Guest Blogger: Louise M. Gouge

Please welcome today’s guest, Louise Gouge! Although Louise is well known for her Ahab’s Legacy series, her newest book, THEN CAME FAITH, recently earned the Reviewer’s Choice Award from The Road to Romance and HANNAH ROSE, another of Louise’s novels, won the 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice Contest for a Long Historical Novel.

Leave a comment by MIDNIGHT on Saturday, Aug. 4, to enter a drawing for a FREE copy of Louise’s new book: Then Came Hope. Drawing will be held on Sunday–so HURRY!

I like to say I’ve always lived in the Land of Pretend because stories have been going through my head since I was eight or nine years old. But other than school assignments, I didn’t begin writing in earnest until 1984, when my children were in middle and high school. After completing my first novel, I went back to college to see if I’d done it right and ended up earning my bachelor’s degree in English/Creative Writing. After that, I attended writers’ conferences to see what else I could learn. As a result, my first two short romances were published in the 1990s.

But I wanted to expand my world view and write stories of deeper human conflict, so I returned to college and earned a master of liberal studies degree in 1999. My master’s thesis was Ahab’s Bride, which was published in 2004 by RiverOak/Cook Communications, followed by the sequels, Hannah Rose (2005, multi-award winner) and Son of Perdition (2006).

I really hated to leave my characters behind at the end of the series. As it turned out, I didn’t have to. Three of the minor male characters in Son of Perdition had “spoken” to me about having their own books because each of these men had their own reasons for fighting in the war, and they wanted me to tell everyone about those reasons. So I proposed my post-Civil War series, and Emerald Pointe Books bought it.

The first book, Then Came Faith (2006), which recently won the Road to Romance Reviewer’s Choice Award, tells the story of Andre Beauchamp, an officer in the defeated Confederate navy. Andre is filled with bitterness that his way of life has been destroyed by the Yankees. So when he meets a young woman who is not only a Yankee but an ardent abolitionist, he feels conflicted over the strong attraction he feels for her. Likewise, Juliana Harris abhors everything Andre holds dear about the pre-war South. I enjoyed writing this story because of the deeply engrained conflict between the hero and heroine. My goal was to show how God could work in the lives of two very different people and bring them together for His purpose.

The second book, Then Came Hope (June 2007), tells the story of Ezra Johns, a Harvard educated Negro man from Boston who volunteered to fight in the first black Union regiment, the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Negro Regiment. In Ezra’s case, he had a great deal to prove because the prevailing view of the day was that Negro men would not make good soldiers or good fighters. Ezra and his real-life counterparts put an end to such uninformed speculation. If not for their courageous service all over the South, the Union might not have been preserved. It is my goal to honor their remarkable legacy. For my heroine in Then Came Hope, I created Delia, a young slave girl who has finally found the courage to run away from her cruel mistress, who tries to hold her in bondage in spite of the Emancipation Proclamation and the war’s end. Alone and frightened in the forest, Delia meets up with a small band of former slaves and Ezra, the handsome soldier. Delia has been badly abused, and only through the kindness and support of her new friends does she come to realize her worth in the eyes of God and the man she loves.

The third story, Then Came Love, will be about another northerner who fights in the Union army. More about this book at a later date!

If you would like more information about my books, please visit my website at www.Louisemgouge.com.

Guest Blogger: Marlo Schalesky

Please welcome today’s guest: Marlo Schalesky!

Marlo is the author of five books, including Veil of Fire; a novel about finding hope in the fires of life, Empty Womb, Aching Heart: Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility; Only the Wind Remembers; and Cry Freedom & Freedom’s Shadow. She’s had over 500 articles published in various Christian magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman, Decision, Moody Magazine, and Discipleship Journal. She has contributed to Dr. Dobson’s Night Life Devotional for Couples, Tyndale’s Book of Decisions for Kids #3, and Discipleship Journal’s 101 Small Group Ideas. She is a speaker and a regular columnist for Power for Living.

Marlon is also a California native, a small business owner, and a graduate of Stanford University (with a B.S. in Chemistry). She has recently earned her Masters in Theology, with an emphasis in Biblical Studies, from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Marlo lives with her husband and four young daughters (ages 7, 4, and twins at almost-2) in a log home in Salinas, California.

When not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves to drink Starbuck’s white mochas, read the New Testament in Greek, and speak to groups about finding the deep places of God in the disappointments of life.

Writing with Fire

Linda, thanks so much for allowing me to share with your blog readers a little about Writing with FIRE. You see, my latest novel, VEIL OF FIRE, deals with the one of the greatest firestorms of American history – the great fire of 1894 Minnesota.

A Bit About Veil of Fire, the story, the mystery, the novel . . .

A Raging Firestorm . . .

A Light in the Hills . . .

And a Mystery Rises from the Ash.

In 1894, the worst firestorm in Minnesota history descends on the town of Hinckley. Heat, flame, and darkness sweep through the town, devouring lives, destroying hope. In the aftermath, the town rises from the ashes, its people determined to rebuild their lives.

But in the shadows, someone is watching. Someone is waiting. Someone who knows the secrets that can free them all. A rumor begins of a hermit in the hills – a person severely burned, disfigured beyond recognition. Doubts rise. Fear whispers. Is the hermit a monster or a memory? An enemy or a love once-lost?

Based on historical events, Veil of Fire beckons to a time when hope rose from the smoke of sacrifice, when trust hid behind a veil of fear, when dreams were robed in a mantle of fire . . .

So for me in writing this book was very much an experience of discovering fire as a character with a life, a beauty, and a terror of its own. I discovered how fire can change you, can scar and maim, but in the end, may just make you new. And so, writing with fire is much like writing with God, unpredictable, powerful, but wondrous as well.

A Bit About Learning Through Writing With Fire . . .

In fact, writing this story with fire taught me much about my life with God. For me, the firestorms of my life have come in the form of infertility and miscarriage. Through those fires and through writing Veil of Fire, God has shown me that I cannot measure his love by my successes and failures, or even by my happiness. Who I am on the inside, how I am being shaped into the likeness of Christ, the character of my life – the color and beauty of it – are what are important to God. And to create that color and beauty, sorrow is necessary. Hurtful things happen. Fires rage.

So, I’m starting to understand that my life, too, is a story that God is writing. And since the best stories have conflict, disappointments, and plenty of action, I shouldn’t be surprised when my life takes a turn and my faith is challenged once again.

And yet, my sorrow matters to God, my tears are counted by him as precious. He does not leave me alone in my hurt. He does not abandon me in the fire. He touches me, he heals me, he creates beauty from the ashes of my pain.

So I’m learning to walk through the fires in my own life. And to dig deeper – not to answer the question of why but the question of who – who is God really, who am I, and who is he making me to be? Those are the questions that matter. Those are the things that help me to face my own fires, accept my own scars.

A Bit About Researching One of the Greatest Firestorms of American History . . .

The research for Veil of Fire was amazing! Not only because of its link to my personal family history (my husband’s great-great grandmother moved to Hinckley, Minnesota, just after the great fire), but also because of the incredible first-person accounts of the fire that were written by people who were actually there. These stories are compiled into a book written entirely by survivors who recount their personal experience of living through the firestorm that swept through their town. I read about a man whose hat lifted from his head and exploded above him as he ran through wind and fire. I read about another whose horse raced beside the Eastern Minnesota train as fire billowed around him. The horse swerved into the smoke, and the man was never seen again. I read about a boy racing down the tracks, falling, and surviving as the fire roared over him. I read about fire on the surface of the Grindstone River, darkness broken only by bursts of flame, the St. Paul and Duluth engine backing up to Skunk Lake through blinding heat and smoke. I read about a train trestle disintegrating into flame moments after a train passed, about Jane Tew praying on that train, and the brakemen who saved them all.

Those eyewitness accounts, as well as information gathered about the fire from other sources, created the realistic feel of the fire and its aftermath in Veil of Fire. Plus, you can be sure that if something seems almost beyond belief in Veil of Fire, it will be drawn from an actual account that came directly from the research, so amazing were the real stories of the fire on that day!

For more information about VEIL OF FIRE, a preview of the entire first chapter, and discussion questions for groups, please visit www.marloschalesky.com. Special incentives for book groups also available at www.cookministries.com/readthis. Or to order on Amazon, visit www.amazon.com.

Guest Blogger: Teresa Slack

Please welcome today’s guest, Teresa Slack!

Born and raised in a small town in Southern Ohio, Teresa Slack always dreamed of writing books. But she was realistic enough to know few people made a living at it. In 1999 she quit work to focus full time on her writing. Since then, she has had five novels published, including Evidence of Grace, which is due for release this summer. The Christian fiction market for which she writes, has given her the opportunity to do what she loves while sharing her faith with readers. She lives with her husband near Waverly, Ohio where she is an advocate of pet rescue.

Creating a Successful Series by Teresa Slack:

In 2004 while awaiting the release of my first book, STREAMS OF MERCY, I realized the book needed a sequel. There were so many sub-plots and interesting minor characters that were practically begging me to tell their story. The voices in my head were getting so loud, I had trouble sleeping at night.

Okay, the voices weren’t actually talking to me, but if you’re a writer, you understand what I mean.

Without consulting my publisher, I began work on a second book and named the series, the JENNA’S CREEK SERIES after the town in which the stories take place. I finished REDEMPTION’S SONG and sent an email to my publisher letting them know to expect it. I expressed my desire to turn Book One into a series and held my breath.

It turns out they were thinking the same thing. We brainstormed story ideas and titles for future books. My first book had become a series. On June 15, 2007, Book Three of the JENNA’S CREEK SERIES, EVIDENCE OF GRACE, was released nationwide.

The trick in writing a successful series is to keep fresh ideas flowing through the story so old readers won’t become bored, without leaving readers who drop in at Book 3 or 4 out of the loop. The writer must strike a fine balance to make each book stand on its own by giving it a strong beginning, middle, and the crucial satisfactory ending, while at the same time leaving readers clamoring for more.

I once read a series that started out promising enough. The hero and heroine were destined to be together but because of various heart-palpitating circumstances, they were still denying their mutual attraction at the end of the book. Book 2 ended with them facing the same old demons, their romance unrequited. As a reader, I wanted to run my fist through a wall. Upon starting Book 3, I could see it was more of the same. Maybe I have a short attention span. Maybe I need instant gratification. Whatever the reason, I closed the book and have yet to read another by this well-known CBA author.

Yes, a series book is meant to leave the reader craving more. But it mustn’t be drawn out so long that the reader becomes disillusioned or worse, bored. If this involves introducing new characters and storylines, then by all means introduce them.

I mentioned a character in REDEMPTION’S SONG who was the nephew of a minor character. At the time I didn’t know this character would play a key role in future books. I wasn’t even sure what to do with him. But when I turned him loose in Book 3, he hit the ground running. I am so excited about this character, I even created a contest for him. Check it out at the end of EVIDENCE OF GRACE. I hope readers will have as much fun with him as I have.

Sometimes the best moments in fiction happen so spontaneously, they take even the author by surprise. That’s what makes this such an exciting business. Keep surprising readers throughout your series, and you will build a dedicated and satisfied readership.

EVIDENCE OF GRACE is Teresa Slack’s fifth novel and the third in her award winning JENNA’S CREEK SERIES. Her books are available at any bookstore or library nationwide. If they are out of stock, simply request a copy. Learn more about the author and her books at www.teresaslack.com or www.tsabahouse.com

Guest Blogger: Linda Windsor

Leave a comment to enter a drawing for a FREE copy of Linda’s new book: Wedding Bell Blues. (Drawing will be held Saturday, June 30–so HURRY!)

Maryland author Linda Windsor has written some twenty-nine historical and contemporary novels for both the secular and inspirational markets, but she is most noted for delivering “The LIFT of Laughter and Spirit” in her modern inspirational romances. A Christy finalist and winner of numerous industry awards, Linda has written for Kensington Publishing/NY, Multnomah Publishing/Random House, Barbour Publishing, Westbow Press/Thomas Nelson Publishing and is now contracted to launch Harper Collins’Avon Inspire contemporary romance line with The Piper Cove Chronicles.

Linda chose a local setting, basing the fictitious Piper Cove on nearby Ocean Pines & Berlin, MD. Its first book, WEDDING BELL BLUES, is due out in June 2007. In addition to writing and speaking across the country, Linda continues a local music and lay speaking ministry started by her and her late husband. She also works on home improvement projects on the 18th century-plus house that she and her husband began restoring in 1986 on an “as desperately needed”basis. Wallpaper and paint are definitely in her near future.

Here’s a special guest blog from Linda Windsor:

As I write this, I ache in places I didn’t know I had. I have shades of pale green, sunset orange, pirate blue and mermaid aqua in my hair, cuticles and on other various parts of my body. You see, when a daughter buys her first home and has marriage and a ready-made family in the near future, everything at mom’s home stops and mom dons whatever hat she can wear to make it a home for her little girl. I can see it now. The mother of the bride wore a rainbow of colors.

But, always the writer, my thoughts have been churning about Sweet Nothin’s, book three of my Piper Cove Chronicles—a series about four very different women, best friends who vowed to leave the sleepy seaside village in their dust straight from high school graduation and never return. Well, they did. But the town has changed and so have they. Still, at thirty-something, they’ve yet to find lasting love. There’s ambitious, control freak Alex; outspoken Harley-riding tomboy Ellen; shy and hopeless romantic Jan who always wants the kind of guy she shouldn’t have; and the sassy and somewhat spoiled heiress Sue Ann—all for one and one for all in life and love.

Wait. I’m ahead of myself. Book one of the series, Wedding Bell Blues, is coming out in July! Alex is planning the wedding of the season for her little sister and calls in her bosom buddies for the job. But when her ex-hubby shows up as the best man, Alex’s well-organized world turns upside down. Josh Turner left his teenaged bride for a successful career as a rock musician, never dreaming that an accident would end it, lead him to Christ and back to Piper Cove. The moment he sees Alex, he knows it’s time to right wrongs, even if it means putting up with her overbearing father, who played a major part in destroying their marriage. But will Alex see how he’s changed and forgive Josh? And who is the blackmailer bent on ruining the wedding and everyone’s chance at love?

I set the series in my home area at my favorite place—Ocean City, MD and its bayside. I have been going there for a lifetime and in all seasons to get my fill of serenity, renewal and inspiration. God’s ocean is all that to me. And the colorful small town characters are amalgamations of the many colorful people I know well, myself included. So jump into Wedding Bell Blues and meet them all. Smell the salt air and scent of Old Bay- spiced seafood cooking. Enjoy the friendship, love, laughter and dash of suspense.

Oh, and definitely take a sneak peek at Chapter One of Wedding Bell Blues on my website at www.LindaWindsor.com! I’ve redecorated the replica of my 18th century great room’s fireplace on the header for the summer season just for you. There are contests, too. And be sure to keep in touch for Ellen’s story—a denim-clad Cinderella on a Harley meets a sophisticated Prince Charming in his ‘Vette and love blooms for the sake of the hero’s little boy Pete. Um, did I mention the high tech espionage in said hero’s business? For Pete’s Sake will be out in January of 2008. And of course, the bosom buddies will all be there to help things along.

Okay, back to painting and thinking about Jan’s book—Sweet Nothin’s. Oh, my aching everything! Wish I was in Piper’s Cove.

Guest Blogger: Tricia Goyer

Tricia Goyer is the author of five novels, two nonfiction books, and one children’s book. Tricia was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Writer for the Year in 2003. In 2005, her novel Night Song won ACFW’s Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. In 2006, her novel Dawn of a Thousand Nights also won Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. Tricia lives with her husband and three children where she homeschools, leads children’s church, and mentors teenage mothers.

Tricia’s Story Behind Valley of Betrayal:

My current book, A Valley of Betrayal, is set in pre-WWII Spain. I never planned on writing about that time period, that’s for sure. But God had different plans!

My favorite thing about writing the book was learning more about Spain. I think the country and the people are amazing! Also, one experience is that God taught me is to trust Him more. When He gives me an idea for a novel it is so BIG. I mean there is so much to pull together. Yet, God has shown me time and time again that He is faithful. He gives me ideas, leads me to the right research books, and even brings people into my life to help me!

One example is a man named Norm Goyer who contacted me because he was working on his family tree. We weren’t related, but Norm ended up being an airplane expert and consultant for movies. Norm ended up helping me on my books. I think it was an awesome gift from God!

This is the first book in a series called The Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War. The title of the sequel is A Shadow of Treason. That book was fun because I was able to continue on with the characters from A Valley of Betrayal. A first for me! It was also fun because a minor character–someone I’d least expected ended up becoming a MAJOR character and deepening the plot in an exciting way. It was also exciting because there is a mystery involved that totally was a blast to research and figure out. I was able to take a true part of history and create intrigue around it! It will release September 1, 2007.

Currently, I’m working on Book #3 of the series, A Whisper of Freedom.. I love wrapping up the story after living with these people with so long. I can see how they’ve grown and changed and it’s an exciting thing. I’ve also seen how God can take a seed of an idea and bloom it into something beautiful!

From the back cover of Valley of Betrayal:

Artist Sophie Grace has one goal: finding her beloved Michael in war-torn Spain. His work as a news photographer has taken him deep into the country wracked by civil war between ragtag Spanish patriots and Nazi-backed Franco forces.

Secrets abound in ruined Spain. Michael is loving but elusive, especially about beautiful Maria. The American who helped Sophie sneak into Spain turns up in odd places. Michael’s friend Jose knows more than he tells. When reports of Michael’s disappearance reach her, Sophie is devastated. What are her feelings for Phillip, an American soldier who comes to her rescue? Sophie must sift truth from lies as she becomes more embroiled in the war that threatens her life and breaks her heart.

Acclaimed author Tricia Goyer creates a riveting cast of characters against the backdrop of pre-WWII Spain. Love, loss, pain, and beauty abound in this first book in her new series, Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War.

Guest Blogger: Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Jill Elizabeth Nelson says “My writer’s journey has taken me in many different directions. I’ve worn the hats of journalist, columnist, essayist, poet, story teller and book reviewer. My current chapeau is the one I’ve coveted all along—novelist. My Guide and Mentor in all my travels is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!”

Her popular “To Catch a Thief” series recently welcomed its newest member: Reluctant Runaway.

Stolen Indian artifacts. . .

A dead museum guard. . .

A missing wife and mom. . .

A baby in mortal danger. . .

Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs and FBI agent Tony Lucano scramble to unearth the horrifying secret that links every incident. The investigation thrusts them into the path of something dark and sinister.

Something that craves blood sacrifice.

From the high society of the U.S. capital to the streets of Desi’s beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must thwart forces of darkness—relying on God’s guidance and strength—to save a young woman and her baby from a villain more desperate than they can imagine.

READ AN EXCERPT of this book.

Please welcome Jill Elizabeth Nelson!

I thoroughly enjoyed researching Reluctant Runaway. My travels took me to picturesque Albuquerque, New Mexico—a unique high desert topography and climate. The whole trip turned into quite an adventure. A highlight was a visit to the FBI office.

The morning of my Big Day in the Southwestern city with the outlandish name, the hotel van took me to the New Mexico Museum of Anthropology on the university campus. After I finished touring the museum, I called a cab and gave the driver the address. He shot me a puzzled stare, studied a city map, and leveled another stare. Finally, I fessed up and told him it was the FBI headquarters. The light came on in his face.

“Are you with the FBI?” His grin was eager.

Yeah, right. Moi? I should have told him I was a criminal profiler on the trail of a serial killer and step on it. But my innate honesty kicked in before I could think of something that entertaining.

“No,” I said. “I’m too plump and laid back for that job.”

At least he thought my answer rated a chuckle.

We arrived at the FBI headquarters without incident–well, okay, he made a wrong turn once, but who’s counting? Just goes to show the place isn’t along the beaten path.

I’m a little nervous, of course. Here I am about to waltz into an office where they deal with national security issues as a way of life. For little old me from deep rural Minnesota, a speeding ticket is a big deal.

We got to the building and immediately manifested ourselves as clueless civilians by driving up to the guardhouse. The nice uniformed gentleman with the burly muscles patiently directed us to park in the visitor lot. I was to leave my camera and cell phone in the cab, then step up to his window on foot. Once I proved myself a genuine Jane Citizen with proper photo ID that matched my matchless mug, he’d let me in.

All well and good, but about now I’m wondering if they’ll let me back out again. That soaring structure is one intimidating stone fortress, and they wouldn’t let me take a picture, so you’ll have to use your imagination.

Obviously, I did get out again, and they didn’t even interrogate me. Nuts! But I got my share of assessing looks. First of all from the uniformed guard that stood up from his desk as soon as I walked through those darkened glass doors. He was the first thing I noticed, and then the full body metal detector similar to those at the airport.

The vestibule was completely walled in and very small. If I wanted to venture further inside, I would need to get past the guard and the metal detector. Cool! But rats! Since I’d taken care of my business with the media liaison on the phone the day before, I didn’t have any excuse to press onward and upward. But one of these days, I’ll get that opportunity. I’m awaiting the engraved invitation . . . any day now . . .

I left my card with a brief note of thanks to the media liason with the receptionist behind the bullet-proof glass. She, too, gave me an assessing look. I imagine I was a true oddity in their world. Ah, well, maybe I gave them something different to talk about. Maybe not, but I can dream.

Today’s Guest: Kim Vogel Sawyer

I’m so pleased to welcome my friend Kim Vogel Sawyer as this week’s Wednesday is Friendsday guest. We’ve known each other nearly four years now, and she’s been an inspiration to me.

You’re one of the first people I met in the American Christian Fiction Writers group–way back at the Kansas City conference. I’ve been blessed by watching the blessings God has bestowed upon you. Today, you’re able to write full time and the cane is gone. Would you like to share a little about those blessings or others?

I, too, remember visiting with you at Kansas City! When I attended that conference in 2002, I had no idea what God had in store for me. My goal at that point was “learn about the publishing world and GET PUBLISHED,” but He had so much more planned… Following the Denver conference in 2004, where He led Ruth Seamands to “insist” *smile* I allow her daughter (Brandilyn Collins) to pray for me–and subsequently healed me from a life-long burden of shame that was literally making me ill, I truly believed He had placed me on the writing pathway just so I could be at that conference at that time to receive His healing touch.

I did a lot of questioning following the Denver conference about my call to write, and whether or not publishing was something I was meant to continue to pursue. I eventually came to the conclusion that being made whole emotionally and physically was more than enough, and if that was what all the writing was about, then I was satisfied. I mean, think about it–juxtapose healing from constant pain against a writing contract… Which would you choose? Truly, it’s a no-brainer. ) From there I began questioning what I was to do with the healing He had given me.

Because of my health, I had been forced to teach part-time rather than full-time, so I wondered if I was supposed to return to full-time teaching or do something else. In January of 2005, God began prompting me to leave my classroom. I still had no idea where He was taking me, but I stepped out in obedience and told my principal I would be resigning at the end of the school year.

In March I received two contracts–one through Heartsong Presents and one through Bethany House for two full-length historical novels. That was the start of a nine-month floodgate of contracts that resulted in the sale of ten novels. God answered my question resoundingly: I healed you to write. And so, now I write.

(Of course, you realize you’ve been given the nutshell version of my story! I love sharing the entire story of my healing with women’s groups–I get to celebrate it all over again with each telling. *smile*)

How has being involved with a group such as ACFW helped you attain your goals?

Where do I begin? When I joined this group prior to the Kansas City conference, I had self-published a little inspirational novel called A Seeking Heart, but my knowledge of the publishing world was minimal at best. I’ve learned about publishing in general, but there’s so much more… I’ve always been pretty much a loner–the result of being painfully shy–yet God has given me a host of friends and sisters in Christ who have helped crack that shell of shyness. I’ve received encouragement and advice and sincere congratulations. I’ve had the opportunity to laugh with and cry with and pray with people. ACFW has grown me as writer, but also as a Christian and a person. I am so blessed that ACFW is a part of my life’s journey.

What influence did your family history have on your newest book, Waiting for Summer’s Return?

You did a great job of intertwining some phrases of German dialect in the story without making it confusing or cumbersome to read. How difficult was that and what advice do you have for other writers who may wish to incorporate foreign speech in their writing?

My mother’s family, who are of the Mennonite Brethren faith, originally moved from Germany to Russia to escape forced military involvement. When religious persecution began in Russia, many chose to immigrate to the United Statesbecause of its religious freedom. My great-grandparents (Bernard and Maria Klaassen) were the first generation to live in America. Because they hadn’t been treated well, the Mennonites pretty much kept to themselves, starting their own communities and being self-sufficient. When I knew my character would need to be stranded in a place far different from the home of her childhood, using a Mennonite community made sense. The Mennonites would, due to their history of persecution, be uncertain about outsiders, adding to the conflict. I am very proud of my Mennonite heritage. The Mennonite Brethren have withstood hardship and emerged dependent on God’s strength to face life’s challenges. (Plan on seeing more of this particular group in the sequel to Waiting for Summer’s Return. *smile*)

I really appreciate your confirmation, because this was something I stressed over! lol I wanted to use Plautdietsch (Low German) because, not only is it historically accurate (my grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Klaassen Voth only spoke Plautdietsch at home, so my uncle Bud, who was born in 1918, didn’t learn English until he went to school), it is also a dying language. I had the opportunity to capture a small bit of it for posterity, so to speak. ) I wish all of the foreign speech in the story was Plautdietsch, but because of the difficulty in making literal translation, some parts are pure German. As for weaving it in…you’ll notice actual sentences in German/Plautdietsch are used sparingly. Most of it comes across as the essence of German…the arrangement of words (“Cranky you are this morning, Frau Steadman” rather than “You are cranky this morning…”), the occasional placement of a German word in the middle of a sentence when the remainder will give a clear meaning for that word, and using some of the traditions (Sunday faspa) and foods (Gruznikje and kraut borscht). Just listening to people who speak the language, picking up the nuances of their speech, helped me a great deal. And of course, praying like crazy to find the balance between realistic and overboard!

From viewing the pictures on your web site, it looks like a lot of exciting things have happened since the birth of your new book. Would you like to share some of the highlights?

In so many ways, the past year has been the most difficult of my life. My family has faced more challenges in the past eleven months…yet it’s also been a time of incredible blessing. In the publishing arena, receiving an endorsement from Janette Oke and then seeing Summer’s story on the CBA bestseller list were both far beyond any expectation I would have had. From the time I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of being a published author, but God blew my dream up bigger than my mind could comprehend. He truly does bless us beyond our imagination. But more important to me than sales figures are the personal messages I’ve been privileged to receive. God has used both Waiting for Summer’s Return and Dear John (my first Heartsong, which also released in June) to bring healing to burdened hearts. That tells me clearly He had a purpose for these stories, and His purpose is being fulfilled. As Peter told Summer in Waiting for Summer’s Return, it is a humbling thing to be the bringer of God’s love to a hurting soul.

Will you ever do a book tour on the Harley with hubby?

LOL! He would love that! Although he makes cross-country trips with his brother or friends, I’m more into “toodling.” I like the leisurely drives when it’s not too hot, not too cold, and not too windy. Consequently, my Harley time is pretty limited. ;o) I understand Susan Downs actually edits manuscripts on the back of her husband’s Harley as they’re zooming down the highway. I’m too much of a sissy I suppose–I prefer the convenience of my air conditioned van. <g>

I know better than to visit with you without giving you an opportunity to share about your grandkids! Since I’m a grandma, too, I know how fun they are. Tell us how wonderful they are!

Oh, my, yes–there really is nothing better than grandchildren! I have three absolutely adorable grandsons, all belonging to my oldest daughter Kristian. Connor will be three in November and already can identify all the letters of the alphabet and knows the names of nearly every sea creature, including baracudas! He is very sensitive and introspective, and he loves books. I suspect he will be the next generation of writer in our family. Ethan, who will be two in November, is Mr. Ornery. He has the most endearing grin and gives the best hugs. His favorite pastime is playing basketball–with whatever he can find to throw! Baby Rylin, who is about ten weeks old, is a cuddle bug. He is so laid back and contented, it’s a joy just to be around him. Each of these little boys is such a blessing. I don’t know what we’d do without them.

Will you give us a sneak peek into your next project? The quick blurb or premise?(If it’s top secret, that’s okay—we won’t tell!)

Well, the next project to hit the bookshelves will be my second Heartsong, That Wilder Boy, which features a troublemaker-turned-Christian and a rich girl who doesn’t believe anyone can look at her without seeing dollar signs. In the spring, look for my second full-length historical, Where Willows Grow, a depression-era story set in Kansas, near Hutchinson, which includes the WPA-built castle near Lindsborg as well as the true-to-life Kansas happenings of drought, earthquakes, and oil booms. I just turned in the second of the contemporary women’s fiction series set in an Old Order Mennonite community to Barbour, and am currently at work on the substantive edit of my third historical from Bethany House, the story of three orphan train siblings reuniting in adulthood (it’s not as simple as it sounds…).

Linda, thank you so much for the chance to visit with you about how God has opened these doors to me. He truly is a God of dreams-come-true, and He deserves the praise and glory for each blessing!