Goodreads

Camy here! I have to confess that although I have been a member of Goodreads for a couple years, I never really used it much until recently. And I love it!

I’ve found a couple Christian fiction groups that are really active and very fun. There are two Love Inspired Goodreads groups:

Love Inspired Books
Love Inspired Historicals

And I also found a Nook lovers group that gives great advice on technical support, info on the new devices, etc. I also belong to groups run by my favorite authors, but I don’t always read those unless there’s an announcement of a new book or something.

And then I took the plunge and started my own group! Check it out:
Q&A with Camy Tang

Please join my group! (Yes, I’m begging!) And feel free to start a new discussion thread or anything like that.

I also love that Goodreads lists so many books, including their different editions AND if they belong to a series or not. And some of them have the character names listed, too! That’s so awesome! (I told this to my husband and he just stared at me blankly. I guess a database of book covers, blurbs, series, and character names is only neat to fiction readers. Sigh.)

I had the .jpgs of covers that weren’t on the book listings, so I was able to edit the book listings and add the covers and sometimes the back cover blurbs, too. I love that readers can do that!

Are you on Goodreads? Friend me: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/291940.Camy_Tang

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is her humorous contemporary romance novel, Single Sashimi, and her romantic suspense, Formula for Danger. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders dogs, knitting and spinning wool, running, Asiana, and other frivolous things. Sign up for her newsletter for giveways!

Click here to find out how you can join my Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

Oh Brother!

Hello, Susan Sleeman here. Happy 4th of July to all the Love Inspired readers. Today I want to talk about brothers. I have one, only one, so I’ve often wondered about the dynamics between brothers, and I wanted to explore how they would interact with each other as adults. So I penned a romantic suspense miniseries about the Morgan brothers for Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin’s inspirational line. As those of you who are parents know, no sibling in a family is exactly like the others so I made sure the brothers were very different from each other and their approach to life was different as well.

In the first book, High-Stakes Inheritance that released in September of 2010, I featured Ryan Morgan, the youngest brother, the helper, and nurturer in the family and the only one who doesn’t carry a gun. He’s a counselor who runs a wilderness-counseling program for wayward teens, and of course, he can’t help but fall in love with his opposite, a strong-willed, opinionated woman.

In Behind the Badge releasing this month, I feature Russ Morgan the local police chief who’s opinionated, powerful, and closed off, keeping his feelings to himself. He often comes across as brusque and harsh, but inside beats a heart filled with softness. I paired him up with a rookie deputy who understands the rigors of Russ’s job and can look beyond the tough-guy exterior and see the hurting man behind the badge.

The final book, The Christmas Witness, will release in December and features the third brother, Reid Morgan. He believes in honor above all else and sees himself as a knight in shining armor, needing to protect those who he feels are weak or are the underdogs. I paired him with a woman who has been hurt many times and is unwilling to accept help for fear of being hurt even more. Reid is the perfect man for her as he won’t back down when she gets all prickly, but he’ll stand by her side no matter what.

The men are all different but they’re all the same in that they embody the heroic tendencies that I love to see in a romantic suspense book—brave, courageous, determined, dedicated, and persevering even in the face of death. What more could a woman in peril ask for?

So tell me, what do you like to see in a hero!

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law and an adorable grandson. To learn more about Susan visit her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanBooks , website http://www.susansleeman.com or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman

Pushing on

Carolyne Aarsen

I've recently taken up running. I never thought I'd enjoy it as much as I do. What I like the most about it is I can put on my running shoes, step out the door and go at it. I don't need any special equipment, though I have to confess when I saw the fun shirts at The Running Room I decided I 'needed' some of those to go with my new running shoes. Running has opened up whole new wardrobe options!

But it has also given me a good analogy for my writing. What I love the most about running is having done it. Just like what I love the most about writing, is having done it. I feel great when I come into the house after a run - all rejuvenated and healthy - but there are times when I'm running that part of my mind is saying "That's good enough, you've done enough for now, just walk. Besides, you're tired. You need a rest. Tomorrow you can run a bit more." And then I think, really? Am I really that tired? Couldn't I go just a little further NOW? So I go on a bit more and pretty soon here comes that pernicious voice. "That's far enough now. Just stop. You're knees are getting sore and you're running out of breath. You're not a marathon runner and besides, you're not even going that fast." And back and forth it goes. Sometimes I give in, but mostly I realize that I can carry on my knees are not that sore and who cares how fast I'm going besides the Nike app on the iPhone.

Writing is exactly the same thing. I sit down at the computer, open up my file and shortly after I start working I have that same nagging voice badgering me. "You've done enough writing for the day. Take a break. Play Solitaire, Bejewelled, check Facebook, read your e-mail. Tomorrow you can write more." Sometimes I give in, sometimes I push on. And always, always, I feel better when I've pushed on. Always I'm happier when I get up from the computer, with whatever goals I've set for myself, accomplished.

Writing. Running. Both require ignoring this voice that wants me to fall short of what I know I can do. Both require pushing through the resistance. Both are hard to do. But both give me the same sense of satisfaction when I've done what I set out to do.

What about you? Do you have those same voices in your head that drag you away from thing that are hard - things that require pushing through resistance? What do you do about them?

Re-energizing a la barbara

By Barbara Phinney
As you read this blog, most of the authors who contribute here are now in New York City. The Romance Writers of America have their annual conference there this year, but sadly, this author wasn't able to go. I have two children in post secondary education, am finishing up a busy month of June, and our daughter is getting married in our backyard in less than 5 weeks. A trip away just wasn't doable.
But the main reason authors congregate at this conference is to re-energize. If you were a fly on the wall in any room there, you'd hear a lot of different conversations, some authors playing catch-up on each others' news, some talking contracts, and some just plain schmoozing.
Surprisingly, it's all re-energizing. Meeting like-minded people, some with more knowledge than you, some with less, all add to your 'filling up'.
But what about those of us left behind? Naturally, we need re-energizing, too. We can get it. We can share in snippets of conversation or tidbits of cool info through Facebook, Twitter, and those authors who can squeeze in a bit of time to post on loops.
For me, re-energizing also came this past weekend at our local church family camp. It poured rain, was cold enough to see your breath, the mosquitoes were the size of hummingbirds, but the messages provided were fabulous.
"Your Soul Care should be your 'sole care'." And in doing that, you gained discernment, and became a better family member. By doing what's best for your own soul, you instill that need in your children. I was thrilled to look down the row of chairs and see my own grown children listening to the talk on Nehemiah, and how he saw a broken people and told them to be brave, remember the Lord and He will fight for you.
I was re-energized. I spent time with friends and family, battled the mosquitoes, the rain, the thunder and lightning, even managed to edit some stories for Smashwords and came away knowing that when God is for us, who can stand against us?
The cabin question was: What is one way I can improve the health and spiritual well-being of my family?
So I ask you, what is one way you re-energize during the time off this summer?

Dangerous Reunion Releases

Hi, from Sandra Robbins. I'm so excited because my new Love Inspired Suspense Dangerous Reunion releases next week on July 5.

If you've read the last few blog posts I've made here, you know that three years ago I traveled to Ocracoke Island on vacation. This tiny speck of land is one of the barrier islands twenty-five miles off the coast of North Carolina and was the headquarters of Blackbeard the Pirate in the early 1700s. In fact he met his death just off shore in a bloody battle. A two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride is required to get to the island, but once there the magic of the island takes over.

I knew right away I wanted to write a book set on the island where sea oats wave in the breeze along the beaches that have been voted the most beautiful in the nation. Even while I was there I started plotting a story line. Much to my delight, however, the book I wrote turned into a three book series about the Micheals family who live on the island. Dangerous Reunion is the story of the eldest daughter Kate who is a deputy sheriff on the island.

Here's the back cover blurb:
A murderer on tiny, safe Ocracoke Island? Deputy Sheriff Kate Michaels doesn't want to believe it-until someone at the crime scene starts shooting at her. Then Nashville detective Brock Gentry shows up. Brock broke her heart years ago when he called off their engagement. Now, torn apart by a case, Brock seeks sanctuary on the island. Yet as the threats against Kate escalate-and Kate's sisters are targeted-she turns to the man she's never stopped loving. Even if their reunion is more dangerous than it ever was before.

The story is packed with suspense, but the main theme of the book is forgiveness. Mark 11:25 serves as a focal scripture for the story: And when ye pray, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Although Kate has always had a difficult time forgiving others, she comes to understand true happiness depends on following what Jesus said.

Watch the trailer.

The second book in the series, Shattered Identity, features Kate's long-lost brother Scott as he tries to solve a twenty-five year old mystery of the island. Fatal Disclosure, the third book, relates the adventures of Kate and Scott's sister Betsy as she assists a DEA agent to bring down a drug smuggling ring. Both of these release next year.

I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July, and if you want an explosive read, I hope you'll choose Dangerous Reunion.

On Kindle - Gail Gaymer Martin's 2002 Award-winning Romantic Suspense: A LOVE FOR SAFEKEEPING

Hi from Gail Gaymer Martin at http://www.gailmartin.com/

I love writing romantic suspense, and I should write me. Finding the time has been my nemisis, but one of these days I will again.

Before the LI Suspense line, I was able to write a couple of suspenses for the regular LI line and for Steeple Hill's single title. A LOVE FOR SAFEKEEPING was my first suspense novel, and I was thrilled when it received three national awards, including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award and ACFW's Book of the Year (now called The Carol Award). 

The idea for this suspense was triggered by the old Dick and Jane Primers used from the 30s to the 70s to teach reading to elementary school students. The phrase See Jane Run is a line from the primer, and the Jane in this novel experience a cryptic note with that statement. But that wassn't the end, and she didn't know why. Imagine finding a note with: See Jane fall. See Jane bleed. See Jane die.


BACK COVER BLURB:

See Jane run?

If that's what Jane Conroy's stalker had in mind, he was going to be disappointed. The feisty schoolteacher was more angered than frightened by her shadowy adversary's pranks. Thanks to him, she reluctantly found herself under the watchful deep blue gaze of a handsome lawman bent on keeping her safe — and restoring her lost faith....

See Jane fall...
For Kyle Manning? The preacher's son and police officer figured that wasn't likely. After all, Jane made it clear that she didn't trust cops or religion — and that she could take care of herself. But Kyle wasn't just determined to guard her life...he was hoping to share it! --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

REVIEWS

4-1/2 Stars - Perhaps Gail Gaymer Martin's best. This story will keep you riveted. - Romantic Times

4-1/2 Plugs - A LOVE FOR SAFEKEEPING is a powerful blend of passion and suspense...one of the finest romantic suspense stories I have read. - Tracy Farnsworth, The Romance Reader Connection

4-1/2 Stars - Ms. Martin writes her faith. - Karen Larsen, Scribes World

GGM has found the balance of mystery and intrigue. This novel is hard to put aside once you begin to read it. Dale Van Tassel -www.thewordonromance. com

Click to purchase or view A LOVE FOR SAFEKEEPING:

In case you're curious about my second suspense, a single title, FINDING CHRISTMAS was optioned by producer Larry Levinson for a Hallmark TV Movie. Though the movie was never made, I was thrilled that they optioned the book and found it worth of a Hallmark movie.

Win a $100 gift card!

Love Inspired authors 

 Romance Writers of America charity booksigning

 June 28 in New York City.

We've come up with an idea to make this massive signing of more than 400 authors even more fun for our Love Inspired readers. Stop by any Love Inspired author's table and pick up a post card with full details. Basically, all you do is visit the table of any Love Inspired author. They're arranged in alphabetical order. At each one, pick up your free trading card and any other free goodies they have. (Buying a book is optional). When you're all done, visit the table of Lenora Worth, Missy Tippens or Janet Tronstad. Those ladies will count your cards. At evenings' end, the visitor with the most cards wins the $100 Amazon gift card!

Little Inspy Trading Cards are fun!

Not enough time--Lenora Worth

Wow, I'm late to my blog today because I was also scheduled for another blog (Superromance) today, too. Top that with--I just got home from Florida last night and I'm pedaling as fast as I can to catch up. Where does the time go? I have two days before I leave for RWA in New York. We're doing a road trip so we will leave either Thursday or Friday. And I take forever to pack. (I have to decide which shoes to take, of course!)I know I'll see a lot of the Love Inspired Ladies there and we will have fun at our annual Harlequin party.

In the meantime, I have things that must get done. I've always tried to stay focused and slightly organized but some days it seems I'm just spinning plates in the air. Do you ever get like that? Where you mind is whirling so fast your body can't keep up?

I have to wash clothes from one suitcase and pack conference clothes in the bigger suitcase. Right now, I'm starving so I'm off to lunch. Then it's back to work. What's your biggest challenge today?

Graduation Season

Congratulations graduates!

Hi All! Charlotte Carter here.

My husband and I recently journeyed to Northern California to celebrate the high school graduation of our oldest granddaughter Rachel and her cousin Josh. What an important milestone for those two young people and their 140 classmates. And Rachel, like me years ago, was really ready to move on to a new phase of her life.

During the ceremony I was struck by how many ‘graduations’ or ‘milestones’ the young people in the class of 2011 will experience in their lifetimes.

Hopefully, college graduation will be the next biggie. Then comes the first job out of school (and hopes for an economy that is thriving with opportunities).

Milestones to be celebrated keep on coming in both personal and professional lives – the first promotion and moving up the career ladder, engagement, wedding, the extraordinary birth of the first child (and all the subsequent children).

There seems to be no end to the days we mark as special in our memories: the first apartment, the first house, the first grandchild.

(For an author, the sale of the first book is a GIGANTIC milestone!)

Each of these steps involve a NEW BEGINNING, and maybe that’s what we ought to call them instead of a graduation or even a milestone.

So my heartfelt congratulations to Rachel and Josh for their high school graduation and my sincere wish that they will experience many exciting and wonderful NEW BEGINNINGS in the years to come.

Love, Grandma Char.....

What New Beginning do you remember most clearly? What New Beginning are you looking forward to in the near future?

Books that leave you smiling -
Big Sky Reunion, available now -
Big Sky Family, 11/2011 -
New Beginnings, Guideposts Books, 12/2011 -
www.CharlotteCarter.com

New website

If anyone has time to check out my new website, I would appreciate it at http://www.margaretdaley.com. The above picture is the background for my website--a far cry from the flamingoes I had on my old site. I would love your thoughts on the site. You can either email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com or sign the guestbook (if you do you are entered in a drawing for June for an autograph book) or you can leave a comment here. I write stories from heartwarming to heart pounding. Do you get that feeling when you visit my website? Is it easy to navigate? What do you like? What do you think needs tweaking?

Thanks for your help. Margaret

Better Than a Handshake

Pamela Tracy here, and I confess, "I am not shy." I basically like being with people, like meeting new people, and will talk to strangers.

Yet, sometimes I'm in the midst of a group and I'm thinking, "I wish I were somewhere else." Usually that means that no one is talking about my favorite topics. Yes, the Bible is one. My family is another. Also, right up at the top, you guessed it: books! Put me in a group of strangers, and let one of them say, "Did anyone read the latest [insert name of favorite LI author here] and now you've got my attention.

I will walk up to strangers who are reading and say, "What are you reading?" Most eagerly engage and we dish about favorites, not so favorites, and what we intend to read next. Yes, some let me know that all they want is to get back to their books. If that happens, I smile and head back to my own book.

So, here's a cute story. This past week I was at cub camp with my six-year-old. Cub camp is designed for little guys and they actually stay in a cabin and do all the 'camp' things, but Moms get to be in a nearby cabin just in case something happens. I had a blast. My job was to be there 'just in case,' but to know I was to be hands-off.

I spent most of my time reading (Totally cool because I was in the middle of nowhere amidst tall trees and a lake and great weather). One day I actually drove into town. I shopped and then decided to treat myself to lunch. I don't mind eating alone IF I HAVE A BOOK. , I didn't have one. No way could I sit in a restaurant all alone without a book.

I happened to be in a clothing store and mentioned my dilemma to the owner. She immediately lent me her book. We, you guessed it, promptly dished about our favorites, our not so favorites, and what we were going to read next.

I took her book to a restaurant, made it to page 40 (and that author now has a sale in her future because I'll buy the book) and then returned her book.

What a cool way to make a friend.

I took her business card (If you're ever in Prescott, AZ, be sure to go to Just Beadtween Us) and as thanks come this August, I'll be mailing her a copy of my next book.

A bull-riding injury has sent Joel McCreedy crashing—literally—into his tiny Iowa hometown. But the last thing the prodigal son wants is to stay. On top of a bruised head and ego, he has relationships to mend and a reputation to clear. And then there’s lovely Beth Armstrong, his nephews’ teacher, who’s willing to give them all lessons in family and forgiveness. But Joel isn’t the dutiful “family first” man Beth deserves. Or is he? Suddenly, instead of wrangling bulls he’s helping with homework. And instead of craving his next win, he’s determined to be Beth’s once-in-a-lifetime love.

Just think. If everyone was a bookworm, the whole world would be friends.

The Innocent Witness

Terri Reed here. I'm so excited because the author copies of my July release arrived. The art department did a fabulous job with the cover. A friend told me that Romantic Times Magazine gave it a good review. I haven't seen the review yet but its always nice to know the book is being well received. For this book I've decided to do something I haven't done before--a blog tour. From July 5 through the 18th, I'll be blogging on various blogs promoting the book. I've very excited to try this and to reach more readers.

Several of the Love Inspired Authors are also doing something we've never done before--making Little Inspy Trading Cards.

If you happen to be at the RWA Literacy Signing in New York City, you can collect cards from various Love Inspired Authors. We even have a prize for the one who collects the most. How fun is that!

Here's a sample of what the back of my card looks like.

Little Inspy Trading Card

~Protection Specialists~

Antony Carlucci Ex-Secret Service Agent turned bodyguard

Assignment: Bring in suspected murderess Vivian Leigh Grant

and her autistic son before the real killer does away with The Innocent Witness

Book two in the series:

The Secret Heiress

~Protection Specialists~ 1/2012

www.loveinspiredauthors.com

terrireed@sterling.net

A Graduating Mom

Hello all! Dana Corbit here. I thought you might like to congratulate me because I graduated over the weekend. Well, it was our daughter, our firstborn, who actually donned the cap and gown and walked during the ceremony, but as her mom, I can tell you I graduated, too. She marched out as a high school graduate, and I emerged, a little worse and more tear-stained for the wear, as the mother of a high school graduate. A parent of an adult.

I know this is supposed to be a proud moment, one of those points where parents can look on with pride in realizing that the children they led through riding toys and two wheelers is ready to pull out of the driveway, equipped with all of the roadmaps and owner's manuals they've provided them. But I have to admit that in my gut, all I felt was this overwhelming need to cling. I wanted to pull her tight and tell her stories the way I did when she was that toddler, always wise beyond her years. I wanted to beg for more time to get to know her though I once thought I knew her better than anyone. She turned that tassle, and I knew in my heart our lives would never be the same. I hear that it gets easier with each child, but I know myself and am fully prepared to have two more little heartbreaks when her sisters make that march to their futures.

Okay, I admit it. Letting go is going to be so much harder than I thought, and I always thought it would be a killer. Parenting has been one of the most exciting, most exhausting, most rewarding and most frustrating things I've ever done. I thank God for the opportunity and the responsibility He gave us in entrusting us with these three little girls.

In most life moments I like to find appropriate Bible quotes to express the sentiment, but in my maudlin state today, I feel like quoting the great Dr. Seuss from "Oh the Places You'll Go!" "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. ...You are the guy (or gal) who'll decide where to go." Whether I'm ready to let go or not, I pray her journey will be a great one, and I'm sure God has great plans for the graduate's mom as well.

Writing Christian Fiction

Hi, Renee Ryan here. Even though I consider myself a conservative evangelical Christian, I sold my first manuscript to the secular market. At the time, I didn’t see a contradiction in my faith versus my career. I was proud of the fact that I was following Jesus’ command to “go out and make disciples of all nations.”

That first sale brought lots of validation. All my hard work had finally paid off. I’d arrived. I was doing something important. I was God’s vessel. I was woefully misleading myself.

Within months of that first book hitting the shelves I was released by my publisher. Enter a very long, very frustrating dry spell. For months I rationalized why I couldn’t make another book sale. It was everyone else’s fault, of course. Westerns were dead, the market was shrinking and, my favorite reason, the editors didn’t like people with the first name Renee.

Long story short, the pursuit of publishing my second novel became my obsession, maybe even my idol. Something had to change. So I started working on my relationship with the Lord, something I had let lag to a dangerous level of indifference. I began studying the Word on a deeper level and turning to God for answers, rather than myself.

It was around this same time that I decided, hey, if I was going to collect rejections I might as well swing for the fences and stop playing it safe. The resulting book was my first attempt at writing Inspirational romance. By the time I wrote “the end” I’d found my home. Writing isn’t any easier, but knowing that I’m the quill and the Lord is the Great Author brings unspeakable joy (and peace).

So what’s the point in all this? Simple. Swing for the fences in everything you do, never play it safe and always put the Lord first. The rest will work itself out in time.

More Memories—by Leann Harris

I loved Janet’s blog on Memorial Day. I was going to blog on a different topic, but her thoughts sent me in a different direction. My last book and the book out next April are about Iraq veterans and the scars they bring back when they come home. Their experiences are unique and they are in an elite group of men and women who were in war. They share a bond than those of us who haven’t served cannot share. But our love and support can be there.

This last summer, my husband and I went to Hawaii. We stayed with my daughter’s in-laws. They took us to Punch Bowl, where many veterans are buried from WWII to today. It is a humbling place. I could only stand there and give thanks for all the men and women who served this country. And the young people who gave their lives. You are remembered.

Weather

Merrillee here, who is enjoying some very nice weather--perfect for going to the beach near my home. I feel fortunate that the weather has been so wonderful for the folks who were here for this past holiday weekend. Although sunny skies and rainless days are great for beaching going, golfing and tennis, it also means a greater chance of fire. Fires are burning in several places along I-95 in Florida. We need rain very badly.



Other people in the US are getting too much rain and are dealing with horrendous floods, and others are dealing with tornadoes.





Everyone talks about the weather even though we can do very little about it. An important weather event starts today--the beginning of hurricane season for those of us who live in the coastal areas of the United States. Every year it is a guessing game as to what the hurricane season will bring. We get our hurricane readiness supplies and hope for the best. Several years ago we purchased hurricane shutters for our house. Thankfully, we haven't had to use them. If a hurricane is expected to make landfall where we live, we will be required to evacuate. That means we will have to take our most important possessions with us and leave our home behind and pray that it will still be there when we come back.

In several of my books, my characters have had to deal with problematic weather. In FOUR LITTLE BLESSINGS, my hero and heroine have to evacuate because of a hurricane. In MOMMY'S HOMETOWN HERO, the farm where my hero lives is hit by a tornado. In HOMETOWN PROMISE, the hero and heroine have to dig out after a blizzard, and in my upcoming January 2012 book, MONTANA MATCH, my characters also have to deal with a blizzard.

What kind of weather affects the area where you live? Have you ever had to deal with a weather related disaster? If so, please tell us about it.

Paying tribute to our veterans

Janet Tronstad here and I am honored to be able to post on Memorial Day. I'm going to make it a day for us to give tributes to those we know and love who fought in wars to serve our country. I'll start with my own tribute -- to my father. He's 85 tears old now, but when he was 18 he signed up to go to Europe and fight in World War II. When I was growing up, I don't remember him ever talking about the war. But as he's gotten older, the memories are with him and he will talk about flashes of what happened.

How one day, in the battle of Mentz in France, he has his troop were walking/marching by a wine shop. Windows were blown out of all the shops and the town was deserted as fighting had been going on for days. But there was one undamaged bottle of wine standing in the now windowless display. He remembers marveling that none of his fellow soldiers reached over and took the bottle. Later that night, he recalls the fighting and in the morning discovering that the German soldiers they had killed were little older than 12 or 13. It was close to the end of the war and the Germans had lowered the age of soldiers (and, as I mentioned, my father was only 18 himself).

Another recollection was the feeling of clean sheets in the field hospital where he'd been sent after being wounded. They made him feel like he was in heaven. And, he'd recall the terror and horrible pain of being hit by a round of machine gun fire in his elbow and foot. A soldier close to him had been hit and, when falling, his weapon had continued firing and hit my father. As painful as it was though it saved my fathers life as his fellow soldiers were almost all killed in a big battle the day after he was sent to the hospital.

I'm glad we have a day to remember the stories and graves of soldiers. If you'd care to share a tribute to someone, please post here. Or share a few words of thanks if you'd like for the sacrifice our soldiers made. I particularly look at the World War II vets like my father and wonder what the world would have been like without them.

Organization: Gotta Love It.

Kim Watters here. After almost 19 years in the same house, I finally made the decision to move. Not an easy feat, but a necessary one. The house just wasn’t working out for our needs anymore. Do you have any idea how much stuff one can accumulate over that time period? Throw in a couple of kids and you’re looking at a mountain of stuff and a garage barely big enough to contain box after box of belongings I couldn’t part with; like the first had print my oldest child made in art when he was three, or my second child’s snippet of hair from her first haircut at a year old. And what do I do with all the old paperwork, royalty statements, contracts and such? Or the old costume jewelry I inherited from my grandmother? And-gasp-my book collection?

So many belongings, so little time to sort, and box, and label for storage. Because if I’m ever to find anything before I have a chance to unpack once I move into our newer, bigger home, I have to know where it is. You never know when you’ll have to glance through an old contract, or need to find a certain research book. I’ll be able to find it at moment’s notice and save time if I’m organized, right?

So how can you incorporate organizational skills into writing? Easily. Keep detailed spreadsheets for each manuscript. I do one for each character complete with a photograph of what they look like. One is for the all the character names, no matter how brief they appear, and how they relate to our main characters. I also keep track of local businesses and who owns them as they appear in the story and I keep a time line and an outline for each chapter along with page numbers and chapter lengths.

My newest release, Home Sweet Home, deals with renovating an old Victorian house, so I kept a chart on each room in the house and the progress of the renovations as they occurred. So each time I needed to refer back to something, it was easier to page through spreadsheets than the actual manuscript. I also created an ancestry line for my heroine to keep track of marriage, birth and death dates, which coincided with the building of the original house.

Since time is a premium for me, having everything I needed at my fingertips made me more productive with the minutes I had to write. I work full-time, have two elementary school kids and managed to write Home Sweet Home in under three months. Call me anal, but it works for me. It might just work for you, too.

Strong Women

My newest Love Inspired Suspense called Protecting Her Own is the second in Guardians, Inc. series. I have gotten a lot of mail from readers who are enjoying the series which portrays strong women in situations where they are the protector. But each one has her problems, too. Cara can't forgive her father for trying to control her life and yet so much of her life she spent trying to prove herself to him. It takes her coming home to take care of him after he had a stroke to discover some truths that she had been fighting for years. As she tries to keep him alive, their relationship changes.

Cara is a strong woman. She can protect herself in many dangerous situations, but when it comes to the matters of the heart she flounders. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. That is what is interesting when I develop a character for a story--trying to show both of those sides to a character.

It is also interesting when you take a good hard look at yourself. One of my weaknesses is my learning disability. I didn't start talking about that to others until I was much older. I spent my earlier years trying to hide it from others. When I started teaching high school students with learning disabilities, I wouldn't let them get away with giving up. I told them about my struggles to learn to read in elementary school. I didn't give up and did go on to college to become a teacher (even earned my masters). The road isn't easy but it is possible for them if they have the determination. I also knew personally things they could do to compensate for their weak area. I have to every day, even now.

So when you look at a person you think is strong, remember that person has weaknesses like everyone else. We are all humans with strengths and weaknesses. It is what we do with them that makes a person thinks someone is strong or weak.

Giving Kindle Books

Camy here, admitting I am woefully behind the times.

Yes, it’s true. I did NOT know that you can now give Kindle ebooks to people!

All you need to do is enter their email address. The person you’re giving the Kindle ebook to doesn’t even have to own a Kindle! They can receive the book and read it on their computer or iPad. However, they can’t read it on any other ereader device like the Nook or Sony.

(Barnes and Noble, you are failing me. When can I give Nook ebooks to people????)

My first Love Inspired Suspense, Deadly Intent, has been out of print—or rather, off the shelves. The ebook version is still available, but I don’t have any more print copies to give away.

But now I can give away ebook copies!!! Yay!!!!

So on my Street Team Book List, I have now added Deadly Intent, Kindle version, so that anyone who wants one can pick that book. I can just get their email address and give my wonderful Street Team member a copy of Deadly Intent via email!

I know lots of you prefer print books, but I have to admit that reading a book on a Nook or Kindle is pretty much the same thing. I still get lost in the book and don’t notice the carrots burning. Also, you can shove an ereader into a plastic ziplok bag and take it into the tub with you for a bubble bath. :)

And yes, I have accidentally dropped a book I was reading into the tub. It was a horrible experience that will scar me for life because I tend to be really careful with my books. I don’t like to crease them if I can help it.

I will read used books and library books, but I don’t really like it that much. I prefer new books. And Nookbooks and Kindle books never have a funny smell from the pages (like cigarettes or wet dog or body odor or mold) nor do they have dog-eared pages or nasty unidentifiable stains on the covers that feel unpleasant as I hold the book.

Yes, I am a freak. But especially stains and smells from a used book will drive me NUTS. I can’t even enjoy the book. I think that is why I’ve been so gung-ho on the entire ebook thing. Ereaders are as clean as you keep them, and books never have smells or stains.

Okay, I went off target, sorry. Anyway, I am SO thrilled to be able to give the Kindle version of Deadly Intent! Naomi is one of my favorite characters. Although I think her sister Monica (whose book is coming out in Spring 2012, Stalker in the Shadows) might be a close second.

So, weigh in! Do you mind used books? Would you rather receive a Kindle book or a used print book?

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is her humorous contemporary romance Sushi series and her romantic suspense, Formula for Danger. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders dogs, knitting and spinning wool, running, Asiana, and other frivolous things. Sign up for her quarterly newsletter for giveaways!

Click here to find out how you can join Camy's Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

Leigh Bale Reflects on Kids & Blessings

I had a different blog all prepared for posting today, but then got a call from my son last night and had to change it. He’s a U.S. Marine and called to tell us he was just promoted to sergeant. Believe me, I am one proud mama.

In reflecting back on my son’s life, I realize he was born a Marine. His favorite hymn has always been Onward Christian Soldiers. He’s a wonderful husband and father. I’m so grateful I get to be his mom.

Most of you already know my daughter is getting married next month. I can hardly believe I get to witness that day. When she was just seven years old, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She is now less than 1% survivorship in the WORLD for her type of brain tumor. Truly the Lord has been good to us.


AND…I have a new book out this month titled The Forest Ranger’s Promise. You can also look for my next book titled The Forest Ranger’s Husband to be released November 2011.

Talk about blessings from Heaven. My heart is very full right now. There is a hymn titled Count Your Blessings, written in the 1800’s. The lyrics begin: “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed. When you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

Do you ever get discouraged and count your blessings to remind you how good the Lord is to you? What blessings are you grateful for this month? I wish each of you all the happiness this world can offer and hope you have too many blessings for you to count. :)

The Things we Do for Love (or grandchildren)

Carolyne Aarsen

Ever since my children were little I wanted a play center for them. Something they could climb up and slide down and in general be busy enough with to let me get a few things done. But finances and time conspired against us and them and they had to content themselves with a large metal swing set my husband made out of leftover pipe stem. It worked and was used endlessly. That and the tractor tire sandbox. Then for awhile, the swings lay still until the grandchildren came. They love the swing set and can spend hours being pushed back and forth. But now we have a bit more money and a bit more time and, well, it's grandchildren, right? So off I go to our local Ag Center in the hamlet and order a play center. Then my husband and I spent an entire day putting it together. It got finished tonight after the grandchildren were in bed and tomorrow they can climb and slide and swing and play. And maybe I can get a few things done, though I doubt I will try. It's too much fun watching the grandchildren playing. Something else I didn't always have a lot of time to do when my children were little.

I have a confession

I have a confession. Barbara Phinney here. I have written a few fantasies. Okay, allow me to reword that.
What I mean by fantasies are stories set on distant worlds. Stories of love and betrayal, danger and desperation.
Oh, they're clean, yes. I'm not writing that kind of fantasy! All of them together are like a big novel, but they're separate stories. I wrote most of them years ago, and had considered them lost when my computer died years ago. Then, searching through an old file box, I found badly mangled and edited with red pen copies of some of them. I was stunned, and a bit excited.
They were total world building. One editor criticized them once saying that in terms of astrophysics, they couldn't exist. And being intimidated, I chose to tuck them away and think they were total losses.
I've dug them out and I still love them. Distant worlds where races struggle, sometimes to get along, sometimes to survive, races with unique abilities and beliefs, living on lush distant planets, they were so much fun to write.

Sometimes we need to write that crazy story, that silly song, that foolish poem.
Will they get read? Will they ever get bought? Who knows? But to delve into a world where planets eclipse each other and races must set aside differences in order to survive, I do realize one thing. They're really about people, looking for love, and acceptance.
I don't believe in aliens. But I do believe in the power of love.

The Outer Banks Series

Hi, from Sandra Robbins. The last time I blogged I told you about my trip two years ago to Ocracoke Island that resulted in my writing a book set on the island. This small piece of land, twenty-five miles off the coast of North Carolina, seemed the perfect place to set a book. I was thrilled when it was contracted by Love Inspired Suspense.

Dangerous Reunion is set to release in July, and I’m already getting excited. The book tells the story of Kate Michaels, a deputy sheriff on the small island. Kate is happy with her job and taking care of her two sisters until Brock Gentry, the man who broke their engagement six years before, shows up on the island. Brock, a police detective in Nashville, has sought sanctuary on Ocracoke after being torn apart by a case. But there is a killer on the island, and he has targeted Kate. When she turns to Brock for help, they discover their reunion is more dangerous than either could have ever believed.

After writing Kate and Brock’s story, I knew there were other stories from Ocracoke to be told. It wasn’t long before I was busy creating the story of Kate’s long-lost brother Scott who joins his sisters on Ocracoke. Shattered Identity releases in February, 2012, and tells the story of Scott and Lisa Wade as they try to unravel a mystery that has been buried on the island for twenty-five years.

The third book in the series, Fatal Disclosure, will follow later in 2012. Betsy Michaels, Kate and Scott’s younger sister, is the heroine who can’t believe her life is in danger from smugglers on the island. The handsome undercover DEA agent Mark Webber is determined no harm will come to Betsy as he brings down a drug ring responsible for his partner’s death.

The characters and their stories have become so real to me as I’ve written these books. As I write about the island lighthouse or recall the stories told about Blackbeard the Pirate’s death just off shore, I find myself reliving the time I spent there. Thoughts of the gnarled oaks and the quiet streets of the village make me wish I could return for another visit. I just might do that.

Spring Inspiration from Gail Gaymer Martin

Welcome to my world.  Being from Michigan, I find weather an adventure, and when I'm trying to work on a novel--especially one set in the spring of the year--the inspiration is appreciated. We've looked too long at snow, cold temperatures, and rain. But the Lord smiled down on us, and spring arrived just in time to inspire me for a new novel proposal set in Holland, Michigan around the time of their renown Tulip Festival.

One thing that inspires me is the magnolia tree outside my office window. The large pink and white blooms take my breath away and I enjoy seeing the many birds who perch on the branches -- cardinals, robins, sparrows, and others -- and listneing to them sing and even tap on my window sill.

I realized the other day that I often set novel openings during the spring. I suppose it's because spring inspires a blossoming romance.

My November release will be different, however, opening in autumn close to Christmas since this will be a Christmas 2-in-1 with Brenda Minton. My short novel, Small Town Christmas will be in the duet book, Christmas Gifts.  I hope you enjoy the autumn/winter setting.

But before the November release, I hope you look for the second book in the Dreams Come True series, A Family of Their Own released in September. This book will be Kelsey's story followed next spring by Ava's story. This will be the third and final book in the series which I've called A Dream Of His Own. (That title could change.)

As I said, welcome to my world and my spring garden. I've been busy planting flowers while trying to write, but it's spring and I'm inspired.  And note I have a great bargain at my house.  Read the little sign in the photo. :  )

THE OFFICER'S SECRET

By Debby Giusti


With the release of THE OFFICER’S SECRET, the first book in my Military Investigations Series, my mind has been on my Army roots and Fort Knox, Kentucky, where I met and married my hubby.


Tomorrow I’ll be on eHarlequin.com with a blog on The Story Behind the Story, and as I was researching some military facts, I stumbled upon the history of Fort Knox. The Army post was established in April, 1916, in anticipation of our country’s entry into World War I. The first soldiers were housed in a tent city in West Point, Kentucky, while construction began nearby in the small town of Stithton.


The history, found on the Fort Knox web site at http://www.knox.army.mil/history.asp, mentions the following account:  “The land at Stithton was soon acquisitioned by the Army and more land was acquired from Bullitt and Meade Counties. Many of the houses in the town of Stithton were used for the Army’s purposes. Modest Victorian architecture once occupied by Stithton residents became homes used by Army officers and their families.”


One of the homes I lived in on post had been built later in the 1930s when Fort Knox was being expanded and looks somewhat like the brick quarters featured on my cover. Because the home was old, I often thought about the many families that had lived there over the years.


“If only the walls could talk,” I often mused. “What secrets would they reveal?” That question plays into my story and the quarters do, as well.


The Fort Knox web site explains that St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Stithton, became the Main Post Chapel and is the oldest building on post. Hubby and I were married in the Post Chapel, which brought back memories of our wedding and starting our new life together.


In THE OFFICER’S SECRET, Special Agent Nate Patterson, US Army Criminal Investigation Division, investigates the death of Maggie Bennett’s army officer sister and ends up in love with the family counselor from Alabama. But before the investigation can be put to rest and Maggie and Nate can find their happily ever after, the past must be revealed and healed.


Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…
A writer uses anything and everything to build a story.

What memories from the past play an important role in the way you live your life today?


Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

My wonderful local bookseller hosts a delightful signing with the release of each of my books.  I like to give something back to my community, and for THE OFFICER'S SECRET, I’m donating the proceeds of my May 19 book signing to Bridget O’Connell, a little girl in my area who needs a kidney transplant. 

Contact Omega Book Center, at 770-487-3977, to order a copy of my book to help Bridget.

In case you missed this Collection of Mother's Day Smiles

Here are a list of links to take you to fun family memories, shared this week by Love Inspired Authors, Leann Harris, Lenora Worth, Missy Tippens, Janet Tronstad, Jillian Hart, readers and I posted them all in honor of our mothers and for Mother's Day.

First off on the Craftie Ladies of Romance blog, Leann Harris recalls some mom bad hair day memories


Then on the Craftie Ladies of Suspense blog, Lenora Worth ponders "Does Motherhood Lead to Danger and Suspense?"

http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/2011/05/does-motherhood-lead-to-danger-and.html

Over at www.eharlequin.com, Missy Tippens, Jillian Hart and Janet Tronstad share humorous family stories also with my Grandma Fastbinder’s Naughty Love Affair with Limburger Cheese.

http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/love-inspired/humorous-family-stories-lyn-cote

And finally on my own blog, I relate a story on my son, titled "Death by Painting."

http://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/family-stories/death-by-painting-a-humorous-family-story-to-celebrate-mothers-day

If you missed these and need a smile, click and read. You'll be glad you did!

BTW, I'm hosting my third annual MEGA MAY on my blog all month. At the end of the month anyone leaving a comment will be entered into a drawing for a HUGE gift basket of books. So drop by "Strong Women, Brave Stories" and leave a comment. You might win!

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Belated Easter Greetings

Hi, all! Charlotte Carter here. Yes, I know Easter has passed and we’re working up to Memorial Day. Even so, I wanted to share a special Easter tradition with you.

My daughter and her family are active members of Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills, CA. This church produces an incredible Easter program each year — Pageant of Our Lord. (It’s much like Pageant of the Masters produced in Laguna Beach but with a Biblical message.)

Accompanied by a talented orchestra and superb choir, life-size master paintings and sculptures are revealed on the stage. The catch is that the characters in the painting or sculpture are REAL people. With special lighting and appropriate body makeup, it’s impossible to tell which part of a painting is a ‘real’ person and which is not. The characters are so still, they don’t even breathe.

This year my daughter directed portions of the show and her husband and oldest son were characters on stage for an incredible SEVENTEEN performances over the course of three weeks.

The church doesn’t allow photography of the show, but there is a video of the 2010 performance I think you will enjoy:

http://www.rollinghillscovenant.com/pageant-of-our-lord

The depiction of the Lord’s Supper is the highlight of the program.

What special Easter activity do you enjoy at your church?

Books that leave you smiling from Love Inspired:

Big Sky Reunion, available now

Big Sky Family, 11/2011

www.CharlotteCarter.com

A Reward for Amazing Love Inspired Readers

Susan Sleeman here. Behind the Badge, my second romantic suspense book for Love Inspired Suspense will release on June 6th and in honor of all of you, the readers, I am hosting a special contest on my website for the month of June.

Let’s face it. Without you, the wonderful readers, books would not exist and I wouldn’t be able to wake up each day looking forward to a job that is fresh and exciting each and every day. Praise God for this incredible opportunity!

Now back to the contest. Since I won’t be blogging here again until July, I want to tell you, our faithful Love Inspired readers about the contest now so you don’t miss the chance to enter. In addition to giving away signed copies of Behind the Badge, I am also giving away a $50 Amazon gift card.

That’s right. $50 for you to purchase all of those books you have been longing to read but have been unable to afford. So hop on over to my website at this link, answer the easy question from my bio below and you will be entered for your chance to win the gift card and my latest book.

QUESTION: What book review website does Susan host?

Here’s a little bit about Behind the Badge.

"YOUR SISTER IS NEXT!"

A killer is threatening the life of rookie cop Sydney Tucker’s sister-unless Sydney turns over evidence from a drug bust. But she doesn’t have the evidence. Not that the thug believes her. Now she and the sibling in her care are under the watchful eye of Logan Lake police chief Russ Morgan…but will his protection be enough?

The killer is closing in, picking off the people and places that mean the most to Sydney. A list that now includes Russ. To protect her loved ones, will she pay the ultimate price-her life?

SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of romantic suspense and mystery novels. She grew up in a small Wisconsin town where she spent her summers reading Nancy Drew and developing a love of mystery and suspense books. Today, she channels this enthusiasm into writing romantic suspense and mystery novels and hosting the popular internet website TheSuspenseZone.com. Susan currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Sign up for her newsletter for learn about her latest releases and monthly contests. And if you’re on Facebook be sure to stop by Susan Sleeman Books, and follow Susan on Twitter.

The Power of Words

Pamela Tracy here. Lately I've been thinking about the power of words. It started with a video I watched at work.

YouTube - The Power of Words

It seems so simple, yet no other passerby thought of it.

Words are my world. I write in the morning, I teach English by day, and if I get a little extra time at night, like steel to a magnet, I'm wanting a book to read.

We authors deal with really only five plots.

Man vrs Man

Man vrs Self

Man vrs Nature

Man vrs Society

Man Vrs Machine

We take what's already been done and try to do it better? differently? No, we do it in our own unique way. That, my friend, is called voice.