram

FRIDAY FIVE:

1) Meghan, what genres do you write in?

I write historical and contemporary romance...thus far. ;) The latter being one I honestly didn't think I'd ever actually publish, but here we are!

So excited for you, girl!

2) Do you have a favorite New Year's tradition? Any exciting plans this year?

A favorite New Year's tradition! Great question...*think think think think* Probably choosing a One Word for the upcoming year. Though this year I have not a clue what it will be. This New Years my family and I will be hosting an enormous open house from around 8pm where there will be way too much food, fun, laughter--and a hockey game on the TV. LOL Happy, crowded-house chaos with our friends.

Love picking the one word! I haven't decided mine yet either. Sounds like a great evening you have planned!

3) Do you make resolutions? Specific writing goals for the year?

I write a few personal goals down that may count as "resolutions" but for this pantser-writer right here--no hard and fast lengthy list of true resolutions. I do however definitely map out writing goals--though if tradition holds true, God will take something and snowball it into something totally unplanned.

Don't you love how he does that?!

4) Favorite party food?

Ooh...um...aaah. Too many choices to pick from! I think perhaps buffalo chicken dip. Or my mom's homemade stove-popped popcorn with real melted butter and parmesan cheese. Yep. Those two. Tied for Favorite.

Yum! Great choices! Popcorn with melted butter if my favorite, too.

5) Can you tell us about your holiday novella? What inspired you to write this story and how do we pick it up?

5) My holiday novella, Wrapped in Red, is a Christmas tale from my heart. Largely inspired by real life events--and my family, this story began snowballing into existence this time last year but only in late October of this year was when God really plunked it in my lap and said, "Here. Use this." While I do not yet have my own hero like Sam Shepard, the dating woes and lovably meddlesome family have been my life this year, which was incredibly fun to write. And I got to pay not-so-subtle but delightful homage to my family, our food traditions--and this grand city I claim as my hometown: Pittsburgh. Getting to literally go downtown to the winter garden, Christmas market and hear all the old stories from my dad who used to work down there, and spend some holly-jolly time with my family? All in the name of book research?
Absolutely priceless.

Little tidbit: the story ends on New Years Eve near the stroke of midnight--which is tomorrow! So there's still time to enjoy the holiday season and pick up a copy in the Kindle store here for just a dollar, or if you're old-fashioned like me and prefer a real copy you can hold in your hands, you can grab a paperback copy here.

About Wrapped in Red:

A Steel City holiday romance sure to melt your heart.

The holidays haven't been the easiest for Merry Grainger. Five years ago, she lost her grandfather and got dumped by her boyfriend right before Christmas. Each season since sees her determined to avoid getting hurt again, and so she keeps a steel-like grip on her hopeless romantic heart.

Music used to soothe Sam Shepard’s soul until the death of his biggest cheerleader broke his heart, family, and dreams into pieces. Now he’s focused on thriving in the city, and with the people, he’s grown to love—all to keep the hole in his heart from opening anew with every passing holiday season.

Thrown together by a church play and meddlesome family armed with mistletoe, will Merry and Sam unwrap their guarded hearts to let in the true hope of Christmas—and each other?

Thanks so much, can't wait to read this, Meghan!

ANNOUNCEMENTS & ALLEY NEWS:

WINNER: Our Friday Five guest happens to also be the winner of her choice of book by Pepper Basham. MEGHAN GORECKI, please email caseym.writer@gmail.com with your mailing address and we'll get that out to you!!!

KAREN SCHRAVEMADE is releasing her DREAMS BY DESIGN PLANNER. This would be a great tool to help writers get organized in the new year. It has a place for daily to-dos and long-term goals and includes a daily space for your word count. This project also helps support Amazima ministries in Uganda.

RECIPE CORNER:

So...growing up in upstate NY, I agree, Buffalo dip is a must for New Year's celebrations. Anchor Bar, the originator of Buffalo wings uses Frank's hot sauce and here is my favorite recipe. I use shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) and also still use the crumbled blue cheese.

BUFFALO WING DIP (taken from Frank's website)

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, softened
• cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup FRANK'S RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce or FRANK'S RedHot® Buffalo Wings Sauce
• FRANK'S RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce or FRANK'S RedHot® Buffalo Wings Sauce
• 1/2 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
• Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
• 1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese or your favorite shredded cheese
• crumbled bleu cheese or your favorite shredded cheese

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
COMBINE all ingredients and spoon into shallow 1-quart baking dish.
BAKE 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve with crackers and/or vegetables.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! What are your writing goals?

Friday FIVE with Teresa Tysinger!!!

Woot!!! Friday has come!!! With bronchitis and ear infections for my clan, I'm SO looking forward to the rest of a weekend and some latte!!!

How about you? Any weekend plans? What are your writing goals for the weekend? I just finished some edits this afternoon. And hoping to dig into Jodi Picoult's latest novel.

Thrilled to have Teresa Tysinger on the blog! She is a woman who wears many hats: contemporary Christian romance writer, graphic designer, and communications specialist...and more! She loves the Blue Ridge mountains (now that I live down south I TOTALLY get it! They are SO breathtaking) and happy endings!
 
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH TERESA TYSINGER:

1) Is there a song that you just love right now, Teresa?

I recently saw Johnnyswim, my favorite band, in concert. I have totally fallen in love with "Georgica Pond," the title track on their newest album. Their songs are hauntingly beautiful and inspiring and leave you feeling affected -- much like a good book. This particular one stays on repeat. 

(LOVE this one. Here's a link: Johnnyswim's "Georgica Pond") 

2) Do you have a best marketing tip for writers?

I thought about this answer a lot. As a director of communications and marketing for a church, I'm tempted to throw out a lot of tips about consistent branding, frequency and variety of posts, and so on. But when it comes down to it, especially with Christian readers and authors where there is a real sense of community, I think my best marketing tip would be to be real. Make it easy for your readers to relate to you. It's OK to post about your tough day, funny things your kids said, how you burned dinner while chasing the dog around the house with muddy feet, and even how you're finding writing hard at the moment. Us humans have a core need for connection. Don't be afraid to offer that to your readers. They'll stick around as your friends long after your books are done.

(I SO appreciate this great advice! I do love authors that share real parts of their lives with the social media world)

3) Favorite fall food?

Oh my gosh, there are so many. But, I have to say my mom's pumpkin pie that we usually only have at Thanksgiving. Funny story about that pie. When I got married, I asked my mom if I could finally have the recipe for her famous pumpkin pie. She giggled, leaned in, and whispered, "It's on the back of the can of Libby's Pureed Pumpkin. Don't tell anyone!" We're still laughing nearly 15 years later.

(This one reminds me of my husband, because when we got married he told me I had to ask for his dad's pork chop recipe. It was a pork chop, with a can of mushroom soup, cooked in the crockpot. I don't let him live that one down. But seriously, Libby's is some good stuff!)

5) Do you have a favorite writing ritual?

As a mom with a full-time job outside of the home and a husband who works mostly nights and weekends, I take my writing time whenever I can get it. That means there's not much room for ritual. However, whenever I sit down I start by rereading what I wrote in the last sitting. Helps me refocus.I also have to have background noise...music is my preference, but I often go to coffee shops so the chitter chatter is nice, too.

(I'm impressed by all that you do! I like writing in coffeeshops too but settle for sleeping children.)

6) Can you share your newsletter with us?

Happy to! So far, my monthly newsletter has provided tid-bits about me, writing updates, book reviews, links to new releases, etc. Starting November 1, however, I am thrilled that the newsletter will also launch the first short story in a series of short stories exclusive to subscribers. Readers are offered a warm welcome into the cozy campus of Blue Ridge University with monthly short stories set at the fictional school in the mountains of North Carolina. These short, inspirational stories about the professors, faculty, students, and townspeople will leave you rooting for true love and sighing with satisfaction. This month's debut short story is "After All These Years." You'll meet Maggie -- an author distracted by a crush years in the making. Everyone is invited to subscribe for free at http://teresatysinger.com/newsletter.

(Readers be sure to stop by and check it out! It sounds wonderful! The NC mountains are so beautiful!)

 Find Teresa on:

Facebook - Teresa Tysinger, Author

Web - www.teresatysinger.com

Pinterest - @TeresaTysinger

Twitter - @TMTysinger

LINKS: 

Did you catch this week's installments on the Alley:

I wrote a post on how being present blesses your writing life Tuesday.  

Thursday, Krista Phillips was your host pondering the important question of what we're writing for.   

Debbi Giusti has a great post on how to find freedom from fear in your writing journey on Seekerville 

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Alley cats around the web:

I didn't know about Google Keep, until Laurie featured it on her blog. It looks like a great way to capture lists, which is something I'm kinda addicted to. 

Books as art? Check out Karen's blog for styling tips!

Since Teresa's been talkin' about the Blue Ridge, check out Pepper's post on mountain dialect.

The need for creating and community on Angie's blog. 

Allowing God into our story: good stuff from Cara Putman.

Mary Vee shares creative journeys of authors on her blog. And don't forget to check out her great pics of Italy.