AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Cindy A. Christiansen

Hello, Kathryn. I have been writing for some time now and have sixteen published books. I got started writing when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness and was bedridden. Writing and adopting my first rescue dog was what got me through that difficult period of time. Although I write sweet romantic suspense, I also add dogs, feature them on my covers and donate a portion of my proceeds to Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS).

After four years of not being able to write due to my youngest son's health issues, I am back with two new novellas--Christmas Spoons and Hawk Mountain Heist. Hawk Mountain Heist is my traditional style but Christmas Spoons is my first historical, holiday, family-life story. It's getting great reviews on Amazon!

Louise has been passed from one relative to another for years. Now, World War II has ended, she’s ready to graduate high school and wants to escape to Salt Lake City, Utah on her own. That is, until she meets Danny who has just returned from World War II.

Danny longed for two years to return to his small home town. Now that he’s home, nothing feels the same. He finds himself wishing for more out of life than working his family’s farm and turning his money over to his parents.

When friends decide to elope to Las Vegas, Danny and Louise find themselves along for the ride. With very few possessions, little money and limited jobs after the war, the two struggle to build a future with only their love, friends, optimism and faith.

This novella is a historical, holiday, family-life story suitable for young adults and up.

Buy Links:  https://books2read.com/u/4XKAQv

______________________________

When easy-going Tanker Sutherland is jilted at the altar, he moves to Utah for a job on the ski patrol and to train a new avalanche rescue dog, Tobler. Tank is annoyed when he’s assigned to help a pretentious, well-to-do woman named Olivia find her brother instead of an official search and rescue. Never once did he dream it would involve criminal recyclers, kidnapping, an avalanche and serious danger. 

Olivia is terrified of being buried alive, but it doesn’t stop her from going to the winter mountains during a huge storm to find her real estate developer brother when he doesn’t return her calls. Unfortunately, she’s assigned a ski patroller who doesn’t have his heart in the search.

Will Olivia and Tanker set their distrust aside long enough to rescue her brother from criminal recyclers?

This novella is a sweet (clean) romantic suspense suitable for young adults and up.

Buylink: https://books2read.com/u/4NGJxx

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Bestselling author, Cindy A Christiansen, has combined her love of dogs with her joy of writing to create an award-winning combination. Her novels always include canine characters both in the pages and on the cover, an extension of the credit she gives to her extraordinary rescue dogs for their part in helping her overcome numerous challenges. In a reciprocal gesture for their love and devotion, a portion of the proceeds from her books is donated to assist abandoned and abused dogs.

She lives in Utah with her loving husband, two creative children with autism, and a pack of rambunctious dogs.

Fly into a good book!

You can contact her through her website at:

http://www.dragonflyromance.com

or by email at:

cindy@dragonflyromance.com.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Haley Cavanagh

1      Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, really. I’m an Army veteran and a married mother of two cute girls and lots of furry babies. I write novels in every genre (I’ve been a published romance novelist under a pen name for the last three years), and my newest science fiction novel, Astraeus, just released on October 12^th with Covey Publishing.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a laptop or do you prefer writing freehand?        

I write quicker on a laptop, but I do jot down any ideas in a notebook or in the memo section of my phone as they come to me randomly. I prefer to write at home in a comfortable, sun-kissed spot of light in my living room, but I also enjoy going to the library, coffee shops, and writing outdoors occasionally.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part is finishing a novel and seeing it be published. The act of creation is rewarding, but nothing beats holding your creation in your hand and getting to share it with readers. My least favorite part is writing blurbs, the short descriptions on the backs of books. I find it a real challenge to condense a whole novel's worth into a brief two paragraphs. But it’s a necessary evil. 😉

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?

I met some amazing, wonderful and colorful characters during my time in the military. My characters are mostly figments of my imagination, but as with any writer, there are sprinklings of people I’ve known, experiences I’ve had, and things I’ve seen here and there. I’ve been told my characters are raw and real, and readers connect to them emotionally. I write people I’d enjoy being friends with, regardless of what flaws they may or may not have.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I usually do in-person signing events at bookstores like The King’s English, Barnes & Noble (if there are openings), and signings at author events. Online I always do a blog tour to get the word out and promote my books on my website and in my author newsletter.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

As a mother, writing has to come second. While I try to be consistent, I usually write when the children are at school on the days I don’t volunteer, so during school and office hours. I did work in corporate America not too long ago, and I have a BA in Psychology, however, these days my husband is luckily able to support us, allowing me to pursue writing full time, for which I’m profoundly grateful.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I am currently working on finishing a romance novel in my pen name, and I’m also writing the sequel to Astraeus. I have many things cooking on the back burner, including a screenplay.

      One of the projects is a YA dystopian novel. I began writing it when I was pregnant with my youngest daughter nine years ago, and I’d like to eventually pay it the full attention it deserves and get it finished. One thing I enjoy about writing is that books are always a commentary about something. Dystopians are interesting to write because there are so many subliminal messages you can put into the storyline and political upheaval of the world. It’s quite cathartic to write, and I’m looking forward to returning to the manuscript one day soon.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Take that needling voice of doubt, and crush it like crumbly bread in your hands. Self-doubt is a writer’s worst enemy. If you have a dream and a story to write, write it, and don’t let anything get in your way. Change the way you talk to yourself. Instead of saying “I’m not sure,” say, “I believe in myself, and I WILL do this.” Tell yourself that every day until you believe it, and never, ever give up.

One pre-apocalyptic Earth. One desperate space mission to find a solution. One unexpected alien.

When Dr. Sakota Thorell signed onto the mission to scout out a new, habitable planet,

she knew discovering extraterrestrial life was always a possibility. But she never expected to find an alien adrift in space, nor for that alien to be so intriguing. Sakota feels an instant and undeniable attraction to Astraeus, but he represents a million possibilities, and just as many threats.

There are others hunting Astraeus, and his rescue may cost Earth its last hope.

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Haley Cavanagh is a military veteran, wife, and mother. She is an alumna

of Columbia College, a musical theater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haley resides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with her husband and children when she's not writing. She loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media. She also writes under the name Roxanne D. Howard.

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Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Author Spotlight: Kristine Raymond

Kristine Raymond

Dogwoods in Springtime

Still in mourning three years after her husband’s death, Caroline Ballard’s solitary life in rural Kentucky is disrupted by a broken water line, of all things.  As if the lack of running water wasn’t bad enough, her immediate attraction to plumbing contractor Rick Spencer unearths emotions long thought buried.  Opening her heart to love for a second time, a malicious lie told by his ex-wife threatens to end the budding relationship before it begins.

Seashells in Summer

Having adopted her four-year-old daughter, Lily, at birth, Taylor Brightman is suspicious when former Marine Sergeant Grant Cutler appears on her Nantucket Island doorstep claiming to be the girl’s biological father.  Wary of his motives, his good looks and charming personality win her over, but can she trust that she won’t lose custody along with her heart?

Aspens in Autumn

Ramsey Fiorentino is having a bad day.  On the run for her life after witnessing a murder, she’s being pursued by none other than Bishop Hamilton, a private investigator hired by the person who committed the crime.  When he catches up to her and the truth comes out, they flee to the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona to hide, but it’s only a matter of time before their newfound romance is tested in the wake of a deadly confrontation.

Snowflakes in Winter

When New Hampshire State Trooper Alex Ballard becomes stranded during a blizzard in the middle of the night, he seeks refuge at a local bed and breakfast, surprised to discover the owner, Chloe Mancuso, is the sole occupant.  A passionate night spent in each other’s arms ignites feelings neither thought possible, but there’s someone else with his eye on Chloe and he’s not willing to share.

About the Author

Kristine Raymond didn’t figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up until later in life.  You guessed it!  It’s being an author.  Since writing and publishing her first book in 2013, she’s gone on to complete two romance series – one historical western and one contemporary – write an anecdotal, non-fiction short about her first year as an indie author, and try her hand at contemporary erotic drama.  When she’s not writing, she’s learning how to navigate the publishing and promotional side of the business.  When she’s not doing that, she enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family, reading, gardening, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Books + Main, and BookBub.  You can also visit her website at www.kristineraymond.com to keep up with her latest news or write to her at:

         

Kristine Raymond

PO Box 28

Brownsville, KY  42210

You can also sign up for her newsletter here.

FRIDAY FLICKS: Laughing P by Kari Holloway

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Mark Minson and Nic of Time

"After leaving Will O'Reilly to pursue the removal of Paul from The Council of Magic, Nicole finds the tables have turned. When she finally returns to Will's house, he has disappeared leaving her a mystery to unravel. 

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Meanwhile, Kyle, Will and Leroy find themselves neck-deep in the ongoing war with MAIM. 

Can any of them survive long enough to prevail?

The thrilling conclusion of the Phoenix Cycle Series!"

 Chapter 1

Captured

Will stood up from his couch slowly, using his left arm instead of his right to push himself up after the bullet to his right shoulder. His poor right leg suffered a knife wound and now a bullet wound. 

Nicole stepped to him, wrapping her arms around his waist to stabilize his left-dominated stance. This better end quickly because his wounds hurt her too. Being in his own home should provide some protection and emotional healing. As one of the last extraordinary-talent level magic holders alive, he had become more valuable to the world.

She kissed him again.

“Don’t forget about me,” he said.

Nicole smiled as she stepped back pulling out her wand. Forget about him? He had buried himself too deeply in her soul. Had the attack at Peterborough really only been hours ago? Her teeth ground together. Paul was the leader of MAIM and the Speaker for The Council of Magic. She almost wished she didn’t belong to The Council anymore. All of the ET’s that died on her watch, all of those blank stares from dead eyes. Paul had caused them all. A calming rage settled on her. Time to take out the garbage on The Council. But first, she needed her official red Council robe back—the heavy, hooded symbol of the position she still held.

“Same to you William O’Reilly. Same to you.” She cast the travel spell and a beam of light appeared around and above her. She followed it to the destination fixed in her mind.

Will’s hotel room in Peterborough came into focus as the light vanished. The foot of the bed was a few feet away. Her robe lay on the bed. Will’s suitcase propped open on a chair to her right. Four men sat on the bed playing cards by the light of an electric bulb overhead. For a small town trying to stay that way, they adopted technology quickly.

One of the men looked up at her, “Whoa! Get the guns!” ...

Learn more about Mark:

https://www.amazon.com/Nic-Time-Phoenix-Cycle-3/dp/1545573069/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495767552&sr=8-5&keywords=mark+minson

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Hannah Abbott

Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I've always wanted to be three things: a wife, a mom, and a writer, so I guess you could say I'm living the dream! I've been married to my husband, Harrison, for seven years and I'm a stay-at-home mom to three kids, ages 4, 2, and 1. But I've always wanted to be a writer. When I was about 10 I went to a friend's house one day and she had written a story for a kids' writing contest. Something about seeing that story written on paper just resonated with me and all I wanted to do was write my own story. That hasn't changed since. I have always read a lot of books and even when I'm not writing, I'm probably thinking about writing. 

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

As a busy mom, finding time to write isn't easy! I sneak it in during nap times and late at night when my kids are asleep. But I also try to plan one night a week when my husband stays with the kids and I go to a coffee shop or somewhere quiet and spend time focused on writing. 

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down? 

I really enjoy writing at a coffee shop where I don't have the distractions of home. I play music in my headphones and that keeps me focused. When I start out a story I like to outline with pen and paper. Sometimes my mind works faster when I'm writing by hand than if I'm typing. But once I'm working on the actual book, I work on a laptop. It's nothing fancy, just a Word document open on the computer and I keep my written outline close. 

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part is seeing the characters come to life. I also love it when my characters do something I didn't expect them to do. That might seem funny since I'm writing and creating them, but sometimes I'll type something out and think "Oh, well I didn't know that was going to happen," and that's pretty fun. My least favorite part is major edits, like seeing that a plot just isn't going in the right direction anymore and having to hit the delete button on a lot of work. It happens though, and usually, the writing comes easier and better once I get rid of it and get back on track. It's just hard to lose something after you've worked so hard. 

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

For this particular book, the idea came from one sentence someone said to me. The book doesn't have anything to do with that person, but when they said it it was like I heard a character say it and I could see the circumstance and storyline behind it. I actually started writing the book about ten years ago, but I would just work on it here and there and didn't have any kind of time frame for when I wanted it finished. Once I really got serious and said I was going to finish it, it took me about four months to write the first draft. But then I put it on the backburner and it was close to a year before I picked it back up. Then editing and beta readers and proofing took several months. 

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I promote through social media, on Instagram and my Facebook page. I also like to cross-promote with others authors and work with book bloggers and reviewers. 

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I'm currently working on the sequel to my book, Even Still, and I'm hoping to finish that by the fall. 

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Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I have lots of projects in my mind at all times. I'm always making notes in my writing notebook for story ideas that I hope to get to someday. 

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent? 

I would say, just start! Read a lot of books that you like and get a feel for your favorite kind of writing. And just write! Your first writings might be just for you, or it might be a terrible first draft, but just write. You've got to start somewhere. And once you've got something put together, find a few people to read it and give you some feedback and just keep going!

***

Learn more about Hannah:

My site: www.happymamalife.com

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: D.J. Van Oss

Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I think it was all the reading I did as a kid. Lots of hours at the local library in Orange City, Iowa. Plus the fact that I always liked to create. I think that naturally led to me wanting to write my own stories, which I started doing in college.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

Unlike a lot of authors who apparently get up at five to write, I tend to write late mornings and early afternoons, but any other time I can get at least a stretch of an hour while do. I need time to get into the story.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I use Scrivener on a desktop computer, but I also just started learning dictation with Dragon software, which means I can “write” in the car while I’m waiting for my daughter to finish basketball practice. It’s worked out well, so far. I also use good-old pen and paper when working out the notes for a story.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part is writing the dialogue – that always seems to flow easily, and it’s fun when you have two characters battling back and forth. My least favorite is planning out the story. I usually have too many ideas and it’s hard to narrow them down to a tight plot. My editor helps a lot with that!

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write 

your book?

The idea for the first book “Driving Miss Crazy” came from a mixture of ideas. We had taken our family vacation in Washington DC that year, so that area was fresh in my mind. And I liked the idea of the international flavor of the area. I also had come up with the title first and so I obviously needed a driver (and a “Miss Crazy”), so a chauffeur was the natural outcome.

It took about two months to write the draft that I eventually sent to my publisher, then about four months of editing and re-writing. Although it took a long time, I learned a lot from that process.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I like to work with Instafreebie, which provides a free book to readers in exchange for their email address. I’m focusing (like many independent authors) on a mailing list so I can keep in touch with readers who like sweet romances. I’ve enjoyed getting to know some of them that way. I’ll also do book launch promotions, and I plan on trying for the elusive BookBub promotion once the third book is out.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

My third book “Write By Your Side” is currently with my editor, who hopefully isn’t shredding it too much. I’m hoping it’s out by the time you read this – sometime this summer. It all depends on how well I did with that second draft. :)

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I’ve got another book planned for the Golden Grove small town series which I hope to publish this winter. It will explore one of the characters introduced in the first book “Call It Chemistry”. And I’m working on a thriller side project just for fun.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Keep writing, learn what story is, and find a good editor. Writing will help you find your voice. Learning about story will help you understand how to connect with readers – my creative writing classes didn’t teach me this, by the way. And a good editor is invaluable in fixing and polishing your story.

D. J. Van Oss

Sweet & Sunny Romantic Comedies

www.djvanoss.com

www.facebook.com/djvanoss

www.twitter.com/danvanoss

***

A Question for Kathryn:

How much time (or books) do you think it takes before you feel established (financially or otherwise) as an author?

I was told once that the lucky number was 7. Once the author had reached 7, they would see themselves taking off and selling more books than ever before. But I've since rethought that number - primarily because I'm at 11, and am still working on ways to get my own work out there.  

Perhaps some authors never make it - in the sense that they feel as if they can rely on their writing income full-time, but I'd like to think that my day is coming. If not, I know that I'm having a tremendous time writing and reaching other readers and authors with my words. If I didn't love writing, I wouldn't do it.

FRIDAY FLICKS: Claim by Lisa T. Bergren

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Shannon L. Brown

1.     Tell me about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I earned a degree in Journalism/Public Communications, but didn’t choose a writing career. A few years later, I decided to try writing what I’d been reading, a sweet romance. I submitted it. It was rejected. I wrote another one. It was rejected. I learned from each book, but decided to move on. Years passed.

About a decade ago, I began writing nonfiction articles and turned that into a career, eventually writing more than 600 and winning an award. But fiction called me back. I’ve loved stories since before I could read. I remember desperately wanting to read the Sunday comics when I was young and I devoured books once I could read. I now enjoy creating my own.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

When I’m not plotting or editing, I write every day and have a set word count I’m aiming for both for the day and the week. If I miss a day, I do my best to make up for it during that week. This is my job so I keep to a schedule. Mornings are my most productive for creativity so I usually write then.

3.     How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I write at a desktop computer. I sit so many hours that I try to make it as comfortable as possible and I find laptops harder to use. I do have one and take it sometimes to a library or coffee shop so I can stare at a different set of four walls. I’m about to try dictating and pray that goes well. Then I can write anywhere.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

I love when characters suddenly do something wonderful that I hadn’t planned. In The Treasure Key, book two in the Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries for kids, I knew how the story would end but not how I would get there. As I typed, Sophie and Jessica turned down a path through the woods and went to that place. I watched it happen and loved every second of it. The story came together in a wonderful way I hadn’t imagined before that moment.

My least favorite part of writing is final edits. I’m concerned I may have forgotten something and that’s kept me awake at night. I want my story to be the best it can be, to have readers love it as much as I do.

5.     How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

The idea for Crazy About Alaska, Holly’s story and book three of the Alaska Dream Romance series, came to me in pieces. I created a male Alaska State Trooper who had a small role in book one. Holly was interested in him. From that moment, he became a love interest for her in my mind. Two books later, I thought, what if Holly—a woman with a sad past with men—now had two men interested in her? The opposite of the law enforcement personality—to me—is a professor (I’m married to one), so I decided to make that the second man’s profession.

It took me two months to the day to write this book. Then the editing began.

6.     What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

Facebook, Facebook advertising, Amazon advertising, growing my email list and sending newsletters, and special sales through sites like BookBub. (I’ve tried to like Twitter. I really have. But I don’t so I rarely go there.)

7.     What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

Crazy About Alaska releases later this month. I’m also working on the third book in the Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries, a Nancy Drew-type series for ages 8-12 that began with “The Feather Chase.”

8.     Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I love reading mysteries and am toying with an idea for one. I have a mystery series for kids, but haven’t tried writing them for adults. It’s still simmering on that burner.

9.     What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Writing is a lifetime pursuit. Learn all you can. Practice. Practice. Practice. I wrote four books before I decided to publish one. You weren’t an expert at driving the first time you tried it; you had to learn when to hit the brake and how hard. Do you accelerate slowly or hit the gas pedal? Writing is the same way. We learn and get better at it over time. I do believe, though, that not everyone will be a writer. We’re all given different talents and skills. You don’t want me in the world of biology and chemistry.

***

A Question for Kathryn:

How do you decide what to write next? Your choices are infinite so, how do you narrow it down?

My characters, or new ones I haven't yet met, usually tell me. I knew when my Susan Cramer Mystery series was slowing down and when Brianne (a secondary character in the Susan Cramer Mystery series) would become the main character of her teen mystery series. 

In a nutshell, I listen to the voice which is the strongest, and write the book that the character is ready to tell me about.

***

Website: http://shannonlbrown.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannonlbrownauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shannonlbrown1/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7842941.Shannon_L_Brown

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-L.-Brown/e/B00IFDFC02/

Book Bub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shannon-l-brown

Shannon L. Brown

Author, Journalist, Speaker 

www.shannonlbrown.com

shannon@shannonlbrown.com

615-693-1568 

    

Writing books that are fun and touch your heart

Falling for Alaska, Loving Alaska, Crazy About Alaska, and Merrying in Alaska - Alaska Dream Romance series

The Feather Chase and The Treasure Key - Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Maddrey

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I don’t remember ever not writing. My mom used to give us blank books as kids and tell us to go write a story—and so we did. I have one from when I was in Kindergarten. And while my handwriting and spelling aren’t the most amazing, there’s still definitely the bud of a little story there.

Other than that, I’ve been married to my husband for almost 22 years now. We have two wonderful boys who I homeschool. We used to have Shetland sheepdogs, and I miss them desperately, but the boys have allergies, so we’re now pet free. When I’m not writing or doing mom/wife stuff, I enjoy crocheting (can’t knit to save my life – something about the two needles throws me off) and I used to adore counted cross stitch, but I think I overdosed on it and am still on a break. :) I also love to read. I’m rarely without a book within ten feet of me, ‘cause you never know when you’ll have time for a page or two. I also love action movies and anything sci-fi, which is maybe odd for someone who writes romance, but there it is.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

The short answer is “whenever I can.” Usually that works out to an hour or so in the afternoon when the boys have “rest and read time” up in their rooms and then in the evenings after they’re asleep, when hubby is on the Xbox.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I use my trusty laptop. Often I’m at the dining room table in the afternoons and then in the recliner next to hubby in the evenings. Sometimes, if the weather’s nice and the boys are running around in the yard, I’ll sit out on the deck.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

I love watching the story unfold. I’m not a plotter, so the story just happens as I write – it’s always a bit of an adventure. But I love seeing the threads come together and getting hit with the occasional twist out of left field that I didn’t see coming.

My least favorite part? Editing. Hands down. I have a fabulous editor, which is a definite bonus, because it means I don’t have to do as much on my own. I just let her tell me what I messed up.

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

I usually start with a seed of an idea – and those can come from anywhere: conversations with friends, a sermon (truly!), random musing in the shower (I get a lot of ideas in the shower, something about the hot water, probably.) Generally I can finish a book in about two months.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I probably don’t do enough of this, but I do guest blog posts and interviews when I can, I have a Facebook page that I try to keep active and interact with people (not just market), I’ll place ads in various reader-oriented emails, all the general types of things that I think most authors do.

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I’m currently working on Cookies & Candlelight, which is book two in the Baxter Family Bakery series and part of the larger Arcadia Valley Romance multi-author series. (But I’m also writing this in March – I’m guessing by the time June rolls around it’s going to be different. At least, I hope so! By June I should be working on the 5^th and final book in my Taste of Romance series, A Tidbit of Trust.)

I have a book, A Heart Reclaimed, coming out on the 20^th of June as part of a box set with several other authors. This box, Cherish, is eight brand new full-length Christian romance novels. My book is book 2 of the Peacock Hill Romance series (book 1 is in the Love at First Laugh box set currently and will release as a solo when the box is no longer available for sale.)

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I have several speculative fiction/sci-fi projects on the back burner. I want to get to them – and I really hope I do eventually. But for right now, I’m pretty happy in romance novel land.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

I’d tell them a couple of things. First, they’re probably wrong. Most of us tend to underestimate our abilities. We’re just not good judges when it comes to that. Second? Talent is only a small fraction of what it takes to write and publish – so much of writing is like any other skill, it comes from practice and study. So if they want to do it – really, really want to – get craft books and read them, go to conferences, and write. Write all the time. Find a critique group. And never stop learning and improving.

Social Media:

Website: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey

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Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

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A question for Kathryn:

A question I often get asked is: Do you ever get tired of your characters before you finish your story (or series)?  (and for me, the answer is no.)

I would say yes on my end. When I began the Susan Cramer Mystery series, I was all gung ho on Susan Cramer, a middle-aged detective who bungled practically everything. But as her daughter, Brianne, grew up, I began to see in her a love for a great mystery as well, and so during book four of the Susan Cramer series I felt the need to start a new series with Brianne as the main character. Book one of the Brianne James series, Tie Died, will be released this summer.