We have a consensus, and another winner

Good Monday Morning, readers,

Thanks to all of you who left me a comment after last week’s post. I had been curious about a Christian’s viewpoint on horseracing, and in particular, gambling on races. I asked the questions: Can a devout Christian be a devotee? (of racing) What about plunking down two dollars on your favorite to win the race?  I loved reading your responses. My next book, A Little Bit of Charm, deals with a young man who breeds and raises a colt to be a winner. His devoutly religious dad takes exception to Jake’s obsession with racing, particularly the expense of training a horse to contender status. His new Amish girlfriend, a lover of horses herself, also disagrees with plenty in Jake’s new lifestyle.

I have always loved horseracing, and once laid a two-dollar bet on Winning Colors to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. (She did, by the way, but I only bet on her because she was a filly!) Most of you felt: A little gambling in moderation will not hurt, but anything excessive, or anything at all if you can’t afford it, should be avoided. I watched the Preakness this past Saturday. No money was involved. I loved watching those sleek Thoroughbreds do what they’re bred to do. But alas, they’ll be no Triple Crown winner. Oxbow won it, denying Orb his second jewel.

And finally, Maria Kulscar, your name was drawn as the winner of Love Comes to Paradise, book 2 in the New Beginnings series. Please contact be at maryeellis@yahoo.com so I can send that out to you.  Mary

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Huge author event tomorrow in Columbus, OH

Happy Thursday, readers,

One final mention, tomorrow May 11th is the annual Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus from 10:00 until 4:00. Close to 100 authors will be participating, including yours truly, at the Fort Hayes Career Center on Jack Gibbs Blvd, off I-71. There will be 30 different author panels/roundtable discussions on topics including horror, fantasy, literary fiction, poetry, memoirs, children’s books and much more. The schedule of panel events is here: http://www.ohioanabookfestival.org/schedule/

I will be speaking from 12:45 until 1:30 on “Fiction by Women: A Writer’s Roundtable” with Emilie Richards, Duffy Brown, Linda Lee Greene, Sherri Hayes, and Kara Lynn Mackrory.

For complete info and driving instructions, click here: http://www.ohioanabookfestival.org/

Books will be sold and signed all day long. Please drop by and say hi if you’ve in the area.  Mary

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Are Amish novels romances? Win the 3-book Miller Family series.

Good Monday morning, readers.

Lately, I’ve been asked this question several times…and it got me thinking. For regular romance readers, whether contemporary or historical, do you find Amish stories romantic when you read them? Romance readers often have certain expectations regarding the level of “heat,” so to speak. But almost universally, Amish stories are Christian inspirationals, thus the heat level would be zero. Yes, this culture usually produces plenty of babies, but how they come to be remains tastefully behind closed doors. Also, Amish fiction often has either a cozy mystery or a family drama feel to them.

So when someone asked me whether Living in Harmony would be classified as a romance I had to ponder for a moment. I told her “yes,” despite my young couple enduring plenty of problems before their walk down the aisle.

I want to hear your opinion. Many of you read many Amish fiction authors, beside other genres. Do you think Amish stories are romances? I will give away the 3-book Miller Family series (A Widow’s Hope, Never Far from Home and The Way to a Man’s Heart) to one lucky commenter. I’ll give away two sets if there are plenty of comments. So please give me your two-cents. And happy reading everyone!  Mary

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I’ve been gone, but now I’m back!

Happy Sunday evening, readers,

Does anyone enjoy coming home from vacation? So much mail to go through, so many emails, so much laundry, pick up the dog, restock the fridge, pay the bills, catch up on yard work…the list goes on and on! But what a lovely vacation I had! First we visited family in Texas and enjoyed a wonderful Easter in San Antonio. I loved the RiverWalk and the historic missions. I truly would have enjoyed attending Mass at the Mission of San Juan, even though I’m not Catholic. What a breathtakingly beautiful church/mission.

Next we visited Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana–two of my favorite cities on earth. Although the French Quarter has plenty of things that I don’t appreciate, I still love the architecture, the music and of course, the food. Now plenty of writing and editing awaits, but I had to share some photos of a priceless vacation. I hope everyone has a lovely week as I return to the edits of A Little Bit of Charm, edits of Always in my Heart (novella), writing A Plain Man, and writing A Heart Divided (historical romance set during the Civil War)

Whew, I’ll need another vacation once all these projects are done! Have a super week of spring, readers!   Mary

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Maple Sugar Time in Ohio

Good Monday morning, readers,

Without further ado, Cassy Glass, you’re the winner of Cheri Swalwell’s book, A 40-day Habit Between Friends–Because They Need You. This is a great book of devotions for mothers. Thanks to everyone who posted a comment last week.

Last Sunday, I watched them tap trees, gather sap the old fashioned way in oxen pulled wagons, and then make maple syrup at Hale Farm and Village. This is a historical interpretive village near our home that demonstrates the early way to do everything. Since my current book A Plain Man contains a scene in which an Amish man makes maple syrup, the two methods are quite similar, because both use wood-fired evaporators. Did you know it takes 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup? No wonder the price for the real-deal is so expensive. These days your usual pancake syrup is made from sugar cane or sugar beets or something other than maple syrup. But if you want the real deal for your family it’s still available. I bought some made in Geauga County, famous for maple syrup in this area. It’s superb! Ohio is the 3rd leading maple syrup producer in the United States. Vermont is number one. I’ve been to Vermont several times–yes, maple trees are everywhere! (I don’t remember #2, sorry, I took notes as fast as I could…) Hope you enjoy the photos of a very sweet morning. Have a great week, readers. And Happy Easter to you all!

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Welcome author Jennifer Beckstrand

Good Monday morning, readers. Home Thoughts would like to welcome author, Jennifer Beckstrand.

Jennifer Beckstrand is a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and is represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency. She has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. Her first three Amish romances comprise the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available in stores and online. She recently signed with Kensington Books to write three more Amish romances. The first will be out in early 2014. These books are set in Wisconsin in a charming place called Huckleberry Hill. Jennifer has four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and one adorable grandson. She lives in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with her husband and two sons still left at home.

Tell us a little about your latest book, Miriam’s Quilt: Miriam Bontrager has loved Ephraim Neuenschwander for as long as she can remember. As young teenagers, they make a secret pact to wed when they come of age. But when Miriam’s headstrong brother is arrested and her sister is discovered with child, Ephraim decides that Miriam, with her disgraced family ties, is not worthy of him. Heartbroken and shattered, Miriam vows to never again trust her affection to anyone. But will she surrender her heart when a man of simple faith and gentle ways shows her how to love again?

Of course Seth Lambright thinks Miriam Bontrager is pretty, but she’s also too stuck-up to pay him any notice. That is, until she comes to his stable after Ephraim’s devastating rejection. Spending time with Seth’s horses gives Miriam comfort and helps her mend, but her presence nudges Seth dangerously close to falling in love. Unable to ignore the way she tugs at his heart, will he risk everything to show her that there is more to love than the pain of bitter memories?

Miriam’s Quilt is now available in stores and online. Miriam’s Quilt received a Four-Star review in Romantic Times Book Reviews.

For fans of Amish fiction, what are you working on now that readers can look forward to?

I’m so glad you asked! I just signed with Kensington Books to write three more Amish romances. The first will be out in early 2014. The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? And no one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

Where can readers find you? You can find me on Facebook at Jennifer Beckstrand Fans or on my website at http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/ 

In celebration of the release of Miriam’s Quilt, Book 3 in Forever After in Apple Lake, my dear sister, Allison Sharp, editor, Phd., and quilter extraordinaire, is making a small version of the quilt that Miriam makes for Seth in the book. It is wall-hanging size. The quilt is first prize in the contest.

Second prize is all three of my books in the Forever After in Apple Lake series.

Third prize is Book 3–Miriam’s Quilt.

To enter the contest, simply “like” my facebook fan page: Jennifer Beckstrand Fans. That’s it! Everyone who likes my page will be entered in the contest. If you “share” my page, your name will be entered twice. If you already like my page, you are automatically entered! Contest ends on March 8, 2013 and winners will be announced March 7.

Question to Home Thoughts readers: In Miriam’s Quilt, Seth tells Miriam, “People are always more important than what they’ve done.” How have you seen and applied this truth in your own life?

Please post a comment HERE on this blog to be entered in a drawing for Miriam’s Quilt. Drawing will be next Monday, March 4th. And don’t foget to “like” Jennifer’s Facebook page for more great chances to win. Have a great week, readers.

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Anybody up for a blog hop about works in progress?

Just for fun, a bunch of authors are answering questions about our latest WIPs (works-in-progress), and here are my quick quips. Be sure to click the links at the bottom to keep hopping on to see what’s next!

What is the working title of your book? A Little Bit of Charm

Where did the idea come from for the book? I read a non-fiction account about the Old Order Amish moving from Lancaster, PA due to the exorbitant price of farmland. I was intrigued by the smaller, more remote communities they were moving into and what major differences they would find. So I traveled to Maine, Missouri and Kentucky to research new districts. This final book in the New Beginnings series is set in the Blue Grass State.

What genre does your book fall under? Inspirational Amish Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? I would choose Leonardo DiCaprio to play my tender-hearted horse trainer Jake Brady and the lovely Reese Witherspoon for my blond heroine caught between two worlds.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Rachel King wants nothing more than to work with horses, but when her handsome boss sweeps her off her feet, she begins to doubt everything in life, including her faith.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? My book will be represented by the Seymour Agency and published by Harvest House.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? It takes me four and a half months to write the first draft, but I edit as I go along. So the manuscript only needs a thorough going-over when it’s finished. The final edit takes about two weeks.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I would compare it to any books by Suzanne Woods Fisher, Kelly Irvin or Amy Clipston.

Who or What inspired you to write this book? I have been fascinated by the Amish since I was a child. When I decided to write solely Christian fiction, writing about their culture was a natural choice. For this particular book, the counties of Barren, Hart and Casey, Kentucky inspired plenty of plot twists.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? One of the sub-plots involves the potential spreading of the “wild” polio virus, almost eradicated in this country, throughout a religious sect that doesn’t embrace vaccines. With the recent flu epidemic, including the deaths at least twenty children, this is a timely topic.

If you haven’t read book one of the series, Living in Harmony, is on sale for Kindles for 2.24. Here’s the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Living-Harmony-Beginnings-Series-ebook/dp/B008G5FLHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361391903&sr=1-1&keywords=living+in+harmony

And don’t forget to hop over to Lillian Duncan’s blog next:

here’s her link:  http://www.lillian-duncan.com/

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When the words won’t come

Good snowy Monday, readers. I hope you all survived Super Bowl Sunday! I, myself, enjoyed the Budweiser Clydesdale commercial and the Dorritos’ goat! Before I forget, Shannon Vannatter interviewed me on her lovely blog this week. If you drop by her blog, read the interview, and leave a comment (on HER blog, not here…) you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a copy of Love Comes to Paradise. This book has just made the CBD bestseller list and has recently been released for e-readers. here’s the link to Shannon’s blog: http://shannonvannatter.com/mary-ellis-romantic-excerpt-part-1-of-2/   Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter if you haven’t already done so, since I’ll be giving away 10 copies of Love Comes to Paradise on March 15th.

Every writer whether our contemporaries or long gone has wrestled for hours when they can’t string seven words together into a concise sentence. We doubt ourselves, our mentors, the process we thought we’d perfected, even the quality of beans that went into our cup of java. It happens to the best of us. And it will happen to all of us eventually. There is no one-size-fits-all solution since writers are as different as that shade of navy you’re trying to match. I can only give you my humble opinion to tuck into your first aid kit on possible cures.

When the words won’t come I see two possible reasons, both of which involve turning off and moving away from your computer. How many times have we fallen asleep in our easy chairs, but tossed-and-turned in bed for hours? If you get out of bed and put the TV back on, you’ll doze off by the next commercial. Same is true about trying to force creativity in front of your laptop. Once you are seated in a lawn chair or a booth at the coffee shop, consider the first reason your well is dry: You need more story. This happens more often for seat-of-the-pants writers than plotters, but even plotters can reach a lull when the action or romantic drama needs help from a subplot to thicken the stew. Ask yourself: What can come along to blindside your characters? What’s the worst thing they fear? Make it happen. Often writers concoct a thrilling opening and know exactly how to bring their story to a tasty conclusion. They might even have some plot twists in mind, but in long novels, not even the most devout “plotter” can pre-conceive enough scenes to keep the pace moving. Go where it’s quiet, where you can roll your eyes back into your head. Suddenly story ideas will flow faster than you can jot down on your Starbucks napkin.

I’ll give you reason number two next week…until then, stay warm!!!

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Ahhh winter, so beautiful–from inside the house.

Happy Monday morning, readers,

Yesterday I drove to my local park–a place I frequent nine months out of the year to write my stories, hike around the lake, swim, people watch, feed the ducks and geese, or buy an ice cream cone. Yes, there’s plenty to do there in warm weather. Yesterday I never got out of my car. Take a look at our gorgeous beach. The dam at one end of the lake creates a beautiful waterful with swimming area below. Okay, it’s more like a smimming “hole” than a beach on the French Rivera, but it’s still nice. Not so much for this freeze-baby.

The only thing to do is go home and curl up with a good book…or go back to work on mine. For those of you who enjoy winter sports–I wish you plenty of fresh powder, hard frozen ice, and sharp toboggan blades. As for me, call me when temps rise above 40 degrees.

Before I forget, Elizabeth Dent–you’re our winner of Callie by Sharon Srock. Please contact me at maryeellis@yahoo.com so we can send that out to you.  And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter at http://www.maryellis.net

I will be giving away 10 copies of Love Comes to Paradise to newsletter subscribers on March 15th.

Happy reading, readers, and have a great week.

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Welcome Sharon Srock to Home Thoughts – Win a free copy!

Good afteroon, readers. Please join me in welcoming author Sharon Srock to Home Thoughts. Sharon writes inspirational fiction, and I asked her to tell us about her latest release, Callie:  

Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all. Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her. Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities. Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing.  And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family. For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

Tell us about yourself:  Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s debut novel, The Women of Valley View: Callie released in October 2012. The second in the series, The Women of Valley View: Terri releases in April 2013.

What are you working on now?  Book two of the Women of Valley View series, Terri will release on 12 April
2013. Book three, Pam is currently under review at the publisher. I am currently writing book four, Samantha.

Meet the Women of Valley View: FREE PDF http://bitly.com/SmQmUs
Find Sharon on line here: http://www.womenofvalleyview.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock#!/SharonSrock

https://twitter.com/#!/SharonSrock

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448789.Sharon_Srock

Find The Women of Valley View: Callie at:

Amazon – http://tinyurl.com/9dreu8g

Pelican Books — http://tinyurl.com/8ncbjnl

Barnes and Noble—http://tinyurl.com/9ahy3tg

Readers, would you like a chance to win a signed copy of Callie? Just post your answer to this question at the bottom of this interview. Here’s the question:  If you thought your interference had caused the death of a child, would you risk helping again, even if God told you to?

I hope you’ll all stay indoors if possible. It’s very cold here in the East and snowing in Ohio. A good time to curl up with a good book. Thanks for dropping by Home Thoughts.  Mary

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