Women of Faith and Fiction ~ Carole Brown

September 18, 2018September 18, 2018 / Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

Good morning, dear reader! Welcome to Women of Faith and Fiction Tuesday. Today, we’re talking with Carole Brown. Carole’s latest release is A Flute in the Willows, Book Two of The Spies of WWII. Let’s begin…

Good morning, Carole. Please, tell us about yourself.

Personal

Carole Brown Here’s my official bio:

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

What a fantastic life, Carole. Congratulations on the ten books! Let’s talk about the professional side of your life. Where did you get the idea for your latest WIP or your current release? And what inspired you to choose the setting of your story?

Professional

a-flute-in-the-willow Two things gave me the idea of writing A Flute in the Willows, Book Two of The Spies of WWII.

First, my mother’s pictures and tales of living through WWII. These piqued my interest and steered me in the direction of writing a novel set during this time.

Second, we had an older gentleman friend who’d written a book about a civilian spy. It was always rumored that he was that spy, but he never confirmed it. That thought encouraged me to write my own take on spies.

I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for a brief time, working there, before I was married. I liked that city, and when deciding on the setting, I knew it would fit perfectly. And, of course, Germany was a major player during WWII. How could I not bring touches of it into the books?

The story sounds intriguing. Readers, don’t forget to check out A Flute in the Willows to find out what happens to the hero. Carole, what is your favorite thing to do when not writing?

I shared my official bio above, but here are a lot more personal items that would fit in this bracket:

I love being with my family. Whether on vacations to the beach or mountains, whether just a brief stop-by visit or a dinner at home or out somewhere, we so enjoy it all.
I love sharing laughter and quiet fun times with my hubby. He’s not only my hero, my best friend and lover, he’s also a wonderful Christian man with a big heart.
I adore living in the country with my own hot tub, our animals, my water garden, fireplace, the view, and I like the quiet. Most times. 🙂
I love traveling with hubby and family. Though we’ve visited so many states and a few countries, there’s much more to see and do!
I love being a child of God. He’s our best source of strength and encouragement and the greatest leader of life I could ever ask for.

I enjoy living in the country too! Here’s a fun question. Please share a writing quirk—a ‘must have’ or a ‘must do’ to get words down on paper.

Quiet. I like quiet when I write. Sometimes I will have soft music in the background, but not often.

Amen. Some days you just need peace and quiet. Next question… This year’s theme is First Things First. Setting our priorities is a must if we’re to be about our Father’s business. What advice would you offer someone struggling to spend time with Him? And, how has spending time with Him changed your life?

Inspirational

Be serious about this decision. Easier said than done, I know. But it’s the one thing that will help you make the decision and to keep at it.
Study your daily activities. Is there an allotted time when you’re more liable to be free? Can you get up fifteen minutes or a half hour earlier? Being faithful, I think, is more important than the length of time. God knows us, the intent of our hearts. Tell him about your difficulty in doing this and listen to what he has to say.
Remember, a verse a day, a five-minute sincere prayer, a few moments of contemplation or listening to what God wants to say to you: these are a start in the right direction. We’re not all made alike, but in God’s likeness, so our times of devotion may all be different to fulfill our spiritual needs. Be diligent, and God will reward you with His sweet presence.

As far as I’m concerned, I’ve found through the years that to stay close to God is a great advantage to me. When others are gone or don’t understand, or whatever, God knows. He is so whatever-I-need, yet he’s also faithful and true to rein me in or correct me when needed.

Working in ministry along with my hubby has taught me too that hard times come. Discouraging. Depressing. Tough I’m-not-going-to-make-it times. Somehow God pulls me through, and I feel stronger and more confident that He is, oh, so sufficient!

Well said, Carole. Thank you so much for joining us today. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better!

Readers, Carole is giving away a digital copy of A Flute in the Willows to one commenter. Leave a comment to have your name entered in the drawing.

Click to Tweet: It was always rumored that he was that spy, but he never confirmed it. That thought encouraged me to write my own take on spies. #Women of Faith and Fiction #interview

Bio

Connect with Carole:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Women of Faith and Fiction ~ Sandra Ardoin

August 21, 2018August 20, 2018 / Gail Johnson / 14 Comments

Good morning, dear reader. Welcome to Women of Faith and Fiction Tuesday. This morning we’re talking with author Sandra Ardoin. I am thankful to call her friend. She’s as beautiful on the inside as her lovely books. If you haven’t read her books, you’re missing out on a treat. And who wants to miss out on a treat? Not me! So let’s not waste another minute…

Personal

Good morning, Sandra, tell us a little about yourself.

Sandra Ardoin_Headshot

I’m a married mother, now an empty-nester. I was born a Hoosier, then became a Texan before finding my way to the Tar Heel state of North Carolina. When I’m not watching NASCAR and entertaining my family with enthusiastic cheering during NFL games (Keep Pounding, Panthers!), I spend my spare time reading fiction, listening to country music, and digging rocks out of my garden.

Sandra, you are a busy woman! I love working in my garden. It’s therapeutic. Now, let’s talk about you as a writer. Where did you get the idea for your latest WIP or your current release? And what inspired you to choose the setting of your story?

Professional

I set A Love Most Worthy in Nome, Alaska during the gold rush of 1900 and submitted the idea to meet a publisher’s request for a mail-order bride novella. In the story, Hallie searches for something that, for her, has been more elusive than gold—a loving family. What she finds are the gale-force winds of distrust and insecurity that threaten to destroy her dream of becoming a cherished wife and mother.

The choice of the setting came because I wanted something different from the typical “western” mail-order bride story. I researched the Klondike Gold Rush, but there were issues I felt were better met by the Nome location.

Although the novella idea wasn’t chosen by the publisher, I finished the story and am preparing to take my first dive into the indie publishing waters with it. The timeframe of the release is tentatively set for February 2019. Stay tuned. 😉

My current, unfinished story is historical romance and set it in a small, fictional North Texas town because that area was my stomping grounds for twenty-three years. And the Lone Star state makes a great location for a story set in the 1880s, don’t you think?

Congratulations on the indie adventure! I can’t wait to read them both. Tell me, what is your favorite thing to do when not writing?

Reading, of course. 😊 As stated in answering the first question, I like to garden. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time for it as I used to, which is evident in the condition of my garden areas. But I love plants and get excited when spring rolls around and perennials start popping out of the ground and plants flower.

I get spring fever too. Can’t stay away from the plants. 🙂 Please share a writing quirk—a ‘must have’ or a ‘must do’ to get words down on paper.

Well, the “must have” is coffee. My writing runs on coffee. As far as a true writing quirk, I need silence and privacy. I’m too insecure to let someone peer over my shoulder at what I’ve written, and I’m not one to play music in the background. I’d find myself paying more attention to the music (probably singing along) than writing. I need a closed office and quiet.

I understand that! Last question. This year’s theme is First Things First. Setting our priorities is a must if we’re to be about our Father’s business. What advice would you offer someone struggling to spend time with Him? And, how has spending time with Him changed your life?

Inspirational

For me, it’s in your “First Things First,” Gail. I need routine and organization in anything, or I flounder, so I make it a priority to spend time in my Bible and with a devotion first thing in the morning. If I allow myself to get tied up in other things, I put it off. So, to answer your first question, I think setting a routine is a must if you’re struggling to find the time. Also, praying “continuously” is scriptural. It’s wise to talk to God off and on during the day. Think about how relationships widen when you don’t talk to a friend in a while. Which leads to the second question…

There was a time when I moved away from God. During those years, my life was not the way either of us wanted it, but He didn’t give up on me. Life is much better, much easier, when we remain close to Him—under the shadow of those protective wings—than to move away.

You are so right, Sandy. Love those thoughts. Thank you so much for joining us, encouraging us, and sharing with us.

Click to Tweet: “Well, the “must have” is coffee. My writing runs on coffee.” ~ @SandraArdoin with @GailJohnson87 #WomenofFaithandFiction #author

BIO:

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. She’s the author of the heartwarming novella, The Yuletide Angel and the award-winning novel, A Reluctant Melody. Rarely out of reach of a book, she’s also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

Available on Amazon

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com.

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Women of Faith and Fiction ~ Jill Weatherholt

July 17, 2018 / Gail Johnson / 35 Comments

Good morning dear reader. It is so good to be back. I had the best vacation, but I must confess that I missed you guys. I’m happy to be visiting with you and the lovely Jill Weatherholt this morning. Jill is offering a book giveaway, (US only), so don’t forget to leave a comment.

Personal

Good morning, Jill. Tell us about yourself.

HQ Headshot I work a full-time job with the City of Charlotte, so I’m a weekend warrior writer. I do manage to get some words written during the week, but the real writing happens over the weekend. But, I’d never be able to do all that I do, if it weren’t for my real-life hero, Derek. From the beginning, he’s been my number one supporter, beta reader and brainstorming partner. He’s there when I have those meltdown moments, and he’s a great cook, too.

Growing up, my best friend and I used to exchange multi-page notes, detailing the events of our day. I recall one such note being over twenty single-spaced typed pages! Yes, on a typewriter. Fast forward, forty-something years and the note writing was replaced with short stories, journaling, and then ultimately writing books.

I’d never planned on being a published author, but sometimes God gives us a special gift that takes us completely by surprise. My path to publication was fast and somewhat painless. At times, I’ve felt guilty, especially when I see writers who’ve received countless rejections and have shed many tears, but I know this is what God wants for me, so I’m simply following His lead.

The statement, “I’d never planned on being a published author” made me think of the following scripture.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).

If we merely follow His lead, our plans are sure to change. Yes? Let’s talk about Jill Weatherholt, the writer.

Professional

Where did you get the idea for your latest WIP or your current release? And what inspired you to choose the setting of your story?

My current release and second Harlequin Love Inspired book, A Father for Bella, came about in 2012 while participating in the National Novel Writing Month, better known as NANOWRIMO. I’m a huge fan of this competition, as my first book, Second Chance Romance, was also a NANOWRIMO project. Each book was merely a rough and incomplete draft, but I met the goal of 50,000 words in 30 days and learned a great deal about myself.

The idea for A Father for Bella was sparked after hearing a news report about a woman who’d lost her firefighter husband in a fire. Once I mapped out my heroine’s backstory, I knew I wanted the setting to be a fictional town in my favorite part of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley. Although I’m now living in North Carolina, I grew up in Virginia, and for me, that will always be home.

I travel through North Carolina and Virginia several times a year. Both are beautiful! Next question…

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my family. In 2012, my mother was diagnosed with dementia. Spending as much time as I can with her is a priority. My father is her full-time caregiver, so I like to give him a break, whenever possible.

Golfing is another thing I like to do. Derek and I both enjoy playing. In fact, I was the one who got him hooked on the game when we first started dating. Although we don’t play as much as we used to, we live on a golf course, so when the urge strikes, we don’t have to go far. In the evenings, before our friendly Jeopardy competition, we both enjoy working jigsaw puzzles. We always have a puzzle going on opposite ends of the dining room table. We listen to music, talk and brainstorm story ideas…it’s my favorite time of the day. Of course, during the warmer seasons, I love to watch our hummingbirds.

I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, Jill. I know dementia can be hard on a family. Praying for you all. Jigsaw puzzles and hummingbirds are favorites of mine too.

Please share a writing quirk—a ‘must have’ or a ‘must do’ to get words down on paper.

Since I’m easily distracted, disconnecting from the internet and phone is a must when I write. Several years ago, I purchased an Alphasmart Neo from eBay. It’s a portable word processor that can be taken on the go. Since the product is no longer manufactured, it was the best $25 I’ve ever spent.

I totally understand the distraction thing. So many distractions. We definitely have to guard our writing time. 😉

Inspirational

Final question. This year’s theme is First Things First. Setting our priorities is a must if we’re to be about our Father’s business. What advice would you offer someone struggling to spend time with Him? And, how has spending time with Him changed your life?

Growing up, my Mamaw always started her day reading, The Upper Room devotional and then her Bible. My grandfather, a Methodist minister, died young while preaching a sermon. In the years that followed, my grandmother remained strong in her faith and trusted God for everything. I’ve followed in her footsteps, and I do my best to make God first. I don’t just start my mornings with Him; He’s with me every minute of the day. If He wasn’t, I don’t think I’d be able to get out of bed in the morning.

I agree with you, Jill. I don’t know what I’d do without Him. Thank you so much for sharing with us on Women of Faith and Fiction.

Click to Tweet: “I’d never planned on being a published #author, but sometimes God gives us a special gift that takes us completely by surprise.” ~ @JillWeatherholt via @GailJohnson87 #WomenofFaithandFiction

Book Blurb

For Gail's Blog When single mom Faith Brennan discovers the Virginia Inn she grew up in is for sale, she’s determined to make a bid. Even if that means going head-to-head with handsome real estate broker Joshua Carlson. But competing with Joshua would be a lot easier if Faith’s young daughter wasn’t growing so attached to him…and if Faith could stop picturing running the Inn with Joshua by her side.

Author Bio

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

You can find Jill on the web at JillWeatherholt.com
or on Facebook @jillweatherholtauthor