Melanie
is an author, designer, photographer, and flight attendant all rolled into one.
She has told stories all her life and finds her passion in sharing the plots
that spin through her head. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her two
dachshund-chihuahua dogs. She loves the beauty of the Pacific Northwest that
feeds her imagination.When no one is listening, Melanie loves to belt Broadway songs in her living
room and car. Someday she hopes to be on a flight where someone is reading her
book.
To
escape capture by Imperial soldiers, 16-year-old Eridale Storm leaves the only
home she’s ever known and drags her younger sister into the wilds of
Mericon—the Empire that formed when America collapsed. Hoping to find safety
with their mother who disappeared when Eridale was three, the girls follow
clues that lead them across the country, but the empire hounds their every
step.
The journey draws Eridale deeper into the conflict between the Empire and the
rebel Freedom Fighters, producing questions about Eridale’s heritage, questions
no one wants to answer.
Caught between the threads of deception, rebellion, and betrayal, Eridale
struggles to find out who she is. The answers she finds could lead the country
back to freedom or shackle them under the imperial throne forever.
This is book 1 of a 4 book series and not a stand-alone book.
1. What do you like to do when you’re not
writing?
I like to read, hike, go to the
beach and relax, sew, bake sweets (way more than I should), and once in a while
I get caught up in jewelry making.
2. What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
I don’t plan out any of my stories. That being said, sometimes I
really am surprised by what I am inspired to write. It’s like I’m reading the
book for the first time, but it’s in my head.
3. Do you have any suggestions to help budding
authors become better writers? If so, what are they?
Write. Write. Write. Write stories
about your day, write anecdotes about your experience at the store or on a
drive, share stories with your friends and family. If you like writing fiction,
practice making stuff up. And please, please, please, learn proper sentence
structure. It will help you in the long run to have a lot less to edit.
4. Where do you get information and ideas for
your books?
The ideas I get are inspiration. I
feel that nothing is born simply of my genius. All of my experiences in life,
in work, in reading, in church, in relationships comes to play in the birth of
a new idea. When it comes to information such as historical facts, locations,
and modern views of different subjects, I really like Wikipedia. Google Maps
and I are also very good friends.
5. What do you think makes a good story?
I alway say that if a story can make
me forget the outside world and feel the entire gamut of emotion then it is a
great story. The stories I remember the most are the ones that make me mad,
sad, happy, jealous, ache for the character or their situation, cry, or thrill
at their wins.
6. Tell us about your favorite summer vacation?
Or what do you like to do in the summer?
My favorite summer vacation was
actually when I was younger. We would always go camping in the summer. I loved
it. Now that I’m older and don’t like to be cold, I love
sitting on a warm beach (so not the Oregon coast). What I usually end up doing
in the summer is reading—a lot, editing, hiking the amazing trails in the
Columbia River Gorge, and spending time in my back yard soaking up the rays
while I read a good book.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
Lynn U. Watson has incorporated her
love for Jesus and passion for essential oils into a three-volume devotional
Collection, sharing spicy and aromatic essences of Scripture. Her devotions
encourage you to diligently cultivate your heart and grow your roots deeply in
an intimate relationship with Jesus. Lynn holds a BA in Journalism from
University of Memphis, a certificate in aromatherapy, and is a practicing
reflexologist.
She and Steve have been married since 1973 and call Bartlett,
Tennessee home. Their lives are blessed with two adult children, their spouses,
and five beautiful, of course, grandchildren. Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, runs
the house. Her current work-in-progress is a novel inspired by a painfully
challenging event in the life of her great-grandmother, changing the course for
her family forever.
All three of the Cinnamah-Brosia devotionals in one ebook volume!
Fruits; spices; essential oils; & botanicals of all kinds sprinkled over
& planted on the pages of the Bible provide insights into God’s word. Our
Coffee Cottage’s fictional characters, Cinnamah-Brosia and friends,
courageously use the essences to season the world around them with an
overflowing measure of Jesus. All three volumes of Cinnamah-Brosia’s
Inspirational Collection for Women are featured in this single e-book.
“The Essence of Courage: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Solomon’s
Locked Garden and in Your Heart”
As you breathe in the fragrant aromas found in Solomon’s Locked Garden (Song of
Solomon 4), you’ll harvest the Fruit of the Spirit and cultivate it in the
garden of your heart.
“The Essence of Joy: Filling Your Heart with the Aromas of Jesus’
Nativity”
The scents of Christmas invite our imaginations into the holiday season. What
emotions flood your heart when the holidays aromas waft your way?
You’ll meet women of the Bible and contemporary women (Cinnamah-Brosia and
friends) like you and me who will encourage you to discover the refreshing
essence of a life lived in the presence of Jesus. Let JOY fill your heart with
the aromas of His nativity.
“The Essence of Humility: Live and Love Like Jesus”
We live in a culture overwhelmed with disrespect, egos, entitlement, rudeness,
and offense — lives focused on self, rather than God or others.
Jesus entered our world and walked among us. He placed no importance on rank or
position. Jesus’ life reflected love because it reflected humility, and He
invites us to live and love like Him.
You’re invited to travel with Cinnamah-Brosia and friends once again to meet
real-life people — our contemporaries and those on the pages of God’s word, who
encountered the same real-life challenges you and I face each day. Learn the
blessings of a life lived like Jesus lived —- with love and humility.
My other job is reflexologist. I serve
about 8 clients a week. That helps pay the bills, (yes, I have those, too)
giving me freedom to write. I have a few online game obsessions like Words with
Friends and Wonka’s World. Mostly they’re a great escape from life’s demands. I
also bake bread for my family from freshly milled grain, read, craft, travel a
little, and spend time with my grandchildren. It’s summertime, and I’m eager to
get in the pool.
What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
As a child, I learned to focus on books,
homework, and projects while tuning out many distractions around me. It became a coping and survival skill – one
carried throughout my life. Not always a positive thing, when sometimes I tune
out important stuff, too. So, there’s usually noise in the background when I
write, don’t ask me what songs they played on the radio. I won’t have a clue,
but I will have accomplished much in my writing world even in the midst of
television shows, others’ conversations, radio blaring and more.
Do you have any suggestions to help
budding authors become better writers? If so, what are they?
Attend
writers’ conferences. They are available throughout the year at different
locations. Many are very affordable. Soak up all you can from those who lead
these workshops. Make connections with other authors on many different mile
markers along their writing journeys. Many will become treasured friends.
Encouragement
from a well-published devotional writer during a one-on-one session at a
writers’ conference in 2016, led to the three devotional books which are
compiled here as the Coffee Cottage Collection.
During
a first chapter critique group at the same conference this year, we were given
a resource list of great books to help us really learn how to “craft” our
books. I’ve completed one of them and started on a second. My work-in-progress
is a Christian Historical Fiction novel. A novel is definitely uncharted water
for me. Reading the books, I’m learning so much to make my story shine. Make
the investment.
Where do you get information and ideas
for your books?
In
2004 I discovered essential oils and their properties and aromatic influences.
God gave me many fresh insights into different passages of Scripture where the
plants are mentioned. Almost from the beginning of my essential oil journey, He
laid the task of putting knowledge I gleaned into book form. Through prayer,
and over time, the devotional books look much different than I ever expected.
I’m thankful it all came together perfectly and in God’s perfect timing.
Many
of the stories in the devotional collection came from friends, family, and even
strangers willing to share snippets of their lives that fit the chapter themes.
Inspired
by events in the life of my great grandmother, I stepped up to the challenge of
fictionalizing and writing her story as a novel. There is so much more I don’t
know about her than I do, but I believe the story will be used to bring beauty
from ashes almost 150 years later. Her noble cause: a voice for the unborn. I’m
praying a trip to her home in Germany will become reality this summer. I count
on even more insight, walking where she walked.
Most
authors, I believe, would agree. Research, research, research, for accurate
facts and information. I remember the tediousness of card catalogs and
periodical indexes from school term paper days, and sing praises for the ease
and extent of research made possible by the internet today.
What do you think makes a good story?
Characters
inviting us into their lives honestly and authentically. Their flaws and
troubles, their positive attributes, and their quirks are visible. The
characters also willing allow us to witness their changed lives often through
perils and less than ideal circumstances. By the story’s conclusion, they leave
the reader with an encouraging dose of truth and hope.
Tell us about your favorite summer
vacation? Or what do you like to do in the summer?
Long
weekend getaways to more places than occasional long trips are my favorites,
and keep it interesting. We joined friends in Charleston, South Carolina a few
years ago. Our rented cottage on the beach offered perfect sunrises. Up early
and coffee in hand, I caught them from the third floor deck each morning. The
history and architecture of the city, the friendly people, wonderful cuisine, a
sunset sailing adventure, and seagrass baskets along with good company, made
for a memorable get-away – one I would repeat in an instant!
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
Allie York is back with a novella, STAY, from her lovable The Shores series. Blair Smith takes her work seriously and her men casually. Jaxon Stone spent his whole life picking himself up from a life in foster care, always looking for the family he never had. Fans of accidental pregnancy romance will adore this steamy yet heartful read.
About STAY
Title: Stay
Author: Allie York
Release Date: June 6, 2019
Publisher: self-published
Series: The Shores Book 2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
Blair Smith is her own woman. She’s strong, independent, and proud of it. Owning a wildly successful boutique by day and having a different date every night is her idea of living the dream. Blair takes her work seriously and her men casually, until she makes the best decision with the worst possible man.
Jaxon Stone spent his whole life picking himself up. From a child in foster care to a teen in juvie, life always seemed to dish out the worst. Once he landed at The Shores Animal Hospital Jax found a family. The only thing missing is someone to share that family with.
Jax swaggered over just as the coffee pot beeped. He reached around me, leaning in close to take the pot, and pouring two cups before putting it back. “You always drink that much? I thought you were a health freak.” He dumped way too much sugar in the coffee.
“It’s all about balance.” I shrugged putting a teaspoon of sugar in mine. “I’ll go to the gym tomorrow, and it will all balance out.” I sipped my coffee, watching him lean against the counter like he belonged in my kitchen. “Do you go?”
“To the gym? Yeah, that one across town, Frankie’s.” He stared at the coffee, then me. “I’ve slept with too many women at World Fitness to go back. It got weird.” I nearly spit my coffee.
“How many?” I looked into his gray eyes. Maybe it was the daiquiris, but Jax was sexy. In his button down, all the tattoos were covered, but I knew they were there. His arms had these skulls and stuff on them, but he never looked like a thug. He looked like a badass. Only Jax could pull it off. When he didn’t answer, I walked past him to the living room, and he followed.
“Maybe eight?” Jax sat at the other end of the couch, slouching back in a classic manspread. I curled my legs under me, trying not to give him a clear shot up my skirt. At least my buzz left me a little dignity.
“Maybe eight? You don’t know?” I teased, sipping my coffee.
“No,” Jax said it like he couldn’t give me a number if he tried.
Don’t Miss Book #1 in the series, SIT. Get your copy today, it’s on SALE for a limited time!
Allie is a mom and dog groomer by day. At night she is posted at her laptop writing or reading in a cozy corner. She has a soft spot for gooey romance, over-creamed coffee, and anything cute and furry.
Keri Brooks Mcwhorter is a sixth
generation native of Chandler, Arizona. She’s fourth-generation graduate of
Chandler High School, and has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Arizona State
University.
While serving a mission for the LDS Church, she met her husband in New York
City. They have three children, a love of family, and an English Bulldog.
Madelyn’s
and Ben’s families have been close friends since they moved next door to each
other. When Madelyn’s husband Luke died, she swore she’d keep her marriage vows
intact by remaining single for the rest of her life.
She and Ben relied on each other for everything after he joined the widower
club.
Now Madelyn’s daughter is marrying Ben’s son, and everyone’s going to New York
City for the wedding – including Heather, the woman Ben’s been dating.
Will Heather succeed in breaking up Madelyn and Ben’s friendship, or will they
discover their second love in New York City?
When I am not writing I am reading, cleaning, hanging out with
friends and family or serving at my church.
2.What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
I have such a crazy imagination, I will get an idea or have some
crazy dream and I have to stop whatever I am doing in the moment and get in on
paper. Yes I always have to write on paper first.
3.Do you have any suggestions to help
budding authors become better writers? If so, what are they?
My advice to budding authors (myself) is to get in there and get
dirty. Go to seminars, take classes, join writing facebook groups, critique
groups and go to writing retreats. You will create opportunities for yourself
to learn and to meet others.
4.Where do you get information and ideas
for your books?
I get my ideas from things that I think I would personally be
interested in reading about, my weird imagination, my dreams and situations
around me strike ideas.
5.What do you think makes a good story?
I always love humor in my stories, adventure and of course a
little bit of love.
6.Tell us about your favorite summer
vacation? Or what do you like to do in the summer?
Arizona summer times for me mean lot’s of movies with air
conditioning and popcorn or lot’s and lot’s of swimming with my kids.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals.
Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.
But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions.
She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future?
Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.
1. Tell us about
things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction besides
writing?
a. I am an avid
reader and enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles. Contrary to upcoming answers, I like a
lot of alone time.
2. When did you
first realize you were an author?
a. I’ve enjoyed
penning stories since elementary school. The spark to write grew along with me,
and unlike other ideas I’ve had, no obstacle I encountered quenched the desire.
3. Have you done
anything writing-related, but besides actually writing your books, that seemed
to get a lot of positive response? Something that encouraged you?
a. Years ago, I
wrote and produced the play Pajama Party,
which was adapted into the young adult book Pajama
Party: The Story, a companion book to A
Living Hope. Knowing that people enjoyed what I wrote kept hope alive.
There is something heartening in other people appreciating what you do.
Also, The Certain Hope audiobook and hardcover
version are due in March. Audiobooks on my other books will come in spring. It
seems that each item I added to my repertoire encouraged me to branch out
further. When I added hardcover versions to my book format is a prime example.
4. What is the thing
you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?
a. I read a lot of
regency romances and have to resist the urge to have my contemporary characters
speak with formal dialogue. Each character draws me into their story and
stymies writer’s block. I haven’t ever experienced it. May it never come.
5. What is the
“message” of your writing?
a.“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the
slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book
feels connected to the characters, my job is done.
Spiritual maturity is the message. In
my opinion, spiritual maturity teaches us how to weather life’s storms and
thrive with the victory. Realistic characters with everyday problems is the
goal with each book.
6. Are your
characters/stories/scenes, etc. based on anything in real life?
a. For me, observing
human nature is a part of true living. So, fully developed characters have
found a place inside each story. I love to write about everyday life. Those
little decisions we overlook can have long-reaching consequences.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page
Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons
was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she
writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a
tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North
Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their three rescued indoor
cats as well as providing nourishment outdoors for squirrels, birds, four feral
cats, a fox, a raccoon, and two possums.
The books she creates in her pink cave have made her an Amazon bestselling
author and won several awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the
West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. Her
series include the Kincaids, McClintocks, Stone Mountain Texas, Bride Brigade,
Texas Time Travel, Texas Caprock Tales, Pearson Grove, and Loving A Rancher as
well as numerous single titles and contributions to multi-author sets. When
she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading her friends’
books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, and
taking the occasional nap.
A destitute widow; a reformed con man;
the danger that links them…
Betsie Galloway Hirsch has escaped
Memphis with her son. Her gambling husband tricked the wrong people and they’re
demanding Betsie pay his debts—or else. She’s come to Kincaid Springs to stay
with her mother and seek a safe place for her son. Being so far from her former
home, she feels secure. That is, until danger confronts her.
After 34 years alone, Michael “Monk”
Magonagle is falling in love with Betsie and is fond of her son. Monk is
certain she is not free of the men her late husband cheated. Although he is not
a violent man by nature, Monk is willing to fight for Betsie’s safety. He and
the men of the Kincaid family prepare to meet the enemy.
How can Betsie and Liam be protected
from the approaching danger? Will she and Monk be able to forge a love that
endures or will one of them be silenced forever? What toll will the enemy exact?
1. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Most
of my waking time is spent writing. When I’m not writing, I read, spend time
with my husband who I call Hero, lunch with friends, browse antique malls with
my daughter, and may even take a nap.
2. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I
need two things that help my muse: Cherry Dr Pepper and chocolate, usually
M&Ms. Not healthy, but they truly do help me.
3. Do you have any suggestions to help budding authors become better writers?
If so, what are they? My
most important suggestion is that you absolutely do NOT let anyone discourage
you! Grow a thick skin so you can take criticism of your work without losing
faith in yourself. Hone your craft. Find a good critique group of same genre
authors who are skillful enough that their critique of your work is credible.
Read and, if you particularly enjoy a book, go back and analyze why. Be
disciplined and keep writing.
4. Where do you get information and ideas for your books? In my
office I have numerous research books I can use as reference. In addition, I
use online sources while keeping in mind not to have blind faith in what I read
online.
Ideas pop into my head all the time—I can’t stop them. I love that
this happens. I used to worry that I would run out of ideas but now I see that
I’d have to live to be at least two hundred to write all the story ideas I have
now. If someone is having difficulty capturing and idea, look through non-fiction
books available for an idea.
5. What do you think makes a good story?
A hero and heroine who make you care what happens to them and an
ending that leaves you with a smile.
6. Tell us about your favorite summer vacation? Or what do
you like to do in the summer?
I’m not a summer person and get sick from the heat. I stay inside
and write in the summer. My favorite summer vacation was a guided tour to
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England at the end of summer one year. If I could
go to only one of those, I’d choose Ireland.
To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page