Spotlight on Robin Bayne and Words to Write By

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ROBIN BAYNE is the award-winning author of five novels and four novellas, and is a columnist for the "Spirit Led Writer" ezine and "The Examiner.com." Her essays, articles and devotionals have been published in the God's Way Book series, Cup of Comfort Devotionals, The Secret Place, Christian Communicator, Writer's Journal and many other publications. She has given workshops at regional and online romance writing conferences and the Writer's Digest World's Largest Writing Workshop. She lives in Maryland with her husband, and works a "day job" as a mortgage underwriter (at a very stable, small community bank!). Visit her at www.robinbayne.com.

WORDS TO WRITE BY
by Robin Bayne
Published by Treble Heart Books (MountainView Division)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Join a variety of well-known authors as they share the Scripture or quotations they find inspiring to their writing. The devotionals they've contributed reflect all aspects of the writing life: basic motivation, rejection, publishing and succeeding. Spend some time with the writers you love and discover what words they write by.

Buy Your Copy of Words to Write By Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this book?

I enjoy reading daily devotionals and I also enjoy reading advice for writers. So I decided to put them together and provide a book of devotionals for writers. When I started asking authors I know to participate, I was overwhelmed and grateful by their response. This book wouldn't have been possible without so many wonderful writers sharing their experiences.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your selection in this book? How much came from outside sources?

My piece included in the book is actually fairly short, and inspired by one of my favorite Bible verses. Originally I wanted to use a piece I wrote that was based on Beth Moore's "Believing God" workshop, but decided against it due to the amount of time/permission that would be needed.

As I assembled the book, creating chapters and deciding on which pieces fit the best, I definitely relied on outside experience. This came in the form of books I've read over the years and comments/questions I've fielded from writers. And of course I was inspired by the Bible to put these devotionals together--so many of them feature Scripture as their inspiration.

3. Are there any humorous stories to be found tucked between the pages?

Although the devotionals aren't ha-ha laugh-out-loud funny, many of them have amusing elements that will make the reader smile.

4. What types of themes exist in Words to Write By that you hope the reader gleans from reading?

Patience, persistance, garnering motivation from Scripture and from other writers who are further along on the journey.

5. What was the most difficult part about assembling this compilation?

It was very hard to decline some of the submissions--all of them had some type of value, but might not have fit the rest of the project.

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

I don't have anything scheduled at this point, but I am working on a new novel. I am also writing a column for the Baltimore Examiner.com--I am the "Book and Blog" examiner for the Baltimore area.

Thanks so much for this opportunity!

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Words to Write By.

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 residents in the US only. International residents can enter for a chance to win an electronic copy of the book.

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Spotlight on Candice Speare and Kitty Litter Killer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CANDICE MILLER SPEARE lives with Mr. Winston Churchill the African Gray Parrot and Jack Pup in the countryside of Maryland. She writes for Heartsong Presents--Mysteries! Her first two books, Murder in the Milk Case and Band Room Bash, were released earlier this year. Her third, Kitty Litter Killer, will be released in December. Candice is a freelance content reviewer for Heartsong's cozy mystery line, working closely with associate editor Susan Downs. Please visit Candice at www.candicemillerspeare.com where you can read her blog and learn more about her.

KITTY LITTER KILLER
by Candice Miller Speare
Published by Heartsong Presents Mysteries/Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amateur sleuth Trish Cunningham has retired from her short-lived foray into crime solving. No more walking deliberately into danger. Her short-term goal is to see her best friend Abbie marry fiancé Eric Scott in three weeks. But the brutal murder of Abbie's ex-husband could ruin the nuptials, especially since Abbie was the last one seen with him—when they had a hostile argument at a local convenience store. With evidence pointing at Abbie and the possibility of jail instead of a walk down the aisle, Trish comes out of self-imposed sleuth retirement. And as the clock ticks down to the wedding date, Trish once again puts herself in reach of the claws of a murderer—this time to protect her best friend.

Buy Your Copy of Kitty Litter Killer by contacting Candice at her web site today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Now there's a good question. And I don't really have a good answer for you. This is the third in a three-book series, so I had to follow up on relationship threads I'd started in the previous books. I also wanted to end with a bang. Make it a bit more emotional. As far as the name, I was just goofing around one day and thought of it and decided it would be cool to build a story around it. I'm not rational. I'm a writer.

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

Probably a bit of me influenced most of my characters. Everything I put down on paper comes through me from my own experiences or what I've observed in other people. The farm stuff is part of my life—my folks raise beef cattle. One of my minor characters is a writer. She's probably more like me than any other character in the book. Although, this is funny...I've had some people tell me my heroine isn't anything like me, and others have said she reminds them of me. Go figure.

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

Rocky Road. Because she's hard and soft at the same time. She's also a little bit nuts.

4. Are there any themes in Kitty Litter Killer that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The overall theme of the book is forgiveness. I've tried to represent that in a number of the characters and their conflicts and relationships. I didn't purposely add any other themes to the book, so if they're there, I haven't seen them.

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

The emotional scenes with the heroine's best friend. I had to dig inside of me for the pain. My favourite parts to write, just like in the first two Trish Cunningham books, were the scenes between Trish and her mother. It's full of conflict and just fun create. People have asked me if that relationship has any basis in fact—me and my own mother. It doesn't. My mom and I never bicker. But I've seen other people act this way.

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

I am scheduled for another cozy next year with a new heroine and new characters. This heroine is retired Navy, so I'll be exploring a totally new character.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Kitty Litter Killer.

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 Nancy Moser and John 3:16

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NANCY MOSER is is the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational novels that focus on discovering our unique purpose, including Solemnly Swear, Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner, and her latest historical, Washington's Lady, which is one in a line of novels that allow real women-of-history to share their life stories

Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters,symphonies, and choirs. She gives Said So Sister Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included.

Find out more at Nancy Moser.com and Sister Circles.com

JOHN 3:16
by Nancy Moser
Published by Tyndale House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Five people looking for a reason to keep living are about to find it in the last place they expect... In my usual "big cast" style comes a story of what happens when one man puts his faith on the line and holds up a John 3:16 sign at a sporting event. Roman Paulson's life revolves around his son, Billy, a University of Nebraska football hero with a promising life ahead of him. But when Billy's coach encroaches on Roman's relationship with his son, Roman fears he'll lose Billy forever. Roman isn't the only one whose world turns upside down. He's one of five unsuspecting people whose lives intersect on a bright fall day, when one of them will hold up a sign at a football game with a short message: John 3:16. This simple act of faith will have the power to change lives forever.

Buy Your Copy of John 3:16 Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Years ago, before I was a strong Christian, I saw such someone hold up a "John 3:16" sign at a football game. That intrigued me. My first reaction was, "Huh?" My second reaction was to figure the verse had something to do with victory. Only years later did I actually read the verse and remember the sign and go, "Oh…that kind of victory." Better late than never.

In this book I wanted to showcase characters who were given multiple chances to say yes to God, but for a variety of reasons told him "No" or, "Not now." We all have a tendency to believe there's always another day to dig deeper into our souls and commit. We can pray a little harder later, when we have more time. Like Scarlett O'Hara always said, "I'll think of that tomorrow...after all, tomorrow is another day."

Sometimes. But not always. Because time does run out.

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

Although the exact situations the characters have to deal with are foreign to me (thank you, Jesus!) the emotions behind them are not: pride, passivity, being a people-pleaser, doubt, confusion, grief, arrogance, forgiveness, hope, being broken to the Lord...

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

I have four main characters, each with their own storyline:
* Velvet Cotton would be pistachio nut because she's a little out-there, a unique personality who thrives on being different.
* Roman Paulson would be French vanilla because he thinks a lot of himself (hence the "French", not settling for just vanilla) but he's actually more basic than he'd like to admit.
* Maya Morano would be Rocky Road because she does everything the hard way, taking the rocky road through life...
* Peter McLean would be chocolate peanut butter because he's basically a down-home young man who is most happy with the basics of life: peanut butter and chocolate! (this is my favorite flavor.)

4. What themes exist in John 3:16 that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I want to remind the reader of the most pivotal verse in all of Scripture: John 3:16. It's the essence of why we are here and what the future holds. We need to get back to this basic core.

The rest of the themes developed as the story progressed, as each character came to the verse from their own unique situation:

* Roman is a bitter man with a large chip on his shoulder (actually, it's more of a log.) He wants nothing to do with God. But God wants something to do with him.
* Velvet carries baggage from the past that makes her think her life (such as it is) is as good as it gets. She expects little of life until the verse reveals amazing possibilities.
* Maya and her husband are desperate for a child, and (like Sarah in the Bible) she gets in trouble by taking matters into her own hands. God needs to show her that His way is the best way.
* Peter has been raised in the church, but is tempted away—with strong consequences. He needs to find his way back...

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

Most difficult: the grief. As I get into the characters' heads, I hurt too.

My favorite: I took great care (and joy) in making the characters' lives intersect in surprising ways. It's like a puzzle. Also, I've tried to make the characters flawed and real, so readers can relate and be inspired by how they grow.

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

It's a biographical novel on the love story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It's called "How Do I Love Thee?" and comes out in June 2009. Here's a blurb: The year is 1845. Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet - and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. She has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives... I love your verses with all my heart', writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. And as friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her words alone. Could it be that God might grant her more than mere existence? And can she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?

And here's a bonus: in the back of the book will be the sonnets that EBB made famous: The Sonnets from the Portuguese. They are quite lovely.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of John 3:16.

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 Dennis Bates and Under the Burr Oak Tree

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DENNIS BATES - "Getting older but feeling younger by the minute." That’s how Dennis Bates describes himself since he retired from his job as a government attorney. And this father of two daughters and husband of 39 years, credits following his dream to write with a good part of that. This is his second publication following "Under the Burr Oak Tree" which was released earlier this year by Spirit Light Publishing.

All his stories involve three things: a Christian world view, although admittedly from the edges sometimes, where he feels real people live; one or more love stories at least partially from a male perspective, and some tie to his home state of Iowa, where he and his wife live.

With an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Iowa, he frequently uses Iowa City as a setting and a source of inspiration and almost always has something to say about the small Iowa towns that he both loves and can't resist poking fun at on a regular basis. "Iowans are special people to me," he says, "but we have our quirks, and I'm thankful for all of them because they give me an endless supply of things to write about."

His Second Calling Author website can be found at dennisbates.com, which features a page about his latest books and a link to a blog at www.spirtlightbooks, where he writes about whatever happens to come into his mind every Tuesday and Wednesday. He invites you to visit his website and the blog site often.

UNDER THE BURR OAK TREE
by Dennis Bates
Published by Spirit Light Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Under the Burr Oak Tree is a story of forgiveness, the grace that allows it, and the love that can grow out of it. Full of the hope and strength of a young woman who dares to dream of a better life, and laced with the humor she uses as both a sword and a shield to rescue her sister, her mother and ultimately herself, the story argues that good guys still exist, and the don't always finish last.

Buy Your Copy of Under the Burr Oak Tree Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Originally it was a reaction to a book written by Susan Meissner. I didn't like the way she left one of her characters at the end of the story, so I was going to give a similar character a better fate. However, as most of my stories do, it morphed into something very different and that character ended up being Lindsey.

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

Most of my stories take place at least partially in Iowa, which is my home state and where I live now. For that reason, most of my settings are very familiar to me. There are elements in all my characters that are based to some degree on my experiences, but a good part of everything I write deals more with themes that interest me and I let the characters talk about how they feel. I use a very limited outline and write to a large degree from the seat of my pants, recording the situations and conversations wherever the characters take me. All of my characters seem to develop unique traits because of that.

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

Ice cream? There's a whimsical question. I like it. There are two heroines (sisters) and two heroes. Lindsey is a dreamer so she would be whatever flavor you dream about whenever you think of ice cream, but she would be the purest variety and definitely homemade. Candy would be quite different and definitely covered with hot fudge, but underneath she would be pure and rich. Hank goes with Lindsey but he is definitely vanilla, pure and everybody's favorite. William, a former attorney, would be something that started as Praline Pecan because it's pretentious, but ended up being fairly basic and solid like butter pecan.

4. What themes exist in Under the Burr Oak Tree that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Ice cream? There's a whimsical question. I like it. There are two heroines (sisters) and two heroes. Lindsey is a dreamer so she would be whatever flavor you dream about whenever you think of ice cream, but she would be the purest variety and definitely homemade. Candy would be quite different and definitely covered with hot fudge, but underneath she would be pure and rich. Hank goes with Lindsey but he is definitely vanilla, pure and everybody's favorite. William, a former attorney, would be something that started as Praline Pecan because it's pretentious, but ended up being fairly basic and solid like butter pecan.

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

I know that this sounds strange, but this story almost wrote itself after I turned it over to the Holy Spirit and really listened. Before that I ran into one road block after another. The credit for turning it over really belongs to Staci Stallings, who liked the basic story and told me to listen to the story that had already been written in heaven and write it down. That doesn't mean I don't get choked up sometimes when I see what I was been given. My two favorite scenes: William's proposal to Candy under the burr oak tree in Door County, Wisconsin, and the group prayer Candy, William, Lindsey and Hank have under the burr oak tree in Iowa. I don't want to say more than that or it will ruin the scenes.

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

My next book is coming out within the next month again through Spirit Light Publishing and the title is Sharon's Song. Here is blurb from the back cover.

With a blizzard making all roads impassable, all Sharon Winston wants is for her brother to be safe.. Sharing a prayer with a simple truck driver and a group of his friends at a truck stop, she gets an answer that is much more than she asks for, and it involves her brother, the woman who finds him, dozens of local residents, the truck driver and Sharon herself. However, God's answer to that simple prayer reveals mysteries of the past mingled with miracles of the present and future in an hundred year old love song written just for her. All she has to do is listen to it play in her heart forever.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Under the Burr Oak Tree.

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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Baby Update -- Week 22, 18 Weeks to Go!

Wow! When I type out that post title, it makes everything hit home real hard! I can't believe I'm already past the halfway point and only have 4 months left. It's amazing to even think that in just 4 short months, I'll be holding my very first baby and falling in love all over again. :)

Oh, and for those who hadn't heard or read it yet....SURPRISE! I'm pregnant and expecting a wee one on March 23rd. It's posted all over this blog and my web site, but easy to miss if you're not looking for it.

Anyway, if you were around last year, you know on Mondays I posted weekly updates toward the countdown of my wedding last July. Well, I heard so many great comments and received so much feedback, I figured it'd be a great idea to do that for the Baby Countdown.

And as of week 22, here is the update:

We had our first ultrasound 1 week ago on the 10th. It went extremely well. Praise God! Did wonders for helping reassure me that all is well with the baby, the baby is growing great, and there really is a baby in there. LOL! I just started feeling movement that night and have been feeling flutters or bubbles every day since. Guess those sonar pulses from the sonogram jarred the baby into action....or at least heightened action that I can feel. :) Doc said I should definitely experience my first real kick before my next appt. on December 9th.

Let's see. All of the brain, bones, organs are growing great. Baby measured at 21 weeks, 1 day last week, so I'm right on target with original due date. Also weighs exactly 1 pound, is 8 inches crown to rump or about 12 inches head to toe. They couldn't get a suitable spine shot, as baby was turning and twisting throughout the whole thing. So, I'm going back on Dec. 9th for a follow-up to look at the spine, one vein to the heart and the kidneys. Baby kept hiding them. *winks*

That picture might be a little dark, but baby's head is over there to the left and there's an arm near the top with a hand touching the head. Guess baby is thinking about when to kick me next!

Other than that, we're doing great. I finally have a belly to show, at least a little bit and by Christmas, I'll "pop" to the point of no return and no more hiding. For now, I can still conceal it most times beneath baggy clothes. :)

Tune in next week for the latest. And if you want to receive an email each time I post an update, subscribe using the form over there at the top right.

Thanks for coming along this journey with me.

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