See Ya On The Net

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Jill Nelson: I wrote my first novel in the sixth grade—never published, and the world is grateful. But I never stopped writing after that. My publishing credits range from newspaper and magazine articles to poetry to essays and short stories. Reluctant Burglar is my debut novel, book one in a romantic suspense series for Multnomah Publishers.

My husband and I reached our 25th wedding anniversary on August 15. I can’t say “celebrated” yet, because we didn’t do much, but the kids have something in the works, and Doug (my husband) keeps making noises about Hawaii this winter. I sure wouldn’t mind ducking out of a Minnesota winter for warm, sandy beaches. We have four children—two boys, two girls—and all but our youngest, a senior this year, are out of the nest.

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book.

NELSON: I like to think Reluctant Burglar is a gourmet blend of intrigue, humor, romance, and pathos. The main female protagonist is smart and sassy Desiree Jacobs, a museum and private art collection security expert—also a first class cat burglar. You’ll have to read the book to find out why that’s a good thing. Tony Lucano is the lead FBI agent investigating a ruthless art theft ring operating out of Boston, Desiree’s home stomping grounds. She’s a suspect, oh, yeah! But is she guilty? He can’t decide, and his job would be a whole lot easier if he wasn’t attracted to her.

You can read more about the series, including an excerpt from Burglar, at my web site: http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com. Go to my To Catch a Thief Books page. I’m also running a contest for a signed copy on my Stealth and Wealth page.

See Ya On The Net: What would you like readers to take away from your book?

NELSON: No matter how tough the situation, God always provides a way out—but usually not the way you expect. Also, be God-reliant, not self-reliant.

See Ya On The Net: What led you to the idea of writing this book, and then to the actual writing of it?

NELSON: One night I woke up, my whole body tense, after dreaming that a woman had sneaked into a home in the middle of the night to return a genuine painting that had been stolen and replaced by a clever forgery. I knew little about her except that she was an expert at what she did, and if she were caught, disaster would follow. My imagination began to play with that nugget. I love stories where people risk much to do the right thing, and I feel sick whenever I hear of art or antiquities desecrated or stolen. Putting these elements together into a tale of intrigue—with a sassy heroine and an intense hero—came easily. I believe that capturing the imagination with a gripping story makes a most effective vehicle to convey thought-provoking realities.

See Ya On The Net: What makes your writing style unique?

NELSON: I write characters you’d love to meet and put them in pulse-pounding situations you’d hate to be in. No angst-ridden anti-heros for me. I’m not that literary. Readers tell me Desi’s off-beat voice is one of the most engaging things about the book. Tony’s no-nonsense style, tempered with a big heart, also steals the show at times. God is also a character who subtly permeates the story. I like to think I write suspense with more meat on its bones than just a slick plot.

See Ya On The Net: What is the hardest part about writing for you?

NELSON: Writing. Just kidding. Research is a breeze, but sometimes squeezing those words onto the page just the way you want them can be a challenge. I’m always learning and growing. Plot can be a bear to tame, too, when you’ve got multiple threads going, and you need to tie them together.

See Ya On The Net: How did you stay motivated to finish the book?

NELSON: Great question. Finishing a manuscript is absolutely key to moving from wannabe to real writer. Sounds elementary, but there are probably a gazillion half-written novels out there, rotting in desk drawers.

Reluctant Burglar was the third manuscript I finished in a four-year span of time. The thing that grabbed me about that story and kept me going was my love of the characters. They were in such deliciously awful situations, I had to keep writing until I got them out—or not.

See Ya On The Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

NELSON: What’s that? There isn’t any when I’m nearing deadline, but usually I’m able to juggle family, day job, and writing. Not without occasional sacrifice, mind you, (sorry, mom/wife can’t watch a movie with you tonight, etc.) but my family is very supportive. I’m blessed!

See Ya On The Net: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

NELSON: Kaleidescope Eyes by Karen Ball—a great blend of suspense and romance. The main characters sizzle together, and they have unique jobs that are integral to the story. Throw in a daring dog and a cute kid, how can you lose?

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, web site)

NELSON: I love reader mail! E-mail me at jnelson@jillelizabethnelson.com. My wetBsite is http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com. Be sure to enter the contest on my Stealth and Wealth page. And from my Contact page, you can e-mail me or sign up for my newsletter. I’m putting together a loot bag that one newsletter subscriber will win as soon as my subscription base doubles from where it is now. We’re talking cool loot like art prints, books, DVDs, and edible treats.

BIO

LaShaunda C. Hoffman turned her love for books into an award winning online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature, Shades Of Romance - SORMAG. Her mission in life is to help promote writers by introducing them to readers.

Born and raised in St. Louis Missouri, LaShaunda started her adventure in life by joining the United States Navy. She served her country for six years and returned to her home town. She began to work for the U.S. government. At her 10 year class reunion she reconnected with the man who would become her husband. They are blessed with two children and will be adding a new blessing in February 2007.

LaShaunda is currently working on a Christian romance and on the hunt for a literary agent. She hopes to one day introduce her books to readers.

Here are few interviews:

http://www.aacbwi.com/Interviews2_LaShaundaHoffman04.html

http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/2005/12/see_you_on_the_.html

http://bookmarketingandpublicity.blogspot.com/2007_07_15_archive.html#8859856348106060608

Monday, August 21, 2006

Author Intro: Gail Martin

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Gail Martin: Gail Martin, the person, loves to laugh, tells funny stories about herself, has sung all her life as a soloist and with wonderful audition groups as well as at her church. She studied acting and public speaking in college and loves to travel all over the world. She is a lifelong Christian who’s always been church active with everything from congregational president to puppeteer and script writer. Gail Gaymer Martin the writer is a multi-award winning novelist who began writing fiction in 1997 and sold to Barbour Publishing in 1998. She sold to Steeple Hill in 1999 and has now sold forty contracted fiction books and twenty-three worship resource books as well as hundreds of articles for national Christian magazines. She is a popular speaker and has presented writing workshops across the US and in London, England.

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?

MARTIN: In His Eyes is the first book in the Michigan Island series for Steeple Hill set on Harsens Island in Lake St. Clair. My short blurb says: When Ellene Bordini arrives on the island, the early March wind’s bitter chill has less impact than the look in Connor Faraday’s eyes. Years had passed, but the emotions have not, and when Ellene becomes stranded on the island with her old flame, emotions heat up in more ways than one.

See Ya On The Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

MARTIN: The theme of this book is based on The Bible verse theme is from Matthew 6: 22-23. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. It is a story of the weightiness of a weak faith and it teaches forgiveness and humility.

See Ya On The Net: What led you to the idea of writing this book, and then to the actual writing of it?

MARTIN: While visiting Harsens Island which has no bridge, only ferry service, my husband and I were stranded for many hours by an ice jam. His relatives mentioned about times when they were stranded for a week to three weeks when the channel has been blocked by ice with no way off the island except for emergency by helicopter. As a writer tends to do, I began to think of a plot where a formerly engaged man and woman are stranded on the island with his little daughter and a witty and elderly aunt. I did a proposal and the story sold.

See Ya On The Net: What makes your writing style unique?

MARTIN: I measure my writing by what readers say. They consistently mention three things about my writing:

1 - It flows in a poetic style.

2 - It’s filled with emotion

3 - They can’t put it down.

See Ya On The Net: What is the hardest part about writing for you?

MARTIN: Revising an idea that is truly embedded in my mind is the hardest thing to do. I”m glad this happens rarely although smaller revisions are not uncommon. But revisions of any kind affects the entire novel because I do a lot of foreshadowing, and this means rewriting much of the book.

See Ya On The Net: How did you stay motivated to finish the book?

MARTIN: Once I begin a novel, the story pulls me along, and I’m excited to finish it especially once I reach the middle. I usually have another looming deadline which is another motivation to keep writing. Right now I have sold five new books plus a non-fiction book for Writers Digest which all have deadlines.

See Ya On The Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

MARTIN: I have a cleaning lady and landscaper, and my husband does many household tasks which gives me more writing time. I have numerous interests so I continue to sing with my choir plus perform solo work and I play handbells and handchimes which means more rehearsals. I also sing with renown Christian chorale in the Detroit metro area. I treasure friends and family and I make time for them - but I do write long hours daily.

See Ya On The Net: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

MARTIN: That’s one pleasure that I can’t do justice. My reading is sporadic and even though I’m truly enjoying a book, I often have to lay it down to go back to my writing or another activity. Normally suspense keeps me reading more than anything. I’m presently reading the DaVinci Code which is very exciting. I look at it as fiction and not fact.

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

MARTIN: I’m very available to readers. My preferred email for readers is authorgailmartin@aol.com. My web site at www.gailmartin.com also has a hyperlink to me, and I have a blog where readers can comment at www.gailmartin.blogspot.com My web site is filled with information for both readers and writers. Under the tab For Writers, they will find workshop logs, articles and frequently asked questions. Much of this material will be incorporated into my new Writers Digest book Writing Christian Romance That Sells which will be released late next year.

Monday, August 14, 2006

Author Intro: Trish Perry

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Trish Perry: I’ve been a Christian for 18 years and a serious writer for 12. In hindsight, I see that the Lord used that six-year gap to prepare me for writing, even though I was a tad clueless about what was going on. He led me through an education in Psychology, which has been a great help in understanding characters and what drives them. He led me through oodles of opportunities to learn about the craft of writing and to get to know people associated with the business: fellow writers, editors, agents, readers, and teachers. He opened doors for me only when my family could handle my walking through them.

I live in Virginia with my landscape-designing hubby and my brilliant teenaged son. My lovely daughter is fully growed, as Tammy Tyree used to say, and she and her dear husband have blessed me with a grandson who cracks me up constantly.

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?

PERRY: The Guy I’m Not Dating is a romantic comedy (chick lit) about Kara Richardson, a sharp, young Christian woman who is sick of failing in her romantic efforts. She decides to take the non-dating approach to all future relationships with men. Kara figures she’ll leave the romance part solely up to God. He’ll choose the proper man for her out of her group of male friends, and settle her easily into a respectable courtship at the proper time. That’s the plan.

Kara couldn’t have picked a worse time to meet Gabe Paolino, an immensely datable (and interested) young man who comes to town. But Gabe agrees to a platonic friendship, and the two friends do well until circumstances intervene. A road trip, from Virginia to Florida, becomes necessary for both of them. In an overcrowded van—filled with three restless teens, one odd elderly aunt, Kara’s best bud, and a vixen with eyes for Gabe—the struggling uncouple ventures forth and develops their friendship, crash-course style. Kara discovers that the guy she’s not dating may just be the best boyfriend she’s never had.

See Ya On The Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

PERRY: First, I want my readers to have a good time. I don’t set out to write “message” stories; I just want to write entertaining books. But the whole non-dating idea intrigues me, and I have respect for people who take that kind of care in finding a truly good friend before trying to find romance. I hope readers will enjoy the humor of Kara’s struggle to do the right thing, despite her attraction to Gabe. And I hope the way God blesses His obedient children in this story will be the book’s most attractive facet of all.

See Ya On The Net: What led you to the idea of writing this book, and then to the actual writing of it?

PERRY: Several years ago, at a women’s Bible conference, my daughter introduced me to a girlfriend of hers. The girl had lived with her boyfriend when neither of them was a believer. When the boyfriend found Christ, he moved out, leaving his girlfriend angry and devastated. In time, though, she accepted the Lord and became friends again with her old boyfriend. Eventually their friendship matured, and he asked her if he could court her, with marriage in mind. So they went from ultra-worldly to ultra-pure. I loved their story and decided to write a humorous non-dating romance some day. I had a few works in progress at the time, but two books later, I finally got cracking on this story, and now The Guy I’m Not Dating will release this month!

See Ya On The Net: What makes your writing style unique?

PERRY: People have said my writing is like conversation. I’ve never been a poetic gal, really, other than a nice turn of phrase dropping miraculously onto the page here and there. But it’s easy to read my writing. Not Dick-and-Jane easy, I would hope, but easy as if you were chatting with a girlfriend, but she’s doing all the talking while you’re relaxing in the tub with a box of chocolates. I can’t be the only one who loves reading that way. With the tub and chocolates, I mean.

See Ya On The Net: What is the hardest part about writing for you?

PERRY: Shutting out the rest of the world. I am not one of those people who writes well in noisy environments. No music, no phone, no conversations allowed. I lose my focus easily, so I guard it as if it were the Windsor family jewels. So summer, when my son is home during the day, is a struggle. My boy could watch a lousy old rerun of Saved by the Bell, and I’ll find myself listening to the storyline. Torture!

See Ya On The Net: How did you stay motivated to finish the book?

PERRY: One word: deadline! When I got my contract for The Guy I’m Not Dating, I actually sold it on the strength of a few preliminary chapters, along with another completely written novel, also contracted the same day. But I had envisioned the completed novel as the first release, with The Guy I’m Not Dating coming afterward—a nice tidy book set, a nice tidy writing plan. Blessed are the flexible, though, because my publisher decided to open with The Guy I’m Not Dating. Not only did that require my making significant chronological changes to the completed novel, but it also required my finishing The Guy I’m Not Dating far earlier than I planned. The decision to switch the order of the books was a good one, though. The Second Novel Formerly Known as the First Novel (Too Good to Be True) will release in March 2007.

See Ya On The Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

PERRY: Honey, that’s the whine I have with dinner every night! Seriously, I consider my evening time untouchable winding-down time, spent with my family. I seldom go back to work once I’ve stopped to have dinner and relax with my guys. And I belong to a women’s book club, which meets monthly and is great fun—we even discuss the book once in a while. Finally, two weeks out of every year, the guys go away together, either to church youth camp or on a skiing trip out west. Those are my free weeks, and I produce like a powerhouse during that time and still have time to relax, eat Chinese food, and catch up on chick flicks.

See Ya On The Net: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?

PERRY: That was actually one of my book club’s choices, Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston. Good grief, the woman doesn’t let you go until you only have one and a half pages left. I couldn’t have slept without finding out if poor Janie was found guilty or not (I’m being deliberately vague—I hate spoilers!).

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

PERRY: I love hearing from readers and writers! Contact me through my website (www.trishperrybooks.com), my email address (trishperrybooks@earthlink.net), or my new Amazon blog (Trish Perry on Amazon).

Friday, August 11, 2006

COMING FEB - 2007

A collection of short inspirational love stories from thirteen emerging authors:

LaShaunda Hoffman, St. Louis, Missouri (That's ME)

H. Renay Anderson, Texas

Shauna Stephens-Batts, Miami, Florida

Aleigha Butler, Atlanta, Georgia

Sherille Fisher, Houston, Texas

Vien Jernigan, Tallahassee, Florida

April McDermid, Tallahassee, Florida

Francina Roberts, Tallahassee, Florida

Kim Robinson, Dallas, Texas

Alescia Smith, Cleveland, Ohio

Juanita E. Thomas, Tallahassee, Florida

Anne Haw Holt-Webb, Tallahassee, Florida

Barbara Joe-Williams, Tallahassee, Florida

You may pre-order an autographed copy of How I Met My Sweetheart by sending a check/money order to the following address for $12.00 (includes tax and shipping):

LaShaunda Hoffman

7127 Minnesota Ave

St. Louis, MO 63111

Friday, August 04, 2006

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Author Intro: Deb Kinnard

Deb Kinnard: Deb Kinnard started writing at age ten, frustrated because there was no preteen girl with a horse on “Bonanza.” From there she progressed to short stories and really bad poetry.

In college, she gained two degrees in health care and spent time observing hippies, basketball stars, el-ed majors and other strange species.

While raising two active girls and cherishing a husband, she enjoyed a career that encompasses Spanish translation, volunteer work at a crisis line, years in assorted ERs that don’t resemble the one on TV, and a day job at a big Chicago teaching hospital.
She’s an active learner in her Romance Writers of America chapter, a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and a loud singer at church. In 2002 and 2003, she sold her first and second novels, Powerline and Oakwood to Treble Heart Books.

When Deb’s not at the computer writing, she keeps busy with reading, playing the guitar, and skiing in the winter. With her husband, she enjoys the “Connections” outreach team at church, and turns up in the annual church musicals, trying to do something that resembles dancing. She loves to travel and meet new people, some of whom turn up later in her stories. So if you meet a short woman with a light in her eye…

Represented by agent Andrea Boeshaar of the Hartline Literary agency, she’s busy proposing sales for her fourteen unsold novels lurking in the bottom drawer.

ANGEL WITH A RAY-GUN

Matt Greenlee mixes ministry with SF writing. When he gets a new editor, Matt scents disaster, for his new editor is female. He fears attraction, considering himself poor husband material. How can he risk his heart?

AJ Mercer’s hippie upbringing left her wary of Christianity and men, but she’s attracted to her client. The gloves are off—his biases versus her need for success.

When these two mix it up over a book, can they find happiness—love, or literary?

Monday, July 24, 2006

AUTHOR INTRO: Leslie Sherrod

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

Leslie Sherrod: I’m a Baltimore native, married with two children, and turning thirty this year. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for five years and writing full-time just as long. Before then I worked as an assistant clinical social worker for an outpatient mental health center at a major hospital.

I’ve loved writing ever since I had to put spelling words into sentences. In high school and college, I focused on poetry and short stories, thinking I had neither the patience nor the plot for a longer piece of fiction. But novel writing is where God has truly opened doors. My experiences as a former human service worker and a current wife and mother -and all the joys, sorrows, struggles and triumphs involved - help shape what I write.

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?

SHERROD: Like Sheep Gone Astray is a suspenseful story about a young minister who is dealing with the fallout of a bad decision he made because of his love of money. He is facing exposure and risks losing everything - including his career, ministry and marriage. Going down with his enemies and unearthing his family’s secrets might be his only way out.

It’s a book born partly out of my own struggles of defining success, figuring out purpose, and seeing hurting communities, families and misdirected lives. All of those themes are touched on in the story. It’s a thought-provoking, yet fast-moving and fun read.

See Ya On The Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

SHERROD: I’m a firm believer that we all are created for a purpose that will bring glory to God and help others. I hope readers leave the story with a new determination not to let anything get them off the path of their purpose, and to know that there is always hope and another chance to get it right if they have been sidetracked for one reason or another.

See Ya On The Net: Do you ever have a hard time letting go of a character after the novel is finished?

SHERROD: By the time I reach the end of a novel, the characters feel like they have come full circle. I want to say I am done with them. If I don’t have that sense of completion, the novel won’t feel finished to me. There are certain characters who do linger on in my mind - usually the more colorful, controversial ones. In theory, they could have their own stories told in another setting, but I’m exhausted at the moment trying to imagine what they did before or are doing after the novel takes place.

See Ya On The Net: What do you feel is the key to writing convincing characters?

SHERROD: Like real people, you have to let characters be themselves and not feel like you can control them. When I have to change or delete a scene in a story because it’s not consistent with what a character would say or do, I know that particular character has been fully fleshed and clothed. At the point characters supersede my outline, they’ve become convincing.

See Ya On The Net: What makes your writing style unique?

SHERROD: No matter what the subject, I love to keep a suspense current going through the story. Short, intense scenes with cliffhangers, and having many intertwined characters and subplots keep the story fast and moving. I want the story to be a fun read, but even more important, I want to tackle issues not usually talked about: i.e. wanting material blessings more than wanting the One who gives the blessings; generational curses; purpose; broken families and communities. It sounds heavy but it doesn’t come off as feeling heavy. I like to use a lot of sensory descriptions to put readers right there in the pages, to feel the emotions and then to feel the hope. The combination of fast but fulfilling are what I think makes my writing unique.

See Ya On The Net: What are you doing to promote your book?

SHERROD: I’m scheduled to go to several places throughout the Mid-Atlantic region this summer and other places around the country in the fall. I have a couple of interviews lined up as well. A link to an updated schedule of events is available on the Calendar page of my website, www.LeslieJSherrod.com

See Ya On The Net: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

SHERROD: I’ve been amazed at the depth of God’s love. Most of us have heard and know “God so loved the world,” but when He starts showing you His love at a personal level, and you feel His breath and passion aimed directly at you - in spite of you - “Jesus Loves Me” takes on a whole new meaning. From the very beginning of writing my first novel to this present moment, God has wowed me with his direct actions on my behalf. And He loves us all. We haven’t even begun to tap into the greatness of His love for us.

See Ya On The Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

SHERROD: When I figure that out I’ll let you know. ☺ Honestly, being a full-time writer and mom has required more of me than any other job or position I’ve ever had. At this point in my life, eating dinner undisturbed or going alone to Walmart to buy lotion is an accomplishment.

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

SHERROD: Please visit my website at www.LeslieJSherrod.com. Sign the guestbook or email me at leslie@lesliejsherrod.com. I can also be reached by mail at P.O. Box 19465, Baltimore, MD 21206. I love to hear from readers!

Thank you for this opportunity. I’m both excited and grateful for this chance to share.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Let There Be Light

St. Louis was hit by a severe thunderstorm Wednesday night. It knocked out the power to many homes. Our home was one of the blessed ones. We had broken branches all over our yard, but we had electricity.

Electricity is one of those bills you pay and expect to be on no matter what. You take it for granted that when you flip a switch the light will come on.

This past week has shown me how much we take for granted.

The heat has been a major issue with the power outage. There are many seniors living at home or in nursing homes who don’t want to leave their homes. It’s too hot for them to stay in. I’m having flashbacks of Hurricane Katrina. Those people didn’t want to leave either.

I feel so helpless because there’s nothing you can do but WAIT.

We opened our home to one of my brother-in-laws, his girlfriend and her daughter. I know before this is over, we might have a few more relatives to shelter.

I’m thankful the Lord spared our home because we have a safe haven for them to come to.

Please pray for St. Louis and the electricians trying to give us light.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Surprise - You're Pregnant

I received a major surprise last week, one that through me for a loop. To be honest I’ve still haven’t recovered. I’m one who loves surprises, but this one, I didn’t see coming. Or should I say I ignored the signs. They were there, bright as neon lights on Broadway. I was in Nah land.

What open my eyes to the real world? A BOOK. I was reading Best Kept Secrets by Rochelle Alers. The female characters had symptoms that made me think about my own symptoms. Could it be? No way. I was done, couldn’t be.

The next morning I decided to check for myself. I couldn’t remember the instructions, so I had to wait until later to be sure.

Two lines, the stick said two lines. No way!

I read the instructions, two lines means POSITIVE.

Oh Lord!

Six years and two kids later, I thought I was done in the baby making business. The Lord has other plans. You’d think after all these years I’d learn I can’t plan my life.

I’m having a baby. YEP I’m still in shock. The hubby is in shock and the kids are ecstatic.

It’s sinking in because this little baby is making it known he’s there.

Pray for me.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Author Intro: MaryLu Tyndall

See Ya On The Net: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.

MaryLu Tyndall: I spent my early years on the beaches of South Florida, but now reside in northern California with my husband and our blended family of six children, ranging in age from 16 to 25. I've always loved to write, but never pursued it seriously as a career until last year when I submitted my first novel to agents and publishers. The whole process was such an awesome miracle. When I first started writing The Redemption, I was only writing it for fun and had no intention of submitting it. Through a series of miraculous steps, including getting me laid off from my full time job, and connecting me with ACFW, God led me to finish the novel and submit it. I began sending it to agents in February, 2005. and by October of that same year, I was signing contracts for not only The Redemption, but two more books in the series. I am humbled and blessed with how the Lord moved so swiftly on my behalf, and I give all the credit to Him and pray He uses my novels for His glory.

See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?

TYNDALL: The Redemption, my first novel was just released on July 1st. It is an historical pirate adventure set in the 17th century Caribbean. My story begins when the heroine, Lady Charlisse Bristol, sets off on a voyage in search of a father she never knew only to find herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. After weeks of combating the elements, her salvation comes in the form of a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome leader, Edmund Merrick. While battling his attraction to this winsome lady and learning to walk a more godly path, Edmund offers to help Charlisse on her quest—until he discovers her father is none other than Edward the Terror, the cruelest pirate on the Caribbean.

The Redemption was born out of a difficult, personal journey. Like the heroine in my story, I too grew up without a father’s love and spent many years searching for acceptance and value in all the wrong places. I rejected God and didn’t realize that only in His arms would I find what I was searching for. There is a deep part of my soul written in the path Charlisse must take to find God’s love—a path that I hope will provide a healing touch to many lives.

See Ya On The Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

TYNDALL: Whether you've grown up with a loving father, or without one, or whether you've been rejected by people you've cared about, or you've been accepted, God's love--not human love--is the only love that comes without cost, will never disappoint you, and can fill the aching void in your heart.

See Ya On The Net: Do you ever have a hard time letting go of a character after the novel is finished?

TYNDALL: Yes. I had such a hard time letting go of the characters of The Redemption, that I refused and created another novel about them! The Reliance, book 2 in the series, will be released early next year. But, alas, I had to put them to rest in order to get started on my third novel. In a way it is like losing your best friends, but I know they are out there sailing the Caribbean, and God is taking care of them.

See Ya On The Net: What do you feel is the key to writing convincing characters?

TYNDALL: Characters must be as real to us as our best friends. We must know them intimately. I am not a plotter, but I do spend a great deal of time on my main characters. I give them a past, likes, dislikes, good qualities and bad qualities, things that annoy me about them, and things that I like. They should not be all evil or all good, and they need to shock us now and then, just like real people do. I also give them specific looks or certain quirks that belong only to them. I spend a lot of time analyzing people around me for ideas.

See Ya On The Net: What makes your writing style unique?

TYNDALL: I'm told that I'm very strong on settings and descriptions and that I have the ability to pull a reader right into the 17th century Caribbean and make them feel as though they were sailing aboard a pirate ship.

See Ya On The Net: What are you doing to promote your book?

TYNDALL: My publisher hired a marketing company that is doing most of the promotional work for my novel. Other than working with them, I'm talking with local book stores, trying to set up book signings. I'm doing blog interviews and sending the book to interested people who are willing to write reviews for newsletters or online book stores. I'm sending out postcards advertising my book, and I have bookmarks to give away. Also, in the fall, I'll be attending the annual Pirate Festival in Key West, FL. Yea!

See Ya On The Net: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

TYNDALL: The most surprising thing I discovered was that my characters took on minds of their own and often led me in directions I never would have foreseen.

See Ya On The Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

TYNDALL: It's hard to find time for myself these days. I spend most of my day either writing or on writing-related activities. Then I have a husband, kids and a house to run in the evening. Yes, I cook dinner, clean the house, and do laundry just like everyone else! I guess my favorite time alone is when I can curl up in bed at night after everyone else has gone to sleep and read a great novel.

See Ya On The Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

TYNDALL: The best way is to go to my website: www.mltyndall.com

I have an email address listed there to which they can send notes.

Monday, July 10, 2006

AUTHOR INTRO: Dr. Lisa Fuller

See Ya On the Net: Tell us about your current book?

Dr. Lisa Fuller: You Already Have All of the Tools that You Need is a Christian inspirational book composed of poems in a non-hymn form supported by Biblical scripture. The focus of the book is change. The book answers the question: How can I use God’s Word to bring about change in my life?

See Ya On the Net: What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

Lisa Fuller: The take home message is that change first starts in ones mind. With God’s help, we each have the ability to change our mindset and thinking thus producing change in our lives.

See Ya On the Net: What was the most profound lesson you learned while writing this book?

Lisa Fuller: As I wrote this book, I found that God taken me through various seasons of change including spiritual, mental, and physical changes.

See Ya On the Net: What do you to improve your craft?

Lisa Fuller: If you invest wisely into anything, your return for the most part is profitable. I make wise investments into my craft by first seeking God’s instruction through prayer for my life, placing myself in circles of people that have achieved what I want to accomplish such as professional writer’s groups. Additionally, I attend conferences and seminars and read a wide variety of books on various subjects.

See Ya On the Net: What makes your writing style unique?

Lisa Fuller: I incorporate my professional training in medicine and mental health into ministry through my writing.

See Ya On the Net: What are you doing to promote your book?

Lisa Fuller: Book promotions include book signing (in churches and book stores), speaking engagements, multi-media sources (radio and TV interviews) and Internet promotion.

See Ya On the Net: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Lisa Fuller: The most surprising thing that I found was the transformation of the book from the initial idea, transcript, and drafts, to the finished version. It was amazing for me to witness the change.

See Ya On the Net: What do you do to make time for yourself?

Lisa Fuller: The most important thing that I do to make time for myself is to schedule it. I find that if I don’t set aside specific time for myself, I will occupy my time with work or other activities.

See Ya On the Net: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

Lisa Fuller:

Mail: Dr. Lisa Fuller
P.O. Box 401259
Redford, MI 48240-9259

Phone: (313) 645-1596

Website: www.drlisafuller.com

Email: drlisafuller@aol.com

Thursday, July 06, 2006

New Blog

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Here is something really different. But really cool.

Author (and blogger) href="http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/">Brandilyn Collins
has written a novel that comes out in August called Violet Dawn. It
is part of a new series she has started called the href="http://kannerlake.com/">Kanner Lake Series. She sent out
Advance Reader Copies to those who requested them and asked them to
choose a character that they liked. Then she asked the readers to
send her a make believe post from the character for a make believe
blog by the 'Kanner Lake' make believe residents. This is going to be
an actual blog, called...Scenes and Beans, full of ficticious bloggers
written by real bloggers who liked Violet Dawn. Confusing? href="http://www.kannerlake.blogspot.com/"> Well, it began, July 5th! Go check it out by pressing the href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2402/1433/1600/javajoint.5.jpg">button
for Scenes and Beans!
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Summer Sale

The Story Sensei Summer Sale - A writers' summer event!

From now until July 15th, I will be holding a fabulous contest for my Story Sensei critique service.

I will draw the names of TWO lucky winners! They will each receive:

A free synopsis critique – up to 10 pages single-spaced, a $40 value!

AND

A coupon for 25% OFF any manuscript critique – whether full or partial manuscript, any number of words. For a 100,000 word manuscript, that's a savings of $250!

In addition, EVERYONE WHO ENTERS will receive a 10% OFF coupon for any service, whether synopsis, query letter, or manuscript critique (full or partial). For a 100,000 word manuscript, that's a savings of $100, just for entering.

Go to my Story Sensei blog and post a comment to enter the contest!
http://storysensei.blogspot.com/

WELCOME

Thanks for stopping by my blog. This a mommy blog, writing blog and book blog all rolled in one.

I'm a mommy first, so you'll find a few posts about that. I'm on my journey to publication, so you will read my moans and groans and I'm a promoter of books, so you'll see a lot of books here.

I post my thoughts on Tuesday and Thursdays unless something hits between then, so feel free to leave a comment or two I will chat back.

On the 1st Friday I will introduce you to a Curly Sister who will share her natural hair journey. -- LCH

BLOG SCHEDULE

MONDAY

Motivation Monday

TUESDAY

LaShaunda Thoughts

WEDNESDAY

Guest Blogger

Book Of The Day

THURSDAY

LaShaunda Thoughts

FRIDAY

Curly Sisters

Podcast Friday

SATURDAY

Digital Newsletters

See Ya On The Net

Pages

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

MY BOOKS

NEWS

Email List

Favorite Links

Monday, August 28, 2006

Author Intro: Jill Nelson

BIO

Monday, August 21, 2006

Author Intro: Gail Martin

Monday, August 14, 2006

Author Intro: Trish Perry

Friday, August 11, 2006

COMING FEB - 2007

Friday, August 04, 2006

CFBA - Author Intros

CFBA - Author Intros

CFBA - Author Intros

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Author Intro: Deb Kinnard

Monday, July 24, 2006

AUTHOR INTRO: Leslie Sherrod

Friday, July 21, 2006

Let There Be Light

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Surprise - You're Pregnant

Monday, July 17, 2006

Author Intro: MaryLu Tyndall

Monday, July 10, 2006

AUTHOR INTRO: Dr. Lisa Fuller

Thursday, July 06, 2006

New Blog

Summer Sale

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