Alice’s Notions is the story I always wanted to write. The 1940s was such an interesting period of time to write about. This generation was called “the greatest generation” for good reason. This was the generation, forged in the trials of the Great Depression, who put their lives on hold and sacrificed everything to fight […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Rose Verde sets her story in a national park
My publisher wanted some stories set in the National Parks across the US. So, I started doing some research. Finally, I zeroed on the Great Smoky Mountain Park. Next, I needed to figure out who my heroes would be. I then settled for a medically discharged US Marine. I wanted him to be a park […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Johnnie Alexander recalls a childhood on the farm
See below for giveaway! The strong sense of place imbedded in my Misty Willow Series comes from all the childhood moments, those forgotten and those I will never forget, that made up my life on a central Ohio farm. We moved there when I seven or eight, living first in the upstairs apartment of a […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Donna Schlachter says research isn’t work
I always thought history was boring, probably because about the only thing I remember is memorizing dates for the reigns of monarchs (I’m from Canada, so we focused on British history). And I don’t do well with memorizing. But give me a tidbit of historical information, like the Pony Express, and I’m off to the […]
We’ve got a finalist in another contest!
Our book Cruel Messenger by Timothy W. Ayers is getting another nod from contest judges. The Christian Editor Connection is announcing finalists for its Excellence in Editing Award. Final results will be announced at the end of June. Cruel Messenger is already a finalist for the Realm Award this year, choosing the best speculative fiction written by […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Victoria Kimble recalls junior high school
I don’t know if this is true for all writers, but I have a very vivid memory. It takes no effort at all for me to conjure up the sights, smells, and, most importantly, feelings of certain times in my life. Junior high is such a time for me. I can still picture my locker, […]
Behind the Scenes: A day in the writing life of Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Though I am not a morning person, I write from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. most days. I put on comfy clothes and brush my hair and teeth before I write. At 2:00, I get presentable and put on makeup. I don’t answer the door before 2:00 because I’m not presentable. My cat Charcoal lays […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Bonnie Engstrom discusses naming her characters
Common questions people ask me: How do you decide what to name your characters? And how do you plot or plan your story? I don’t decide what to name my characters. In the Candy Cane Girls series the names just burst into my head, except for Noelle in the series’ debut. I knew she ‘needed’ […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Christine Lindsay took dialogue from the Emerald Isle
Ireland, yes it really is the emerald isle. I know for a fact because I was born there and have visited several times. That small, beautiful island with its 40 shades of green, majestic cliffs that tower over the Atlantic Ocean, misty mountains, and its charming people and their lilting speech, does a wee jig […]
Behind the Scenes: Author Lillian Duncan’s main character takes over
Authors may tell you how characters seem to spring to life independently. This happened with Chrysalis (AKA Chryssie), whom I first met in a short story I wrote for my blog. I named her Chrysalis because I wanted to incorporate the symbolism of a caterpillar and a butterfly into the story. And since a chrysalis […]