Christine L. Henderson's Blog

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book?
Every year, I write a book for the Christmas Lights Collection, so I have quite a few Christmas books. For the past three years, I have written books set in Golden Valley, Montana: Hashtag Hitched at Christmas, A Gold-Fashioned Christmas, and A Christmas Glow-Up. This year’s collection, Lovelight Gleams, is our 10th annual collection!

Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
When social media influencer Lindy Sutton loses her job in Seattle, the last place she expects to land is Golden Valley, Montana—population 500 and shrinking fast. Her great-aunt Clara has recruited her to promote a brand-new conference center as the ultimate destination wedding venue, complete with ghost town backdrops and Rocky Mountain sunsets. It's a quirky gig with a tight deadline: document a New Year's Eve wedding that will save a dying town. But between the bride's questionable choice in grooms, a banana-yellow rental car that won't go uphill, and a frustratingly handsome sheriff who keeps pulling her over, Lindy's Montana adventure is nothing like her carefully curated Instagram feed.

Sheriff Wyatt West has his hands full keeping the peace in Gold River County, especially with his father waging a one-man war against the very conference center that represents the town's last hope for survival. The last thing Wyatt needs is a glamorous city girl with a ring light and a sports car disrupting his orderly world. Yet somehow Lindy's enthusiasm is contagious, her laughter is irresistible, and those sunset-amber eyes make him forget every reason he should keep his distance. When vandalism threatens the town's dreams and family secrets come to light, Wyatt must choose between loyalty to his father and his growing feelings for a woman who might not stay past New Year's.

As Christmas approaches and wedding plans unravel, Lindy discovers that Golden Valley isn't just a backdrop for her videos—it's becoming home. But can a small-town sheriff and a big-city influencer find common ground when their worlds are hashtag-incompatible? In a season of hope and second chances, two hearts will learn that the best gifts can't be wrapped, the truest love stories aren't scripted, and sometimes God's greatest blessings come in the most unexpected packages.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I love to decorate my home for Christmas with things that are special to me -- family heirloom decorations and many that are handmade by me or friends and family. I have a lot of framed photos from family Christmas celebrations over the past fifty or sixty years, and I hang them up only at Christmastime, covering most of one wall. They get packed away after the holiday, so it’s fun to see them “fresh” each Christmas. The grandchildren enjoy seeing the pictures of their parents and grandparents celebrating Christmas as children.

What’s next in writing for you?
I’m currently working on a series set in the late 1960s to early 1970s. My generation experienced dramatic political, cultural, economic, and spiritual changes in our lifetime! These books will have some romance, but they are primarily mystery/suspense. And Jesus People!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Maintain a “series bible” with all the details for each book, to stay consistent. Otherwise, I forget things from one book to the next. I recently had a man inherit property from an aunt he’d never met, because he was her only living relative. But I had initially introduced him as having parents and siblings! (Younger authors might not have this problem.😉)

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Prepare to treat it like a business from the start, with separate bank and Amazon accounts. Track expenses and income closely and learn to read the data, making practical decisions based on accurate information. And keep up to date on it all year, to make tax returns less stressful.

Any last words or tips?
Write at your own “spiritual comfort level” for each story. Don’t downplay the Christianity because you’re afraid you might turn people off, and don’t try to shoehorn religion into a story just because you want to write Christian fiction. Keep it natural. My books tend to be heavy in Christian content because they are usually set in Christian ministries and communities. Scripture is quoted. Sermons are discussed. Prayer is offered aloud. The books that are set in more secular environments still have Christian characters, and they behave like Christians (you know… sinners saved by grace!), but the stories are less “saturated” in daily Christian life.

What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Don’t miss this year’s Christmas Lights Collection: Lovelight Gleams

It includes contemporary Christian romance novels from Chautona Havig, Jaycee Weaver, Laina Turner, and me, Cathe Swanson!

That's all for today's interview. I love the plot for Cathe's latest Christmas book. It's a fresh and creative idea. Hope you like it, too. Here are some links to find out about this books and all the others Cathe has written.  https://catheswanson.com/books/
https://www.facebook.com/CatheSwanson/
And here's a bonus for my readers... Get a free eBook copy of Potato Flake Christmas by signing up for her newsletter. Just click on the link below. I did it and I'm looking forward to reading this story! https://catheswanson.com/newsletter/

What made you decide to write a Christmas-themed book?
That’s such a fun question. Everyone loves Christmas, don’t they? There’s justsomething about the season that makes everything feel a little more urgent. Emotionsdeepen, miracles seem closer, and stories move faster. For me, Christmas is theperfect setting for redemption and second chances, which are at the heart ofevery book I write. I love exploring how God meets us in our most ordinarymoments… even when those moments are wrapped in tinsel and snow.
Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
Of course! A Place to Belong follows Josephine Blake, a woman carryingmore baggage than a Christmas sleigh. She’s alone, pregnant, and desperate fora fresh start when she arrives in Shumard Oak Bend. There she meets JeremiahRemington, a war veteran missing an arm and carrying emotional scars of hisown. What I love most about their story is that it’s not about perfection; it’sabout grace. Josephine and Jeremiah both learn that belonging isn’t somethingyou earn; it’s something God freely gives.
If that sounds like the kind of story that warms yourheart, now’s the perfect time to purchase A Place to Belong. During themonth of November, the eBook is just $0.99 — a little early Christmas gift fromme to you. I hope readers will not only enjoy the story but also be remindedthat no one is beyond God’s grace and that we all have a place in His plan.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Confession time: I do not enjoy decorating. I know that’s strange, butall that extra “stuff” feels like clutter to me. Don’t get me wrong, I loveseeing other people’s beautiful displays and how much joy it brings them. Butfor me, the candlelight service on Christmas Eve is what fills my heart.There’s something sacred about singing those old hymns surrounded by yourchurch family. When the house lights go down and the sanctuary glows withcandles, I’m reminded that Jesus truly is the Light of the world.
What’s your next book project?I'm glad you asked! I have a special Christmas surprise coming soon,exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. There’s still time to join in thefun at heidigraymcgill.com/free_book.

I’m also hard at work on Book 6 in my Discerning God’sBest series, Keeper of My Heart. I’ve known Cecelia Shankel sinceshe was a little girl in Book 1, and now she’s all grown up and more than readyfor her own story. She’s strong-willed, capable, and just might meet her matchin Jimmy Reeves, a book-smart pharmacist who’s learning life lessons that can’tbe found in any textbook.
And if your readers are near the Carolinas, I’d love tomeet them in person! I’m coordinating the Carolinas Christian Book Event onApril 18 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. We’ll have special guests like MistyBeller, Amy Clipston, and Vincent Davis, plus a host of wonderful authors…including yours truly!
What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given?
This one’s easy: Know your why. Writing is not for the faint of heart.Reviews can make your day or ruin it. Publishing, traditional or indie, requirespatience, perseverance, and prayer. If you don’t know why you’re writing, it’seasy to get lost in the noise. My “why” has never been about numbers orrecognition; it’s about Jesus. I write so readers can see Him more clearly,feel His love more deeply, and maybe encounter Him in a way they never havebefore. That purpose steadies me when everything else feels uncertain.
What do you know now about writing and publishing that youwish you’d learned sooner?
Great question. I wish I’d known how much more there is to this than justwriting a good story. You can have the most beautiful book in the world, but ifyou don’t understand the business side (marketing, metadata, audience, andpresentation) it won’t reach the readers who need it most. Even if your heartviews writing as a ministry, your mind must treat it as a business. Learn fromothers, attend conferences, find a critique partner, read loads of craft books,and read widely in your genre. It’s the best education you’ll ever get.
Any last words or tips?
If God has called you, He will equip you. I didn’t start out as a writer. I wasthe founder and director of an English as a Second Language program. My degreewasn’t in English, and I barely scraped through college writing courses. Butwhen God planted the desire in my heart to share Jesus through story, I simplysaid yes. He supplied the rest. Your obedience is what He blesses.
What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell myreaders about?
Thank you for asking! Keeper of My Heart is coming soon, and it’s oneI’m especially excited about. It’s set in 1877 Missouri and follows CeceliaShankel, who’s been part of my series since childhood. She’s a fiery, capablefrontier woman—strong enough to break a horse and stubborn enough to think shedoesn’t need anyone’s help. Enter Jimmy Reeves, a thoughtful, slightly awkwardpharmacist learning herbal medicine on the frontier. Their worlds collide inunexpected ways, and together they’ll face both physical and spiritualchallenges that test their courage and faith.
I’m so grateful to you, Christine, for giving me the chanceto share about my stories and my heart for writing. It’s always a joy toconnect with readers who love faith-filled fiction as much as I do.
That's all for today's interview.  If you’d like to keep up with Heidi's latest books, devotionals, and behind-the-scenes fun, here's how you can connect with her.
https://heidigraymcgill.com/
https://Store.heidigraymcgill.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill
https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill
https://twitter.com/HeidiGrayMcGill
And here's a special bonus for my readers... Sign up for her newsletter which you'll find on the top left once you open https://heidigraymcgill.com/ I just did that and look forward to reading that story.

  

Audiobook fanscan enjoy her stories on all major retailers and subscription platforms, borrowthem through your local library, or listen free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?I usually write a Christmas book a year. Last year, I somehow ended up writing several! But is there ever a bad time for a story that fills you with hope and love and joy? I don't think so! I love all things Christmas, but especially how there seems to be so much more kindness in the world during that time. 
The holidays aren't easy for many people, and it always makes me glad to be able to do something for others, even if it's just checking on them or writing a story to make someone feel inspired to reach out to someone else. Christmas can really be the season of miracles if we open our eyes to them, and help make dreams come true for others.
The Christmas book I'm sharing is called Away in Deepwater. Samantha was living the perfect life, until she was betrayed by the man she thought was protecting her. Taking refuge in a tiny town, she plans to hide there, hoping to be left alone. However, she learns that Deepwater is filled with others who also arrived desperate to heal heartaches, and that the talents she's longing to hide might be just what they need.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Every year in November, I donate 25% of all of my book sales and KU page readers to "Toys for Tots." In addition, our family makes sure to seek out other ways to help in our community. We also own a huge pile of children's Christmas movies and books, and even though my babies are now 18 and 13, we still read them and watch them together. Except for the Grinch! My youngest is still terrified of him! My husband is in charge of the outdoor decorations, and we all work together on decorating the tree. This year, we have two new kittens, so I'm not sure how that's going to go...

What’s next in publication for you? 
2026 is going to be an exciting year! My first series, The Red Ridge Chronicles will be wrapping up. I've been overwhelmed by the number of readers who've enjoyed those books. I'm creating a series set in Deepwater in 2027, to join all of the standalones I've written, and I'm very excited about that. It's a town that's special to me, since we all need a safe place to go and heal from life's heartaches, and find hope.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Ah! I love this question! Do you know, I'm actually a book editor as well? And I was one long before I was an author! Something I wish I'd known when I first started was to surround yourself with those in the writing community who encourage and support you. There are far too many people willing to tear you down because of jealousy. There's room for all authors, and all books. The success of one doesn't mean failure for another. If you are an author yourself, find those who will cheer you on, while you cheer for them. It will make difficult days so much nicer!

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I felt fairly well prepared in most areas when I started writing. However, there is one thing that I think did come as a shock, and that's how absolutely hard it was to get to know others to cross promote. We authors aren't always outgoing. I'm certainly not! I've had to learn to be a bit more bold, and it's amazing the lovely authors who've taken time to answer my questions or let me get to know them. I appreciate each of them!

Any last words or tips?
Yes! For both readers and authors! If you are an author, the most important thing that you can do is to believe in yourself and keep going, even on the toughest of days. And if you are a reader, you reading our books and leaving reviews means far more than you know! It can be incredibly hard for someone without thousands of dollars to spend on advertising to be seen, and your rating stars are often what helps us to appear to other readers.

What’s your next release you’d like to tell my readers about?
My newest book is about to be book 4 in my Red Ridge Chronicles series, and it's titled, The Doctor. Dr. Aiden Rycroft is new to town and counting down his days to leave when a mysterious illness sweeps through. With no medicine and the sickness spreading, he has to form an uneasy truce with one of the local gunslingers, a man who has already warned him to stay away from his sister but realizes she might be the only one to help the doctor.

That's all for today's interview, but I've got a special bonus from Sarah...
I'd love to offer everyone a free book! I've several to choose from, and there's no email sign up required. Of course, if you'd like to get my twice a month newsletter, you'll be first to have a chance with a monthly giveaway, more free books, and .99 sales. You can find all those free books right here: https://sarahlambbooks.weebly.com/get-a-free-book.html

And, if you'd like to follow her on Facebook, she had both a page and a reader community.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084836772631
https://www.facebook.com/groups/267880235688121 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sarah-Lamb/author/B098H3SGLK

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
Christmas is my favorite holiday so I'm always thinking about how I can let my series' characters enjoy this special season. Here's the synopsis for my upcoming release, Christmas in Port Chance: With the holidays approaching, Sadie Wendell fights the melancholy of experiencing another Christmas alone. She loves caring for injured animals at her wildlife rehab center, but it doesn’t fill the void she still feels years after a bitter divorce. Even taking on a new business partner to stave off money troubles isn’t the distraction she needs. Then her partner’s brother walks into the rescue in the midst of a squirrel catastrophe, turning Sadie’s dismal holiday season upside down.

Hayes Kelley vows to make the best of being laid off from his job, and working alongside Sadie at Furever Friends Rescue while helping his sister recuperate might be an unexpected gift this holiday season. Trouble is, he’s convinced Sadie feels his presence around the property is like finding coal in her stocking.

Hayes Kelley vows to make the best of being laid off from his job, and working alongside Sadie at Furever Friends Rescue while helping his sister recuperate might be an unexpected gift this holiday season. Trouble is, he’s convinced Sadie feels his presence around the property is like finding coal in her stocking.

When a patron proposes a fundraiser for the rehab center, Sadie reluctantly accepts Hayes’ help. Can he convince her that their temporary partnership might be a second chance at love to heal her heartbreak before his time runs out in Port Chance?

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We've had ornament-making parties in years past, which I love, but sometimes our schedules don't sync so we don't do it every year. We love to attend Christmas Eve service then come back to our house for a potluck and gift exchange. We've also started taking short trips during the week after Christmas with our kids and grandkids to some place within a few hours' drive. It's a great way to unwind from the bustle of activities.

What’s next? 
I have one more book to write in the Port Chance series which will release sometime in the spring. Then I have two Christmas projects lined up for later in the year.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
That there's no such thing as writer's block. Maybe I'm stuck on a scene, but I can always skip to another part of the book to keep writing. I keep a loose outline within the manuscript so it's easy for me to jot down bits of dialogue or a setting description for a chapter farther along. It keeps the momentum going rather than sitting in front of my laptop struggling to make a scene work. When I do come back to the part where I stalled, I'm usually refreshed enough to pick up where I left off.
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I would have forged my own path sooner rather than pushing for the traditional publishing route. After ten years of indie publishing, I now know this was right one for me all along.
Any last words or tips?
Build your team of supportive and trusted people, and learn to accept constructive criticism about your writing.

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Dawn's books, check out these links.
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.E.- Malone/author/B07GL6437G
Facebook: I have ongoing giveaways in my readers group on Facebook to celebrate the upcoming book release here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dmbks
And here's a bonus tip for my readers... Sign up for her newsletter and you'll get a free novella to start the Port Chance series. https://BookHip.com/ZGJDSLH I signed up and am enjoying reading this couple's story!

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
I’ve always loved Christmas books, especially novellas. In fact, the first (and only historical) novella I wrote was a Christmas book. Gifts of the Season contains two novellas, Christmas then and now. "Circle of Blessings" is set in Dakota Territory in 1864 and tells the story of Stella Bradford’s unexpected romance with the English professor at her college. “Measured with Love” is a contemporary tale set in a Mississippi River town in Southeast Missouri (where I happen to live). Benji Gabriel believes the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—only a stepping stone to greater things. Her boss—and God—have other ideas.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
"Circle of Blessings” from Gifts of the Season is based on a family tradition from my own family. Each Christmas, we would take our kids out to eat with the intention of blessing our server with an extra generous tip. We would pray for the server ahead of time, and one of our rules was that we would leave the restaurant without waiting to see that person’s reaction…we simply trusted that God would use that gift to bless the server in ways we will surely never know this side of heaven.

Recently, I’ve loved what has become a tradition of setting up our Christmas tree on our screened porch, and leaving it up and decorating it for Valentine’s Day and again at Easter. It adds the twinkle of lights and pretty decorations throughout the long winter months and makes Christmas seem to last longer.

What’s coming up next?
I’m working on the third book in The God Who series, Who Names the Stars. The first book, Who Touches the Mountains, is a Christy Award finalist this year and I’m thrilled about that. I’m especially looking forward to teaching at the Seaside Scribes conference at Myrtle Beach in January, and at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference’s 50th anniversary in May. Teaching the craft of writing is one of my favorite parts of my writing career.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Even though this may not apply throughout a long career, it’s still good advice for beginning writers: Write what you know. Yes, if you write more than a few books, you’ll need to research new things and write about characters who are very different from you. But when you are starting out, I think you find your truest voice when you are writing about characters much like you and settings with which you are intimately familiar. Once you’ve mastered the craft of writing, then you can stretch yourself writing what you don’t know but are willing to learn.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
That the publishing world is ever-changing, ever-challenging, and sometimes brutal. I have had a wonderful career, written many books that I’m proud of and that readers loved, but at the same time, I’ve often been disappointed by rejections, poor sales, one-star reviews. It’s all part of the business of being a writer and I wouldn’t trade it for any other job I can think of (except being a stay-at-home mom, which, if you do that job well, you quickly put yourself out of a job.) The relationships I’ve formed with other writers, readers, and professionals from the publishing world are golden and have enriched my life so wonderfully. So hang in there. For every disappointment there is a success. For every challenge, there will be a triumph.

What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?
Who Stirs Up the Sea is the second novel in The God Who series from Raney Day Press. It has been one of the most fun-to-research books I’ve written, including a week-long research trip on beautiful Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and a DNA test my character takes, that I took too, for research’s sake. I think you’ll love the romance that grows between my Emma and Tadhg.

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about Deborah's books, start with these links.
Website: http://www.deborahraney.com
Facebook Readers Group: http://tinyurl.com/DRreadergroup
Instagram: http://instagram.com/deborahraney
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney/
X: https://twitter.com/authordebraney
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/DRGoodReads
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deborah-raney

And here's a bonus for my readers, leave a comment on this post and we'll pick one reader who'll receive a copy of Deborah's book, Gifts of the Season. So do that now. It can be as simple as I want to be in the giveaway. We'll chose a winner next Saturday!

It's that time of year again. Get ready for a joyful journey through the world of Christmas-themed books! Starting today through Christmas, my blog posts will be filled with chats from various authors, who will share their unique writing approach for holiday books. You’ll hear about heartwarming children's tales to cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, and nostalgic historical romances. 

In these posts, each author will share their favorite Christmas traditions, the inspiration behind their festive books, and valuable writing tips. Plus, you'll get an exclusive sneak peek into their upcoming projects. And since we’re celebrating the season of giving, there will be an assortment of giveaways sprinkled generously throughout the season!

To kick it off, I’m highlighting my own Christmas themed books. This is my favorite season of the year and I love writing stories set in this time frame. I've written two this year. The first book is The Innkeeper's Son: Witness to a Miracle! It's a fictionalized account of the birth of Christ as told by a young boy who was there. Here are the details... 

Marcus's play time with his toy soldiers is interrupted when his mother asks him to deliver blankets to a poor couple staying in a stable down the road. Frustrated, Marcus grumbles—"Nothing exciting ever happens in Bethlehem."

Or so he thinks.

What begins as a simple chore turns into an unforgettable night of excited shepherds, choirs of angels singing, and a very special birth. In the quiet of the stable, he meets a newborn baby—Jesus—and feels joy stirring in his heart. There’s something different about this child… something powerful and wonderful.

This book would pair well with one of my other books, The First Noel: Digging Deeper into Christ's Birth. This Advent devotional includes additional Biblical insights into that time period with links for more details.
When you buy this book, you will be supporting a prison ministry that gives hope to the incarcerated and guidance when they are released. All my royalties from this book are being donated to EE Prison Ministries. Learn more about what they do here: https://eeprisonministry.com/services....
The second book, Falling in Love Despite Christmas Miscalculations, is a sweet romance. Here are the details...
Natalie Baynton has finally landed her dream job at Rothwell’s, the glitzy fashion store in Aspen, Colorado. This coveted apprenticeship is her one shot at becoming the store’s major fashion buyer, and she’s determined to succeed. Nothing will get in Natalie’s way. Romance is the last thing on her mind—until she meets Alexander.

Alexander Davies-White, a brilliant numbers whiz from Britain, is on track to become Rothwell’s next CFO. His past romances have always been more about image calculations than chemistry, leaving him longing for something genuine. Arriving in Aspen two months early to observe the store staff incognito, he meets Natalie. Captivated by her charm and ambition, Alexander pretends to be a personal shopper to spend time with her.

As their connection deepens, Alexander's ruse grows increasingly difficult to maintain. Will a season of miracles bring them together? Or will Christmas miscalculations shatter their chance at love?

So, snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa or cider and join me in celebrating the magic of Christmas in the most delightful way—through the joy of reading from now till the end of December. I'll be setting up eBook giveaways throughout that time.
If you'd like to learn more about these books and others I've written, here's the link to my Amazon author page.  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-L.-Henderson/author/B09L2Y7XNP

You’ve now published multiple books in three different romance genres, but what inspired you to write that first one? How long did it take you to write your first book that was published?
I wrote my first story using my first grade spelling list. I continued to play around with short stories at various times throughout school, but it was my husband who inspired me to tackle my first novel. I’d tell him all these story ideas floating around in my head on long drives and one day he pulled over and bought me a notebook at a gas station. He said I really should start writing down those ideas. That notebook led to my first novel. It took about a year to write my first published book.How do you go about doing research for your books – whether they’re historical or time travel? 
Anytime I'm in a bookstore, I look for interesting local history books or commentaries on historical events. I'm especially interested in personal primary sources like letters people sent home and journal entries. Those really give a personal touch and help me get a feel for the sentiments of the era rather than just the cold facts. Many times, I'll discover an interesting story or obscure event that sparks an idea for something I can use in one of my novels. How do you choose a time period? 
Choosing a time period is partially why I love my time travel series so much. It gives me a fun way to jump around to all kinds of eras. Whichever one snags my attention next. There are so many interesting times and places!

What’s one of the most unique facts you’ve discovered in doing your research?One of the funnier things I discovered while researching for one of my time travel books (A Castle for Christmas) was that our swoon-worthy compliment of "my knight in shining armor" would have been an insult to a medieval knight. A knight who still had gleaming armor meant he hadn't engaged in battle and therefore was considered a coward. One of the grosser things I learned during research for another of my time travel stories (Her Place in Time) was how doctors used to think that puss meant a wound was healing. So, they would then take puss from one soldier's wound and put it in another man’s to "help" with his healing. Yikes.  

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Reader letters. Writing can be a very solitary job, and you never really know how a story will be received until it's already out there in the world. Getting notes from readers telling me how something in my story touched their lives, helped them somewhere in their faith, or kept them up all night laughing means the world to me. It encourages me to keep plucking random ideas from my brain and weaving them into fiction.Marketing is the biggest key to making sales. What is the best marketing source you've used that has produced more sales rather than just clicks?
Opening my own bookshop has been the biggest game changer for me. With my author's bookshop, I have complete control over when and how I do sales, the ability to have discounted unique book bundles, offer my readers signed paperbacks, and--most importantly for marketing--access to my readership. After I make an initial sale, I now have my reader's contact information. (When someone buys from Amazon, they are Amazon's customer, not mine. Amazon has their information and can send them emails about other products and other people's books. They aren't generally interested in offering my readers more of my books) 

When my readers are also my customers, I can offer them a chance to join my newsletter, tell them when I have another sale, or let them know a new book in a series they are reading is out. Advertising to places like Amazon or B&N might get a short term bump in sales, but when I send readers to my store instead I create a lasting connection with them. I can keep building that relationship and directly offer them new books as they come out and special bonus extras they wouldn't get otherwise. I can't do that when someone purchases my books from a third party retailer. 

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
It’s not as easy as it looks. People tell me all the time that they would be a writer if they just had time to sit at a computer that long. As though that’s all it takes. I once had that misconception too. But while chair time is obviously important, writing a novel is more than just putting words on the page. It didn’t take long into that first book to realize I needed to study the craft. Learn plot and structure and character development and emotional arcs. 22 published books later and I still study the art of writing. Yes, there’s that fun creation side, but writing is also work.What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
Better right than rushed. Take time to study the craft. There is so much temptation to jump right to publishing or take shortcuts. A good story is like a perfect cup of tea. It takes time to steep. There's all this pressure these days to put out more books faster. And some writers are in a place in their career where they can churn out quality content quickly. That's awesome. What I'm saying is that if that's not your pace, that's okay. Better to take longer and release story you love than to be in a hurry to publish something you don’t. Are there any other points about writing you would like to add?
Critique partners are the best. If you don’t have one, find one.What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
Book 7 in my Back Inn Time Series just released in September  with retailers and came out in August from my bookshop. (Another perk for my bookshop readers is early access.)

He never asked for a blind date—especially not one from 1864.

If Connor Payne had known his grandfather was up to a matchmaking scheme on their weekend trip to a quirky B&B, he would have stayed home on the farm. But it turns out his accommodations come not with a blind date, but a trip to 1864—with a war on the doorstep and no idea how to get home. Rescuing a stubborn beauty and her grandfather from the burning of Atlanta was not on his weekend agenda. Now getting her to safety might mean dragging her through time… and into a future neither of them understands.

Amanda Lashley never imagined the ticking clocks in her grandfather’s shop could signal the end of everything she’s ever known. But when two strangers arrive out of nowhere and insist they must leave immediately, she makes a choice that catapults her into a world of strange customs, dazzling inventions, and impossible surprises. Now stuck in a future she never asked for, Amanda must find her footing, her courage—and maybe even her heart.

That's all for today's newsletter. If you'd like to learn more about this author's books, here are some links to get you started.

Author's Bookshop: https://shop.stepheniamcgee.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephenia-H-McGee/author/B007P5NISY

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

Here's a special tip for my readers...If you sign up for her newsletter (I did), you'll get a short eBook called Mrs. Easley's Guide to Unexpected Time Travel and other Peculiar Predicaments. I've already started reading and enjoying it. Pick up a copy for yourself and you'll find a fun story to make you a smile and lift your spirit on a meltdown day.  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qpgj8tmeaz 

You have now published several books, but what inspiredyou to write that first book?
Great question. I considermy official debut into professional writing to be Mercy Will Follow Me,the first book of the Mercy series. However, I was writing for over a decadebefore that book baby saw the light of day. I wrote my first novel when I wasseventeen. I didn’t know it then, but I had so much to learn.

The three novels I wrotebefore Mercy were my hobby novels. I snatched pockets of time during mychildren’s naptimes as well as late at night. Something in me had to write, butI never saw it as end-game for me. I wrote because I couldn’t not write, but Inever called myself an author. I was a children’s ministry director and ahomeschool mom who wrote on the side.

My mindset changed when I got sick and those other roles were stripped fromme. Though still a mom of many, I had to send them to school, and I needed helpcaring for them. (You can learn a lot about my battle with POTS from mynovel Fall Back and Find Me.) During this season, I couldn’tfunction much, so I read. Then I began to write. I emerged from my cocoon as awriter with stories to tell. Mercy Will Follow Me was thefirst, and it took me three years. I wrote only on Saturdays at the library.The next books came more quickly as I found my footing and grew healthy enoughto attend writers' conferences and grow in the craft.

How did you go about doing research for your dualtimeline stories?  
All of my books save BravingStrange Waters are split-time novels that have dual timelines. TheMercy Series has two (or in the case of the 3rd book, three) storylines inpresent day and one in a historical time period. Awakened to Life hasseveral contemporary POV characters intertwined with a Biblical fictionstoryline. A Battle Worth Fighting, Fall Back and Find Me,and Whatever It Takes have contemporary storylines and eachhave a historical storyline featuring a secret female Civil War soldier. NewCreations has a 1960s storyline, a 1990s storyline, and a modern daystoryline.

Braving Strange Waters is my first actual timeslip or time travel novelin which a character travels from the contemporary time period to the past.People confuse the terms split-time, timeslip, and dual timeline all the timeand even different people in the industry define them differently. Most peopledon’t mind what each is called, but some do. Way to make things ultraconfusing, huh?

For my part, the same amount of research went into my split-time books as didmy timeslip. It did help that I’d already done a ton of research on BloodyKansas for Fall Back and Find Me as well as on steamboats andslavery for the Mercy series. Researching for me is a love/hate relationship. Ienjoy discovering new things, but I’m always itching to write already, soholding myself back is the hard part.

I search the library for as many books as I can find onthe subject, utilizing inter-library loans and all of their resources. I try toget a variety, but I need at least one or two great first-person sources. Adiary, a collection of letters, a journal. Something. Once I get a pile as highas my house, I go through them and figure out which ones truly includeinformation that will be useful to my book. I buy those books used on Amazon soI can write in them and mark them up with highlighters, so the weeding processis important to avoid bankruptcy. I also utilize documentaries, YouTube videos,podcasts, etc. I also try to visit historical places whenever possible. Whenit’s not possible, I take virtual tours.

As you can imagine, it’s a lot of work, and so much of what I learn nevermakes it directly into the book. However, it all comes together to flavor thework and to give me confidence as I write. Nothing is wasted. It is helpful towrite in the same time period or about the same subject for several books,though, to get the most bang for my research buck.

How do you decide if a book will be a standalone or a series? Will there bemore in your current series?
I knew from the beginning that the story I wanted to tell in the Mercyseries could not be contained in only one book. Pain that is so complex andlayered must be dealt with delicately lest it appear trite. For Natassa’sstory, this meant I needed to show the ebb and flow of her healing. Otherwise,I ran the risk of treating victims of sexual assault as if they just needed toforgive and get over it—not my heart. The Sister in Arms books are considered acollection, not a series, which means they have a common thread but can be readas standalones. The second Time Sailor book comes out in January, containingsome of the same beloved characters. I plan to do two more in the series, but aprequel short story. With these, it will work best to read them in order, butone won’t have to to enjoy the story.

You've won four Angel Awards for your writing and have been a guest speaker attheir Faith and Fellowship Book Festival. How did you first hear about them?
I’m not positive, but I probably first heard about the Faith and FellowshipBook Festival from fellow author and ray-of-sunshine Joy Mehlville. She’s anAngel Award recipient herself and a huge proponent of the festival. I’veparticipated in the festival as a panelist for a few years now and have wonfour Angel Book Awards. This year, I’ll moderate the historical fiction panel.The festival is always an uplifting and encouraging time to connect with otherauthors and readers, and it was such an honor to receive the Angel Book Awards.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
That’s a hard one. I absolutely love hearing testimonies from readers.Never underestimate the power of writing a review or sending an email to anauthor to let them know how a book impacted you. I received a lot of feedbackfrom readers of my novel Fall Back and Find Me saying they have started puttinginto practice what the main character in that book does.

In the novel, Amber asks the Lord for a word about heridentity each day and writes it down. It is so exciting to me to get commentsand emails stating readers have started going to Jesus for their identity andit’s changing the game for them. People who have struggled with theirself-worth are being set free by the power of Jesus’ love! How thrilling thatmy little book could play a part in something so life-changing. It makes everyhard writing session worth it.

What do you know now about writing you wished you had known sooner?
That’s a bit of a trickquestion. In a way, I kind of wish I would have attended writing conferencesand attended classes/workshops sooner. I was a hobby writer for over a decadebefore I started taking myself seriously. But truly, I believe everything happenedas it was supposed to. In the right season, the Lord showed me what I needed toknow and led me to the people I needed to walk with during the journey.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received orcould give?
I’d say to just write andnot worry about perfection. Get that first draft down. Worry about making itpretty later. I can be such a perfectionist and fear of putting somethingless-than-stellar on paper can paralyze me. Realizing that even the greats aren’tgreat on their first pass helps take the pressure off.

Everyone needs an editor. Every author needs an extraset of eyes. None of us can do this alone … so I shouldn’t try to. I can askfor help when I need it. Help brainstorming, help problem-solving, help withcritiquing. That doesn’t make me a weak writer; It makes me a smart one.

Find your people. Writing can be an isolating profession, but it doesn’thave to be. Seek out community. It’s there. Be intentional to nurture it. Andthen … write!

What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next release is a novella that’s part of a Brave Author Bookscollection. I’m the founder of Brave Authors and we’re coming out with threenovella collections starting next month. Every Life Treasured features pro-lifestories. Every Captive Freed features stories about human trafficking. AndEvery Voice Heard features stories about church hurt and abuse. My novella Forthe Love of Truth is part of the third collection releasing in December.

Here's the blurb: Candi loves her role as personal assistant tomegachurch pastor Richard Blake. But when she meets Justice, he exposes theflaws of her "perfect" church family and she discovers her pastorisn't who he seems to be. Freedom lies on the other side of truth, if onlyshe'll allow Justice and the Lord to lead her there.

When you purchase a copy of Every Voice Heard, 10% of allproceeds go to beEmboldened, a non-profit that exists for the prevention of andhealing from spiritual abuse.

That's all for today's interview. Hope you'll use the linksbelow to learn more about Sarah's books. If you go to her website, she has links for several freebies with one of them being a free eBook that you see on the left.

Amazon: hereWebsite: www.sarah-hanks.comFollow me:  Facebook or Instagram. 

Most everyone thinks they can write a novel. What made you decide to write your first one? 
From the time I was a kid, I have always loved reading. I loved the adventures that books would take me on, and often didn’t want them to end. So, I would find myself writing my own versions of what happened next. At a young age, I fell in love with writing, but I always looked at becoming an author like other kids looked at joining the NHL. It was a great dream, but it would never be more than that.

That changed when I was nearing 40 and chatting with another mom on the sidelines of my daughter's soccer game. I discovered that she was a published author and of course I had a million questions. She was amazing, answering everything, and it was through her encouragement that I attended my first writers' conference that fall. It was incredible. The information I learned, connections I made, well, there’s nothing quite like your first writing conference.

Through that conference, I discovered online resources, and at the time, Twitter was very popular for making connections in the publishing world. I began following an editor at Love Inspired Suspense and she announced that they were having an Author Search event. You had to submit your first chapter and a synopsis of your novel. I was hesitant, but my husband nudged me to go for it. So I buckled down and I wrote really hard and submitted.

The editor gave me encouraging feedback, and while it wasn’t accepted, she said that if I was willing to make some changes, she would be interested in seeing my manuscript again. That book eventually became my debut novel, Targeted Witness. In all, it went through about nine rewrites. Each rejection stung, but the editor notes, helped strengthen the story. I began to see those rejections less as failures and more as creative challenges and in the end, I think the manuscript became stronger because of it.

How did you go about finding an agent/publisher? From the time you were signed by your agent/publisher how long did it take to get the publishing contract and the book published?
I actually found my publisher first, which is a bit unusual. Love Inspired Suspense has an open submission policy, so you don’t need to be agented to submit to them. This is great for first-time authors trying to break into the field. If you go to, https://harlequin.submittable.com/submit you’ll find their guidelines and submission policy.

While I was in the process of having my manuscript accepted by LIS, I was signed by the wonderful Tamala Hancock-Murray of the Steve Laube agency, who has been such a blessing in navigating the writing world.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
Outside of family, because my family has been absolutely outstanding, I’d say the best encouragement has come from other authors and the readers. I’ve had authors reach out during those moments when I want to throw in the towel and cheer me on. I’ve had readers email me to tell me how much they enjoyed my story. Those moments mean everything, especially when you are new.

If you are a new writer, I highly recommend you plug into a community, whether that be attending a conference (some are even free), finding a local writers group, or meeting other authors online. Writing can be solitary, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.

What’s the hardest part about writing for you?  
The hardest part for me is the infamous saggy middle. I often know how I want things to start and where I want them to end, but that middle can feel like a maze. That natural journey of getting the characters from point A to point B while keeping the tension high, that’s where the real work begins.What does your editor remind you to do most often?
Grammar. I finally caved and purchased Grammarly. I am the queen of dangling modifiers, starting sentences with gerunds, and all sorts of other grammatical infractions. My editor is a saint.

What did you learn in publishing your first book that helped you in writing your second book?
I learned a lot. One of the best tips is if a scene is falling flat, look at the POV.  Ask yourself, who is the person with the most to lose or gain in this scene? Is that person whose POV you are in? If not, try switching it and see what happens.What do you know now about writing that you wished you had known sooner?
 Do not compare anyone’s published and edited work with your first draft.What is the best book you've ever read about the craft of writing?
Stein On Writing, by Sol Stein.What is the best advice you’ve learned about writing that you would like to pass along?
There are no absolute rules. Yes, it is important to understand the craft, but you don’t need a MFA to write a book that connects with readers. Learn the rules, but then don’t be afraid to break them if it serves your story.What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a short synopsis?
My next book is Kidnapped For Ransom, coming out October 28, 2025.

After her husband’s murder, Dr. Chelsea Eidman discovers he wasn’t the man she thought he was. Behind the white-picket-fence life? A heist that leaves half a million dollars’ worth of diamonds unrecovered.

Now, the mobster he stole from—and an old accomplice—think Chelsea knows where the diamonds are hidden. (Spoiler: she doesn’t.)

But that’s not stopping them from hunting her and her four-year-old daughter, Lynelle, down.

With danger closing in and her daughter’s life at risk, Chelsea turns to the only person she can… the childhood friend she once almost loved.

Kidnapped for Ransom—where secrets are deadly, love is complicated, and every choice could cost everything.

That's all for today's interview. To learn more about her books, check out these links. 

Instagram: @authorjacquelineadam
Facebook: @jacquelineadamauthor
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jacqueline-Adam/author/B004N9T7A8
Website: https://www.jacquelineadam.com/

 

 

What made you decide to write your first novel?I’d been imagining the characters and the setting of WhereSecrets Lie for ages, often jotting down ideas for “someday.”  Then, while recuperating from foot surgery acouple of years ago, I thought, “Why not try it now?” And so, I started writingthe first draft! I was a complete beginner. Everything was new.
How long did it take you to write the first book?It took about a year.
How many rewrites did you do on it?Too many to count! Each draft taught me something new. Theexperience was both challenging and gratifying. 😊
Who helped you with the editing? That’s an incredible story. God brought Deirdre Lockhart, anamazing editor, into my life. Without her patience and guidance, I would havegiven up and never published Where Secrets Lie.

Your first 3 books are published as a trilogy. When did you know your story would work into three books? I always imagined this as a series. I don’t outline, soafter I finished the first book, Where Secrets Lie, the second, HisLast Text, just flowed out of me. It took about four months, and it’s asentimental favorite. I’d often smile, noticing unplanned connections to thefirst book. Each book works on its own, but reading them in order enhances theexperience. It was incredible how it all came together.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing? A positive comment can really fuel the writing process,sometimes even inspiring thousands of words. It’s a real burst of energy andmotivation. So, a big thank you to anyone who has left a review – it means theworld.
Marketing is the biggest key to getting sales. What isthe best marketing source you've used that has produces more sales rather thanjust clicks? I’m still relatively new to writing. Right now, mypromotional efforts seem to yield a better ROI than my advertising. Also, I’venoticed a significant surge in interest following group promotions.
What do you know now about writing you wished you hadknown sooner?As a newcomer to writing, my honest answer would be,“Everything.”
What is the best writing advice you’ve received or couldgive? Finding a great mentor and editor was key for me. Enteringthe publishing and marketing world as a new author felt daunting. Thankfully,my editor introduced me to an amazing mentor, who was a true blessing. I’mincredibly grateful for her expertise and patience. Honestly, I don’t know howI would have managed that first year without either of them 😊
What is the next book coming out? Can you give me a shortsynopsis? I just released the third book of my trilogy in September. The title is Where Secrets End. https://www.amazon.com/Where-Secrets-End-Deception-Mountains-ebook/dp/B0FP5SGLVC

Here's a short blurb... Reese Irons didn’t go looking for trouble—trouble found her.When Nash Mitchell charges into her world, desperate to uncover the truthbehind his sister’s disappearance, she is drawn into a web spun from darksecrets, danger, and a past she prayed she’d escaped.

With lies, greed, and obsession swirling around them, trust is a luxury neithercan afford. But as their connection deepens, so does the risk. A ruthlessvillain is closing in, and time is running out. Together, Reese and Nash must decide: Are they chasing justice… or being ledstraight into a trap?

When past and present collide, will they find his sister in time—and at whatcost?

Sounds intriguing. If you'd like to learn more about Rebecca's books, here are some links to do that. Website: 

https://rebeccalakebooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rebecca-Lake/61566377705442/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rebecca-Lake/author/B0DJ9MCW4W 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52439487.Rebecca_Lake
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebecca-lake