Good morning, friends.
A quick post this morning to let you know I've not lined up the research posts for the next couple of weeks yet. That's one of my plans for this weekend.
In the mean time, please check out this book by T. R. Fehrenbach
While I've done a lot of research, I haven't read this one yet. If you read it, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
All my best
~Angela
Good evening, friends.
As I worked away on other projects today, I came to the realization I hadn't scheduled today's post. I was so busy with the conference (2 on the same day, actually) then trying to get caught up with work once Bob went back out.
So here we are. LOL
Today, I'm shining the spotlight on Patricia Davids. She was a featured author in RaeAnne Thayne's book I talked about a couple of weeks ago. (HERE)
Born and raised in the farm
country of north central Kansas, Pat enjoyed an idyllic childhood on her
parent’s farm with four brothers, numerous dogs and her beloved horses for
company. Not surprisingly, she became something of a tomboy as well as
devouring every novel she could get her hands on.
(As with all of us, Pat has led life. You can read her full bio on her WEBSITE)
Pat currently resides with her 86-year-old father on the family farm as his full-time caregiver. Her nursing career has paid off for him and for her family. Happily, she still finds time to write when her brothers don't need another farmhand
Patricia Davids' story, Katie's Redemption (Kindle Edition) was a well-written Amish-based story. This was a reprint in the Harlequin Bestselling Author Collection with RaeAnne Thayne - His Second-Chance Family. Katie's Redemption was originally Book 1 of a 14 in the Brides of Amish Country series.
I loved this story. Katie Lantz returns to the Amish community 9-months pregnant, unwed and seeking absolution from her brother. The man answering the door on that cold wintery night was not her brother but a handsome stranger. You know the minute he spots her these two will be together. Not because it's a romance but because you can 'feel' the connection between Katie and Elam. Elam is the gentle soul every woman hopes to find.
I'm giving Katie's Redemption ...
Good morning, friends!
Bob leaves tomorrow so today is pretty much a fluff day for me. We'll eat leftovers and play cards. He usually has most of his packing done within his first week home. I do his laundry then he folds and puts everything right back in the suitcase... easy peasy.
With Bob leaving tomorrow, I go in to full work mode aka my 10-12 hour days. I'll spend the day hours in the shop creating for my etsy shop then the evenings, finishing up An Ozarks Homecoming. I am so ready to share this story with you... and move on to Book 3 - An Ozarks Reunion.
This week also means backtracking to a couple of things I've let slide. I'll share those in a moment.
Good morning, everyone!
We are ready to take a drive today. You see, Prix's Writer's Nest is not in her home.. Are you ready? The bus is running and the AC is running.
What is it about this space that inspires you?
This space is away from windows, which gives my eyes a chance to relax since they are sensitive to light. Also, it is away from home. If I attempt to write at home, there are too many distractions that pull me away from writing—dishes and laundry to wash, sweeping, dusting, animals to care for, food to prepare, etc. When I write in my little corner of Subway, the distractions are no longer present, and I accomplish what I set out to do. And the light background music and quiet chatter provide the much needed “white noise” that helps me focus.
Finding my writing space has been a journey on its own. Over the years, it has evolved from writing on my bed or at our public library, to a table at McDonald’s, then one at Subway. I wrote on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Subway in our local Wal-Mart when my children were younger, and that worked well for a while. However, the background noise became too overwhelming, and I eventually sought out a new space at our stand-alone Subway on Main Street. Funnily enough, my daughter eventually landed her first job at that Subway, and when I went there to write, it was also an opportunity for the two of us to bond any time she had caught up on her work.
Personally, I would change the décor back to the old style. I tend to respond to warm and dark colors, partly because it sets the tone for what I write. My novels take place in the forest, and surrounding myself with forest colors anchors me in that world. Alternately, I would create a home office separate from the house that would function much like my current nest. However, knowing me, I would still allow myself to be distracted by every task left undone in my house. At present, writing away from home works best.
Thanks for taking us on a tour. I think I'll sit over there and have a sandwich.. I'm way behind on my next book.
Remember, you will find copies of Prix's books: Season of Crows and Season of Madness by clicking on the title. Be sure to follow Prix on her social media sites!
Good morning, everyone!
I hope you're enjoying getting to know Prix Gautney as much as I have over the years.
Today, as part of Prix Gautney week here in the studio, we get an important writing tip from her.
For those wishing to create their own nest, I’d recommend finding an extremely comfortable seat—one that would support them for hours. Then surround themselves with colors, objects, books, and anything else that might provide inspiration. If they have a window with a view, that’s even better. Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with textures, comfort, noise, etc. until the right mix is achieved.
I really like what she says about 'experimenting with textures, comfort, noise, etc. until the right mix is achieved.'
One thing I've learned from all of our guests is that you won't find your perfect space right out of the box. Like making your house into a home... you'll need time, trial - and error - to find what works for you.
Remember, you will find Prix Gautney by clicking any of the following links:
Good morning, everyone!
I know I'm going off the norm this week. That's my life - and my choice - when Bob is home. This is his last week and I'm gone the last four days.
Today, I'm talking about Season of Crows by Prix Guatney.
Quick Note - Remember, the review of Season of Crows will be posted tomorrow.
Today, I'm shining the spotlight on author, Prix (Pree) Gautney
I first met Prix at an Ozark Creative Writers Conference several years ago. Talk about a talented writer! This woman places 'high' (as in lots of first places!) in the writers competitions at the conference. She is amazingly talented... as you'll see when you read her first two books Season of Crows and Season of Madness.
Prix sees stories in the most unusual of places. As romance authors, we people watch, Prix watches forest creatures. Let's meet, Prix Gautney.
I have a great guest lined up for us this week. I will be introducing you to another Cassville writer. Prix Gautney writes Juevenile Fiction/ Fantasy/ Magic. I'll shine the spotlight on her tomorrow as well as review her first book - Season of Crows on WEDNESDAY (as opposed to the usual Tuesday). Then on Thursday, Prix will share a writing tip then take us inside her unusual Writer's Nest on Friday.... proving you can write ANYWHERE!
All my best
~Angela
Goodmorning, friends...
Okay, I'm slipping in here around noon CST but it's morning somewhere! Maybe even as you're reading.
Today, I'm shining the spotlight on RaeAnne Thayne.
I’m not one of
those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always
loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book
in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing
assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I
wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
Through it all —
through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor — I wrote
stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of
books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people
going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and
lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try — their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 60 books later, I’ve come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the “that’s—it!” feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can’t imagine my life any other way.
Okay, probably one of the longest bios I've shared but I wanted you to see her journey from that young girl to today, finding her passion along the way.
Today, I'm reviewing His Second-Chance Family - part of The Women of Brambleberry House. With seven books in this series, I can see my amazon account getting hit hard. From what I can tell from this book, there are three main women. Abigail, who owns the house, then Sage and Anna. In this book, we have an idea of Sage's story, so I'm going to assume that is a previous book I have yet to read. However, with the way RaeAnne has written this book (based on the story content), all of the books stand alone... you don't go into a story feeling as if you missed something, but more that you want to read the other to find out how something came to be.
In His Second-Chance Family we meet Sage and Anna as well as Abigail (in theory) and two people who knew each other as teen-agers, been hurt deeply by other loves then brought together for that 'healing' RaeAnn likes to include in her stories.
I think you know that second-chance loves, whether they be trying love again with someone else or reuniting with a former love, are my favorite stories to read and to write. This book hit all the notes for me. Julia Blair returns to Brambleberry House for a fresh start and finds herself still head over heels in love with a boy from her past, Will Garrett. Mind you, Will has grown up and while Julia is there to regain her footing in life with her two children, Will is a bit slower to let painful wounds heal.
I'm giving His Second-Chance Family..
The copy of His Second-Chance Family that I purchased had a bonus story by Patricia Davids, so I'll be coming back to review hers in a couple of weeks.
You'll find all kinds of great information on her WEBSITE and can catch up with her on the following social media links:
FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM GOODREADS PINTEREST
I'll see you back here on Thursday for a Writer's Tip!
All my best
~ Angela
Good morning, everyone!
The first Thursday in the month means we are back to see what sage advice authors can share. Today, I'm sharing a video from Neil Gaiman. This is actually an introduction to his MasterClass. I've heard great things about the MasterClass series.
Good morning, everyone!
I finally got some reading time in over the weekend. I've been waiting to read this newest release from my dear friend, Cheryl Wright.
I am a multi-published,
bestselling and award-winning Australian author who has been published by
traditional publishers since 2003.
I love to write both historical and contemporary western romance, either with or without suspense elements.
I also write contemporary romance.
I’ve taught writing for many years, and have written several non-fiction books about writing. I’ve worked as an editor for publishers, coached writers one-on-one, and have appeared at writer’s conferences in Australia and New Zealand.
I have been married to my own real-life hero for over 45 years. We have two grown children and six grandchildren (all fourteen and over).
Our household would not be complete without our wonderful pets, which includes two elderly cats and our beautiful dog Bindy, who loves long, leisurely walks.
My hobbies are tenpin bowling and papercrafts, and surprisingly, going to the gym.
Cheryl shares some of her beautiful papercraft creations on her social media accounts.
When Doctor Jake Elliott sent away
for a mail order bride who was also a nurse, he never expected to wait months
for her to arrive. He had a busy practice and needed assistance sooner rather
than later.
Elsie Johnson was not the bride the local doctor expected but marrying him was the fresh start she desperately needed. With a new name, the haters would not be able to trace her. At least, that’s what she hoped.
Could a simple case of mistaken identity keep her safe from harm? Or will the doctor send her away when he discovers she is not the woman he thought she was?
