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.

Spotlight on Andrea Boeshaar and Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky

Today, I'm honored to feature the second of the 2 debut authors selected to launch the brand-new romance line for Summerside Press. The "Love Finds You" books specialize in unique towns across America and include a romance that you're sure to love...all the while learning about a unique small town. You just never know. It could be yours!

Andrea Boeshaar has been chosen as the other of two authors to launch the new Love Finds You line of inspirational romance for Summerside Press this month, and she's here today to "chat" with you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANDREA BOESHAAR is a published author, speaker, and Certified Christian Life Coach (CCLC).

The author of over 31 novels and novellas, Andrea also enjoys writing articles on the craft and business of writing. She considers it one of her life's passions to "see others glorify the Lord Jesus Christ with their work."

Andrea has taught workshops at such writers conferences as: Write-To-Publish; American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW); Oregon Christian Writers Conference; Mount Hermon Writers Conference and many local writers conferences. She also speaks at various churches and women’s groups.

As a Certified Christian Life Coach, Andrea also enjoys encouraging others to use their God-given talents and gifts to their fullest.

LOVE FINDS YOU IN MIRACLE, KENTUCKY
by Andrea Boeshaar
Published by Summerside Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anything can happen when you live in Miracle!

After her life in Chicago falls apart, Meg Jorgenson arrives in the rural area near Stanford, Kentucky known as "Miracle." with plans to start over. She moves in with a grandmother she barely knows and takes a teaching position at the local elementary school. Meg soon garners the interest of the local eligible bachelors, but its eight-year-old Cammy Bayer who instantly wins her heart. Cammy has spent most of her young life in a wheelchair, but she firmly believes that God will miraculously allow her to walk again someday. Although Meg admires the girls optimism, she pities Cammy for believing something so impossible.

Vance Bayer has always made Cammy his first priority. Though delighted by the attention his daughter receives from her pretty new teacher, the shy widower is embarrassed by Cammy's not-so-subtle attempts to play matchmaker.

Both Meg and Vance want the best for Cammy, but will they see eye-to-eye when it comes to an experimental procedure that might grant Cammy the use of her legs? Will they open their minds to the miracle of healing and their hearts to the miracle of love?

Buy Your Copy of Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. You are helping to launch a brand new line for a new publishing house in Summerside Press. Tell us a little about the experience and the line.

It all happened so fast, but I'm honored and humbled to be one of the launch authors for Summerside's new "Love Finds You" romance line. My editor, Rachel Meisel has been amazingly encouraging as we worked on a very tight deadline. I'm pleased with the finished product: my novel "Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky."

2. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I actually began writing "Miracle" in 2005. It took three years for the Lord to find a the perfect fit for it. But my inspiration for the story -- and for all my books -- comes from Jesus Christ. He gives me little glimpses along life's road and I turn them into novels.

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

God truly saved me out of a "horrible pit and miry clay" (Psalm 40:2). The Lord saved my marriage, too, and showed me that no matter what the circumstances, there's always hope, because there is Him. So what I experienced in those trials and the miracles that followed are reflected in my books. I write healing fiction for hurting hearts, because I know what it's like to feel wounded and hopeless but I also know what it's like to be delivered.

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

I think the main character, Meg, would be Rocky Road because her life has had its ups and downs. Her grandmother, Loretta, would be Butter Pecan, traditional, smooth, yet a little nutty. Vance would be French Vanilla, a little old fashioned by generally loved by all, and his little girl, Cammy, would be Pink Cotton Candy.

5. What themes exist in Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

This story's main theme is good decisions always lead to happy endings. Sometimes good decisions, those which line up with God's Word, take courage to make and carry out. But once followed through upon, blessings await.

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

One of the most difficult characters to write was Kent. On the surface he's likeable, even noble, but when his true colors surface, he's...well, when you read my book you'll find out.

My favorite parts to write were Cammy's scenes. She's eight years old and I modeled her personality after some of the third graders I used to teach in Sunday school and also after my niece Madeline. Maddie proved most helpful in informing me about Hannah Montana and other things girls her age enjoy these days.

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

My next release is titled Dixie Hearts (Barbour Publishing). The collection features my novel "Southern Sympathies."

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Thank you, Andrea, 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 Miracle, Kentucky.

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 only.

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Spotlight on Sandra D. Bricker and Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas

Today, I'm honored to feature the first of the 2 debut authors selected to launch the brand-new romance line for Summerside Press. The "Love Finds You" books specialize in unique towns across America and include a romance that you're sure to love...all the while learning about a unique small town. You just never know. It could be yours!

Sandra D. Bricker has been chosen one of two authors to launch the new Love Finds You line of inspirational romance for Summerside Press this month, and she's here today to "chat" with you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SANDRA D. BRICKER declared the words, "I'm going to be a writer when I grow up," to her father on a Sunday afternoon in Slidell, Louisiana. She was 5 years old, and was referring to being able to string her cursive letters together to write her full name for the first time, but the declaration proved somewhat prophetic. By the time she reached high school and her first article was published in The Cincinnati Enquirer, Sandie knew writing was what she wanted to do. For more than a decade, Sandie lived in Los Angeles and, while writing in every spare moment, worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved cross-country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

Sandie's interest in telling a story knows no boundaries. Three novels for middle readers carved out the beginning of the journey; then Avalon Books followed up with two hardbound romance novels in 2001: unWANTED: Husband (romantic comedy) and Change of Heart (romantic suspense). The response was tremendous, and Sandie was asked to pen a sequel ... and so Sins of the Past was released in December 2003. Next up was another romantic comedy; Wish I Weren't Here was released in February 2005.

After spending nearly 15 years dealing with her celebrity clients' fans, Sandie finds it amusing that she is suddenly the one getting fan mail! "When people were actually buying my books at a recent signing, I found myself wanting to go around and invite them all to dinner or offer to bake them cookies. Hey! In fact ... maybe I'll do that very soon."

LOVE FINDS YOU IN SNOWBALL, ARKANSAS
by Sandra D. Bricker
Published by Summerside Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lucy Binoche is not an outdoorsy kind of girl! In fact, her idea of "roughing it" is suffering through a long line at Starbucks. But will she pretend to be someone she's not just to snag the guy? Or will she discover someone who loves her just the way she is?

Laugh-out-loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.

Buy Your Copy of Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. You are helping to launch a brand new line for a new publishing house in Summerside Press. Tell us a little about the experience and the line.

When I first read about Summerside Press and the line of inspirational romance they were starting, it seemed like a perfect next step for me. I'd been publishing for several years with Avalon Books, doing sweet romance. As a Christian, I'd been trying to break into the inspirational market for years but never quite found the right fit. Summerside's whole outlook was just what I was looking for.

I submitted several proposals, and always got a positive response, but ultimately every one of them was rejected. Then one day, Rachel Meisel emailed me and asked if we could have a conference call. The first thing she said when we started the call was that she wouldn't be buying any of the manuscripts I'd proposed! I thought, "Hmph. You're calling to reject me a second time? That's different." But then she went on to tell me that the Summerside staff had a meeting to talk about what they really wanted for the two launch spots, and for one of the two of them they wanted something light and funny ... and they felt like I was just the author to deliver it.

This came as a pretty big surprise since everything I'd sent them was pretty serious. The great thing was that she said it was my emails that convinced them. Apparently, I'm funnier than I thought! Three days after I turned in the proposal, I heard from the creative director who wrote, "Sandie, you nailed it! I knew you would."

2. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

A lot of inspiration came from the setting. Summerside's Love Finds You line is all centered around unique rural towns across the country, and I'd spent some time in Arkansas when I was a publicist. When Rachel said they wanted something for Snowball, Arkansas, I was thrilled. I'd been so moved by the area of the Ozarks around the Buffalo National River that I'd talked often about retiring there one day, and suddenly I had crystal-clear 20/20 about the purpose of that trip and falling in love with the area.

Additional inspiration came with the freedom handed to me when they asked me to write something funny. Once I created Lucy and set her down into a couple of funny situations, the story kind of wrote itself. I fell in love with the hero of the story right along with her, and enjoyed the lessons about trusting God with our future.

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

A little piece of me is in all of my characters, but Lucy has my goofiness. I am not an outdoorsy kind of girl by any stretch of the imagination. When other people go camping, I head for the nearest hotel with movie channels and room service. There are several situations in the book that are taken from real life, I'm sorry to report. For instance, when claustrophobic Lucy goes on a tour of underground caverns, she is hit in the head by a flying bat. That idea came from a 4th of July I spent in the mountains in California. The sun had just gone down, and while we were waiting for the fireworks all these birds (well, what I thought were birds!) were flying around overhead. I was just in the middle of asking someone what kind of birds they were when one of them flew right into my forehead with a thud. I'd always heard that bats have a built-in radar to keep things like that from happening, so during my research for the book I asked one of the cavern guides if that could happen inside their caves. He laughed and said, "It's unlikely, but not unheard of." Then he snorted and said, "Some people just attract those kind of things." He said a mouthful there. Lucy and I share that unfortunate magnetic something!

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

Well, Lucy would absolutely be Rocky Road. Her journey is full of bumps and tumbles ... but it's worth it to her because the outcome is that she finds yummy true love.

Matt, on the other hand, would be a beautiful, sweet, creamy vanilla that seems plain at first glance, but contains so many unexpected nuances. And oh-so delicious. :)

5. What themes exist in Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Destiny and the hand of God guiding us through life is a universal theme in all of my books. I'm a true believer. The theme of this particular book, however, is more about who we were created to be. Lucy is a very unique girl, but she gets this idea in her head that she has to be someone completely different in order to snag the guy she thinks she wants. The underlying message of her story is that we don't have to make ourselves over to fit with the right person; the right person finds their way to us because of who we are at the core.

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

I can honestly tell you that, outside of a very strict tiimeline in turning in the manuscript, there wasn't any portion of this book that was difficult to write. It was a whirlwind adventure, and I really loved taking the ride with Lucy and Matt and their friends. My favorite parts to write were the mishaps, like her encounter with the bat, or when she tries to catch a fish and then gets freaked out when she sees it up close. I found myself laughing out loud as I was writing. Once when I was a kid, I saw a chicken close up and my mom said I tried to be a vegetarian for the next year of my life.

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

I'm not sure about the next book, actually. My agent is handling negotiations on a couple of projects, but there's nothing in stone that I can talk about yet. I do hope to do another Love Finds You book or two for Summerside, though. I think this line is the combination of all the best parts of the inspirational market, and I'm really eager to see what the public thinks of what we've tried to do.

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Thank you, Sandie, 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 Snowball, Arkansas.

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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