Welcome JC Morrows

Today I'd like to welcome special guest, JC Morrows. Can you tell us how you developed a love of story?

Honestly, I have always had it in one form or another. I was an early reader (4 years old) and have always loved to find new stories, new adventures to lose myself in! According to my mother, from about the same age, I started telling stories to anyone who would listen. I think I must have been born a storyteller.

:) Sounds like you definitely have a love of writing and telling stories. What is the farthest place from home that you've traveled?

Tijuana, Mexico – nothing like what I was expecting either. I can hardly wait to get to Ireland though. One day...

I'm guessing there is a story behind both of those. What does a typical day look like for you and when do you fit in time to write?

I'm not sure there is a typical day in my life... is there in any author's... LOL, but I can tell you how a typical day should go.

I get up fairly early. After copious amounts of coffee (YAY for Pumpkin Spice Creamer), I typically do some social media work until about 10 am. That's when we break for school. After school, we do lunch and then outside activity. Evenings are family time and then I get the majority of my writing/editing/etc... done after the kiddos are in bed. Thankfully, I've always been a bit of a night owl.

Anywhere I can... mostly at night after the kiddos have gone to sleep. Unless I'm on a deadline. When that happens, it is open season and any time of day or night is game.

So up early and and also late. I don't know how you do it. I tire out much earlier in the evenings then I used to. What advice would you give to new authors?

NEVER QUIT! Even if it feels like none of your manuscripts will ever see publication, keep trying! Keep writing! It's therapeutic, it's good practice, and you never know when you might have the chance to dust off one of those ancient manuscripts and give it new life!

Thanks for the reminder and encouragement. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

My life verse is Habakkuk 2:2 because it describes my journey and my heart's desire so beautifully! “And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision; and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”

What a great verse! What qualities do you look for in a hero and heroine?

My characters don't really work that way. They're fully formed in my mind before I start writing their story. I do try to bring out the best of them in my writing but ultimately, I want them to be as real to the reader as they are to me.

Having 'real' characters is what draws the reader into a story. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?

The latest series actually is 100% God-inspired! I believe that God has given me the ability to tell stories but I do not believe He gives me every single story idea that pops into my head. I do however, believe that He gave me this one. And it has been the easiest (and the hardest) series I have ever written because of that.

Don't you love when God gives you ideas? What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?

I hope ultimately to be a witness through my characters. I'm no good at witnessing in person. This is the vessel God has given me for that purpose.

I can relate. I pray every day for God to use my writing to be a witness for Him. What does your writing space look like?

Mostly... a mess. I use an old table we have and unfortunately, I'm a clutterer so it's usually buried under papers and books, tablets and pens, pencils and bookmarks and boxes of business cards.

I understand all about clutter and a messy desk. I finally decide to do something about it when the stack is so high I can't see the monitor properly. LOL. If you have a day off, what's your favorite thing to do?

Read!

:) My favorite pastime too. Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I'm a bit of an over-achiever... which is not always a good quality in an author. No story can ever truly be “perfect” so it is usually my editor who has to tell me to step away from the computer and let her have it.

LOL. :) Where do you get ideas?

So many places... dreams, crazy ideas that just pop into my mind – this latest series did that; in immediate answer to my asking God what HE wanted me to write about.

You have me intrigued. Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release?

I do actually but sadly it would be too much of a spoiler to tell you about it. What I can tell you is that I did not envision writing it when I started the book. It was one of those surprises the characters threw at me unexpectedly.

In other words I have to read your book to figure it out. :) What is the genre you write in?

Young Adult Speculative

I have to admit that I don't have any familiarity with that genre. How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?

Each book is different and each character is different but I work very hard to weave God into each story in one way or another. It really depends on the story I am telling. In the Order of the MoonStone series, belief in God is very unpopular, and yet The Prince holds fast to his faith and he's not afraid to show it.

You've peeked my interest. :) How long have you've known you're a writer?

That's a bit of a tricky one. I've always known I was a storyteller and my Mum always knew I should be writing them down. It just took her a while for her to convince me of it.

So your mum had to give you a little push. :) What do you plan to work on next?

Still working on the same series.

:) How about a fun question. If you are traveling to a deserted island for a month, what two items would you take along?

My library and coffee! What do you mean the entire library doesn't count as 1 thing!?

LOL. I'll allow you to take it this time. :) Finally, where can readers connect with you?

Website: http://jcmorrows.com

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/jcmorrows

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7279550.J_C_Morrows

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jcmorrows

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCMorrows

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jcmorrows

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JC.Morrows.Author

It's been fun getting to know you, JC. I wish you the best with your writing.

Reminder, today is your last chance to have your name thrown into the cereal bowl. This month's giveaway is Erica Vetsch's book, The Cactus Creek Challenge.

Next week you won't want to miss the interview with Laura V. Hilton.

Clinging to the Rock

From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Psalm 61:2 (NKJV)

Sunshine flashed for a second as the track opened to daylight before being submersed in a tunnel again. My hands had a death grip on the silver bar that was to keep me from flying out of the race car on Disney's Test Track. Why had I agreed to go on this ride with my husband? My knuckles turned white as I continued to cling and pray the ride would soon be over.

This memory flitted through my mind as I drove to a conference upstate this summer. The section of road I traveled had sheer rock walls on either side. As I passed a car, I noticed a tree growing out of a precipice. It stood tall, it's roots clinging to the rock face. The tree had obviously withstood the storms of life and still remained standing.

I couldn't help but think about my need to cling to God, the Rock. In the midst of struggles and trails

and unforeseen things in my life, I can go to the one who loves me and knows me intimately. I need to seek my Rock every day, not just in the storms of life. I shouldn't wait until I'm overwhelmed by situations, but instead have a continual relationship with my Heavenly Father. I desire for others to see in me how I fasten myself to the Rock.

When have you been led to God and sought His face? This moment is the perfect time to cling to the Rock.

Today I'd like to welcome Patrick Craig to my 'love of story' feature. Let's start with how you developed a 'love of story'?

 My grandmother Nettie Patrick Craig and her daughter, my Aunt Alice Craig Niemi, were true Shanachies, Irish storytellers from the Irish side of my family. They kept the history of our family in their heads and passed it down to us. My dad told me about my grandmother telling him a bedtime story for years that she made up as she went along—a new chapter every night and no repetitions. I remember sitting with my aunt and hearing the stories about our family—the time that the Nez Perce Indians riding their horses into the flooded Clearwater river to rescue my great-great-great grandfather from his mill, or my grandmother running off poachers with her 30-06. I heard these stories many times and it awoke a desire in me to be a storyteller.

How fascinating and what a rich heritage. What is the genre you write in?

 I am one of about five or six men who write Amish fiction. But it’s interesting that my latest book, The Amish Heiress, has been sitting in the top ten bestsellers on Amazon in Mystery/Suspense, Historical and Romance. So I may be writing my way out of the genre, which is good since I love to write thrillers. I would hate to be known as the Truman Capote of Amish fiction.

 

Congratulations! How fun to be in such a select group. :) What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?

The Amish live their lives under the shadow of the Ordnung, a set of verbal laws and rules passed down from generation to generation.  Many Amish believe that if they follow the law they will have right standing with God.  My books try to make it clear that we are saved by grace and not by works—only Jesus Christ can save us.

 

Amen. How blessed we are to be saved by grace. Can you tell us when you knew you wanted to be a writer?

I published my first article in the school paper when I was seven years old.  I still have a copy of that paper.  I got such good feedback from my friends and family that I decided then and there that writing was something I could do well—and I’ve been writing ever since.

I can relate. I started writing at a young age too and have always had a desire to be a writer. How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?

 

When people ask me why I write I tell them I have two imperatives: To present the Gospel of Jesus Christ as clearly and understandably as I can, and to preserve our incredible language. I used to think I wanted to be a famous writer, but now I realize that if one person comes to know Jesus Christ through my books, then I have done my job.

Well said. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?

 When I was writing the Apple Creek Dreams series, I was going to tell the stories of Jerusha Springer, her adopted daughter, Jenny, and then Jenny's daughter, Rachel. But I fell in love with the character of Jenny, and then there were two books about Jenny where I had only planned on one. Now I finally get to tell Rachel's story. It's a different kind of story, but then I'm not exactly known in Amish circles as someone who writes a typical Amish novel. In fact my stories have been called Amish PLUS. I think that's because I read too many Zane Grey books when I was a kid.

 LOL. I guess all those books we've read as a kid have a way of influencing our writing. What do you plan to work on next?

 The next book in The Paradise Chronicles is the Amish Princess. It’s the story or an Indian princess in the late 1700s on the Ohio border who comes to know Christ through two captive Amish twin brothers.

 Ooh. That sounds interesting. When do you fit writing into your day?

 Mornings are the best for me. By the time I get to the end of the day, you can put a fork in Patrick, he’s done. So writing at night? Forget it.

Chuckle. I can relate. I'm plain tuckered out by evening. Where do you get ideas?

From reading. I read voraciously and have since I was five years old.

 There never is enough time to read, is there? :) If you have a day off, what's your favorite thing to do?

 Fly fishing.

 :) What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20.I love this verse because it reminds me that I truly did receive a free gift of eternal life and that I am right with God because I paid the penalty for my sins in Christ on the cross.

 Amen. Finally, how can readers stay in contact with you?

 Readers can find me online at www.patrickecraig.com, my Website or https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig, my Facebook page or at https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig, my Twitter account.  Readers can purchase my books at http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg, my Amazon page, or Barnes and Noble under Patrick E Craig. The Amish Heiress is available in on Amazon, B&N and all your favorite online stores.  You can also find it on my website at http://www.patrickecraig.com/my-book-store.

Thank you for stopping by today, Patrick. I pray the Lord blesses you and your writing. Next week Rachel L. Miller will be visiting to tell us about her writing world. Don't forget that all comments left this month will be entered into the drawing for Erica Vetsch's new book, The Cactus Creek Challenge.

The Finishing School by Valerie Woerner

In The Finishing School Valerie Woerner shares her personal stories of her quest to experience a well-lived life. She delves into topics such as prayer, bible study, self-control, dealing with distractions, friendship, hospitality, forgiveness, contentment, and many more other attributes.

Within each chapter Valerie provides lessons she has learned from her life as well as steps or tips to achieve growth in each area. This book provides lots of growth opportunities for readers.

One of the things she shared that caused me to pause and consider happened in her chapter on Bible Study. She mentioned about allowing God to use scripture to reveal more of who He is instead of trying to figure out how the Bible speaks to us personally. We can learn more about God's character when we aren't focused on ourselves.

I found this book to be thought-provoking and recommend it.

This book was provided free for review by the author - 2015.

Guest Blogger Derinda Babcock

Today I'd like to welcome guest blogger, Derinda Babcock as she shares about her new release, Dodging Destiny.

Back cover blurb

Lexie Logan thought she could run from God . . . and, like the Prophet Jonah, faced a storm of epic proportions.

Lexie knows God has called her to the mission field of Guatemala as a missionary's wife, but she has no intention of obeying. She has her own dreams: she wants to complete a Master's degree program in music and to play violin for the Topeka Symphony Orchestra.

As she waits to speak to an advisor, she pillows her head on her arms in the library of Kansas State University in June 2014, and wakes up in the back of a Conestoga wagon in June 1857, four years before the Civil War. Kansas is not a state, women do not have the vote, and slavery divides the nation. She is taken in by the Bells, who are homesteading in the newly opened territory.

While she lives with this family, God teaches her many things about obedience, trust, faithfulness, and love, but the most important lesson she learns is that there is no place in time or space where she can go to run from God, and that there is nothing that can separate her from His love.

When given a second chance, will she obey though there is risk involved, or will she play it safe and settle for second-best?

Other information:

Dodging Destiny grew out of questions I had about the Prophet Jonah's experiences as he fled God's command to go and warn Israel's enemies of coming judgment. What were the lessons Jonah learned? Does this story have implications for twenty-first century Christians? Did God command Jonah to go to another group after this incident? If so, did Jonah obey the first time, or did he have to re-learn the same lesson? Could these lessons be taught using a different setting and era?

As with all my stories, my intentions are to entertain, encourage, and inspire my readers. I hope they enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Author Bio

Derinda Babcock has been an English Language Acquisition teacher for almost twenty-five years. During this time, she worked with students of all ages and many different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The richness of this experience lends flavor and voice to the stories she writes. She enjoys historical research and the crafting of entertaining stories written from the Christian world view.

Here's the link to buy Derinda's new book.

http://www.amazon.com/Dodging-Destiny-Derinda-Babcock-ebook/dp/B014I5F25U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440639581&sr=8-1&keywords=Dodging+Destiny

Welcome Susan Craft

Today I'd like to welcome Susan Craft as she shares about her new book, Cassia and her writing life.

How did you develop your love of story?

As a child, the cadence of my grandfather’s deep voice sent me off to a sleep filled with dreams of adventure.  

I must have caught the storytelling bug too, because when doing chores around the house, like sweeping the walkway or washing dishes, I’d take myself elsewhere, fantasizing characters and faraway places. Often I found myself studying people, watching emotions change their faces. I was such a good mimicker of accents, my family knew exactly who I was copying. I guess part of good storytelling is being a good observer.

I love it when a reader tells me that something I’ve written made them laugh, or cry, or ponder. When they say they feel as if they have been transported a particular scene … well … it’s as if they have given me a gift.

How long have you known you're a writer?

My third grade teacher, Mrs. King, was writing a book about a Cherokee brother and sister, and she would read to us from it each day in class. She made me realize that authors aren’t “lofty individuals living way up there in ivory towers.” They are people like me. That knowledge threw open a gate to my creativity and inspired me to write my first “novel,” a ten-page, handwritten Nancy Drew-type suspense entitled The Mystery of the Whistling Cave. I bound the book with pieces of cardboard box and sewed it together with dental floss. My writing lay dormant until college, when I majored in Broadcast Journalism. My first job was writing, producing, and scheduling promotional ads and public service announcements for South Carolina Educational Television. I used my writing skills during my 45-year career for professional articles, books, and speeches.

As for writing historicals, my seventh grade South Carolina history teacher, Lucia Daniel, brought history to life for me, and it’s fascinated me since. Francis Marion became a real person when Ms. Daniel explained his heartbreak upon losing his dear nephew Gabriel, his intended heir, who was killed by the British when they discovered his connection to General Marion. After that, I began to see the figures in history not as names I had to memorize, but as real, sometimes ordinary people who rose to the occasion (or not) when called upon during extraordinary circumstances.

LOL. I remember the first story I wrote and making a cover although I stapled mine together. :) Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release?

There’s a scene in Cassia when Lilyan Xanthakos and her daughter Laurel and son Paul have been captured by pirates. Lilyan realizes that she and her daughter may be assaulted and she tries to find a way not only to warn Laurel but to encourage her despite their dangerous circumstances.

“We don’t have long. Grab some shells and make an arrow pointing south.” Nauseated from the nerves that heaved in her stomach, Lilyan peeked up over the sea grass to find the men busy filling the boat. She clasped Laurel’s hand. “Paul contemplates escape. I know not when, but we must be alert. And dear one, know that your father will find us. Whatever occurs. If we are separated—”

“Oh, Ma.” Laurel stopped placing the shells and gripped Lilyan’s hands. Her normally graceful body was taut with tension that accentuated the cords in her neck.“If we are separated. Never despair. However long it takes, we will be together again.” Lilyan gulped, unsure how much she should say.

“If they harm you, remember it is your earthly body. God has made our bodies such that they heal wondrously. But he has made our spirits indomitable. No one can touch what belongs to the Lord. You understand?”

Her eyes wide with fear, Laurel worried her bottom lip. “I do.”

Lilyan pulled her precious daughter into her arms and breathed her in—the trace of rose water in her hair, the sweat, and the sweet aroma so uniquely hers that permeated her clothing.

Lord, you gave this treasure to me. Spare her, please. Give her—give all of us—strength to endure whatever comes.

That sounds like a gripping scene. What advice would you give to new authors?

Read, read, read. Hone your craft. Sharpen your writing skills so finely that you can edit with the proficiency of a diamond cutter and make your work shine with a blinding brilliance. Attend writers’ conferences, but be careful, some of them are costly. Find the ones with workshops that address your level of skill. Many workshops are offered online without the expense of travel, etc. Join a critique group or find a critique partner. Write about what interests you and what you are passionate about. Writing about something you think is popular or might sell doesn’t work, and it shows in your product.

For Christian writers, pray about and for what you are writing. Ask yourself, will this glorify his name? Will it lift up your readers? Will they be a better person for having read what you’ve written? Have you done your absolute best to honor the absolute sacrifice that was made for you? Will you handle rejection with grace and accolades with humility?

Great advice. When do you fit writing into your day?

I retired this past October, and my answer to this question is very different today from what it would have been before that. I worked fulltime for 45 years in stressful jobs, the last as a proofreader for the SC Senate. My husband of 45 years and I have two adult children. When the children were young, my husband traveled a lot for his job, so it was almost like being a single parent. During those times, I’d rise in the morning, get the children ready for school, work all day, pick them up from daycare, feed them supper, help them with homework, bathe them and put them to bed. If my husband was home, I’d spend time with him. I usually didn’t sit down to write until 11 p.m. and would often write until 1 and 2 a.m. I couldn’t do that now!!! Thank heavens for my mom, who moved in with us when the children were 6 and 11. She was my dearest friend and a lifesaver who believed in my writing. I regret that my first novel wasn’t published until 2006, five years after she passed away. Though, I imagine she was smiling for me in heaven.

Today, with all the time in the world for writing, I often find myself with the very-odd-to-me feelings of writer’s doldrums. Ironic, isn’t it? Before retirement, I knew I had only a small window of time to get it done, so I did it. Oh well, it’s been only 10 months since retirement, maybe I will come around and start writing like a house on fire.

It sounds like you are on your way to find that writing groove though. :) If you are traveling to a deserted island for a month, what two items would you take along?

This question is meaningful to me because that’s exactly what happens to my characters in my novel Cassia. When Lilyan Xanthakos and her family are marooned on a deserted island in the North Carolina Outer Banks, she insists on taking her medicine kit wherever she goes. She is not only a portrait and mural painter she is also a healer who has spent years gathering the herbs and medicines in her kit. Lilyan reads the Bible to her family, and they draw comfort from it.

Following Lilyan’s example, I think I’d take a First Aid Kit and my Bible that serves me not only as God’s written word but as a journal. Over the years as I have attended Bible studies, workshops, and conferences, I have written notes throughout my Bible. So for me, when I read a passage and see a note in the margins, it reminds me of the study leader or of a friend who sat beside me, or of a particularly poignant moment shared during discussions.

Two great things to have on a deserted island although I think I'd want to bring some food and water too. :) One final question, how can your readers connect with you?

www.susanfcraft.com (website) 
http://historicalfictionalightintime.blogspot.com (personal blog, Historical Fiction a Light in Time)
http://colonialquills.blogspot.com (Colonial Quills blog, post the fourth Monday of each month)
http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com (Stitches Thru Time, post once a month)
http://www.hhhistory.com  (Heroes, Heroines, and History, post on the 31st of months that have a 31st)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.craft.108
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susanfc
Twitter:@susanfcraft

 

Thanks again for stopping by, Susan and congratulations on your new release.

Be sure to check out next Wednesday when we'll learn more about Patrick Craig. Also, all comments this month will be entered into the drawing for:

Surgery Update

This past month has been a blur. I can hardly believe it's been a little over four weeks since I had my surgery. My first initial follow-up with the surgeon occurred about two weeks ago and I'll be going back again at the six weeks mark.

I have to admit that the first weeks were pretty rough. Not only did I have a fair amount of pain, but I fatigued easily. I've had minor surgeries before (both shoulders and my hand) but this was my first extensive operation. I guess I was surprised how much it took out of me.

I can tell that I'm beginning to feel like my normal self though. I'm walking regularly and feeling stronger. There still are times when I get completely wiped out if I overdo but I feel that each day I'm gaining ground. I know a big reason why I'm doing so well is because of the prayer support I've had through the weeks. So I wanted to say:

Praying God's blessings to be upon you this day.

Love of Story Welcomes Paula Mowery

Today we have the pleasure of learning more about award-winning author Paula Mowery. Welcome Paula. How did you develop a 'love of story'?

Since the first time I picked up Little House on the Prairie as a young girl, I’ve loved stories. I began to notice as I read different authors how they brought their stories to life, leaving me wanting more. I wanted to write stories like that. The first stories I wrote were historical romances, rising from those first glimpses in the one room schoolhouse, just like I had seen in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books.

My mother worked in a Christian bookstore and brought me various fiction titles thus broadening my story experience.

A sermon illustration imbedded into my head and morphed into my first women’s fiction title. I was hooked on that adventure through the storyline with God and how He led me to incorporate lessons from His Word.

The adventure and love of story continues as an inspiration turns into a full story through God’s leadership. Writing Christian fiction for me has meant that I have to grapple with the themes and lessons for myself much like a pastor might have to deal with the subjects of his sermons before being able to present them fully.

I loved Little House on the Prairie books too and it's what also led to my interest in writing. :) What does your writing space look like?

My daughter and I share a room that is supposed to be a living room. I have one side where my L-shaped desk sits. I have small shelves next to me which hold my reference books. A larger shelf on the opposite wall holds my to-be-read books as well as pictures and awards for my writing. Nothing beats having your own space dedicated to your craft.

I can picture it. :) Could you tell us a little bit about your new book, For Our Good?

Charlie Jarvis is haunted by loss that fuels her desire to rid the world of drug traffickers. When her next assignment takes her back to her hometown, she has to confront her painful past. She has no interest in a relationship since God seems to kill everyone she loves. 

Colton Thomas appreciates material things and the status of being a corporate pilot. When someone approaches him to deliver a package for a large sum of money that could wipe out his debts, temptation knocks loud on his door even as his partner, Marshall, slams it shut. Meeting Charlie challenges his non-committal stance with women. As he considers who he has become and the kind of man he would want to be for Charlie, he confronts his own shallow lifestyle and the fear that he would never be able to help her heal her wounds. 

As Charlie pursues the man causing young boys to die of overdoses, she struggles with the secrets she keeps from Colton. With people around them shining the light of God and encouraging their courtship, both Charlie and Colton have to face hard truths about life, death, love, and faith. And maybe find a fresh start for them both. 

That sounds intriguing. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?

​

 

My latest book, For Our Good, came from an actual occurrence in my dad’s occupation as a corporate pilot. One day as he prepared his plane for a flight, a man approached with the offer of a case full of money if my dad would just transport a small parcel. That got my mind to spinning and the story was born.

Wow! I can't imagine. :) What qualities do you look for in a hero and heroine?

In For Our Good I didn’t want the typical damsel in distress. My heroine, Charlie, is a tough undercover cop. I don’t want to spoil the story, but she gets to be the savior of sorts in this story instead of the normal guy saving the girl. I had fun with that.

I don’t like cookie-cutter characters. People aren’t that way. We’re all unique with our own backgrounds and struggles. That’s the way I like to approach creating my characters. I want them to be real and relatable.

LOL. Charlie sounds like a lot of fun. How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?

I don’t know how to write anything else other than that which shows my faith in Jesus Christ. Most of my stories seem to show a character struggling with his or her faith and the journey to reconnect.

I know what you mean. I feel the same way. Can you tell your readers about a typical day in your life?

This question made me chuckle. I’m not sure exactly what a typical day would look like because I have very few of them. In addition to being an author and an acquiring editor, I’m a pastor’s wife and part-time public school employee. What I try to make a typical day look like is I first work half a day at school and arrive home around 12:30. I squeeze in some exercise and then sit down to check emails and blogs. I will continue by editing on my authors’ manuscripts and hope I’ll have enough time to squeeze in some of my own writing before stopping to make supper. I’m not that fond of watching television, so I will often edit or write while sitting in my recliner with my hubby and daughter as they watch the tube. I definitely work on editing and writing whenever a spare moment arises too.

You are busy. :) What is the farthest place from home that you've traveled?

I went on a mission trip to Africa. Fifteen straight hours in the air over water. Yikes. But, it was a trip I’ll never forget.

Wow that must have been quite a trip. One final writing related question. Where do you get ideas?

I keep my ears and eyes open. Story ideas are all around. I’ve used real incidences, stories from the news, ideas from dreams, and even prompts from sermons.

Where can readers connect with you?

Readers should visit my blog, www.paulamowery.blogspot.com. There you will find my links for Facebook.​​

Thank you, Paula for sharing a little bit about your writing life. Next week Susan Craft will be here to share with us. Don't forget that any comments left this month will be entered to win this: