The Day Someone Told Me I Should Write a Book

I didn't set out to be a novelist.

That probably surprises people who know me now, given that I've spent more than two decades writing fiction and have over twenty-five published books to my name. The writing life I have today didn't begin with a lifelong dream or a carefully laid plan. It actually began with a conversation through letters and then emails.

I'd been exchanging both with a favorite author for several years. Her name is Tracie Peterson. If you read Christian fiction, you probably know her. She's one of the most prolific and beloved authors the genre has produced, with a body of work that spans decades and touches readers all over the world.

In 2001, she suggested I join a writer's organization. Despite repeatedly saying, "I'm not a writer," she continued to encourage. So, I did. That led to me attending my first writer's conference in 2002, and we finally met face-to-face. Through a few other email exchanges, I ended up sending her something I'd written, and she shared it with her husband.

At the time, they were acquisitions editors for Barbour Publishing, and they were looking for new authors. Of course, they didn't tell me that! But she saw something in me that I didn't see in myself, and she kept gently pushing.

Even though I had no idea what I was doing, her and her husband's encouragement and recommendation to the publisher eventually led to my first book contract in 2006! Just a few weeks after I turned 30, I sold my first book.

Looking back now, it's amazing to recall what that moment set in motion.

What It Feels Like to Be Seen

There is a particular kind of gift that comes when someone with more experience than you looks at who you are and what you're capable of and speaks it out loud before you've fully seen it yourself.

It's different from a compliment. A compliment is pleasant and often forgotten by the end of the day. This was something else. This was someone whose opinion carried weight, who had nothing to gain from encouraging me, choosing to invest a moment of genuine attention and tell me something true about myself that I hadn't yet claimed.

Writing that book wasn't easy, and it required more learning than I anticipated, which is true of most things worth doing. I made lots of mistakes, and another author friend Linda Windsor, made my manuscript bleed with red revisions. I revised more than I anticipated, but I got it done.

After that contract, I sold another book. And then another. And another, ongoing for the next 12 years.

Looking back now, across more than 25 books and over 600,000 copies in print, I can trace a fairly straight line from those conversations to everything that followed. Tracie said a true thing out loud at the right moment, and that was enough to motivate me.

What This Taught Me About Encouragement

I think about that conversation when I'm around writers who are earlier in the journey than I am now.

I think about how it cost Tracie nothing to say what she said, except a moment of attention and the willingness to speak. Yet, look what it produced in return. That's a remarkable exchange. And it makes me want to be someone who does the same for others, who pays enough attention to see what someone is capable of and says so, who doesn't assume they already know or that someone else will tell them.

Words spoken with genuine intention carry weight that lasts. I know this from a conversation in 2001 that I have never forgotten and never will.

If someone in your life needs to hear what you can see in them, tell them. You may not know for years — or ever — what it sets in motion.

Has there been a person in your life who said something over you that changed your direction? Someone who saw something in you before you saw it yourself? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.

CFBA Presents Tracie Peterson and Chasing the Sun

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Chasing the Sun Barbour Books (March 1, 2012) by Tracie Peterson
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. 

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books. 

ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running. 

Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing The Sun, go HERE.

MY REVIEW

I have known Tracie since early in her fiction writing career and became an instant fan after reading some of her books written for the Heartsong Presents line with Barbour Publishing. Thanks to her friendship and encouragement, I went on to sell 12 historical fiction books of my own so far to Barbour. While I can't say I've read every single book of Tracie's, I *have* read a majority of them. Each one is rich with culture, history, strong characters, and a smooth story flow. There are definite favorites, and this latest release will rank somewhat higher than others, but not among the top.

The pacing of the story flowed well, and Tracie took the common story line of single gal with 2 men vying for her affections and made it her own. However, I felt the conflict and tension wasn't as strong as it could have been, and the resolutions came about far too quickly. That being said, where this book excels is with the depiction of the Texas culture during the Civil War or post-war times. There were 3 distinct groups in Texas at this time: those in favor of the south, those in favor of the north, and those opposed to both while pushing for Texas to become its own country again. Tracie's (and her husband's) meticulous research shines through in this story and presents a unique glimpse of the mindset ruling the people of this era.

I'm intrigued enough to read the next in the series, even if only to discover more about the people. Here's hoping the conflict and tension up the ante a bit going forward.



*** I received a free copy from the publisher through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for this review. No compensation was given or received, and I was not required to give this book a favorable review. Thank you to CFBA and Bethany House for providing this book.

Heartsong Presents -- Countdown to Demise

It is sad news week, I'm afraid.

Yesterday, an official announcement went out stating as of the end of 2011, the Heartsong Presents book club will cease to exist. The book club is being canceled. After nearly 20 years and over 1,000 titles released, this club will see its last shipment in December of this year.

To say I was stunned when I heard this doesn't even begin to describe the feelings I've been experiencing. Not only does it mean book club members won't be receiving those wholesome romances they love (both to read and pass on to friends or young female readers), but it means I have to find another publishing house for my books and writing. Two of my books promised for contract are now not going to be contracted.

A lot of big-name Christian fiction authors got their start by writing for Heartsong Presents. Authors like Tracie Peterson, Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter, Mary Connealy, Judith Miller, Donita K. Paul, and at least 20 others. I just can't think of their names right now. :)

I can't say I'm surprised, as I've seen the club numbers dwindle over the past 3-4 years. The world of publishing is changing, and unfortunately, this book club no longer fits the needs and buying habits of the average Christian romance reader. Mass-markets are going the way of the dinosaur, and those looking for value-priced books are migrating to e-books by the thousands!

I joined this club in 1992 when it first began, and this club gave me my first publishing contract. It is with bittersweet fondness that I begin the process of saying goodbye.

At least the 4-in-1 novella collections will continue. And they are going to continue doing the repacks of Heartsong books until they have released ALL Heartsong titles in a 3-in-1 repack. Barbour Publishing will also continue with the Romancing America line with the novellas, and they have trade-length BRIDE/WEDDING single title romances coming out starting this year. This is in addition to their standard trade-length single titles in the romance genre. Romance is still strong with them. It just won't be through Heartsong Presents anymore.

So, what about you? Any thoughts or comments?

CFBA Blog Tour - Tracie Peterson and Hearts Aglow

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Hearts Aglow
Bethany House (February 1, 2011)
by Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

HEARTS AGLOW
by Tracie Peterson
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

The future should be bright for Deborah Vandermark, who is now pursuing her interest in medicine alongside Dr. Christopher Clayton, who is courting her. But the lumber town is resistant to the idea of a woman physician, and she feels thwarted at every turn.

A more devastating blow occurs, however, when Christopher breaks off their relationship to return home to his troubled family. Despite her own love life going awry, Deborah is still intent to be a matchmaker for both her widowed mother and her brother, who has caught the eye of the spit-fire daughter of the local pastor.

But what will Deborah do when faced with the truth about Christopher's family? Is there hope for the two of them...or will Jake Wyeth's attentions finally catch Deborah's eye instead?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hearts Aglow, go HERE.

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

Greetings from snowy Montana.

For most of the month of February I was in Texas speaking and signing books. I left Belgrade at -21 degrees on February 9th and arrived in Houston where it was 21 above. It felt like a heat wave. It was a great reminder that all things are subjective.

The book tour was great and people were so kind. I love meeting with folks and enjoy hearing how God used the books to draw them closer to Him.

My Striking a Match series is set in East Texas during the 1880's and deals with the logging industry there. When I first started researching a storyline for Texas, I was amazed by the fact that they had, and still have, a large logging industry. Yellow pine was often overlooked in the early years because it has a high resin content, but as logging industries cleared the country of white pine, it became increasingly important to use yellow pine and Texas was more than happy to deliver.

Saw mill towns sprang up overnight and disappeared just as quickly, but the concepts were often different than those of saw mill towns in other parts of the country. Texas mill towns and logging industries tended to be family focused. In much of the country, loggers were encouraged to be bachelors and live in camps. In Texas the concept of family men being more reliable caused mill owners to encourage family lifestyles.

With few laws in place pertaining to education, saw mill owners would often set up their own schools for worker's children, as well as churches and stores. Workers were encouraged to be well-grounded with the idea being that these "family" men would drink and fight less, be more faithful to show up and earn their living, and be more responsible to the community.

Other issues that drew me to this time period and setting were post-Civil War racial issues, educational problems and the overall picture of life in Texas. The people then, as now, had to be hearty and strong, generous and helpful to one another, as well as firm in their faith. I hope you'll enjoy the series and see for yourself this fascinating slice of Texas frontier life.

Tracie Peterson

* * * * *

MY REVIEW

I've read so many of Tracie's novels, I can begin to predict certain aspects and formulas she employs during her writing. In this book, she inserted a bit more historical and medical knowledge, which I found quite enjoyable. Seeing a heroine struggling against society mores to practice medicine when the woman's place was in the home appealed to me in the same way the TV show, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, did.

And although some might be taken back by the violence or the level of prejudice, or even the "white pride" portrayed, it is very true to the times. It's not easy removing your 21st century ideals and understandings when you read historical novels, but you can't apply them. Otherwise, you risk viewing those people in a far more negative light than is appropriate for the time in which they lived.

That being said, I did find the cast of characters to be in line with most of Tracie's recent novels. The only problem with that is if you haven't read book 1 in this series, you'll likely get lost and confused. References are made, but there isn't enough to clarify some of them. And of course, this book ends with a cliffhanger of sorts that leads into book 3. Depending upon how anxious you are to find out what happens, you might want to wait until book 3 is released, then read all 3 in a row.

All in all, this book is what I've come to expect from Tracie. It's an enjoyable read, and her writing is what you can count on for a comfort read. You know you'll get a thorough, well-researched story.

* * * * *

CFBA Blog Tour - Tracie Peterson and Twilight's Serenade

I'm thrilled beyond words to be able to feature today's author and the 3rd book in her latest Alaska series. Tracie has been instrumental in my own publishing career, with her husband having been the acquisitions editor to acquire my first novel. From our email exchanges in the late 1990's, she fast became a woman I admire, and to this day, she remains a good friend and mentor.

Happy reading!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TRACIE PETERSON is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November 1992, and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December 1995, she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

TWILIGHT'S SERENADE
by Tracie Peterson
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Britta Lindquist left Sitka six years ago in an attempt to distance herself from the love of her life, Yuri Belikov. Upon her return, she finds Yuri absent and his wife about to deliver a child. When tragic circumstances ensue, Britta suddenly finds herself caring for Yuri's children--and her life intertwining with the man she's tried so hard to forget.

But Britta's other great love is for the violin, and her talent is recognized by Brenton Maltese, a conductor from England. He proposes she accept the coveted first chair position in his orchestra...and also his hand in marriage. At a crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for--and if she's willing to fight for it.

At a Crossroads, Britta must determine what her heart truly longs for─and if she's willing to fight for it.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Twilight's Serenade, go HERE.

* * * * *

MY REVIEW

This is the third book in this Song of Alaska series. While I can't say this is among my favorites of Tracie's books, I can say Tracie does a terrific job getting first time readers up to speed on the history. Yuri's change of heart seemed rather quick, since it happened near the beginning of the book, and the inclusion of Marston was excellent. Britta is a fantastic heroine, fierce in her love, devoted to her family, and with an enormous amount of heart. One warning, there IS a devastating twist thrown in that will likely break your heart. Still, it's a satisfying conclusion to a epic story about the Lindquist family that ends with everyone happily ever after.

Looking forward to your new series on the Texas family, Tracie. Thanks for the years of reading pleasure.

* * * * *

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

1. This is the final book in your latest Alaska series. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Inspiration to write this book came from the characters in the story. I felt that Britta's unrequited love story had to be told, and I wanted to bring back troublesome characters from the past to show that some people never change. All sorts of things were changing in the location of Sitka during 1906 time period and those issues and concerns lent themselves nicely to the story as well.

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

One of the issues in this story series was about letting go of the past and forgiving. There were things that were purposefully done to Lydia for instance and she had to learn to let go of her fears and anger over those things in order to have the future God wanted for her. That's a lesson I've had to learn myself. However, there was also the issue of Britta's love for Yuri. A love that had driven her and molded her since she was a small girl. That's not been something that I've experienced, but I've seen it happen in the lives of others and found it amazingly powerful.

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

Britta would be Caramel, Fudge Ripple. She appears calmly vanilla - sweet and simple, but underlying that facade are rivers of caramel and fudge that liven up the pretense of simplistic calm.

4. What themes exist in Twilight's Serenade that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as your story unfolded?

Throughout the book, Britta's character deals with one seemingly impossible situation after another. Not the least of which is her love for a man who first of all is headed on a self-destruct path, and second - is married. Britta is an honorable young woman and she tries her best to let go of this deep love and focus on what God has for her. But it always seems to come full circle that the delight of her heart - her passion and longing - are the very things God has put there for her.

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

Probably the most difficult was daling realistically with Lydia and Marston and the issues of forgiving the past. I didn't want it to seem trite or easy, because we all know that forgiveness is sometimes very hard. I wanted to show that this was a situation of growth for Lydia's character, while Marston was the same old ugly, heartless man he'd always been. My favorite - putting Yuri and Britta together.

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

My new series STRIKING A MATCH comes out in late September 2010. Book one is titled EMBERS OF LOVE and starts readers on a massive saga dealing with the Vandermark family. Set in East Texas in the 1880's, this series will focus on the logging industry of the area. I chose it because one doesn't usually think "logging" when they think Texas, but yellow pine was and continues to be a strong industry for Texas. The focal character for this series is Deborah Vandermark - a remarkable young woman who is educated in a time when female education is frowned upon. She has a passion and love of life and her family, God and Texas - but despite this she finds herself longing for more. I hope everyone gets a chance to join us on the adventure.

* * * * *

Thanks so much, Tracie, for being in the spotlight.

Readers, answer the bonus question related to the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Twilight's Serenade. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Have you read any other book by Tracie (she's written over 80 novels!) ? If so, what is your favorite? Why?

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 Tracie Peterson and Dawn's Prelude

I'm honored and privileged to host one of my all-time favorite authors and friends on my blog today. Can't believe it took this long for me to actually request the interview. :) After all, Tracie and her husband, Jim, are the reason I'm published today, and they had quite the influence in my first book being sold to Barbour Publishing. And it all started with an email back in 1998 to say how much I loved her books. Today, I count them among my treasured friends.

Now, you see why having Tracie here is such an honor!

This is a 2-part spotlight, with the CFBA feature coming next week. The free book giveaway will be drawn from the names of those who post on both spotlights, but you need only post in one or the other to be entered. Good luck!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TRACIE PETERSON is a best-selling author of over 80 books and a popular speaker at writer's conferences. She is one of the 8 original founders of ACFW (at the time ACRW, American Christian Romance Writers) and at one point served as one of the organization's founders. Today, she and her husband make their home in Montana, with children and grandchildren in Kansas and Massachusetts. Jim is a historian who helps Tracie, and often other authors, with historical research.

DAWN'S PRELUDE
by Tracie Peterson
Published by Bethany House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Newly widowed Lydia Sellers discovers that through an unforeseen fluke, she is the sole recipient of her husband's fortune. But instead of granting her security, it only causes strife as her adult stepchildren battle to regain the inheritance for themselves. Lydia, longing to put the memories of a painful marriage behind her, determines to travel to Alaska to join her aunt.

Lydia's arrival in Sitka, however, brings two things she didn't expect. One is the acquaintance of Kjell Bjorklund, the handsome owner of the sawmill. Second is the discovery that she is pregnant with her dead husband's child. What will this mean for her budding relationship with Kjell? And to what lengths will her stepchildren go to reclaim their father's fortune? Lydia soon finds her life--and that of her child's--on the line.

Readers, buy your copy of Dawn's Prelude today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Sitka, on Baranof Island is a fascinating place. I've been there on many occasions and the history is so stimulating and intriguing. While there, I learned so much about the Tlingit people who were first to the island, the Russians and their influence, and of course early Americans and their contributions. It's a wonderful place with incredible people and stories of hardship and endurance. It seemed the perfect place to set a series.

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

I try to create characters that can appeal universally to the reader. I want each of the readers to see themselves in the story. I utilize experiences like walking through a mossy spruce sheltered cemetery. I want to talk about the misty rain that fell, the smell of the earth and moss and spruce. I want to share the feeling of silence and awe at this quiet burial ground. Those are the kind of experiences that I use to influence the characters and hopefully the reader. I also work hard to let the character lead. In that, I mean that as the story develops I often find my characters wanting to do something I hadn't planned. That might sound strange, but it happens a lot. When it does, I go with it, because that's when I know the character and not just my outline, is directing the story.

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

What a fun question. In this story, I would have to say my heroine is a rocky road, because that's exactly the life she's had. She's got a past that fulls of nuts and marshmallows. My hero is a rich butter pecan. He is simple, yet complex and rich. He surprises the heroine with his strength in gentleness.

4. Are there any themes in Dawn's Prelude that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Dawn's Prelude deals with some of the issues related to "Where is God when bad things happen to the innocent?" I think it's a question we all ask at one time or another. We look at a bad situation and find ourselves confused as to why God would allow it, and if He really loves us - why didn't He stop it. The issue of learning to trust after betrayal is also another important issue. I try to find themes that work well for the storyline, but also are a universal issue for people today. I want to share the Gospel message in my stories, but also to offer good sound Bible application for issues and events that are sometimes overwhelming.

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

I loved doing the research in Sitka and exploring the possibilities for my characters. It was great fun to learn about the army's control of the city and how the people lived in coordination with them. It was sad to see how the Tlingit were treated, but easy to recognize the fear of those in charge. I found that often difficult. Difficult also to see how the missionaries, in keeping with the attitudes and beliefs of the day, treated the Tlingits. It caused a lot of division and sorrow. My prayer is that we've learned from some of those mistakes. Over all, I also enjoyed developing characters who loved music. I had music in my background and so my love of music gets to have an outlet in my characters.

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

The next book out is book #2 in this series Song of Alaska. It's titled MORNING'S REFRAIN and picks up about 19 years later and deals with the next generation of people. The old characters from book one will reappear, and issues that take place in book one will have consequences and complications for book 2. Book 3 TWILIGHT'S SERENADE will conclude the series and come out in summer 2010.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Dawn's Prelude.

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 anyone worldwide.