AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH ANNALISA DAUGHETY

Please welcome Annalisa Daughety, my guest author for the month of August. I'm so excited that she agreed to interview here on the blog, and that she wants to give away a free copy of one of her books to a lucky reader. Don't forget to leave a comment on the interview to get your name in the hat!

 I met Annalisa at the ACFW Conference last year. We sat at the same table over dinner one evening, and I was struck by her grace and humility. She visited with several at the table, asking each about their writing experiences, but said little about herself. After the meal, however, we learned a bit more about this talented young woman when Barbour Publishing presented Annalisa with the first copy of Love is a Battlefield, Book One in her Walk in the Park Series.


An Arkansas native, Annalisa won first place in the Contemporary Romance category at the 2008 ACFW Genesis Awards. After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University, she worked as a park ranger for the National Park Service. This experience inspired her to write the Walk in the Park series. Each book in the series is set in a different national park. Annalisa currently lives in Memphis with two spoiled dogs, Arnie and Buster.

Let’s begin the interview with a couple of questions about you, Annalisa. Could you share a few  interesting facts about yourself that might interest your readers?

Okay, here goes:

I’m named after a character in a book. My mom read Airs Above the Ground by Mary Stewart while she was pregnant with me, and there was a character named “Annalisa.”

Last summer, I was in a Domino’s Pizza commercial for Memphis Barbecue Pizza. I played the role of a pizza delivery girl.

I collect aprons, especially vintage aprons—but I haven’t figured out a good way to display them yet.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was in elementary school, I would write and illustrate stories and fold them up like books. I kept journals throughout high school and college where I documented every small detail of my life and my analysis of it. Reading and writing have always been a huge part of my life.

How many of your titles are published?

I have 3 books currently published and another releasing later this year. Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio, which is an Amish story, released last September. Love is a Battlefield, the first book in the Walk in the Park series, came out last October. It is set at Shiloh National Military Park—a Civil War battlefield. Love is Monumental, which takes place at the Washington Monument and along the National Mall, is my latest release. Love is Grand, set at the Grand Canyon, will release in October.

Wow! Sounds like you've been busy writing! What would you hope readers will take away from your books?

I want to write stories that people connect with. I hope readers will identify with the characters and the themes. My characters aren’t perfect and they always have a lesson to learn. I also want to entertain and offer a bit of an escape—especially with the Walk in the Park series, I hope each book feels like a mini-vacation to a national park.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Don’t give up! And read—I think it is so important for writers to be readers. But probably the best thing I did was joining ACFW--the Genesis contest and the annual conference taught me so much.


Where do you get ideas for your characters?

Everywhere! Friends, family, people on TV…the possibilities are endless. When I create a character, I try and come up with quirks and personality traits that will make for an interesting character—and lots of times I have a particular person in mind. And I always joke that since I’ve been dating for more than half my life, I’ve gone on lots of bad dates--so I have an array of characters that will somehow find their way into books. Names changed, of course!

Please tell us about your latest release.

Love is Monumental is the second book in the Walk in the Park series. Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

Park ranger Vickie Harris loves living in the nation's capitol. She loves working at the Washington Monument. But she's never been in love. In fact, her personal life is non-existent. On her thirtieth birthday, shy Vickie impulsively promises her friends that she’ll ask out the next eligible man she meets. Professor Thatcher Torrey has had enough heartache to last forever. Through with love, he’s spent years building his life around work. So when his longtime rival sets out to make a historic find, Thatcher is hot on his heels. But he can’t do the research alone. Intellectual Vickie is the perfect research partner and he'll stop at nothing to convince her to help him with his quest. Just as these polar opposites form a bond, a secret from Thatcher’s past pulls them apart. Will they go their separate ways? Or will they come to realize that when it’s with the right person, Love is Monumental?

I really enjoyed Love is a Battlefield and look forward to reading Love is Monumental, Annalisa. Thanks so much for being my guest, and I wish you the very best in your writing career.


Thanks for having me, Barbara! If any of your readers want more information about me and my books, they can visit my website at www.annalisadaughety.com. I also have an author page on Facebook and am on Twitter—and I love to connect with readers in those places!

And don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of one of Annalisa's books!

WINNER OF LAST MONTH'S DRAWING

The winner of the free copy of Susan Page Davis's Crimson Cipher is Kirsten Denetclaw. Kirsten, if you would please email or message me with your address, I'll see that you get your book!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN PAGE DAVIS

Please welcome Susan Page Davis, my guest author for the month of July. Susan's latest release, Crimson Cipher, should be hitting the shelves July 1, and she's offering a free copy here on Barb's Author Interviews. Just leave a comment to get your name in the hat!

Welcome, Susan! I'm honored to have you on the blog today. Let's begin with a couple of questions about your writing career.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing fiction seriously eleven years ago.

How many of your titles are published? About 30 separate titles (not including collections).

Please tell us about your latest release.The Crimson Cipher takes place in 1915, a time I didn’t know a lot about, even though my degree is in history and I read a lot of nonfiction and fiction historical books. In fact, as I got into my research, I was amazed at things I didn’t know about the time when Europe was at war and America was trying to stay out of it.
In the book, Emma Shuster’s father, a math professor, is murdered in his college office. Emma was helping him develop an encryption system for a bank. His old friend in the Navy (the professor was a Signal Corpsman in the Spanish American War) wants him to go back to work for the Navy, decoding messages, and sends a handsome Lieutenant to see him. But Lt. John Patterson arrives the day of Professor Shuster’s death. He and his supervisor decide to recruit Emma instead. She goes to Washington and begins solving ciphers and saving lives. She’s shocked by the sabotage going on within the borders of the United States. She catches the attention of one of the German ringleaders—known only to Emma and her coworkers as “Kobold”—German for “goblin.” Kobold is convinced Emma is the one he needs to get rid of. At the same time, she’s determined to bring him down.

Wow! Ican't wait! Crimson Cipher sounds like a great read. And, Susan, I'm sure our readers would love to know a bit about what makes you such a successful author. Are you a chapter-by-chapter plotter, seat-of-the-pantser, or in between?Definitely a plotter. I have to be. My books are usually bought (since the first few) based on the synopsis. That’s what I write first.

Aspiring authors are encouraged to attend writers' conferences often. Which are your favorite conferences and why?I haven’t been to many. ACFW is definitely my favorite so far. It’s in Indianapolis this year, Sept. 17-20. I’ll be teaching a workshop, and my husband and I are both giving critiques during the event. I also have a fondness for the Maine Fellowship of Writers’ annual conference. It’s in Belfast, Maine this year, August 14, featuring Cecil Murphey.

What “writing stuff” do you keep handy while you work?Definitely my dictionary, synonym finder, and English Through the Ages, though I do use online dictionaries, too. Sticky notes, highlighters, pens, notepad, calendar, paperclips and tape. I make a binder for each book. It contains research materials, the synopsis, the contract, and character sketches if I’ve made them. One of the most important things for each book is a calendar of the time span covered in the book. If it’s a historical, I go to www.timeanddate.com and print out a calendar for the year of the story. If it’s contemporary, I use a current calendar.


I don't know an author who doesn't love to read. What are you currently reading?
I’m reading a nonfiction book called Not in Front of the Servants as part of my research for the next book. My story takes place in Prince Edward Island during the Victorian Age. I just finished a couple of very good novels: Nancy Mehl’s Simple Secrets and Deeanne Gist’s Maid to Match.

You have a great offer for our blog readers, Susan. Tell us a bit more about that.

We’re giving away a copy of The Crimson Cipher. I’m very excited about this book. It combines all the things I love to write about—romance, intrigue, history, and suspense. A bonus inside is a cryptogram that readers can solve to enter a drawing to win another book.

I'm positive folks will want to read more about your success as an author and your many fascinating books. Where can they find you on the web?

Come see me at my Web site: www.susanpagedavis.com

Thanks so much, Susan, for a fantastic interview! I enjoyed hosting you. And readers, don't forget to leave a comment -- AND a way to contact you -- for a chance to win your very own copy of Crimson Cipher!

LAST MONTH'S WINNER OF JEAN CAMPION NOVEL!

JO IS THE WINNER OF LAST MONTH'S DRAWING. Jo, if you'll please email me at blukow2@yahoo.com with your snail mail address, we'll send a free copy of your choice: Minta Forever or Return to Rockytop. If you haven't read either book, remember that Minta Forever is the first book in the series! Blessings, Jo, and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH CATHY BRYANT

Please welcome novelist Cathy Bryant to Barb’s Author Interviews. I’ve followed Cathy’s website and blog for several months and am impressed with her efforts to encourage aspiring writers. I’m also enjoying her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, which is now available in paperback and e-book format.

Welcome, Cathy! Thank you so much for agreeing to be a guest here on my blog. Of the books you’ve had published, which is your favorite and why?

TEXAS ROADS is my debut novel, so it will have to be my favorite (even though I’m excited about the second book in the Miller’s Creek, Texas series, which I’m currently writing). It’s special to me because the heroine, Dani, is looking for a home, an issue I personally struggled with for years. The spiritual thread of the story is about finding true home.

Here’s a blurb about the book:
Dani Davis longs for a place to call home. With quaint country charm, quirky residents, and loads of business potential, Miller's Creek seems like the perfect place to start over...except for the cowboy who gives her a ride into town. Then malicious rumors and a devastating discovery propel her down a road she never expected to travel.

Cowboy mayor Steve Miller is determined to rescue his dying hometown. When vandals jeopardize the Miller's Creek renovation project, he can't help but suspect Dani whose strange behavior has become fodder for local gossips. Can Steve and Dani call a truce for a higher cause and help Dani discover the true meaning of home?


Which is your favorite character in TEXAS ROADS?

Without a doubt my favorite character in TEXAS ROADS is Mama Beth. She’s the mother figure for Miller’s Creek, and is full of witty wisdom, but is harboring a shoulder-sagging secret. When I grow up I want to be like Mama Beth.


Tell us about your current WIP.

My current work-in-progress is Book Two in the Miller’s Creek, Texas series, tentatively entitled A Path Less Traveled. It tells the story of a widowed mother who is trying to make a life for herself and her young son. Unfortunately, that might mean leaving the place that’s etched on her heart.

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” ~2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) I love this verse. It’s the gospel in a nutshell. To know that Christ traded His righteousness for my sin is mind-boggling and humbling.

Where do you get ideas for your stories?

The characters usually introduce themselves first, and the story flows from there. To give an example, once on my daily two-mile walk, out of nowhere I heard this prim and proper voice in my head, saying, “Tyler, Dent and Snodgrass, hold please.” (Please don’t send the guys with the long-sleeved white jackets, lol!) From that one little snippet of dialogue came the character of Gracie Soldano, the heroine for Book Three in the Miller’s Creek, Texas series. The story still unfolds…

What is the hardest thing about being a writer?

All of it. I don’t mean to sound negative, because it’s also exhilarating and addictive, but from coming up with the story idea, to plotting, to writing that lousy first draft, to edits and revisions, to formatting and designing covers, to marketing the book—it’s all mind-numbingly exhausting. If you’re looking for an easy career look elsewhere!



What would you hope readers will take away from your books?

I hope readers can glean God’s grace and goodness from every page. I also hope they fall in love with Miller’s Creek, Texas, and feel like they’ve arrived somewhere vaguely familiar. My author tagline is “Heart-Stirring Stories, Life-Changing Grace,” so I also want readers feel a tug at their heart strings while they read.

How can readers get in contact with you?

I love connecting with readers! You can find me in the following places:
My blog: http://WordVessel.blogspot.com
My website: www.CatBryant.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cathy.england.bryant
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CathyBryant

Barb, thanks so much for inviting me to visit your blog. It was fun!

Thanks again,Cathy, for being my guest. Blessings on your writing! And readers, Cathy has generously offered to give away one book for the first fifteen comments and a second giveaway if we have over thirty comments (restricted to USA only). Just leave a comment -- with contact information in case you’re the winner! – to be entered in the drawing.

AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH JEAN CAMPION

This month’s interview is with good friend and author Jean Campion. Jean is well-known in southwest Colorado as local author and historian,and is available to speak at book clubs, libraries, or other groups. Her e-mail address is jeancampion@frontier.net if you are interested.
Her two historical novels, Minta Forever and Return to Rockytop , are favorites among the folks in the Four Corners, since the Marvel area (south of Durango, CO) is the setting for both stories. Leave a comment here on the blog for a chance to win a copy of one of Jean's books.

Welcome to Barb’s Author Interviews, Jean. Let’s begin with a few facts about you that might interest your readers.
My husband and I adopted two siblings when they were seven and five and then had a “miracle” baby. I lived on top of a mountain in Dinosaur National Monument one summer while working as a fire lookout. I have been a volunteer at a local thrift shop sorting clothing for over fifteen years.

How long have you been writing?
The first thing I remember writing was a skit for a play my 4-H club put on when I was about ten.

Of the two novels you’ve had published, which is your favorite?
Since they are a set, I couldn’t chose one over the other. I could say Minta because it was my first. Or I could say Rockytop because it completes Minta’s story.

Which is your favorite character?
Minta, obviously. One of my secret fantasies is to be a one-room school teacher at the turn of the century. She’s as close as I can get to that in this life.

What is your current WIP?
I’m about half done with a third book in the Minta saga. It takes place ten years after Return to Rockytop but has the same setting and some of the same characters. Different plot, however.

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?
“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends. They are the most accessible and Wisest of counselors and the most patient of teachers.” –Charles W. Elliot. At least today. Ask me tomorrow and it will probably be a different one. I keep a notebook of quotes I like, so there are a lot of them.

Where do you get ideas for your stories?
I do a lot of research into local history, especially the history of the one-room schools. The story ideas fall into my lap as a result.

Where do you get ideas for your characters?
That’s harder. I start with the main character. It has to be someone I like and know enough about to write a whole book about. She (or he) doesn’t have to be like me, but I have to at least be able to imagine myself in her shoes. Then I just imagine who the main character interacts with and the rest of the characters kind of write themselves. I can’t explain it. Sometimes I’m typing conversations these people are having and I have no idea where it comes from. It just comes.

What “writing stuff” do you keep handy while you work?
A calendar for the year I’m writing about (gotten off the internet), old dictionary to make sure I don’t use terms that are too modern for my time period, thesaurus, old textbooks from my collection, file of research material I’ve collected on the time period and area I’m writing about, and a map of the area I’m writing about.

What are you currently reading?
I belong to a book club and read one book a month for that. In addition I read four to ten other books per month. I usually have three going at once: a fiction, a nonfiction, and the club book. Right now I’m reading The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx for the club, Hillside Letters A to Z: A Guide to Hometown Landmarks by Evelyn Corning that I bought at a museum in Florence, AZ, and Angel Time by Anne Rice.

Is there an author who has influenced your writing? Who and why?
Too many to name them all. The most influential, though, was Harriet Beecher Stowe because she was my grandmothers’ great aunt. I grew up thinking women in my family could be writers and that was very empowering to me.

Describe a typical writing day.
I’m too inconsistent to have a typical day. A good day: I wake up at 4 a.m. with a brilliant idea. I get up and write for two hours, then have breakfast. After a long walk I write another two hours, edit what I’ve written, and quit for the day. Then I can spend the rest of the day doing housework, reading, napping, etc. without feeling guilty that I haven’t written. When I’m on a deadline or really involved in something I sometimes write for six hours, but usually two to four is it.


What would you hope readers will take away from your books?
I hope my readers would feel they’d been entertained while learning something new and take away a new appreciation for the lives of our ancestors.

It's been a joy to have you here on my blog, Jean. Thanks so much for agreeing to interview. And readers, please don't forget to leave a comment. You just may win a copy of one of Jean's novels.

AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH DARLENE FRANKLIN

This month, I’m happy to welcome inspirational author Darlene Franklin to Readin’ and Writin’ Stuff. Darlene has experienced great success in the publishing world this year. Between now and the end of the month, leave a comment here for a chance to win one of Darlene’s books. A name will be drawn for every fifteen comments.To increase your chances of winning, go to Darlene’s blog (listed at the end of the interview) and leave a comment there, also.

Welcome, Darlene. I’ll begin the interview with congratulations on your latest contract, the third Vermont book. How many of your titles are published? I have six books in print with nine more promised. The earliest, Romanian Rhapsody, came out in 2005. Most recently, Wild West Christmas came out last fall. I have four books scheduled for publication for this year. I’m still pinching myself!

It sounds like you’ve been really busy! What can you tell us about your current WIP?I am alternating between two WIPs. I am about to start revisions to my second Vermont historical romance, Bridge to Love. How can Calvin Tuttle keep his farm going during the infamous Year of No Summer (1816), pay the bank—and win the heart of the banker’s daughter? I’m also working on a longer historical novel, Ohio Bound, another Year of No Summer story.

Are you a chapter-by-chapter plotter, seat-of-the-pantser, or in between?Since I write for Barbour, I’ve had to plot chapter-by-chapter. On the few occasions that I have started out seat-of-the-pants, I’ve ended up doing a chapter-by-chapter plot eventually.
But ... some people plan scene by scene. I don’t. Consider this chapter description from the middle of Prodigal Patriot (due out this July): “Josiah warns the Reids of continuing animosity among the Tories, and his father’s hardened stance. He can tell they are wary of his presence, and he jumps into helping them with the farm. Although working both his farm and the Reids’ wears him out, the thought of seeing Sally again spurs him to continue the effort.” It takes work and seat-of-the-pants thinking to flesh that out into action and story.

The plots you’ve mentioned sound intriguing. Where do you get ideas for your stories?Ideas come from everywhere. The first two Vermont books (Prodigal Patriot and Bridge to Love) are based on folktales from Vermont; the third book, Love’s Raid, is my “what if” extension of the northernmost battle of the Civil War (St. Alban’s Raid.)
Ohio Bound was inspired by a place (Maineville, Ohio): my couple moves from Maine to Ohio. Two of my stories were inspired by natural disasters (Colorado’s greatest snowfall, 1913; and the “Great Gale of 1816” in Rhode Island).

And where do you get ideas for your characters?Often the character suggests the story—or vice versa. Annie Oakley suggested Lucy Ames, the sharpshooter heroine who appears in my novella in Wild West Christmas. When I learned about a lighthouse destroyed during the 1816 hurricane, I knew I wanted to write about a lighthouse keeper. When I read a paragraph about a vintage clothing story, my mystery heroine, Cici Wilde, jumped full-formed into my mind. They are not based on people I know, but they all have bits and pieces of me.

I understand you read a lot. What are your current reads?I’m reading fewer books than usual for me at the moment: Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon by Mirralee Ferrell; The Captain’s Lady by Louise Gouge; Surprised by Prayer, a terrific Guideposts volume about unexpected answers to prayer; and The Lord God Made Them All by James Herriott.

Thank you for your time, Darlene, and God's blessings on your writing.

Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free book. For more information on Darlene’s books, visit her blogsite at
http://darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com/. Leave a comment there, also, and increase your chances of winning a free book.

AN AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH RHONDA GIBSON

Today, I’d like to introduce an author friend, Rhonda Gibson, to my readers. She’s the first of many I hope to feature here. Rhonda’s newest book, What’s in Your Closet?, which she co-authored with her daughter Stacy, will be available this month. She's giving away a free copy of the book, so if you're interested, just comment below, and your name goes in the hat! Enjoy!

Welcome to Readin’ and Writin’ Stuff, Rhonda! Let’s begin with something fun. Could you share three interesting facts about yourself that might interest readers.

1. I am a cartoon addict, I love the older cartoons, Flintstones, Smurfs, Jetsons, Gummi Bears, Tom and Jerry… you get the idea. 2. I teach Sunday School in my church 3. I bead jewelry and wear it

Wow! Sounds like you have a busy life. Folks are always interested in the nuts-and-bolts of the writer’s job, so let’s talk a bit about that.

If you would, describe a typical writing day for your readers.

I write at various times throughout the day (meaning if I can work it in from 7am-8pm I do) Now what is set in stone is that I write from 8-10pm Monday-Friday. If you are a serious writer, you have to have a time that you won’t give up… 8-10 is my time for writing that I won’t give up.

What “writin' stuff” do you keep handy while you work? Research books, dictionary, synonym finder, notebook, post it notes, pens, stapler, my white out board that has my writing goals for the day, pictures of the time period and my characters (or people I think my characters look and dress like), my computer and a TALL glass of Diet Dr. Pepper… I can’t write without that. Well, I could, but I’m not going to. lol


Are you a chapter-by-chapter plotter, seat-of-the-pantser, or in between?
I am both. I start out as a pantser and then sit down and write out the chapter-by-chapter synopsis. The synopsis is a guide that keeps the pantser coming back to a true outline.

Do you set goals for writing, and if so, how well have they worked?
I set a daily and weekly goal of the number of words I’m going to write. They work because I hate to not make my word count for the day. I’m human and don’t always meet it but most days I do.

What advice would you give aspiring writers? Write and study the craft. Write some more and NEVER give up.

Every author I know is also an avid reader. What are you currently reading?
Tracey Bateman’s Heartsong Presents novel, A Season for Grace and The Bible

Is there an author who has influenced your writing? Who and why?
Bruce Wilkinson, he wrote a book called THE DREAM GIVER. It is a book that teaches you to follow the dreams God has given you. A must read if you haven’t read it.

Thanks for giving us a peek into your writing life, Rhonda.

I’m sure blog readers will be interested in picking up What’s in Your Closet? Below is a blurb about the book. For more information, check out Rhonda’s website: www.rhondagibson.com.

What's in Your Closet by Rhonda Gibson & Stacy Baron
Release Date: 2-12-2010

Emily isn’t looking for love. In fact, it’s the last thing on the young widow’s mind. She’s vowed to focus solely on her daughter. With Megan’s hearing impairment, the toddler has enough to deal with without Emily bringing a new man into the picture—one who undoubtedly wouldn’t be patient with a deaf child not his own.

David doesn’t think he’s looking for love—until he meets Emily. The woman is beautiful inside and out and has a streak of determination that’s matched only by the love she pours out to her adorable daughter. But Emily won’t have anything to do with him outside of his home-decorating project…that is, until she finds an old skeleton in his closet.

Never before has finding skeletons in the closet been a good thing, but solving the mystery of David’s skeleton may just be the blessing that convinces Emily to love him forever.

Gathering all the Write Stuff

When I retired and decided to start writing seriously, it took me awhile (like a couple of years) to get myself organized. First came a new desk and bookshelves where I could keep books, notes, and other resources handy. As time passed, I found myself wanting to write other places besides at a desk. Sitting at the PC for too long hurt my back and neck. When we traveled and I took pictures, I needed a place to store the pictures and take notes about settings and new story ideas.
So a couple of years ago, I bought a new laptop. I think I’ve written more since than in the previous four years. It’s so nice to be able to reach all the resources I need (including the internet) and still enjoy the comfort of my recliner!
Besides the laptop, I keep several other items handy while I’m writing.
• A good thesaurus
• A good dictionary
• Bible
• Bible Commentary
• Outlined “how-to” ideas from successful authors
• Books and notes from writing classes I’ve taken
• Personal copies of best-selling novels — I use these to study point-of-view, plot, character development, chapter beginnings, cliff-hangers, descriptive vocabulary, transitions, overall length, etc. (May as well learn from the best)
• Pencil and notebook (although most of the time I use the computer to keep notes about upcoming chapters, plot twists, or small changes I need to make, I sometimes just make notes and review them at the end of the writing session).
I hope what I’ve learned helps another beginning author. Have ideas to share? Feel free to leave comments, and thanks for visiting my blog!