Romantic Reflections

Stephanie Guerero and Shades of the Orient

2012-02-18T08:55:00.000-06:00

Stephanie, welcome to Romantic Reflections. Please, tell us about your book.

An action-packed suspense in the exotic Orient.

No one is who they seem…

A classic tale of good versus evil: spies, smugglers and betrayal

The Smuggler

Black Jade is many things… Hiding behind a prominent name by day and a Chinese mask by night, he can be anyone, just not the man he wants to be. Trapped in an ever tightening web of deceit, and pursued relentlessly by the White Dragon (Major Montero) he must choose which man he wants to be. When a way out is offered from a surprising source, will he choose power or let it go?

The Spy

A Spanish officer, a black market dealer, a shipping executive…

Intelligence officer Philip Montero is skilled at wearing masks to defeat the enemy, but this time he must face the enemy within. When his body betrays him with night terrors, he must unlock the past in order to survive, but time is running out and Black Jade has targeted the woman of his heart.

Betrayed by his family, his fiancé, and his fears, WHO can teach him how to trust again?

The Senorita

Shipping heiress turned missionary nurse, Francesca McRae is a target everywhere she turns. Desired as an heiress by power-hungry men and hated by the Chinese Boxers for her interference in the culture… she is surrounded by betrayal and hatred. None of her suitors are who they seem, yet one has stolen her heart. When loving others becomes more than she can handle, WHO can she trust?

Where do you turn when life is too much to handle?

There is a God… Who is waiting to be your answer…

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

Computer hard drive crashes. The first time I lost 2/3 of my book and had only a paper copy that had to be typed back in. The next time it happened I had backups, but it can make you want to quit. Never give up! Breaking into the market has been a challenge too. I finally went through the self-publishing arm of Thomas Nelson (Westbow Press) I have been very happy about it. Again. Never give up!

What was your inspiration behind “Shades of the Orient”?

Long story short… I found a really amazing quote among some correspondence between American officers involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. The quote stated that if any tale had all the elements of a good story filled with betrayal, power, greed, etc it would be the tale of the Boxer Rebellion. I took the bait, did the research, and the rest is history.

I will add this note however… The entire tale of the Boxer Rebellion is tragic and horrific. Somewhere between 10,000-11,000 Chinese Christians were violently murdered just because they followed the “foreigner’s God”. Many other foreigners were killed just for being foreign. I chose to use the two years leading up to and during the Rebellion as a backdrop to a tale of smuggling, betrayal and romance. I did not want to take away from the tragedy of the real people who suffered and died.

What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

I love to write about going beyond forgiveness to actively love those who hurt or betray us or those we love. What a challenge the Father has given us… one we can only do in His strength, but oh the grace received when we do. James 2:13

What was your favorite part to write?

There are a couple of surprise twists in the story that were a lot of fun to write. Since the story is an espionage there are quite a few “masks” that need to be pulled back. I had the most fun deciding how to “unmask” certain people.

My heart is also in the “romance” of the book. It was important to me to portray the fun and beauty of doing things God’s way contrasted with the devastation of following our own way.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

One of the many names of God is El-Rohe “God sees”. I want my readers to know that no matter where you are or what has happened to you… God sees you…really sees you. He knows your hurts and pain, and He will wrap you in His arms and help you turn and show that same love to others. When you get tired of doing right… don’t give up. When you are betrayed and hurt, RUN TO HIS ARMS… NOT AWAY.

Why did you choose to use WestBow Press? Are there any advantages or disadvantages you’ve encountered with self-publishing so far?

I never thought I would consider self-publishing until I discovered Westbow Press. Westbow is a division of Thomas Nelson Bible Publishers, one of the major Christian publishing houses. Thomas Nelson was receiving so many good manuscripts from new authors that they were unable to publish them all. They decided to bring Westbow as an arm in order to give these authors a shot while still monitoring the integrity and tracking the numbers. If a Westbow author is extremely successful, there is the possibility that Thomas Nelson will bring that author under its wing.

There are many advantages, these are just a few:
1.The books are printed on demand, so it makes self-publishing much more affordable.
2. I am now a professional, published author and that opens doors.
3. I owe all the rights to my own book. (Not so with a publishing house)
4. I had a wonderful creative team working with me.
5. I got to price the ebook (Right now it’s just $.99)

There are a few drawbacks:
1. There is no editor provided.
(I had two hard drives crash and there are newly typed pieces that did not get as much editing as I would have liked)
2. All promotion falls to the author, though advice is given.
3. I did not get to price the hard and soft covers. Books on demand are generally a little higher.

Where is Shades of the Orient available?

Shades of the Orient is available at www.Westbow Press.com, www.Amazon.com, and www.BarnesandNoble.com

The ebook is just $.99 right now!

What is your favorite color?

Absolutely purple!!! Rich royal purple would be my favorite, but even lavender or periwinkle will do. Red is a close second. I really just love color in general. (The walls of my home are rarely white!)

What do you like to do besides write?

I love to be outside and hike, garden or rock climb. Cooking is also a fun thing for me!

What is your favorite type of cookie?

Cookies in general are my favorite weakness! My newest favorite is peanut butter chocolate chip. Check out this recipe: WOW!

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
(chocolate chips if desired)
Mix, drop onto cookie sheet, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

What project are you currently working on?

I currently just finished Shades of the Orient, a historical romantic suspense, and now I am starting the sequel. It’s coming together in my head, and I can’t wait to get it on paper!

Thank you, Stephanie, for visiting today.

Mildred Colvin

We Have Snow!

2012-02-13T13:51:00.000-06:00

Here's a photo of the snow that fell overnight across Missouri and Kansas. I'm sure it covered more areas as the storm was widespread reaching into other states, as well. This is our first real snowfall of the season---late and short-lived. It's already melting at 32 degrees, and rain is expected in a couple of days with temps. in the 40s. While I love snow, I'm glad the roads are passable. No hummingbirds are here to visit the feeder.

Mildred Colvin

Sherri Wilson Johnson Shares Her Story!

2012-01-29T21:35:00.000-06:00

I'd like to introduce Sherri Wilson Johnson. She started the journey to publication several years ago, and in God's time, is now realizing her dream come true.

SHERRI has enjoyed creative writing since she was a young girl and has always loved spending summer vacations at the beach. To Dance Once More is a culmination of those two loves. A special project originating from Sherri’s love of pure romance, and inspired by the love stories of her ancestors, To Dance Once More sets out hoping to prove that true love still exists. Sherri candidly speaks of the purity of not only the heroine, but also the hero, and wholeheartedly desires to point others to Jesus through her words.

Sherri has been married since 1988 and has homeschooled her children since 1997. She lives in Georgia with her family and pets. She is a graduate of the Christian Writers Guild writing course and has been published in Creation Illustrated magazine, The Link Homeschool newspaper, Homeschooling Today’s Homeschooling Helper, and The Writing Academy’s Daily Devotions for Writers. Sherri has written two Inspirational Romances in addition to To Dance Once More, two self-published Bible study guides, and various other resources for homeschoolers and churches.

Sherri, please tell us a little about yourself and your book.

I am Sherri Wilson Johnson. I live in Georgia with my husband, children and dogs. I love to make people laugh and I talk a LOT. Writing is my favorite pastime and, fortunately, I have been able to see my dream of publication come true. I write non-fiction and homeschool resources also, but fiction is my true love.

To Dance Once More is a special project originating from my love of pure romance, and inspired by the love stories of my ancestors. It sets out hoping to prove that true love still exists. I candidly speak of the purity of not only the heroine, but also the hero, and wholeheartedly desire to point others to Jesus through my words. It is set in Victorian Florida, which is a combination of two of my favorite things—the beach and Victorian times. Of course, there has to be more to a novel than just the romance and so there is betrayal, sacrifice and a bitter enemy that Lydia must overcome.

Here's a short excerpt from To Dance Once More: “Tell her what you do in the city, Father,” Eliza suggested.

“I fear my daughters romanticize my work a bit too much, Kathryn. I run a
modest lumber and turpentine business. I am hoping one day Nathan will work
with me, and possibly even a son-in-law or two.” He shrugged his graying
eyebrows at his daughters. All the girls except Lydia giggled.

Lydia noticed how he cheered at the thought of sons-in-law. “That is if I
get married. The only boy I like is Nathan, and he is my brother! I think
marriage is very old-fashioned and limits what women can do with their
lives,” Lydia explained, glancing towards Kathryn.

No one reacted immediately to her well-known response about boys. Kathryn,
new still to the plantation and not quite accustomed to Lydia’s free spirit,
hid her smile with her napkin.

“Now, Lydia. A girl has to marry eventually. How else would she ever support
herself?” Rosalyn finally asked. She chided Lydia with her eyes, as only a
mother could do.

“Mother, I am very resourceful, you know. I will find a way.”

“That kind of talk can get a girl in trouble. You cannot venture out without
a gentleman by your side. A woman cannot make it in the world alone,”
Archibald interjected. He made it clear by his fierce look toward Lydia that
he was through with this kind of independent thinking.

“What about Miss Kathryn, Father?” Lydia knew severe chastisement would
occur for contradicting her father, but she had to ask. After all, her
parents had insulted Kathryn to her face when they said those things about
women.

“Allow me, please, Mr. Barrington,” Kathryn cut in. “Lydia, I am not on my
own. As you see, your father employs me and provides a place for me to live
while I am in his service. This did not happen by itself. I had to receive
my teaching certificate, after much studying, mind you, and I had to have
references from people who knew me well before I could even imagine having
work like this. Although I am not married, I do not consider myself an
independent woman. I am very dependent upon the good graces of your family.
And I have very little to call my own.”

Lydia blushed at her own naïveté. “I never really thought of it like that,
Miss Kathryn. I see your point.” She paused thoughtfully, then added,
“However, I still am not going to marry someone wealthy just so I can travel
the world. I’ll find another way.”

That sounds interesting, Sherri, now tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

1. I am really bad at finishing projects. A long time ago, I gave up on sewing projects, home decorating, and volunteering for long-term projects or projects that required a lot of planning. Writing novels seems to be the only thing I actually stick to long enough to complete. I did, however, homeschool my children all the way through high school.

2. I can write and edit more than one project at a time. I easily switch back and forth from my historical novels to my contemporary novels with no problem.

3. My favorite animal is the Bengal tiger and I would love to hug one someday.

Hugging a tiger? I shudder, but remembering my homeschooling days, maybe you are brave enough. LOL! As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?

I dreamed of being an author for as long as I can remember. At first, I wanted to be a reporter and then a newscaster because I loved the excitement of digging into the happenings of society. I always dreamed up stories and could never quite exchange them for the real life stories in the news, so I decided to stick with fiction.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I answered this question in another interview and it seemed to strike people as quite funny. So I will tell the story again. I have a twelve year old Labrador who at times loves to bark like crazy. A few years ago I bought a bark collar for her to stop her from barking. It wasn’t working so I decided to see if something was wrong with the collar. I placed the little booger on my own throat and barked. To my horror, the collar worked quite well and shocked me ferociously.

Oh, that is funny is a sort of scary way. I can’t even imagine! How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

My debut novel, To Dance Once More (OakTara), was released in September 2011 and can be found on Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, and many other websites and in stores upon request. You can find links to these stores at my website, www.sherriwilsonjohnson.com . My second novel, Song of the Meadowlark (OakTara), comes out in May. I am currently writing the sequel to To Dance Once More.

Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.

I recently wrote a blog about my publication journey. Rather than sharing all of that here, I offer the link to that blog post: http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/2011/09/09/my-road-to-publication/

Sherri, I read your “journey” and it is inspiring. Well worth reading. What inspired you to write this particular book?

This book is about selflessness, surrender, and seeking God’s will for your life. The theme of this and my other novels revolves around the purity of both my heroine and hero. I have worked with teens for years and have witnessed the baggage that they carry with them when they do not remain pure. I long to encourage my readers (both young and old/married or single) to live a life of purity and to feel the hope of forgiveness when they do not.

That is a wonderful and much needed theme in our books and in our lives. How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I started writing To Dance Once More in 1993! It went through many rewrites and critiques and sat on a shelf while I worked on other novels. Finally in 2008, I received a contract.

Where do you get ideas for your books?

My brain is always in motion. I don’t sleep very many hours at night for dreaming up new story ideas. I watch crime shows and also Jane Austen movies and a good mix in between. I guess my ideas come from those places. I also read a lot and that helps to stimulate my creativity.

Isn’t it amazing how many ideas are there if we just look? Are you a plotter, a pantster, or somewhere in between, and can you elaborate on your answer?

I am a plotter initially. I love to draw up an outline and to clip photos from magazines that represent my characters. I look up baby names to find names that relate to the personalities of my characters. But then, once that’s all planned out, I fly by the seat of my pants. I jump around from one chapter to another and then go back and complete sections that just didn’t flow the first time.

What is your writing schedule and where do you write?

I write eighteen hours a day between what I actually put down and what I concoct in my head. Sometimes I am at my desktop in front of the window. Sometimes I am at my laptop on the sofa with my Chihuahua by my side. And sometimes I am in the bed writing into the wee hours of the night with a pen and pad or emailing my main computer from my phone.

That’s a lot of hours. But was another writer, I have no problem believing you. Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance it?

In 1997, I began homeschooling my children and just finished in 2011. I have also worked several stay-at-home jobs throughout the years (church secretary, bookkeeper, legal transcriptionist) while I homeschooled. Writing often had to take the backseat, but never did I give up.

Does your faith affect your writing? How?

One thing I vowed from the very beginning was that I would never write anything that would shame my dad, who was a preacher, but mainly that would shame my heavenly Father. Because God has been so amazing to me throughout the years and has never left me in the midst of my trials, I can’t help but season my writing with my faith.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Do not give up. Take classes. Keep practicing. Get critiques. Read in your genre. Just do it!

Very good advice. Where can fans find you or your books on the internet?

http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/to-dance-once-more/

http://www.christianbook.com/to-dance-once-more/sherri-johnson/9781602902862/pd/902862?item_code=WW&netp_id=961019&event=ESRCG&view=details

http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Once-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/dp/1602902860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317834254&sr=8-1

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Dance-Once-More/Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/9781602902862?id=5209476941309

Sherri, thank you for allowing me to interview you. Please let Sherri know you're been here. I think you'll enjoy her book. Check out the above links to learn more about this book and to obtain your own copy.

Welcome Paula Michelson

2012-01-16T07:59:00.000-06:00

Writing What Should Have Been First, Last! By Paula Rose Michelson

Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing

An illegal immigrant

Bound by secrets

Trapped by choices

An arranged marriage

A forbidden love

Will Naomi be able to tell her husband about herself before someone else does?

Many wonder how a first time author could write, “She could still hear herself scream, ‘Abuela Sosa, please do not be dead,’ sobbing while she had tried to shake the old woman awake. The next thing she remembered was that the old woman’s daughter-in-law had packed her meager belongings into her suitcase. Unable to stop herself, she demanded, ‘You have no need of me anymore? I gave you a year of my life! Your esposo—I mean, your husband—promised he would help me enter

America

and search for my uncle if I took care of his madre!’” This is my story.

Ten years ago, I gifted a friend, who publishes Messianic authors, one of my framed writings. Whenever we met, she asked if I was perusing my craft. Six years later, I heard David Hocking speak about

Israel

being the land and the people. I wondered about the hidden Jews, asked God to show them to me, and I petitioned him to give me something to do that no one had done. Wishing to do something to advance the gospel, I meet with my publisher friend, and spoke of potential projects. She asked me what I would do if I could write anything. Suddenly David Hocking’s message, my desire to discover the hidden Jews, and share the gospel coalesced. I knew what I was going to write about.

I researched the Appalachian Trail, and wrote character sketches for two of the three women who would meet while hiking. However, I could not write about this Sephardic Jew named Naomi, because her people were an enigma to me. While lunching with friends, I discovered that two of them were Spanish Jews. Another friend had married a Sephardic Jew. Months of research prepared me to begin writing Naomi’s character sketch. Since my publisher friend asked me to send her my dailies, I did. Forty days later she informed me that I was writing a book. She suggested that I go back three days, and read what I had written. When I did, I discovered that she was right. However, I was not writing the book I had intended to write, but the one God wanted me to write!

As I wrote, the characters told me their stories. Once they stopped speaking, the book was finished. I spoke with some of my writer/author friends, and discovered that hearing the characters was a blessing all writers long for. Therefore, I proudly proclaim that I am a scribe for God!

My husband and I had lunch with my publisher friend and her husband. “What’s the title of your book?” she asked. “Have you tiled the chapters?” A lengthily discussion ensued. Before we parted, the novel had a title, and she had suggested a series. Only when I sought Messiah (Christ) in prayer did I believe that this novel was the first one in a series of books.

When the novel was ready to be published, my publisher friend was unavailable. At first I was miffed. Yet God knew that a rough draft does not a book make. My husbands’ comments fueled my desire to give readers a book they would not put down until they read the last page. I attended critique groups, edited the manuscript, and was blessed to be given an editor at Tate Publishing who loved my project. Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing released on December 20, 2011, and garnered many accolades including those from readers who read the novel in one sitting. You can read them when you visit www.Amazon.com

Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing

Fulfilling the Great Commission through Literature http://CasadeNaomi.blogspot.com

This novel explores the life and practices of a Sephardic Jew. Within its pages one sees the issues that all people face when living without Messiah. The book’s cliffhanger ending ensures that though there is no resolution to their problems in book1, both the reader, Naomi and her husband Chaz meet Messiah in book 2.

View the Casa Book Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDXgUNpNJuQ

Discover the details of my writers’ journey at http://PaulaWordsmith.blogspot.com

Visit http://www.PaulaWordsmith.com to book a Casa Event, or learn more about me.

The Michelson’s serve the Lord with Chosen People Ministries

Love Returned in Top 100 on Amazon

2012-01-10T17:34:00.000-06:00

Today when I checked the sales for my e-books on Amazon.com, I found a nice surprise. Love Returned is now ranked #30 in Amazon's Best Seller's Rank for Religious Fiction Romance. I appreciate all the sales that allowed this to happen, since I'd never dreamed of any of my books even coming close to the top 100.

I love seeing my book in that list, but whether it stays there or not, is not important to me. My goal in writing is to bring clean entertainment to readers. My hope is that my readers can identify with the characters and take a good satisfied feeling away from the story. If I've given you a few hours away from the cares of your life, I've done my job. We all need a break from worry and care. What better way to escape than with a story you can share with anyone from your grandmother to your granddaughter?

Oh, Love Returned is also #1 in the list for stories dealing with adoption.

Happy reading!
Mildred Colvin

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T10:06:00.000-06:00

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine. It was quite thrilling to have our three children and grandchildren in church with us Sunday morning. We enjoyed a great lunch afterward and opened gifts in the afternoon. Thanks for my new cookware, kids! Now if I can just figure out how to display them. Oh, or am I supposed to start cooking now? LOL! Most important was being together and celebrating the gift of God's Son to each of us. There is no greater gift!

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

2011-12-20T14:41:00.000-06:00

I’ve asked Regina Tittel, to tell us about her new series set in southeast Missouri. Each book in this series has an unusual and very worthwhile message while providing an exciting, page-turning romance as well as gentle (or not so gentle) suspense to keep you enthralled. The first book in the series is Abandoned Hearts. Regina, I’ll let you tell us about your next book in this series. I’ve read both books and can highly recommend them.

Unexpected Kiss is the second volume to The Ozark Durham Series. It was written with the intent to connect with readers who grew up without a father and help them understand their heavenly one.

Surveys show that girls who grow up without fathers experience much higher rates of sexual activity, adolescent pregnancies, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, and suffer from health and emotional problems than those with active fathers in their lives.

Unexpected Kiss approaches this common topic with gentleness, yet honest realism. In this novel, Carli is a young woman who fits into the above statistic. Through her growing relationship with the hero and her fatherly landlord, she finally accepts she is forgivable and begins to understand God's unconditional love. Readers will be able to relate with her sinful past and weakened self-esteem whether through personal experience or through someone they know.

Here's a blurb from the back cover:

Breaking her pattern of bad mistakes, Carli's fresh start begins with finding the father she's never met. But will the price of her decision outweigh the risk?

Ethan Durham hadn't planned on losing his heart to the girl in the staged photo, but if he can't convince her of God's unconditional love, she may never accept his. And if he can't put an end to the attempts on her life he may lose far more than his heart.

This character came about easily for me since I have often felt drawn to young women struggling with poor decision making and the consequences thereof. Although I'm not able to save anyone, that job is Jesus Christ's, I can lead them to a better understanding of His will and of His love and that's what I want to accomplish through my writing.

For the character of Carli, I did interview someone to learn more about the thought pattern of a girl like my heroine. This individual knew why she was being questioned and opened her heart to me. That not only made Carli more relatable but it also allowed this friend of mine to take part in helping others. I hope to offer the same opportunity, for those who want to help others struggling through some of the same paths they themselves have trod, through my next romance series; which will concentrate on couples already married.

For those interested in my books, here is a list of what I have published and in the works, and their spiritual messages;

Abandoned Hearts: abstinence before marriage, supported with the importance of scripture memorization (avail. now)

Unexpected Kiss: how to understand our Heavenly Father when raised without an earthly example and trusting God as the one in control (avail. now)

Coveted Bride: building self-confidence through Christ after living under abuse and safe-guarding children in today's world (avail. spring 2012)

Cherished Stranger: recognizing the need of sponsoring children in third-world countries and the difference between 'milk verses meat' churches (avail. winter 20012)

The fifth book of the series is still in the planning stages.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with everyone. It's been a pleasure and God bless!

Thank you, Regina, for being here with us. Regina’s book can be purchased from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com or from smashwords.com. Simply type Regina Tittel in the search box. They are available in either e-book or paperback.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Review of Building Amanda's Future

2011-12-16T14:14:00.000-06:00

I'm sharing a review of Building Amanda's Future, written by Gail Pallotta, author of Love Turns the Tide. Her book can be found at www.awestruck.com. Thanks, Gail, for a great review!

Building Amanda’sFuture weaves Amanda Wilson’s past and present together. After Amanda’s husband and daughter are killed, she returns to her hometown to start a new life near family. Chad Randall the guy who broke her heart in high school, comes back to that same hometown to take care of his niece after his sister and brother-in-law are killed in a tornado. Because the Randall house was damaged in the tornado, the church asks for volunteers to clean and restore it. Amanda agrees to help.

Sparks fly immediately when Amanda and Chad see each other, but Amanda still carries the wounds from their high school courtship, which ended badly with Chad marrying someone else. However, Amanda continues to assist in getting the house in order, mainly because the baby niece has stolen her heart and the need is tremendous. Eventually Amanda learns how she and Chad’s mutual friend deceived the two of them in order to win Chad for herself. Chad’s divorced now. Even after Amanda knows the truth, she can only accept Chad’s offer of love if he can find a strong faith in God.

Mildred Colvin cleverly puts together the pieces of this puzzle of love lost, tragedies occurring and love regained. I highly recommend this heartwarming story. It will make you feel good about life.

Please Welcome Gail Pallotta!

2011-12-05T09:49:00.000-06:00

Gail, welcome to Infinite Characters. First I’d like for you to share something about your day-to-day life that might help a reader feel as though they know you a little better.

Hi Mildred, first of all, thanks for having me on Infinite Characters. Hmm. I’m a wife, a Mom, a sister, and a cousin to several who feel like sisters to me. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday I swim laps at the county aquatic center. In addition to that, I try to balance church work, time with friends and family and writing. I come from a long line of southern cooks, who have wonderful recipes, and I’m tired of cooking them.

I admire you for your exercise routine. We all need that, especially writers. When did you first begin writing, and why do you write still?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. My first published work appeared in a grammar school newspaper a friend and I put out. Later in high school I worked on the newspaper and annual. But I first considered writing seriously when I was in college. While studying literature and analyzing the writing of others in creative writing classes, I realized that it is a tool that can be used for good or bad. Even though that was long before I’d heard the word “spin” in the media, I saw the “spin” and wanted to use it in a good way. I’m still writing because I can’t not write. Perhaps my husband puts it best. He claims I have pretend people running around in my head, and I have to let them out.

And writing stories is a great way to let those people out where others can meet them. LOL!

How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

I’ve published two books. My first one, Now Is the time, is out of print, but copies are still being sold on Amazon. My second, Love Turns the Tide, is an e-book available from www.awe-struck.net.

Tell us about your latest book.

That’s Love Turns the Tide. The heroine, Cammie O’Shea, suffers a traumatic split-up with her fiancé. At the same time a new job in Destin, Florida, takes her away from family and friends. Alone, her spirit broken, she hardly has the heart to meet her boss, Bill Collins, editor of The Sun Dial, let alone deal with the dynamic Vic Delona, a real estate developer. Yet her job and the success of the paper hinge on her writing an engaging article about Vic and his new development. While she wants no new relationships he thwarts her efforts to complete the assignment, arranges extra meetings and attempts to court her. She resists his advances. But mysterious break-ins occur at Cammie and her friend’s condos. When Cammie and Vic launch their own investigation into the vandalism, Cammie grows close to him. In the midst of the confusion she gets an opportunity to return home to her old job. Will Vic solve the crimes and win Cammie’s heart or will she leave Destin?

I’ve read most of Love Turns the Tide, and it is very good. What inspired you to write this particular book?

Over the years I’ve spoken with a number of women, and men, I might add, who’ve endured unhappy relationships before they found the right person. I realize there are those who meet their one and only, fall in love, and walk down the aisle, but it doesn’t happen that way for everyone. Cammie is one of those people who has been hurt deeply. I wanted to support the Cammies and encourage them not to give up on love.

What are you working on right now?

A teen novel and a couple more romances. I’m also writing short stories. One of them, Lifeline, will be in “Splickety,” a new magazine of flash fiction for people who don’t have a lot of time to read.

Does your faith affect your writing? How?

Because my life revolves around my faith, I can’t imagine writing about life and leaving it out. People i.e. characters are motivated by what they believe. For me, that’s the Bible. While all the characters in one of my books don’t have to be Christians, someone does, or it doesn’t represent society as I see it.

If you could interview any character in one of your books what might that character say? Why?

Cammie O’Shea, the main character in Love Turns the Tide would say she needs God now more than ever. For some reason she doesn’t understand, she feels more estranged from Him than she ever has. She’d say she’s like the Israelites, when they wandered in the dessert grumbling that they at least had had food, when they were slaves in Egypt. After being deceived by her fiancé and leaving her friends and family simultaneously, she’s in a type of wilderness created by separation from loved ones. She, like the Israelites, has no one but God to turn to. She would explain that being in this emotional wasteland is like being in a jungle with a forest too dense to let in a ray of sunshine and underbrush so thick one couldn’t walk through it even if there were a visible way out. She’d tell how easily she strolled into it. One day life was humming along, the next, the dark curtain fell. But she’d end the interview by reminding me that God sent the Israelites manna. Then she’d say she’s still hanging onto her faith.

What a wonderful interview.

Have you won any awards with your writing?

When I wrote articles, I was listed in several Who’s Who books. In 2004, I was a regional Writer of the Year for the American Christian Writers Association, and in November 2010, an excerpt from Love Turns the Tide won the Clash of the Titles Challenge in the nature / weather category.

What is the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done?

I’d like to say I wrestled an alligator or something really daring, but I didn’t. I grew up in a small town, went off to college and met a friend who had an airplane with a loud speaker. One summer morning he flew to my hometown, circled the community and called me on the loud speaker. He wanted me to come to the airport, meet him and fly to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the day. Since I had no way to contact him, he kept repeating the message, saying he would land soon and wait for me. The phone started ringing. No sooner did my mother answer it, speak to the caller and hang up than it rang again. Everyone wanted to make sure I’d heard him and asked if I was going. My father took me to the small, nearby airport, and I went. We had a great day in Myrtle Beach!

Oh, you’ve got to include that in a story some time. LOL! That’s great!

Here’s an excerpt from Gail’s book Love Turns the Tide, just to wet your whistle. I know if you read this book, you’ll enjoy it.

Cammie opened up the food and called out, “Here, ducky, ducky, ducky,” into the still, quiet night. She and Vic tore six slices of the ducks’ treats into small bites, throwing them over the rail without talking.

Immediately Cammie heard, “Quack, quack, honk, honk.”

“I believe there are Canadian geese out there,” Vic said.

“Oh yes, you know how those snow birds like to come south. I think they got here, loved Destin as much as I do, and didn’t want to go home.” She couldn’t believe her own words. Had she hidden her true feelings about Destin somewhere in her heart only to have them surface suddenly when she wasn’t expecting it?

Vic took hold of her shoulders with both of his strong hands, gently turned her toward him. “Do you really like it, Cammie?” His eyes looked wistful, his face bathed in the fountain’s pink, blue, and yellow colors.

“Yes, I’m enjoying living here much more than I thought I would.” Cammie pulled free, tore up several more slices of bread, and tossed them over the gray weathered rail. “I had to move to Destin on such short notice. I’d never even visited here and had no time to find out anything about the place before I arrived.” She almost told him she’d had to hurry down here to interview him, but she thought better of that. “Needless to say, I begrudged the change at first, but not now.”

“I hope I’m part of the reason you like it here.”

Cammie stumbled for the right words. “Uh yes, I’m sure you are.”

“What kind of statement is that? Am I, or am I not, part of the reason you like Destin? Small angry furrows creased Vic’s handsome high brow.

Cammie stopped tearing up the bread slice she held in her right hand. “Do you want an honest answer?”

“Please.”

“Sometimes you are, but other times you aren’t.”

“That’s not much better. Would you mind giving me a ‘yes’ or ‘no?’”

“Yes, I mind. Listen to the quacking. The ducks are hungry.”

“They’re going to explode. You’ve fed them nearly a whole loaf of bread.”

You can find Gail at: www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com

And her book is at: www.awe-struck.net

Page Turning Romances of Faith and Adventure - Winter - 2011

2011-12-02T20:00:00.000-06:00

It’s time to begin thinking about Christmas. My two older granddaughters were here over Thanksgiving and we made a few easy sweets. I think their favorite was dipping pretzel sticks in chocolate and rolling them in candy sprinkles. It’s easy for kids to do and tastes great, too.

A week later, my youngest granddaughter was here and helped set up and decorate the Christmas tree. Her main focus centered on the manger scene we always set beside the tree. Isn’t that where we all should pay the most attention? To the One whose birth we celebrate. Jesus is truly the reason for Christmas. Let’s not forget!

I Love Sharing Recipes!

Our family, probably like yours, has some traditions that give us stability in an ever changing world. One Christmas tradition I’ve been unable to talk my kids and husband out of is potato candy. My mother started making this recipe when she was a young teenager. It’s been part of my Christmases as long as I can remember, and I’d like to share our recipe with you.

Potato Candy

1 boiled potato

Powdered sugar (Maybe less than 2 lbs.)

Flavoring of choice (we use vanilla most but the last batch was with black walnut. Yummy!)

Peanut butter

The first thing you may notice is, no measurements. That’s because this is a very flexible recipe. You’ll simply use as much powdered sugar and peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as needed and just a drop or two of flavoring. Now for the fun.

Mash the cooked potato and add a little powdered sugar. Notice how the sugar liquifies the potato? That never ceases to amaze me. But keep adding sugar with a little flavor until a dough forms. When your dough is just right to handle, roll it, as you would pie dough, on a surface covered with a dusting of powdered sugar. You’ll want a rectangular shape. Spread peanut butter over the dough and roll jelly-roll fashion.

I hope you enjoy your potato candy. Some variations are to pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter before rolling. Or use jelly. Come up with your own ideas. It’s good however you fix it. I'd love to know how yours turns out if you'd care to comment.

Here's a book you might like.

I’ve attended several book signings this fall and met some wonderful readers. One of my readers that I re-met in September is also an author. Linda Cushman has written Bittersweet, a novel set during the Civil War in Southern Missouri just north of Bolivar. Her fictional account of some true happenings includes the burning of Osceola. I’ve read Bittersweet, and highly recommend it as a Christian historical romance. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put the book down. You can learn more about Linda and her books at http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Linda-Cushman/dp/1617772062/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322867186&sr=1-1.

My Writing News!

If you’ve read my books Cora, Eliza, Deborah, or Missouri Brides, you might be interested to learn that I’m now rewriting this series and adding to it. Cora is complete and has been retitled Cora’s Deception. I’ve just started working on the next in the series, which will be titled Eliza’s Mistake. These books will be available first as e-books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, then as paperbacks. Look for Cora’s Deception to release just before Christmas 2011. My goal is to eventually write at least seven books in this series - Brides of Cedar Creek. All of them will be set in historical Southwest Missouri.

Christmas Bargain Corner

E-books on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Lesson of the Poinsettia - only .99

Nine years ago Abigail lost her sight when fever struck, and she’s given up on leading a normal life. Then her nine-year-old neighbor girl sneaks across the street to see Abigail’s flowers and her father soon follows. Because of the lesson they find in Abigail’s Poinsettias, Abigail and Seth learn to see beyond the darkness of their lives and in the process find love to last a lifetime.

the good news is, you do not have to have an

e-reader to read e-books!

To read e-books on your computer or your cell phone, etc. download (for free) Kindle for PC from Amazon.com. It’s easy. Here’s how: Go to Amazon.com. On the left side of their home page is a list. Go down 4 headings to Kindle and hover over it to bring another list. On the new list go down 7 places to Free Kindle Reading Apps and click on it. That should get you where you want to go. Follow the simple instructions and you should soon have your own e-reader right on your computer, lap top, netbook, or smart phone, whichever works for you. FREE! And Barnes & Noble has the same service on their site. Why buy a reader when you can read for free? Also, you can find many good e-books for free for both Kindle and Nook.

http://infinitecharacters.com/ Check it out! Five authors writing about the many characters they dream up as well as a variety of fun and information will be coming to bless those who stop by. Every other Friday is Fiction Fun Friday when you’ll find a short fun story to read. I hope you’ll join us.

Merry Christmas! God bless, Mildred Colvin

Thanksgiving Dressing Dilemma Solved!

2011-11-26T20:07:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful this year! Especially the dressing. LOL! If you read my son's post, Thanksgiving Tradition at our House, a couple of posts below this one, you'll know what I'm talking about.

He's tried to get his aunt's dressing just right for years and has never made it until now. Thanks, Gail, for the suggestion to add another egg. That, and his own idea to add a little milk, seemed to give his dressing just what he wanted. Now whether it's an exact duplicate of his Aunt Jeanie's or just a very close copy, I don't know. But he felt really good about it, and everyone enjoyed the dressing this year--a lot. Why not? It was very good as was everything else he cooked.

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was filled with grateful hearts. Psalms 95:2 says: "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto Him..." I believe God delights in our thanks for the many blessings He gives us.

Please Welcome Linda Cushman!

2011-11-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

I wrote a review a few days ago here on Romantic Reflections about a book I found quite by accident. That post is called Bittersweet and you can find it by scrolling down a couple of posts. Occasionally, I find a book that impresses me and that I can recommend without reservation. Bittersweet is one of those. I decided you might like to learn more about this new author, so I asked her some questions and this is what she said:

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a mom with four grown children and have 13 grandchildren, my treasures! My husband and I live on a farm, where I do most of the work while he manages his trucking business. Church is the most important part of our lives and God has richly blessed us by saving us and our family. Nothing could be more precious.

Oh my! I can’t imagine 13 grandchildren in my house. Talk about fun mixed with chaos The 3 I have do enough of that. LOL!

Tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

I grew up in a very remote part of Camden County, Missouri, where people still used a dialect from the Appalachians. I was in high school before I knew that y'uns was not a real word! The first school I attended was Macks Creek. My brother and I had to walk a mile and cross a river in a boat to get to our bus stop. On one side of the river was a corn field, usually muddy, and on the other side was a very steep, tall hill that was almost impossible to climb. I attended a one room school during fifth and sixth grades.

Now that beats out telling the kids you had to walk 3 miles to school, like the old timers did, doesn’t it? I’ve heard that non-word "y’uns" over in my neck of the woods, too, but your trip to school would have made playing hooky very tempting.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read?

The first book I read for fun was in fifth grade. It was The Secret Garden. I was hooked and would read every book in our one room school. The book mobile came once a month and it was heavenly to go in there and pick out some books. I still remember the excitement of seeing that book mobile pull into the school yard.

When did you first begin writing, and why do you write still?

I first began writing in 2002, writing a rough draft based on the life of my great great grandfather. He led an amazing life. In the course of researching for that story I met a lady in Arkansas and she told about her ancestors, who were equally interesting. Her interview led to my first book. Why do I still write? I love it! It's like a burning fever. I don't ever expect to become rich or famous, but it never hurts to dream.

You sound like a true author to me. Tell us about your latest book.

Bittersweet is a Christian romance, based very closely on events during the Civil War in Missouri. The book is told in firstperson, giving a more personal glimpse of the lives of common women during the war. The suffering and hardships of the main character are based on things that really happened to women in St. Clair County.

Linda, when I read this book, I noticed right off it was in first person. Usually that pushes me out of a story, but as I continued to read, the opposite happened. I felt as if I was right there with Anna Lea, the heroine, seeing what she saw and feeling what she felt. You did a fabulous job of writing this book!

Can you tell us what inspired you to write this particular book?

Parts of the story had been outlined many years ago. When I began researching the Civil War history of this area I learned so much that has been swept under the rug. This story was a way to tell what really happened when Osceola burned. The spiritual conflicts of the main character are problems I deal with every day! I'm my own worst spiritual enemy, letting my ideas and self-righteousness get in the way of God's will for me.

What are you working on right now?

I'm going to finish the novel about my g.g. grandfather. I have two novels started for middle school age boys about the Civil War.

Family history can be a gold mine of story ideas. Where do you get ideas to take this information and turn it into interesting fiction that still stays true to what has actually happened?

I have a vivid imagination. I also spend long hours alone feeding cattle or hauling hay, so I can let my mind wander. It takes a while to get enough ideas together for a story. It comes in bits and pieces and I have to tie it all together and make it interesting.

In three words describe your style of writing.

Simple, folksy, down-home. Is that four words?

I think that’s three with the hyphen. lol

Does your faith affect your writing? If so, how?

Faith is the most important thing in my life and I cannot imagine creating a character that did not trust in God or come to know Him. I believe that if I write I must give the readers inspiration or guidance to seek and follow God's will. There must be a message or the whole work is wasted.

I couldn’t agree with your more. Linda, I’ve enjoyed having you join us on Romantic Reflections.

I’ve read Bittersweet and can highly recommend it. If you like a historical with action that you just can’t put down once you start reading, I think you’ll love this book. Bittersweet can be found by clicking here on Amazon . com.

Grab a copy and enjoy!

God bless!

Mildred Colvin

Thanksgiving Tradition at Our House

2011-11-18T09:34:00.000-06:00

Today, I have a very special guest blogger. My oldest son Jonathan started cooking twenty plus years ago when he was only two years old. He asked for help one day, but I didn’t understand what he wanted. When he took me to the kitchen, I soon found out. On the floor was my frying pan with an egg in it. No shell, just yoke and white. He’d taken an egg from the refrigerator, put the carton back, and broke the egg into the pan, all without any mess. His problem? He couldn’t turn the stove on.

Public Domain Pictures

Here’s his take on two very special Thanksgiving traditions that he holds very dear:

The dressing on Thanksgiving holds the meal together. A tradition in our family started with my aunt Jeanie and the dressing she always made. Some of my earliest memories are of Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt’s house—and of her dressing. She was a great cook, but she didn’t write her recipes down. She passed away eight years ago and left no recipe for me to refer to.

As a child, I snuck into the kitchen when my aunt cooked and watched her, hoping to learn from her. She considered me an annoyance, but didn’t say too much. When I reached my teens, she started letting me help with simple chores. Unfortunately, I never learned to make the dressing that our family loved so much. I asked my other aunts and my mom if they could remember how her dressing was made and pieced together just enough to fail when I tried. For some reason I felt I couldn’t let go of the recipe. If I could replicate her recipe, I felt like I could hold on to my aunt forever.

For years I had known that Aunt Jeanie held our extended family together by hosting our Thanksgiving dinners. She was the dressing that held us all together. Thanksgiving hasn’t been quite the same since then. This year, like each year since her passing, I will again try to make Aunt Jeanie’s dressing, adding my own special touches to it. Maybe I’ll get it right this time and maybe I won’t, but until I do, I’ll not give up.

My grandfather passed on another Thanksgiving tradition to me. His recipe for Candy Yams. This is a simple common recipe done his way. Before he went home to be with his Heavenly Father, he taught me how to make it. I’ve added my own touch and am sharing this recipe with you today. Here’s my recipe:

2 large sweet potatoes

1 stick margarine

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ bag of mini marshmallows

½ cup of chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash potatoes but do not peel. Slice into ½ inch thick slices and arrange in single thickness in ungreased 10 x 15 sheet cake pan. Cut butter into even pats and scatter over potatoes. Sprinkle sugar evenly over potatoes. Sprinkle pecans on top. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes until potatoes are done. Test with fork. Remove from oven and sprinkle marshmallows over top immediately. Let stand for 5-10 minutes and serve hot. It’s also good cold.

Thanks, Jonathan. Hey, maybe you can come visit us another day!

Do you have any special family Thanksgiving traditions you would like to tell us about?

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Bittersweet - A Review

2011-11-16T09:25:00.000-06:00

An arts and crafts festival this fall held a treasure I didn’t expect to find. I attended this festival back in September just for fun, to see what was there. I didn’t expect to find a new friend. And I certainly didn’t expect to find a book worthy of a better review than I can write. But that’s what I found, anyway.

I walked away from the booth with the novel Bittersweet by Linda Cushman in my hand. At home, I set it aside for several days, with no more than a quick glance, while I finished another book. I should have set the other book aside and opened Bittersweet.

Set during the Civil War in Southern Missouri near Bolivar and Osceola, Bittersweet is Anna Lea Pepper’s story. Anna Lea’s husband has gone off to fight with the Missouri State Guard while she takes care of their farm and their two children, a fourteen-year-old son and an eleven-year-old daughter. Anna Lea, although a Christian, is a very independent woman, with enough courage to get her into trouble and enough prejudice to harm herself. She’s a Southern sympathizer, a little fact that almost gets her killed more than once. She makes the mistake of moving to Osceola just in time for Northern troops to take over and burn the entire town, killing and taking what they want.

So many things happen to Anna Lea. Some could have been avoided if not for her self-righteousness, independence, and prejudices. Many could not, as the story so accurately portrays the time and desperation of the people who lived back then.

Is there a romance in the story? Well, yes, of course there is. I probably wouldn’t have read it otherwise. There’s conflict aplenty for Anna Lea, so much of it her own doing. You see, the battle going on between North and South is reflected in Anna Lea’s heart. Yes, she has more than her share of the larger battle going on around her, but she’s also at war with herself as she fights others in her determination to rely on no one else, yet her dearest friend becomes an Osage Indian woman she has shunned from the beginning.

I am amazed and totally admire Linda Cushman’s research and ability as she tells of this time in our history. Although Bittersweet is a fictional novel, it is told in a way that brings history alive to the reader. I highly recommend this well-written, totally engrossing book. Once started, it’s extremely hard to put down.

If you’d like a really great read, one that doesn’t come along every day, click on this link to Bittesweet by Linda Cushman: http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Linda-Cushman/dp/1617772062/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321407884&sr=1-5

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Introducing Elizabeth Goddard

2011-11-06T20:19:00.001-06:00

Today, I’d like to welcome Elizabeth Goddard to Infinite Characters. Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of seven contemporary romance novels and two novellas, including a romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies—a 2011 Carol Award winner. Elizabeth is a member of ACFW and has served as a board member in her local RWA chapter. She is a 7^th generation Texan who lives in East Texas with her husband and four children. She and her family recently spent five years in Oregon, which serves as the setting for several of her novels, including Oregon Outback, releasing with Barbour Publishing in Spring 2012.

Elizabeth, I’m so glad you’re here today. Most authors are also avid readers. How about when you were a child? What did you read then?

Loved to read during my elementary school years. While I remember reading a lot of books, I don’t recall the names of novels until the fifth grade. That year I read 2001 A Space Odyssey—it was a big thick book for someone that age, and I do remember having to start several times before I could finish. The Good Earth, by Pearl S. Buck was another one I read that year.

Oh, yes, I remember reading The Good Earth, although I think I read it a few years after my fifth grade. It was a good book as I remember.

As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?

Yes. I attempted to write my first novel at fourteen—it was a romance because at the time I read a lot of sweet romances.

You enjoyed sweet romances back then, so what is your favorite genre to read now?

I love to read in many genres—basically a great book will catch my attention, but I especially love a good fantasy or science fiction, especially those written by Christian authors. Some of my favorite Christian fantasy and science fiction authors are Kathy Tyers, Chris Walley and Stephen Lawhead.

How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

Seven novels and two novellas and four releasing next year. Some of the Heartsongs can be found on Amazon, but others you can get through your local Christian bookstore and if not, they can order them for you. FREEZING POINT, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES and the two novella collections you can get anywhere books are sold, including the online bookstores.

What is the title of your latest book and what is it about?

Freezing Point.

Casey Wilkes didn’t realize her simple human-interest story would put her life at risk—again. After fleeing her home and journalism job in Portland, she wanted to live under the radar for a while. But when her interviewee starts dodging her questions, her reporter instincts kick in and she finds herself in over her head…

Homeland security agent Jesse Mitchell has been undercover as an ice sculptor for months, trying to infiltrate a smuggling ring. He wants to avoid trouble, and that’s just what Casey brings. Now someone has a target set on Casey. Saving her could blow his cover, but leaving her unprotected endangers him even more—especially his heart.

That sounds like an exciting story. What inspired you to write this particular book?

Several years ago I saw an ice sculptor on the front of Wired Magazine and I tucked that away, knowing I’d want to write a story around that premise at some point. When I started plotting out a romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense, the ice sculptor came to mind and the story was born.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on the third book in my Redwood Coast series for Heartsong Presents, HEARTS IN THE MIST. I just finished my edits for the second book, SHELTERING LOVE. I’m really excited about these books—I think they are some of my favorite that I’ve written. I’m also working on my second Love Inspired Suspense.

I’m sure your readers are eagerly awaiting those books. Have you won any awards with your writing?

Yes! Before I was published, I was a finalist in the Genesis twice and as a published author I recently won the Carol Award for my mystery THE CAMERA NEVER LIES.

Congratulations! Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Attend conferences. There you’ll meet people who will help you in your writing journey. A conference makes all the differences.

Where can fans find you or your books on the internet? http://elizabethgoddard.com, http://bethgoddard.blogspot.com, http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor

Here’s the first page of Freezing Point to give you a taste of what you’ll be reading. Now here’s the excerpt:

Beautiful…but dangerous.

Jesse finished shoving the last block of dry ice into the back of the specially designed truck—well insulated, yet ventilated to allow for sublimation—the melting that would give off deadly CO2 gas.

The solid form of carbon dioxide would be used to create the snow effect around the ice sculptures along with fog—a mysterious yet stunning display.

He tugged off the gloves used to protect his hands from ice burns or, worse, frostbite. Because his father was a chef and master ice sculptor, Jesse had learned a few techniques of his own, even entering competitions during his college days.

That's what made him the perfect candidate for this covert operation, and the only reason Robert McCoffey, his superior, had pulled Jesse from the desk job and visits to the psychiatrist and put him back into the action. Working as an undercover agent for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jesse had nearly blown his last assignment and thought he'd never get the chance to restore his reputation and career.

But ICE's bulk cash and smuggling division decided Helms Ice and Trucking Company was hot—laundering money for the Mexican cartel—and they wanted someone on the inside.

Copyright © 2011 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited. Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Beth, thank you for visiting us at Romantic Reflections. We’ve enjoyed learning more about you and your writing. If you'd like the opportunity to win a copy of Freezing Point, go to Infinite Characters to find Beth's interview there along with a giveaway.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

One Lovely Blog Award

2011-11-01T10:51:00.000-05:00

I love getting awards, don't you? Gail Pallotta, who has a lovely blog herself at Peering Through Life's Window has given me One Lovely Blog Award. Thank you, Gail. I suggest you take a moment to visit her blog at the link above.

It's my pleasure to present this award to these lovely blogs. I think you'll agree with me if you go visit them. Just click on their names.

A Mustard Seed of Faith

Writing for His Glory

Chloe's Journal

Back Porch Reflections

The Sword and Spirit

Inspirational writer

Five Kids and a Blog

To claim the award:

1. Thank the giver and link back to his or her site
2. Provide seven random facts about yourself
3. Pass the award to five other blogs, let them know, and link to their sites
4. Copy the award logo and paste it on your site.

Seven Random Facts about me. Hmm. Let me see.
1. I have fifteen books in print now, an accomplishment I wondered if I'd ever achieve. Now I'm working on numbers sixteen and seventeen.
2. Reading has been a way of life for me, but writing lately has crowded out that reading time so now reading is a privilege.
3. I'm a wife, mother, and grandmother. A great privilege, also to wonderful kids.
4. I enjoy walking, but don't do nearly enough.
5. My desire is to once more raise a bountiful garden since the ground was swallowed by an addition to our house.
6. I love making quilts. Several of mine have been sold for benefits.
7. I have about 2,000 books on my TBR pile/shelves. Think I'll ever get to them? Nope.

2011-10-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense. This Time for Keeps is her fourth release in two years with four more books to follow in 2012. Mistaken Identity, her first young adult romance released on June 15 from Desert Breeze Publishing. She enjoyed writing it so much that she'll have four more young adult releases in 2012. The sequel to Mistaken Identity, Shattered Identity, will release in June and a college-age romance/mystery series, The Zoe Mack Mystery Series, will release in January with others to follow in June and December.

K. Dawn is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com, most of which are signed by the authors. She's also the moderator of the popular facebook Christian Fiction Gathering group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444.

When not reading or writing, K. Dawn enjoys spending time with her husband of 16 years while walking their dogs beside a gorgeous lake near her home and plotting the next story waiting to be told.

K. Dawn has a new book out that sounds very interesting. Here's a little about it:

India McGuire had no idea that a long, lost love from years ago would breeze back into town the night she accepts an engagement ring from another man. Should she keep the ring and the stability that comes with it or risk everything and follow her heart?

K. Dawn, thanks for taking time to visit with us. Your schedule must keep you busy with so many books coming out. Can you tell us a little more about yourself? What are three surprising things about you?

1) I own two hairless Chinese Crested dogs

2) I used to ride my own Harley, but gave it up to have more time to write.

3) I love sour things...lemons, pickles, sour candy, etc.

Did you enjoy reading as a child?

I was such an avid reader as a child that mother has said many times that I was so quiet she never knew I was even in the house.

What did you read?

Nancy Drew was my absolute favorite.

As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?

I never dreamed of being an author as a child or teenager. I wanted to be a veterinarian.

When did you first begin writing?

I first began writing seriously about three years.

Why do you write still?

I write because it's more than a hobby, it's a passion. I can't NOT write.

How many books do you have published?

So far, I have four books published. They run the gamut from historical to contemporary romance to suspense to young adult romance, so there's something for everyone.

Where can they be found?

They're all available on Amazon and other fine ebook outlets. For 2012, I'll have four more releases, all young adult. Young adult is so much fun to write!

Tell us about one of your books other than this one.

Here's a short blurb for Mistaken Identity, my first young adult romance.

Eden Morgan longs for a boyfriend of her own, an impossible goal when her best friend, Lexi Branson, gets all the attention and all the guys. When they fall in love with the same guy, Eden believes she doesn't have a chance. She can only hope that sometimes the good girl gets the guy.

What are you working on right now?

Right now, I'm working on the sequel to Mistaken Identity. Shattered Identity will be out in April 2012. My next scheduled release is in January 2012. It is the first book in a college-age mystery/romance series. The title is Zoe Mack and the Secret of the Love Letters.

Can you describe your style of writing by using only three words?

Fast. Frantic. 30 days. (Sorry, I don't count the 30 as a word. It's a number. LOL)

What is your writing schedule and where do you write?

I write every book in 30 days. I'll plot out how many words I need each day on a calendar and use it to keep track of where I should be. I write in my favorite room in the house. It's a small den without a TV, but it does have two fish tanks. I take breaks from time to time and watch the fish swim.

Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance everything?

I work a full-time job, which means I have to be disciplined when it comes to my writing. Of the four books coming out next year, only one is written. If I weren't disciplined, I'd never meet my deadlines.

Where can fans find you or your books on the internet?

You tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg6faoavpGI

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/This-Time-for-Keeps-ebook/dp/B005VKMQUG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319731482&sr=8-1

My Publisher: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-218/This-Time-For-Keeps/Detail.bok

My website: www.kdawnbyrd.com

My blog: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

K. Dawn has graciously offered to give a gift card for a free download of her book This Time for Keeps to someone who comments here before Monday, October 31. Please leave your email address to be included.

K. Dawn, thank you for joining me today on Romantic Reflections. I’ve enjoyed having you here.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Vickie McDonough

2011-10-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

I’m visiting with an author of historical Christian romance. Vickie McDonough is an award-winning author of 24 books and novellas. Her books have won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, Texas Gold, the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a multi-year finalist in ACFW’s BOTY/Carol Awards. She was voted Third Favorite Author in the Heartsong Presents Annual Readers Contest in 2009. Vickie is the author of the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series from Barbour Publishing. Watch for her new books from Moody Publishers, Texas Trails: A Morgan Family series, in which she partners with Susan Page Davis and Darlene Franklin to write a 6-book series that spans 50 years of the Morgan family. The first three books release this fall. Also, next year brings the release of another new series from Guidepost/Summerside, Pioneer Promises, set in 1870s Kansas.

Vickie, welcome! Please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a wife of thirty-six years, mother to four grown sons, and grandmother to a feisty five-year-old girl. I’ve been a fan of fiction my whole life and fell in love with Christian fiction when I first discovered it back in the 1980s. I’ve been writing for over ten years after God gently nudged me in that direction.

Can you tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers?

1. Shortly after I was married, my husband and I lived on a kibbutz in Israel for a year with a group of Christian young people.

2. When I was 14, I bought a Honda 350 motorcycle with money I’d made from babysitting.

3. I never once planned on being a writer, but I had prayed for years for a home business and also to be able to travel some, because I love it and we never could travel when all our boys were young. When God first started sending me stories, I didn’t know what was going on. I wrote two book before I realized that maybe God was trying to get my attention. Now I have a job where I work from home and I get to travel for research trips and conferences.

Sounds like you’ve led an exciting life. Were you an avid reader as a child?

Yes.

What did you read?

I read any book that had a horse on the front—all the Walter Farley books, Flicka, Misty of Chincoteague, and many others. I also liked the Nancy Drew series.

What is your favorite genre to read as an adult?

historical Christian romance

That is a great choice. How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

To date, I’ve had 24 novels and novellas published. Most of them are available online at Christianbook.com or Amazon. If you can’t find them there, check with me, because I have copies of most of them. Besides the Texas Trails series, I also have a new series coming out next year called Pioneer Promises. It’s set in 1870s Kansas and centers around a family who runs a stage stop. The first book is titled Whispers on the Prairie, and I call it my Love Comes Softly meets Bonanza book.

One of Texas Trails books you have written is titled Long Trail Home. Here’s the blurb for it: A weary soldier returns from the War Between the States to discover his parents dead, his family farm in shambles, and his fiancée married. Riley Morgan takes a job at the Wilcox School for Blind Children and tries to make peace with God and himself. When a pretty, blind woman who cares for the children reaches through his scarred walls and touches his heart, he begins to find renewed faith and hope for the future. But when he discovers Annie feigned her blindness just to have a home, will his anger and hurt drive him away and ruin all chances for a future filled with love, faith, and family?

And here’s a short excerpt from the book: Squatting down next to a sparse shrub, Annie peered through the wooden fence at the house she’d dreamed about—the one she longed to live in for all long as she could remember. Two stories, white with a dark roof, a half dozen rocking chairs on the porch, and even a few flowers out front, in spite of the chill that still lingered at night.

The children, all younger than her, were an oddity, though. They walked around, holding their hands out in front of them, feeling their way along knotted ropes that lined the path. They must be blind, just like some of the beggars she’d seen in New Orleans.

But these children wore nice clothes without ragged hems and torn sleeves, and their cheeks were rosy, and smiles lit the faces of most of them. Annie shook her head. What kind of person was she to be jealous of the blind?

The youngsters felt their way to the far side of the house, and Annie stooped down and ran around back. The odor of something delicious wafted out the back door. Someone inside banged cooking pots.

Annie hunkered down behind a rain barrel. A barn sat a short ways behind the house. Maybe she could sleep there tonight.

The back door opened, and a pretty woman who reminded Annie of her mama glided down the steps in a bright blue dress. Her yellow hair was piled up on the back of her head. Annie tugged at her short, plain brown hair. Hers had never been long enough to put up like that—not after her pa hacked it away with his knife. Besides, she wouldn’t know how to fix it anyway.

Fragrant odors drifted toward, Annie. Her stomach moaned a long complaint.

The woman clapped her hands. “Children, time for lunch.”

As one, the youngsters turned toward her voice, carefully feeling their way toward her. Would anyone notice if she sneaked inside with them?

She glanced down at her dirty hands and fingernails. Her pants stunk, and her head itched. Maybe those kids couldn’t see her, but they sure would be able to smell her.

The idea she’d been stewing on for two days sounded better and better. Those children had everything she wanted—they were clean, had decent clothes, ate regular meals, and lived in the house she wanted.

Come morning, she’d be sitting on the front porch. And if she had to pretend to be a blind orphan in order to be taken in—so be it.

How do you choose names for your characters?

It really varies. Often, I’ll just choose a name that I like a lot. Other times I get a name before the story comes to me. Then there are times I have to go hunting for a name, like if I have a hero or heroine from another country or I want a more unusual name for my character. I’ll do online searches of baby name sights. Since I write mostly historicals, I also will look up baby names for the year my character was born and see what was popular then.

Is there any scene in your book that came from a real-life happening?

Yes, there are two. My husband tends to jingle his keys and the coins in his pocket when he stands around talking for a while. In A Wagonload of Trouble, my hero had the same habit.

Also, in Finally A Bride, my hero is the temporary preacher and is giving his first sermon since coming to town. He’s preaching about ‘publicans’, but instead of saying that, he calls them ‘pelicans’. This actually happened to my husband when he was giving a message at a women’s prison. I was sitting on the back row with my friend, who’s husband had led worship, and it was all we could do not to laugh out loud. The funny thing was that he kept saying ‘pelican’, and the lady inmates would look at each other with the oddest expressions on their faces. I just knew I had to use that in a book one day.

That is so funny—for you, not your husband!

What is the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done?

Jumping into two-foot waves at the Mediterranean Sea. My friends started doing this, and it was a lot of fun, so I joined in. Before I knew it, all my friends had gone off somewhere else, and I was alone, neck deep in water and a very long ways from shore. Then a huge wave washed over my head, and I was caught, unable to tell which way was up. I finally got my head above water, but I was caught in a riptide that was taking me further out. I had this overwhelming urge to float and managed to get onto my back after some struggles, but I was traveling parallel to the shore and couldn’t get in. I prayed hard, and God helped me to get back, but I was so weak I couldn’t stand for a while. Years later, I watched a show on riptides, and saw that I did exactly the right—swam parallel to the shore—until I got free of the riptide. God was really watching over me that day.

Definitely! What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you?

I had hurt my knee and was on crutches. I’d gone across the street to a neighbors and was headed back home. I had to wait for a red car to pass before I could cross the street. A young guy was driving, and as he passed he slowed down and stared at me. I couldn’t imagine what he was gawking at and looked down. The crutches had somehow managed to work my shirt up until it sat on top of my bra. Yikes!! Talk about embarrassing!!

Vickie, I’ve enjoyed having you on Infinite Characters. Where can fans find you or your books on the internet?

The one place that lists them all is my website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

You can also find them at various online bookstores.

I can vouch for Vickie’s writing. I always enjoy her books!

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

I have a new Contract!

2011-10-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

Nothing like getting right to the point, is there? Ok, to make this short story long, few months ago I answered a query from an unpublished writer for some one who had been published by Barbour Publishing to collaborate with her in writing an anthology. Actually, she wanted three authors and after a few bumpy starts the other two authors were found. The four of us set to work, came up with our stories, and sent them off to the publisher via our agents. Not long before the ACFW conference in St. Louis in September, Becky Germany, executive editor at Barbour Publishing, decided to offer us contracts for the stories we had dreamed up.

Trust me, you've just read the simplified version of this endeavor. And no, I won't go into details, but yes, I will tell you a little about the wonderful collection of Christmas stories that will be coming out next fall. Four friends come to the Tumwater, Washington area to work in various positions in the logging business. There, they meet and each falls in love with a young lady. Each of the four stories are interwoven yet stand alone. I've enjoyed working on this collection with some very talented ladies. In the order the stories appear in the book, they are: Home for the Holidays, by Mildred Colvin, One Evergreen Night by Debby Lee, All Ye Faithful by Gina Welborn, and A Carpenter's Christmas by Mary Davis.

I'll try to tell more later and even post the book cover when that becomes available. I know you'll enjoy reading these stories.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Introducing Susan Page Davis

2011-10-10T17:07:00.000-05:00

I’m interviewing an author who has written what sounds like an exciting historical romance. In fact, her book, The Lady’s Maid, is on my wish list. Now, let’s learn a little about our guest author:

Susan Page Davis is a novelist who writes historical romance, suspense, and mysteries. Prairie Dreams is her new historical series from Barbour Publishing. A Maine native, Susan now lives in Kentucky with her husband, Jim. She’s taught school, shoed horses, and been a news correspondent. She has six children and eight grandchildren, all of whom are gorgeous and brilliant. Also living at the Davis address are a spoiled horse and very bad cat, which really belong to one of Susan’s daughters. She collects old tea tins and true captivity narratives. She comes from a long line of interesting ancestors, some of whom she will admit to and others who are best left unclaimed and unsung.

Susan, I enjoyed your comment about your ancestors. In doing some genealogy work on my family I found some interesting and brave women who might not want to claim me. LOL! I’m thinking their lives would adapt wonderfully to romance novels. Maybe someday I'll get that mail-order bride story written. Right now, we’d like to know about your book, The Lady’s Maid. Please tell us a little bit about it.

Elise Finster accompanies her young British mistress, Lady Anne Stone, on a voyage to America in 1855. Lady Anne’s father has died, and her Uncle David is the new Earl of Stoneford—if he steps forward and claims the title. But David disappeared into the American West when Anne was a baby. Now it’s up to her and Elise to find him. They join a wagon train in Independence, Missouri, not realizing they’re leading a killer straight to David. The Lady’s Maid is Susan Page Davis’s new book from Barbour Publishing. It’s first in her new Prairie Dreams historical romance series.

I know The Lady’s Maid will be a page-turner. I can only imagine the trials a lady would have in the West. I’m looking forward to reading it. Now, I’d like to ask you some questions, that will give your readers a glimpse into your life.

Since you are an author now, were you an avid reader as a child?

Absolutely. My older siblings taught me to read early just by reading the same picture books to me over and over.

What did you read?

I loved Miss Pickerel books (by Ellen MacGregor) and Trixie Belden books. We had a bookmobile that came to our school, and I read whatever I could get my hands on. I read a lot of books my older brother and sisters brought home, too. His Indian Brother, by Hazel Hutchins Wilson, was a big hit with all of us. I believe it’s based on the same true Maine story that Elizabeth George Speare’s The Sign of the Beaver later retold.

Oh, I remember the bookmobile that came to my school, too. That was always an exciting day. But reading is very different from writing a book. How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I seriously wrote fiction for about four years before that first sale.

What are you working on right now, and/or what’s the title for your next scheduled book?

A Lady in the Making will be the third book in this series. (Between The Lady’s Maid and A Lady in the Making comes Lady Anne’s Quest.) Right now I’m writing that book, and I have placed one of Anne Stone’s relatives in quite a pickle.

I like your titles and hope to read all three books. How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

This one makes 37. All can be seen on my website: www.susanpagedavis.com or at amazon.com (search my name for my author page). Many are also on christianbook.com and other booksellers’ sites. The newer ones are in stores now.

What is your writing schedule and where do you write?

I write at least five days a week, and I do best in my home office, early in the day. I keep at it as long as it takes, but I try to do the actual writing quota for the day early and save other tasks for later.

Tell us about one of your books other than this one.

Captive Trail features Taabe Waipu, who has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu’s identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.

Ah, another book for my wish list.

Have you won any awards with your writing?

Yes, I’ve won the Carol Award once (when it was Book of the Year) and finaled three more times. I’ve won the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award twice, and finaled in the More than Magic Contest. I have also won the DAR’s Women’s Issues essay contest.

Congratulations on all those wins! That’s wonderful. I’ve read some of your books and know they’re good.

Now for the good question. What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you?

Well, I once swallowed a battery. I don’t recommend it. And no, I didn’t do it on purpose. It was a little button battery almost exactly the same size and shape as a pill I was supposed to take when I ate breakfast. I had the pill in one pocket. Hubby asked me to take the battery to town with me and buy one exactly like it. I put the battery in the other pocket. And a few minutes later, I ate breakfast and popped my … battery … into my mouth. I thought it tasted a bit funny, so I checked my pockets. And found the pill. Now, no jokes about the Energizer Bunny. I got plenty of those from my hubby. And odd looks and questions from the medical staff who X-rayed me. “And why did you do this?”

Hmm, I guess it’s ok if it didn’t get stuck going down. At least I hope. So the moral is: Look before you pop?

Susan, thank you so much for being here today to tell us about your books.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Guest Interview with Darlene Franklin

2011-10-02T18:15:00.000-05:00

I welcome Darlene Franklin today to Romantic Reflections. Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin lives near her family in cowboy country—Oklahoma. She recently signed the contract for her twentieth novel. She is also a prolific devotional author with over 200 devotions in print. I’ve asked her some questions, and would like to share that with you here.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Oklahoma City with my lynx point Siamese cat Talia. Come for a visit and let her greet you at the door! My son and his family live a short distance away; I love being a grandma!

I am semi-homebound so do very little outside of the four walls of my house. But I’m involved with a wonderful church and have lots of writing friends to keep me company. I read, write, and watch TV. And entertain Talia.

2. What is your favorite genre to read?

I love reading mystery/suspense, with a heavy leaning toward thriller-type suspense. I also read a lot of historical romance, which is what I write, with a dash of other genres mixed in. Some of my favorite mystery authors (Dick Francis, James Lee Burke to name a couple) are masters of setting; I like to think that has influenced my writing.

3. How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

I am blessed to have fifteen books or so in print (with more on the way). I have an author page at Amazon that lists more of them, as well as notes of current releases on my blog (darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com).

One of those books is Lone Star Trail, a recent release. Here’s a little about it: Lone Star Trail is the first book in a six-book series about the Morgan family, set in Texas in the 1840s. Jud Morgan runs the Running M Ranch near Victoria, Texas; he is immensely proud of his Texas roots. His father died in the war for independence from Mexico and then Comanches captured his youngest sister. He resists the arrival of the German immigrants (the Verein), since their aim is to create a “New Germany” on Texas soil.

Wande Fleischer is one of those German immigrants. Torn from her beloved native land, she faces disappointment on every side when her fiancé abandons her and she loses a sister to illness in the swamps of Carlshafen as soon as they arrive in Texas.

Can these two see past their differences to the love God has for them?

4. What are you working on right now, and/or what’s the title for your next scheduled book?

At the moment, I have three new releases. In addition to Lone Star Trail, there is also Christmas at Barncastle Inn (contemporary Christmas) and Knight Music, a contemporary romance. In December, my three Vermont romances will be repackaged and sold in a single volume as Maple Notch Brides.

I’m also busy writing books that I have to turn in next February and March: A Bride’s Rogue in Roma, Texas (historical. What happens when a straight-laced Victorian woman inherits a steamboat on the Rio Grande?); Calico Brides (four historical novellas, set in Kansas); and another contemporary Christmas novella in the upcoming Postmark: Christmas. Barbour is the publisher for all three books.

Oh, my! Sounds like you’ve been very busy. Those titles are appealing, and I’m sure the stories are, too.

5. Where do you get ideas for your books?

I love talking about this. Ideas come from everywhere, and are usually a combination of several different influences.

First there is a story starter. Something sparks my attention: a town name (how about Hygiene, Colorado?) A news article (a vintage clothing store is robbed). A movie or TV show (Pearl, a movie about pioneer aviatrix Pearl Carter Scott). A paragraph in a research book (Roma, Texas was the westernmost port of the Rio Grande steamboat trade). A single entry in a timeline (German Verein to Texas in 1846). Something I observe by the side of the road (a single cowboy boot).

The story starter starts an idea rolling around in my head, and I’ll look into it a little bit more. In researching about steamboats, I discovered a children’s book about the first female pilot of a steamboat. Then my creative spirit jumps up and down and says “I want to write that story!”

Once I have found the main setting (steamboat and female pilot) I usually think about characters. In romance, I need a hero and a heroine with a distinct tension between them, one that is believable and strong. So for Bride’s Rogue, the “bride” is an uptight Victorian orphan who inherits a steamboat—together with a rather flamboyant purser who handles gambling and other entertainment on board.

Once I have the setting and central conflict in mind, it’s a matter of thinking how I get from point A to happily ever after.

That’s interesting! Very creative way to develop your stories, which leads me to the next question.

6. How do you choose names for your characters?

I’ve done this a variety of ways. For my first few books, I pretty much picked names out of the air. That worked fine until I discovered I keep using the same names (Gallagher, Sam, Morris, Ben, Knight.)

Then I went to the opposite extreme, got a lovely book of names listed by ethnic background. I came up with some good ones (Natalie Daire and Fabrizio Ricci) but also some clunkers (Audwin Howe).

In writing historical fiction, depending on the era, I look at Social Security registers of the top 100 names from that time period and try to choose from those lists. The problem is that men’s names don’t vary as much over the years.

In Lone Star Trail, I used my naming books for German names (it also has a wonderful feature of the most common surnames by ethnicity). Some names I chose by meaning: my heroine is named “Wande,” which means “Wanderer,” which seemed appropriate for an immigrant. Her mother is “Nadetta,” the “bear” defending her young. Other names I chose because they looked comparatively easy to pronounce (Meino, Drud, Alvie).

Oh, yes, I also keep an alphabet talley of names in a series. Otherwise all the names would start with the same letter and lead to confusion.

7. In three words describe your style of writing.

Compassionate, personal, vivid

8. How do you get to know your characters?

In Lone Star Trail, reviewers have praised the depth of my primary and secondary characters. I am delighted, of course, but also a little puzzled. Because I hear about authors “interviewing” their characters and creating lengthy dossiers on them. I’ve tried that, and it doesn’t work for me.

I do a lot of the preliminary work when I’m plotting, thinking through motivations and goals. But the nuts and bolts of the character don’t come to life until I’m actually writing the story.

9. Are you a plotter, a pantster, or somewhere in between, and can you elaborate on your answer?

I’m in-between. Since I started writing for Heartsong, which required chapter-by-chapter synopses in their proposals, I got used to writing that way. A good, solid synopsis is still a central part of my writing process.

Having said that. My comment for one chapter in Lone Star Trail says in part “As much as Jud dislikes the German invasion, he can’t help admiring Wande. In spite of the worry Konrad’s silence must be causing her, she is sweet and cheerful, charming all the Morgans—even Jud, if he could open his heart..” That doesn’t include any action. So in writing I have to match the action to the outcome I want to achieve. So my pantser gets to come out and play for a little while.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Number one for now and for always: Read, read, read and write, write, write.

Number two: I truly believe that if a writer is willing to work, can accept rejection and learn from feedback, and will persevere past the point any sane person would give up, she or he can make it.

People tell me I am a “gifted” writer. Perhaps. But I’m not a natural writer. I didn’t sit down and sell a book within two years of starting. I have been writing for 20 years by now.

I’m proof of that axiom.

That’s good advice. I believe God gives us the ability and desire to write but expects us to exert some effort to learn the craft. Even while we rely on Him for inspiration. Darlene, I thank you for being a guest on my blog.

If you would like to learn more about Darlene Franklin, you can visit Darlene’s blog at: www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com .

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

It's Published Now!

2011-09-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

I do believe it's time I mention that my latest book, Love Returned, is published now. In fact, I got really ambitious and published in e-book and paperback the same day. Maybe I'm learning how because this one seemed to be easier to do than the other two. If you'd like to see the book's page at Amazon.com, click on the title Love Returned and you should be taken there. If you click on this Love Returned you will be taken to the Barnes & Noble page. Is that confusing, or am I just confused? LOL!

My next step is to complete Love's Tender Call, and I am nearing the end. I had planned to self-publish it, but I've decided to try a publisher first. I'm not sure it's exactly right for them, but I'm sure the editor will tell me either way. :-)

I want you to know, I appreciate my readers. I don't know if any of you are interested in self-publishing either e-books or paper, but I would welcome any questions about the process. I'm by far not an expert. I'm learning each time I do anything toward either publishing or promoting, but I'd be glad to help find the answers. I welcome your comments, too.

God bless,
Mildred

Love Returned

2011-09-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update on a book I've been working on for a while. Love Returned is nearing completion. I've been trying to polish my writing to give my readers a professionally written book, and should have that done within the next week. Yea! I really hope you all enjoy this book.

How would you feel if you were forced, due to circumstances and your family, into giving your infant son up for adoption, only to meet a child nine years later who fit every criteria to be the child you'd longed for all that time? This is what happened to Megan McGinnis in Love Returned. In addition, she's fallen in love with Scott, the boy's father, and is afraid to tell him of her suspicion's. She can't prove she's found her son, so she hopes to keep things just as they are. Then Scott asks her to marry him.

If you've ever had a son in Cub Scouts, you'll enjoy the references to den meetings and cub camp. But most of all, you'll enjoy falling in love all over again with Megan and Scott and growing with them as they forgive and heal broken relationships. Give me another week or so, and Love Returned should appear on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Watch for it there!

Take a look at the book cover in the left column.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Infinite Characters

2011-09-09T20:31:00.000-05:00

It's Friday again and there's another short story posted about a kiss that's interrupted by an animal. This is the last story in that series. If you haven't already, you can read all five at Infinite Characters. I know you'll enjoy them. In two weeks the authors of Infinite Characters will begin a new series. Did you ever goof up and kiss the wrong person? Oh my! Think of the ramifications of that! We have five short stories coming up with just that scenario. I've already read the first one for September 23, and it's good. You won't want to miss it.

But first, on Monday, September 12, come and learn with us about quilts in history with Stephanie Grace Whitson. Stephanie has a new book from Barbour Publishing coming out early next year, Key on the Quilt that I'm looking forward to reading. That is, after I finish A Most Unsuitable Match, also by Stephanie Grace Whitson, which is available now. If you haven't read one of her books, I do recommend you get this one and spend some enjoyable time reading a great story set in a time long ago.

See you at Infinite Characters on Monday. If you haven't already signed up to receive the posts via email, you can do that while you're there. It's an easy way to make sure you don't miss anything.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Learning to Lean Now in Paperback!

2011-09-05T12:06:00.000-05:00

My first e-book, Learning to Lean, has recently been released in paperback format. I'm excited to have this book available for those who want to hold an actual book when they read. Many of us still love the feel of a book in our hands, and we like the way it looks sitting on our shelf. While I enjoy reading both e-books and paper books, I really like the looks of this particular paperback. Check out the cover. I like how it turned out.

Learning to Lean is the story of Heather and Matt who each have three children to raise alone. Circumstances and their children draw them together, while their fears and lack of faith keep them apart.

While that one's getting a start, I've been working on my second e-book, A New Life. I also like the cover for it. This one should be available in paperback by the end of this month.

A New Life is a story about second chances. Kimberly has one goal - introduce her son to his birth father. But Travis doesn't want a city boy on his ranch, because he's afraid he'll get hurt just as his son did. Would it make a difference if he knew Kim's son was also his?

The list price for these two books is $8.99 and Learning to Lean can be found on Amazon. Hopefully, A New Life will soon show it's face there as well.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

A Special Reunion!

2011-08-31T17:33:00.000-05:00

My husband and I received a wonderful surprise last night. A car stopped in our driveway, and some young people got out. We assumed they were here to see our son, so my husband went out to tell them he was at work. The oldest boy who we recognized by that time said, "Nope, we came to see you. We found someone."

I stepped out then as they reached the porch, and he again said, "We found someone. You'll know what I'm talking about."

I looked at the girl with the two boys and did know. I recognized a girl we'd cared for in foster care 10 years ago for about 4 years until she was nine. She left our house to be adopted the last we knew. Her brothers who were with her had been looking for her for years. The other four kids managed to keep in touch, but this one got away. I knew they'd been looking for her because the system had separated these five kids and wouldn't/couldn't give out enough info for them to find her. The sad thing is, she's been living within 20 miles of the others and they didn't know.

We visited for a while until they had to go see their father who also wanted time with her. I'll admit to the moisture in my eyes when they all three hugged us before they left and promised to come back again. I hope they do.

Blessings!
Mildred

My Blog Has Received An Award!

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Liebster Blog Award

Hello loyal followers. Just wanted to share some news. I was tagged for a Liebster Blog Award this week. I want to thank my good friend and fellow blogger, Connie Almony, for awarding this to me. See her blog at livingthebodyofchrist and join for some great blogs.

The Liebster award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers in order to give opportunity for the readers to find new and wonderful sites.

The rules are as follows:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
2. Give the Liebster Blog Award to five bloggers and let them know in a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. Have blogging fun!

Now I get to share. The following are some great blogs you'll want to check out. Here they are:

A Mustard Seed of Faith

Back Porch Reflections

Writing For His Glory

Through His Eyes

Five Kids and a Blog

Happy blogging! God bless!

Mildred Colvin

Public Domain Pictures dot net

2011-08-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

I forgot to give credit to http://publicdomainpictures.net for the photo of the rooster in the below blog. You can find that same photo here.

I've found it a wonderful place to find obtainable photos.

Mildred Colvin

Infinite Characters

2011-08-11T10:39:00.000-05:00

I read once that an editor gave five authors the opening sentence for a story idea and asked them to each write their version their way. When this project was finished, there were five completely different stories written. So how many characters and story ideas are there? Many more than there are authors, right?

We each have a background rich with experiences and an environment unique to us. When we write, we draw from our yesterdays and our hopes for tomorrow. I am different from every other writer, so my stories will be my own just as the way I express myself is all my own. It's the same with you. King Solomon said there's nothing new under the sun, and that's true. But we can take the same old concept and make as many different versions of it as there are authors to write it.

This is being proved on a new blog I belong to at Infinite Characters where five authors give writing tips, review books, interview authors and give away books, write devotionals, and feature Fiction Fun Friday every other week. Tomorrow will be our third Fiction Fun Friday and I'd like to invite everyone to come join the fun. While you're there, skip back to the first two fun days by clicking Fiction Fun under Sections on the left side bar. You'll find two short stories about a kiss that's interrupted by an animal. First is a hilarious octogenarian romp with Harold and Violet by Connie Almony. Then comes danger with Miguel and Mary Ann by June Foster. Tomorrow we'll take a trip back in time to a barnyard and read One Rooster Too Many by Vanessa Riley.

Come join the fun. Stay a while and join our growing site. You can even receive the latest blog by email so you never miss a thing. Do it! You'll be glad you did!

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Update on Love's Tender Call

2011-08-05T09:05:00.000-05:00

Did I say 5-7 weeks? Amazing how a project can stretch itself out when you get into it, isn't it? Love's Tender Call is no different. I'm finding that my writing has changed since that story was originally written - for the better, I hope. So the two months I anticipated this book taking to finish, may become three months, and I hope no more than that.

But I am enjoying this rewrite and am happy with the results. Cora's character is building, as are several of her new friends - and enemies. Here's a little excerpt from the chapter I just finished that shows some of Cora's problems.

Ivy’s smile faded and a scowl settled in its place. Her hand shot out, knocking her glass of water across the table. Cora jumped up moments before Esther’s lap was drenched. Esther squealed and brushed at the puddle on her skirt.

Here's a hint of Cora's growing attraction for Aaron.

Cora swung to find Aaron standing close beside her. She followed his gaze toward the cabin. “I don’t know. It doesn’t look like it will keep the north wind out.”

“Is that so?” He grinned at her.

Her heart leapt and warmth filled her cheeks. What was wrong with her? A shock of wavy dark hair fell across his forehead, and she wanted to brush it back into place. George had better keep his promise to come. This place was addling her mind.

I'll get back to work now. Hopefully one day soon you'll be able to read Love's Tender Call and I hope you enjoy it.

God bless,

Mildred

Love's Tender Call

2011-07-29T17:36:00.000-05:00

I've started writing a new series of four books - Brides of Cedar Creek. These books include three previously published romances from Heartsong Presents. Cora, Eliza, and Deborah will soon become Love's Tender Call, Love's Gentle Surprise, and Love's Hidden Message. Grace was never published before and will become Love's Unexpected Joy. I'm excited about this series because I'm taking the original books as they were published and adding scenes to bring depth and a longer, more satisfying read. So even if you've read these stories, you may find something new when the Brides of Cedar Creek make their second appearance.

I'll try to give you updates as I continue working on each book. Love's Tender Call is in the beginning stages and is shaping up nicely. My goal is to have Cora's story ready for publication within 5-7 weeks. We'll see if I make that goal. I've included photos of the first two covers. Cora and Eliza are sisters who love each other but often don't get along. Each must find her own way when their father decides to move the family to the wilderness of Southern Missouri leaving their wealthy lifestyle behind for a log cabin on the prairie. In this place so far from civilization love doesn't come easy, but maybe God has just the right man waiting for both.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Alice in Wonderland

2011-07-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share something interesting my family found in the Carthage park. It's a small section that has been set aside as a point of interest with a statue of Alice stepping from the open pages of a book. She's reaching for the key that's fallen on the floor in front of her. Can you see it? There are other characters from the story in her pockets and around her. You can see Twiddle Dee and Dum on the page of the book. We also saw the Cheshire Cat, the caterpillar, and her cat.

This is the dedication.

The two benches in the background are held up by rabbits. There are several of those concrete benches around the square that makes up this section. Carthage, Missouri has a beautiful, well-kept park. We enjoyed walking through it.

Here's a view from the back.

God bless,
Mildred

I Have a New E-book

2011-07-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

Just released! A New Life has suspense, a secret child, cowboys, romance, and faith all within a page-turning story. Kimberly's family separated her and Travis before she knew a child was on the way. Two weeks later she married the man her grandfather chose, and she assumed her baby was her husband's until she discovered the truth. When Travis needs a housekeeper for his ranch, Kimberly takes the job. Her goal? To introduce her son to his father. But what if Travis doesn't want her city-raised son on his ranch?

I've also released Lesson of the Poinsettia, a historical romance of finding God's light when darkness surrounds. Abigail lost her sight 9 years ago and has hidden in the darkness ever since. But she makes friends with a 9-year-old neighbor girl who comes to visit with her widowed father. Romance and emotion abound as Abigail and Seth learn to see beyond the darkness of their lives and find love to last a lifetime.

You can find these books on amazon.com by clicking the title and following the link: Click for A New Life and for Lesson of the Poinsettia. While you're there, be sure to read the reviews readers have left.

I'm working on another book that is scheduled for release later this summer. Love Returned is the story of Megan and Scott. Randy is Scott's son, but circumstances lead Megan to believe that Randy's really her son. The question is, what will she do about this?

I have a book signing outdoors tomorrow night. Won't that be fun in temps reaching 100 degrees? Strangely enough, I'm looking forward to it. LOL!

God bless,
Mildred

Precious Moments!

2011-07-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

We took a trip this past weekend to southern Missouri and the Carthage area. A highlight of our trip was Precious Moments Chapel. I'd love to return and spend the entire day touring the chapel, museum, and gift shop. Okay, I'll wait for a much cooler day so I can also enjoy the grounds. They are beautiful! There's so much to see there and you need time to absorb the message of the artist. The message of hope and promise. If we trust in the gift of God's Son, we have hope and the promise of life to come. How marvelous! And although the expense was great, admission is free.

Here's another very impressive photo we took. This depicts the empty tomb. "He is not there, for He has risen."

And so much more! It's worth the trip!

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Can You Name This Moth?

2011-06-26T20:23:00.000-05:00

I have another large and beautiful moth for you to see. This one appeared to be seeking a cool place to light for a few minutes and chose the cement foundation to the house. Please leave a comment and if you know what kind of moth this is, I'd love for you to share with us. From the looks of its wings, it was in a storm or had some sort of battle. Thanks to my son for taking this picture.

God bless,
Mildred

Congratulations, Debby Lee!

2011-06-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

Debby Lee is the winner of Mistaken Identity by K. Dawn Byrd. Congratulations, Debby! If you did not win and would like to get a copy of her book, please check with her publisher, Desert Breeze, or at Amazon.com. Thank you to all who commented.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

2011-06-16T17:58:00.001-05:00

I'd like to welcome K. Dawn Byrd to Romantic Reflections. She has written a young adult romance titled Mistaken Identity. This is a story of Eden Morgan, a teenager, whose best friend falls in love with the same boy Eden loves.

K. Dawn will be giving away one gift card for a free download of Mistaken Identity to someone who leaves a comment at the close of this interview before Monday, June 20, 2011. Be sure to leave your name and email address in a separate comment if you don't want it published. Your comments will not show up until I release them.

Now let's talk with K. Dawn. K. Dawn, can you tell us how this story came to you?

Sometimes I get the strangest ideas! I wondered what would happen if a not-as-pretty good Christian girl and her gorgous non-Christian best friend fell in love with the same guy. Who would get the guy?

Ah, that's guaranteed conflict.

Now, please tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I had already published several books with Desert Breeze Publishing when they opened a young adult line. I'd been writing romantic suspense and thought it would be fun to try my hand at a young adult novel. It was so much fun that I'm signing a contract for a young adult mystery series that will debut in January.

Congratulations! That sounds exciting.

Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I own two hairless Chinese Crested dogs.
I love sour things...pickles, lemons, sour candy.
I used to ride a Harley, but gave it up in order to have more time to write.
(My husband always wanted to stay out way too long and take the scenic route home. He still has his bike, but I don't miss mine at all.)

What are you working on now, and what's next for you?
I'm editing my October release with Desert Breeze. This time for Keeps is an inspirational romance.

K. Dawn, thanks for visiting with us on Romantic Reflections. Do you have any parting comments?
Thank you for hosting me! For those of you who love Christian fiction, please check my blog for weekly book giveaways. I interview 3-5 authors a week who give away their books. My blog is: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

Where else can your fans find you on the internet?
At the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geWeGQ6Ueu4
My publisher
My website
My blog

I'm also on Twitter (kdawnbyrd) and facebook (K Dawn Byrd.) I am the moderator of the Christian Fiction Gathering facebook group. (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444) If you join this group, you'll get reminders about the weekly book giveaways.

Thank you, K. Dawn Byrd.

And thank you again, K. Dawn for taking time to tell us about your book. I'm sure K. Dawn would love to receive your comment.

My Summer Newsletter

2011-06-09T17:04:00.000-05:00

When the temperatures outside reached 90 degrees, I decided summer must be on its way. So I sat down and wrote out a newsletter for anyone who's interested enough to read it. I've included a cake recipe that I really like. I'm usually the first to admit I'm not much of a cook. Not that anyone's starved eating my cooking, but things just don't always turn out the way I expect them to. That's why I'm always looking for easy recipes. This is one of those easy ones. I'll include it here for anyone who hasn't signed up for my newsletter.

Just a reminder: If you'd like to get my Newsletter, leave a comment with just your email address. I won't publish it, but I will send you the most current Newsletter. Thanks! Now enjoy this yummy cake.

Gelatin Upside Down Cake
1 (3 oz.) pkg. Gelatin 1 (1 lb. 1 oz.) can sliced peaches
1 C. boiling water 1 baked 8 inch white cake layer
Sweetened whipped cream or prepared dessert topping

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Drain peaches, measuring syrup. Add water to syrup to make 1 cup. Add to gelatin. Chill till slightly thickened. Place peaches in an 8 inch layer pan. Cover with about 1 1/4 cups gelatin. Place cake layer on gelatin, top-side up. Spread remaining gelatin over cake. Chill till firm. Unmold. Garnish with topping. 6 servings. Enjoy!

God bless,
Mildred

I'll be on Heartsong Presents' Facebook Page!

2011-06-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

Humidity must have a good reason for hitting this time of year. I do think it makes me a little lazy, though. Who wouldn’t rather stay in the air conditioning? What a shame to miss all the wonders outdoor, so I’ve been getting a bit of sun after all the stormy weather we’ve had. Even got a bit of sunburn on one arm that’s tanning now. Of course, I’ll be lopsided because the other arm only got a tiny touch.

If you get a chance, please visit Heartsong Presents’ Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hpskip#!/pages/Heartsong-Presents/62417470232

I’m sorry, I know that’s long, but it’s the only link I have. I suggest copy and paste. Anyway, as I was saying, my latest book, Redeeming Sarah’s Present, will be featured on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week - June 13. A very short devotional on Monday, a trivia question contest taken from the book on Wednesday, and a fabulous favorite recipe from my house on Friday.

I hope you stop by and check it all out.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Frog and Sunflowers

2011-05-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

My young granddaughter planted sunflower seeds in cups to be transplanted in the yard later. I set the container holding them outside to receive sunshine and rain. What we didn't expect to find was a frog perched on the edge of the container. Here's a picture of him. Maybe he wanted to see what was in the box. The sunflowers are growing like weeds now in the yard. It will be fun watching them get ever taller until we have to look up at them.

Mildred Colvin

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

I was blessed today to have my entire family in church. By that I mean my children and grandchildren all helped my husband and me fill a pew. And we certainly filled it plus one if we'd all been sitting down at the same time. But an amazing and wonderful thing took place. Our middle granddaughter who just turned nine sang a special before the entire congregation!

I understand this isn't a totally unusual thing for a nine-year-old to do, but she's just a touch shy, so for her to volunteer and want to move outside her comfort zone and sing for the Lord is wonderful. She has been blessed with a good singing voice. (Trust me, if I was only bragging, I'd have used stronger adjectives there.) I'm so glad she's willing to use the talent God gave her for Him.

So she didn't sit in the seat long and neither did I, as I was in charge of children's church today. Another blessing as I always enjoy working with the children.

I hope your Mother's Day was as filled with God's blessings as mine was.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

We Have Selected the Recipient!

2011-05-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

Gail Pallotta guest blogged yesterday and the day before about her writing and about her first romance book, Love Turns the Tide. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with Gail. We had a record number of visitors to Romantic Reflections yesterday. An open invitation is extended to everyone who stopped by. I'd love for you to come back from time to time to see what we have going on. One never knows! Only that romance will be involved.

Those who commented yesterday and the day before on Gail Pallotta's blogs were eligible to be entered into a drawing to receive the gift of a copy of Gail's book, Love Turns the Tide. In a random drawing performed by a disinterested - Oh, I mean - impartial person, my husband, one name came up to receive Gail's book.

Have I stretched the suspense long enough? Here it is: Jamie Adams will receive, with Gail's compliments, Love Turns the Tide. Enjoy! Jamie if you will let me know your email address, I'll pass that on to Gail. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.

God bless,
Mildred

Words from Gail Pallotta

2011-05-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank Mildred for having me. I hope it's a great day for everyone to sit back, relax and have a cup of coffee or tea.
In my Christian romance, Love Turns the Tide, the main character, Cammie O'Shea, endures a heartbreaking split-up with her fiance. She's determined never to experience such pain again when she finds she must move to Destin, Florida, to work at a newspaper, The Sun Dial. Her boss asks her to interview Vic Deleona before she even comes to the office to meet him. The boss believes Vic will buy advertising to go with Cammie's interview and other businesses will want interviews and ads also.
Cammie rushes to get to Destin so she can arrive in Vic's office early on Monday morning. But when she gets there, Vic's aggravated over a real estate transaction. As he hurries out of the room he tells Cammie he has to take care of something. She thinks he's rude, but she goes back later to conduct the interview because her job depends on it.
This time he's quite smitten with Cammie. She's attracted to him, but not about to admit it to herself. She works hard to finish this assignment. But Vic makes additional appointments with her and suggests they meet over dinner. The last place she wants to be - Destin. The last things she wants to do - date Vic. She yearns to return home to her longtime friends and family. Rejected and alone, Cammie clings to her faith to overcome the heartache and loneliness.
Someone vandalizes her and her friend's condos. Now she really doubts the wisdom of living in Destin, but Vic comes to their rescue. Cammie gets to know a different side of Vic and grows fond of him. Then she gets the opportunity to go home to her old job. Will Vic solve the crimes and win Cammie's heart or will she leave Destin?
People often ask what inspired me to write this book. It comes from conversations I've had with young women and men about their hurtful relationships. I enjoy talking to people. It's something I inherited from my mother. One of my high school classmates suggested I would grow up and write an advice column for a newspaper. I don't think I could tackle that. She only said that because I listened to my girl friends and guy friends.
While I'm quietly hearing about people's hardships, they're usually talking through their problems and don't need advice.
But I've learned not everyone meets their soul mate, falls in love and walks down the aisle. Some people are hurt again and again before they find the right person. Cammie is one of those people. In the book she says something a friend once told my mother and me. Mother tried to console a young woman who suffered a bad split-up. Mother said, "Oh, just forget him. Someone will come along and sweep you off your feet." The hurt young lady looked up with tears in her eyes and said, "Well, it's going to take an awfully big broom."
When I started Love Turns the Tide, I wanted to write an enjoyable story that took readers to a romantic setting and offered hope through faith.
Read more about Love Turns the Tide on Gail's Web site, http://www.gailpallotta.com. Buy the book from www.awe-struck.net. Click on the inspirational category and look for the cover.
Visit Gail's blog at http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com.
Gail, thanks for being a guest on my blog. I've enjoyed having you here.
God bless,Mildred Colvin

Introducing Gail Pallotta

2011-05-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

I would like to introduce to everyone a fellow ebook author. Gail Pallotta has
written a romance that I believe everyone will want to know about. I’m
including the book cover image for Love Turns the Tide here and below is
a brief introduction to Gail and her writing. She has agreed to guest blog on
Romantic Reflections tomorrow, so be sure to come back for that. In the
meantime, take a look at her website here: Gail's Website and at her blog here: Peering Through Life's Window

Love Turns the Tide is Gail’s first romance, but she’s been writing for as
long as she can remember. Her first story appeared in a grammar school
newspaper. Much later, she worked as an editor and copywriter. After she
married she helped her husband with his business, but continued to write.
Between the feature stories she wrote at work and the freelance pieces she
placed, she published several hundred articles. After some of them were
selected for anthologies and two ended up in museums, friends and family nudged
her to “do more.” Then, she undertook a lifelong dream and wrote a novel. In
2004, the year she published her first book, Now Is the Time, the American Christian Writers Association named her a regional writer of the year. This past November an excerpt from Love Turns the Tide won the Clash of the Titles Challenge in the best nature / weather scene category.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for Gail's blog. See you there!

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

Trying out the new Posting Editor

2011-05-01T15:51:00.000-05:00

I've been having trouble with my posts running together with no paragraphs. While this has only been going on for the last fews posts, I've just learned the cause is that I've been using an outdated editor for the blog - whatever that is. Anyway I selected the new editor and decided to give it a try. If my paragraphs run together, I'll know to look elsewhere.

Another advantage to the new editor is I can add a picture within the blog, or so it says. I thought I'd try that, too. I've already posted some of my son's great photography here. You saw the Owl Moth and the other shots looking up through the trees and of the lowly flowers that appear tall.

The above picture is of a hummingbird in flight. Getting a shot of one of these little guys isn't easy. Seeing him in this picture isn't exactly easy, either. It's kinda a trick, but if you look to the wide side of the feeder just above the clothesline, you should see our hummingbird. I don't think you'll see his wings, though.

There's supposed to be options with the photo placement, but I'll have to figure that out later. It's enough that I got the picture on the blog, right? LOL!

Did you see the hummingbird?

Mildred Colvin

Building Amanda's Future Releases in July

2011-05-01T14:44:00.000-05:00

The galley for Building Amanda's Future showed up in my inbox the other day. Building Amanda's Future is book 3 of my Route 66 series with Heartsong Presents. The galley is a copy of the book in a PDF file that I'm supposed to read and look for errors. In so many words, it's a last-ditch effort to find and correct typos and other minor errors. Please don't tell the folks at Heartsong, but I got busy and sort of forgot about it until last night after I'd gone to bed. I knew the date I'm to return it was in May and I thought it was on Monday. But was it May 2 or May 9? I couldn't remember and I decided I couldn't do anything about it last night even if it was due back this Monday, so I went to sleep.

After church this morning, I opened my inbox and searched for the email with the file attached. I couldn't find it even after going carefully through the list three times, and I couldn't remember the name of the lady who sent it to me so I finally typed in a search for Barbour. That narrowed the field enough I saw the galley. Thankfully!

I've gone through the first three chapters already and, although there's a word here and there I could change, I don't think anything is bad enough to make a difference. I mean does it really matter if I say "could" or "should" when the meaning isn't changed that much? The folks at Barbour have worked hard to get to this point, so I'm looking for changes that will make a difference to my readers, and I may find plenty later that need attention. There's still another thirteen chapters to go. Oh, I forgot to mention. I have until the 9th to get this done, so I've got plenty of time.

And the fun thing is, I've been working on so many other books since that one was written that it's like reading a new book. Well, almost. I mean, I do know how it ends, but I'm enjoying it all the same. I love stories when the hero and heroine have a past. Amanda and Chad were engaged 14 years ago. They were torn apart by a very deceptive "friend" that they both believed. Oh, she was quite the actress, but you'll need to read the book to find out exactly what she did.

I've got to get back to it now and make sure it's ready for you to read.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

My Next Ebook!

2011-04-29T18:19:00.000-05:00

Someone asked me the other day what I'm working on with my writing. Now it's highly likely you don't want to hear about everything I'm thinking about, writing, critting, and editing so I won't bore you with all the details. Here's a quick highlight of what's going on in my mind. Ha ha!

Since I joined the ranks of ebook authors, I've been working feverishly on adding a second book to my listing at Amazon. Love Returned seemed to be a likely story for ebook, so that's what I'm writing and passing by my critique partners. Megan McGinnis is a third-grade schoolteacher who, when she was in college, gave her newborn son away, but only because she had no support at the time and couldn't keep him. She's regretted her decision ever since. Now, nine years later, she meets the man of her dreams. Scott Landis is a Christian man who's great with kids. In fact, he has a nine-year-old son with blond hair and brown eyes just like Megan's, and he's adopted.

Are you getting ahead of me? Yes, because of far too many circumstances to think otherwise, Megan decides Scott's son is the baby she's dreamed of finding for way too long. While her maternal instincts kick in, her love for Scott grow and then ---

No, I'm not going to tell you. I'd really rather you read the story. This will be a full-length novel of about 60,000 words. I expect Love Returned to be on sale at Amazon Kindle Store by the middle of June. That's not far off, and I promise the price will be right. (Meaning really cheap!) Remember, you don't have to have a Kindle to read ebooks. Check out all the available apps. at Amazon, and then stroll through all the great ebooks there. Some are even free.

Mildred Colvin

Owl Butterfly or Owl Moth?

2011-04-23T21:20:00.000-05:00

I posted the picture of what I thought was an Owl Butterfly yesterday. Now I'm not so sure. See, this is why I suggested you get the kids involved in identifying it. :) Our insect has long, fuzzy antennae which is obviously a moth. Take a close look at yesterday's picture and see if you agree. Isn't it amazing how wrong we can be? :)

Mildred Colvin

See the Butterfly?

2011-04-22T14:57:00.000-05:00

Here's a photo of an Owl Butterfly we found on the side of our house. It seemed to be sleeping and wouldn't move even when we tried to get it to. This is a huge butterfly, and I'm saying butterfly because I've looked up pictures of Owl Moths and they aren't nearly as pretty. Moths don't have the colorful eyes on the wings that the butterfly does. Those of you with kids might want to do a little study about these insects. If you find out anything let the rest of us know. This one was beautiful. The guys took it out to an open out building and left it on the floor. The next day it had flown away. I guess it just needed the rest before traveling on. There's a butterfly house in Chesterfield, Missouri. Maybe our butterfly was on its way to join family there. :-)

Mildred Colvin

A free Kindle for your PC

2011-04-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've run into a number of people who aren't aware that they can download a Kindle for their computer, laptop, netbook, even cell phone for free from Amazon.com. Also, are you aware that there are several free ebooks available from Amazon? Most of them are public domain, and those are very interesting, too, but many are from traditional publishers who are promoting their books. Some are available for free for only a short time. Others remain free much longer.

When I decided to publish an ebook, I wanted an ereader. But I couldn't justify spending a minimum of over a hundred dollars just so I could read. I figured I'd better stick to a physical book made of paper. Then I discovered I could have both and I wouldn't have to spend a penny to get it. Just as important is that downloading the Kindle is so easy even I can do it without help. Here's what I did:

I went to Amazon. That should take you to their home page. On the left side is a list. Go down 4 headings to Kindle and hover over it to bring another list. On the new list go down 4 places to Free Kindle Reading Apps and click on it. That should get you where you want to go. After that, follow the simple instructions and you should soon have your own ereader right on your computer or smart phone, whichever works for you.

If I've helped with this post, please leave a comment to let me know. I hope you enjoy your Kindle as much as I do mine.

Blessings,

Mildred

Hidden Beauty

2011-04-18T13:23:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to show everyone something my son discovered in our backyard. The other day, he took some pictures from odd angles and found interesting views.

The one on the left is taken as he lay on his back in the grass, looking up at the sky.

The one on the right is mostly a bunch of weeds that have grown up and would have been totally missed because they are so close to the ground. Again he took the picture with an upward view of the sky.

As he moved around the yard, snapping photos of whatever caught his eye, he found several things of beauty that I hadn't seen until we viewed them full size on the computer. Isn't it interesting what is right in front of us that we've never taken the time to see? Is there a lesson in this? Maybe once in a while, we should stop for a few moments and enjoy God's loving hand at work in our lives, even if it's just rediscovering the beauty of the lowly dandelion.

Mildred

2011-04-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

I really think if I keep trying to do this add-a-picture thing, I may get it right eventually. Here's the cover of my latest book. The only catch is, you can't hold this book in your hands and turn the pages. Not if you're thinking paper pages, anyway.

I've been thinking about and reading everything I could find about publishing an ebook on Amazon.com. The last month or so, things started falling into place for me to be able to do this. Learning to Lean has been read and reread, as well as rewritten several times to make it the best reading experience I knew how. Then I needed to format to fit ebook requirements. That was another learning curve I had to overcome. Again that problem was simplified when I found a guide I could actually understand. It took two days to get it done, but I believe the next time will be much quicker and maybe even better.

Learning to Lean is a contemporary romance set in Iowa. Heather Conway's husband died three years before, leaving her with no money and no job. She lost her home and leisure lifestyle and rented two houses. One to live in, the other to use as a daycare. Three years later, she's still living in the two bedroom rental with her fourteen-year-old son and her two younger children. Her daycare has grown to the largest in town, but she still doesn't trust God to take care of her.

Matthew Sanders lost his wife two years before to cancer. He's looking for time to spend with his three children so he's sold his construction company in the city and come to Heather's small town to start a jack-of-all trades business. He needs a daycare for his young children and runs into Heather quite by accident.

Against their better judgment, Heather and Matt become friends as their children begin to blend into one big family. And that's the key word - BIG. Six kids are more responsibility than either want to take on - especially when they know what it's like to be left alone. Come along for the read as Heather and Matt face a rebellious teenager, insecurities, and a love that won't let go.

You can find Learning to Lean at Amazon by copying and pasting this link in your browser: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-to-Lean-ebook/dp/B004WKUUIQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1303070694&sr=1-3

I hope to post more about my journey into self-publishing as I know more. Whether it's successful in number of books sold or not, it's promising to be an interesting experience.

Heartsong Connection Blog

2011-04-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to tell everyone how much it meant to me for you to stop by and check out my blogs last week on Heartsong Connection. I sure do wish everyone could have won a book. Congratulations to Jackie, whose name was selected! Let us know when you get your book, Jackie, and which one you got.

I enjoyed my time in the spotlight and hope you got something from the comments, just as I did.

God bless,

Mildred

I'm Featured Author on Heartsong Connections!

2011-04-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

During the week of April 4 -8, I will be the featured author on Heartsong Connections.

Monday my latest book, Redeeming Sarah's Present will be spotlighted with the cover photo and a short summary of the story.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be the days I will be blogging.

An older book from the vault will be brought out on Thursday with a summary of it included.

Then on Friday everyone who has left comments throughout the week will be entered in a drawing. If your name is drawn, you will be given the choice of Redeeming Sarah's Present, the unknown-at-this-point book from the vault, or 10 Heartpoints to use toward a future shipment of Heartsong Presents books from the book club.

Stop by and leave a comment. I'll be there waiting for you!

See you later,

Mildred

Here's the cover of Redeeming Sarah's Present

2011-04-02T21:57:00.001-05:00

My second book in the Route 66 series for Heartsong Presents is out now. This story is one of my favorites as it deals with adoption. I'm so glad I've been adopted into the family of God so that He is my true Father and I am His child.

Sarah and Kevin gave up their parental rights when they were still teenagers to give their baby a better home than they were able to give at that time.

By getting ahead of God's will for their lives, their love for each other shattered under the pressure of responsibilities that were far beyond their years. Sarah and Kevin are given a second chance when they run into each other after eighteen years. Because Sarah has chosen to hate Kevin for their mistakes of the past, she doesn't want to see him now.

But God has plans for this couple. I hope you will be able to read this story and enjoy it. I certainly enjoyed writing it.

The third installment in this series will come out in July. Titled Building Amanda's Future, it is also a story of shattered dreams and second chances.

I hope to have more writing news to share with you soon.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Redeeming Sarah's Present

2011-03-30T17:35:00.001-05:00

My second book in the Route 66 series, Redeeming Sarah's Present, came out this month. It's about a couple in their thirties who gave up a baby for adoption when they were in high school. Sarah has never forgotten her baby boy and is thrilled to get his picture and letter telling about his life each year near his birthday. When his eighteenth birthday arrives, she's excited about meeting him for the first time since his birth. Imagine her surprise when Kevin, the boy she has chosen to hate even after all these years, shows up at her visit to meet his birthson. How dare he, after all he did!

But that isn't all. Kevin is tearing down the old building that houses unwed, teen mothers, a charity that is very close to Sarah's heart. Like it or not, Sarah and Kevin are thrown back together to straighten out some areas of their lives that have been neglected far too long.

I will do my best to post a copy of the back cover soon of Redeeming Sarah's Present. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

Anyone for Cookies?

2011-03-21T16:05:00.001-05:00

I sent out my spring newsletter and then discovered I had made a mistake. If anyone tried the cookie recipe and followed the ingredient list, your cookies might be a little too sweet. Near the end of the ingredients, it calls for 1/2 tsp. of sugar. Instead of sugar, you might want to use baking soda. The cookies will be a lot better if you do. I'm truly sorry about that.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm playing at adding photos and still not learning much. This one's too big, too, but one of these days I'll get so good, I'll have little pictures as well as big ones. LOL!

Anyway, If you try those cookies, don't forget to use baking soda. Happy eating!

Mildred Colvin

My first photo to my blog!

2011-03-12T21:00:00.000-06:00

Although the photo of my book is larger than I'd like here, it's proof that I can add pictures now. Wow! I feel so smart. LOL! If you'll go back many posts ago, you'll see that I said one day I'd figure this technical thing out. And I did, sort of. I mean the photo may be larger than my post, but at least it's there.

Facing Tessa's Past is the first book in a series of three. Tessa, Sarah, and Amanda are friends from Illinois. After high school, they went their separate ways, but they always stayed in touch with each other.

I think I already posted a blurb about Tessa's life, and my goal here was not to give this book a plug but to see if I could add a picture. Crazy, I know. Especially since I'm still not to the bottom of the book. I guess my next lesson will be on resizing before posting.

God bless,

Mildred

Spring 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-07T16:54:00.000-06:00

Honestly, I am working on a newsletter for this spring and to celebrate my next book. Redeeming Sarah's Present will be released within the next week or so.

Sarah lives in Chicago not far from the beginning of Route 66. And believe me, she has a story to tell. Like far too many teenage girls, she thought love was all that mattered, so she lost something very precious. When she became pregnant, her boyfriend, Kevin, ran scared. I would blame him for not standing with her, but he had pressure she didn't even know about. So Sarah gave their baby up for adoption and hated Kevin ever after.

Almost ever after. Their baby is now 18 years old and she has an appointment to meet him. She's so excited, he's all she can think about. The only thing is, she has no idea Kevin will be there too.

I could go on and tell the rest of the story, but I'd rather you read it for yourself. I will say there are a few fireworks when Sarah and Kevin run into each other - and afterward. Grab a copy and find out how everything is resolved and for now, I'll go back to work on that newsletter. If you want a copy, just comment and I'll send you one. I won't publish your email address, though.

Thanks!

Mildred Colvin

Christmas traditions

2010-12-10T11:15:00.000-06:00

Christmas is almost upon us. I've been storing away candy-making supplies for Christmas week. We always have a flurry of activity in the kitchen several days before the 25th and we'll probably do the same this year. When my children were small, they helped me. Well, sort of helped. LOL! Our favorites include peanut butter balls and potato candy. I have a friend who bakes cookies for Christmas. What do you do? Do you have a tradition that's been carried down through the years, maybe even the generations?

Whatever you do for the holidays, may God grant you a safe, happy time to remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever. The gift of God's own Son to redeem our souls.

God bless you,

Mildred Colvin

Tribute to My Mother-in-law!

2010-10-21T20:08:00.000-05:00

Margie was born in 1920, the oldest child of six, two boys and four girls. She dropped out of her first year of high school to help care for her younger siblings. At the age of twenty, she married and soon had two sons. Their youngest son became my husband, and I'm grateful for Margie's influence for good in his life. She raised him to be responsible and loyal to right while shunning wrong.

Margie spent time with her boys while they were young. She babysat to help with the family income, while she spent her time in her home where her sons could always find her when they came home from school or play. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for several years and showed interest in and encouragement to her children by giving their handmade gifts, no matter how humble, a place of honor in her collections.

Margie was a teenager during the 1930's, and I've always been amazed at her ingenuity in using common items to make something useful. Items that most of us today would throw away. She lived well on little income. She was a quiet woman who lived her faith and trust in God. On October 7, 2010, Margie went home to be with her Lord after several months of almost constant pain. She was ninety years old and had lived a good, useful life.

Mildred Colvin

Would you like to receive my newsletter?

2010-10-04T19:11:00.000-05:00

I've decided to try my hand at putting out a newsletter when I have something to say and right now, with 3 books coming out soon, I have at least 3 newsletters in mind. LOL! If you'd be interested in receiving my occasional newsletters via email attachment, please leave an email address with your name in the comments with this blog. Who knows, maybe I'll be better getting newsletters out than I have been in blogging here lately. I will try to give you an update on my latest series of books, however, so maybe I can get back into blogging now that I'm not writing nonstop. Or maybe I'll just start on another series. Wouldn't that be nice? LOL! By the way, I won't publish your email address. Thanks!

God bless, Mildred

Real Apples?

2010-08-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

The other day my son came in and asked for some apples to take to his friends in the city so they could bake a pie. He said they had never eaten real apples before. Okay, I decided to bite. I asked what a real apple is compared to a fake one? He said that's what his city friends called apples you pick straight from a tree. They had never eaten a "real" apple before. That means they've only had the pretty fake ones that don't hide worms in the core, right?

We sent them a bag of apples and they baked their pie. If it was half as good as the two we baked, I know they'll like "real" apples from now on.

2010-06-18T09:02:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile, and I'm sorry about that. I've been busy getting a new book ready for the publisher. My daughter came up with a short teaser that might interest any readers who stop by. My new book, Facing Tessa's Past, will come out in early November. It is the first of a series of three that deal with second chances. I'm really excited about this series set on and near Historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. Here's the teaser.

"Mom! Are we there yet?" Tessa Stevens couldn't believe she was hearing this again from the back seat.

"Almost," was all she said as she took the exit ramp to their hotel. She knew the boys were excited about their first real vacation. It had been years since she allowed herself to let her hair down and enjoy herself. But she was ready now, or so she thought.

Blake Donovan waited at their first stop. Tessa hadn't seen him since he'd run out on her eleven years ago, only eight months before her youngest son was born. As her past became a threat, she found herself defending her new life in Christ and desperately trying to deflect attention from her son to no avail, because Blake moved back home and opened a restaurant just a few blocks from her house. How could she shield her sons and her own heart against this man from her past?

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

2010-04-24T16:11:00.000-05:00

Author Vickie McDonough, via Barbour Publishing, sent me her newest book for review. The Anonymous Bride is book one in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series.

My copy of this book arrived during a busy weekend, but I had to take a peek, and then I kept reading a little more. I finished the book before the weekend ended in spite of all I had to do. The characters were real, even little Jack. The plot took a few unexpected turns, but mostly the writing seemed to pull me into the story. I became totally engrossed in page after page of this intriguing, humorous, and emotional story of second chance love.

After I closed the back cover, I let my mother-in-law read the book, which she also couldn't put down, and now we both are waiting impatiently for the sequel, Second Chance Brides. Thanks, Vickie, for the copy to review. I believe I'll hang on to this one and look for more Vickie McDonough books to read. I highly recommend this book to other readers. In fact, that's what I've been doing.

Mildred Colvin

Our Snow is gone!

2010-03-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

Within a few days our foot of snow disappeared. While I love watching snow fall, I'm not too crazy about getting out in it. Maybe I just like the pure, clean blanket that covers all the mess of our yard and our world. Too bad it's only covered for a while. Still it's nice while the snow flies to cuddle up inside by the fire, wrapped in a warm blanket with a good story to read.

Today, with the outside temps rising into the 50s, I'm trying to de-clutter my house. Okay, it's an on-going job, but I still try.

Enjoy spring!

Mildred

First Day of Spring!

2010-03-21T17:09:00.001-05:00

Hmmm! If I'm not mistaken, today's the first day of spring. At any rate, I have been enjoying our wonderful spring weather yesterday and today. It really isn't very cold, but what's so typical about this time of year for our area is the unpredictable weather. We can be basking in the sunshine of seventy degree temps or shivering in the icy blasts of wet, freezing winds. This year, we are wading through a foot of snow that is quickly melting. In fact, I'm wondering if we would have had a record breaking two feet of snow if so much of it hadn't melted as fast at it hit. Ah well, for now I'll just content myself with staying inside and admiring this last reminder of a snowy winter.

Today's Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T21:22:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you all had a nice one with those you love. I did!

Mildred

Let it Snow!

2010-02-03T12:49:00.000-06:00

My granddaughters decided since we didn't have snow before Christmas, they would make paper snowflakes and hang them in the windows. The snowflakes are still in the windows, and I'm impressed with how pretty they are, since the girls who made them are only 7 & 9. Even more impressive was the nice snow we had for Christmas. We teased the girls that their snowflakes brought the snow.

That snow went away and the girls were visiting again one night, so they made more snowflakes. I knew the forecast called for snow, so I cautioned them that they shouldn't make snowflakes if they didn't want snow. They were thrilled when it snowed again.

Their mom told them, "Stop making snowflakes. We've had enough snow."

The seven-year-old told her, "Mom, our snowflakes aren't what made it snow. It's just that when we make them, God listens to us, and He sends the snow."

I guess that means her prayer was for snow. Would we have more positive answers to our prayers if we had the faith of a child?

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

There's a New Book out I think You'll Like

2010-02-01T19:22:00.000-06:00

The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes is the story of a pampered young lady in early 1800’s New Jersey. She was away at school when her mother died, and she is determine to begin a local school so no other girl in her community will have to suffer the same separation from her mother as she did. Her school will also allow underprivileged children to attend school when they might otherwise not have that opportunity. All of this is admirable, but is her plan in God’s will?

While trying to rescue a wayward kitten, Meg Jordan is rescued by Colin Grassick, who turns out to be a master glassblower from Scotland and her father’s new employee. They are attracted to each other, but Meg is not allowed to associate with any working man. In fact, her father has promised her to their neighbor, the wealthy land-owner Joseph Pyle. But Joseph leaves Meg unsettled and cold.

Then growing vandalism occurs at her school until Colin uncovers the culprit, and his job, as well as his safety at the glassworks, is threatened.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. I especially enjoyed the scene when Meg realizes her own shortcomings. She begins to question her good works. Does she want to help others because that is God’s will for her, or is this just something she wants to do? She learns to put her wants second to God’s will, which is what we all should do. Colin, too, grows spiritually as he is forced to look into his own heart.

I highly recommend The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes. I don’t think you will regret reading it.

"I Not Tell You No."

2009-12-23T12:46:00.000-06:00

Another little story from my three-year-old granddaughter just has to be told!

She gets in trouble for telling her daddy no when the answer should be yes. Sound familiar? That happened about an hour before she came into the bedroom where I was. She climbed on the bed and began to bounce. I told her beds were not made for bouncing and Daddy stuck his head in the door. She kept bouncing and falling back on the bed. Great fun!

Her daddy told her to stop and she said, "Un uh."

His voice grew stern when he told her to get off the bed. Again she said, "Un uh."

He said, "Didn't we just have a discussion about telling me no?"

She fell back against the bed, and grinning up at him said, "I not tell you no, Daddy. I tell you un uh."

"I Need Cookies!"

2009-12-21T17:10:00.001-06:00

A few days ago, my son was trying to convince his three-year-old daughter that she needed to eat her dinner.

He leaned forward until his face was within inches of hers, got eye-contact, and slowly and distinctly said, "You need dinner."

She pushed her face a couple of inches closer to his and said in the same tone of voice, "I need cookies!"

I got to wondering at what age we learn that we need dinner a lot more than we need cookies? Or do we ever learn that truth? I'm afraid I'm still learning. If I see something I want, and I'm not talking about food necessarily, how often do I go ahead and grab before I stop and decide if it's good for me? Isn't this sort of like WWJD? What would Jesus do? Would He take cookies when dinner is what he really needs? He refused bread when He was hungry because overcoming temptation was so much more important. He took the road to Calvary when He could have called a legend of angels to rescue Him.

My granddaughter doesn't know she gave me a lesson when she demanded cookies, but now I hope to stop before I grab for the cookies in life and think about the dinner I need. Cookies can be anything that keeps us from receiving the nourishment God would provide for us - mentally, physically, and spiritually. Think about it.

Looking for a good book?

2009-12-20T18:23:00.000-06:00

Here's something that may interest you. Yep, I've got one book listed and hope to have more there soon. Some of the best Christian fiction can be found at this site. At least take a look at FictionFinder.com. Here's the info from ACFW:

FictionFinder.com: Finding Christian fiction the easy way
ACFW launches new free online resource to search for titles

PALM BAY, Fla. — With over 500,000 books published each year, it is harder than ever to find a new book that’s just right. A simple Amazon search in the Christian literature and fiction category yields more than 17,000 results. Consumers wading through the exhaustive, seemingly endless list of choices now have a more manageable resource to help them purchase their next book.

American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the nation’s leading Christian fiction writers’ organization, is launching FictionFinder.com, a new free resource for retailers, readers, media and other Christian fiction fans to search for authors and books. The search engine allows users to sort by author, title, genre, topic, publication date, and target audience.

Cynthia Ruchti, president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), believes this trusted, easy-to-use resource is a significant development in the search for Christian fiction authors and new titles.

”The idea rose from a roundtable discussion between the ACFW leadership team and Christian booksellers looking for a better way to connect their customers with great Christian fiction,” says Ruchti. “ACFW responded by rolling up our sleeves and creating a comprehensive database to serve readers, booksellers, publishers, authors, book club coordinators, librarians and others on the hunt for information and inspiration.”

The site also allows readers to learn about the nature of the content of each book. Each title is rated for action, conflict, humor, mystery, romance, spirituality and suspense, in addition to more sensitive issues like language, sensuality and violence. Users can also post reviews to the site and learn more about soon-to-be-released titles.

The database is the first of its kind and is not limited to books written by ACFW members. The organization is also working with publishers to ensure Christian novels by other authors are incorporated as well.

ACFW’s presence as the voice of Christian fiction and its industry prowess has long been recognized, and its authors are a mainstay on bestseller lists. FictionFinder.com is the organization’s latest effort to make finding the best in Christian fiction as easy as possible for fans around the world.

Quick facts about fictionfinder.com:

* Book information pages include facts about the publisher, main themes, setting and the author’s other titles.

* A special “similar books” section offers other titles the user may be interested in reading.

* Users can create an account with their preferences, making it easier to find new favorites.

With nearly 2,000 members and 19 chapters in 14 states nationwide, ACFW seeks to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry. Founded in 2000 under the banner of American Christian Romance writers, in 2004 the organization was renamed American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) to reflect its dedication to Christian fiction writers of all genres.

ACFW is headquartered in Palm Bay, Florida. Their advisory and operating boards work to give writers the tools they need to develop their craft, grow ACFW’s extensive publishing knowledge and secure relationships with industry professionals. To learn more about ACFW and their authors, please visit www.acfw.com.

Everything has a catch!

2009-11-19T16:48:00.000-06:00

Have you ever noticed how even the simplest things become complicated when you don't pay attention to what you are doing?

I decided to make a quilt from various scraps, so I could grab up just any piece without thought to color, etc. To make this even simpler, I chose a pattern that has only 7 pieces to the block. Now that's easy and fast. And it is, really, except when I started sewing the blocks together, I realized they all need to go the same direction or.., um.., my quilt won't look so good. See, there is a catch to even the simplest quilt pattern. I still have to pay attention to what I'm doing. There's the right way and probably a dozen wrong ways. When I'm finished, I'll be glad if I chose the right way.

It's the same with my writing, with my work in church, my relationship with another person - old or young, even in cleaning my house. Really, I do a little of that once in a while! LOL

Anything I do, I need to take a little time and thought so I can do a little more and have a better quilt, a better, more readable book, or I can be a better friend. Above all, I want to take time to commune with God, to study His word, and listen to His directions for my life.

So, pay attention to the catches in life. You'll be surprised how much better things turn out. How about you? Have you noticed this in your life?

Quilt tradition

2009-10-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

I've been cutting pieces for new quilts lately. In fact I have at least a dozen cut out and ready to sew into quilt tops. The other day while I worked, I remembered something I had read about young girls in the past. Unfortunately, I don't remember where I read this, so I can't give credit, but the idea is that many girls began making quilts at a young age. Many at only 6-7 years started with the simple 9-patch or something equally as easy. With each quilt top, their skills would improve until they began making the more complicated patterns. But, when a girl began courting, she made tops for her hope chest, so that by the time her wedding approached, she had at least 13 quilts ready to quilt. Then all her friends and neighbors would gather for a quilting bee. They worked steady, taking turns to give short rest periods, and soon had all 13 quilts finished.

I can see that this would be possible with enough women working, but they'd all have to be better with a needle than I am. Still, wouldn't that be a truly wonderful keepsake for the bride? To see and maybe recognize all the many different stitches taken in each quilt by someone who cared enough to share her time and talent for her.

Mildred

2009-09-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

Our church celebrated 125 years of ministry with a special service/celebration today. I was especially interested in the history of the church as I read about the circuit riding preacher who traveled from one place to another ministering where he was needed. God supplied many needs and answered many prayers over the years through the ministry of not only the preachers, but also the congregation as they put their faith to work. The best is that God still works in our lives if we allow Him to.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

I'm back!

2009-09-17T17:04:00.000-05:00

Here it is September and I'm finding a bit of time to blog. I signed with an agent, that I like quite well so far. I'm working on a possible submission for her to send around. Now if I can just get this story worked out in my mind so that everything fits. It's more complicated than what I'm used to writing, so it's also a learning experience for me. A good learning experience, I hope. Time will tell if I ever get enough written so I can send it to her with at least a little confidence.

As always,

Mildred

2009-08-07T18:46:00.000-05:00

Hi!

I just noticed that Amazon.com has copies of Prairie Hearts by M. J. Conner for sale. At least it looks that way since they say it is in stock. Prairie Hearts should come out in bookstores around the country on September 1, 2009, but maybe it's available on-line ahead of time. How neat!

Prairie Hearts releases September 1, 2009

2009-08-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

I just received my copy of Prairie Hearts and it looks great! I flipped through and read a little here and there. Trust me, I've read this book all the way through, and I may not read it again anytime soon. Once you've read something ten dozen times, a little space helps. But, for anyone who hasn't met Carrie and John (is that really his name? And, why does he want to kill her father?) the story is fresh and exciting.

Then there's Mariah and Sherm who have to find a way past Carrie's objections to their courtship. How could Carrie's father possibly marry this woman?

And Joanna, who is Mariah's best friend, has her own problems. She's so bored by her life that she asks for more than she really wants. And gets it. Along with Clay, a cowboy she can't possibly fall in love with. But she loves him already. Now if only they could let God work things out for them.

If you like romance from the old West, I hope you'll pick up a copy in September at the nearest bookstore and see if these stories don't catch your attention. I think they will. By the way, this one is by M. J. Conner.

God bless,

Mildred Colvin

2009-07-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

I'm back! I just checked my new book - Prairie Hearts - out on Amazon.com and noticed that the first chapter is available for anyone to read. So, if you'd like to see what's inside, there's your chance. Prairie Hearts is a collection of three complete books about some very adventurous ladies and the strong men in their lives in the old west in Kansas. Hope you take a look.

Mildred Colvin

2009-07-08T18:13:00.000-05:00

I discovered something interesting in doing some research. Charcoal (you know, the little black chunks left from a wood fire) was once used to draw infection from a wound. I told my husband and he mentioned that a salve we have used with the name carbo in it - carbo from carbon, which I guess is a form of charcoal - is great for drawing infection, too. That info sure worked great in my story. Not the salve, but the charcoal powder.

Many medical discoveries were made by common people, using what they had available. When you read about folk remedies, it's amazing that they even tried some of the herbs they found. It's more amazing that they knew how to use them. I'm afraid I'd be totally lost if someone relied on me to help them with herbs. For instance, I know willow bark is good for pain and fever, but even if I recognized the willow tree and knew what part of the bark to use - which I don't - I wouldn't know if I should boil it, dry it, or grind it. Or maybe all three?

Mildred Colvin

2009-06-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

OK, my daughter jumped me last night because I haven't been keeping up with my blog. You know, the worse thing about that is - she's right. Don't you just hate it when your kids are right and you are wrong? Sigh! This must be part of growing older, because it certainly never happened when she was a teenager. Back then, I was right every time. Just ask her. Yeah, sure. LOL

Of course, maybe I'd do better with this blog if I could figure out how to get a picture to appear on the page. I tried, honestly, and nothing worked. Maybe Miss Know-it-All will read this and take pity on her mother. I'm sure she knows how to click and drag and scroll and whatever else it takes better than I do. Oh, and that comment is not tongue-in-cheek. Next to me, she's a computer whiz. But then, isn't everyone?

Was he a marshal or a sheriff?

2009-06-06T19:40:00.000-05:00

OK, I think I'm finally getting it figured out. I may be the only person who is confused by who's a sheriff and who's a marshal, but no more. I hope. Back in the 1800's a lawman who kept order in a town was called the town or city marshal. Isn't that like our present-day chief of police? But the guy who patrolled the county was called a county sheriff. I read of one such sheriff in Wyoming in the 1860's whose county covered almost 17,000 square miles from border to border. Reckon his horse got tired? Maybe he had a lot of deputy sheriffs.

Then there was the U. S. marshal and the deputy U. S. marshal. Right now those are the lawmen I'm interested in learning about. Guess I'd better get back to reading and see what I can find out.

Mildred Colvin

Am I relying on the Fudge Factor too much?

2009-05-22T08:01:00.000-05:00

If you sew quilts, or anything else for that matter, you know what the fudge factor is. If not, here’s my take on it. I piece quilt blocks on my sewing machine and that includes squares sewn to triangles. Sometimes I join outside corners to inside corners that require twisting and manipulating to get everything to fit.

That’s what I was doing the other day, only my triangles wanted to stretch past the squares and those corners didn’t fit at all. So, I eased the triangles and stretched the squares – in so many words, I fudged to get my seams to go together as smooth as possible. Well, the block is usable, but while I worked, a thought kept nudging. Do I rely on the fudge factor too much?

Not just in my sewing, but in my life. When I’m rushed for time, I sometimes look at my Bible reading as an impossible task, so I fudge and read a quick devotional or a short chapter in Psalms. Do I fudge in my prayer life? We are to pray without ceasing, but do the sentence prayers of praise and supplication throughout the day satisfy my need for the earnest, effectual prayer of the righteous?

And what of other areas of my life? Hitting the high spots of cleaning and leaving the corners for another day is fudging. Substituting an ingredient in a recipe is fudging that might make food better – or not. With my cooking, it’s usually not.

What about my writing? Can I fudge on the rules of good writing and get away with it? Probably not. It takes an expert to do that, and I’ll still be learning when my pen runs out of ink. So, sometimes the Fudge Factor is a good and necessary thing. Sometimes it’s just carelessness or laziness. I have to decide. Will fudging work or shall I rely on Christ Jesus to help me do the best work I can? Philippians 4:13 says: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Mildred Colvin

Hummingbirds and Mother’s Day

2009-05-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day. Two of my children surprised me by slipping into church a bit late with their children. One had to drive from an hour away to get there. I shed a tear, which my oldest granddaughter saw. That sent her into panic mode and she broke out into uncontrollable crying. She has such a tender heart! I took her from the sanctuary to let her cry and to explain that my tear was an expression of joy, so all was well.

She calmed down, we went back to church and enjoyed a great message on God’s unconditional love and setting an example before our children. After church, my two sweet children treated us to dinner and, although they couldn’t top the church visit, they also gave me gifts. One was a jar of roasted peanuts, which they know I love. The other was hummingbird feeders.

So, this morning I’m enjoying the antics of a couple of brave, little hummingbirds that seem to like my gift as much as I do. We hung the feeders outside a bay window near our back door. This gives us a three-sided view of the backyard and the feeders. I’ve also discovered that it gives one very brave little hummingbird three windows to hover against. I’d love to know what he’s thinking. Is he just curious about this human he can see sitting at the table typing? Does he have a complaint with the feeder or the sugar mixture? Or has he decided that what’s on the other side of the glass must be better? Whatever it is, I sure hope he never makes it inside.

Happy Mother’s Day a bit late!
Mildred Colvin

2009-05-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

Geneology

My sister has been putting our old, family pictures on CD along with a little info about each person, like name and birthdate. Some barely have that much information, others have a short story of the person’s life. We feel very blessed to have pictures of our great-grandparents. In fact, our great-grandmother is holding her first child in one picture, which tells us she was only seventeen at that time.

Can you imagine a 16-year-old girl marrying a 32-year-old doctor, with a nine-year-old son, during the Civil War and turning her two-story home into a hospital with Union soldiers on the ground floor? Wounded Confederates were carried up the back stairs so the opposing sides never knew the other was there. I have to admire my great-grandmother for that. She must have been a very brave young girl.

Actually, I think her story would make the great basis for a historical romance novel. Surely there would be more conflict there than one book could hold. She stuck with it, though, and gave birth to twelve children. We, as authors, often do terrible things to our heroines. Maybe we should take lessons from the true lives of our ancestors.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin

I Love Encouraging Mail!

2009-03-26T19:44:00.000-05:00

I received a packet of letters from my readers today and sat right down and read through them all. I love to read comments from women who know what they like to read and don't mind telling. Thankfully, every one of these letters and comments were encouraging. Some even said that Deborah was the best book they had ever read. Wow! I like that. Many commented that the characters were real and one lady said she could hear the heartbeat. Oh my! Isn't that a wonderful, descriptive comment?

We get so busy that we sometimes forget to tell others how much we appreciate them. We forget how important a word of thanks can be. Or how much someone may need a pat on the back or just the words, "Hey, you are doing a great job."

I write to sweep my readers off to another time and place - in so many words, to entertain. But I also write to lift up the name of Jesus Christ - to encourage my readers to trust in Him and His ever present help. How wonderful it is to receive a word occasionally that someone has been touched by my stories. Often an encouraging word comes at a time when I need it most, when I'm discouraged and ready to give up. God is so good!

These ladies who take time from their busy schedules to write to authors are an inspiration. I believe I'll try to follow their example and find someone to encourage. Maybe this world would be a better place if we all did that. Thanks, ladies. I appreciate you.

God bless,
Mildred Colvin