Spotlight on Anita Higman and Irene Brand and Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Answer the random question associated with this spotlight in the comments in order to be entered in the drawing.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

ANITA HIGMAN is an award-winning author with twenty-six books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen. Please visit her site at www.anitahigman.com.

IRENE BRAND's first inspirational romance – A Mighty Flame – was published by Thomas Nelson in 1984. The Mistletoe book marks the publication of her 47th book. Some of these are two-book anthologies, and four of the titles are non-fiction. Approximately 3 million copies of her books have been printed. She has been published my many of the major Christian publishers: Standard Publishing, Fleming Revel, Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, Kregel, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. In addition to her rigid writing schedule, Irene is actively involved in the ministry of her local Baptist church, where she’s been a member since she was eleven-years-old. Irene’s home is at Southside, West Virginia, where she has lived all of her life. She’s been married 54 years to Rod Brand, and they’ve traveled to thirty-five foreign countries and all fifty states.

LOVE FINDS YOU UNDER THE MISTLETOE
by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
Published by Summerside Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Appalachian Christmas by Irene Brand

When there was no response, David called loudly, "Mr. Walden, it's David Armstrong. I must speak to you."
Julia didn't hear a sound until the hinges squeaked slightly and the door opened about five inches.
"What do you want? a man muttered in a harsh, raw voice.
"I have someone who wants to talk to you," David said, gesturing for Julia to come to his side.
On trembling legs, she stepped forward and took her sleeping nephew from David's arms. She shook Bobby gently to awaken him. The waning twilight revealed a white-haired, whiskered man with a vicious expression on the stony mask of his face.
"Mr. Walden, I'm Julia Mayfield. My sister was married to your son, Robert," she explained in a shaky voice. "She died two years ago when their son was a month old. Her deathbed wish was for me to bring your grandson to meet you." She thrust her nephew closer to the screen door. "This is Bobby."
The old man gasped, and a keening wail escaped his lips. "Go away, go away!" he shouted. "You lie. I'll kill you if you ever come here again. I'll kill you." Wailing like a banshee, he slammed the door, and a key turned in the lock.

Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman

Holly Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Holly's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes...until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back.

Readers, buy your copy of Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Anita: The idea for Once Upon a Christmas Eve may have started with my interest in the fairy archetype. I loved the movies Cold Comfort Farm and Chocolat for that very reason. There was something enchanting about those two heroines as they whirled around, fixing people’s lives. I gave my main character, Holly Goodnight, some similar fanciful qualities.

Irene: I'm a retired history teacher, and I built many of my teaching segments around United States wars. As a child, I knew many World War II veterans, and I've always been interested in that part of United States history. One young soldier from our community was killed in the war, and his mother became a recluse for years. She turned her back on God. A cousin of mine served in the War and he sent gift items to me from all over the world. As for inspiration, I was motivated by the different veterans and how they reacted to their war experiences.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Anita: I’m not sure of the percentage, but yes, my own personal experiences as well as my own personality traits definitely make it into my work. Just to use one character as an example, Van Keaton suffered with some unique issues in the story, and they did come from some of my own struggles. But Van had a slightly arrogant side to him too, and I pray that’s not me. I hope I’ve successfully stamped out that part of my personality!

Irene: I don't intend to use any of my personal experiences, such as love affairs or conflicts, in my story. However, as I've stated in the first question, my memories of the post war experiences influenced my attitudes and thoughts. I make an effort to never put myself into the life of a character. So each character is a fictitious person.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Anita: Holly Goodnight would be licorice ice cream. (And yes, that flavor does exist). It’s a jazzy flavor that says, “I’m not afraid to be different!”

Irene: I'd choose strawberry. For one thing, my hero raised strawberries for a cash crop and sold them in nearby cities. And wild strawberries grow in most parts of the Appalachian region.

4. Are there any themes in your story in Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Anita: The primary theme was, “No matter how impossible circumstances look, God can work all things for good.” Any other story themes revolve around that one. Just as a side note, I don’t usually set out with certain themes in mind. They usually rise up on their own.

Irene: Love overcomes all difficulties which would keep a couple from planning a life together. Despite the bad reputation that many Appalachian communities have of poverty, illiteracy and similar problems, the people, in general, are intelligent, warm-hearted, and devoted to God. An impressive number of Kentucky men and women served in World War II.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Anita: When I first started writing my story within Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe I was having trouble getting a feel for the characters. In fact, it was really tripping me up! So, I had to just keep writing and writing and writing to figure out who they were. Once I knew them, really knew them, I could soar. My favorite part is when my fingers can finally feel like they’re flying.

Irene: The most difficult part is the first draft. I have to drive myself to finish the story background. I love to edit and would find something to change if I read the manuscript a hundred times. I loved doing local research for this book.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Anita: I have four books coming out in the next two years, and one of them is a novel entitled, Another Grave Matter. It will be released January, 2012. It’s an inspirational gothic mystery with some comedy. This novel will finish out The Volstead Manor Series.

Irene: I don't have a contract for another book, as yet, but I have several manuscripts being circulated by my agent. Watch my website for future publications. www.irenebrand.com.

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Thank you, Anita and Irene, for being in the spotlight with us.

ENTRY RULES Readers, answer either question or both questions associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe. THREE winners will be chosen this week, thanks to the generosity of our spotlight authors. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: What flavor of ice cream would you be?

Question: Did you have an ancestor who served his/her country during World War II? Please share a brief note highlighting his/her experiences.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

CFBA Blog Tour - Anita Higman and Love Finds You in Humble Texas

Today, I am honored to feature an author who is not only touring with CFBA this week, but she's also a web design client of mine. We just finished launching a brand new web site for her. Make sure you visit and take a look. :)

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love Finds You in Humble Texas
Summerside Press - February 1, 2009)
by Anita Higman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANITA HIGMAN is the author of 24 books including fiction, nonfiction, childrens books and plays. Among her published romance titles are Larkspur Dreams, The Love Song and Castles in the Air, all coauthored with Janice A. Thompson. Her mysteries include Another Stab at Life and Another Hour to Kill. Anita is a member of ACFW and the Christian Humor Writers Group and she has been recognized for her involvement in literacy programs. A Texan for the past 24 years, Anita has coauthored an awardwinning book about her home state, A Tribute to Early Texas. She lives with her family near Houston.

Other books by Anita are Another Hour To Kill and Another Stab At Life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

LOVE FINDS YOU IN HUMBLE TEXAS
by Anita Higman
Published by Summerside Press

The Abernathy sisters. One is bright, one is beautiful, but both are in love with the same man. One sister will let go of love, and like a kite string untethering in the wind, the choice will undo each of their lives. What will it take to heal their hearts, for love to find them in a place called Humble, Texas?

Trudie Abernathy is a little inelegant, and she's never had much luck in love. To make matters worse, her thirtieth birthday is fast approaching and her sister, Lane, has decided to treat her to a makeover and a few blind dates. Trudie is about to protest, but then she meets the kind and handsome Mason Williamson. In spite of her humble manner, Mason finds her attractive, funny and smart. But Lane inexplicably pushes Trudie away from Mason and toward the other willing suitors. The makeover has transformed Trudie from ordinary into stunning, but she isnt sure how she feels about all the attention from men. Can Trudie stay true to her humble self and find her hearts desire in the process?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You In Humble Texas, go HERE.

Buy Your Copy of Love Finds You in Humble Texas today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I have a friend who’s an image coach, and I’ve always been intrigued with her career. So, that got the little wheels turning in my head. Then I came up with a very simple concept—two sisters who were very different. One would be an image coach and the other would be in desperate need of an image coach. Then I thought, "What if both sisters fall in love with the same man?" Now that seemed like an interesting concept since it would have a lot of natural built-in conflict, especially if the sisters were close. I wrote an opening scene, and then my fingers began to fly. Even though I generally know where the novel is going, many times the story reveals itself as I go along.

By the way, I hired the amazing Circle of Seven Productions to do a book trailer for Love Finds You in Humble Texas. Visit my web site to see. Hope you enjoy it!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

The heroine, Trudie Abernathy, gradually reveals her passion for art. I took art in college, and even though I don’t have a lot of talent in that area, I do appreciate the artistic gifts of others. Another life experience that influenced my characters was the fact that I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma. My heroine grew up on a farm in Oklahoma. So, much of my own life does seep into my characters and into the plot. It’s impossible not to have our work influenced by where we’ve been, what we’ve done, or who we’ve met. All of it is reflected in our art, whether it’s fine art or music or creative writing.

You also asked what aspects of my characters were theirs alone? Well, Trudie’s sister, Lane Abernathy, is an image coach. Lane is elegant in every way. I’m not. I try, mind you, but in my opinion, I never quite hit the mark. So, that is a character trait I created that I can only dream about. :)

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Since Trudie is an artist at heart, she thinks of life events in colors. And without giving too much away, rainbows become an important symbol in the novel. So I would say that the heroine, Trudie Abernathy, is a big earthen bowl of rainbow sherbet.

4. Are there any themes in Love Finds You in Humble Texas that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Even though the name of the town is pronounced, "Umble," I made the main theme about humility. A secondary theme is how God can redeem all things, turning impossible situations into miracles. Here is a tiny excerpt from the book. "Life can be a collage of pretty pictures as well as a thousand shattered moments, but God can bring marvel to it all as He takes those broken pieces and, with the light of His grace shining through them, makes something beautiful, something treasured." I hope the themes are an encouragement to readers.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The romantic scenes are a lot of work, because I want to keep them fresh. I don’t want readers to groan, thinking that my falling-in-love scenes seem familiar with hackneyed terminology and overused descriptions. I strive to keep them full of surprise and fascinating enough so that readers keep turning those pages. The easiest and most fun parts to write were those with the character, Wiley Flat. He just sort of showed up, and introduced himself to me. And he was a delight. I hope readers enjoy him too. It was always fun for me as a writer when Wiley came back on the scene.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'd love for folks to drop my site at www.anitahigman.com to see all of my books. Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Tiff!

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Thank you, Anita, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Love Finds You in Humble Texas.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Spotlight on Anita Higman and Another Hour to Kill

Today, we have not one, but TWO author spotlights. You get a bonus as we wrap up the year 2008 and get ready to ring in 2009. This is spotlight #2. Scroll a little further down for spotlight #1.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANITA HIGMAN, an award-winning author, has twenty-three books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston. Anita has a B.A. degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Some of her favorite things are exotic teas, going to the movies, and all things Jane Austen. She'd love for you to visit her website at http://www.anitahigman.com/.

ANOTHER HOUR TO KILL
by Anita Higman
Published by Barbour Publishing/Heartsong Presents Mysteries

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bailey Walker has survived the mysteries of Volstead Manor, but the new threats are more ominous than ever. Did her neighbor B.J. die of natural causes or was he murdered? And why does the new neighbor, Vlad Tepes, seem to be ever watching her? While searching for a lost treasure and planning a wedding the size of an amusement part, Bailey must discover what monster is still lurking in the neighborhood. Will she unravel the puzzle in time, or will Bailey merely provide the villain with another hour to kill?

Buy Your Copy of Another Hour to Kill by contacting Anita through her web site today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

All three novels in my Volstead Manor Series are cozy mysteries with a gothic tone. Volstead Manor is such an integral part of the story I'll explain what inspired me to write about this foreboding place. I'm sure the idea came from growing up in a slightly scary one-hundred-year-old farmhouse. We had bats in the attic, murky shadows and dank smells in the cellar, an old-fashioned, inferno-style floor furnace in the kitchen, and a snake that rose up like a cobra to corner me in the basement. There was also a secret place under the floorboards where the former owner of the house must have kept his money hidden. Or treasure. Or whatever else needed concealing. Funny thing, hiding places and secret passageways also show up in the old mansion that is featured in my mysteries.

By the way, just as a side note, the name of my fictional mansion comes from Prohibition—The Volstead Act of 1919—and even though this series is contemporary, the dark history of the house is connected to that era. I suppose I've always been intrigued with that period of time in American history, but more than that, I've always been fascinated with really old houses and their secrets.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

My heroine, Bailey, is spunky, but self-depreciating. I am that way. I leap out with a comment or an action, and then sometimes pull back horrified at my own audacity.

As far as traits that belong only to my heroine, I would say Bailey's sense of fearlessness goes far beyond mine. I would never be able to stay in an old mansion overnight by myself with a raging lightning storm outside. That's what Bailey did in book one. Also, in the beginning, Bailey has very little attachment to people and very little strong emotion. That also is not me. For instance, I am full of emotion. In fact, my husband would tell you that I am a hurricane of emotion. I used to even cry watching Mister Rogers and Hallmark commercials. Of course, Bailey did grow over the course of the three novels, so at the end of the last novel she cries much more freely than she did at the beginning of book one.

I guess you could say that I take pieces of myself and infuse them into my characters, but I also take attributes from folks I know, people I meet, and from the depths of my imagination.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

I think Bailey would be vanilla ice cream with toppings. Maybe she'd have some caramel and walnuts as a garnish and maybe a few other ingredients that would surprise even me. I think Bailey would be a vanilla kind of person because she is such a practical kind of gal, but then she'd make up for her prosaic existence by adding those jazzy toppings. In the end, she’d shake her head, laugh at herself, and just hope everyone else liked vanilla too. That's Bailey.

4. Are there any themes in Another Hour to Kill that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

I suppose two of the main themes in my novel are; living life with God is a safe place to be and that all things grow with love and patience. A secondary theme that might be a little less noticeable is that no good thing can come from obsession and greed.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

One of the hardest parts in writing any novel is to keep the middle from sagging. I not only have to prop it up, but keep those muscles taunt. I have to constantly keep asking myself if the scene is slowing down too much. If I were a reader, would I continue? Is this satisfying, compelling, and irresistible? If not, then I need to get out the weights and start toning up again.

My favorite part was writing about Vlad, who is one of the suspects. Vlad had an interesting delusion that he lived with, and that internal mirage was fascinating and bizarre enough to keep me interested in the character. I hope readers are intrigued too. His full name is Vlad Tepes. Maybe that will give you a hint as to his delusion.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book comes out in February and is entitled, Love Finds You in Humble, Texas. It's about two sisters who fall in love with the same man. Talk about built-in conflict. You know there's going to be a lot of trouble before there's any joy.

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Thank you, Anita, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Another Hour to Kill.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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Spotlight on Anita Higman and The Love Song

Today, I have the privilege of introducing a fellow Heartsong Presents author who is new to the adult fiction scene after a string of successes in published books for other genres. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty books published for adults and children, and has five novels coming out. She has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston. Anita has a B.A. degree from SNU combining speech communication, psychology, and art. She lives with her family near Houston, Texas.Some of Anita’s favorite things are reading, going to the movies, public speaking, and cooking brunch for her friends. She’d love for you to visit her website at http://www.anitahigman.com/.

THE LOVE SONG
by Anita Higman & Janice A. Thompson
Published by Heartsong Presents / Barbour Publishing

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Clumsy. Invisible. Ugly. This is how Clair O'Neal would describe herself on a good day. Coming from an abusive childhood, she is painfully shy and sees herself as a misfit. So when she promises her boss she'll represent her company at a high-society event, she finds herself completely out of her element. Image coach Glenn Yves urges Clair to join the party, seeing something in her she cannot see herself. Musician Hudson Mandel rescues her from a moment of likely humiliation. Both men find themselves drawn to Clair's unassuming presence, her inner beauty, and maybe even her vulnerability. Can Clair trust their interest and their motives? After so many years without love, would God really bring two men into her life and maker her choose between them?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is the second novel that you've cowritten with Janice. The first helped you earn the award of favorite new author with Heartsong Presents. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

In The Love Song, the heroine, Clair O'Neal feels ugly, clumsy, and invisible. Haven't we all felt that way from time to time? I know I have, which is probably how the character started to form in my head. For instance, those times when I wake up in the morning and wonder how in the world I'm supposed to make myself look presentable. Yet again. And those times when I've tripped in front of someone I was trying to impress, or worst of all, when I've been in a crowd and felt totally ignored. Totally Invisible. So when you put those passionate life-experiences together, you have one scared female. Perhaps a character like Clair O'Neal. I hope the readers enjoy her, laugh with her, and I hope they'll be inspired as she matures as a Christian.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Clair and Hudson? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

The two main characters, Clair and Hudson, both have self-esteem issues. And since I've had my own similar struggles, it was easy to create these types of personalities. The traits that are theirs alone are their musical talents. Hudson plays the guitar and sings, and Clair has an amazing voice. I tried learning to play the guitar once and failed at it. Miserably. And I'm not a trained singer. So, when it comes to those particular qualities of my characters, I'm merely a Clair and Hudson wannabe.

3. What themes exist in The Love Song that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme is that God is watching over us, and He cares for us deeply. That even when we feel worthless and unworthy, He has a great plan for us. To help us and not to harm us. Even if a little of that theme trickles down to the reader then I’ll feel satisfied as a writer. A more subtle theme may have come about when the eclectic character, Mrs. Plow, suddenly showed up in my imagination. She encourages Clair on her journey. That seems to be the way God works in real life—He sends people across our paths when we need them—to encourage us and challenge us and love us.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I enjoyed writing the scenes every time Glenn Yves showed up. They weren't easy scenes to work out, but they were fun. Probably because Glenn became so real to me. Writers really can get attached to their characters. We take them seriously enough that sometimes we wish we could call them up and have them come over for dinner. But since that's impossible, the next best thing is to relish in their lives on the page—in their dialogue and action and internal thoughts. Unfortunately I never wrote from Glenn's point of view, but I did feel like I knew what was going on inside his head.

The most difficult parts to write are the scenes when the hero and heroine express their affections for one another with a kiss. I'd hate for the reader to skip those parts because they thought they were too flowery or hackneyed. My goal is to keep those scenes astonishing and affecting. And amusing too, if the scene calls for it.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The last Heartsong in the Arkansas series (also coauthored with the wonderful Janice A. Thompson) will be Castles in the Air, which will come out sometime this year. This novel isn't as dramatic as The Love Song, but it does deal with the heavy issues of divorce and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, Castles does have quite a few comedic moments, which I'm hoping will keep the reader turning the pages.

Castles in the Air is a story about a woman who has spent her life dreaming of the perfect wedding—hers. There's one problem. There's no groom, and she's not even dating anyone. The man next door, a geek, adores her, but the last thing on earth she wants to do is spend her life watching Star Trek Marathons and eating prunes alamode. Bottom line—could Nori actually fall in love with a nerd?

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Thanks, Anita, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Love Song. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, subscribe to the posts on this blog. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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