The winner of the February Reading Challenge giveaway is Alisa W. Check for an email from me, and if you didn’t get it, email me at crystal@crystalcaudill.com. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you A.D. Lawrence, one of the 2021 Christian fiction debut authors. Be sure to read the full interview and then enter the giveaway at the end for a chance to win a copy of The Purple Nightgown.
A.D. Lawrence makes her home in Northeastern Nebraska. She has been passionate about writing and true crime for years, and her two obsessions melded into the goal of authorship. She is an active member of the ACFW, writes a true crime blog, won the 2019 Crown Award and was a 2019 First Impressions finalist and a 2020 Genesis finalist. Her first book will be released through Barbour in March of 2021 as part of the True Colors series.
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit A.D. with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
ADL: Dark
CC: You are my kind of girl!
CC: Print or e-book?
ADL: Print
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
ADL: Cat
CC: I guess I can forgive you for that. 😉
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
ADL: I’m not very good at either, but I’m becoming a bit of a Night Owl.
CC: I used to be a Night Owl, but now I’m like you. I’m not good at either.
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
ADL: Fall . . . always fall.☺
CC: It’s such a pretty time of the year!
Before we dive into your book, let’s learn a bit more about you. What are you reading right now?
ADL: Though it’s not my typical reading genre, I’ve been enjoying The Smoke River series by Adina Senft. The first two books are amazing, and I’m just starting book three.
CC: For those who are interested in what genre that is, it’s Amish. I’m so glad you are enjoying the series! I have to admit, Amish isn’t typically my thing, but my interest is piqued.
What do you like to do when you aren’t reading or writing?
ADL: Please don’t judge me, but I’m really into 90 Day Fiancé at the moment. It’s pretty crazy.
CC: When I first read that, I read 90 Day FINANCE. LOL Fiancé makes so much more sense.
What is your schedule like when you’re writing?
ADL: I have a full-time job, so writing keeps me busy. Since I only had seven weeks to write and edit The Purple Nightgown, I woke up at five to write before work and wrote until late into the night. Thank goodness, it came together!
CC: Holy cow! Seven weeks AND a full-time job? Girl you amaze me. I’m not sure my brain can function that early and go to bed that late afterward. Bless you!
Thanks for sharing those fun things. Let’s dive right into talking about your debut novel, The Purple Nightgown!
Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.
Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aides for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella’s chauffer and long-time friend, Henry Clayton, is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn’t feel right to him, still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard’s care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients or succumb to a worse fate?
CC: Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
ADL: I had the most fun with Henry, probably because I pictured him as James Norton. His conflicting emotions made him fun to write.
CC: That’s a new actor to me. I had to look him up to know who you are talking about, but I can see him as being a character of conflicting emotions. He just sort of has that face.
What was your hardest scene to write?
ADL: Since I’m a romantically stunted person, the mushy scenes were a challenge. Emotions like fear and anxiety are easy for me to write, but warmer feelings … not so much. I’m thankful for critique partners who experience the full range of human emotion and gave me a hand.
CC: I am the same way! That does make writing romances so much harder, but you did a great job!
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. The last question is always my fun one:
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
ADL: 1) Tour Highclere Castle 2) Hot Air Balloon Ride 3) Serve on a Jury (something serious, not some car theft or drug case.)
CC: Your third one is so funny to me. Everyone tries to get out of jury duty, and you want on it. In fairness, you want a serious case, but i still find it humorous. My dad served on a grand jury once, and I can remember the cameraman filming the shoes of the jury as they walked by and my family recognizing my dad’s ratty tennis shoes. LOL
Readers, you can purchase A.D’s book at any of the following retailers or your favorite bookseller, but be sure to enter the giveaway as well! If you win, you can make someone’s day by giving it as a gift.
To enter, please comment below with YOUR top three bucket list items and then click on the Rafflecopter entry below. Entries are open from 3/9/2021 12:01 AM (EST) to 3/15/2021 11:59PM (EST). This giveaway is restricted to US residents only. The winner will be announced on next Tuesday’s book review.
It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you Jennifer Deibel, one of the 2021 Christian fiction debut authors.
Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com. Her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases Feb. 2, 2021 from Revell and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold!
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Jennifer with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
JD: Can I say both? LOL Honestly, though, in a pinch I’d probably go for dark!
CC: Absolutely you can say both. Good choice. 😉
CC: Print or E-book?
JD: Print! I love the feel, smell, the heft of it.
CC: I’m 100% with you!
CC: Cat or Dog person?
JD: Dog, for sure!!
CC: Who can resist a tail that wags every time they see you?
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
JD: Permanently Exhausted Pigeon. LOL
CC: Oh that’s hilarious! I’ve not heard that one, but it’s perfect!
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
JD: Oh, fall, most definitely!
CC: It is so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing those fun things. Let’s dive right into talking about you.
How can we pray for you?
JD: I’m heading into edits for book 2—which I’m so very excited about! I absolutely love this story and can’t wait to get it into readers’ hands! But I’m also in the midst of grading middle school essays, and thinking of which story idea(s) I want to pursue next. So, I’d appreciate prayers for energy and strength, but also for wisdom and discernment. And divine inspiration. ☺
CC: Absolutely! Teaching is such a full-time and mentally draining job, I can’t imagine how you manage to balance both writing and teaching. You are definitely in our prayers!
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
JD: Being a teacher, I tend to write the bulk of my books during the summer. I try to balance good, big chunks of concentrated writing time with good, concentrated time with my kids—they are getting older, and won’t be home forever, so I want to be wise with my time. During the school year, I rotate evenings and weekends with writing, schoolwork/planning/grading, family time, etc.
CC: Bless you. You have so much to balance in your life. You completely amaze me. The mom guilt is hard and you definitely don’t want to miss those moments, but being called to write has its demands as well.
Now let’s dive into your debut novel, A Dance in Doengal!
After the loss of her Irish mother in the summer of 1920, Moira Doherty decides to fulfill her mother’s wish for her to leave Boston and teach in her mother’s home village of Ballymann in Donegal, Ireland. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about a scandalous family reputation abound and threaten not only her new position but also her life.
Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of unlikely friends including Sean, a handsome thatcher, to help her clear her family name before it’s too late. As she seeks to navigate her new life in Ireland, she may find that this is truly the life she was always meant to live.
CC: What was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for A Dance in Donegal?
JD: I really loved researching all the ancient traditions of Ireland. I’d experienced many of them firsthand when we lived there, but I wanted an even deeper understanding of why they do or say the things they do—things they’ve done and said for centuries, and still do to this day. I don’t want to give too much away, but there’s one major life event in particular that I just found absolutely fascinating the sheer number and depth of traditions involved in it. It’s like a well-choreographed dance, and everyone seems to automatically know their parts. Which, I loved, as it fits well with the dance theme that runs throughout the story. And it deepened my own appreciation and love for Ireland’s culture and traditions because I understood even more where they are coming from, and the rich meaning behind literally everything they do.
CC: Wow. I’m a little jealous you lived there. It’s definitely on my bucket list to go one day, but I’m glad I’ll get a glimpse of it by reading your book!
How did this story affect you as you wrote it? Did God teach you anything through the writing?
JD: So much of this story was written during or shortly after major seasons of change and transition for our family. And, much like Moira, I often found myself questioning God’s plans, and whether or not He truly knew what He was doing…or if I’d misheard/misinterpreted His leading in some way. Walking this story alongside my characters helped strengthen my own faith that God does in fact know what He’s doing, and He is good, and He is for my good…even if the circumstances He chooses to use to do that are painful.
CC: Hugs. Those are the best and most painful lessons to learn, but I’m so glad you were able to process those changes through your characters.
How do you select the names of your characters?
JD: For some of the characters, the names just came to me—I just knew the main character’s name was Moira, for example. Others, I had to look up. I wanted names that were common in that time-period, and in that area of Ireland. But I also wanted the names to match the characters and their personalities. The meanings of names are hugely important to me in my own life, so I brought that to my characters as well. I also chose harsh-sounding names for the antagonists because they are caustic people, and I wanted their names to be consistent with that.
CC: I love how much thought went into all of that! Name meanings are so fun to look up and now you’re going to have me looking up the meanings of your characters.
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. I have one last, fun question to give you.
Would you rather face 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck? Why?
JD: Oh, 100 duck-sized horses. No question. First of all, they sound completely adorable! Secondly, I feel like they might be more manageable…or at least less threatening than a horse-sized duck. I feel like one peck from that duck would be the end of me.
CC: I can just see the beak coming at you now. LoL
Thanks for spending time with me and my readers today. I am so excited to share your story with them. READERS: You can purchase Jennifer’s book at any of the following retailers or your favorite bookseller. The reviews are rolling in and they are great. I can’t wait to dig into my copy soon.
It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you Amanda Wen, one of the 2021 Christian fiction debut authors.
Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Amanda currently lives in Kansas with her husband, their three Wenlets, and one snuggly Siamese cat.
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Amanda with rapid-fire.
CC: Milk or Dark Chocolate?
AW: While I love any chocolate, I do have a slight preference for The Dark Side.
CC: Who can resist the dark side. Soooo delicious.
CC: Print or E-book?
AW: Print. There’s just something about holding a book and turning real pages that makes for a much more immersive reading experience.
CC: Same!
CC: Cat or Dog Person?
AW: 100% cat. I have a Siamese named Jasmine who is the sweetest kitty ever (she’s snuggling with me right now, in fact, which makes typing a little awkward, but totally worth it).
CC: That sounds sweet. All I ever had was a barn cat, and he was not a snuggler.
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
AW: Morning, as long as I’ve had my coffee.
CC: Caffeine is a must in the morning, for sure!
CC: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
AW: Fall is my absolute favorite.
CC: It really is a beautiful time of the year.
Thanks for sharing those fun things. Let’s dive right into talking about your debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone!
Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn’t expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she’s on the hunt to find out more.
Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother’s historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer’s, he can’t afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who’s fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.
A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love–and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.
This warm, beautifully written split-time novel will resonate with readers looking for stories that reveal the beauty of God’s plan for our lives, and how our actions ripple for generations.
CC: Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
AW: I’d say Sloane, my contemporary heroine, was probably the most difficult nut to crack. As a pantser, the only way I get to know my characters is to just start writing them, but Sloane doesn’t trust easily and wasn’t about to open up to me right away. I honestly felt like I was spinning my wheels with her trying to get her to talk until I found two of her passions: local history and jazz. (Conveniently, that latter bit helped her open up to Garrett, my contemporary hero, as well. 😉 )
CC: Oh, that is so sweet! I think I will get along with Sloane just perfectly. History and jazz are two of my favorite things.
Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
AW: In total contrast to Sloane, my past hero, Jack, showed up fully formed and ready to take over any scene he was in. A native of Ireland (and thus possessor of a fabulous accent), he came to the United States as a child and, along with many other Civil War veterans, became an early settler of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Jack has suffered some deep wounds just prior to the start of the story, but he is a man of big dreams, fierce determination, and passionate devotion to those he loves (along with a touch of impulsiveness, which you’ll see in his very first scene). He was an absolute joy to write.
CC: He sounds like a joy! I can’t wait to get to know him!
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
AW: This book is inspired by aspects of my own family history. My mom is a genealogist and has been tracing our family—and sharing their stories—my whole life. As an homage to her and all the rest of my ancestors, many of the people and places in the book are named for my ancestors. There are also several shout-outs to Wichita, Kansas, my home for most of my life, which people who’ve been around these parts might recognize.
CC: That is so cool, and what a personal touch!
Speaking of personal…let’s get to know YOU a little better. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
AW: I’ve written stories for fun off and on ever since I was a kid, but the writing bug hit me big-time in January 2008, when I wrote stories and actually let other people read them. Then came the Wenlets—all three within four years—so that gobbled up my time until 2014, when story ideas came out of nowhere and refused to let go. Around that time I started letting a lifelong friend, herself a multi-published author in the general market, read my work. She took me under her wing and gently corrected all my newbie writing errors, but told me I had publishable talent and ideas. I decided that if God had given me that gift, I should probably pursue it through whatever avenue he chose.
CC: Amen! I am so glad you chose to follow this path with your gifting so that we may all enjoy.
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
AW: Trusting God’s timing, which is I think a common one for us writers. So many of us finish our first novel and then we think we’ve Arrived somehow, and we want to run out and get it published. I was absolutely no exception. And though my first novel won a few contests and landed me my wonderful agent, it did not sell to publishers. I was pretty disappointed, as anyone would be, but while that book was on submission, I’d started to write another book in a slightly different genre—one I truly loved writing and felt at home in. My agent wasn’t as excited about it as she had been my first book, but she believed in my writing and said she’d pitch anything I wrote. That second book didn’t do as well in contests and was on submission for over a year…but the folks at Kregel fell in love with it, and that book is the one that became Roots of Wood and Stone.
One postscript illustrating God’s perfect timing: Roots of Wood and Stone was inspired by my mom’s research into our family history, and I dreamed of the day when I’d get to tell her that the book was under contract. The day that dream came true and I finally got to call her with the news, I got to call Ireland, where she and my dad were celebrating their 50th anniversary. At the time of the call, they were eating lunch in a little café in the hometown of the ancestor whose life inspired the book. It doesn’t get much more perfect than that.
CC: Wow! God’s perfect timing is so astounding. What a blessing to be able to have that publishing announcement story to share. I’m sure your parents were thrilled to get the call.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
AW: Plotting. I envy those who can plot out an entire novel and then just sit down and have the whole thing written in a matter of a few weeks. I cannot do that. I’ve tried. My process, which involves pantsing and revising as I go, is annoyingly slow, but it’s what works for me, so I’ve tried to make peace with it.
CC: I understand that whole-heartedly! So frustrating, but totally worth the journey.
Before we slip off to our last fun question, I have one more serious one for you. How can we pray for you?
AW: I would love prayer for the launch of Roots of Wood and Stone. It’s a dream come true, and while I’d love to say I’m excited and joyful and soaking up every minute, I’m actually very anxious about it. I have no idea how to ensure a book’s success once the writing is done, and I’m a little confused as to why God would choose to have me release this book in the midst of a global pandemic when many things are shut down, in-person launch events can’t happen, and the economy is less than amazing. Every aspect of writing this book, though, has been an exercise in trust, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that releasing it is any different. But if you could pray that a) those who God wants to read this book will read it and be brought closer to Him, and b) that I’d be able to relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience without worrying that I’m somehow doing it wrong, that’d be amazing.
CC: You are being covered in prayer, Amanda. We are so blessed to have this sneak peek into your world.
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. The final question is always a fun favorite of mine:
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
AW:
Travel to all 50 US states (I’m sitting at 39 right now) and Europe (specifically the British Isles since that’s where my family’s from and Germany/Austria to visit the birthplaces of my favorite composers)
Attend a New England Patriots home game (I’ve seen them play on the road a few times, but never in Foxboro).
Perform Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Handel’s Messiah with orchestras. (I’ve played snippets of Messiah, but never the whole thing, and Beethoven’s Seventh is the only symphony on my list of favorites that I’ve never performed).
CC: Can I just be in the audience for either of those concerts? I’ve been blessed to hear Handel’s Messiah once, but I’d love love love to hear it again, especially with someone I know playing on stage!
Join me in celebrating Amanda’s debut releasing February 2nd from Kregel publishing, by wishing her congratulations below and sharing one thing on YOUR bucket list!
You can purchase Amanda’s book at any of the following retailers or your favorite bookseller.
Hi friend! I pray you are finding peace and a new rhythm in these crazy times. I know I’m still struggling with the latter now that my kids are home full time and we’re having to watch my MIL extra closely. But we are choosing joy and to find leveity wherever we can.
For today’s distraction, I have the wonderful Kathleen Denly to introduce you to as well as a GIVEAWAY to brighten your day. (Check it out all the way at the bottom!)
Kathleen Denly writes stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. She enjoys finding the lesser-known pockets of history and bringing them to life through the joys and struggles of her characters.
Sunny southern California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. Always happy to hear from her readers, you can email Kathleen and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You might also consider joining Kathleen’s Readers’ Club to learn the latest updates, receive exclusive content and be eligible for KRC exclusive giveaways!
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Kathleen with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
KD: Neither. I don’t do tea or coffee or soda. I’m kind of a pain to hang out with at coffee shops. LOL But I do love lemonade and I’ll happily drink tap water.
CC: Lemonade and water are so much better for you anyway. 😉
CC: Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway?
KD: Oh tough choice! Seriously, do I have to choose? I live in San Diego where I can spend my morning on the beach and drive just two hours to spend my evening in the mountains. (Don’t be jealous. 😉 )
CC: Hard not to be jealous! That seems like the perfect balance!
CC: Homebody or Love to Travel?
KD: Both. (I’m starting to feel like a bit of a pest by refusing to choose, but it’s true.) When I’m at home I really want to stay there and have gone days without even leaving the house. BUT before I met my husband I wanted to be a flight attendant and I still have a map marked with all the places I want to see. So far, I’ve visited 25 of the mainland states, plus Hawaii. I’ve been to France, Switzerland, Italy, and Monaco once, twice to South Korea & China and three times to Mexico.
CC: That is a lot of traveling! I only have Hawaii and Alaska left for the US, but my international travel is limited to Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, and Jamaica.
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
KD: Definitely a night owl! My mom says I even moved more at night when I was in the womb and I gave her loads of trouble with not wanting to sleep as a toddler. It’s been the same ever since. In my perfect world, days would begin at 11am and end somewhere around 2 or 3 in the morning. My creative juices flow best after dark (especially after my four littles have settled down to sleep).
CC: I’m amazed you have the energy. I still prefer night, but family life has reduced me to bed at 10:30 and up at 6:30. I’m a bit jealous of you…again.
CC: Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages?
KD: I’m going to pretend you didn’t just ask if it was okay to damage a book rather than find something else to hold your place. 😉 I wrote a whole blog post on book crimes and this was one of them.
CC: Whew! I always cringe while waiting for an answer to that one! Bookmarks all the way.
Thanks for sharing those fun things. Let’s dive right into talking about your debut novel, Waltz in the Wilderness!
She’s desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.
Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse.
Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.
When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?
CC: Who was the most challenging character to create and what made them so challenging?
KD: Alice was by far my most difficult character to write because her outward personality and external goals are so similar to Cecilia’s. On the surface they could seem the same but, their maturity levels and who they are at their core is very different. They have always been two distinct people in my mind but, figuring out how to show their differences on paper was tricky. Since Alice appeared after Cecilia, she bore the burden of distinguishing herself. I’ve been assured by readers that I did manage the task, however.
CC: I agree, you did make both Cecilia and Alice distinct characters. I never once felt they were remotely the same.
What was some of your favorite research you discovered while writing this story?
KD: When researching the way mail was handled in 1854 San Francisco, I discovered a fascinating etiquette rule. To receive one’s mail most people had to stand in line for several hours. There were windows assigned to various sections of the alphabet at which men stood to receive their mail. Then there was the “ladies’ window” where the ladies waited to receive their mail. However, if the lady didn’t wish to stand in line, she could send a male to wait in her place. The trouble with this was that any gentleman standing in line at the ladies’ window was expected to give up his place to any lady arriving after him. So he was constantly moving to the back of the line. Can you imagine how long a man might wind up standing there, waiting for the very last lady to arrive before he finally reached the window? I couldn’t resist writing this into my story.
CC: That is really fascinating, and it makes me so glad I don’t live in that time. I’m rather a fan of having things delivered.
What about writing in general? Does it exhaust you or invigorate you?
KD: I find writing both invigorating and exhausting. By the time I reach my word count goal each day, my mind is mush and my sentences start looking like my nine-year-old wrote them, BUT my mood is somewhere in the clouds and I feel an incredible peace that makes handling the rest of life’s struggles slightly easier. I think this is because when I write I am in constant communication with God. I begin each session with Bible study and regularly pause to ask God to show me where the next scene should lead or how a particular character should react and what Truth He wants me to shine a light on through my story.
CC: I LOVE that routine. Anytime we commune with God, whether writing or otherwise, it is so refreshing.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
KD: Arguing with my husband. If my husband and I have had a big blowout and haven’t completely resolved things yet (because he had to go to work or I had to go somewhere before we could finish our “healthy discussion”), then I am useless. I can’t sleep, don’t want to eat and definitely cannot write until he and I are good again.
CC: As much as that stinks, I am glad that it leads you to always resolve your “healthy discussions.” It’s good for your marriage and for our TBR piles. 😉
Thank you so much for joining me today and providing all of us with a wonderful distraction. What is your writing mascot, and why?
KD: My cat, Ana. Any time I’m writing in bed or on the couch rather than at my desk (which she can’t get to), she will find her way to my side and curl up for a nap. (Which is exactly where she is and what she’s doing as I type this.) OR she might start rubbing her face on my hands while I’m trying to type. That’s not quite as cute but, I’d still make her my mascot.
CC: She sounds like a cuddly cat. How sweet!
I have another great give away to continue the distractions.
GIVEAWAY TIME
One lucky winner will win an e-book copy of Waltz in the Wilderness, a serenity prayer magnet, a pocket cross, and some bible journaling stickers! Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. A winner will be randomly chosen before Tuesday’s book review goes live (Tuesday, March 24), so make sure you get those entries in by midnight on Monday night! The e-book is open to international winners, however, the magnet, stickers, and cross are limited to the contiguous United States only. (Sorry, friends!)
I’m praying for you during these crazy times. Stay in touch (virtually of course) and keep reading!
Long time no see. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been absent for a few weeks and for good reason. The marvelous, amazing, newborn Momma, Savanna Kaiser was hard at work developing my new website. I didn’t want to add any more content and make her job harder so I’ve held off.
BUT NOW I get the incredible honor and joy of introducing you to my critique partner and friend, Patti Stockdale and her debut historical romance, Three Little Things.
TO CELEBRATE PATTI’S DEBUT, BE SURE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT THE END OF THIS POST
Patti Stockdale has returned to her home state of Iowa after moving around the country for years. She’s a freelance writer and previously worked as a director at a nonprofit, an administrative assistant, and a corn detasseler – a big challenge since she’s five foot one. Love letters her grandparents exchanged served as the inspiration for Three Little Things.
It is such and honor and blessing to have you here to celebrate the release of your debut! Before we dive in to the detailed questions, I would love to hit you with my fast five.
CC: Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
PS: Unsweetened and decaffeinated. Loose-leaf blueberry is my favorite.
CC: Oh, blueberry sounds interesting! I’m going to have to find some and try it!
CC: Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway?
PS: The beach is my go-to vacation spot.
CC: The older I get, the more I like the beach. It is so relaxing!
CC: Homebody or Love to Travel?
PS: I’m a homebody who loves to travel.
CC: That is a sweet combination! The best of both worlds.
CC: Morning Person or Night Owl?
PS: My husband rises at 5:30 for work, so that’s usually when I start my day too.
CC: Bless you, friend. No one should be up that early. LOL
CC: Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages?
PS: I love bookmarks, but I can’t ever find one when I need it.
CC: You created some beautiful bookmarks for your release! Of course, you probably mailed all of those out.
I feel like even though I’ve known you for a couple of years now, that I know you even better after that. So now to the even more fun stuff!
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
PS: I either wanted to be a ballerina or operate the cash register at Van’s Grocery.
CC: That is so adorable! I can see a younger version of you dressed in a tutu playing with a toy cash register.
CC: What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
PS: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Whenever I’m struggling, either physically or emotionally, the verse delivers peace.
CC: That is such a powerful verse. I agree it’s one to turn to in times of struggle for a measure of peace.
Now for one of my favorite parts! Introducing your book! So here is the blurb for Three Little Things.
One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three little things.
Hattie Waltz should forget the troubled neighbor leaving for boot camp in 1917. He forgot about her ages ago. It had always been the Waltzs verses the Kregers, his family pitted against hers. When she hands him a farewell gift, a chemistry lesson unfolds. The good kind.
Arno Kreger can’t leave Iowa or his old man fast enough. He’s eager to prove his worth on the battlefield and stop blaming himself for his brother’s death. Before entering the train, he bumps into Hattie. He’s loved her forever, always from the sidelines, because nobody crosses Hattie’s pa.
One innocent letter soon morphs into many. Arno and Hattie share three little secrets in each letter and grow closer together. But he’s on his way to a war across the ocean, and she’s still in her father’s house. Their newfound love will need to survive dangers on both fronts.
CC: So, Patti, which character was the most fun to create? What made them fun?
PS: My favorite character to write was Jeb, the protagonist’s brother. He dropped out of school early and starts reading the dictionary to expand his vocabulary.
CC: I did love Jeb and his sort of know it all attitude, too. Just like a brother.
This story has a special place in your heart. Can you explain why?
PS: Three Little Things is inspired by letters my maternal grandparents exchanged. Initially, I tried to tell their story. But there were too many gaps, and I couldn’t assign flaws to my grandparents.
CC: Grandparents are always perfect in our eyes aren’t they. I love that they exchanged letters and you can follow their romance through it. What a sweet way to get to know them better.
How did you select the names of your characters?
PS: To honor my grandparents, I used their first names: Arno and Hattie in Three Little Things. Another character is named after my paternal grandmother: Lena. I also ask friends to tell me their grandparents or great-grandparents’ names. Then, I pick my favorites.
CC: Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this interview. I just have one more fun question for you. What would be your writer mascot and why?
PS: I’d choose a sweet teddy bear as my mascot. They’re snuggly, friendly, and make me smile.
CC: Awww, that sounds an awful like someone I know. Except we don’t cuddle, but I’ll take one of your hugs any day.
GIVEAWAY TIME
Now to my reader friends, in order to celebrate my wonderful friend’s debut, I’d like to offer you a chance to win an e-book copy of Patti’s debut. This giveaway is open internationally and will end on March 2nd at 11:59 PM (EST). To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below!
I am so excited to share with you this interview with Grace Hitchcock. Her book, The White City has become a new favorite of mine. It’s one of those books I’m going to force everyone I know to read books. So I’m going to give away a print copy to one happy commenter below. Be sure to answer the Fun Question with your email written in this format name (at) place (dot) com. 😉 Don’t worry, I’ll remind you at the bottom. Now on to meet this amazing author!!
Grace Hitchcock is the author of The White City andThe Gray Chamber from Barbour Publishing. She has written multiple novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com. For author news, sign up for Grace Hitchcock’s newsletter here.
Crystal: I am so excited to have you here, Grace! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions!
Grace:Thank you so much for having me here.
Sweet or Unsweet Tea?
Grace:While I never drink iced tea, I adore hot tea with a ridiculous amount of sugar! One lump or Two? Better make it Three or Four.
Crystal: I’m with you on the iced tea, but no sugar for me. Sometimes honey, but not sugar.
Beach Vacation or Mountain Getaway?
Grace: Beach vacation! Nothing is more relaxing to me than a salty breeze and the sound of the waves.
Crystal: After this winter, I could go for a beach break.
Homebody or Love to Travel?
Grace: Both! I love to get out on little adventures throughout the year, but home is always my favorite.
Crystal: I bet it is hard traveling with a toddler, too. It’s been a while, but I remember it being tiring.
Morning Person or Night Owl?
Grace: Morning person☺ Turns out my little toddler is quite the morning person too.
Crystal: Then it is a good thing you both like mornings!
Bookmark or Dog-ear Pages?
Grace: I winced at the question haha bookmark all the way! I even hesitate to dog-ear printed out articles I’m studying!
Crystal: I definitely cringe asking the question. So you’re in good company.
Writing & Life
What are you reading right now?
Grace:I just finished Unblemished by Sarah Ella! Soooo good and I am dying to read book two now, but have to get it at my library. I pre-ordered Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano and am loving it!
Crystal: I’ll have to check out Unblemished. I’ve never heard of it, but I know Jen’s books are always good for a laugh.
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
Grace: I would say finding balance with motherhood! As my baby grows, my writing habits continually change. When I wrote The White City, my baby gave me three naptimes during which I could write and catch up on household needs…and now, we are down to one precious nap a day. Heaven help me when I lose that one nap haha but for now, I’m holding onto it as long as I can.
Crystal: Oh, if only we could nap that many times in a day and still be productive. LOL
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as an exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for a bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?
Questions about The White City
Which character was the most fun to create? What makes them fun?
Grace: Winnifred Wylde from The White City! With her character, I gave her the love of reading and a romantic, fun spirit. She isn’t afraid to be silly, but can be serious. Also, I gave her my sweet tooth, which gave me the perfect excuse to eat some inspirational chocolate as I wrote.
Crystal: I loved Winnifred, and her name is so uncommon now that I smiled every time I read it.
What was some of your favorite research you discovered while preparing for The White City?
Grace: I loved studying all about the World’s Fair and the exhibits they had! I found an amazing map that showed me the exact layout of the fair. (If anyone wants to see it, I have in on my Pinterest board!) I’d say my favorite part of the fair was researching for the Ferris Wheel scene. I had no idea the wheel could house 50 people per car! Could you imagine being suspended in the air with all those people crowding in about you with no deodorant on a hot summer day?
Crystal: I certainly can’t, but if it is anything compared to being stuck in a car with a teenage boy after a sweaty sport on a day he forgot deodorant, I don’t want to!
Do you have any upcoming projects, releases, or sales?
Grace: I can hardly believe that The White City is out in the wild!! Now, I’m planning for the release of my next novella, “The Bridal Shop” in Thimbles and Threads from Barbour Publishing, in July 2019. This story is about Alice Turner, a young bridal shop owner who snubs marriage…until she meets a handsome groomsman named Giles Clayton who attempts to change her mind.
I’m currently working on my next True Colors book for Barbour called The Gray Chamber, a tale of an eccentric heiress wrongfully committed to the notorious Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Coming January 2020
Crystal: Oh, yay!!! I am so excited about The Gray Chamber! And I had no idea about the next novella. Now my TBR pile has gotten a bit taller.
Fun, Zaney Question of the Day
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot? Why?
Grace: A Holland Lop Bunny! Bunnies have always been my favorite pets with their sweet personalities. I’ve had four in the past and hope to have a few more in future years!
Crystal: Oh fun! I’ve only seen bunnies out in the wild and at one friend’s house. They look so soft. Thank you so much for sharing so much for talking books with us! I truly appreciate it.
Readers, enter to win your own copy of The White City by commenting your answer below. Be sure to leave me your email address in this format: name (at) place (dot) com.
This contest will end on March 12th, 2019. The winner will be announced on this page and then contacted via the email address provided. (Restricted to U.S. Residents, 18 and older, only.) The winner will be picked through a random name picker. Best of luck! You’re going to LOVE this book.
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A.D. Lawrence makes her home in Northeastern Nebraska. She has been passionate about writing and true crime for years, and her two obsessions melded into the goal of authorship. She is an active member of the ACFW, writes a true crime blog, won the 2019 Crown Award and was a 2019 First Impressions finalist and a 2020 Genesis finalist. Her first book will be released through Barbour in March of 2021 as part of the True Colors series.
Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.
One forbidden love. Two broken hearts. Three little things.
