"Ask Elnora" Becomes "Lyn Asks"-Share Your Thanksgiving Highlights

Our sweet Lenora is away due to family matters. And she asked me to take over for today! I guess she thinks that over the 15 years we've been friends that I've absorbed all her Elnora vibes!

But did I need them? I told my husband very early in our marriage that I was practicing for when I was a grouchy old lady. One day, he told me to stop practicing, I didn't need anymore! :-)

That same sweet husband is always my Thanksgiving feast helper. He begins by dicing up the dried bread for stuffing. Then he minces the onions and celery for said stuffing. (Or do you call it "dressing?" Either's delicious to me.)

My dh does this because I am a tearer of bread and he likes it cubed the way his grandmother did it. As long as he dices, I'm good with it!

Now I'm going to share my recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffing. My husband lives for turkey and dressing and I must have plenty of leftovers. I can't stuff enough into the bird--even if I get one that weighs in over 25 lbs.

Here's the link to the recipe at allrecipes.com

Now I am constitutionally INCAPABLE of making most recipes without fiddling with them. So I don't add the parsley, mushrooms or marjoram. But the rest works well. I get raves and have tons leftover without tying up the oven.

Do you have a Thanksgiving feast helper?
Or a recipe you'd like to share?
Do you call it dressing or stuffing or both???

DO TELL!!


BTW, the link to the giveaway in the right column is http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/16640-holiday-hideout
Nearly 300 readers have already signed up for the giveaway!

Editors, Agents, Contests, and More

Today is the 1000th post here on the Craftie Ladies of Romance. One thousand! Wow.

When you've managed to post that many times, you must have a lot to say.

So, first, you need to know there's a contest that Lyn Cote and Lynette Eason are putting on over at Goodreads, and the prize happens to be Love Inspired books from authors on the blog. Please hop over there to see what's going on. Over 200 readers have already entered their names! The link is posted on the sidebar.

All month we've been doing a "What We're Thankful For..." We've done readers, writers, and today, we're doing both editors and agents. Some of our Crafties are listing their thankfulness below: others are doing it on the comment portion.

Editors

“I'm so thankful for my editor, Emily Rodmell, who pulled me out of the slush pile and gave me a chance! I'm thankful for my agent who helped me get my foot in the door with another publisher and who does her best to make sure I have the best deal possible. I'm very thankful God placed these people in my life when He did. His timing is always perfect and I'm thankful for that too!”

Lynette Eason


“I’m so grateful for editors who take the grist of our stories and help make them sing.”

Cara Putman :-)


“I'm so thankful for my editor, Emily Rodmell, who took a chance on my stories and helps to make them shine. God bless! Thanks also go to the many "hands," from line editor to copy editor, who work so hard to ensure our stories are their very best.””

Christine Johnson


“I'm thankful for the wonderful editors at Love Inspired, In particular, Emily Rodmell and Joan Marlow Golan as well as Marsha Zinberg in Toronto, Canada. This last spring, my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given two months to live. I had three books and a novella under contract. As soon as the word got out about my situation my pressing deadlines vanished. I was told to take all the time off I needed and contact them when I was ready to write again. Their notes and words of encouragement showed me how much they care as people, not just as editors.”

Patricia Davids


Agents

“For my agents, Nalini Akolekar and Karen Solem, I hold the deepest gratitude. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. When my spirits dip, you lift them up. When I ask silly questions, you answer with great patience. Thank you!”

Christine Johnson

My agent, Michelle Grajkowski, has been a true blessing in my life. Alternately cheerleader, taskmaster, career counselor, bulldog advocate and dear friend, she is always squarely in my corner. When I went through a three and a half year dry spell in my career, she never once made me feel as if she had lost faith in either me or my writing. I’m not sure I could have kept going through that scary time if she had not been there, encouraging and adamantly believing in me.

Winnie Griggs

“One of the literary agents I had queried, Pam Hopkins, called me and asked for a 'revise and resubmit' about an hour before an editor from Harlequin called and offered to buy the book. I knew right then I wanted Pam to represent me. Why? Because she was right. The pieces of the story Pam wanted tweaked where identical to the pieces the editor wanted revised. Also, anyone can deliver good news. Delivering bad news is an art. Pam was encouraging without being unrealistic and tough without being unkind. I am thankful for her support and encouragement every day. I call her my, 'crazy buffer.' Believe me, she doesn't get paid nearly enough!”

Sherri Shackelford


Regina Scott is incredibly thankful for her agent, Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency. Publishing can be a challenging business, and Emily is always in Regina’s corner, encouraging and helping her envision new ways to go forward.


Both Editors and Agents

“I'm thanksful for being able to write for Love Inspired Suspense and work with my wonderful editor Emily Rodmell. She always makes my stories better. I'm also grateful for Deidre Knight, my agent, who believes in me and in my writing.”

Debby Giusti

“I want to thank my editors for all their hard work. Your input is invaluable and appreciated.I'm a better writer because of you. I also want to thank my agent, Steve Laube. I appreciate all your wisdom and support over the years.”

Margaret Daley

“I'm so thankful for my wonderful editor, Emily Rodmell, who makes all my books better--and makes me proud to see them on the shelf. And I'm thankful for my amazing agent, Natasha Kern, for believing in me and my work, and for being my cheerleader.”
Missy Tippens

“I’m so glad to have agent like Steve Luabe in my corner to remind me of all I can do and all I have time to do and to reign me in when my ideas go amuck. I’m also glad to have an editor like Tina James to guide me so my stories are the best they can be.

Pamela Tracy

Road Trip!

Hi readers. Christine Johnson here for my very first post. Woohoo! I'm excited to be here with the other Love Inspired Craftie Ladies. Hugs and waves, everyone!



Now for today's post. Nothing got me more excited as a kid than the prospect of a road trip. It could take me as close as the nearest park or many states away, but each time I expected a new adventure. What treasures would I discover? What new sight would inspire me? How would I conquer the danger that lurked around every corner? (Yes, the writer in me was already at work.)


We took several camping vacations when I was young, many to Kentucky. One year we toured Mammoth Cave, where I pestered the tour guide and constantly ran ahead of the group. Poor guy! But like a hero, he indulged my adventurous spirit and even encouraged my brother and I to scout ahead. Years later when I became a tour guide on a museum ship, kids on tour did exactly the same thing to me. Ah, paybacks!



My husband and I love road trips. Sometimes we fly or take a train or ship rather than drive, but adventure always awaits us. One of our favorite places is Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. We love to hike the mountains and thus far have escaped calamity, though we've had our close calls with grizzlies.



These photos are from our last trip to Glacier National Park in 2010. The sheer beauty always leaves me breathless, and I wanted to share my love of this place with all of you in my upcoming book. All Roads Lead Home (January 2012) takes my fearless heroine to the edge of the Rocky Mountains to save an orphaned boy. Moreover, she drives there...in 1922!




After settling in with a cup of coffee or tea and a cinnamon roll, let's chat about our favorite road trips. Where did you go and what made it memorable? Where would you like to travel if you had the opportunity? And how would you prefer to get there - by car, plane, train or ship?

What are You Reading?

There was a calendar mix up for the post today. So I'm just popping in to share my upcoming book cover, which I recently saw was up on Amazon (I LOVE it!!) and to ask...

What are you reading? Do you have any big plans to read over the Thanksgiving holiday (once your cooking and cleaning up is done, of course!)? :)

Missy

Christmas Haven by Hope White

Today we're welcoming Julie Burns, the heroine of "Christmas Haven" written by Hope White, a November 2011 release by Love Inspired Suspense.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I work with teenage street kids in Seattle to help them get off the streets and live safe and healthy lives. I witnessed one of my boys being kidnapped, and ever since, I felt like someone's been following me. I headed back to my hometown and got an anonymous call threatening my life. It's a good thing I listened to my instincts.

2. So, during the book you ran into Morgan Wright. Tell us a bit about him.

Morgan and I dated in high school. We both thought it was forever, but after my best friend died, my view of the world changed. I felt like I wanted to be more than someone's wife in a small town, so I left for the city, went to college and became a social worker.

When did you know it was love?

On our third date. I just knew. The irony is, it never stopped being love, even after our 10 year separation. The first time I saw him my heart leapt into my throat, both from regret of having broken his heart, and from letting go of my one true love. There will never be another love like Morgan. I haven't even bothered looking.

3. What strengths/skills do you have?

My determination, for sure. That and my analytical brain.

What is your greatest weakness? Guilt. It drives me in ways that aren't healthy.

4. What scares you?

Failure. If I fail these kids, they could die. They don't deserve to die.

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

I'd invest less of myself in my cases because it hurts so much when a street kid doesn't make it, when he's found dead or he's locked up for dealing drugs.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I'd given up. After everything I've seen with these kids, I just couldn't understand how God could abandon them.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

Seeing Morgan's strong faith changed me somehow. I was able to understand that faith gives us strength to walk through the worst challenges and come out the other side at peace.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.

It's about about compassion and forgiveness. That's my interpretation. Accepting others for who they are and forgiving people for their mistakes is so incredibly important. Condemning others by judging them, being angry or resentful, only keeps us in emotional pain. Forgiveness is key, that's what I've learned.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

Strawberry Shortcake. It's got a little of everything. It's spongy, soft, cold, sweet. I like variety in my desserts!

FEATURED BOOK: CHRISTMAS HAVEN BY HOPE WHITE

Shock is police captain Morgan Wright's first reaction to seeing his former sweetheart, Julie Burns. But concern soon follows. The lovely social worker left Port Whisper behind years ago. Why is she back…and what's got her so scared?Her hometown was the only safe place Julie could turn to after witnessing a kidnapping. She didn't count on trouble following her. And she certainly didn't expect to run into Morgan, or to feel that old love rekindle. Morgan wants to help her, and she wants to let him—but now that danger has intruded on her safe haven, everyone's at risk….

Ask Elnora--about Veterans???? Lenora Worth

Darlings, this will be short and sweet. Elnora is on the road again. We are headed to Georgia to visit a family member who is having surgery. Then we'll be back in Florida for a few days. I hope to post during the day, depending on where I might be and if I can find wifi somewhere. But I couldn't let this time of year get by without saluting our dear veterans who have served our country. As romance writers, we all appreciate a man in uniform. As Americans, we appreciate both men and women who have served in order to protect us and keep us free. What could be more romantic than that? But we realize wars are not romantic at all, are they? They are big and dirty and chaotic and stressful and dangerous and ... going to fight in a war is the only job I know of that you go into knowing you might not come out. So, thank you Veterans. We won't forget you, ever. And dear bloggers, let's discuss any veterans we might have in our lives. I'll start. I had an Uncle Harry who served in the Air Force and a brother who served in the Navy. My late father-in-law was an Army veteran and I had a nephew who also served. It takes a lot of courage to offer up your life for your country. But then, there is no greater love ..... Tell us about your veterans. They are all heroes, of course. But we also realize they sometimes suffer greatly after coming home. Elnora wishes we could have a nation-wide group hug to salute our veterans and let them know we care about them. Happy Veterans Day to all the heroes out there. We will tell your stories in our stories. Okay, beautiful bloggers--do you have a special person in uniform you'd like to mention or remember?

We're Thankful for New Authors

Here at the Craftie Ladies of Romance, we have so much to be grateful for. Last Wednesday, we highlighted Julie, one of our beloved readers. Today we’re honoring the two newest additions to the blog:

They’re here to tell you about themselves and how they traversed the road to publication. So, without further ado, let’s see what these two ladies have to say.

They’ve done it like an interview, how cool!

Rhonda Gibson

Sherri: So, Rhonda, when did you sell your first book, and to whom?

Rhonda: My first book sold in 2003, to Barbour Publishing. Mine was the first novella to receive a contract at the Annual ACFW Writer’s conference.

Sherri: Wow! (For those of you who might not know, Barbour, in order to support new authors, grants a contract each year at the ACFW conference. It’s a BIG DEAL to win this award!) What an honor. How many books have you sold since then?

Rhonda: I am blessed to have three publishers so at this time, and I’ve sold 10 books. A Biltmore Christmas is out now, The Marshal’s Promise will be released May 2012 and The Midwife’s Apprentice releases in June of 2012.

Sherri: You are one busy author! Can you give us a brief description of your May release from Harlequin Historical?

Rhonda: Yes! I’m thrilled to be a Love Inspired Historical author. The title is: The Marshal’s Promise. Rebecca is a mail order bride who, when she arrives, discovers that her intended has been killed during a bank robbery. Seth is the Marshal who has to deliver the news to her.

Sherri: Sounds awesome! Tell us about ‘The Call’ from Harlequin.

Rhonda: I’m blessed to have an agent who called several times while I was in the movies... I knew it was important and my heart was beating out of my chest because I knew we were waiting to hear from LIH. So when I called her back I was hopeful but when she didn’t immediately say LIH wants this book, I was disappointed. But then she gave me a few more details and I realized that yes! They did want the book! I screamed like the girl I am and sputtered to my DH and anyone else who would listen that I was finally a LIH author. To celebrate my sweet husband took me to my favorite ice-cream shop. I have to confess the girls were a little confused at all the dancing and squealing that filled their shop.

Sherri: I like your agent already! You have several wonderful ‘call’ stories. Not many people can pull that off.

Sherri Shackelford
Rhonda: How about you, Sherri, when did you learn you wanted to be a writer?

Sherri: The summer of 2007. I liked to read, and my youngest was a year old. I knew once he went to kindergarten, I'd have to have at least a hobby to make people think I did more than eat bon bons and take bubble baths. I joined my local RWA chapter in August 2007. I almost fainted I was so nervous.

Rhonda: Laughing, yes I understand that nervous feeling of starting a new adventure. So for the readers out there who want to be writers - Be brave and do what Sherri did, join a writers group and get busy! So Sherri, How did you come up with the idea for the book you sold to LIH?

Sherri: In December 2010, Harlequin sponsored So You Think You Can Write - and they wanted something you hadn't shopped around before. I kept seeing this winter scene with a woman in labor. So I sent it off. And four weeks later they rejected it. But I loved those characters, and I knew I had to write their story. I'd never written a western or an inspirational, but it 'felt' right.

Rhonda: So did you rewrite and resubmit?

Sherri: Sort of. I tweaked the opening scene – but not much. I decided to enter a few contests and get some feedback. See if I could figure out what Harlequin didn’t like. I ended up finaling in a few.

Rhonda: And they bought it?

Sherri: Long story short, yes. But there were many ups and downs along the way.

Rhonda: I’m happy that you stuck to it and can’t wait to read your book! So tell us, what does your family think of your writing?

Sherri: Great question! I have the most supportive husband/family/extended family you can imagine. My husband fully supports my efforts, and always makes sure I have enough 'quality time' to write. He's amazing. What about you? Does your family support your writing?

Rhonda: My family is wonderful as well. My husband has supported me since the beginning.
[There’s a short little aside here where Rhonda gives me some more publishing tips, and we discover we have the same wonderful editor!]

Sherri: Are you working on your next book?

Rhonda: I set up The Marshal’s Promise as a series and am currently working on the proposals for the next two books. What about you?

Sherri: I have a proposal in for the next book, but it’s completely separate. While I’m finishing up the second book, I’m working on a proposal for a for a 3-book series.

Rhonda: Wait! You forgot to tell us about ‘The Call.’

Sherri: Okay, this is funny. The editor from Harlequin introduced herself and started off by telling me how much she liked the book and enjoyed the characters...and I'm thinking, blah, blah..next she’s going to say, “But you’re not quite ready. Revise and resubmit.”
Instead she says, "So we'd like to buy it." I couldn't wrap my head around the news! I kept giving her tidbits about the book to make sure she was calling the right person. (This must be a mistake, right?) She finally said, “Do you want me to call back later?” “No!”

Rhonda: Too funny! I think that is wonderful, before we stop and allow our readers to ask us their own questions, what is the title of your book? And when is it being released?

Sherri: Winning the Widow’s Heart releases in June of 2012 from Harlequin Love Inspired Historical. Widowed Elizabeth Cole is alone and in labor when a relentless Texas Ranger searching for an outlaw barges into her life. Forced to rely on the handsome lawman, Elizabeth fears she holds the key to solving the ranger’s case, and the truth threatens to tear apart her fragile security. We’d like to thank the Craftie Ladies of Romance for allowing us to do this fun interview together. God has truly blessed our careers and lives by bringing us into the LI family!

Visit us at:
sherrishackelford.com
http://rhondagibson.blogspot.com/

Furry Friends Who Steal the Show

Hi, friends! Regina Scott here. I was looking back over the last few weeks of posts and smiled at Leann’s story about babysitting Ollie, her son and daughter-in-law’s slobbering dog. Our dog doesn’t slobber. He doesn’t shed either. That was a requirement for getting him. My husband and oldest son are allergic to animal hair, so the only way for us to have a pet is to get one that’s hypoallergenic.

We looked at a number of breeds, like Portugese water dogs (think of Bo, the First Dog), poodles, and some terriers. Irish terriers intrigued my younger son and me because they were called the daredevils of the dog world. That turned out to be the understatement of a lifetime!

Meet Fergus. He’s three-quarters Irish terrior, one-quarter German wire-haired pointer, but he has the terrier coat we needed. The pointer part of him comes out when he looks out the back door. He tends to point at whatever interests him. Unfortunately, one of the things that interests him most is jumping. He can hit four feet straight up from a stand, more than six foot at a run. He was over our six-foot solid-wood fence within hours of coming home. After several such escapes, my husband added three more boards to the top of the corner Fergus went over most often. He backflipped over it. No lie. He just jumped onto one side of the corner, and did the Flosbury flop over the other.

My husband added chicken wire. Fergus scrambled over it. My husband built a lip. Fergus went after a different corner of the yard. Finally, after much research, my husband strung a stout wire about three inches from the wood and about six inches from the top of the fence. It isn’t electrified, but the idea is that Fergus will hit it on the way up and be so startled it will break his concentration and make him drop back into the yard. It actually worked!

And then he learned to dig.

For the first year and half, our lives revolved around outwitting Fergus. In the process, we learned to love our determined escape artist. He’s much less likely to try to get out these days, which is a blessing! Although some days it's hard to find him among the pillows and stuffed animals on my son's bed. I also learned to understand why my friends are so devoted to their pets. That’s one of the reasons I included a dog in my November release from Love Inspired Historical, An Honorable Gentleman. Dolly is the largest mastiff ever bred in the Evendale Valley of England’s Lake District. She was meant to guard the Blackcliff Estate and its treasures, but she’s become a good friend to my heroine Gwen Allbridge. RT Book Reviews claimed, in fact, that Dolly nearly steals the show. Just like Fergus.

So what about your pets? Any other escape artists out there? Or other furry friends who like to steal the show?

Thanksgiving....books and goodies!

Thanksgiving is coming up so soon--I can't believe it!  Actually, I've been thinking about this particular Thanksgiving for a long time, because earlier in the year I was writing my The Loner's Thanksgiving Wish, which is out in the stores right now.  It was such a fun book to write, because family means everything to me (an issue my heroine is dealing with during her story), it addresses the effect of adoption even after a child is grown (another aspect close to my heart, because I was blessed to be adopted into a wonderful family when I was nearly four years old)  and, I love Thanksgiving!

I would love to hear about some of your favorite recipes and traditions surrounding the holiday.   Since our dinner is late afternoon, we usually have brunch for everyone, and then don't eat again until the big turkey dinner is ready.  Here are the pecan caramel rolls we make every year.  I start them the night before, and they are soooo good!  :)

AUNTIE MARY'S CARAMEL ROLLS

The night before:

Soften   2 pkg yeast  in 1 ½ cups warm water

Add:

¼ cup Crisco oil

½ cup sugar

1 tsp salt

Add & beat well:                       

1 egg

2 cups flour

Then add 2 more cups of flour & beat well.  Turn into very large greased bowl, cover loosely with wax paper, refrigerate overnight. 

In the morning:

Make the caramel by bringing to a boil:         

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup  whipping (heavy) cream)

¼ cup butter

Pour into greased 9x13 pan, then add generous layer of pecans  ( I often do this the night to save time.)

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle  approximately 1/2 " thick, then spread heavily with softened real butter and a heavy layer of cinnamon sugar.

Roll up, use a long piece of thread to cut into twelve rolls and place in the 9x13 that has been prepped with  caramel and pecans.

Let raise until double.  then bake 350 degrees approx 30  min

Oh--and over on the www.harlequin.com site, I have a post on the "Story behind the story" for this Thanksgiving book, and included  our family favorite sage dressing.  It just isn't Thanksgiving without it at our house!

Blessings,

Roxanne Rustand

blogging at www.roxannerustand.com

Fall Decorating

Missy Tippens, here. Okay, I know some of you are already thinking of decorating for Christmas. :) But I always refuse to miss out on celebrating Thanksgiving. And I finally bought a beautiful fall wreath for my front door. I just love it and thought I'd share it today! So what about you? Do you get into decorating in October and November? Or are you one who just looks forward to December?

The Forest Ranger's Husband by Leigh Bale Interview

How exciting to have Matt Cutter, the hero from The Forest Ranger’s Husband, written by Leigh Bale, a November 2012 release from Love Inspired Romance .

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

Well, I’m a hotshot wildfire fighter. I work mostly on Type D (very large) wildfires. I love the thrill of planning strategies and putting out fires.

2. What do you do for fun?

I used to eat, drink and sleep my work. But recently, I discovered I have a five year-old son. You see, I left my wife to pursue my career as a hotshot. She soon found out she was expecting and didn’t tell me about it, because she didn’t want to use a baby to get me back. I wish she’d told me about my son. I wish I’d never left them in the first place. It took me a long time to figure out what my greatest priority in life is. Now I know. My family.

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

Forgiving myself, forgiving God, and apologizing to my family for things that I’d done. I lost one of my crewmen on a wildfire and almost died myself. For a long time, I suffered with survivor’s guilt. It took a lot of soul-searching, and the help of my estranged wife, to discover that God had a purpose for me. That he loves me. And that I wasn’t finished with my mission in life. Now, I never hesitate when I have an opportunity to be with my wife and son. They’re everything to me. Everything that matters.

4. What are you afraid of most in life?

Losing my family. I walked away from them once. I lost them because I turned my back on them for my career. When I almost lost my life, I realized how fragile we all are. I realized what was most important. Family is all you get to take with you when you leave this life. That and yourself. I’ll do everything in my power to keep my family’s love. Because I want them forever.

5. What is the most important thing to you?

I think I answered that pretty well just above. Family is everything to me.

6. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?

Sure! I read lots of books on the latest fire fighting techniques. In the old days, they fought wildfire by sticking a lone man up on a mountain with a shovel and telling him to build fire line. Now, we would never put someone alone out there. We have equipment, fire shelters, training, etc. Fire science is fascinating to me.

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

I’ve actually been working on that. You see, I was an adrenaline junkie at one time. Nothing was more important than my career as a hotshot wildfire fighter. I was self-absorbed and hurt the people who love me, and who I love most. I’ve been changing that around. Giving of myself to them. Putting their wants and needs above my own. And in doing so, I’ve learned there’s no greater joy in this life than service.

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

My son, Davie, keeps asking for a dog. I’m sure we’ll get one soon. Every kid ought to have a pet. As they feed and clean up after the pet, kids learn to work. They learn affection and kindness to animals. They learn respect for all God’s creatures. So yeah, we’re gonna get a dog. Just as soon as I can convince my wife that it’s a good thing to do. J

9. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

I like to go back to about 1920, when the U.S. Forest Service was first established. I’d like to be involved in those first wildfires and add my input to help find better ways to combat the loss of life and property. And I’d like to tell all those wildfire fighters thank you for their service to our country.

FEATURED BOOK: THE FOREST RANGER'S HUSBAND BY LEIGH BALE

Standing before Fire Control Officer Matt Cutter is a five-year-old replica of himself—the son he never knew he had. All Matt wants to do is hug little Davie and make up for the lost years. But forest ranger Andie Foster, the boy's mother whom Matt left behind, is understandably afraid. How can Matt possibly explain the lapse of faith—in God and himself—that drove him away from what he loved most? And will the lovely forest ranger give him a second chance to be a husband and father forever?

Ask Elnora--about friends???? Lenora Worth

Hello, friends! It's early. Elnora is not a morning person but I managed to get out from underneath my warm covers so I could get this posted to my blog friends. Yesterday, I spent the day with two of my very best friends, fellow writers Eve Gaddy and Julia (Janet) Justiss. We met up at a Starbuck's and plotted books for hours. Then we decided to go to lunch and we talked and plotted and gave each other emotional therapy for another hour or so. Then we did some retail therapy! We headed to the mall! Of course, we stopped in the shoe department and we all bought kicking ankle boots. Charlie's Angels have nothing on us! Since we are all busy people, this precious time was important. We had to squeeze every drop of time and talk into those few hours. We all live far apart, but not so far apart that we can't meet in the middle somewhere. Elnora is always up for a road trip. And it was a beautiful fall day, with a bit of a chilly wind. So of course, before we left each other we each had to get a cup of java for the road! Now, after a long week of ups and downs with our visit yesterday being on the UP side, it's back to work. But being with two people who've nursed me through the worst of times and celebrated with me during the best of times made me think of the importance of friends. And the importance of meeting in the middle. What would we do without friends? I hear another song in my head "Oh, you gotta have friends!" Being a writer has allowed Elnora to make friends all over the world! That's one of the perks of this job. We might meet online but when we finally meet in person, the squeals and hugs are like Christmas! Better than a shoe clearance! As good as chocolate! And more precious than gold! So, my precious friends, let's talk about friendships! Let's discuss how some people can just "get" you with your flaws and scary moments and hissy fits and everything, how a true friend does meet you in the middle and is willing to compromise to accomodate you while you do the same for them--out of love! What is it about true friends that you love???

We're Thankful for Readers

November is the month for Thanksgiving. Here on the Craftie site, we're especially thankful for readers. So, let's celebrate one.

Welcome, Julie! Tell us a little about yourself.

Let’s just say I am an early bird eclectic. I got married at 19 to my own personal hero and had my children early too. I have a microbiology degree from NC State and later went back to school to earn my Masters from Duke University’s Divinity School. This is a problem during ACC basketball season. I have worked in a laboratory, run a Vacation Bible School for five hundred children, consulted on a website for senior citizens and their caregivers, pastored a church building a sanctuary, and worked for a cancer focused non-profit. I once said, “if I don’t do anything after 40, I will still have had a full life.”

These days I am a card and paper artist, volunteer for an organization rearranging cast-off flowers and makes new arrangements for those in need, and am a very young “Grandma Juju.” I love my life and all the time I have to read, write, and create.

How did you discover Love Inspired Romance and how long have you been reading them?

Seven years ago, my mother died unexpectedly. It was life changing event in ways both big and small. I decided I needed to read for entertainment more but picked up a couple of books with surprise unhappy endings. [Spoiler Alert: I could show you the wall dents from when I threw Cold Mountain and My Sister’s Keeper across the room.] So I decided to try romance books because I heard they came with guaranteed HEAs!

I credit Linda Goodnight and Victoria Bylin for getting me reading inspirational romance. When I began glomming romance, I found myself drawn to contemporaries and historical westerns. I read everything Linda and Vicki had written. Then I noticed they also wrote for Love Inspired. Truthfully, I was leery about inspirational romance. How could someone combine stories about faith and love? Would they be sappy, too simplistic, too “religious” or not enough? But I was thrilled! What a wonderful discovery Love Inspired and its community of authors have been for me. Of course, I may be one of the only folks who writes to an LI author saying how “theologically sound” I find their books - in addition to being wonderful love stories.

What is your favorite Love Inspired Romance? Why?

Nope, not going to answer that one. Don’t ask me which child is my favorite either! I read more contemporary and historical than suspense. I have my favorite authors but specifically buy the new authors as they debut. I believe it is a calling to support and encourage inspirational authors in all the sub-genres out there.


What are you reading today?

Just finished Pamela Nissen’s Rocky Mountain Homecoming and Renee Ryan’s Courting the Enemy. Now I am enjoying Pamela Tracy’s Once Upon A Cowboy. (Disclaimer: I was reading Pamela’s book before she asked me to do this interview.) I don’t read a lot of the suspense LI books but I may have to glom her mysteries now.

Do you write, also? If so, tell us what you’re working on?

I have been a writer since I was little. In addition to sermons, I used to write devotionals and essays for a national publishing house. I have always written from “the other point of view.” These days, my writing friends are encouraging me to explore fiction. I am fleshing out some stories including an idea about a woman who finds herself fingered as a former “other woman,” affecting her new faith and relationship with a possible love interest. My friends have said if anyone could make folks see her side of the story, it would be me. We will see.

Besides the Craftie Ladies, tell us two or three other Blogs you like to visit and why.

I visit www.seekerville.blogspot.com for their writing tips and encouragement of newbie writers. I love www.petticoatsandpistols.com for their always interesting background on the Old West. Don’t get me started on all the wedding blogs I am reading getting ready for my daughter’s wedding in October.

What are you three favorite books of all time (I know, hard to narrow it down). Tell us, what spiraled them to the top of your list? What did the author do that won you over?

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott taught me about the writer’s longing to write but I wonder if it was really my “first” romance book. The young loves and adventures of the sisters were described with great detail and written with warmth, humor and pathos.

Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer introduced me to characters that were not glamorous but tugged at my heart. The Depression and WWII setting was so vividly described. Authors who are painstaking about details are put on my auto-buy list.

I read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens each year on my birthday in December. A tale of redemption, lost love, found hope, and a carefully entertaining commentary on the state of society at the time.

Anything else you'd like to add?

If any of the Love Inspired authors have ever wondered if they “make a difference,” they do! I can’t tell you the number of times I have picked up a Love Inspired book and the scripture verse, story line or something a character says jumps out at me, lifting me up and encouraging me. Thank you all.

Book Inspiration

A lot of times people ask what inspired me to write a particular book. In the case of Christmas Haven it was the message of forgiveness that prompted me to get to know Julie Burns and Morgan Wright, to bring the high school sweethearts back together after ten long years.

Julie left her small town of Port Whisper and headed to the city in order to get her degree and become a social worker. Since she blames herself for her high school friend’s death—upset, the girl took a boat into dangerous waters and drowned—Julie is determined to find redemption by helping street kids make better choices and live healthier lives.

But as we all know, you can only do so much for a person, and then they have to take the baton and sprint across the finish line. At some point Julie has to accept this reality: do the best she can and let go.

In the meantime, thugs are after her, she thinks, because she witnessed a kidnapping. It’s more complicated than that, but under Morgan’s watchful eye, she’ll be safe in her hometown.

Morgan, on the other hand, relies on his faith and compassion to find it in his heart to forgive the girl who broke his heart ten years ago. Amazed that he can forgive her, and inspired by his strong faith, Julie opens her heart to God.

What also inspired me to write this book was an old friend from previous book, Witness on the Run (May 2011). Well, he’s not old exactly, but 17-year-old, Sketch aka Steven Drake, is precocious, emotionally bruised, and brilliant. He’s got an answer for everything, and he’s the Port Whisper Police Force’s secret weapon – the kid is a computer genius.

It’s funny, what inspires someone to write a story about fictional people that become oh, so real. Have you read anything recently that inspired you to write a story?

Happy November! Who's counting down the days until Christmas?

Hope White

Alice in Wonderland

Terri Reed here. This is a busy week in our house as my children get ready for opening night of

Alice in Wonderland. My daughter will be the red chess queen and my son Humpty Dumpty. I tried to make his costume but that is out of the scope of my skill set. I am too embarrassed to even show anyone my attempt. However, I know the play will be fabulous. My kids love the theatre and acting. Especially when they can be characters. I have always loved the story of Alice in Wonderland. There' s something about falling down the rabbit hole into a different world that appeals to my imagination. My favorite version is the animated Disney movie, but the newest version with Johnny Depp as the Madhatter has become a second favorite. I can't decide which is my favorite character though. In the animated version its the white rabbit and the Cheshire Cat. But in the new version I think its the Madhatter or the White Queen played by Ann

Hathaway. Of course it could just be that I like Johnny Depp. I remember 21 Jump Street very clearly. I was in college and had a crush on him. Still do if truth be told.

So you do have a favorite Alice in Wonderland character? or version of the story?

Say Hello to Lyn Cote

We've interview Eleanor from Building a Family, now its time to ask the author Lyn Cote a few questions. Say hello to Lyn.

Lyn, we'd love to know:

How long did it take you to write this book?

About 5 months

How did it get the title?

My editor usually comes up with a title because I am "title-challenged." She suggested Instant Family but I said that sounded like a marriage of convenience story. This isn't one. So she came back with Building a Family. This was great since the book is the last in my series about three families receiving Habitat for Humanity houses so the concept of "building" is central. And the story truly records the building of a family.

What number book is this for you?

36

What are you working on now?

My next LIH out Nov 2012. It does not have a title but I did give the series a working title of "Wilderness Brides." Readers who loved my "Gabriel Sisters" series will recognize this book's heroine as the prostitute that at the end of Her Healing Ways, Dr. Mercy sends away to start a new life with her family in PA. This is Sunny's story and her "wounded" hero, Noah.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Your next project sounds very interesting.

FEATURED BOOK: BUILDING A FAMILY BY LYN COTE

Lawyer Eleanor Washburn defends wayward teenagers and supervises volunteers for Habitat for Humanity without missing a beat. But she is unnerved by fascinating single dad Pete Beck—especially since his chaotic life includes a little girl wishing for a mother. Sweet Cassie has Eleanor yearning for what's been missing from her lonely existence. Soon, both dad and daughter are chipping away at Eleanor's defenses. Can she find the courage to risk losing her heart to this ready-made family?

Ask Elnora--About Rain?? Lenora Worth

Hello, beautiful friends. Do you hear that sound? It is wonderful. It is rain in the deep South. Elnora loves a good rainy night. We've had so few of those this summer. And it seems that with the rain, cooler weather will finally be here. Don't get me wrong. Elnora is a southern girl. I love spring and summer--lemonade and sun hats, petunias and azaleas, the smell of honeysuckle and magnolias, tea cakes and sweet tea. But ... I so appreciate fall and winter, too. I love snuggling in a soft robe on a rainy night, sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies, watching an old movie and crying all over again. I love walking through crusty leaves and sitting by a campfire near a body of water. So right now, I have on my soft Uggs and a warm sweater and I'm listening to the rain falling down outside. That got me thinking about rain songs. You know, the songs you hear that just make you stop and sigh. Such as ..." A Rainy Night in Georgia". Love me some Ray Charles. (He grew up in Georgia, you know.) Or how about "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" BJ Thomas ring a bell? Or "Purple Rain" by that guy who used to be named Prince? Maybe "Alabama Rain" by Jim Croce? Or maybe even "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain"? Hank Williams, Emmylou Harris?? Even Willie Nelson? We can sing "Send down the rain, Lord." Or maybe "Holy Spirit, rain down, rain down." And then, "Lord, let your mercy rain on me." What is it about rain? Especially when you feel so parched and tired that you can't seem to find any strength to keep going? Doesn't it seem that on a soft rainy night with a crisp temperature, all you need is a warm blanket and a listening heart? Because God has sent you the perfect gift? It's as if He's saying "Just rest, my child. Listen to the rain and rest." Because as the Who song goes "Only love can make it rain. Love reign o'er me, rain on me." Let's discuss the rain. And do you have a favorite rain song? I hope so. Cause "Ain't No Sunshine When You're Gone!"