Writing Again!

Really excited about the next few days!

My literary agency is holding its annual marketing seminar this Sat. in Nashville (and if you're not repped by them, you can attend on Sun (same program repeated) for a fee: http://www.chipmacgregor.com/marketing-and-platforms/last-chance-join-us/)

So, I thought maybe I'll go down to TN early and get a quiet place to stay and write. My husband liked the idea. He can come and golf and make me dinner--yay! And our anniversary falls during that time, and we get to have dinner when we first arrive with my friend editor Jamie Chavez! What could be better? I'm really planning to knuckle down on my next book so that when I get home I'll be on a roll. Sounds like a plan!

The Writing Process Blog Tour With Author Tamera Kraft

My friend Cara Putman asked me to participate in this fun blog tour. There are a few short questions to answer, and I've done this over on her blog. Click here.

And now, I'm presenting you the answers to those same questions from my author friend Tamera Kraft. Tamera and I first met at our Ohio ACFW meetings. We both love historical fiction and are history nuts.

Tamera will be giving away a paperback copy of her book Solider's Heart, U.S. entries only, please. (I loved this story, by the way!)

1.    What am I currently working on?

I’m writing a novella set post WW1 in western Ohio. Vivian is left heartbroken and devastated when her fiancé dies in the Great War and her parents die of influenza, leaving her penniless. Henry, best friend of Vivian’s fiancé, returns from the war determined to rescue her from poverty and make her his wife. He promises her it will be a marriage of convenience until she is ready. After a year, Vivian has grown to love Henry, but doesn’t believe he cares for her. Henry has always loved Vivian but doesn’t know how to express it. When a tornado strikes havoc in their lives, they may lose each other before giving their love and marriage a chance.

2.   How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I write Christian historical fiction. Although a lot of my novels and novellas have a strong element of romance, they always have a stronger element of adventure. History is full of intrigue, turmoil, and adventure, and that’s what I like to show in what I write.

3.   Why do I write what I do?

History is where I get my ideas. I’ve thought of writing other types of novels since my tastes are eclectic, but I always find my stories when I’m researching historic events. I always wonder what it would have been like for people living through these times.

4.   How does my writing process work?

Usually I get an idea by reading about an event in history. After researching the event, I get to know the characters in my stories. Then I do some planning, but I don’t do the typical outline. I use the Lindy Hop plot points created by Susan May Warren’s My Book Therapy and insert the main points that need to happen throughout the novel. Then I stew about it for a few weeks until it germinates. After that, I sit down and write the thing. I usually create a playlist of instrumental music that goes with the feeling of the story and play the music while I’m writing. If I get stuck, I’ll go back and edit what I’ve done. Usually I find what is missing or what isn’t working while I do the editing. It will get me back on track.

Visit Tamera online: http://tameralynnkraft.net, Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Tamera-Lynn-Kraft/e/B00H9EW5XU/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Enter to win Soldier's Heart

Author Alton Ganksy Interviews Me!

It was an extreme honor to be interviewed this week by novelist Alton Ganksy. Alton has a YouTube channel filled with interviews with authors and industry professionals. Be sure to check out his other videos.


Here is my interview. I hope you enjoy hearing a little bit about why I wrote Grace's Pictures and why I think baseball is important to my writing. ;-)

10 Reasons I'm a Writer

Scene from the movie Stranger Than Fiction

1. I have an office: computer, novels, printer/scanner/fax, books on writing, a print dictionary that I never use because I get it online, pencils, legal pads, back-up drive, paintings of typewriters...

2. I have contracts in my file. Even ones that are ten years old. I keep them to prove I'm a writer.

3. I belong to writers groups.

4. I have a literary agent to represent me.

5. I have tons of business cards from other writers, many of whom I can't even remember meeting.

6. I rarely leave my home.

7. I hear voices. I really do! And it's okay.

8. I have a subscription to Writer's Digest.

9. I have a cup warmer right by my computer screen (meaning I'm there a lot.)

10. I do the only thing that really matters: I write!

My First Post

Welcome! 

I've been working on a new website, and since it's just me, myself, and I working on it, it's taken me a while before I was ready to show it to the world. But here I am, finally, and I'm glad you stopped by!

With my new series with Tyndale House, I thought I needed a new website, and a new blog. A place where I can connect with folks who are interested in what I'm interested in: history, family legacy, Ellis Island, reading, and writing.

Check out the tabs above where you can find my books and where to purchase them, something about me if you're so inclined, and some other stuff.

I'd love to hear your family stories. Where did your people come from? Do you know a lot or just a little? Would you like to know more?

I've been interested in genealogy for some time. I call myself an amateur genealogist, because I'm not professionally trained, and I'm not in the business of tracing other people's roots for them. I like to hear the stories, and imagine what life was like for those people, and then create fiction. I also have been known to write some "how-to" articles for genealogy magazines. I may not write about your family exactly, but I what I do write might allow you imagine the world your ancestors lived in, what was important to them, how they grew spiritually through their life experiences, and maybe even how that affected you generations later.

What about you? Tell me something. I'm listening! :)