Alley News!

It's Friday.

And I'm super late posting.

I blame a migraine and a sick kid. See Amy's post "When it rains, it pours" from yesterday! THIS has been my week!! And then go read Ashley's amazing post from Tuesday, "When you're looking for doors..."

What's up on the alley?

Oh. Nothing much.

NOT!!!!

Laurie's book, With No Reservations, is officially RELEASED out into the world! You have GOT to check it out!

And Mary. Sweet Mary has published her first children's book, William Worthington Watkins III: And The Cookie Snitchers! 

 And then my novel, The Engagement Plot, is available now for preorder.

That's all I have for this Friday!

I pray you all have a GREAT weekend full of good books, sweet conversation, and serving Jesus!

~krista

{{Gone Fishing!}} Friday News & GIVEAWAY!

Hey Alley Pals...

As you read this, Hubby and I are waving from the road as we head outta town for a rare weekend getaway! WithOUT kids! And fine, you caught me. We're not really going fishing. But probably hiking. And hot spring(ing). And enchanted treehousing! Lots of other ings like eating and frolicking. You get the idea. ;)

While I'm away, you have the chance to win an amazing new book and hear all about the exciting happenings happening (ooo, that was redundant) here on your alley.

First up, is Cara Putman's awesome new legal suspense, BEYOND JUSTICE! (PSST... today's giveaway!) This book is hot off the presses and seriously addicting. (I'm currently procrastinating way too many things to keep my nose buried in my, err, kindle app.) Leave a comment by Sunday night telling me about your favorite (or dream) weekend getaway to enter to win. Be sure you leave an email address so I can contact you about claiming your prize. :)



Laurie Tomlinson has a fabulous giveaway happening over on her website www.laurietomlinson.com Her debut novel WITH NO RESERVATIONS from Harlequin Heartwarming and a KINDLE FIRE are up for grabs so be sure you head over and enter to win all that goodness!!!

ALSO ... Big news for book LOVERS! Especially those who love romantic comedies, Krista Phillips is looking to add some hungry readers to her street team, The Phillips-ians! (PSST... street teams get early reader copies and freebies!) Inquire here!

Pardon me while I scoot on outta here...

Have a blessed weekend! See y'all when I get back!

<3 Amy

FUN FRIDAY -- With the Love at First Laugh Crew!

What a fun week we've had here on the Alley!

Ashley chatted about The Writing Rush Hour -- encouraging us to take a breathe and slow down a bit.

Then Pepper kicked of a series she's doing about character arc--which she is SO GOOD at!!

And TODAY I have the excited honor of hosting the women of Love at First Laugh!

About a year ago, God planted this dream in my heart--to step out of my comfort zone and try to start a box set focusing on "funny" romances aka romantic comedy. There were LOTS of box sets out there--contemporary romance, historical romance, suspense, etc. But I hadn't seen any in the Christian realm that focused on romance with a comedic flair.

I was chatting with fellow author Heather Gray about the matter, and she got excited about it!! IMAGINE THAT!! So together, we prayed about it and put out feelers and God brought us a FANTASTIC team of authors.

Since the set is now on preorder and releases March 6th, I thought I'd take today to do a FUN interview of my fellow Love at First Laugh authors --- and TWO of them are fellow alleycats!!!

FAVORITE romantic comedy book
Pepper: "Oh goodness!! AHHH!! Okay....Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker"

FAVORITE Romantic comedy movie
Marion: "My Best Friend's Wedding"

FAVORITE Valentine's Day gift you've received
Laurie: "My husband and I started dating ten years ago this Valentine's Day. I was in a chemistry lab until late, but I knew he was the man for me when a Chewbacca holding roses popped up in my email. I have never felt more known and loved by someone who was "wooing" me."

FAVORITE writing how-to book
Jessica: "Make a Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld"

Romantic hotel room overlooking the ocean -- or secluded romantic cabin in the mountains?
Heather: "Summer? Give me the ocean! Winter? Secluded cabin in the mountains - definitely!"

FAVORITE writing spot!
Elizabeth: "Wherever my five year old can't climb all over me and pepper me with questions about what I'm doing and why. This usually ends up being the dining room table."

Would you rather -- receive flowers or chocolates?
Christina: "Flowers over chocolate, mainly because other people in my house consume chocolate and I'm left with nothing. "

Most memorable date!
Laurie: "My husband and I went to San Francisco, and after exploring the city and eating at these famous restaurants, we stayed in a beach house in this cute little town called Stinson Beach. We listened to music as we made lemon spaghetti with all the doors and windows open. And that glorious simplicity was more memorable than the acclaim and bright lights of the city "

Best piece of writing advice you've ever received 
Pepper: "Write....and remember the reason you love writing in the first place:-)"

FUNNIEST joke you know 
Christina: "When I was a kid I was in the hospital a lot and spent a good deal of time in the blood drawing room. They had a cartoon on the wall of two mosquitoes. One was blown up like a balloon, and his friend said, "Pull out! You hit an artery." I thought that was hilarious at the time, but in retrospect it was all I had to look at besides medical posters. And I was ten."

How did you meet your spouse? 
Marion: "Our parents were church friends, and I used to play in his tree house when we were about ten. Our first date, I asked him out (as he thought I was out of his league so wouldn't), and then I promptly fell into a mountain stream and spent the rest of the date freezing and wet. He did warm me up later LOL."

MOST embarrassing moment 
Jessica: "My most embarrassing moment was that one time I sort of cheated on my husband...in church...during service...(longer version of the story here!)" (Krista: You are in for a real treat... I seriously have tears rolling down my eyes reading this!!)

When did you fall in love for the first time? 
Elizabeth: "I dated the same boy for two years in high school and at the time, I would totally have said we were in love. After falling in love with the man who is now my husband, I can look back and see that high school romance for the vague shadow of real love that it is, but...it's probably still the most honest answer."

Why should people read Love at First Laugh? 
Heather: "I'm biased, of course, but when a group of authors come together and work corporately to create something that honors God and encourages His people, it's worth the read. The bonus here is that there's romance and laughter involved, too - both things I like."

Let's Chat!

Feel free to take any of the questions above and YOU answer them in the comments today! I'd love to hear YOUR answers!! (or ask any more questions and one of us from the set will be happy to answer!)

And be sure to check out Love at First Laugh releasing in March!!!

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! 

CFRR in Review

A month and a half ago I had the wonderful experience of participating in something NEW! If you’ve been on social media, you might have heard about it. At the end of August, the very first Christian Fiction Readers Retreat happened in Nashville, TN.

So…what is CFRR?

At first it was a dream – but with the right people in charge, it became a reality. From a wish whispered to Julie Lessman three years ago by Bonnie Roof, to a treasure-of-an-opportunity in Nashville, TN. Three devoted readers and bloggers decided that there needed to be an opportunity for readers and authors to meet together and mutually encourage, support, and uplift one another.

CFFR was born.

Bonnie from Overcoming with God, Annie from the blog Just Commonly, and Carrie from Reading is my Super Power cast a wide net to gather readers, bloggers, and authors alike to meet to learn, teach, laugh, pray, and worship together. It was such a unique and amazing opportunity.

So I’m going to give you a brief overview.

The theme of the conference was Honoring God Through Christian Fiction

YES! Readers + Authors + Jesus????? Add some chocolate and you have a perfect day! :-)

The atmosphere lit with a beautiful merging of learning, conversations, prayer, prizes, praise, and laughter.

Bonnie, Carrie, and Annie kicked off breakfast by sharing how the Lord blew their socks off with miracles in preparation for the retreat. Authors they never imagined showing up and response from readers that surprised them – definitely pointing to how this retreat as something lots of people had been waiting for!

Debby Giusti started the retreat off right with prayer. Interspersed through the panel discussions, presentations, and speed chats, was some praise time offered by Caryl McAdoo, Melony Teague, and Rachel Dixon.

The dynamic duo of Mary Conneally and Ruth Logan Herne (Seekerville Divas) hosted a presentation on their own writing journies (as well as some hysterical interactions between the two of them), followed by the amazing Julie Lessman, who shared her gripping testimony. Tamera Alexander came next, encouraging authors with her own struggles and successes along the writing journey. 

The first panel discussion included authors Carrie Turansky, Gabe Meyer, Jan Drexler, Jennifer Slatterly, Laura Frantz, and Myra Johnson. They answered questions related to the ‘writer’s life’ – and just proved that even within our sameness there are a lot of differences :-)

After lunch…in a very “Hogwarts looking’ dining room – where I sat with some new friends as well as sharing wonderful space with my lovely Krista Phillips, my adorable Rachael Wing, and my cute & sassy Sarah Monzon, we returned to the main rooms for worship and then back to some fun afternoon activities.

Laura Frantz spoke next, bringing her sweet spirit, fantastic southern accent, and beautiful personality to the audience by asking them questions.

Next was one of those ‘surreal-thank-you-Jesus-for-letting-me-be-here’ moments where I sat on a panel entitled Pucker Up (talking about romance and smooching in fiction). I was on this panel with the following AMAZING authors – Ruth Logan Herne, Melanie Dickerson, Kristi Ann Hunter, Janet Dean, and the ‘kissing queen herself’ Julie Lessman. WOW what fun!!!! I loved chatting about how a kiss is NEVER just a kiss – it should always have much more than just lips-on-lips. (though that part is fun too :-)

A Reader panel gave us authors a chance to hear from our audience about what they enjoy most about stories and authors. Readers like to hear from us, people!! And they want organic books that are realistic.

Speed Chats ensued – where authors moved from group to group like speed dating. So much fun and a great way to get to meet new people.

The next author panel about Imaginary Friends featured Kara Isaacs, Becky Wade, Carrie Fancet Pagels, Sarah Monzon, Dani Pettrey, and Mesu Andrews (who is now in my neck of the woods in western NC :-)

My thoughts:

I LOVE readers!!! Getting to meet readers, engage in conversations, find out what they loved about our stories, made this retreat truly spectacular. That touch point in closing the gap between authors and readers was amazing.

This retreat was the perfect combination of stories, readers, authors, and Jesus. The room exploded with joy and acceptance.

The retreat offered something unique in the realm of Christian fiction. Our writer’s conferences are fantastic, but this opportunity moved our words from a ballroom to an intimate fireside chat.

I can’t wait to experience it again in 2017!!!

In celebration of CFRR, I have a giveway for you!!

Some of the questions asked in the panel discussions are below. Pick TWO and answer to be entered into a CFRR-inspired giveaway!!!!

1.       What was the moment that you KNEW God had called you to write?

2.       What's the funniest/weirdest thing that's happened to you on your writing journey?

3.       Do you prefer stand-alones or series? 

4.       Do you prefer more passion in your books-both spiritually and romantically-or less? 

5.       How do you prefer to interact with your favorite authors? Through social media, or via newsletters?

6.       Speaking of just right, what elements do you think must be in the perfect fictional kiss? 

7.       What's your favorite kissing scene that you've written? 

8.       If your characters could describe YOU as an author, what would they say? 

A winner will be announced next Friday, October 21!!

Friday on the Writer's Alley-Cats and Pals Braggin' on God's Blessings

2016 ACFW was the conference I did't think I needed to attend this year. Talk about attitude. I confess, I was wrong. Completely and totally wrong. I'm so glad God knew what was best for me.

This was the gathering of 3-D friends. You know, the people you met on FB, have chatted with for hours, have seen their picture and were convinced you'd recognize in a crowd until they appeared one foot shorter than you expected. 

Meghan Gorecki

We heard their laugh rather than read LOL. We saw their smile complete with dimples rather than an emoji :).  We saw their aching heart, their bubbly spirit, their hopes and dreams and found them more vibrant than we thought. These 3D friends...are gems created by God.


So, my husband asked me what I liked most about the conference. How did I love it? (instead of like it) let me count the ways.... 

Ted Dekker

*Ted Dekker's key note messages. I must have talked about a half hour about Ted's strategy for writing from the heart. Hubby politely nodded not understanding what on earth I was talking about. I also told my sister, and my daughter, each had the same deer in the headlight response. That's okay. I understood.
*Allen Arnold's continuing education class--equally stirring. Dig deep into your soul. That is when the story will truly come to life. 
*Erin Healy's How to Think Like Your Editor. Powerful. Packed with tons of information helping writers understand the editing process and how we can edit our manuscripts.
*The Don't Lie to Me class taught by a forensic artist wowed me. These tips, facts, clues were not just for mystery writers. Every genre benefited from knowing how to accurate portray a character who is not telling the truth. Much more than body language. 

And these were only the tip of a magnificent iceberg conference. God blessed above and beyond what any attendee expected. 

Notable News: 

Krista's book, A Side of Love, is on sale for ninety-nine cents through Sunday. Click here.

FANTASTIC NEWS: Pepper was a Carol award finalist for her debut book: The Thorn Bearer. Click here. Pepper also says, "I had two editors request two manuscripts each and made some great contacts with Tyndale editors. I was reviewed by Romantic Times." We are also not surprised that she was swamped with raves about her books!!

Pepper and Mary

Mary received a request for a full manuscript and full proposal from an editor from Revell.

Casey and Sue (Mom)

Casey, director of the Carol Awards, presented the winners. Her mom, Sue Herringshaw was able to attend the Gala.  Casey says, "I survived." We knew you would. :)

Amy, Krista, Mary, Julia

Julia says, "I was able to connect with two women who had been mentors to me and get some new story ideas." I happen to also know that Julia interviewed a few VIPs for an article. Way to go Julia!

Matt and Nate came along to support Ashley.

Ashley says, " I had a full request from my dream publisher and a partial from another!! I am just so thankful for the time spent in community and encouragement among some of the dearest people in my life." Sounds like triple goodness, Ashley!!

Jessica Patch and Laurie Tomlinson

Laurie had a great time connecting. She signed a contract earlier this year. We are so excited about her new book! 

Angie's fabulous news was already shared!!!  CONTRACT!!

Amy and Krista

Amy claimed to be a lurker at the conference in her post yesterday. I beg to differ. She touched so many lives. Networked with writers. Shared her experiences. Laughed. And cheered for winners at the gala. To me, she gave a lot.

Ashley, Sarah Ladd, Courtney Walsh, and Cara

  
Cara whisked around, helping first timers and most likely a thousand other jobs during the conference. She is a multi-published author.

Now it's your turn! 

You didn't have to attend the conference to receive a blessing from God!

Let's do this! Share your blessing in the comment section.

Time to brag on what God did for us!

Let's fill the page with His blessings!!

THE EVIL DELETE BUTTON

I was at a monthly local writer's group last month and was sharing how my current work in progress was perplexing me.

It's a novella and I was about 3k words in, so about 10% done.

For the first time in a LONG time, I actually had a good idea of what I was going to write, what the hook was going to be, what/when the black moment would appear. I was pretty pleased with myself, since I am a self-professed seat of the pants author and can't pre-plot to save my life.

But my problem was....

I hated my 10%.

Okay, fine, maybe hated was too strong a word.

I disliked it... or no. Not even that. Something about it just didn't sit right. I would reread it and be like, Oh, this is so good... but then I couldn't write more. It just felt--flat.

It almost was like someone else's voice was telling a story.

One of the women in my group asked me if maybe I needed to start over.

I was like, OH NO. It isn't THAT bad. I just have to figure out what is bothering me about it, fix that, and go on my merry way. Because the writing was actually pretty good for a rough draft. The character, at least one of them, was super real and flowed on the page nicely. She was a minor character in a previous story so I already knew her backstory and her motivators. And I THOUGHT I knew her story.

But still...

So this last week, I was at my inlaws for a few days and was sitting down at my computer, thinking about my story.

I decided to be dumb and go back to my title.

I'd slapped it on there and while I didn't hate it, it sat with me about as well as my 10% did.

So I thought---maybe if I thought of a better TITLE, then it would help me write, right?

I was mulling it over and playing with letters (I already knew most of it--- it is a sequel to A (kinda) Country Christmas so I knew I wanted A (sorta) S______ S_____) and suddently the PERFECT title hit me.

A (sorta) Southern Serenade.

It flowed off my tongue and my stomach got excited jitters.

I KNEW this was the right story, and since Kendra is/was a singer/actress, and the story takes place around Nashville, it totally fit!

New title in hand, I went back to my work in progress.

And it became glaringly obvious.

I swallowed as I eyed the Delete button. It needed to go. All of it. Every single word for the 10%.

I would love to be able to say that I was woman enough to hit that delete button. But I was not. Like most smart writers, I instead did a little cut/paste option so I have that 10% just in case I need it later for something.

But I started over. Now I'm only about 300 words in... so what, 1%? And I write a little back-cover copy that again, made me do a little dance and clap my hands in giddy anticipate... something the previous idea never, ever did.

It's amazing what can happen when you become one with the delete---or cut/paste---option.

I'll be working this weekend on getting those words back down on the page. Of figuring out where in the world this story is going to take me (because even though I have a bit of an idea now, I'm back to my SOTP self that has no clue where it will end up and how they will get there) but I'm excited to write now. I'm grinning at the idea. I'm no longer trying to ignore that rock in my gut that was telling me something was not right.

Good riddance, rock! 

What about you? Have you ever had to scrap an idea and start over? Delete a really amazing scene that just didn't feel right?

*************************************************

Krista is a follower of Jesus, a wife, a mother, and writes romantic comedy. Her latest book A Side of Love, released February 29, 2016.  She blogs about finding JOY in the journey of LIFE at http://www.kristaphillips.com. She is represented by Sarah Freese of Wordserve Literary.

March Release Madness!!

It’s time to celebrate March Release Madness!!

Here at the Alley we love to read, write, eat, fellowship, and encourage other authors, so at the end of each month, we are going to feature a celebration of upcoming releases and news!!

Who doesn’t like a party, right?

So here are a few March releases that have popped up on The AlleyCats radars!

 Our very own Krista Phillips’ second novella is set to release in March. A Side of Hope.

Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green

A Horse for Kate by Miralee Ferrell

Jaded: A Novel – Varina Denman

Then Sings My Soul by Amy Sorrells

The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem – 3/17

Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd - 3/17

By Your Side by Candace Calvert

Dauntless by Dina Sleiman

After a Fashion by Jen  Turano

Stranded by Debby Giusti

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

If you’re looking for a new story to read, March has plenty of choices for you!

Reminders:

Carol Awards and Genesis entries end on 3/15, so send in your published

novel or polish up your prepublished manuscript before then.

The Alley Weekend Round Up

I don't know about you, but we are having the weirdest weather in Texas. The high today is in the 70's! For Texas, that is like some kind of record. Usually this time of year we start our stretch of 100+ days. Sometimes we will have over a month of them, one right after the other. (I think the record is 62 days...meh.) I hope you are having a great summer like me. If not, then maybe this will help. We've got some great posts lined up for you this week!

The Weekly Line Up

Monday - Pepper is starting our week with a great post titled, "Dialogue That Speaks To Me". Of course, she always has character voices running through her head, so this should be good!
Tuesday - Our guest today is a super big surprise, so stop by and be rewarded with a fabulous treat! You won't want to miss this!!!! Will our new Alley Cat be introduced? Maybe? Maybe not? The suspense...!!!
Wednesday - Mary's post is entitled "She Wanted To Be A Writer...At 100 Years Old!" Now doesn't that make you want to read it and be inspired?
Thursday - Krista has just revealed her new book's cover (see below), so she is all about the graphics. Check out her post entitled "Cool, Calm, and Covered".
Friday - Casey's got the "How-To's Of Writing A Strong Romance". Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

Alley Cat Shout Out!

Alley Cat Krista Phillips has just announced the release date and cover of her new novella! Mark your calendars for August 18, 2014! You can find out more details on her blog HERE.

Isn't it fabulous?!?!?!

The Awesome Link Round Up

How To Win At Writing: Create Writing Routines (Go Teen Writer)

What Jane Austen Looked Like According to Forensic Science (The Passive Voice)

46 FREE eBooks on Christianbooks.com! (Christianbooks.com)

Buy 1, Get 1 Free: Christian Fiction (Barnes and Noble)

Amazon Reveals Kindle Unlimited eBook Subscription Plan (Galley Cat)

Have a fantastic week!