Soul Stirring Fiction --- Yesterday's Tomorrow

Okay, so I just finished devouring this sensational book. You know how us writers get when we get all hyped about a story right? Well, YOU might write a great review, tell a bunch of your friends, lay awake at night letting the message continue to wrestle with your soul even after you've turned out the light. I did all of those things... BUT I also decided to cyber kidnap Cathy West for the day and force her to talk about the one thing I can't seem to stop thinking about. Her re-release Yesterday's Tomorrow. So after I interrogate this lovely Bermudan, check out my review and leave a comment or question for us. I'll personally buy a kindle copy of Cathy's book for one lucky guest who drops a line. 

ALS: There aren't a lot of wartime love stories written about the Vietnam War (at least not that I've stumbled across). What compelled you to pick this time period? 

CW--- Actually, cliche as it may sound, it picked me. I can't exactly say why. I suppose through conversations, television, movies and books I'd read, I've always somehow been drawn to that era, and the Vietnam War. I read about the young female journalists that went over there, often quitting their jobs, as Kristin did, determined to make themselves part of history. That concept was fascinating to me. And I suppose the story began to take shape from there. 

ALS: This book has a lot of depth and emotion. I was completely sucked in and even now that I'm finished, I still feel shaken--that's how you know you've done it right! What is the main thing you want readers to walk away with after reading YT?

CW--- Hmm. The main thing? I guess that would be to always remember that no matter how dire your circumstances, no matter how dark and desperate things might be or how far you've walked away from God, He never lets go. He's always there, always preparing the way and even when things don't go the way we planned, it's often later that we discover God had a better plan. When we fully trust Him, that's where the real freedom lies. 

ALS: Yesterday's Tomorrow is an award winning novel previously published traditionally. What made you decide to re-release it and self-publish?

CW--- My agent and I made the decision back in January to leave that publishing company. Rather than let the book languish, we decided I would work with a freelance editor to really bring it up a notch, self-publish it and give it another go-round, the hope being to attract lots of new readers who might be interested in more of my books. So I worked with Mick Silva, did a lot of fine tuning and a few plot changes, and I think the end result is a much better read than the first time around. 

ALS: For those who haven't read any of your incredibly compelling stories, what other authors would you say are comparable?

CW--- Ah, I hate that question! Comparing myself to other authors is hard because I always think they're so much better than I am. LOL! But how about we say, who do I really admire and enjoy reading? Susan Meissner. I love the stories she's come out with lately. I believe they're really fascinating reads that can reach a broader audience, still with that faith element, but appealing across both ABA and CBA markets. That's actually my goal - to be able to write stories that reach everyone regardless of their faith journey. I've recently read some of Siri Mitchell's books and she's another author I look up to. Kristen Heitzmann falls into that category as well. Of course I love Katie Ganshert, Beth Vogt, Deb Raney, Cynthia Ruchti, Dan Walsh, Jim Rubart - I have a huge list. :) Outside of CBA I simply devour anything written by Jojo Moyes. I also enjoy Sarah Addison Allen and Christina Baker Kline. Too many books, too little time! 

Hmm.. Luke #1?

ALS: I LOVED the dynamic between Kristin and Luke. The dialogue was sharp and witty, the heat of attraction burned hot and honest. Just the way I like it. :) But I have to admit, there were times I just couldn't pinpoint what they each looked like. Could you give a quick character snapshot of your hero and heroine?

Or Luke #2?

CW--- Actually I have to say Dineen Miller nailed Kristin on this new cover. She's got brown/blond hair and gray/green eyes. When I picture her, the cover model is pretty much it. Luke? Ha. He's been really hard to nail down and many have tried. And tried. And it's so much fun trying…LOL! Probably the closest you'll get is a combo between the late Paul Walker and Charlie Hunnam.

YESTERDAY'S TOMORROW

Vietnam, 1967.

Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. 

Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

MY REVIEW!

Wow. Wow. (It bears repeating.) This powerful piece of fiction just wrecked me. Shook me to my core. Catherine West serves up a wartime love story that will mark you. Fluid storytelling, sharp poignant emotion, complex characters with snappy dialogue and perfectly tuned wit and tension, all set in the vivid landscape of the Vietnam War. Wow.

Kristin Taylor is a heroine to cheer for, but more than that, you FEEL her conflict as you walk a tumultuous journey of love, loss, courage, and second chances as if you’d slipped into her skin.  And the hero, Luke Maddox, oh man… (fans self)…. Major swoon! Luke’s trek through the war ravaged terrain to find redemption and forgiveness will literally break your heart. Tears people. Big fat rolling tears and snot. At one point I had to step away to catch my breath as I sobbed my stinkin’ eyes out. Thanks for that, Cathy!

Rich truths, emotions so deep and stirring you’ll struggle for air, and a heart-rending plot that twists and turns until it pushes you to the very edge, this story… Wow. Yep, that’s the word for it. Though, I briefly considered the cost of a ticket to Bermuda to slap Cathy for those last few chapters of torment, but hey, what’s a good story if you don’t want to strangle the author at some point, right? ;)

Seriously, read this book. Read it! But just know you’re in for some really late restless nights glued to the pages, and a beautifully haunting tale that will stay with you long after “The End.”

CHECK THIS CHICK OUT! 

Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Her first novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in 2011 and won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards. Catherine’s second novel, Hidden in the Heart, released in September 2012, was long listed in the 2012 INSPY’s and was a finalist in the 2013 Grace Awards.

When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

Website – http://www.catherinejwest.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CatherineJWest

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cathwest

GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4715219.Catherine_West

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/cathwest/

Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/108781711729974539211/posts

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-West/e/B004RWZUHK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Interview with Caryl McAdoo and Book Giveaway

Today is the official release day of Caryl McAdoo's debut novel, Vow Unbroken. We are honored to have her here today and hope to find a little more about her, her writing, and future plans. And to celebrate the book's release, we are offering up a copy of Vow Unbroken to a lucky commenter! 

First a little about Caryl McAdoo:  She and her husband Ron—high school sweethearts—live with four grandsons in the woods south of Clarksville, the county seat of Red River County in Northeast Texas. She enjoys four-wheeling over the 916-acre McAdoo Ranch, horseback riding, and singing the new songs God gives her. For every blessing in her life, including ten children (counting in-loves) and fourteen grandsugars, Caryl credits her relationship with the Lord, and her heart’s desire is to glorify Him.

Now let's dig a little deeper...

You have co-authored many children’s books with your husband. Tell us how you came to write Vow Unbroken.

I didn’t even know of such a genre where you could openly use scripture and Godly principles in your story. Mary Sue Seymour, my agent who Ron and I were driving back the DFW Airport after the conference where we met her, told me the easiest genre for her to sell. She’d seen a sample of our writing and said to write her a historical Christian romance set in the 1800s, she would sell it. So I dropped her off on Sunday and started writing on Monday. Nine weeks later, sent her the complete manuscript, and she sold it in ninety days! You KNOW that all is a God-thing, right. No one could convince me there isn’t DIVINE PLAN written all over it! 

What challenges did you face in changing genres?

I have never paid a lot of attention to genres, I just write stories with Ron. One of our mentors told us at our DFW Writers Workshop, “Ron, Caryl, pick a genre.” But we never could, and wrote romance, mystery, thriller, mid-grade chapter books, military, and non-fiction!

I can’t rightly say challenges existed. Other than finding out what made the story historical – 1800s, check; Christian, Mary Sue set me straight after the first fifty pages that didn’t mean both hero and heroine were saved, so hero lost, check; romance – man and woman fall in love, check. Ta Da! I had me a historical Christian romance!

Still enjoy writing for mid-grade, too, though. I have an end time trilogy The King’s Highway that Mary Sue is shopping book one of now, STARFISH PRRIME. I enjoy mid-grade because I love going to schools to present, and God gives me new songs to go with the books. He gave me one for VOW, too, I call ‘Susannah’s Ballad’. I’ll sing it for you if I get to see you on my March through Texas Tour!

How much research did you do in writing this book?

TONS! I didn’t keep track of the hours I spent researching everything about the 1800s – this area, the Jefferson Trace, the clothes, slang, toys, wagons, how they crossed rivers and creeks, the Indians, the towns settled back then in Northeast Texas – well, in 1832, it wasn’t Texas, but Tejas – still claimed by Mexico. I found it so ironical that President Bustamante was raising a ruckus because he did not want any more white settlers coming into Mexico. He put a ban on any more, but they kept coming and sent his presidios packing. There were many uprisings over it. I never liked history that much in high school, but I LOVED doing the research for VOW UNBROKEN – another ‘God-thing’ far as I’m concerned!

Who was the most challenging character to write in Vow Unbroken?

Hate to say no challenge again like I’m some special character myself, but Sue’s a lot like me, passionate, stubborn, a fierce lover, likes things done her way, snaps to judgment, prone to temper flares, then embarrassed and sorry, dedicated to obedience to God with her whole heart and ready to do anything—ANY thing—He says to, but not always certain it is Him. So, she was easy.

Henry is a lot like my Ron, strong, patient, not a worrier, steady, wise, loyal, take charge, friendly, patient, handsome, always thinks he knows best, able to accomplish anything, generous, did I say patient? J So, he was easy.

I fashioned Rebecca after Shirley Temple. I’d watched all her movies at least twenty-five times each. I could hear her saying the words I put in Rebecca’s mouth and her actions. So, she was easy.

Levi is who I started to answer when I first read this question, but he posed no challenge either. I’m living with 4 teenage boys right now, and their eleven year old brother. O’Pa and I have reared these four grandsons for eleven years now, so I knew just how Levi would act and what he would say.

In the beginning, I had a couple of scenes in Blue Dog’s POV, and he was easy, too, because we’ve always had many. The dog on the cover is actually ours named Franklin Doganor Roosevelt, we call him Roo. When Mary Sue first read the manuscript, she thought it was hysterical and fun to be in the dog’s head – said she never had been before. But my Howard editor didn’t think the readers would like that.

Do you have a favorite line in the book?

Wow, haven’t been asked this. Every favorite scene that popped into my head was with Rebecca. I thought about when she got Mister Henry to sing then burst out laughing, I loved that scene. And when the wolves attack, and Blue Dog gets hurt. Chapter Nineteen is my favorite chapter, and there are several lines in that chapter I love. When Rebecca’s giving her mother the piece of hard candy, then I thought of THE favorite. Sue’s just told Becky that she loves her, and Becky responds: “I love you, too. It just isn’t the end yet. You have to wait for the end to know how everything comes out.” Yep, that sure spoke to me, from God’s throne room straight into my spirit. A Word of comfort and encouragement. I pray it will speak to my readers who are going through hard times. It isn’t over until the end, so keep the faith, be encouraged, don’t give up, hold fast to the vision.

Is your son on meth? It isn’t the end yet! Is your daughter throwing away her marriage? It isn’t the end yet! Is your husband growing distant or saying he needs space? It is not the end yet!

Tell us about your writing day and where do you write?

I write at the CPU in our computer armoire in the master bedroom, sage green walls. To my left is a fireplace of bricks, flagstone, and aged barn wood that my husband built himself. To my right, a window looks out onto the front drive. In July last year, we moved into the new home the Lord provided and live way back in the woods, so lots of trees, and birds, and our dogs to stare at when I need to think – or the flames when there’s a fire.

I usually wake up late compared to Ron as he lays his head down and immediately goes to snoring—usually around nine. I’m talking before I could count to five. I have a terrible time falling to sleep because my brain refuses to be quiet. Therefore, I’m often up at two or three in the morning. So when I awake—usually after the boys have left for school—Ron brings me coffee. I make the pot the night before, so he only has to turn it on. Soon after my feet hit the floor, I make my way to the computer. I write some, then be social a bit on Facebook, check my email, write some more. I take turns on the computer with Ron and write off and on all day, no set time. He’s building a new barn; I’ve got laundry and cooking for six. And I write late into the wee hours of the morning, too.

What are you working on now?

Oh a fun novel! The name of it is THE BEDWARMER’S SON. That title and its opening line came from a contemporary Christian romance I was writing titled THE PITCH which has many writers pitching their work to literary agents. The first line for BEDWARMWR’S SON is: ‘He sold us right before he married that fancy lady from England then bought us back the next summer.’

The story refused to be left alone, so I left THE PITCH at chapter Seventeen and started writing THE BEDWARMER’S SON. I’m on Chapter Seventeen of it now. It’s a historical Christian romance set in two time periods: 1928 when the son of the bedwarmer is in jail fixin’ to be tried for the murder of his half-brother. His attorney, a beautiful white lady and his grandson romance a bit, and in 1857, romance blooms between the bedwarmer and her son’s father, the master at Three Springs Plantation near Dalton, Georgia. The story of his parents’ romance unfolds as he tells the lawyer how he came to murder his half-brother.  

About Vow Unbroken:

Susannah Baylor reluctantly hires Henry Buckmeyer to help her along the Jefferson Trace, the hard stretch of land between her Texas farm and the cotton market, where she's determined to get a fair price for her crop. It's been a long, rough ten years and the widow's in danger of losing the land her husband and his brother left to her and the children, but she needs help to get both her wagons safely to Jefferson. She knows Henry's reputation as a lay-about and is prepared for his insolence, but she never expects his good looks or irresistible, gentle manner. Soon they are entwined in a romantic relationship that only gets more complicated because Henry doesn't know God the way she does. Dangers arise on the trace--but none as difficult as the trial her heart is going through. Will Susannah and Henry's love overcome their differences? And will she get her crop to market and sell it for enough to save her farm? In this heartening and adventurous tale, a young woman's fortitude, faith, and heart are put to the ultimate test. 

You can find more about Caryl around the web:

Website:          http://www.CarylMcAdoo.com

Blog:               http://www.CarylMcAdoo.blogspot.com

Facebook:        http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo/author

Twitter:           http://www.twitter.com/CarylMcAdoo

Goodreads:     https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/181587.Caryl_McAdoo

Pinterest:         http://www.pinterest.com/gramilady/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Caryl-McAdoo/e/B00E963CFG

Caryl, thank you for joining us at The Writer's Alley. It was a pleasure getting to know more about you and your debut novel. 

We are giving away a copy of Vow Unbroken to a lucky commenter. Please leave a comment and your email address in a spam-proof format. ie:  janedoe (at) gmail (dot) com  Winner will be announced on the Weekend Edition. **USA residents only

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

This post is brought to you by

 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is a minister's wife and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.

A Special Interview with Award Winning Author Susan Meissner (and Giveaway!)

Today we're participating in a blog tour for a new book by award-winning novelist Susan Meissner who’s here with us today to talk about her newest book from Penguin NAL. A Fall of Marigolds is a part historical novel, part contemporary novel set on Ellis Island in 1911 and in Manhattan a hundred years later. Make sure you read to the end of the post so that you can find out how to get in on a drawing for a fabulous gift basket that includes a $100 Visa gift card.

Susan, tell us where the idea for A Fall of Marigolds came from.

I’ve long been a history junkie, especially with regard to historical events that involve ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. A couple years ago I viewed a documentary by author and filmmaker Lorie Conway called Forgotten Ellis Island; a hauntingly poignant exposé on the section of Ellis Island that no one really has heard much about; its hospital. The two man-made islands that make up the hospital buildings haven’t been used in decades and are falling into ruins, a sad predicament the documentary aptly addresses. The images of the rooms where the sick of a hundred nations waited to be made well stayed with me. I knew there were a thousand stories pressed into those walls, stories of immigrants who were just a stone’s throw from a new life. But unless they could be cured of whatever disease they’d arrived with, they would never set foot on America’s shores. Ellis Island hospital was the ultimate in-between place – it lay between what was and what could be. A great place to set a story

What is the story about, in a nutshell?

The book is about two women who never meet as they are separated by a century. One woman, Taryn, is a 9/11 widow and single mother who is about to mark the tenth anniversary of her husband’s passing. The other is a nurse, Clara, who witnessed the death of the man she loved in the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in Manhattan in 1911.In her sorrow, Clara imposes on herself an exile of sorts; she takes a post at the hospital on Ellis Island so that she can hover in an in-between place while she wrestles with her grief. She meets an immigrant who wears the scarf of the wife he lost crossing the Atlantic, a scarf patterned in marigolds. The scarf becomes emblematic of the beauty and risk inherent in loving people, and it eventually finds it way to Taryn one hundred years later on the morning a plane crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The story is about the resiliency of love, and the notion that the weight of the world is made more bearable because of it, even though it exposes us to the risk of loss.

This is your first general market novel after having written more than a dozen books for the inspirational market. Why the switch?

I got my start in the inspirational market and am immensely grateful for that experience. Every published novelist wants to connect with her ideal reader. We don’t all like the same genres and we don’t all like the same style and voice. I believe a great many of my ideal readers shop in the general marketplace because that’s where I shop. My favorite authors — among them Kate Morton, Geraldine Brooks, Lisa See, Jamie Ford, and Diane Setterfield — are all general marketplace authors. Add to this that my faith threads are always subtle rather than obvious, then the move to the general market place seems like a great way for me to connect with more readers. My approach to faith in my writing is one that I liken to the subtlety of God’s presence and influence in the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. The faith thread in the Book of Esther is as subtle as it can be – God is never even mentioned – and yet the story is powerfully told and the virtues of loyalty, trust, hope, and courage are obvious. I have never thought of myself as writer of Christian fiction but rather a Christian who writes fiction.

Your last few novels have had historical components interwoven within a contemporary story. Why do you prefer that kind of story construction?

I think living in Europe for five years awakened my love for history. It’s like it was always there but my time spent overseas just woke it up. When I think back to the subjects I did well in and that came easy to me in high school and college, it was always English and history, never math or science. I appreciate the artistry of math and the complexity of science, but neither subject comes easy to me.  History has the word “story” in it. That’s what it is. It’s the story of everyone and everything. How could I not love it?  Study history and you learn very quickly what we value as people; what we love, what we fear, what we hate, what we are willing die for. History shows us where we’ve been and usually has lessons for us to help us chart where we’re going.

Why a scarf of marigolds? What is their significance?

Marigolds aren’t like most other flowers. They aren’t beautiful and fragrant. You don’t see them in bridal bouquets or prom corsages or funeral sprays. They don’t come in gentle colors like pink and lavender and baby blue. Marigolds are hearty, pungent and brassy. They are able to bloom in the autumn months, well past the point when many other flowers can’t. In that respect, I see marigolds as being symbolic of the strength of the human spirit to risk loving again after loss. Because, face it. We live in a messy world. Yet it’s the only one we’ve got. We either love here or we don’t. The title of the book has a sort of double-meaning. Both the historical and contemporary story take place primarily in the autumn. Secondarily, when Clara sees the scarf for the first time, dangling from an immigrant’s shoulders as he enters the hospital building, she sees the floral pattern in the threads, notes how similar they are to the flames she saw in the fire that changed everything for her, and she describes the cascading blooms woven into the scarf as “a fall of marigolds.” 

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

My next book is set entirely in England, mostly during The London Blitz. My main character starts out as a young, aspiring bridal gown designer evacuated to the countryside with her seven-year-old sister in the summer of 1940. Though only fifteen, Emmy is on the eve of being made an apprentice to a renowned costumer and she resents her single mother’s decision to send her away. She sneaks back to London – with her sister in tow – several months later but the two become separated when the Luftwaffe begins its terrible and deadly attack on the East End on the first night of the Blitz. War has a way of separating from us what we most value, and often shows how little we realized that value. I have always found the evacuation of London’s children to the countryside – some for the entire duration of the war – utterly compelling. How hard it must have been for those parents and their children. I went on a research trip to the U.K. in the fall of 2013 and I spoke with many individuals who were children during the war; some were separated from their parents, some were bombed out of their homes, some slept night after night in underground Tube stations, some watched in fascination as children from the city came to their towns and villages to live with them. This book explores issues of loss and longing, but also the bonds of sisters, and always, the power of love.

Susan Meissner is the multi-published author of fifteen books, including The Shape of Mercy,

named one of the 100 Best Novels in 2008 by Publishers Weekly and the ECPA’s Fiction Book of the Year. She is also a speaker and writing workshop leader with a background in community journalism. She and her husband make their home in Southern California.

Writer's Alley friends! Read a little bit further for a way to win Susan's latest release and put your name in the hat for a whole bunch more. :-))

As part of the release of A Fall of Marigolds and this blog tour, Susan is giving to one lucky winner a gift basket that includes a $100 Visa gift card, a copy of the book, the DVD Forgotten Ellis Island, and a beautiful re-purposed infinity scarf patterned in marigolds and made from a vintage Indian sari. To be eligible, just leave a comment here between today and midnight Eastern on Friday, February 21. If you would like to see a list of the other participating blogs on this tour, just click here. Feel free to visit those blogs and increase your chances of winning by posting one comment on those blogs as well. One comment per blog will be eligible.

Additionally, there will be one winner of a signed copy of A Fall of Marigolds from among those who comment on this blog. Just leave a comment by midnight Eastern on Friday, Feb. 28 and you’re in the running for the grand prize as well as a signed copy of the book. Good luck!

A day in the life of Revell's Debut Author: Sandra Orchard

Today we welcome to the Alley a dear friend of mine--and the very first writer to reach out to yours truly--the amazingly talented, multi-published suspense author Sandra Orchard!

So since each of us is likely aspiring to make writing a full-time gig, I thought I'd pick Sandra's brain and see what we can look forward to when our dreams sprout wings and our careers take off!

A day in the life of a 

published author. 

ALS: What's yours like?

SO: My Mondays to Friday are pretty routine. I try not to do anything writing-related on Sundays, except read stuff from my critique partners. Saturdays I usually write my blog post for Mondays and might spend a couple of hours writing, more if I’m behind. The rest of my week typically looks like this (with an occasional wild swing in times):

6:30 am rise and stretch and tidy, maybe put in load of laundry

7:00 am walk my dog with my neighbor

7:45 am eat, have quiet time, check/respond to emails, shower etc.

9:00 am write, plot, revise, brainstorm, rewrite, reread, work on edits etc. etc.

Noon  eat lunch with hubby who cooks it! Check and respond to emails, post a FB update at some point in the day, pick vegetables, whatever needs doing

Afternoons vary – I’ll often spend a few hours with my grandchildren, but many days I’ll write, or at least try to write, all afternoon. Oftentimes I’m doing writing-related work, such as updating my website, responding to reader letters, answering blog interviews, preparing speeches or classes for special events, working on Art Fact Sheets for upcoming books or the extras that I include on my website for each book. I’m not able to write nearly as many words a day as it seems like I should be able to given the time I’m at it. 

5:00 pm Make supper, spend time with family

7:30 pm If my family is happily all doing their own thing, I’ll often write in the evening and again respond to any emails, work on critiques for my critique partners that can sometimes take several hours. Some nights, I’m on the computer until midnight, other nights not at all! I’ve tried going to bed thinking about my book, hoping my subconscious will work out what’s not working, but…most of the time, it just keeps me from falling asleep. 

Though, I'll admit, I get my best ideas in the shower. J

ALS: There sure is a lot more to writing these days that just pounding out a story, isn't there! Okay, next question...

What is the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of research?

My husband would say that asking the off-duty pilot sitting next to us on a flight to Alaska how I could take down a plane was the craziest. Guess, I should’ve mentioned that I was an author first. 

Oops.

 The pilot laughed at my husband’s concern that they’d kick us off the plane, put us on a no-fly list and we’d never make it home, except by Greyhound! In fact, the pilot had tons of great ideas, even pulled out his iPhone and showed me pics of the DC-10 he flies and where it could be sabotaged.

ALS: Ha! Lucky you were sitting next to such a great source of information.

What is your greatest pearl of wisdom for aspiring novelists? In other words, your number one writing tip?

Don’t be in a hurry to get published. Take time to learn the craft and enjoy the journey.

ALS: And what story do you have brewing next?

The finale of Port Aster Secrets. Since the characters developed minds of their own in book 2, and the villain changed, and the story veered in an unexpected direction, let’s just say I may be as surprised as readers at how the series ends!

Thank you so much for being out guest Sandra! Looking forward to the next two books in the Port Aster Series!

Don't forget to check out Sandra's amazing new book, available now!

DEADLY DEVOTION

Sandra Orchard delivers a witty whodunit that will not only keep you guessing but will cast every last character with credible suspicion. Set in a charming town with the beautiful Niagara backdrop, the story follows the feisty and impetuous redheaded researcher with a heart of gold, Kate Adams, out to prove her friend and mentor didn’t take her own life.

But when Kate drags Detective Tom Parker, a somewhat stoic cop looking for a fresh start, into the web of suspicions, delightful chaos ensues. With a finely woven thread of danger, and a sprinkle of romance, you will sip down this story and become infected with Orchard’s addicting fictional “poison.”

A must-read for mystery junkies!

Interview with the fabulous Candace Calvert!

I am ecstatic to have author Candace Calvert as my guest on the Alley today! Not only are her books some of my personal favorites, but she is just so sweet and lovable. Read a little further and you'll soon see why you absolutely must pick up one of her fabulous books STAT!

The lovely and uber-talented Candace Calvert....

Often called the author of "medical hope opera," Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter--and faith--are the very best medicines of all.

Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical) offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense--and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think "Grey's Anatomy finds its soul"!

A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to seven, Candace is a passionate "foodie," equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes, funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.

So Candace, what is your favorite thing about writing?

Oh, good question! Though for most writers it’s a bit like asking (smile), “What’s your favorite thing about breathing?”

We. Must. Write.

A dear friend sent me a card once, with a photo of an old typewriter and this quote by Anais Nin:

“We write to taste life twice.”

I know that’s true for me. If I visit an intriguing place, eat an amazing food, see a sunset, hear a unique sound, inhale a heady scent, sink my feet into warm sand, or touch a baby’s skin—I almost ache to re-create the experience with words, savor it all again. And then I long to share it with others. My feelings too: belly laughs, joy, heartbreak, passion, frustration, pain . . . and the incredible awe of feeling connected with our great God himself. I want to write it so my readers can feel it too. And be encouraged by that.

When it works, that’s my favorite thing about writing.

Tell me something about yourself that might surprise your readers. Good, bad, or quirky—we can take it J

(Laughing) Quirky is my middle name. But we’ll spell it with a C to make a perfect alliteration: Candace Cuirky Calvert.

-Chewing gum makes me feel claustrophobic.

-Intellectually, I’m awed by whales. Personally, I have a serious phobia about them. I think I may have been scarred by the movie Pinocchio.

-More seriously: In a former life, I was married to a police officer. I carried his gun in my purse when we went to the beach and he wanted to take his shirt off.  In my novel Code Triage, I wrote the happier ending to that ill-fated love story.

What has been your favorite story you’ve written so far?

That’s a hard question! Each story was personal in many ways—it’s like picking a favorite child.

I’d probably say it’s a tie between Code Triage and Trauma Plan. Both feature nurse-chaplain Riley Hale.  Her story (from injury to happiness) is one that speaks to me.

What character is most like you and why?

My DNA can likely be found in all of my heroines—and a few secondary characters. But I’d say I’m probably most like nurse Erin Quinn of Disaster Status. It took me a long time to stop trying to be a “strong woman,” and learn to become a “woman of strength.” The difference is faith.

What was the best book you’ve read in the last 12 months?

I’ve had the great privilege of having been (historical fiction author) Nancy Herriman’s critique partner for more than a decade. Mind you, I normally read contemporary fiction. But Nancy’s work is (for me) like overdosing on “Downton Abbey” with a chaser of pure poetry. Her imagery, dialogue, subtle humor, story “texture” amazes me. If I didn’t love her, I’d be pea-green with envy. 

Josiah’s Treasure is her latest. Loved it.

Do you miss nursing? Or do your medical dramas keep you feeling connected to the field?

When I hear sirens, part of me still wants to leap up and join in. When I remember how rugged the last few years in ER were (short staffing, high census, heightening acuity of cases), I’m grateful to hang up my scrubs. I do very much miss the camaraderie of the medical team and the beautiful moments of connection with patients, when “being there”  meant so very much. YES, writing medical fiction does mimic all the best things about being a nurse. The connection with fellow writers feels very much a “team,” and sharing a story with readers (all over the world!)—hearing how they are touched by my story—is much like those special moments with  my patients. A blessing, indeed.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I admit to having too many lately. Superb, tight writing is what grabs me most. Right now, it’s probably “Downton Abbey”, followed (so contemporarily) by “Castle,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “The Good Wife,” and “Scandal.” British gentry, police procedurals, law and politics—how’s that for eclectic?

How much of what you’ve written in your books has happened to you in real life?

A fair amount. Right down to a marriage in jeopardy, sick horse, paralyzed arm, reconciliation with my father, and . . . skydiving. 13,000 feet.  Seriously. My life in fiction.

What’s next?

The third and final book in my Grace Medical series, (working title) First Responder, is scheduled for release in spring of 2014. I’m currently working on a proposal for another inspirational medical fiction series. Have stethoscope, will write.

Thank you, Amy, for letting me connect with your readers! An honor, indeed.

Didn't I tell you? Yep, she's amazing! 

Don't miss out on Candace's upcoming release Rescue Team! Due out in May and comes highly recommended by this Alley Cat!

 Your turn: What's your favorite Candace Calvert novel? 

-----Mine? Trauma Plan followed very closely by Disaster Status. 

But honestly, you really can't go wrong!

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

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Keli Gwyn

What a FABULOUS opportunity I have today!

I get to interview the wonderful, famous, uber cool KELI GWYN!!!

If you don't know Keli, you're missing out, I have to tell you. Not only is she a fabulous author, but she also possesses a heart of complete gold! (She doesn't know I was going to gush at the beginning of this... but she deserves it!)

And I'm just tickled pink to be able to interview her on The Writer's Alley today, as well as giveaway a super special item to one lucky commentor! (see below!)

Without further adue or gush, I introduce to you, Keli Gwyn!

Krista: AHHH!!! As of July 1st, you are officially, no questions asked, without a doubt, a PUBLISHED AUTHOR! Did you feel different when you woke up that morning?? What did you do to celebrate???

Keli: I awoke to the sounds of Kool and the Gang belting out “Celebration,” leaped out of bed, donned a tiara, and boogied BIG time. What? You don’t believe me. Well, you’re right. It wasn’t quite like that.

Gwynly greeted me when I got up, grinning and congratulating me on my release day. Since it fell on a Sunday, we went to church, where I got to show my church family the book for the first time. They were quite excited for me, and a group of dear people joined me after the benediction for a time of prayer as I dedicated the book to the Lord and we asked Him use the book for His glory.

The rest of the day was pretty normal. We went to our traditional Sunday lunch at Panda Express with a couple from church, and then Gwynly and I walked the trail. I do recall talking just a wee bit about the fact that my book was out. OK, I talked about little else, but Gwynly didn’t care. My guy’s very happy for me and doesn’t mind me gushing a bit. It’s wonderful to be sharing this amazing experience with my staunchest supporter.

Krista: That sounds like a perfectly wonderful day, Panda Express and all! 

Your debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, CA, has a wee bit of a "matchmaker" theme in it, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! Have you ever played "matchmaker" for anyone? Would you ever be tempted to do so for a friend who obviously couldn't see a grand match if it bit him/her in the nose?

Keli: Ah, yes. Miles’s mother, Maude, and Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, are guilty of matchmaking. But they mean well. Really they do.

Gwynly and I did play matchmaker once. When we were serving as short-term missionaries in Germany the summer after we’d married, we met a young soldier who is a godly guy. When a kind-hearted chaplain’s daughter came to visit her parents while on vacation from her teaching job, we noticed that certain spark. Months went by, the gal went back to the States, and so did we.

A year later, Gwynly and I were living in Germany. We’d resumed our friendship with the soldier and rejoiced when the chaplain’s daughter came to live with her parents and teach in a military school. We arranged to get the guy and the gal together again, and things took off from there. Twenty-two years later, this couple and their three children live in Germany, where they are missionaries to the German people. The couple gives us credit—and thanks—for helping get them together.

Krista:  Very nice! Yeah for (kind) matchmakers!!! Love a good romance:-)

Next, we have twitter-worthy questions! Since your hero/heroine own completing mercantiles... I thought we'd have some fun "brand" competition questions:

Colgate or Crest? Keli: Crest. It’s what I used as a child.

Jiff or Peter Pan? Keli: Jiff—extra crunchy

Pillsbury or Duncan Hines? Keli: Pillsbury. The Dough Boy is too cute to resist.

General Mills or Kellogg's? Keli: General Mills. I liked their old (really old—like me) advertisement: “Big G; little o; Go with Cheerios!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj2q8em2yPA

 Walmart or Target? Keli: Oh, no! This one’s gonna get me in trouble, because our daughter is a cashier at the Target in her college town, but I’m going with Walmart. I rejoiced the day Walmart came to town. We live half an hour from the nearest city, so it was great to have a store with such a large selection of products locally.

Suave or the expensive stuff? Keli: Suave. I’m a teacher’s wife used to watching our pennies, although I did splurge on some good stuff the last time I was at Costco.

Krista:  Yeah for a little splurge now and again! RIVETING stuff, Keli! :-) 

Now, back to writing. What was the hardest step of the journey to publication for you?

Keli: The hardest step for me is duking it out with the Doubt Dragon. He and his pals Perfectionism and Rule Monitor team up to try and convince me I can’t write. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve had to send this troublesome trio packing.

Krista:  Man, if you find a secret for sending them on your way (or something you can like hang out to repel them...) LET ME KNOW!

What sparked the idea for A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, CA? How long did it take you to write the book from first spark to typing THE END?

Keli: I read about a mercantile owner in El Dorado who had the most successful business in town in the most impressive building in town. I found out the real man, James B. Wetherwax, was well liked, but I could find little else about him. I’m a writer, though, so I could imagine such a man—and I did. That man is mercantile owner Miles Rutledge. Like Mr. Wetherwax, Miles has the most successful business in town in the most impressive building. He’s also well liked. The rest is pure fiction.

Miles needs a woman in life, so along comes Elenora Watkins and her shop across the street. When I learned that women in California could own businesses from the early days, I knew just how to make sure there was conflict between Miles and Ellie. They became competitors.

I wrote the first version of Miles and Ellie’s story in three months. That was back in my florescent green newbie writer days. Once I discovered the wonderful world of writers online, I learned how much I had to learn about writing a marketable story, spent a year studying craft, and rewrote the story twice. When Rachelle Gardner offered me representation, I learned I wasn’t quite there yet. Nine months, another major rewrite, and a revision later, she was ready to submit, did just that, and here I am with my book in readers’ hands.

Krista: I LOVE your agent story, always have, and especially now that we have the same one! *grin*

Ohhhhh, it's that time, Keli!!

KRISTA’S POP PLOT BRAINSTORMING QUIZ: 

Here are the rules: I give you three things and a genre. You think of a quick story plot in that genre that features each of the three things integral in the plot, and give it to us in back-cover-copy synopsis form. *rubs hands together* Here we go....

A pencil with smiley-faces on it.

Neon Pink Roses

Super Mario Stuffed Animal

Genre: Romantic Suspense

GO!

Keli: Wow, Krista! Do you ever know how to issue a challenge! I took the quiz and hope I “passed.” Here’s my attempt, goofy as it is. :-)

When a rare Super Mario Stuffed Animal is stolen from the world’s largest toy museum, Inspector Barry Bright vows to find the plush princess before any harm comes to her. Barry doesn’t count on a certain pesky reporter, Penelope Gwyn, whose smiley face pencil produces overly revealing reports sure to thwart his every attempt at locating the villain.

Penelope’s prized pencil is stolen and she begins receiving threats delivered with neon pink roses that put her to sleep with one whiff, forcing Barry to protect her—and keep her from sabotaging the case. Can he ensure her safety and find the priceless animal before it’s too late? Or will the attraction he feels for Pen Gwyn cause him to lose the treasured toy, the culprit–and his heart?

Krista: Confession. I'd read that before and laughed. But as I'm posting this... it hit me. Pen Gwyn. Penguin. Nice. Very nice!

• • •

Keli: Thanks so much for having me here at the Alley, Krista. I love spending time with you Alley Cats and your blog’s faithful followers. You asked me some great questions. I’d like to turn the tables and ask one for all of you to answer.

I have fond memories of that “Big G, little o” Cheerios commercial featuring the Munsters. What old-time commercial still brings a smile to your face when you take a trip down Memory Lane?

(Krista's note: All those who enter a comment will be entered to win a SUPER special prize!

Your choice between:

A copy of Keli's debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California

-or-

A DVD of The Young Victoria

The winner will be announced on Saturday in the Weekend edition!

Let's show Keli some love!! And I'm SUPER curious what commercials y'all will come up with!!!)

Find out more about Keli at her website, http://www.keligwyn.com

And to order her SUPER fabulous book, you can go to one of these super cool retailers... or visit your local bookstore!

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million!
Christianbook