Spotlight on Anita Higman and Another Hour to Kill

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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Spotlight on Linore Rose Burkhard and Before the Season Ends

Today, we have not one, but TWO author spotlights. You get a bonus as we wrap up the year 2008 and get ready to ring in 2009. Praying you're all blessed as we move forward.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LINORE ROSE BURKHARD creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 - 1830). Ms. Burkard's novels include Before the Seasons Ends and The House in Grosvenor Square (coming April, 2009). Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency period. Experience a romantic age, where timeless lessons still apply to modern life. And, enjoy a romance that reminds you happy endings are possible for everyone.

BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS
by Linore Rose Burkhard
Published by Harvest House

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1813: Romantic woes at home send Ariana Forsythe to her Aunt Bentley's town house in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There she finds worse troubles than those that prompted her flight from home. Under her aunt's watchful eye, Ariana is soon steeped in high society--and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue.

Then, unexpectedly, rumour of a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her faith and her future are at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention.

Will Ariana's faith survive this test? And what about her heart? For it is Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to a man who cannot share her faith, how can it ever turn out right?

BOOK VIDEO TRAILER



Buy Your Copy of Before the Season Ends today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

I'm not sure. I think Ariana and Phillip are both amalgamations of people I've read about and known. England in the 1800s is a world away from the 21st century.

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

It's hard to say how much of oneself goes into a character. I don't know if anything in my experience influenced my characters except knowing now how I WISHED I could have behaved at times in my past! Meaning, I think I made my heroine smarter than I was, or would have been, at her age, in her place. I hope that answers your question.

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

Oh, my goodness--this is not the way I think, but I'll try! Let's see--Ariana Forsythe would likely be a rich, creamy Vanilla--pure, lovely, pulls no punches, is up front and dependably true to her nature. "Flavour." The hero, Mr. Phillip Mornay? When we first meet him in the book, he is definitely "Rocky Road!" (Hey, maybe I DO think this way!)

4. Are there any themes in Before the Season Ends that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Readers come away from my book with the feeling that God is involved in everyday life, and that happy endings are possible for everyone. A less obvious theme could be that "God works in mysterious ways," in that He leads us down paths that are scary and surprising, but which ultimately fulfill his highest plans for us.

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

I think for me the biggest challenge was to believe that I could write a novel in small increments. As a mom of five, four of whom are still home year-round (one is in college), having frequent interruptions is a fact of life. Writing takes a concentration so deep so that when I first started doing scenes, I would find myself getting woozy after standing up. I was shocked at the level of exertion it took to use my brain that hard, I guess! It happens less now--I guess I've grown accustomed to it. And I've learned to appreciate those small blocks of time. Ten minutes in a waiting room can yield a part of a scene I couldn't get done at home. Every little bit counts. I don't despise small beginnings. There are times when I'm in a deep level of involvement with a story or a character, and then getting interrupted can break the mood; but I'm getting better all the time at picking up where I left off, no matter how deeply I've got to dive to get back into the character or situation. For people like me with busy households, this is a must-have ability. I believe it can be the difference between making that deadline or not.

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

The House in Grosvenor Square will be out in April of 2009. It's a continuation (sequel) of Before the Season Ends. I don't want to give anything away, but Ariana gets in more scrapes, has two dastardly enemies, and there are strange goings-on in "The house in Grosvenor Square!"

Thanks so much, Tiff!

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Before the Season Ends.

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

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

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

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Baby Update -- Week 28, 12 Weeks to Go!

Well, it's week 28. I've got 12 weeks to go on the full estimate. But a friend recently reminded me that anything after 36 weeks is considered full term. So, if this baby decides to come early, I could have as little as 8 weeks left. YIKES! I think I prefer the 12.

This little one's kicks are getting stronger these days, but one of my books advises me to pay attention. If I notice a significant drop in the number of kicks experienced per hour, I should make a phone call to my physician. So far, no worries in that department. I know that during the final weeks of pregnancy this in-house-football player will be kicking significantly less as he/she will lack the space to move about as vigorously. I've got lots of pelvic room, or so my doctor says, but I know baby will still start feeling cramped before too long. At least that hasn't happened yet.

And now for a few words from wee baby Stockton...



"Wee"? Me? I'm not so little anymore. I weigh almost 3 pounds and measure about 16 inches long! I can see light, blink my eyes, taste and smell too. That means I've started dreaming, and the most common dream I have is when I'll finally get to see Mommy face to face. I've heard her talking about meeting me. It will be love at first sight, I'm sure.

Let's see what else is in my skills repertoire. Add coughing, sucking, hiccupping and taking practice breaths, and I've got the lung thing down! Oh, and I recognize Mommy's voice! I love it the best when she's singing. Of course, there's this other voice that's deeper. Once in a while, it sounds so bad, but most of the time, it's loud and strong. I'm thinking it's Daddy, and he likes to goof off or make Mommy laugh with funny voices. I have a feeling he's going to be so silly when I finally meet him. If Mommy is giggling, I know I will.

Mommy recently told Daddy she feels like a barn with legs. I'm not sure what a barn is, but it must mean she feels big. Well, I hope she realizes that feeling won't go away before...well, until she finally gives birth to me. For now, I'm busy collecting fat and lots of it! It might not be much fun for Mommy, but it's going to keep me warm and healthy after birth. If she figures that out, I'm sure she'll be happy to endure the extra weight.

Yeah, I've been doing a lot of blinking, and you know what? I saw this bright light shining in one spot and then another on Mommy's belly. I think Daddy had what he calls a flashlight or something. Well, Mommy told him I might be able to see it, so I gave a good kick just to prove her right. I'm sure they both smiled at that.

The only other thing happening with me this week is my bone marrow developing red blood cells, while my super-cute adrenal glands--whatever they are--are producing something called androgen and estrogen. I heard Mommy reading that this will stimulate her hormones to begin milk production. Oh boy! I'll have something to eat when I'm born. I wonder if Mommy can say, "Moo?" :)



Ok, that's enough from the little one. Getting just a bit silly, like his/her Daddy. It's me again, the mommy.

Hubby and I started nesting this past week after Christmas. We analyzed the baby's space in the office and made plans to reorganize. Thanks to my sister-in-law, who will be taking our futon, we were able to disassemble it and stow it on our deck until she and her husband can come get it. That freed up an entire wall almost. So, we moved my glider rocker in that area and put down a dog bed with a large pillow for Roxie, our border collie. She used to sleep on the futon, but she's adjusted to the new bed just fine.

Then, we received a white chest of drawers with 4 drawers which is now in the closet next to where the pack-n-play will go. We took a look at cribs and options yesterday and decided a pack-n-play is our best for now. It has a high level for the crib, a changing station that swings out of the way during sleep or over the crib for changing, plus a playpen below when the baby gets big enough to sit up. It will work for now.

Hubby also went out today to get a shelf for above the dresser as well as a hanging canvas shelf with 6 pockets for diapers, clothing, etc. It's hanging from the bar right next to the dresser and makes that half of the closet look so nice. Once we get our Christmas boxes off the high top shelves, we'll have ourselves a functional and organized little baby corner. All we need is to bring in our travel system which we received for Christmas and the pack-n-play. Of course, bringing the baby home will make it complete. :)

Well, I guess that's about all for now.

Tune in next week for the first update of the new year. :) 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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Book Giveaway and Interview -- Come Join Me!

Just wanted to let y'all know that I'm a guest on Kat's Logic this week. I know it's Christmas and everyone is likely quite busy. But if you get a chance, drop by and read the 3-part interview being posted today, Wednesday and Friday and feel free to ask any questions. I'll be doing my best to pop in and respond.

Also, I am a guest blogger at Bustles & Spurs, and there's a HUGE book giveaway contest happening this month over there. I posted a triva question with my post for a giveaway of one of my books, but if you post a comment anywhere, you will be entered in the BIG drawing of one copy of each guest blogger's books. One from each blogger.

Check out them both and get involved. Hope to see you there!

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Baby Update -- Week 27, 13 Weeks to Go!

Well, it's week 27, and I've officially closed the 2nd trimester. I'm now just entering the 3rd and final trimester. Plus, I've completed 6 full months.

Let's see, I passed my 3-hour glucose test! Praise the Lord! Numbers came back just fine. So, it means my body takes a little longer for my body to metabolize sugars that I consume. Some folks have bodies that do that in under an hour. Me? It takes about 2 hours. But, the test last week (while long) went well. They drew a lot of blood at each hour, and I started to feel like a human pin-cushion. :)

Once it was done, I was starving. Hadn't eaten since 6pm the night before. So, it had been about 18 hours. My belly and the baby were happy to get some protein again and some sustenance.

Other than that, I've been battling a cold the past week and am just today seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Just a slight lingering cough and some minor sniffles. Last week, though, I wasn't all that great. Slept a lot, didn't have much energy and the only time I could breathe clearly was when I was walking around. SO glad it's over and I'll be back to my old self for Christmas.

The only setback once more is I get to say hello again to the familiar but not-so-lovable face of fatigue. Yep, the dratted third trimester is like a repeat of the 1st, only on a different level. My hormone factory is once again running at full-tilt. Fatigue stems from several factors, including the lovely weight gain, shortness of breath and sleep deprivation.

And of course, there will be a lot more pressure on my bladder, so I'll make even better friends with the bathroom. :) Other thrilling third-trimester symptoms include some possible swelling if I'm standing too long and feeling like I live in a sweat factory. I'm already hot now, especially at night, but with baby's body heat combining with mine, I'm going to be one hot mama! LOL!

And now for a few words from that hot baby Stockton...



Mommy isn't kidding. She was real sick last week. Every cough felt like an earthquake with all the jostling. I felt so bad for her, since I'm inside this nice, warm cushion with lots of padding. I might have been shaken a bit, but I faired just fine. Mommy, on the other hand, had to deal with everything else. Glad things have settled and she's feeling better.

Me? I'm not so tiny anymore. I weigh about 2 pounds and have grown to about 14.5 inches long! I'm also doing some slow rotations in preparation to "head out" on my upcoming birthday. Mommy and Daddy have no idea when that will be, but I know! :) I just won't tell them. They want to be surprised on whether I'm a boy or a girl. I'll let them have that *and* be surprised on when I decide to make my appearance. It's fun both ways!

So, let's see. It's the beginning of the third trimester, and my little lungs are already capable of breathing air while my heart and that palm vase system (or something like that) can provide sufficient gas exchange. My central nervous system can regulate a nice, rhythmic breathing and my body temperature. Yep. I'm getting warmer in here, and in turn, I'm making Mommy warmer. She's always been hot. I've heard her telling Daddy. He calls her his little space heater. Well, for the next few weeks, I get to help turn up the heat. At least it's winter, so she'll be nice and warm and help keep Daddy warm too.

For what it's worth, at this point, if I decided to come early, with intensive care, I could easily win on the show: "Survivor: The Early Years." I know Mommy doens't watch or even like that show, but you get the idea. :)





Ok, it's me again, and I'll wrap up things.

Hubby and I (and baby) will be going down to hubby's family for Christmas. They have about 100 acres of land with 4 homes sitting on it. Easy to get everyone together for some Christmas celebrating. About an hour's drive, and we're taking our dog as well for some run-around time. We'll also attend Christmas Eve service together, then everyone descends on one house for a buffet-style dinner. I'll be helping my mother-in-law with preparations for Christmas Day. It will be great to be involved again.

In the baby world, now is the time to kick our baby-on-the-outside preparations into high gear. I haven't "nested" a lot yet, but I'm starting to feel the pressure now. We'll be having our baby shower in early March so final baby area set-up won't be finished until then. In the meantime, we've got to dress up the nursery area with wall decor and clear out the closet for shelves to store the baby stuff, plan a space for diapering, keep mulling over the names we've picked and if we're going to stick with them, and try to enjoy this time.

When I'm not constipated, running to the toilet, or just plain wiped out, I have a lot yet to do! And I can't forget to get my sleep, be active, and eat well! Phewee! I get tired just thinking about it. But it's all good.

Well, I guess that's about all for now.

Tune in next week for the latest and final update of this year. :) 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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