Author Interview- Tracie Peterson

I am very pleased to announce we have a seasoned author among us! Welcome, Tracie Peterson! 

"Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of over 100 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.

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

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.

Throughout her writing career Tracie has found time to speak at writer's conferences where she has a special heart for new authors. She is often joined by her husband Jim, whose background in history offers new authors insight into research. Besides teaching at conferences, Tracie also at one time managed Barbour Publishing's Heartsong Presents book line - overseeing the production of 52 books a year. Tracie teaches at women's conferences around the country and shares her testimony and insight for Christian living through the eyes of an author passionately in love with her Heavenly Father.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers. Her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests, including USA "Best Books 2011" Awards, best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love!

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max..

For information on having Tracie speak at your event - contact Noelle Buss at Bethany Publishers/Baker Books." 

1. What inspired you to become a writer?

I've loved storytelling all of my life. When I was little, my mother would give me pencil and paper to keep me quiet in church. She'd tell me to draw or write a story and after church she'd take time out for me to tell her about my story.  I've always loved the power words have to change lives and storytelling seemed a natural way to offer entertainment, education and encouragement.  Those 3 E's are important to me.  I want the story to be entertaining of course, but I want to throw in history of the times and Spiritual truth, as well as encouragement for those going through hard times.

2. What books have influenced your life most?

Aside from the obvious answer of the Bible - I've been influenced by both non-fiction and fiction, but to name a few -  I love My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, A Closer Walk by Catherine Marshall, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.  However, it wasn't until after reading the Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenants by Bodie Thoene and the Russian series by Judith Pella and Michael Phillips that I realized historical Christian fiction with strong romantic elements was what I wanted to write.

3. What is the one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most?

Years ago another writer told me to 1. Write what you know, 2. Learn what you don't, 3.  Never give up on the dream.  That along with the first and most important - Pray about each project has been very valuable advice to me.  I also highly recommend today's writer get connected.  Network with other writers, writer organizations and social media outlets.  These are great for helping the new author to learn the publishing ropes and also for honing their skills.  I helped co-found American Christian Fiction Writer's with that in mind and today that organization has thousands of members.  You can check them out at acfw.com.

4. Do you have any preparation rituals before you begin to write? 

The one thing I have to have in place for writing my books is a detailed, chapter by chapter synopsis.  This acts as my road map and while I sometimes take a side road or two, I use these to make sure the pacing of the plot and character development is good, that I'm not leaving any issues unresolved and that the spiritual aspect of the story is woven in naturally and not forced.  Saves me from having any major rewrites.

5. Which one of your books do you consider your “pride and joy”. Why?

I can't say that there is just one.  All 106 that are currently written (the last three aren't yet out) are testaments to God's faithfulness and direction.  I'm amazed at what He's accomplished in me through writing, as well as what He accomplishes through the stories.

6. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share with us?

Hmmm, that's not a question I often see.  I will say this, I'm a very flexible writer.  I can write almost anywhere anytime.  I've written in planes, trains, cars, at conferences,in airports,  family reunions, while sitting in hospitals and in the dentist's parking lot.  It really doesn't matter, although the older I get the more I value writing where it's quiet.

7. Do you pattern you heroes and heroines after people you know?

Absolutely.  There are quite a few, however, who aren't really patterned after anyone.

8. What is your favorite time in History?

Post Civil War to 1900

9. We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project? 

It used to be that people didn't think I had a real job.  Sometimes that's still the case, but for the most part they finally "get it".  However, as I mentioned above I tend to be pretty flexible.  If I need to take care of something in the daytime then I write at night and so forth.  When I was younger and my children were small I tried to keep to a strict schedule so that I had evening time for them as well as weekends.  I also try to keep the Sabbath set aside for focusing on the Lord.

10. What is the next project you're working on?

I've been researching and plotting out a new series set in late 1800's Montana.  It deals with sapphire mining and the people and pieces that come from these beautiful stones.  Montana is famous for Yogo Sapphires that were discovered in the late 1890's at a time when the only really prized sapphires came from Ceylon and Burma.  The Yogo's shook things up and I thought it made a truly amazing foundation for a three book series that would show how these were obtained, cut and put into jewelry.

11. Where can we purchase your books? (provide link) and how can we keep up with you? (blog link, webpage, fan page)

The books can be bought through most bookstores. If they don't have them in stock, they will order them.  The books are also available at most any online site like christianbooks.com, amazon.com and so forth.  My readers can keep up with me at my website www.traciepeterson.com and at my facebook page facebook.com/AuthorTraciePeterson.

12. Last, but not least.....What and when is your next release? Provide a brief synopsis....

I have a brand new series debuting in December. It's a Seattle Brides series set in 1888-1890 that deals with three zany old ladies who along with their adopted ward Abrianna run a bridal finishing school in Seattle.  Abrianna is a feisty red-head who is always getting into one mess or another - much to the disappointment of her aunts who long only to properly "finish" her.  There are 3 books each dealing with a separate romance, as well as on-going relationships throughout the series.  It has more humor than my books usually have, but there's still intrigue and adventure and of course - romance.

Thank you Tracie! That was so much fun!

Author Interview- Amber Schamel

Bestselling author Amber Schamel writes stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft. Between ministry, family and working in their family businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. 

1. How did you discover your calling to be a writer? I have always had an active  imagination and even as a young girl I would make up stories and play them out in my make believe. I started writing those stories down when I was about fourteen. But the real calling came about the time I graduated from High School. I had been doing a lot of study on how media and books affect people's attitudes and worldview. It was astonishing how the subtle messages that have been worked into entertainment over the years has completely transformed our nation and our morals. I realized that someone needed to write stories that upheld morals, faith and godliness. The Lord then led me to Habakkuk 2:2 which says " And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." That became my commission. 

2. What books influenced your life the most? There are so many! The Bible of course. Also the writings of evangelist W. M. Branham and other heroes of the faith.

3. What is your favorite time in history? I totally fell in love with the Civil War Era. The hoop skirts, the balls, everything. In fact, during high school I practically lived in that era for months at a time. I sewed hoop skirts, and wore them every day. I washed them on a homemade washboard and hung them outside on the line to dry. I ironed with an old cast iron heated on the stove, I ate hard tack, cooked my johnny cakes over the fire and didn't use the electricity in my room for several months! (with the exception of my radio which I used to play Dixie, I'm a good ol Rebel, Somebody's Darlin and other period tunes)

4. Please tell us a little about your newest book. The Messiah's Sign is the second book in the Days of Messiah series. 

It follows the storyline of Book One, but from the husband's point of view. Here's what it's about:
Dreams...they shouldn’t bother him, but when Tyrus’ worst nightmare is vindicated, he has no choice but to face reality. His wife has been unfaithful, and God has punished her with the most feared disease in the land: leprosy. Banishing her to the leper colony, Tyrus struggles to raise their son alone and protect him from a merciless outlaw. But when Malon begins following the teacher from Nazareth, what remains of their business and reputation is at stake. Can Tyrus save his son from the beguiling lies of a false Messiah before he loses the only thing he has left?

5. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share? The background picture on the cover is a picture of the sun rising over the Sea of Galilee. We took the picture while visiting Israel. The Galilee area is BEAUTIFUL! Little did I know, I would write a series of stories based there.  In fact, the series began as a short story about Aaliyah, but I had people telling me I should expand it. The short story was set in Jerusalem, but as I started writing the first book, I realized I was in the wrong town!

6. What is the next project you're working on? I am finishing up a really fun series with three other historical authors on the signers of the Declaration of Independence. I'm also setting to work on a Christmas story set during the Civil War entitled The Christmas Pardon.
In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young lawyer battles with the U.S. Supreme court. In what seemed to be a Christmas miracle, he had secured a pardon for his friend from Lincoln himself. The army executed the boy anyway. On the fifteenth anniversary of his death, will the lawyer finally clear his friends name and bring justice to his memory? 

I'm running a giveaway for a fan to pick the name of my two main characters! You can enter the giveaway here: http://www.amberschamel.com/contests.html

7. Which one of your books do you consider your "pride and joy"? Why? That's a really tough question. The Messiah's Sign is the longest book I've written thus far, but I'd probably have to say The Swaddling Clothes is my pride and joy. It follows the Jewish history from the time of King David all the way to Jesus' birth. It was tough to write with such a large time span and so many characters! But it was also a TON of fun. 

8. We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project? Haha, don't I know it! I have a job as bookkeeper, volunteer about half my summer, family, church, writing. For me, the balancing act usually involves less sleep so that I have time to fit writing in around my other priorities. I only have a couple of hours a day to devote to it, so those hours are precious, and must be managed effectively. I don't always succeed, but I'm getting there. 

9. What is one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most? Be teachable and humble. And realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you're working on being a great writer, you will eventually find an agent/editor/publisher that will be a fit.

10. Where can we purchase your books? (Provide a link) and how can we keep updated on future works? The Messiah's Sign is now available on the following networks:

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/days-of-messiah-volume-2-the-messiahs-sign-amber-
schamel/1120555152?ean=2940150577046

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Days-Messiah-2-Messiahs-Signebook/dp/B00OJ93IB6/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1413400281&sr=1-3&keywords=amber+schamel

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/days-of-messiah-volume-2-the-messiah-sign

HHP Store: http://shop.myhelpinghandspress.com/Days-of-Messiah-Volume-2-The-Messiahs-Sign-9788576.htm

You can keep up with me by liking my facebook page, friending me on Goodreads, or on my website. http://amberschamel.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel

11. Do you pattern your heroes/heroines after real people you know? Shhh....no one is supposed to know the answer to that question. LOL, Yes, I actually do. To an extent anyway. I usually blend traits from different people I know or observe.

This was a great experience and one I hope you all enjoyed as much as I did! Thank you, Amber for letting me interview you!

Author Interview- Laurisa Borlovan

Welcome to Laurisa Borlovan, author of  Paper Shackles! This is my first interview and it's been a wonderful experience!

1. How did you discover your calling to be a writer?  I was always dramatizing, critiquing, and living stories as a child.  Technically I wrote through acting.  While most children play house", I acted out detailed plots around the play "house."   I never watched a film as a child without doing mental character, plot, and sub-plot analysis.  Sometimes, I even judged cinematography, covers, and film scores.  I have simply never stopped writing.

2. What books influenced your life the most? Influential books were classics such as Where the Red Fern Grows, Jack London's works, The Black Arrow, Smokey the Cow Horse, Ivanhoe, and various other boy adventure stories.  I was not a fan of series or teen detective mysteries; but if it was about a horse, or a boy in the wilderness, I grabbed it up.  

3. What is your favorite time in history? My favorite time in history is undoubtedly the on that the vast population of the earth today knows so little about- the antediluvian period. This is the period even the Bible says little about- mostly because God's children were so few.  I plan on publishing on this topic later.  

4.  Please tell us a little about your newest book. My newest book is the first of a Christian/allegory series called Reagan and the Gryphons.  It is about an epileptic boy who finds his way into a world of talking beasts and gryphons.  The same gryphons help him on his way to find a Great Lion who is the only One who can save him from his disease and the warlock hare who is after his soul.  

5. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share? I don't know that the behind the scenes are truly fun.  It might be annoying to most that I can be very broody while gestating a story. I don't socialize when I am deep in thought, and perhaps, I wander around quietly for hours until inspiration strikes.  

6. What is the next project you're working on? The next project I am working on will be 2nd in date order to Reagan and the Gryphons but the 4th of the entire series.  I do not have a clear picture on the 2nd and 3rd books yet, but inspiration for the said 4th struck last week; and I'm ready to go.  It is the darkest age of Teshran, where The Great Lion's Sword has been driven into stone and lost for over 1,000 years.  

7.  Which one of your books do you consider your "pride and joy"? Why? While far from my best work, I must consider Paper Shackles, my first book, my pride and joy.  Each time I read it, even I see and learn something new.  It is very evangelistic and "soul-winning" in  nature, a bit of a tear jerk-er, and in my opinion, screen worthy.  Where are you Sherwood films Baptist crew?! 

8. We all have family, work and other obligations...how do you maintain balance while in the middle of a writing project? I can't say that I balance around family as well as a day job.  I try to help mom in the kitchen, but she is very understanding of my writing and tries to call my sisters' help first.  Otherwise, I am up writing late into the night.  Inspiration is usually best at those hours anyway.  

9.  What is one piece of advice you received about writing that helped you the most? The best advice I ever received was from C.S. Lewis.  And I quote him:  In writing. Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the thing you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us a thing was “terrible,” describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was “delightful”; make us say “delightful” when we’ve read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers, “Please will you do my job for me.”

10. Where can we purchase your books? (Provide a link) and how can we keep updated on future works? Since I am a self-published author-newb, all of my current works are available on Amazon in Paperback and for Kindle.  This link to Paper Shackles:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA752N2/ref=r_soa_w_d
The best way to hear about my latest works is to follow the official fan pages of Paper Shackles and Reagan and the Gryphons on Facebook, or to follow me directly on Facebook at Phoenix Pyrocreations Pyrography.  

11. Do you pattern your heroes/heroines after real people you know?  I am a keen observer of people, however, I don't pattern my heroes/heroines after people I know personally as often as I use them for self-exploration.  I think any author would be foolish in denying that he has left a piece of himself in his character.  It is inevitable.

12.  What is the next project you're working on?I'm authoring number twelve because I like even numbers and I can.  I'm going to use this space to publish how much I appreciate being asked to participate in this questionnaire.  

Chapter First

The story has begun...

I have started this blog for the benefit of those who love to read and write. I hope that the posts published here will provide helpful info for all of my fellow bookworms.

Let us turn the page of a new era of my blogging days!