I’d like to welcome my guest today, Inspirational author, Emily Brevard and her wonderful book, Coming Home. Thanks for being here, Emily. Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m Emily Brevard. I write inspirational romances, stories that reach into the heart and, I hope, the soul. Stories of faith and romance. When I wrote COMING HOME it seemed as if the story just took root in my heart and developed a life of its own. I live in a small Texas town very much like the one in the story so it was easy to capture the spirit of the community and transfer it to paper. The pastor is so much like our own pastor he asked if he should copyright himself! LOL! I wanted my heroine to have faced challenging experiences that tested her faith and for a while, even made her lose it. Her struggle to regain it, with the hero helping her, came from some real-life experiences.

Writing the book was a spiritual journey for me, too, and allowed me to look into myself and examine how strong my own beliefs were. I had so many messages I wanted to convey that I really had to sort them out and decide what was important. To me, the key points were Jenna’s tormented soul and Jake’s love for her that was so strong it was a lifeline she could cling to when she faltered. And I wanted people to come away with the feeling that you can’t ever really lose your faith, just your way. And the right guide can lead you back. That’s what Jake was for Jenna.

I’m currently working on a sequel called REACH FOR TOMORROW, about a young man falsely imprisoned who lost his faith, and in his search for the truth he, too, finds a guide who can lead him back to his faith and to love.

COMING HOME is published by The Wild Rose Press and is available from them in ebook and from Amazon in print. Learn more about Emily at her website http://www.emilybrevard.com/.

Excerpt From Coming Home:

She tried to wipe the scowl of irritation from her face.

“My mother isn’t home right now,” Well, aren’t I just the warm and fuzzy person. Color me charming.

“Hello to you, too,” he grinned. “I walked off with two of her folders last night and happened to be driving by the house. She mentioned you work from home, so I took a chance you might be here.”

“Has my mother’s been promoting me again?”

Jake was momentarily speechless at the apparent look of bitterness on her face. “Excuse me?”

“Never mind,” Jenna waved her hand dismissively.

He tried on his lopsided grin again. “Is it all right if I come in? I promise I’m not armed.”

Jenna felt the flush of embarrassment crawl up her neck, and she stood back to let him enter. “Of course. Please. I guess my mother was right. I seem to have lost all my manners.”

“I think your manners are just fine,” He put his briefcase on the bench in the hallway and removed two thick folders, handing them to Jenna. “She’s sure to miss these. They’re everyone’s notes we collected last night, plus the suggested outlines for the focus groups. I must have picked them up by mistake with my stuff.”

“Thank you for bringing them by. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

“No problem.”

Now go away and leave me alone. Please.

But Jake McConnell didn’t look like he was in any hurry to leave. He leaned against the stair railing, hands in his pockets, interest sparking his eyes.

Thanks for being here today, Emily. I’ve always loved the sound of this book and you’ve reminded me that I need to get myself a copy.

Wow I can’t believe it! NovelTea Next Door is TWRP #5 best seller and #1 in Suspense. I don’t know how long it will last but it’s exciting!!

Want to read the Prologue and first chapter?? Click over on the book title there on the right.

Latte Lounge Chat
August 27, 2008

Please join the following authors from 9am to 9pm Eastern time. We’ll
be sharing excerpts, covers, trailers, and each author will have a
contest. Contestants have until midnight of August 27th to complete
their entries. Each author will draw their winner from the emailed
entries and contact the winner no later than Saturday August 30th at
midnight Eastern Time.

The Theme is Fall into a Good Book. One of the contests we are holding is for the readers to find leaves on your websites. Such as the one here in this post. Can you find all the ones on my website. HINT-the others are located in the My Books section. Have fun looking and please come on by the chat. http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=703

9:00 – Linda LaRoque
10:00 – Hywela Lynn
11:00 – Laurel Bradley
12:00 – Miss Mae
1:00 – Aithne Jarretta
2:00 – Beth Trissel
2:30 – Cindy Green
3:30 –Sandra Kay
4:30 – Toni Sweeney
5:00 – Linda Banche
6:00 – Mallory Mitchell
6:30 – Jennifer Johnson
7:00 – Liadan Brodie
7:30 – Kiss Carson
8:00 – Shada Royce

Please welcome this week’s guest, Kim Watters. She has books released through Avalon Books and The Wild Rose Press. Today she’s come to tell us more about her Inspirational Romantic Suspense title: Web of Deceit. Don’t you just love the cover? It depicts the tone of the story so well. Welcome Kim! Thanks for coming by to talk with me today.

Hi Cindy. Good to be here today.

To start off, why don’t you tell us a bit about Web of Deceit.

Web of Deceit is a book about homecomings and second chances at love that revolves around a gun smuggling operation. The heroine, Faith, returns to her home town after her husband disappears. She’s not certain if he is dead, which comes in direct conflict with her faith when she discovers old feelings for a friend. The hero, Adam, is an old-time friend of both Faith and her husband, Steve, but he’s in the picture in more than just a friend capacity. He’s been asked to keep an eye on Faith to see if her husband, who’s wanted by the ATF, makes contact with her. Faith has no idea of her husband’s extra curricular activities that eventually cost him his life.

  I love the conflict of the plot!

This book is Romantic Suspense and Inspirational. What brought you to combine the genres and how hard was that to do?

Funny thing is this book didn’t start out as a suspense. A good friend of mine who writes inspirational suspense challenged me to write it. I took a sweet story that one of my publishers rejected (with reason) and started asking some questions of my characters, and that’s what it evolved into. I asked what would bring Faith and Adam closer together? What would keep them apart? What different type of twist could I put in the book to keep people guessing until the end?

I didn’t find it difficult to combine the two genres because I was able to use my faith journey and incorporate it into the story.

With all that this story entails, I’m sure a lot of preparation went into writing this book. Can you give us some insight into your research?

Boy, that’s a fun question. I did a lot of research for this book. I have folders full of articles and pieces I’d read along the way. I did most of it on-line in the way of finding articles on gun-smuggling and internet sites where you can buy guns etc. I talked with the information officer in the Phoenix office of the ATF, who gave me some insight into the struggles they deal with to catch these smugglers. I also visited our local hardware store and looked around. 

Thanks for sharing a bit about Web of Deceit with us, Kim? Could we trouble you for an excerpt?

You’re welcome, Cindy. Thanks for having me here today.

Excerpt:

“No. I don’t wanna get out! I wanna go home. I wanna go back to San Diego, where I belong!” Matthew clung to the headrest on the driver’s seat. 

Backing out of the passenger side door, Faith Callahan stared at her six-year-old son, and ran a tired hand through her hair. She knew this transition wasn’t going to be easy, but she hadn’t expected to see the open hostility in her son’s eyes or the staunch defiance in his posture.

She lowered her head momentarily and prayed for strength as she fingered the small, gold cross on the delicate chain around her neck. God had never let her down before. He wouldn’t do so now, even if she hadn’t been as attentive these last few months as she should have been.

“Matthew, we can’t go back. There’s nothing left for us there. Now please get out of the car like the gentleman that you are. Grandma Helen’s not expecting us for another hour so I thought I’d show you around.”

“No.”

Wilting under the heat of another sultry Central California day, she made a second attempt to extricate her son from the back seat of her silver Honda Accord. His arms slid from the headrest only to latch onto the doorframe, his white knuckled fingers holding on with a Vulcan death grip.

One day, Faith supposed, she’d find the humor in the situation. Today though, the long drive, the rising temperature, and the weeks of stress and sleepless nights had done away with every ounce of patience she had left.

“Matthew Stephen Callahan, please get out of the car.”

“No!”

Her son kicked when she reached in again. After his sneaker-encased foot connected with her left arm, Faith backed off. She looked around. Fortunately, the unseasonably warm temperatures had kept most of the locals inside, so no one witnessed the incident, or her inability to control her son.

“It looks boring here. I’ll bet they don’t even have cable. I wanna go back to San Diego.”

The desperation and uncertainty in Matthew’s voice almost broke her heart, making her question her decision to return to her childhood home.

For a moment.

She’d asked God for a sign a few weeks ago. Then she found an old box of Steve’s things in the hall closet. Trophies and pictures of Steve, Faith, and their friend Adam, from high school were stored inside. It didn’t get any clearer than that. Days later, their condo went on the market, and Faith packed their bags and headed for home.

Home. Peace settled across her shoulders as if an invisible weight disappeared. Faith had to believe the good Lord knew what he was doing. If only he would work a miracle for her son.

One last question – What other projects do you have in the works?

    I’m excited to say The Wild Rose Press has just contracted another story for their Sweetheart line. Scales of Love will be released sometime in the fall.  I’ve also contracted a Free read with The Wild Rose Press and I’ll announce that release date to on my website.

    To find out more information on my books please visit www.kimwatters.com

    Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter while you’re at it.

    Thanks again for having me Cindy.

Happy to have you Kim.

Time is running out!

Just a Reminder that The Wild Rose Press is holding a contest for a Free Sony E-book reader. The contest will be coming to an end very soon. (August 31^st ) As a participating author in this venture I though I would point out that every time you purchase one of my books – or any of the other participating authors – simply email your order number to:  SONYREADER@thewildrosepress.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Make sure you have a current email address and/or include your contact information so we can find you if you win.

You may enter as many times this summer as you wish.  If you purchase more than one title in the same order, feel free to send two emails and include the order twice.  We will verify that you did indeed purchase more than one title.

So if you purchase any of my three available titles, you can submit those purchases for a chance to win the reader. Here is my Book page. Good luck to all the entrants!

First review for NovelTea Next Door from WRDF – a Black Seal – Fantastic – Stays on Shelf. It is equivalent to the 5 star review! Woo-hoo!!

Although part of a series this book can stand alone. Ms Green leaves the ending open for the next book, however she does wrap it up enough for the reader to find satisfactory closure.

She creates a great ‘gum shoe’ atmosphere without rendering the story dated, creating a modern hero with a twist. Juliet and Grant are fascinating in their interaction with each other and complement each other beautifully. A very human character, with a slight rough edge to him Grant is a great hero with a deep attraction to Juliet- slightly naive with a hint of prudishness. I was drawn into their relationship which develops alongside the mystery. This isn’t a roller coaster ride of suspense, it has a slower, steadier pace, yet remains engaging throughout. The romantic elements of the plot are tightly drawn with a faster pace than the mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to rush out and buy the previous book in the series.

The book is written in the first person from Grant’s POV. This may put some readers off but I didn’t struggle with it at all. I think Ms Green pulls it off successfully and it enhances the reader’s involvement rather than detracting from the story.  I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Overall, a very successful ‘sweet mini’ and definitely worth a read.

Reviewed by Vasiliki Scurfield

I can tell you I was quite nervous about the first review…well, this sequel as a whole. The first NovelTea was so well received; I wasn’t sure how this second one would rate. I’m thrilled with this fantastic review.

If you are a writer, you have had a rejection. It just goes with the territory. For those new writers out there, don’t despair. This is just the way the writing world works. So what do you do after that all too familiar rejection letter? Here is my guest for this week, Jan Scarbrough ,with thoughts on the subject and a look at her books as well. Thanks for being here today, Jan.

I recently received another rejection letter. Oh, it was a “good one.” You know how they go, “You have a great imagination—I love the premise—and you’re a good writer.” And then comes the big BUT. . .

“I just wasn’t passionate enough about this to ask to see more.”

My writing buddies and I sigh over these “good” rejection letters. Oh, don’t get me wrong, these personal ones beat the heck out of a form rejection letter. Still we ask ourselves—just what do “they” want?

They know it when they see it. Write the book of your heart. Know the market trends (which means by the time you write your vampire book, the trend for “fangs and fur” has ended).

So, we either give up or carry on. If we decide not to toss in the towel, we console ourselves by eating our chocolate bars, drinking our glasses of red wine and soaking in our bathtubs. Our pals say their condolences. And then we open the Word document of our WIP (work in progress) and we start to type.

We are transported once more into that fantasy world of our creation. We live again the lives of people we’ve met only in our minds—for they are a part of us. They are us.

We’re writers and that’s what we do.

And sometimes we get “the call” (or the e-mail) and we contract for the next book. And we are happy for the moment.

www.janscarbrough.com
http://sisterwriters.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/janscarbrough

Tangled Memories available now at The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

·         Golden Heart finalist

·         4 Star Review Romantic Times Magazine

·         “Lush, vivid writing.  Tone, style and voice are all original and quite wonderful.  The mood is nicely maintained, with just enough brooding suspense and Gothic overtones.  Reminiscent of Mary Stewart.” Author Patricia Kay

·         “If you liked ‘Rebecca’ or ‘Jane Eyre,’ you are going to love this story.”  Becci Davis, reviewer

 
Blurb

Dr. Alexander Dominican needs a mother for his infant daughter. Motherless himself from birth, he refuses to let his daughter grow up without one. He’s convinced kindergarten teacher Mary Adams is the answer to his dilemma. When he offers Mary a marriage of convenience, he has no idea he’s setting into motion a destiny that has taken him seven hundred years to fulfill.

Mary Adams needs to pay her deceased husband’s gambling debts, and Alex’s offer of marriage seems to be the answer to her prayers. But on the day of their marriage, Mary begins to have strange hallucinations – memories of another woman’s life. A life that had taken place centuries before and somehow seems frighteningly familiar.

Before Mary can figure out why she’s hallucinating, it becomes clear that someone in Alex’s house is out to destroy her. Could it be one of Alex’s sinister servants, or could it be Alex himself? Until she can learn the answer, Mary knows she must keep her distance from Alex, but he’s reawakening a hidden desire – a deep longing – that she can’t ignore. But will following her heart lead her to eternal love or to a nightmare that will never end?

The only way to discover the truth is to unravel centuries of… Tangled Memories.

My Lord Raven available in digital and paperback from Resplendence Publishing http://www.resplendencepublishing.com

·      “The clean writing was a pure pleasure!”  Micki Nuding, editor/contest judge

·      “Clearly a romance in the tradition of Lisa Jackson.” Tina Brown, editor/contest judge

·      “Rich in detail, vivid in imagery, My Lord Raven is a fine introduction to the period and an excellent historical backdrop…Ms. Scarbrough demonstrates a talent for building both female and male characters, and peeling away their layers to reveal the real personas beneath the social/political masks.” 4 ½ pixies, Dark Angel Reviews

 
Blurb

Bran ap Madog, bastard son of a Welsh prince, has devoted his life to serving the English king. At Edward’s behest, he nourishes his reputation for savagery, taking as his badge the raven, a scavenger bird that feeds off rotting spoils. He wants, as his reward for service, the hand of a wealthy wife, as well as the land and power she will bring to his bed.

 
When her father and twin brother are murdered, Lady Catrin Fitzalen sets out to learn the truth about the awful rumors. Were they killed by the king’s own champion, the vicious King’s Raven? She will do anything to protect her remaining family, including switching places with her cousin when the king forces the pious girl into marriage with his wicked champion.

Sandy is back to blog with us again. This time she is promoting the Midwestern Dreams Writers Conference of the Mid-Ohio Writers Association. Welcome Sandy and best of luck with the conference. Please visit her website for all the details.

Midwestern Dreams

The 2008 first annual Mid-Ohio Writers Association Midwestern Dreams conference is for writers of all genres in any stage of their career, to help them reach their dreams, network with other authors, and enjoy a day of varied workshops and keynote speakers. Our keynote speakers, Stacy Dittrich and Tiffany Colter, are sure to draw a crowd, so register early. Wild Rose Press editor, Marci Claire, will be here to take pitch appointments from romance authors. The appointments will be 5 minutes in length and limited in number, so send in your conference reservation early! Spruce up you pitch and be ready to wow Marci with your enthusiasm for your romance manuscript! See the “How to Pitch to An Editor” article on the Midwestern Dreams page of this website if you’ve never pitched to an editor before.

We’ll have goodie bags for everyone, and raffle fabulous items like books, gift certificates, and goodie baskets from local businesses, authors, and sponsors. Tickets are only $1 each or 6 for $5.

If you’re coming from out-of-town and wish to arrive on Friday night, we’ve reserved a block of rooms at a special conference rate at the Mansfield Holiday Inn, 116 Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield. Rooms will be available at the conference rate until September 18th, but rooms are always available if you register later. To reserve a room, contact Donna Argie at 419-525-6000 extension 2105, and tell her it’s for the Mid-Ohio Writers Association conference.

If you come early, enjoy local attractions such as the restored antique carrousel at the Richland Carrousel Park (www.richlandcarrousel.org) and the historic Carrousel District’s many quaint shops and restaurants within a short distance of the hotel. Parking is available across the street from the carrousel. You can visit Kingwood Center (www.kingwoodcenter.org) to enjoy their fall foliage color show and fascinating greenhouses. Visit Eatmor Bundt Cake and Twisted Fig Tea Room for gourmet bundt cakes and loose leaf teas (www.eatmorbundt.com). Then, go to Main Street Books and have manager Katy Davis show you their cozy reading loft. She can help you select a book by a local author to take home as a souvenir of your trip to Mansfield, or for a gift (www.mainstreetbooksinc.com ). Before you buy other candies in the area, go to the Squirrel’s Den and have owner LaDonna Secrist show you her extraordinary flavored popcorn and other goodies (www.squirrelsden.com) to take home with you.

            Our conference will be at the spacious Baku Grotto Hall, 747 South Main Street, Mansfield, Ohio, 44907. For directions, click “Map to the Conference” button on the Midwestern Dreams page.

A build-your-own-sandwich lunch will be catered by the Dutch Heritage Restaurant, 720 St. Rt. 97, Bellville, Ohio, 44813. Be sure to visit them and sample their other fine foods and see their Heritage Gifts Shop before you leave the Mid-Ohio area! You’re sure to find a gift you’ll treasure for many years for yourself or someone else.

            Authors in many genres will be participating in the book-signing from 4:00pm to 5:30pm so bring your list for titles you want, and cash. We won’t have a bookseller or cash register, that way authors can charge less than the cover price if they can, to help you and themselves enjoy their novels and non-fiction treasures! New names will be added as authors sign up to attend, so visit frequently, and click on the “Our Participating Authors” button on the Midwestern Dreams page of this website to see who’s new!

2008 Conference Schedule of Events

8:00am to 8:45am-Registration, breakfast, buy raffle tickets $1 each or 6 for $5 each, networking with each other.

8:50am to 9:15am-Welcome by President, announcements, introduction of MOWA officers and presentation of members, keynote speakers, and Thank You to donors.

9:20am to 10:10am-Keynote speaker-Stacy Dittrich, “Be A Mom, Hide Your Computer!” on her journey from Richland County Sheriff’s deputy and mom to nationally-famous author and mom.   

10:15am to 10:30am-Wild Rose Press editor Marci Claire-All About The Wild Rose Press.

10:35am to 11:25am-Workshop session 1-choose 1 workshop:

1.       Appointments with Wild Rose Press editor, Marci Claire.

2.       “Manifesting Goals: Manipulate Your Creative Powers to Achieve Your Goals and Dreams.” with Cindy Carver.

3.       “Are There Foods That Help A Writer’s Creativity?” Howard and Cathy Wickersham.

11:30am to 12:00pm-Raffle drawings!

12:00pm to 1:00pm-Lunch break and networking!

1:00pm to 1:50pm-Keynote Speaker-Tiffany Colter, “Marketing Yourself as a Writer.” Tips from this popular writing career coach to help writers market themselves effectively.

1:55pm to 2:45am- Workshop session 2-choose 1 workshop:

1. “TBA”Check back in a few days!.
2. “Proofreading A Manuscript Isn’t for the Faint of Heart.” Missy Harris.
3. “Imaginative Writing with Formal Tools.” Kate Westfall.  

 2:45pm to 3:00pm-Take a break! More appointments with Marci Claire, Wild Rose Press Editor

3:00pm to 3:50pm-Workshop session 3-choose 1 workshop:

1.       “Finding Your Inner Writer to Fulfill Your Dreams.” Ann Plodzien.

2.       “Writing for A Newspaper: Extra! Extra! Report All About It!” Rachel Mendell.

3.       “Taxes and Writers-Tips to Save You on April 15th.” Dennis A. Davis, CPA.

3:50pm-4:00pm-Farewell and Thank You to participants, keynote speakers, and donors from MOWA President.

4:00pm to 5:30pm-Multi-author book-signing and networking.

About Our Keynote Speaker Stacy Dittrich

Stacy is an award-winning 15-year law enforcement officer, a certified law-enforcement instructor, and former detective specializing in sex crimes. With training by former FBI Behavioral Specialist and bestselling author Roy Hazelwood, she’s certified through the National Institute of Truth Verification as an examiner (CVSA-lie detector). She’s worked in a federal drug task force that resulted in arrests from California to Mexico and investigated many homicides. In 2002, she received the Victims of Crime Award from the Ohio Attorney General. Before beginning her law enforcement career, she enjoyed a brief modeling career in New York, with an appearance in Allure Magazine. Stacy and her novel, The Devil’s Closet- about a serial child killer inspired by a case she investigated-the first in her CeeCee Gallagher thriller series about a female detective, were featured on CNN’s Nancy Grace and at BookExpo America in Los Angeles, CA, May 28-June 1, 2008. The first novel debuts October, 2008; the second, Mary Jane’s Grave, in June, 2009. She’s a member of the International Thriller Writer’s Association, Sisters in Crime, and a regular contributor on Women in Crime Ink, a blog by a group of award-winning true-crime authors, print and broadcast journalists, crime novelists, CNN and CBS News producers, television personalities, and criminal justice professionals. She’s appeared as a law enforcement commentator on War On Crime, Court TV, and on CNN. She comes from a long line of law enforcement officers as her husband, father, and uncles are police officers. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at www.stacydittrich.com.

About Our Keynote Speaker Tiffany Colter

Tiffany Colter won the 2007 Daphne du Maurier Award in the inspirational-unpublished division for A Face in the Shadow, and was a semi-finalist in Operation First Novel in 2004. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo in 1998 with Summa cum Laude distinction. She’s a writing career coach who teaches business, marketing, and time management principles to writers. She also runs online classes through her website and for the Christian Professional Editors Network. Her classes have included students in the US, Canada, India, and Australia. She’s an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers where she’s served as a Book of the Year judge, Genesis judge, door prize committee chair, and former Online Course Coordinator. Passionate about freelance writing, her publishing credits include Today’s Christian, Charisma Magazine, Toledo Business Journal, and the Afictionado E-zine. Tenacious in her approach to not only create a great story, but to mentor other writers, she always has a book or laptop in her hands or helping someone. Fluent in three languages and a one-time world traveler, she strives to reach those who are hurting, regardless of their language or culture. She especially loves working with teens and young adults. Because she enjoys helping other writers learn to build a strong writing business, she has a daily marketing blog called the Writing Career Coach that has hundreds of new visitors each month. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Tiffany lives “outside Toledo” with her husband and their four girls. She can be reached at www.WritingCareerCoach.com.

Coffee Time Romance reviewed book 1 of the NovelTea series: A Night of NovelTea. Here is what they had to say:

This is an amazing tale of one woman who longs for a little excitement and gets more than she bargained for. The author creates these interesting characters with depth and keeps the story moving with exciting action, daring intrigue and snappy dialog. Throw in a touch of romance and you have one exceptional read.

What a thrill to receive this new review just as the sequel (NovelTea Next Door) is released.

I’m also blogging at the White Roses in Bloom blog today, and I posted about ‘My First Experience with Romance’. Love for you to come by.

Hope everyone is having a Happy Monday!

During the month of August, Long and Short Romance Reviews will be having an anniversary party. Several authors are sponsoring the event with giveaways everyday. My day is August 2nd and I will be giving away a free signed print book. Stop by LASR and see what’s going on all month with a $50 Amazon certificate being given away on the last day for everyone who participated.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/anniversary1.htm