Welcome Ann Shorey and The Dawn of a Dream

Please interact with our guest authors by answering the question they provide. Your response will also enter you in the drawing for a free book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANN SHOREY has been a story collector for most of her life, and has been a full-time writer for over twenty years. Her writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul, and in the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series. She made her fiction debut with The Edge of Light, Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, which released in January 2009. The third book in the series, The Dawn of a Dream, released in April, 2011. She’s tempted to thank Peet’s coffee and Dove chocolates when she writes the acknowledgments for her books.

When she’s not writing, she teaches classes on historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. Ann lives with her husband in southern Oregon.

She may be contacted through her website, www.annshorey.com, which also contains her blog, http://annshorey.blogspot.com/ or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AnnShorey.

THE DAWN OF A DREAM
by Ann Shorey
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s embarking on a new life—but can the past truly be left behind?

Luellen O’Connell is stunned when her husband of just one month tells her he is leaving—and his reason leaves her completely astonished. Deeply wounded by his betrayal, Luellen decides to finally follow her dream to become a teacher, a desire she had set aside when she married. But can she truly hide her past? Or will it destroy her ambitions forever?

A moving story of tenacity and perseverance in the face of opposition, The Dawn of a Dream will inspire you to discover and follow your own dreams.

“Her best book yet! Ann Shorey’s The Dawn of a Dream reminded me of a fine tapestry. A skillful blending of nineteenth-century history, intriguing facts about teachers’ training, and vivid descriptions of military life form a background for the story of one woman’s determination to achieve her dream, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Readers looking for a gentle story of love and honor should not miss it.” —Amanda Cabot, author of Tomorrow’s Garden

Readers, buy your copy of The Dawn of a Dream today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

I have a dear writer friend and mentor who’s multi-published. She’s guided me along for many years, first by critiquing my initial fiction efforts, then later by endorsing my novels. Since we live in the same area, I’ve seen how the writing life has affected her.

But like so many other things, I could see enough differences in our lifestyles to believe that the pressures she experienced wouldn’t happen to me. Wrong.

When my first novel, The Edge of Light, was released, I already had much of the second one (The Promise of Morning) written. So the book signings and book talks weren’t too much of an interruption. Now fast forward to writing Book 3 in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Dawn of a Dream. Here’s where I started to learn what the writing life is really like.

During the time after The Dawn of a Dream went to the publisher, I signed a new contract for another three-book series and began writing Book 1 in the new series. This is when things stopped being easy. :) The first series was historical fiction, as is the new one. Historical fiction requires research—which is the fun part—but time-consuming.

So the new reality is when I say I’m a full-time writer, that about sums it up. When a new book releases, I schedule book signings in our local area. Keep in mind, these signings are happening at the same time I’m in the middle of writing a book, or correcting galleys for my last book, or filling out questionnaires from the publisher, or all of the above.

One thing I’ve learned so far, that I’m happy to share, is that the farther from home I schedule a signing, the smaller the turnout. The exception to this is signings scheduled with other authors, or following a theme. For instance, I spoke and did a signing for The Edge of Light at a bookstore in Sisters, Oregon, during their well-known annual Quilt Festival. Two other authors also participated. The town overflowed with quilters, mostly women, so the attendance was great and so were sales.

On the other hand, I traveled to Washington state (I live in Oregon) with another author to do a signing on her home turf. Unfortunately, the event was scheduled on what turned out to be a gorgeous spring afternoon. Almost no one came—everyone was outside enjoying the weather.

Whatever the attendance, the thing I like best about doing a book signing is talking to the people who stop by, whether or not they buy a book. Another thing I’ve learned that I’ll share, just in case you’re contemplating your first signing, is to speak to the people who come by. Speak first. Say “hi,” ask what they like to read, compliment their outfit, whatever. If you come across as friendly, people will engage with you.

Another lesson I’m still learning is to “triage” my workload. When I’m right down to the wire on a deadline, I don’t do anything but work on my book. I try to save evenings and weekends for my husband, but with my last book even those times went out the window once or twice. In a workshop years ago, I asked the presenter, a published author, how she managed to take care of her home and family and still write. Her answer has served me well. She said she puts most of her home chores off until her husband is there and she can’t focus on her writing anyway.

So, I fold clothes, iron, sometimes vacuum, change the linens, whatever, when my husband’s around. He doesn’t mind—probably doesn’t notice—because he’s busy with his own home chores. This was a hard one for me to put into practice, because I grew up in a time when women were expected to be homemakers. There were even marriage tips about being all glamorous when hubby got home, have the kids fed, house clean, you name it. Not that I ever achieved that level of servitude, but I tried. Cleaning house when he’s around is a big change for me.

I know as time and deadlines go by, there is much more I have to learn. Right now, I must say the biggest thing I’ve learned is how much God has blessed me to allow me to do something I love. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life.


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Thank you, Ann, for sharing with us today.

Guest Questions: If you’re an author, perhaps you would share one of your best “finding time to write” tips with me.

I’d also like to hear from readers as to what you think about book signings. Do you like attending? What do you want to see from an author when you attend a signing?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of the book above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

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

Spotlight on Ann Shorey and The Promise of Morning

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANN SHOREY has been a story collector for most of her life. Her writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul, and in the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series. She made her fiction debut with The Edge of Light, released in January 2009. When she’s not writing, she teaches classes on historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. Ann lives with her husband in Sutherlin, Oregon. The Promise of Morning is the second book in her At Home in Beldon Grove series.

Contact Ann through her website at www.annshorey.com.

THE PROMISE OF MORNING
by Ann Shorey
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?

Ellie Craig believed her marriage to Matthew, the pastor of Beldon Grove’s church, would flow from blessing to blessing. He’s always been the leader in their household, giving her a comfortable life. Then they lose three children in infancy and her world reels, leaving her vulnerable to the attentions of the recently returned son of Beldon Grove’s founder. When Matthew suddenly makes a decision that leaves Ellie alone with their older children, she realizes her actions have driven him away. Now Ellie must search within herself for the answers to her problems. Will she be able to open her heart to her husband? Or did her actions destroy any chance they had at happiness?

Fans of Ann Shorey’s captivating writing style will welcome The Promise of Morning, Book two in the At Home in Beldon Grove series.

Readers, buy your copy of The Promise of Morning today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The characters of Ellie and Matthew were inspired by my great-great-grandparents. In 1997, I visited the farm land they settled in Illinois in the 1830's, and the story grew out of my imagination of what their lives were like. My great-great grandfather was a circuit rider in Missouri and Illinois, so I wanted to use some of that background in The Promise of Morning.

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

I haven't shared many of my character's experiences. Thankfully, our lives are easier now than theirs were over 150 years ago. But in many ways, women's lives never change. Ellie's life is tied to her husband's decisions. Many women today experience the same thing through job losses, military service, etc. My tag line, "Yesterday's women--Today's issues" expresses my heart for women in all stages of life.

Matthew's stubbornness is his trait and his alone, and Ellie's heart is a little softer than mine.

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

I think Ellie would start out as vanilla and eventually become mint chip--much sharper flavor with surprises inside. Matthew is probably dutch chocolate--straightforward. He is what he is.

4. Are there any themes in The Promise of Morning that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The theme of keeping promises is the one I hope the reader sees. When I wrote the story, the theme wasn't already in place--it developed as the characters made their decisions. Once the book was finished, I was struck by how much grief could have been avoided if the characters had kept promises. Of course, if they had there wouldn't be much of a story!

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

It's not possible to answer this without spoiling plot twists. One scene brings tears to my eyes even now. And I loved the ending scene.

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

The third book in the series, working title "To Number the Stars" will be out sometime next year. I don't have a date yet. Here's the pitch:

Twenty-two-year-old Luellen McGarvie is a misfit among her peers. Circumstances have left her heart scarred, and she believes marriage is not for her. Turning her back on traditional roles for women, she must battle family and social customs to follow her dreams.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Promise of Morning.

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.

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 the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Spotlight on Ann Shorey and The Edge of Light

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANN SHOREY has been writing for over fifteen years. She's been published in the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series, and had one of her stories included in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul. Ann has also written articles for various local and regional publications. After completing a narrative family history in 1998, she realized she had uncovered a treasure trove of inspiration, and turned to fiction as a way to put that inspiration to good use.

Ann teaches classes on historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. She works in Sutherlin, Oregon, where she lives with her husband, Richard. The Edge of Light is her first novel.

Ann may be contacted through her website at http://www.annshorey.com/.

She is currently running a contest through Valentine's Day (February 14th): Contact me through my website and answer this question: "Parts of The Edge of Light are true, but most is fiction. Name a scene you think might really have happened." I'll let you know whether you guessed correctly. Either way, your name will be entered in the drawing for a copy of the book plus a $10 Starbucks gift certificate.

THE EDGE OF LIGHT
by Ann Shorey
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Edge of Light is Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove series.

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but resolves to take care of herself and her children. When Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she know she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey, and along the way she must face the loss of another family member. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, restore her family, and fend off some overeager suitors.

Buy Your Copy of The Edge of Light today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I wrote a family history based on ancestor's memoirs dating back to pre-Revolutionary times and continuing through the Oregon Trail years. All the memoirs were written by men, which got me to wondering what the women's lives were like. My novel, and the ones to follow, are inspired by my female ancestors. This is loosely based on the life of one of my great-great aunts.

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

I was able to use my experiences of hunting and camping in a canvas field tent to draw on in imagining some of Molly McGarvie's experiences. The personality traits in my characters are theirs. I'm nowhere near as spunky as Molly is, nor am I as cranky as Aunt Ruby, I hope.

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

Molly would be Rocky Road. She has soft spots for her children, but if you bite too deep she's as firm as frozen almonds.

4. Are there any themes in The Edge of Light that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

I hope the reader sees that God gives to us exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. When He gives us a word, we need to hold fast to His promises. That theme developed as I wrote--I didn't have a specific theme when I started.

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

I don't want to be a spoiler here. There is a scene in Chapter 7 involving one of her children that was terribly intense to write. My favorite, again not to be a spoiler, was the ending. I loved it.

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

The next book in the series, tentatively entitled Toward the Sunrise, is due out in January 2010. The story focuses on Molly McGarvie's brother and his wife, Matthew and Ellie Craig. Matthew is the pastor of the church in Beldon Grove. When a stranger comes to their community he turns the townspeople against Matthew. What happens to them next is the storyline.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Edge of Light.

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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