Romantic Reads: Avoiding Marriage

The Story Behind the Story Avoiding Marriage by Karin Beery:

Boyne Heights, MI: population 1,482. Cherry trees out number people by a 10:1 ratio. Kids graduate high school with the same 100 other kids they went to kindergarten with. Home of the Russell family, first introduced in Practically Married and revisited in Avoiding Marriage, my latest romantic women’s fiction novella.

This story wasn’t planned. It started as a way to keep me writing. I don’t have another publishing contract yet, so I don’t know how long it will take before I see another book published. I wanted to keep writing, though, and I wanted to give my fans something suitable for and fun to read on a day at the beach.

Enter Jess—the ex-girlfriend in Practically Married. Also, one of my best friends. My Jess wasn’t thrilled about being the crazy ex in the story. I assured her she wasn’t the inspiration for the character (aside from the long blonde hair), but her point made me think:

If Jess was crazy, why would Russ have dated her? If she wasn’t crazy, why would he have broken up with her? What could have made Jess crazy for a short period of time without permanently derailing her life?

I love rabbit trails, and the more questions I asked, the more trails I found. I didn’t take the easy-to-find trails though. I like to make my characters work for their happy endings. Let’s face it: If a situation drove Jess crazy, it has to be bad, right? 

As one of my endorsers said: Karin Beery must be a bit of a fiend to toss her characters into the messes they find themselves in, but it’s always a blast to watch them battle their way out.

Two of the inspirations for how to tell Jess’s story were two of my favorite TV shows. The first is Mom. The situations on that show are more adult-focused than I usually write (it’s not appropriate for everyone and definitely not a Christian show), but what I love about the series is the humor: a group of recovering alcoholics in AA with criminal records and less-than-reputable pasts who still manage to find the fun and humor in life. I’ve cried while watching that show, but I also laugh. A lot.

My other inspiration is Gilmore Girls. A single mom who got pregnant at sixteen and struggles to maintain healthy relationships. That could easily have been a drama with lots of angst and tears. Instead, every episode is a race to the finish with humor, heartache, and lots junk food. Sure, there are episodes when characters make mistakes and everyone’s upset or mad. But there’s also love and laughter and a reminder that you don’t have to focus on the bad things.

Those were the influencers in my head while writing Avoiding Marriage. They inspired me to create awkward situations (like having Jess work for her ex-boyfriend) and make them more awkward (like having her ex-boyfriend’s new wife offer her the job). Then they inspired me to look for the humor and hope amidst the heartache.

Did I succeed?

You tell me!

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Author Bio:

Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town, where she wrote her first novel in high school. 

Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. 

When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it.

In her free time, she enjoys watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies with her husband and fur babies.

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Blurb for Karin’s book, Avoiding Marriage:

Two years ago, Jessica Miller made a mess of her already confusing life. 

Now, she’s back in Boyne Heights, and she’s determined to fix her reputation. 

She can’t seem to avoid the past that haunts her, but that’s the joy of small-town life—word spreads and people remember. 

Intent on her mission, however, she faces her past head-on, taking a job with her ex-boyfriend while avoiding her grandmother’s attempts to find her a new one.

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Buy Karin’s book on Amazon 

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Connect with Karin:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinbeery/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karinbeery/
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karin-beery
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2666258-karin

Let Love Bloom: The Wedding Barter

The Wedding Barter: The Story Behind The Story

A guest post by Alice K. Arenz

I’ve always loved reading and writing mysteries and suspense—all the puzzles that must be pieced together one scene at a time. And, while there’s always a bit of romance in each of my novels, they are, at the core, mystery/suspense. So, you can imagine my surprise when I was approached about writing a romance. I was flattered, but it was too far out of my comfort zone to even consider. 

But, the more I talked with my publisher—Forget Me Not Romances—the more curious I became. The premise sounded interesting and amusing—loosely based on a bridesmaid auction that had been in the papers—and would be part of six novellas in a proposed boxed set (later named Trying Out For Love). Maybe, just maybe, I could do this. After a lot of prayer, the seed of an idea soon blossomed into more than I could’ve ever imagined. The big question before me was—“Exactly HOW are you going to do this?!”

You see, my entire body was in such a state of spasm that I couldn’t sit at the computer—and because of chronic issues, working on a laptop in my chair is NEVER an option. Adding to the situation, were horrible allergy attacks that locked me in a mental and physical fog! But, I’m a firm believer that God wouldn’t have given me the idea and details if He didn’t have the solution already worked out.

After stewing over the dilemma for about a month, my husband suggested that I dictate to him as he typed on his laptop. Seriously? Which is exactly what I asked him. He was not only serious, he was dedicated to the project—even when absolutely nothing was happening! He tried to understand that “my process” had always involved me sitting at my desk, eyes closed, fingers on the keyboard as I prayed and waited for the “connection.” I can’t even begin to explain how much more difficult it was to find a way to verbally describe what I saw happening in my head! 

But, like my characters in Barter reminded themselves, all it takes is a mustard seed of faith. That’s what I sought, and the result is a 49,000-word short novel which is a romance based in the same fictional town of Tarryton, Missouri where The Bouncing Grandma Mystery series is set. No murders, but a few twists and turns, and, I hope, some laughs as well.

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Author Bio:

Though Alice K. Arenz is known for her cozy mysteries and romantic mystery/suspense novels, the Carol Award-winning author has branched out with her newest release, The Wedding Barter, a romance that is both serious and funny. 

Arenz is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her first three novels were honored by two finals and one win in ACFW’s Carol Awards: cozy mysteries The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (a 2009 finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 winner), and mystery/suspense Mirrored Image (a 2011 finalist). These novels have been followed by An American Gothic, Portrait of Jenny, and short story, Home Cookin’.

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Blurb for Alice's book The Wedding Barter:

Riley Carr has been best friends with Amy Lawton since they were toddlers. While Amy awaits her discharge from the Army, Riley's been left in charge of helping to arrange "a very small, intimate ceremony with no fanfare" for Amy and her fiancé. But, Riley has something else in mind.

With the aid of two other friends, Riley presents her “wedding barter” idea to groom, David Herron. He agrees, providing best man, Mike Todd, stays in the loop to keep things from getting out of hand.

It doesn't help that the giant of a man is threatening, overbearing, and just doesn’t seem to like her or her ideas. But, when Todd gives Riley an ultimatum of producing results in three weeks or he’ll take over, she’s determined to prove him wrong . . . in more ways than one.

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Buy Alice's book on Amazon

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Connect with Alice:
Website - www.akawriter.com

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Book Review and Giveaway for "Ordinary Graces"

Book title: Ordinary Graces
Author: Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Book Review by Alexis A. Goring

Ordinary Graces is a delightful devotional book written by Lucinda Secrest McDowell.

The author grabs the reader’s attention from the first page with this line: I was “that girl.” She then continues to describe how she used to be: “Striving. Enslaved. Rigid. Yes, a Christ-follower. Carrying around God’s gift of grace, but never bothering to open it and embrace its richness as a way of life.” She then states that she was the “last person you’d expect to be writing a book offering the many gifts of God’s ordinary graces.” But then she was "transformed by an encounter with Jesus" and He enabled her to write. And boy, can she write!

Ordinary Graces is a lovely, lighthearted gift that will point you to Jesus and encourage your soul. McDowell debunks the idea that you have to be perfect before coming to Jesus and exhorts the reader to realize that God loves them just as they are, without conditions.

This book is divided into three sections packed with devotionals that focus on core concepts of grace, strength, gratitude and life. The author’s tone is gentle yet firm, kind yet not afraid to correct. Every devotional in this book is backed by Bible verses. The readings on each page are clean in content, crisp in feel and comforting to the soul.

I’d recommend this book to everyone who needs a dose of encouragement!

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of Ordinary Graces. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Book blurb for Ordinary Graces: 

Everyone loves to receive a gift.

And God has given us many, such as his grace-the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?

God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.

Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life.

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About the Author: 

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is passionate about embracing life - both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. 

A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she offers "Encouraging Words" to all on the journey. 

A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, Cindy is the author of 13 books, including "Ordinary Graces," "Dwelling Places," "Live These Words," "Refresh!," "Quilts from Heaven" and "Role of a Lifetime." Whether co-directing the "reNEW - retreat for New England Writing," mentoring young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages.

Find out more about Lucinda by visiting her website, http://EncouragingWords.net.SaveSave

Author interview: Cynthia T. Toney

Today, I would like to introduce you to Cynthia T. Toney, an author who has a passion for writing young adult fiction! Cynthia is here to give you a glimpse into her life as a writer and to tell you about her award-winning book Bird Face. 

 

Here's a description from Cynthia about her book Bird Face: 

Anonymous sticky-notes, a scheming bully, and a ruined summer send fourteen-year-old Wendy down a trail of secrets and self-discovery. 

At the end of eighth grade, Wendy Robichaud doesn't care one bit about being popular like her good-looking classmates Tookie and the Sticks—until Brainiac bully John-Monster schemes against her, and someone leaves anonymous sticky-note messages all over school. Even her best friend, Jennifer, is hiding something and pulling away. But the Spring Program, abandoned puppies, and high school track team tryouts don’t leave much time to play detective. When secrets and failed dreams kick off the summer, will Jennifer still be around to support her as high school starts in the fall?

Using humor and offering hope, this story for ages 11 to 14 delicately addresses issues of bullying, eating disorders, imperfect families, and teen suicide.

Ready to learn more about Cynthia and her book? Read on for the author interview (questions by Alexis in bold font, answers by Cynthia not in bold): 

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Alexis: Your book Bird Face won the Bronze Award for Pre-teen Fiction Mature Issues. Congratulations! Why did you write Bird Face, what is it about and how do you feel about winning the award?

Cynthia: Thank you, Alexis. The Moonbeam Children’s Book Award validates my purpose in writing the story. I wanted to show kids who are shy or feel like outcasts or who are growing up in difficult situations that they have the power within themselves to become the person they want to be. When you’re young and at the mercy of others around you who are unkind, it’s hard to believe that life won’t always be like it is right now. I hope the story of Bird Face encourages them not to give up on themselves.

What does your book title Bird Face mean?

Bird Face is actually the common name for an abnormality of the face. The bully character in the story calls the main character that name, and because she is already self-conscious and has trouble making friends, she is crushed when she learns what it means.

According to your blog post about the book Rivet Your Readers, “deep POV puts the reader inside the POV character’s head, allowing the reader to experience what the character experiences at the moment he or she does”. Why do you recommend Rivet Your Readers as the best book to help authors create deep point of view (POV)?

It isn’t the only book that helps in understanding deep POV, but it is a small and handy reference. There are larger volumes that contain chapters on POV, and I use them too. But if improving POV is your focus, I recommend the inexpensive Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View. If you’re just getting started writing fiction, it will help you select the POV and tense to tell your story in.

How have you as a published author, created deep POV in your story? Please share a snapshot of your insight, method and writing techniques.

Bird Face is written in first person, past tense, in the single POV of Wendy, a half-Cajun girl. I never change the POV to that of any other character, therefore the reader can’t know anything except through Wendy’s eyes. I put myself in her shoes and constantly asked myself what she would do, think, or say in reaction to any given motivation. As much as possible, everything she experiences is written as though it were coming from inside me. For example, I didn’t write, I thought I should go. I wrote, I should go.

Who is your publisher? Do you have an agent? How did you get published?

My publisher is SharksFinn Books, an imprint of Port Yonder Press. I learned of Port Yonder Press from a critique partner I acquired after joining American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I can’t stress enough the benefits of belonging to ACFW. Make the small investment that first year, and the renewal is less after that. Writers can connect with critique groups and receive online courses, among other perks. Members learn about publishers and agents through ACFW, although I don’t currently have an agent.

What is your target audience? Do you only write young adult fiction? Why or why not?

Technically, my target audience for Bird Face is girls from ages 11 to 14, but women have responded well to the story. They say they relate it to their middle school or junior-high years and wish they had read a story like it back then. Men like reading it in order to relate to their daughters and discuss it with them. For now at least, I write only YA fiction. It’s what I most enjoy reading.

Describe your passion for writing. When did you start? Why did you start and where do you want your writing to go in the next 10 to 15 years?

My writing started with trying a number of different types of writing. Greeting cards (couldn’t sell any of that). Catalog and direct-response mail (as part of a marketing job). A decorating newsletter (my own). Articles for online publications (paid and unpaid). Then I had the crazy idea to write a book! I had a lot of interruptions, so it took a decade. But now, writing novels for teens is all I want to do. I have a YA historical being looked at by a publisher, and I’m working on a sequel to Bird Face, so I hope to have another book published in the near future.

Would you say your faith plays a role in your writing? If yes, then please explain how.

Definitely. I asked for guidance in telling the story of Bird Face and help in getting it into the hands of girls who needed to read it. When searching for an agent or publisher, I prayed every day for one who would recognize the book’s value. And the praying never stops, because I need all the help I can get in marketing it.

Are you able to make a decent living as an author or do you have another job?

Because my husband retired and we live very simply, I was able to quit working a day job and concentrate on a writing career. We’ll see if it eventually earns a decent living!

If you were not a writer, what would you like to be?

A veterinarian. I love animals, especially dogs. I help rescue them from animal shelters before they are euthanized.

Describe your writing space.

I use whatever spare room we have, preferably a small bedroom.

What inspires you as an author?

Little everyday things that inspire a character, piece of dialogue, or a subplot. I think readers like to see bits of themselves and their lives in a story that also offers them something new.

Who are your favorite authors?

Wendelin Van Draanen, Betsy Byars, and Judy Blume, all authors of contemporary novels for teens.

What Christian fiction books are on your must-read list and what books from the Christian fiction genre do you recommend? Please name a few and provide a sentence or two as to why my readers should go buy these books.

Two interesting novels I’ve recently read are Crooked Lines and Moonfall: Tales from the Levant. In Crooked Lines, a girl in the U.S. and a boy in India grow up and start very different lives, but their paths eventually cross. Moonfall is a fictional account of the fall of Jericho that provides a glimpse into what life must have been like for the people of that time, told from the POV of a teenage girl.

Why should my readers buy and read your book?

The story of Bird Face is unpredictable. It holds something new for each reader, I believe.

What is your favorite beverage? My own iced coffee.

What is your favorite color and why? Blue, because it makes me feel cooler.

Who is your favorite music artist or choir? Italian singers Ornella Vanoni (female) and Andrea Bocelli (male)

If you could live one place in the world for at least one year, where would you live and why?

Italy--because of the natural beauty, the art and architecture, the music, and the food!

Complete this sentence: As a writer, I ________________ because ___________________________________.

As a writer, I love to revise (call me crazy) because I love improving or adding details that make a story come to life.

Thank you for the interview, Cynthia!

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Author bio: 

Cynthia enjoys writing both historical and contemporary teen fiction with a touch of mystery and romance. She holds a BA in art education with a minor in history, and her career began as an advertising designer and marketing copywriter for newspapers and other publishers. She has a passion for rescuing dogs from animal shelters and encourages people to adopt and save the life of a shelter dog or cat. She also enjoys cooking Cajun and Italian and studying the complex history of the Southern U.S., where she resides with her husband and several dogs.

Contact Cynthia T. Toney: 

Website: http://www.cynthiattoney.com

Blog: http://birdfacewendy.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/birdfacewendy?ref=hl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7872181.Cynthia_T_Toney

Twitter: @CynthiaTToney