by Crystal Caudill | Sep 5, 2023 | Author Interviews
Today I have the honor of introducing a new to me author, so it’s my hope she will be new to you as well and we can both add a book onto our TBR pile.
Linda MacKillop holds an MFA in Creative Writing and is a member of the Redbud Writers Guild. Her articles and essays have appeared in magazines and journals such as The Philosophical Mother, The MacGuffin, and Relief Journal, and her writing has been nominated for both the Pushcart Prize and Best American Essays. The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon is her first novel. Her second novel titled Hotel Oscar Mike Echo releases June of 2023 for middle-grade readers. Linda makes her home in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Linda with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
LM: Salty with a side of sweet.
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
LM: Print
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
LM: Definitely coffee!
Morning Person or Night Owl?
LM: Neither.
CC: Favorite Holiday?
LM: Thanksgiving
I think I definitely am falling into the neither category for Morning Person or Night Owl anymore. Although, I’m definitely not a morning person since I fell down the steps in my half-groggy state one morning in July.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
LM: When I was 16 years old and wrote a poem that caused me to sit back and feel like the words came from outside of me. The poem was on acceptance and taught me something new.
CC: It never fails to amaze me how our writing can teach us something–even when it “came” from our imagination.
What does your writing process look like from beginning to end?
LM: I’m a “pantser” trying to learn how to be a plotter. For anyone who doesn’t know those terms, I write by the seat of my pants, but this practice causes problems when all the threads don’t come together or need a major overhaul in the end. Usually an idea in real life strikes me, and I begin to ask myself questions: What if it wasn’t a young woman, but an older woman? What if this setting in Illinois was moved to Virginia? What if the character had a lot of regrets in their past? But my favorite part of the writing process is revision when I get to fine tune and smooth out language while fleshing out the storyline.
CC: What if statements are such a fun and sometimes dangerous road. All those stories and not enough time to write them all!
What has been the biggest challenge for you on your writing journey?
LM: Finding a plot line that is both original and compelling for readers to keep them turning pages.
CC: Ugh! That is just absolutely petrifying to think about. Both original and compelling is a miracle from God.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
LM: He has fulfilled my dream of publication in my later years. Let’s just say I’m a late bloomer.
CC: Considering God called Noah when he was around 500 to build the Ark, I think you’re still a spring chicken. 😉
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
LM: Read lots of books, practice writing, and practice some more. Find your tribe of writers to keep you encouraged and growing.
Now I’m excited to talk about your debut, The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon.
Eva wants to run away from her life–if only she could remember how.
Failing memory has forced Eva Gordon to move in with her granddaughter, Breezy. But Eva hates the bustle of Boston. All she wants to do is move back to her quiet, cozy Cape Cod home and be left alone.
Then Breezy announces she’s getting married, and they’ll be moving to her new husband’s rundown family farm, where he lives with an elderly uncle. They’ll be one big family–but only Breezy and Brent think it’ll be a happy one.
It’s all too much for Eva. Too much change, too much togetherness, too much of an over-crowded life she never wanted. But as her desire for privacy collides with her worsening memory, Eva may find herself in a pickle she can’t get out of. Can an unlikely cast of misfit characters step in to woo Eva from her self-imposed isolation?
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook
CC: Where did you get the idea for The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon?
LM: My brother was dating a woman with two small children while living with our elderly uncle. I began to ask the questions, What if she didn’t have young children but was also living with an aging relative? And what if that relative hated the living arrangements? And what if that relative desperately needed people who would move toward her despite her abrasive personality rather than letting her repulse them? Eva Gordon was born!
CC: As a caregiver, I can certainly see the challenges faced by all. The concept is definitely a realistic one, or at least one I can relate to.
What about this story drew you to it?
LM: I have wondered for many years why some people in life could be such curmudgeons and difficult to live with, but also loveable. I’ve known a few of these people–but I’m sure to some folks, I am one of these curmudgeons!
CC: LoL. The older I get, the more curmudgeonly I feel!
Which character was the most fun to create?
LM: Mabel was so fun to create. She’s a bit zany with her idea of attending the funerals of strangers while having a really sacrificial side. I love her!
CC: That is really interesting. Attending the funerals of strangers. That might actually make for good story fodder . . . But I am getting side-tracked. Speaking of zany, I love to ask on fun question at the end of our time.
You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do? and is anyone with you?
LM: I’m all alone, and I forgot to pay for my Target items before heading to Starbucks (also inside the store). After grabbing my coffee, I just left the store. This could really happen to me!
CC: LOL! It’s really easy to get distracted in today’s world. I can see that happening to a lot of people.
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, have you ever had an elderly relative live with you? What were some of the good and bad things of it? If you haven’t, what do you think would be hardest about bringing an elderly relative into your home?
by Crystal Caudill | Aug 22, 2023 | Author Interviews
I have had the privelege of not only getting to know Sara through my writing journey as a friend, but I’ve had the pleasure of sitting at her feet and learning how to be a better author. Now it is my joy to introduce you to a woman who writes stories you don’t want to miss.
Sara is a coffee lovin’, word slinging, Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That’s what inspires her. Well, that and a good love story. But of all the love stories she knows, hers is her favorite. She lives happily with her own Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning. Sara is an avid reader and enjoys reading and writing clean Historical Romance when she’s not traveling. Her books range from the Czech lands to the American wild west and from ancient Egypt to the early 1900s. Some of her titles include The Lady Bornekova, Hope in Cripple Creek, The General’s Wife, Trail of Fears, and the Convenient Risk Series.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Sara with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
SRT: Sweet . . . usually
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
SRT: print for nonfiction, ebook for fiction (for the most part…), and audiobook for both!
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
SRT: coffee….I like tea, but I cannot discount my extreme love of coffee
Morning Person or Night Owl?
SRT: I am naturally a night owl, but life has made me more of a morning person
CC: Favorite Holiday?
SRT: Christmas
I’m right there with you on the night owl vs morning person. Although, I’ll never be happy about being up in the morning.
What does your writing process look like in general from beginning to end?
SRT: I started as a complete and total pantser. But, over time, I have found that if I spend some time getting to know my characters first, it is not wasted. It enhances my experience of the characters and, in turn, deepens the reader’s experience. I also have added some simple plotting…more of a skeleton outline that is subject to change. I have read and enjoyed many plotting methods. And every book’s journey looks a little different for me. But that is, in general, what happens on this end of things.
CC: I feel you on the pantser to loose plotter.
What has been the biggest challenge in your writing journey?
SRT: I struggle with a mood disorder. And, as anyone who has been challenged by depression or anxiety or both, it creates obstacles from time to time with motivation, energy, and follow-through. As well as throwing a wrench in that creative flow.
CC: Ugh. I SO feel you on the wrench in the creative flow. It’s definitely something messing with my current story as well.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
SRT: I am convinced that He has called me to write and to partner with Him…sharing stories about people (characters, that is), overcoming things within themselves and around them with His help, His guidance, His strength. Because that is what I know. And I believe He is in the business of redeeming. It is my truest desire that others see that in my stories and that they will be edified in the pages of my novels.
CC: Amen, and I can totally see it in your books. Hugs.
This week we’re going to shine the spotlight on her novel, A Convenient Risk.
He never imagined her heart would be so hard to reach.
Forced into a marriage of convenience after her husband dies, Amanda Haynes is determined she will never love again. Not that it bothers Brandon Miller. He needs her husband’s cattle. She needs financial stability and long-term support for her son and herself. But she never expected to care so much about the running of the ranch.
Butting heads over the decisions of the ranch, adding to her frustration and grief at her loss. Her wellbeing is soon threatened as their lives become entangled with Billy the Kid and his gang.
What has she gotten herself into? What kind of man has she married? Is there any way out?
Purchase your copy at Sarah’s Store | Amazon | Universal Buy Link
ALERT: This book is FREE on ebook right now, so hop over and snag your copy while you can.
CC: Where did you get the idea for A Convenient Risk?
SRT: For A Convenient Risk…strangely enough I got the initial seed of the story idea from a cemetery. Now, I am not one who makes visiting cemeteries a pastime. But I have a writer/history fanatic friend who loves it. So, I went with her (in the daylight…let’s be clear about that) and we looked at especially the older stones and imagined (as writers do) about that person’s life. There was one set of stones that sparked an idea…it was a woman who had first married a man much older than she, then he died, and she married someone closer to her age. It got me thinking about marriages of convenience/for advantage and second marriages that involved a death in particular. And also how we tend to memorialize loved ones who pass…remember the good times and glaze over the challenges. And how that might affect a second marriage.
CC: I love how you explore that. For me, that’s the most fascinating part of a marriage of convenience.
Who was the most challenging character to create?
SRT: Honestly, the heroine of the story, Amanda, was the most challenging. She is brave, but broken. And struggles with her view of God due to her life experiences. Having a very different life and walk with God made this character a little stretching for me to get in her head and walk in her shoes, as it were. To not only understand how she arrived at that place, but to relate in a real way so I could make her relatable.
CC: It’s so difficult to walk in other people’s shoes, but creating characters makes it an intimate experience which can be exceptionally challenging.
Which character was the most fun to create?
SRT: I really enjoyed one of the minor characters – Dorothy (also known as “Cook”). She is sassy and fun and wise and real. When my narrator gave her a voice, I was even more hooked. So much so, that I later wrote a collection of short stories with Cook as a main character. Now that was a blast!
CC: Oh fun! I love it when minor characters take on lives of their own and spur on the creation of other stories.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
SRT: That no one is perfect. We all have struggles, hurts, and hang-ups. But God, in His infinite mercy, will meet us where we are. It is His desire to use our stories/experiences to bring us to a deeper knowledge of Him and His grace.
CC: Amen and amen. Now for a sign-off fun question.
If you could be any superhero, who would it be?
SRT: Oh, friends, I AM a superhero. You probably don’t realize because of my alias. But I’ll tell you. My superhero identity is “Random Girl.” My mind moves so much faster than my mouth and so I end up coming out with the most random stuff in daily conversations. My friends and family know that this means “Random Girl strikes again.” If I am faced with criminal activity, I suppose my superpower is helpful in that I can utterly confuse and stymie the evil-doers until the authorities arrive. You’re welcome.
CC: That is HILARIOUS and PERFECT!! I love it.
Readers, I hope you’ll check out A Convenient Risk and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, how do you feel about marriage of convenience stories? What things do you wish you saw more of?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 25, 2023 | Author Interviews
It’s always a pleasure to have fellow authors on my blog. Jennifer L. Wright and I had the chance to meet, I believe, at Fiction Readers Summit 2022. If you know me, I’m really terrible at remembering names, people, and places, so don’t quote me on that. But I DO know we’ve met, and I’m looking forward to reading The Girl from the Papers, releasing on August 8th. Before I get into that, let’s dive right into the interview.
Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul–and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to make old curtains fit in the windows of a new home.
She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, two children, one grumpy dachshund, and three overly demanding guinea pigs.
Her debut novel, ‘If It Rains,’ was nominated for a Kipp Award, and her second novel, ‘Come Down Somewhere,’ is a semi-finalist for a 2023 Carol Award in the Historical Novel category. She is also a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
*Be sure to follow her on Facebook as she will be giving away a copy of The Girl from the Papers on her Facebook page during release week.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Jenn with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
JLW: Sweet
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
JLW: Print
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
JLW: Just water (I’m pretty boring!)
Morning Person or Night Owl?
JLW: Morning Person
CC: Favorite Holiday?
JLW: Halloween
I have to confess that Halloween is my least favorite, but it IS so fun to see the little ones dressed up. It’s a sweet time of community fellowship in our neighborhood, so I like it more now than I used to. 😉
What does your writing process look like from beginning to end?
JLW: I usually spend 3-4 months researching and plotting out a novel before writing. First drafts are usually fairly quick–4 to 6 months–as I am simply trying to get what I call my “garbage words” out of my head and down on paper. I then do 3 or 4 self-edits trying to smooth out the rough edges before handing it over to my agent, who walks me through a basic developmental edit. Using her notes, I will do another 2 or 3 edits before finally turning it into my publisher. By the time I “finish” a novel, I’m usually pretty sick of it. Ha!
CC: Wow! That is a lot of time! And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who takes time to get a story written out. I see so many authors who just can churn out books like it’s nothing. And the 3-4 months of plotting . . . I actually love that and need to give myself more time to just dance around in a story before getting it on paper. You have inspired me.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
JLW: While drafting a novel, I cannot read anything that falls in the same genre or near the basic story line. It totally sends me into a tailspin of self-doubt.
CC: Hugs! Boy do I understand that one, but you needn’t worry. You are a great writer.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
JLW: I originally started out as a journalist, working in both print and radio media. Even though it had been my dream since I was a child, it didn’t take long before I started feeling that nudging from the Holy Spirit telling me it wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. I left the field around the time I had my first child and, while I knew it was the right thing to do, I still had the urge to write. That’s when God began to lay it on my heart to start writing fiction. I didn’t originally plan on writing so-called “Christian fiction”–I never marketed my material to agents that way–but, looking back, I can see that was God’s plan all along. The agent who signed me mentioned she noticed a very obvious faith element underlying my work and suggested I make it more evident as a way to strengthen the manuscript. I did that, and my first book sold within a month. Totally God’s hand!
CC: I love seeing how God works through our stories . . . and how he totally turns our self-made plans upside down.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, The Girl from the Papers.
Inspired by one of America’s most notorious couples, Bonnie and Clyde, Jennifer L. Wright delivers a riveting tale set during the public enemy era of the Great Depression.
Beatrice Carraway has dreams. Although she’s aged out of the childhood pageant circuit, she’s intent on carrying her talents all the way to the big screen―if only she can escape the poverty of West Dallas first. But as the Great Depression drags the working class further and further under, Beatrice struggles just to keep herself, her mother, and her younger sister afloat. After a string of failed auditions, she feels defeated.
And then in walks Jack Turner. Though Beatrice is determined to pull herself up by her bootstraps, Jack has decided on a different path out of the gutters. It isn’t long before Beatrice is swept into an exciting and glamorous life of crime beside the man she loves. Keeping one step ahead of the law, she sees her dreams of fame come true when her name and picture are plastered in newspapers across the country. Yet as their infamy grows, the distance between them widens. While Jack begins seeking bigger payouts and publicity, Beatrice starts to long for a safe, quiet life and something deeper to fill the emptiness in her soul. But when the danger of Jack’s schemes ratchets up, Beatrice fears her dreams―and her future―will end up going down in a hail of bullets.
Purchase your copy at Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Tyndale
CC: Where did you get the idea for The Girl from the Papers?
JLW: I wrote a blog post about Bonnie and Clyde while sharing research information about the Great Depression as I was writing my debut novel, ‘If It Rains.’ My editor at Tyndale happened to read that particular post and mentioned to me it would make for an interesting story, although she didn’t think I could turn it into something with a redemptive arc. Long story short: I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge. I immediately set out to prove her wrong. (She loves the book, by the way!)
CC: I have to admit, I’m dying to know how you wove the redemptive arc in. That alone interests me in diving into an era I don’t typically read. It’s such a fascinating premise!
What about this story drew you to it?
JLW: I found it interesting that the real Bonnie and Clyde both had such a strong faith background, and yet they ended up pursuing anything but Jesus. I couldn’t help wondering what would have happened if they’d made different choices. I think that’s the underlying thought we all have when we see tragedies such as theirs; we wonder about the pivotal junctions that led them there. Writing this book helped me explore that on a deep, spiritual level.
CC: I had no idea that they had such a strong faith background. That really does make one ponder.
Who was the most challenging character to create?
JLW: Jack! Jack is my version of Clyde, and I wanted very much to humanize him to readers. It’s easy to look at criminals who commit violent acts as monsters, but the truth is, they aren’t: they are people. And there are reasons they do the things they do. I wanted readers to at least understand Jack and where he was coming from, even if they didn’t agree with his actions.
CC: That is such a hard balance, but I love that you went after it and from the sounds of it, achieved it!
What do you hope readers will take away from yours story?
JLW: I hope readers will see God’s grace woven through the pages of this story, even if our actions do not deserve it. I want readers to understand just how much God loves them–no matter what–and that they are never too far gone for His saving power. It’s never too late to turn around and choose better. CC: That is a powerful and important message indeed. Before we wrap up, I have one more question for you:
What animal is most like you?
JLW: We recently added three guinea pigs to our family, and I think I’ve found my spirit animal in them. They are a bit stand-offish but sweet to anyone who puts in the effort, and they are happiest when either A) sleeping or B) eating. I identify with that a lot. 🙂
CC: LOL! That is great! And I’ve loved seeing your guinea posts on Facebook!
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Girl in the Papers and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what do you know about Bonnie and Clyde? Do you think there is ever a point where you’ve gone too far to change your direction?
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 18, 2023 | Author Interviews
I had the honor of meeting Loretta when she and the Suspense Squad interviewed me for their YouTube Channel, and if you like suspense, I highly recommend you follow their channel. Lots of fun interviews can be found there. Now it’s my turn to get to interview Loretta. Allow me to introduce you to her officially:
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in realistic situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Loretta is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray and is published by Love Inspired Suspense. Loretta loves chocolate, caramel, iced tea, and coffee.
She lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.
You can connect with her through: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Loretta with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
LE: Salty
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
LE: Print
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
LE: Coffe & Tea
Morning Person or Night Owl?
LE: Morning
CC: Favorite Holiday?
LE: Christmas
With the exception of salty and morning, I’m right there with you.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
LE: My first desire to write was while I worked at my church as the Administrative Assistant. It wasn’t uncommon for people to trickle into my office and unload their problems, difficulties, and pain while having coffee. The tug hit me after hearing people comment, “I don’t need anyone to preach to me.” I wanted to write stories people would enjoy reading that would share the love of God in a non-threatening way so they could see God has the answer and He IS the answer. He will make a way where there appears to be no way.
CC: Amen. Writing is such a special ministry that touches people in a way that other ministries don’t. It’s an honor to share that ministry with you. And I’m not saying that writing is a better ministry, just one that serves in a way different from others. EVERY ministry is important and needed. God reaches out to people in all the ways they need it, and some of us just need it through the non-threatening way of story.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
LE: I stand amazed at how God has been in every aspect of my writing journey. My first encounter was how He put the strong desire to write in my heart. I’m an introvert. Well, maybe a recovering introvert. I’m learning to put myself out there more. God gave me the longing to attend a writers conference. I did, and I traveled alone. That, in itself, is a miracle. I rarely travel alone.
Everyone talked about needing an agent. I was mortified by the thought of talking to a professional, so I prayed. Honestly, I prayed God would send me an agent I’d be compatible with and someone who loves Him as much as I do. Who knew I’d enter a contest and an agent would contact me through the contest coordinator? She didn’t know who I was, but she saw something in my writing that sparked her interest. I’m certain God opened that door. Now, Tamela Hancock Murray is my God-given agent.
Receiving a contract for publication was another story. Rejection after rejection didn’t stop me. It wasn’t all happy times, but I learned what it meant to have thick skin in the writing world. One day, eleven years later, I was offered the opportunity to write a proposal for a mountain rescue collection by Love Inspired and see how I do.
I now have two published novels, Pursued in the Wilderness and Blue Ridge Mountain Escape, and a third one, The Marine’s Deadly Reunion, releasing on December 26, 2023. God has blessed me beyond measure, and I remain humbled by Him.
CC: I love hearing how God orchestrates each person’s unique writing journey. And eleven years shows your commitment to wait for His timing and his promises. I am so glad to now get to read the fruits of your labor.
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
LE: I would advise aspiring writers to be themselves. Be authentic. Don’t try to be like another author. Write what you know, or at least do your research so your writing will be as accurate as possible. Put words on paper. You cannot edit what you haven’t written. It’s important to understand every story needs editing and is generally edited over and over again. Don’t take rejections personally. It’s hard and sometimes you’ll want to throw your hands up and quit. Don’t quit! Press forward. Pray. Trust God knows what He’s doing.
CC: Such sound advice. And I want to add just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. The hardness of this journey ensures that we have to lean into God to keep moving forward.
Now I’m excited to talk about your newest release, Blue Ridge Mountain Escape.
The firefighter rescued her once…
But can they outrun the dangers?
A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: What about this story drew you to it? Does this story have any special meaning to you?
LE: I was drawn to write this story through experiences I’ve heard my son and son-in-law share in their encounters as firefighters. Even though they work in the city, fires are dangerous wherever they break out. Blue Ridge Mountain Escape is a story about wildfires in the mountains. My heart goes out to all firefighters, regardless of their location. They put their lives on the line for others every time they run toward the flames. That’s why this book is dedicated to firefighters, including my son and son-in-law.
CC: That is wonderful. I have so much respect for those who put their life on the line for others. What a blessing to have two sons/sons-in-law who serve in such a manner. Please tell them thank you from me.
What readers do you think will enjoy this story?
LE: Anyone who loves reading suspense with a touch of romance will love this book. At least, that is my prayer. Kendall, the hero, is strong, determined, and knowledgeable about his firefighting profession as a forest service firefighter. He must rescue a lady from a burning cabin in the mountains and get her to safety, but the intensity of the fire pushes them in the opposite direction of his firefighting teammates. Most anyone who has an interest in fires and fire behavior would enjoy this book.
CC: I definitely think that should catch most readers’ attention. I love the concept behind it.
What was some of your favorite research while you prepared for Blue Ridge Moutain Escape?
LE: I loved researching details about wildfires. I interviewed a Forest Fire Management Officer and gathered a lot of information about fire behaviors and tools firefighters use in fighting forest fires. I was intrigued to learn that wildfires can make their own thunder and lightning, and they can develop a fire tornado or in my book’s setting, a fire whirl.
CC: Holy moly! I had no idea about that. It really must have been fascinating to research.
What do you hope readers will take away from your story?
LE: It is my desire readers will grasp the fact that God is with them wherever they are and in whatever situation they find themselves in. Just as God leaves the flock of sheep and goes after the one who went astray, God pursues after us. In this story, Kendall leaves his co-workers and risks his life to save another.
CC: I love how Kendall mimicks God love in his actions for one. What a beautiful parallel.
As my last question, I always ask a fun, silly question: You are in the back of a police car on your way to jail. What did you do and is anyone with you?
LE: If I were in the back of a police car on my way to jail, it was probably because I couldn’t wait until I got home to indulge in my chocolate selection, so I sat in the middle of the grocery store floor and stuffed my mouth before paying for my sweet treat. My sister would probably be with me since we are so much alike. Guess I’d have to call my daughter to post bail.
Oh man, the temptation of chocolate. I can totally understand! and LOL! Daughters are a blessing from God for more than one reason, it appears. 🙂
Readers, I hope you’ll check out Blue Ridge Mountain Escape and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, have you ever had an experience with a forest fire, or fire of any sort? If not, what do you think would be the scariest thing for you in facing a fire?
by Crystal Caudill | May 31, 2023 | Author Interviews
I am so blessed to know Grace Hitchcock. Bless her heart, she has been one of my biggest supporters and I cannot express how grateful I am to her and all her support. I adore her and her books, and it is my pleasure to get to introduce you to her. Grace and I met at my first ACFW in 2016 (I think), and I was so inspired by her kindness and patience with this unpublished author. Now we’re both out in the world, and I am so happy for this opportunity to support her back. Allow me to formally introduce you to her.
Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.
You can connect with her through: Website | Newsletter | BookBub | GoodReads
Now for the fun stuff! I have to admit I am partial to my Fast Five. 🙂 So settle in as I hit Grace with rapid-fire.
CC: Sweet or Salty?
GH: Sweet
CC: Print, E-book, or Audiobook?
GH: Audiobook! I used to always be print, or eBook recently, but with a baby, audiobook has been my only option of late 🙂
CC: Coffee, Tea, or Other?
GH: Cafe Latte!
Morning Person or Night Owl?
GH: Morning person, especially when there is coffee to be had!
CC: Favorite Holiday?
GH: Christmas! Now that my kiddos are old enough to appreciate the sparkling lights, Christmas decor, and songs, we love to drive through neighborhoods and point out our favorites. And then, there is the Christmas baking fun!
I’m so not a coffee person, I don’t even know what a cafe latte is exactly, except that latte means it has milk in it. LOL
So tell me, Grace, what does your writing process look like?
GH: After the first whisper of the story in my head, I select names and meet the characters. Next, I write out their story in a detailed synopsis that I use for the first draft. After I get down about 50,000 words, I edit it three times to get the novel up to about 85,000 words and send it off to my publisher! From there, we have a content, copy, line, and proof edits before it goes to press!
CC: I don’t think I could write a manuscript that short if I tried! LOL I love how you know your process though. I’m still working through figuring mine out.
How have you seen God work through your writing journey?
GH: I’d say for certain it is the timing of each book. When I first began trying to get published, I was pitching full-length novels, but Barbour thought I’d do better with starting with novellas. Changing directions and writing novellas taught me how to write tight (given the smaller word count) while giving a full feeling story. Even though it wasn’t my first choice to begin with novellas, it was a great introduction to the writing and publishing world. God knew what He was doing and after my first two novellas were published, Barbour offered me the anchor book in their True Colors series and then, my writing career really got rolling! Time and time again with each offer and contract, His timing was and is perfect.
CC: God is so good. . . and now it makes sense how you can write so tightly. I bet those years of writing novellas really taught you a lot. Which brings me to . . .
Do you have any advice for those who want to write their own stories?
GH: Attending ACFW, the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, was the best move for me as a new writer. Not only do you get to meet those authors you have been reading for years, but you get to sit in their classes and learn from the masters while making lifelong friends and meeting agents and publishers! Going to this writing conference is worth every penny!
CC: I so agree. Honestly, I’ve met almost every single one of my best friends through ACFW. The relationships formed are the kind that you don’t know how you did without before hand.
Let’s dig in to your newest release, The Pursuit of Miss Parish (Aprons & Veils, Book 2).
Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.
With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.
Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?
Purchase your copy at Amazon
CC: Where did you get the idea for Maeve’s Pledge?
GH: Mostly from research about the Harvey Girls and also inspired by my girlhood favorite books, The Finding of Jasper Holt by Grace Livingston Hill and Janette Oke’s A Gown of Spanish Lace. Originally, I did not have Belle connected to Miss Fairfield, the heroine from book one, in anything but the location of the Harvey House, but in re-writing book one, I discovered that Miss Fairfield’s maid would be perfect for the leading lady of my next book.
CC: I love how God takes our plans and connects them in ways we never imagined.
Who was the most challenging character to create? What made them so difficult?
GH: Colt! When I first wrote The Pursuit of Miss Parish, I only wrote it from Belle’s POV, but during re-writes, I soon found that I needed Colt’s side of the story. He has been a lot of fun to get to know, but he holds things deep within him, and it took a lot of digging to figure out what made him the way he was, but I think that digging not only gave me a much better insight to him, but it brought the story to a deeper level.
CC: That must have been some rewrite. I love how those types of edits reveal things about our stories, though, and build them into better stories.
How did this story affect you as you wrote it? Did God teach you anything in the writing?
GH: Belle is very shy in nature and it takes great courage for her to act. I feel like for years God has been working courage into my heart as an author, much like the courage Belle needs 🙂 Every time I send off a manuscript to my editor, or launch a new book, I have to always turn my back to my fear and trust God to bless my work.
CC: Amen, and I think that’s something I need to think on myself.
I’d love to know a little more about your research. Who were the Harvey Girls?
GH: Whenever I tell people I am writing about a Victorian Harvey Girl romance, they usually assume the Harvey Girls are associated with an old-time saloon, but nothing could be further from the truth. In the 1890s, there were not many respectable jobs for women, so when Englishman Fred Harvey created his chain of fine dining restaurants along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroads, single women without an education, or in need of earning their own way, were given a chance to earn an honest wage without the speculation that they offered anything else but food as a service. With Mr. Harvey’s strict rules about the waitress’s code of conduct, the women were given their independence while still maintaining their good name and place in society under the protective, fatherly arm of Fred Harvey. These extraordinary, brave women became known as the Harvey Girls, the ladies who tamed the Wild West with fine china, good pie, and exceptional service with complete propriety.
While Harvey Houses were built to serve the needs of the passengers on the rail to encourage tourism in the west, the railroad workers and local townsmen also dined at the restaurant, but usually at the lunch counter. At a time when men filled towns and women were scarce, inevitably, a railroad worker or townsman would express interest in marrying a Harvey Girl. In order to marry, she would need to fulfill her work contract or risk paying a fine of a month of salary. The fine was set in place to ensure that Fred Harvey would have enough workers and that he wouldn’t simply train a girl to have her shipped to a town of bachelors and leave him without a waitress.
As you can probably tell, such a set up sends an author’s head to spinning with all the romance that could come from a woman venturing out on her own in a land filled with cowboys, bandits, ranchers, and farmers. The possibilities for romance are endless! There is so much more I could write about these fascinating ladies and their contributions to society, but I hope you enjoyed this taste of history on the Harvey Girls!
CC: I absolutely do. The stories you weave are so fascinating, and I’m so blessed to get to read them. Last question before we hop off!
What animal is most like you?
GH: A Holland Lop bunny. I used to have Holland Lops, and I find that like the bunny, I too enjoy my cozy little home, but given the chance, I’ll dart out for grand adventures 🙂
CC: I love that! I’m definitely settling into the rather be at home feeling the older I get. LOL
Readers, I hope you’ll check out The Pursuit of Miss Parish and then leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub. You wouldn’t believe how important that is to an author.
Reader, what was most fascinating to you about the Harvey Girls?
by Crystal Caudill | May 16, 2023 | Author Interviews, Counterfeit Faith
UPDATED: The giveaway winner is JCP!
I’m so excited to share with you the third and last book in the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series, Counterfeit Faith. Today, I’m going to cheat a little and well, interview myself about Counterfeit Faith. Check out the bottom of the post for a giveaway just for blog visitors.
Q: We can always read the back cover description of a book, but it’s always interesting to hear the author describe their book in their own words. Will you introduce us to your sophomore release, Counterfeit Faith?
Counterfeit Faith is probably my most romantic story thus far. It was hard to avoid with flirtatious Josiah Isaacs as the hero. Once he met the matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison, it was a war with himself not to fall hard and fast.
Gwendolyn Ellison has spent her life serving children the public has deemed delinquents. Sent to Final Chance House of refuge, the children are supposed to be given a safe place to be reformed from their criminal ways and given a second chance at life. However, someone is trying to hide the abuse occurring inside, and when Gwendolyn tries to expose them, they target her with threats to her life.
Widower Josiah Isaacs gets pulled into Gwendolyn’s troubles when he rescues her from a knife blade, but he soon discovers more than abuse is going on. Someone is using the children for their counterfeiting operations. As a Secret Service operative, he has the jurisdiction to step in and rescue the children. As he and Gwendolyn work together, they both fight against their growing affection for each other. After all, Josiah doubts God, and Gwendolyn relies on her faith to endure each ordeal. Even if they can survive this case, can they really have a future together when their beliefs are so at odds?
Q: In writing a historical novel, you could have chosen any place and any time. Why Philadelphia?
In Counterfeit Love, I’d mentioned that Broderick Cosgrove and Josiah Isaacs had pursued their case from Philadelphia to Cincinnati. So it only made sense that once Broderick Cosgrove’s and Andrew Darlington’s stories had been told, Josiah would continue to work where he initially started. It also allowed me to bring Hayden Orton back into the story and give the series one final connection to my novella, Counterfeit Truth.
Besides, I’ve always desperately wanted to visit Philadelphia. I’m a huge history nerd, and who wouldn’t want to walk the streets where our founding fathers did? Of course, my travel to Philadelphia didn’t happen until after the book was almost ready to go to print. However, I loved diving into the history of Philadelphia and seeing a different period than most people think of when the city is mentioned. Philadelphia was the perfect example of a Gilded Age city. I got to bring in touches of the upper class while still thoroughly wandering through the underbelly of what society wanted to ignore.
Q: Josiah has been a widower for ten years. Why is he so intent on fighting against his growing affection for Gwendolyn?
Josiah is extremely loyal to his deceased wife, Shauna, despite being a flirt. Every year on their anniversary, he visits her grave at the time of their wedding. Her pictures remain all over the house, especially at his bedside, where he sleeps with a lamp on so he can wake up to see her face. He believes Shauna is the only woman he can ever love, and to love anyone else would be disloyal to her. When he notices a deepening attraction to Gwendolyn, it scares Josiah. He doesn’t want to be unfaithful to Shauna. How can he love another woman but still love Shauna?
Q: What keeps Gwendolyn fighting against her growing attraction to Josiah?
Aside from the fact that Josiah is a widower and obviously still in love with his first wife, Gwendolyn is very cognizant of the fact she and Josiah come from vastly different social classes. The Isaacs family is one of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia, the type to rub elbows with the Astors. Josiah’s mother is one of the board members for Final Chance, and Mrs. Isaacs has made it clear that while she values Gwendolyn as a matron of Final Chance, Gwendolyn should not be looking for love above her station. There is also a matter of a difference in their faith. While her faith is firmly rooted in Christ, Josiah doubts God’s goodness and if He can even be trusted. Although marriage to Josiah might sound like a Cinderella fairytale, Gwendolyn knows that no fairytale is worth the pain of being yoked to a man who doesn’t share her faith.
Q: During this story, the Secret Service faced some difficult constraints that affected their ability to conduct investigations. What were those, and how did Josiah work around them?
The Secret Service largely depended on earning the trust of counterfeiters by purchasing counterfeit money. This allowed them to explore deeper into the network of counterfeiters and arrest those involved at the production level. However, when President Cleveland came into office, so did a new solicitor. This solicitor believed that Secret Servicemen were inciting people to commit a crime and therefore put a ban on purchasing counterfeit money. This crippled investigations for nearly a year when, finally, the ban was lifted. However, the ban was not lifted until after this story. Because Josiah could not purchase counterfeit money associated with those inside Final Chance House of Refuge, he used his mother’s connections to join the board and his partnership with Gwendolyn to gain the needed information.
Q: What is it you hope for readers of this novel?
It is always my hope that the readers will find enjoyment and satisfaction in my stories. Even more so, I hope they will walk away with a feeling of being encouraged and challenged in their own faith walks. Josiah and Gwendolyn wrestled with doubt. Their faith wavered and struggled, just like everyone’s does at some point. However, instead of ignoring their doubt and pretending it didn’t exist, they eventually faced it head-on, carrying it to God and asking Him to help their unbelief. God doesn’t get upset with our doubts and questions. He welcomes them. They are an opportunity for us to come to Him and allow Him to show us things about Him and our relationship with Him that would never have occurred otherwise. So my biggest hope is that readers will walk away unafraid to bring their doubts to God.
Q: This book is the last in a series. Are there any threads that run through the whole series that will be wrapped up in Counterfeit Faith?
Josiah’s story emerges through each of the stories. In Counterfeit Love, you meet this flirtatious man who is supposedly afraid of the dark and sleeps with a lamp on. He’s the unobtainable bachelor who is often ribbed for his inability to say no to a woman. In a way, he has counterfeited love through all these surface-level flirtations he’s had, trying to find solace in the grief he quietly carries. In Counterfeit Hope, you discover there is a reason why he hasn’t committed to any of the women he’s flirted with and felt trapped into proposing to. He was once married, and he’s not ready to let that love go. Again, his hope has been counterfeited, placed in a love that, because of death, is now one-sided. Counterfeit Faith is the full maturing of Josiah. His story of love, hope, faith, and redemption. His story is what really brings all the themes together into a fullness that would be lost without its telling.
Q: You offer a free novella to newsletter subscribers that is a prequel to the start of this series. What can you tell us about it? How do readers get their copy?
I wrote the story of Secret Service operative Hayden Orton, who you’ll meet in Counterfeit Hope, and Felicity Richmond as a way to introduce readers to the series and a few of the characters. Felicity is a reporter determined to prove that the Secret Service is corrupt by catching a former operative selling counterfeit money. Hayden is annoyed by Felicity’s constant interference and concerned about her reckless pursuit of the very man the Secret Service is trying to capture. When Felicity’s life becomes threatened by the corrupt former operative, Hayden is assigned the task of protecting her and distracting her from pursuing the former operative by having her join him on a case involving the burglary of the Philadelphia Mint. Lots of danger, spunk, and romance are mixed into this novella, and it’s the perfect way to dip your toes into the series.
Readers can find out more and get their free copy by signing up for my newsletter letter here: https://bit.ly/CounterfeitTruth.
Q: What do you love most about writing historical romance novels packed with suspense and faith?
My favorite part of writing romance, especially with suspense, is that romance stories reflect God’s love for us. He pursues us, fights for us, and desires a close relationship that can only be gained by living life together. Just like the heroes of my books, He is willing to—and did—die for us. He vanquishes the evil in our lives—sin and death, cherishes us, and pushes us to become a better version of ourselves. The version He created us to be. I can’t write a romance story without suspense and faith because that is the love story God has written for us.
As far as the historical aspect goes, what can I say? I’m a huge history nerd. I love delving into the intricacies of history. History is always far more complex than our high school history books painted it to be. The Gilded Age, for instance, fascinates me with its dual nature–the extravagantly rich culture of the upper class and the destitution of the lower class. Social movements, immigration, labor riots, and rapid technological advances are a feast for this history lover’s voracious appetite.
Purchase Links: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Christianbook
Giveaway:
From now until Tuesday, May 23, leave a question or comment for me on this blog post to be entered to win a signed print copy (or e-copy if you’re international) of your choice of Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope, or Counterfeit Faith.
UPDATED: The giveaway winner is JCP!
Do YOU have any questions for me?
