What We Are Writing

By Margaret Daley

Author:   Pamela Tracy

Title:  TBA

Hero and Heroine: Emily Hubrect and Donovan Russell

Line:  Love Inspired

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:  

The architect, one Donovan Russell, had taken to giving her covert looks should she come close.  Well, that was preferable to the irritable looks he gave her the last time she’d filed a protest.

Due date:  June 30, 2015

Word count goal today: 1000

Something cool learned recently from research:  Most bodies unearthed in the Arizona desert are from drug deals gone bad.  And, Navajo Indians will not touch the dead. 

Author: Carolyne Aarsen

Title: Meet Me In Montana #2 - working title

Hero and Heroine: Vic and Lauren

Line:  Love Inspired Contemporary

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:  

But as they drove back to the ranch she couldn't shake the feeling that she had caught a glimpse of another life. A life that held light and joy.

Due date:  August

Word count goal today: just editing now.

Something cool learned recently from research:  A quote - “Dogs look for love. Horses look for a leader."

Author:  Jean C. Gordon

Title: I'm calling it "Josh" for now

Hero and Heroine: Josh Donnelly and Tessa Hamilton

Line:  LI Romance

One paragraph from the page you are currently on: 

Whatever it was, she was game. Tessa stood and offered Josh her hand. “You’re on.” If it would humor Josh for her to make a fool of herself in front of everyone she knew in the area by dancing the silly chicken dance and make him more agreeable to what she needed from him, she’d do it. For Grandma.

Due date:  November 2, 2015

Word count goal today: 109

Something cool learned recently from research:  There are very few civil engineering positions in the Paradox/Schroon Lake area of the Adirondack Mountains. (Probably cool only to me because it fits a need in my story.)

Author: Patricia Johns

Title: A Second Chance at Forever

Hero and Heroine: Ben Blake and Sofia McCray

Line:  LI Contemporary

One paragraph from the page you are currently on: 

"Mike Layton, you are under arrest. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney..."

Due date:  NOW!

Word count goal today: None, I'm at the editing stage

Something cool learned recently from research:  Police officers have spotlights that shoot out to the sides of their vehicles to aid in searches at night.

Author: Patty Smith Hall

Title: TBA

Hero and Heroine: Jefferson Muster and Kallie Huffman

Line: Contemporary

Paragraph from the page you're currently working on:

Frantic moments passed as the man lowered Mr. Anderson's limp body to the floor. Kallie knelt beside him, her eyes trained upon the old man's chest, her fingers moving instinctively to the soft tissue of his neck. No respirations, no pulse. Kallie titled his head back gently, plugged his nose between her fingers, and blew two quick breathes into his lungs. As she moved into position to start chest compressions, Kallie called out to God in a silent rage.

Due date: May 31

Word count goal today: working on edits

Something cool learned while doing research: the technology used in hospitals now is a far cry than what we had in my nursing days!

Author:  Barbara Phinney

Title: The Heiress and Proud Ranch

Hero and Heroine: Victoria and Mitchell

Line:  LIH

One paragraph from the page you are currently on: 

Victoria Templeton sank into the Queen Anne chair, her arms hanging over the delicately carved wood. Her mouth fell open in a most unfeminine manner as she gaped at her mother. “What do you mean, we’re broke?”

Due date:  N/A

Word count goal today:  1,000

Something cool learned recently from research:  That the curtains of a house are closed during mourning and invitations were sent to funerals in Victorian times.

Author: Mindy Obenhaus

Title: Healing the Warrior’s Heart

Hero and Heroine: Kaleb Palmer and Grace McAllen

Line:  Love Inspired

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:  She quickly turned away, reminding herself that Kaleb was her boss. Ouray was only temporary. Come the end of the summer, she’d never see either of them again.

Due date:  June 1

Word count goal today:  1500 words

Something cool learned recently from research: The abandoned mining town of Ironton, Colorado was once and important transportation junction and a stage and supply center.

Author: Merrillee Whren

Title:  Working title:  The Hope’s Healing

Hero and Heroine:  Melody Hammond and Hudson Paine Conrick, IV

Line:  LI Romance

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:  

Melody shaded her eyes as the first parachute opened, its rainbow of colors brightening the sky. A second one opened, then the third as the skydivers maneuvered their parachutes in a zigzag pattern, following each other toward the earth. Melody waited for the fourth one, but the diver continued to plunge earthward, his chute not opening.

Due date: April 20

Word count goal today: Doing revisions

Something cool learned recently from research: What RICE stands for when you have a sprained ankle. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate  

Author: Teri Wilson

Title: Alaskan Sanctuary 

Hero and Heroine: Ethan Hale and Piper Quinn

Line:  Love Inspired 

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:  

Someone had tried to kill one of her wolves. How could she go on after this? Even if Koko survived—and right now, survival hardly seemed like a given—how could she stay in a place where her wolves were so despised that someone had done this? It was over. Her sanctuary. Her dream. All of it.

Due date:  Tomorrow (!!!!)

Word count goal today: I don't have a specific word count today. I'm completely reworking the ending, because that seems like a normal thing to do the day before the book is due.

Something cool learned recently from research:  Alpine aconite, a flowering plant that grows in snowmelt, is sometimes called wolfs bane because it was once used to poison wolves.

Author: Terri Reed

Title: TBD—Working title Northern Border Patrol Book #4

Hero and Heroine: Liz Cantrell-owns an antique shop on Hilton Head Island. ICE agent Blake Fallon works to protect our northern border

Line: Love Inspired Suspense

Due date: May 8, 2015

Word count goal today: 2000

Something cool learned recently from research: Uncut diamonds are ugly, they look like ordinary rocks, but they have the potential to be worth millions.

Author: Sandra Orchard 

Title: Serena Jones Mysteries, book 2

Hero and Heroine: Serena Jones

Line: Revell publishing

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Nate led me down a set of steep, poorly lit stairs into the basement of a dry cleaning business. “You sure the place is still open.” 

         Due date: October 1st

Word count goal today: 1500

Something cool learned recently from research: How to forge paintings.

Author: Linda Goodnight

Title: THE RAIN SPARROW

Hero and Heroine:  Hayden Winters & Carrie Riley

Line: HQN

One paragraph from the page you are currently on:

Hayden rubbed a weary hand over his face. Dora Lee had called again last night but he hadn’t answered. The voice mail still lingered on his phone, also unanswered, haunting him, reminding him that he was a liar and a fraud.

Due date: July 15

Word count goal today:  I'm editing, trying to figure out where I took a wrong turn.

Something cool learned recently from research: During the Civil War, southerners sometimes used ground, roasted persimmon seeds to make a coffee substitute.

Author: Jolene Navarro

Title: Clear Water # 4 Surprise Dad

Hero and Heroine:  Angelica Ortega & Garrett Kincaid

Line: LI Contemporary

Due date: Just Turned in the proposal

Word count goal today: 500

A snippet:

Didn’t she realize how dangerous it was to be anywhere near the apartment let alone on the roof without any help? He rubbed his palm over his face. Getting upset would not help, but he did need patience. Getting out of the car he felt years older than twenty-eight.

Something cool learned recently from research: Children that have experienced violent domestic trauma can have the same symptoms of soldier returning from a war zone. Not very cool more on the sad side.

In Between Deadlines

Janet Lee Barton, here. From the title, you can tell I must be in-between deadlines and I am. I've just finished sending in the proposal for my next Boardinghouse Betrothal story and am waiting to see what my editor has to say about it. I hope she likes it as much as I do! I'm also waiting on final edits on the story that comes out in November, which is titled The Mistletoe Kiss. It was so much fun to write. But now,  what to do in the meantime? For me, it means a lot of catching up--or at least trying to!  And still writing some each day is a goal, for I know that it's easier to keep with it than to get back into it.

So while I'm waiting, and in between catching up on housework and gardening, I'm working on a sequel to Stormy's Rainbow that I hope to have out later this summer. This one is called To Win a Cowboy's Heart. It's another reunion story about a woman who broke up with the only man she's ever loved when she found out it would be near impossible for her to ever have a child. When she comes back home because of her aunt's health, she finds he evidently found someone else--for now he's widowed with a child to raise. And she's just accepted an offer to help his mother-in-law with her care. Having lots of fun with this one.




Other than all that, I'm finding it hard to stay inside. I love this time of year, planting and bringing in hanging pots of flowers to put here and there in our small yard and patio.  What do you think of our Hibiscus? It had a ton of buds when I bought it and I just love the color!
I've also been planting in the front--this is the third spring we've spent in our condo and each year, I've tried something a little different to see what works best. I still have to put down mulch, but think this combination of Double Impatiens and Marigolds looks great with the boxwoods--if the wind we've had doesn't get to them.  Hoping you're all having a happy Spring, too!

God is the great Knitter of things in my life. By Barbara Phinney

Now, above is a rather unusual title, don't you think? I knew this post was coming up, but hadn't really given thought to what I would write, nor was I too worried. Like most writers, I can chatter on about anything.
Then came last Sunday and I began to see that God is indeed the Great Knitter of my life. 
My husband and I were sitting in our usual pew in the sunshine. (I have no idea why I sit there. I am after all, 'of a certain age' and really don't need to be warmed by the sun) But a fellow writer, a good friend of mine, slid in beside me and all of us began to listen to the message that day.
The new series is called 'Living A Better Story'. 

Our pastor asked what do we need to do in each of our lives to make each a better story. What does a 'writer' of each story need to do?
I leaned over to my writer friend and whispered, "Kill your darlings."
She giggled. It's a common answer when writing a book. Especially a murder mystery.
But I'm thinking that isn't exactly what our Pastor wants us to do.
Then our Pastor held up an index card and said, "I want all of you to write down something you want out of your life and why."
Oh, great, homework. 
But bad memories of high school aside, his request got me thinking. What do I want? And why?
Naturally, I want to write that blockbuster, sell the movie rights and have the movie and all involved in it to win all the Oscars.
And why? So everyone earns millions of dollars.
Okaaaay, let's take a step back. It's good to have lofty goals, but what do I want that lines up with God's Plan? If I wanted to lose weight, why not write down spiritually healthy reasons why I want to lose weight. 
I'd answer;
I'd feel better and could do more.
I'd be encouraging others to make healthy choices in life.
I could help out in church more because I'd be healthier.
But although I could stand to lose a few pounds, what do I want out of my life? 
I want to write a great story, and touch people's lives for Christ. I want to follow the Holy Spirit's leading and encourage those who read my books to turn to God more. I hope my latest book, Sheltered by the Warrior, does that.

Why?
Because;
I would be helping others.
I would be stretching myself and learning to be a better writer.
Yes, that's a bit more in line with what my Pastor was thinking. Yes, I do want to live a better story. And I want to live a better story for Christ. So suddenly, my need to write a blog today is knitted together with my church's sermon series and what I need to do with my life.
Do you need to Live a Better Story? What would you do, and why?

Barbara Phinney 

Check out my trip to Israel and Jordan! http://barbphinney.blogspot.ca/

Allie Pleiter on When A Character Won’t Stay Put

Every once in a while, a character gets uppity.  Sometimes they decide “secondary” isn’t a sufficient status, and they want their own book.  Other times they clamor for their own ending, having seen how their buddy/sister/partner just got all the happy kisses and they now demand their own.  If you think the author’s in charge, think again…

Characters can hound you, stalking you from the back of your mind until you relent and give them their own book.  Such was the case with Ida Lee Landway from Homefront Hero.  She wasn’t going to settle for “best friend” casting, no sir.  She was ready to play leading lady, and would not hush up until I gave in.

Then came the search—what man would win this feisty army nurse’s heart?  Outspoken and unconventional, her match of course needed to be a bit on the stuffy side.  Opposites attract, after all.  He needed to share her dedication to her work, but I wanted him to be in sorry need of the color Ida brings to the world wherever she goes.  Is it any surprise, then, that one of the first ways Dr. Daniel Parker shows his growing affection is with the purchase of cans of paint?

Ida and Daniel’s journey to each other’s heart is filled with bumps and twists, tender moments and outright laughs, as well as a host of adorable little orphans who create no end of surprises.  I hope you enjoy reading THE DOCTOR’S UNDOING as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Historical April 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Historical writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

The Doctor’s Undoing

By Allie Pleiter

Healing the Doctor's Heart

When Dr. Daniel Parker requested an army nurse to help with his orphanage, he expected an organized, sensible matron. Instead he gets young, beautiful, obstinate Ida Lee Landway, whose vibrant outlook and unrelenting optimism turn his work and his life inside out.

Army life was easy compared to the discipline at her new workplace. Yet Ida is immediately smitten by the children in her care…and impressed by Daniel's unfaltering dedication. Adding color and warmth to her new surroundings is one thing. Can she also help the good doctor embrace joy—and in so doing, find the family they both deserve?

FEATURED BOOK AND INTERVIEW: The Doctor's Undoing by Allie Pleiter

Healing the Doctor's Heart 

When Dr. Daniel Parker requested an army nurse to help with his orphanage, he expected an organized, sensible matron. Instead he gets young, beautiful, obstinate Ida Lee Landway, whose vibrant outlook and unrelenting optimism turn his work and his life inside out. 

Army life was easy compared to the discipline at her new workplace. Yet Ida is immediately smitten by the children in her care…and impressed by Daniel's unfaltering dedication. Adding color and warmth to her new surroundings is one thing. Can she also help the good doctor embrace joy—and in so doing, find the family they both deserve? 

How exciting to have Ida Lee Landway, the heroine from The Doctor’s Undoing written Allie Pleiter an April 2015 release from Love Inspired Romance.

1.       Ida, tell me the most interesting thing about you.

I was an army nurse at South Carolina’s Camp Jackson during the Great War.  What an experience!  I felt very useful, but the army can be a drab place for someone who loves color as much as I do.

2.  What do you do for fun?

I love to paint and to knit—anything to do with color.  Of course, we knit hundreds of socks for soldiers at Camp Jackson, but I’m weary of drab green socks.  I think there were once beautiful gardens at the Parker Home for Orphans where I work now, and I hope to coax them back into life so I can paint them.

3.  What do you put off doing because you dread it?

I dread what Doctor Daniel Parker will say when I ask him if I can paint some life onto the dull walls of this place.  Children need color and cheerfulness—this place is lacking in both.

4.  What are you afraid of most in life?

I’m afraid that one of these days, I won’t be able to get out of the trouble my tongue gets me into.  I always say what’s on my mind, and that can be a real problem.

5.  What do you want out of life?

I want to feel as if I’m making a difference, as if I’ve found where I belong and what I’m supposed to be doing.  I feel like the Parker Home for Orphans could be where I belong, but right now it’s a bit of an uncomfortable fit.

6.  What is the most important thing to you?

Right now, it’s giving life—real life—to these children.  And not just as the Home’s nurse.  The war has taken so much away from them, and I’m driven to give them some hope and cheer.

7.  If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To stop talking!  If only I could learn to tame my tongue….

8.  Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?

No pets, but I’m terribly fond of the little dog Isabelle Hooper brings to the home for a visit.  I’d love to have a dog one day.

9. Can you tell us a little interesting tidbit about the time period you live in?

In 1919 orphan homes were just exploring the idea of caring for children in family-style cottage environments rather than institutional dormitories.

What We're Reading

Sandra Orchard

I just finished reading: Double Agent by Lisa Phillips

I am currently reading: Caveat Emptor: The Secret Life of an American Forger by Ken Perenyi

Next, I plan to read: Shenandoah Crossings by Lisa Belcastro

Debby Giusti

I'm reading Patricia David's AMISH REDEMPTION and enjoying it so much.

Just bought Irene Hannon's Rita nominated novel, DECEIVED, which is next in line. I always enjoy Irene's books and know this one will be extra special.

Jean C. Gordon

I just finished reading: Never Trust a Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle. I've been reading more cowboys lately (thinking about writing some), and Kathy is one of my long-time favorite authors.

I'm currently reading: Tempted by a Soldier by Patricia Potter. I read her connected book The Soldier's Promise and loved it. So far, this one is meeting my enjoyment expectations.

Next, I should read the last (but not least) book on my 2014 list of Christmas books, Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Trish Perry and Debby Mayne.

Barbara Phinney

I just finished reading, The Cortes Enigma by John Paul Davis

I am currently reading, The Texan’s Inherited Family by Noella Marchand

Next I plan to read, The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky.

Lacy Williams

I just finished reading:  Cowboy Under the Mistletoe by Linda Goodnight. Loved the depth of emotion and the heroine who fought for her man!

I am currently reading: The Emperor's Edge collection #1 by Lindsay Buroker. This is mainstream fantasy/steampunk. I grabbed the first one free a few months ago and fell in love with her world-building.

Next, I plan to read: The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer. She's on my must-buy list and I can't wait to get to this one.

Mary Curry

I just finished reading:  Mariana by Susanna Kearsley  

I am currently reading: 2 books  Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon and May Sarton's journal The House by the Sea

Next, I plan to read: The first 4 Killer Voice books for LIS.

Deb Kastner

I just finished reading:Suitor by Design by Christine Johnson

I am currently reading: Betting on Hope by Debra Clopton

Next, I plan to read: Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Terri Reed

I just finished reading: Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore

I am currently reading: Die Again by Tess Gerritsen

Next, I plan to read: The Disposables by David Putnam

Pamela Tracy

I just finished reading: Calico Joe by John Grisham

I am currently reading: Twilight by Meg Cabot

Next, I plan to read: Small-Town Bachelor by Jill Kemerer

Anticipation by Merrillee Whren

Our lives are made up of anticipation. We look forward to lots of things. When I was in college, I had a professor who said we shouldn't make a surprise visit to our parents, but we should let them know we were coming so they could have the pleasure of the anticipation of our visit. I have always remembered that. Half the fun of an event is the expectation involved.

Where I live in the desert, I anticipate the blooming of the cacti. Here's a photo that symbolizes anticipation.

The little pods on the top of the saguaro are going to be beautiful white flowers. Here is what they look like.

This is a prickly pear cactus with buds and one bloom. There's a lot of anticipation in those tiny buds.

Here's what a prickly pear looks like with lots of blooms.

Just for fun I'll share some more cacti and their blooms that I've taken in previous years. The cacti are only starting to bloom now. I'm looking forward to the beautiful flowers.

When we read romances, we anticipate the happy ending. We expect that the hero and heroine to find happiness with each other.

I'm anticipating the release of my second Village of Hope book in August, and I'm looking forward to sharing the cover when it's available.What kinds of things are you anticipating?

 Second Chance Reunion, Village of Hope Book #1

The End Might Have Happened Sooner if.....

Pamela Tracy here and this picture of me is way too calm looking.
Really, I've not looked this calm since 2001 - before husband, before son, before multiple deadlines.

Me before husband, son, multiple deadlines.

What I look like now.

Truly, though, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

One of the few things (besides chocolate and prayer) that calms me is my seven-toed cat who refuses to let me put word count before snuggling.  Yup, I've got a twenty pound lap cat named Tyre.  He loves me because I (with the help of my friend Cathy) rescued him from a cage.

Why do people always stare at my toes?

I've had many cats.  When I'm without one, it's like having the review mirror fall off the car.  Something's missing and nothing feels right until it's fixed.

Here's a short video that perfectly depicts the writer/cat relationship.  And, Simon's creator is my hero.  I want to meet him.

Click Here To See A Writer and His Cat

This book, Pamela's April 2015 Love Inspired has a dog and lots of horses.
How can you write a Happily Ever After without animals?
Or kids?
Or a train?
Hmmm, maybe you don't need the train.

Goofy Writing and a New Book

AWK!  Today is my day to write something witty or wise at Craftie Ladies and I’ve been so insanely busy promoting my brand new trade novel THE MEMORY HOUSE, I forgot. Sorry I’m late.

Writers often get so caught up in the story, they make funny mistakes. I love those, and somewhere I have an entire file of what  I call "Goofy Writing." Of course, I can't find that file but here are few I did find.  SMILE!









From my work in progress:
"She dropped her eye to her glass…"
Comment: Only one eye. Poor thing. And she dropped it.

And here is another from a CBA novel that I read somewhere:
"Climbing awkwardly in too-big sneakers, the top of my head bumped against the roof hatch."
Comment: My head has never climbed into sneakers. How about yours?

One that our incomparable Lenora Worth shared on Facebook:
“He smelled like freshly mowed .. hair."
Comment: Ouch. That’s gotta hurt!!

And here’s one from the always funny Debra Clopton:
“Bo saw Maggie's expression soften-he'd been really hard on her about the ad she'd written about him and the other single men of Wishing Springs. Now, he felt guilty as she walked over and lifted him into her arms.”
Comment: Don’t mess with Maggie. That’s one strong gal!

Anyone else have an example they've discovered in a book or in your own writing?

The blog tour for THE MEMORY HOUSE continues if you’d like to read writing tips, grab a recipe or a free book or just join in the fun. The list with clickable links is here.

If you've read the book, I sure would appreciate a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks, y'all, and have a smiley day.

Craftie Ladies - Love Inspired Romance April 2015 Releases

Listed below are the upcoming releases from our talented Love Inspired Romance writers here at Craftie Ladies of Romance.  To purchase any of these wonderful books, just click on the book covers.  And to learn more about the authors, click on their names.

Finally a Hero
By Pamela Tracy

Jesse Campbell's determined to forget his past. He's moving to a dude ranch in Arizona to start getting his act together. Parenthood isn't part of the picture—until Jesse meets the son he didn't know he had. Now Jesse has some new goals: learning to be a good father—and a good man. The kind of man Eva Hubrecht, his boss's daughter, can trust.

He knows Eva isn't happy about Jesse and Timmy coming to the Lost Dutchman Ranch, but the little boy soon starts to win her heart. Jesse can only hope that with time and patience, this rancher's daughter will find room in her life for him, too.

The Rancher's Daughters: Sisters find hope, love and redemption in the Arizona desert.

First Friday and a good Friday for all ;) Lenora Worth

It's Good Friday. This was always "planting" day for my daddy. He planted our summer garden on Good Friday. So today, in honor of that memory, I thought I'd plant a new book!

First, let me clarify. I love writing for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense. But sometimes, we get a seed of an idea that just won't go away. I got such a seed but it didn't work for LI. My sweet daddy used to tuck back seeds to use for another time. That's what I did with this story.

But it found a home with Tule Publishing. My first novella for Tule came out this week. Driftwood Cowboy is a short story but with a big heart. This story reflects a lot--tragedy, comedy, longing, doubting and redemption. All of which I've had in my life. I'm so glad I kept this little seed and that it grew into a story of which I'm proud.

I know a lot of authors who are branching out and I think that's a good thing. It means our industry is strong. It means we have opportunities to write stories that might have stayed hidden in a dark corner. It means that working writers can work even more and plant new seeds that become beautiful new stories.

We call this being a "hybrid" writer. Hybrid roses bring about beautiful new plants. Hybrid cars bring about better gas mileage and a kinder footprint on Mother Nature. Hybrid writers bring about more stories for all of our wonderful readers. And I wonder--how do you handle trying something new, planting a new seed, nurturing that seed and watching it sprout? What kind of seed will you plant today?

Dana Mentink here. Dontcha' think this sounds like a great idea?

Gold Country Guardians
On a property nestled deep in the heart of California’s Gold country, the Reed brothers operate the Mother Lode Ranch. Rodeo star Asa, crop duster Jesse, and twin brothers Daniel and Gideon are fiercely protective of the woman who adopted them and determined to keep the family together against all odds. Armed with faith and bonded by hardship, the four will face dangers beyond their wildest imaginings and find love, deep in the heart of gold country.

Only it wasn't. Or at least, it wasn't good enough to capture the attention of an editor. Something about a week "saleable hook." I spent some time pondering the meaning of that. A "saleable hook" is an idea that is compelling enough to carry the reader through a series. Maybe it's the "Navy Seal hero" or perhaps it's the "canine cops" etc. Obviously, I need to work on sharpening up my "hook" if I want to sell the Gold Country Guardians idea. 

What hooks to you enjoy in your books? 

P.S. It's release day for my real live book that did snag a book contract!

http://amzn.to/1G6RAxC

Allie Pleiter gets BUSY!

Or is it that I stay busy?  Because, really, when am I NOT busy?

Whatever the case, I’ve got lots going on this month—no April fooling!

First, I’m excited to have released my first non-fiction in many years, a book that has been requested for as long as I have been teaching “The Chunky Method of Time Management for Writers.”  THE CHUNKY METHOD HANDBOOK:  Your Step-By-Step Plan to WRITE THAT BOOK Even When Life Gets in the Way has been a project of mine for many years.  I have always been fascinated with productivity, especially how it applies to creative fields like writing.  Over the course of my career I’ve developed a practical system for getting words down on the page to meet a deadline, and I’m thrilled to share it with writers everywhere.  Now you know why I take it as a compliment when someone calls me “The Chunky Lady!”  If you’re interested, you can sign up to join “The Chunky Nation” and receive a free Chunky Method Calculator here.

I’ve also been busy with my April Love Inspired Historical, THE DOCTOR’S UNDOING.  Readers who loved Ida Lee Landway from HOMEFRONT HERO will be pleased to see Ida get her own happy ending.  It’s garnered one of my favorite reviews ever from RT magazine, which gave it 4 stars and called it “a delightful read filled with laughable scenes, adorable children, and sigh-worthy romantic moments.”  They also said the epilogue “made for a great ending.”  That sure put a smile on my face.

With our children grown off on their own and in college, we are hosting our extended family for the Easter holiday.  I’m making a ham, deviled eggs (a Pleiter must-have), and apple pie while others are bringing sides and such.  What’s on the menu at your house?