Love of Story Welcomes Darlene Franklin

 This Wednesday I'd like to welcome multi-author, Darlene Franklin. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live and write from a nursing home—so my writing space consists of my bedside table and a library of ebooks. I recently changed nursing homes to be closer to my son’s family. He lives less than two miles away, with his wonderful wife and my four cherished grandchildren. Aside from writing, I read, do word search puzzles, exercise and play bingo for socializing.

That's great that you live so close to family. How much time do you spend researching before you write?

I didn’t think I spent that much time, until my latest project. The book I’m working on now (about tobogganing) took 2-3 days of intensive research. Because it will connect with a series of holiday romances set in Bethlehem, Texas, Loveland, Oklahoma, and Old Glory, Texas, I wanted a town with a Thanksgiving name. It had to be in a state far enough north to have snow in November (for the tobogganing); it had to have some rolling ground, not the flat prairies; and I wanted it in the west, like the other three stories. After a day or two of searching, I found Plymouth, Nebraska. Then I had to study the history of Plymouth to determine a good date for the story: 1871. And on from there.

I love the research part of writing almost as much as I love writing. :) Can you give us a teaser for your new story?

Becky Patterson escapes the stifling life at her father’s parsonage for an exciting life as a mail-order bride. . .only to learn her potential is a part-time preacher, Jake Underwood. Her dreams of working alongside Jake in his store stall when an itinerant preacher wants to ordain him as pastor of the growing church. Will Becky accept God’s calling on her life—or will she reject Jake’s love and the future God has planned for them?

LOL. That's sounds like a lot of potential for fun and conflict and I love mail-order bride stories. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?

Jacob’s Christmas Dream is the first book in the Christmas Mail Order Angels series. Mail order brides are a staple theme in historical romance; in this series, a pair of miners want to bring brides to a female-deprived town. With a biblical twist, my hero, Jake, said his father insisted he seek a wife from their hometown in Maine. Becky, my heroine, can’t wait to leave her father’s parsonage to marry a storekeeper.

Chuckle. Sounds like your heroine is in for a big surprise. :) . Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release?

I must say one of the first scenes is my favorite. Jake sends a letter to the Ladies’ Aide Society in Merville. The pastor, Becky’s father, opens it instead, hates the idea and tosses it into the fire. She, however, is very interested, and grabs it out of the flames.

I know you got me hooked to purchase it. What do you plan to work on next?

I am currently working on a sporting-themed novella, Tobogganing for Two, part of the Love’s Sporting Chance series. My heroine is afraid of the sport after her sister was paralyzed after an accident; when they move to Kansas, they meet a doctor who treated a lot of Civil War veterans with amputations. A tobogganing date makes each of them face their fears.

That one sounds good too. :) How did you develop a 'love of story'?

I come by it naturally. My mother loved stories—books and movies. She read to me until I announced I could read myself. I remember the classic Dr. Seuss books and later Nancy Drew but I was in the adult section of the library by the time I was ten or so.

:) Apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

 

Oh, music. Just this morning, I played piano for the church service at the nursing home where I live. What joy!

What is the farthest place from home that you've traveled?

I went to Spain during my senior year of high school. What a week!

It must have been an incredible trip. If you have a day off, what's your favorite thing to do?

Since I live in a nursing home, I love to get out! My son and grandkids pick me up for a trip to the park, a local restaurant, shopping—my favorite! Or I stay in, leave my room to visit with others more, watch more television, get in touch with old friends. . .

Before we close, how can readers get in touch with you?

https://www.facebook.com/darlene.franklin.3

https://www.facebook.com/Poet.Darlene.Franklin

http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Franklin/e/B001K8993A

Twitter: @darlenefranklin

Thank you so much for stopping by today, Darlene. If we have five commenters, Darlene said she'll give one lucky person an ebook copy of her newest release. So comment away. :)

Next week, Elaine Manders will be here to tell us about her writing life. Don't forget, any comments for the month of August will also be entered in a drawing for the following:

Listen to that still... small... voice! - Guest Blogger JC Morrows

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

JC Morrows has graciously stepped in to guest blog for me today while I'm recovering from surgery. Thanks, JC.

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My writing journey did not begin for God. It wasn't even really for me. It was for my mother – and my children.

I started writing, and I struggled along. It smoothed out at times but it was hard. It was nearly impossible at times. And then I sought publication... and that was not for God either. 

At the time, I was bothered that no one... absolutely no one... wanted my story. Now, I can look back and be nothing but thankful. If God had allowed my story to be published the way it was, I would be forever haunted by that.

Not quite a year ago, I was struggling through another story. I was writing for God this time, but I never really felt like it was what I was supposed to be writing – so it was no surprise that every word fought me.

One morning, I was so frustrated, I was ready to throw in the towel and do something else... anything else... when God gave me an answer I never expected.

I asked God what He wanted me to write... and a story exploded in my mind; a story I would never have written on my own – a story about an assassin.

Once I started, I couldn't stop – and the more I wrote, the more I wanted to write. Before I knew it, I had five parts of a story, and still there was so much information left in my mind – about the characters, about their back-stories, about the world in which they live.

It is amazing how much God can fill us with. . . when we let Him.

“And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” – Habakkuk 2:2 KJV

This is my life's verse – it is the verse that God has given to me, to spur me on when I'm tired, to inspire me when I feel empty, to encourage me when I feel hopeless. It is my message, my motto, my hope – that I can do something to help spread the word of God.

Even through a story...

Have you listened to that still, small, voice lately? What has God been trying to tell you? Are you following the path He has set out for you? You should...

Website: http://jcmorrows.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCMorrows

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jcmorrows
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JC.Morrows.Author
Instagram: http://instagram.com/jcmorrows

A Special Welcome to Sammy Tippit

I had the pleasure of meeting Sammy Tippit a few years ago when we were both taking the same writing course. Welcome Sammy! It's great to have you here to discuss your new book and learn a little bit more about you. :) How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?

It is at the core of my writing. I am attempting to write fiction that doesn’t just add my faith in the story, but my fiction where faith is at the center of the story.

I can relate to that since I also write fiction. :) How did you develop a 'love of story'?

It began early in my Christian life. I experienced a personal faith in Christ while attending the university and found that following Jesus was an incredibly wonderful adventure. I began writing and speaking about the adventure upon which I had embarked. I developed a style of speaking that included telling stories of the things God had done in my life. When I started writing, it was natural to take the storytelling with me. A few years ago, I started thinking about fiction. I didn’t have any idea how to write fiction, but I knew how to tell a story. Once I learned some of the basics of fiction writing, I found a fun way to share truths through fiction stories. 

That's great, Sammy. When do you fit writing into your day?

I have a crazy schedule, especially when I’m traveling and speaking. I try to find “seasons” to write. During those seasons, I write mostly in the afternoons and edit/write during the mornings.

How long have you've known you're a writer?

I knew I wanted to write in 1985. I had visited Romania and saw the most incredible spiritual revival among people who were suffering for their faith. I was compelled to write their story. I wrote it shortly thereafter. It was published by Moody Press.

That's right, you have a number of nonfiction titles you've written as well. You are a man of many talents. :) You shared that you write Christian inspirational on the nonfiction side and mystery and suspense on the Christian fiction side. Where did you get the inspiration for your latest book?

I’ve been traveling back to city (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) where I grew up during the past few years. My wife’s father passed and her mother became ill. Thus, I found myself needing to travel to Louisiana on a consistent basis.  South Louisiana has a unique culture, and I thought it would be fun to write a series of Christian mystery/suspense thrillers set in Baton Rouge. As I met with some of my high school classmates, I wondered what might happen to someone who had left the city and returned after forty-four years. The story began to take shape in my mind.  Also, I became aware of thousands of young people who are being trafficked in America and thought it would be good to create a story that highlighted human trafficking in America. The story is not about human trafficking. It’s about one man’s search for family, but it highlights trafficking.

I love the cover. What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?

The power of forgiveness to heal our deepest hurts and revive our hearts.

Ooh. that's a great theme. What do you plan to work on next?

I will be writing the second book in the Louisiana Family Mystery series. It will highlight cyber crime and continue with the same major characters.

That's wonderful. Where do you get ideas?

Everywhere, everyone I meet.

:) What qualities do you look for in a hero and heroine?

Transparency and authenticity.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

Philippians 1:20, 21. Jesus isn’t just a part of my life. He is my life.

Amen. What does your writing space look like?

I love to write in coffee shops. And believe it or not, I write much on airplanes. Because I travel much and no one can contact me on a plane, it’s a great place to write.

I know your speaking ministry has taken you all over the world. What is the farthest place from home that you've traveled?

Siberia.

That's definitely somewhere I've never been. :) Is there something about you most people wouldn’t know?

I am a little reserved.

:) I'm guessing most writers would say the same thing. Where can readers connect with you?

www.sammytippitbooks.com and https://www.facebook.com/sammy.tippit

Thanks again for sharing your life with us, Sammy. Best of wishes with your new release. Next week Darlene Franklin will be sharing. Be sure to leave a comment this month for the chance to win:

Live Life to the Full

Photo Courtesy of Pixabay

Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
    take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
    a long life lived full and well.
Proverbs 3:1-2 (The Message)

Yesterday I went along with my husband for his follow-up at a doctor's office. We had fun joking around with the nurse who works there. She is always perky and fires off quips right and left. Whenever we have her we find ourselves leaving the building laughing, lighter heart and encouraged.

When the appointment came to a close we had one more opportunity to speak with the nurse. She commented that she believes "in living life to the full." She says she is happier and has more fun that way.

Her words struck me. As a Christian, am I living my life with arms spread wide open like in the photo, desiring to live a full life? Or do I trudge through my days, feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and beaten down by the weights of the world?

I don't know about you, but I want to live a full life... one without regrets. One where I step out and do the things God calls me to do. I refuse to give in to the fears that threaten, and instead want to stand with head held high, arms wide open, embracing the life God gives me.

Thanks for stopping by today, especially if this is the first time to visit, welcome. :) Have a great day.

Do Not Worry

Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

“Consider how the wildflowers grow: They don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! Luke 12: 25-27 (HCSB)

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In just a few days I will be undergoing some major surgery. To be honest, it makes me a little nervous. I've had minor surgery in the past - two shoulders and a trigger finger release, but this one is a bit more extensive. I must admit.... it's hard not to worry about it.

But... Matthew 6:25 says "Do not worry about your life." It doesn't say, "When you worry..." or "If you worry...." Instead it says, DO NOT WORRY. In other words, no ifs, ands or buts. :)

So instead of worrying, I'm choosing to pray for God's peace and will... no matter the outcome. I'm comforted in knowing I have a Savior who loves me and won't allow anything into my life that hasn't first been sifted through His hands.

What are you struggling with today? How can I be praying for you?

 

 

Welcome Brandy Heineman

Today I'd like to welcome Brandy Heineman. Can you tell us how you developed your love of story, Brandy?

My mom deserves most of the credit. She encouraged a love of books in me from a young age. Sometimes I’m a little bummed that I can’t actually remember her reading Charlotte’s Web to me, although I feel like I do from times she’s reminisced about that one.

Playing pretend was another formative piece of learning to love storytelling. All it took was for someone to announce, “Pretend like…” and we’d be off and running, cooking up tiny dramas. And of course, I read everything I could get my hands on.

I don’t know when I first realized the power of story—maybe I don’t fully realize it yet!—but I can’t remember a time when the pleasure of story was unknown to me.

I remember many summers when my mom read to me and my brothers. :) What does your writing space look like?

I wish I could be the kind of person who has a photo-ready desk with framed photos and clever, inspiring knick-knacks around me. Theoretically, that sounds really fun. Alas!

My writing space is primarily in my head, but for the physical work, I migrate around the house. I get tired of my desk, which becomes a little chaotic if I’m not careful, so I’ll relocate to the dining room table or the couch in the living room. Last weekend I set up my computer on my sister’s garage table so I could try to squeeze in a few words while we ran a yard sale. (I was not successful with that at all, by the way.) Today, my cat decided to park between me and my keyboard for her nap du jour. She’s clever and inspiring, so I suppose I have everything I need!

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I can relate to my desk quickly becoming chaotic. :)  Do you have a favorite scene from your recent release?

I have two! Since Whispers in the Branches is a dual timeline story, I hope you’ll humor me to share them both.

In the contemporary setting, the date scene ruins Abby’s relationships with three other characters in one sweep. In the 1942 story line, Ruby’s beau presents her with a ring—but it’s not exactly the romantic proposal she’d been dreaming of.

I think I love these scenes because they show key characters in a less-than-flattering light, but they are both very real in those moments.

That sounds intriguing. How much time do you spend researching before you write?

Not enough! I usually have to write most of a draft before I know what to research. Then I go back and toss out my mistakes and bad assumptions and redevelop the plot incorporating actual facts. It’s probably not the most efficient method, and I expect I’ll continue to refine it from here.

LOL. I research a fair amount before I even write.... but I still find ways to delve deeper through the writing process too. What part does your faith play in your writing?

I always pray that God would guide me in my work and it would be fruitful for His kingdom and pleasing in His sight. As I draft and discover the themes of my stories, He is faithful to lead me to Scripture verses and insights that enrich the story for His purposes. It’s a beautiful component of the creative process, knowing that the Creator is working with me and through me!

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I can relate. If you had a day off, how would you choose to spend it?

After church, Sundays are the greatest for working on my family tree, curling up with a book, hanging out with my family or enjoying a date day with my wonderful husband!

We sound like we have some similar thoughts on a day off. :) Apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?

Although I’m not very good at it, I enjoy playing with images in my photo editing software. Eventually I hope to take a few classes to solidify this hobby into an actual skill.

That sounds like fun. How can your readers find you?

The best places to find me are Twitter—I’m @brandyhei—and on my blog at brandyheineman.com. I’m not the world’s best Facebooker, but I do have an author page, too.

Thanks for taking time to stop by today, Brandy.

Thank you for having me, Jodie!

Tune in next week to learn more about Sammy Tippit. Be sure to leave a comment this month for the chance to win the following:

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A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

Silas Jonesey is alone in the world or at least so he thought. Abandoned as a child, and left by his mail-order bride ten years prior, he's shocked to finally get a letter from his wayward wife. He's not sure what to expect when she shares her location and asks him to come.

Kate Dawson is over-protective of nine-year-old Anthony, especially when the boy's mother dies and leaves his care to her. She isn't sure what to do when two men show up and claim to be the lad's father. Who should she trust? Does she really want to give up responsibility for the boy to either of them?

Melissa Jagears has created a delightful conclusion to her bride series. It's one that will thoroughly entertain readers and keep the pages turning. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.


This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers - 2015.

Abraham and Isaac.... A Lesson I Thought I Would Have Learned by Now...

"Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”

When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.

Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:2, 9-12, 14 (NIV)

I've had several times in my life where God has used this scripture to lead me to a new level of obedience, letting go and trusting Him. You think I would have learned this lesson by now.

The first time occurred when I had to give up my 'then' intended. I knew he was the man God had for me but the only trouble was I allowed my relationship with him to become more important than my relationship with God. I had to put my desire for marriage on the altar. Ouch! It wasn't until I released him that a few months later God brought us back together again.

The next series of testing came when we were trying to get pregnant. All the other spouses in our Army unit became pregnant... except me. In fact, we were the only ones who had been trying. Months later I finally became with child, only to lose it a few weeks later. Again I had to put on the altar my desire to have a child and pray and ask for His will in my life, even if it meant never getting my heart's desire - children. Well, in time, God gave us two handsome sons. 

So now I'm at my third session of laying my desires on the altar. Ever since I was a young girl I've desired to be a writer, to be published and see my books in print. While I have an agent and my works have gotten before quite a few publishers, I've yet to actually receive a contract.

I recently attended the Montrose Christian Writers Conference and during one of the opening sessions I knew that I needed to place my desire of being a published author at the feet of Jesus knowing I may never see that longing fulfilled. Still, He has called me to be obedient to write the stories He places on my heart, even if it's only for an audience of One. 

I choose to leave my desires on His altar and trust Him to work in whatever way is best. I choose obedience.

In what area do you struggle to be obedient? In what ways can I pray for you?


(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Interview with Sandra Orchard

I first met Sandra at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference over five years ago so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to interview her. She had just received her first contract before we became friends. This is one talented lady. She has two recent releases, Emergency Reunion and Desperate Measures. When I asked her about her 'love of story', here's what she said.

I’m not sure what you mean. Half the time, before I’m through I HATE my stories. :)

LOL. Tell us a little about your new releases.

Desperate Measures is the much-anticipated final installment in my Port Aster Secrets mystery series, which Suspense Magazine described as “a perfect balance between research, science, and a mystery that holds a great deal of action.” The sleuth heroine is a herbal researcher searching for the secrets behind the plant a ruthless pharmaceutical company destroyed her family to control. And the detective who has fallen in love with her is mostly just trying to keep her alive!

 

My July Love Inspired Suspense title, Emergency Reunion, is about a sheriff deputy desperate to stop the stalker paramedic Sherri Steele refuses to acknowledge, before it’s too late. This is also the final installment in a series of LIS titles with connected characters that includes: Perilous Waters and Identity Withheld. RT Book Reviews has rated it a ‘Top Pick.’

I've read all three of the Port Aster series but haven't had the opportunity to read your LIS yet. I'm looking forward to it though. Did you always want to be a writer?

Oh, yes, as long as I can remember. At 12, I found a market guide book at the library and started sending off stories. Since I didn’t know what SASE meant, I didn’t receive any rejections, or anything at all, until one nice editor at Queen’s Press explained it to me. I decided boys were infinitely more fun for many years after that. But explored writing non-fiction after the birth of my first daughter. I didn’t think I could write fiction. I didn’t read many novels. That changed a few years later after my Mom died and I discovered Christian fiction. As the books piled up, my husband suggested I write my own, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I can relate. I also started writing at a young age. What advice can you give to writers trying to break into the publishing world?

Don’t be in a rush to get published. Take time to develop your craft and to learn how to draft compelling plots and character arcs.

I love this photo of you with your new book. :) For those of you who don't know, her newest book is set in Niagara, Canada where Sandra lives. You also won't want to miss downloading  Deadly Devotion which is free as an ebook right now.

How long have you been writing and what are your hobbies?

I started writing my first-ever novel in the fall of 2004 and signed my first contract in the fall of 2010.

I used to have a different one every few years. Things like knitting, painting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, dried flower arranging, jewelry making. Writing has stuck and…consumes all the hobby time, too. Well, now hobby time looks more like: learning how to update a website, blogging, oh, and reading!

Writing is a consuming hobby. :) Are you involved in a critique group?

I have a writing group that I meet with periodically. We don’t always critique. We often brainstorm. I also have a couple of writing friends that read through my work and offer general feedback, especially when I feel as if a scene isn’t working.

Friends like that are really important. Let's look at a few lighter questions. :) What is your 'go-to' food when you are writing?

Belgian dark chocolate. :)

:) What’s your favorite animal and have you ever used one in your stories?

Dogs. And yes, Rusty, a Golden Doodle was a popular hero in Identity Withheld. I also had a dog in Fatal Inheritance. But Rusty even got his own interview!

What a fun idea... interviewing a dog. :) If you have a day all to yourself how would you choose to spend it?

I’d probably write. What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment. Actually, when a story is flowing, there are few feelings sweeter than getting it down. And if the story isn’t flowing, brainstorming with fellow writers is tons of fun.

I know what you mean. I love to write, especially when a story is flowing. One final question. What spiritual truths do you desire to convey to your readers?

In Emergency Reunion, that it’s okay to let people see your weaknesses and vulnerabilities. That sometimes being willing to talk about them can help others and yourself in ways you might not imagine. God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Don’t shut out the people you love. Be honest with them. Be there for them. Forgive them.

Desperate Measures addresses the question: Are you going to take God at his word? Or draw your conclusions based on temporal circumstances?

Oh, those are wonderful themes. Thank you so much for stopping by, Sandra. I know I'm blessed getting to know you a little better.

By the way, don't forget to leave a comment this month for a chance to win the following.

Also be sure to tune in next Wednesday for an interview with Brandy Heineman as she talks about her new book, Whispers in the Branches.

Erica Vetsch Shares About Her Life as a Writer

Today I'm pleased to welcome Erica Vetsch to the 'Love of Story' Wednesday feature. Her new book, The Cactus Creek Challenge sounds really exciting. Here's her bio:

Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.

Hello, Erica. Can you tell your readers how you got started in writing?

I think I was preparing much of my life to write stories. I was a voracious reader, serial daydreamer, and lived a vivid inner life (One that often got me in trouble with teachers and parents.) I would continue stories from books I read, having adventures with the characters, rewriting the endings of books if I didn’t like how the author had done it. I loved words, how they looked, how they sounded, how they felt on the tongue. However, it wasn’t until I was a homeschooling mom that I started writing stories down. From the first moment, I was addicted to the creation of story.

Cool. I didn't realize you homeschooled too. :) How do you get your story ideas?

Everywhere! I love visiting museums and reading history books. The world is full of interesting stories just waiting to be told.

I can relate to your love of history, Erica. Did you always want to be a writer?

Yes, but I didn’t know it. I lived stories and breathed stories, and eventually, I wrote them down.

Here's a short snippet about Erica's new book.

Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.

I’m so excited about The Cactus Creek Challenge. It’s a fish-out-of-water story that places a sheriff and a schoolteacher in the unenviable position of swapping jobs for a month. I had so much fun writing the chaos of the schoolroom (I am a former teacher, after all.) And Cassie, the heroine, is so what-you-see-is-what-you-get. She can’t help but speak her mind, and every emotion plays out on her face. She was refreshing.

I love the cover and can't wait to personally read it. :) How long have you been writing?

I started writing for publication in 2005, and received my first contract in 2008.

So you've been at it for ten years now. What advice can you give to writers trying to break into the publishing world?

Be tenacious. Be persistent. Be humble. Be patient. Don’t be in such a hurry that you don’t take time to learn. Writing is as much an occupation as an art, and it takes time to learn how to write publishable fiction. Be willing to learn, study, take critiques, attend conferences, meet people, take classes, etc.

Let's switch gears for a few minutes. If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go?

London, to the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Those two are on the Tippity-top of my bucket list.

They sound like fun. What’s your favorite animal and have you ever used one in your stories?

Horses, definitely. And writing cowboy books, I get to have lots of horses.

Gotta love a cowboy book. :) What’s something quirky about you that most people don’t know?

I love to watch cooking shows, but I don’t like to cook.

LOL. I'm not overly fond of cooking either, but I like to eat. What foods do you eat when writing to keep you going?

I drink copious amounts of iced tea in the summer and hot Earl Grey tea in the winter.

Ahh. A fellow tea drinker. If you have a day all to yourself how would you choose to spend it?

Visiting a history museum probably. I am a museum junkie.

I think I'm noticing a theme here. Chuckle. What are your hobbies?

Reading, crocheting, cross-stitching, and now quilting.

It sounds like we have similar interests. Could you share with your readers how you became a Christian?

I was blessed to be raised in a Christian home, and all the teaching, preaching, and prayers came together for me on a July day when I was 11. That’s when Jesus became my Savior, and I’ve been trying (with varying success) to follow Him ever since.

What spiritual truths do you desire to convey to your readers?

It is different with each book, but in every story there is the truth of the Sovereignty of God. God is in control.

Here's where you can touch base with Erica.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490829.Erica_Vetsch

http://www.amazon.com/Erica-Vetsch/e/B004062CP6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1395685117&sr=1-2-ent

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erica-Vetsch-Author/168952446490736

http://www.ericavetsch.com/contact.html

https://www.pinterest.com/ericavetsch

https://twitter.com/EricaVetsch

http://www.ericavetsch.com

Thanks again for stopping by, Erica. Next week Sandra Orchard will be here for a visit. Don't forget to leave a comment this month to be entered in the drawing for the following.