Main Street U.S.A.

                                                  The days before Walmart...

For many of us, that's hard to remember. But once upon a time, small-town businesses were owned by individuals not corporations, and those businesses were supported by faithful, local patrons. Those patrons purchased items from individually-owned hardware stores, pharmacies, clothing and shoe stores, grocery stores, barber shops, gas stations, and auto mechanics.

People helping people.

Quality customer service with a smile.

Bonding the community.

No Walmart.

Contrary to how it sounds, I didn't write this post to bash Walmart. I shop at Walmart when I have to. And there are many large corporations out there other than Walmart. I'm just using them as an example. I admit, it's convenient to have one store where I can purchase everything in one stop and be on my way. But for me, who loves all things nostalgic, it's sickening to see small towns turn into ghost towns--historic building upon building, vacant and disintegrating. Oh, the stories they could tell...

Anyway, I want to share with you my experience this past weekend in the historic district of Franklin, Indiana, where individually-owned businesses are dedicated to helping consumers and the economy.

Tracey Wade, owner of Simplify--All Things Country by Tracey, invited me to attend Franklin's holiday shopping kickoff for an author "Meet n Greet" and book signing. Her store is located in the old train depot where she offers handmade goods crafted by local citizens.

Her passion lies in supporting and promoting local artistry. Each artist has their own unique story of how their business began and why they create. I loved watching Tracey's excitement and genuine warmth as she shared some of these stories with me.


Simplify--All Things Country by Tracey

One such story was about a retired veteran and his wife who were on the brink of losing their home. In one last attempt to save it, they began crafting items from their home and managed to save their mortgage.

People helping people.

Tracey (right) and her mother Beth,
who helps run the store and teaches
"how-to" classes.
The pottery in the background is made
by Jennifer Mrozinski of "Fatty Frog Pots"
available at Simplify or
www.fattyfrogpots.etsy.com

100% natural soy candles by Linda's Lites.
Purchase at Simplify or at
www.hishandcreations.com

Crafts offered by Simplify



A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart goes out to Tracey for having me at her store. She helped me spread the word about my debut e-novella Bright Copper Kettles (releasing December 1st), which will put a clean romance with a faith-based Christmas message into the hands of someone who might need it this holiday season. Thank you for supporting my passion.

I know the economy is in the dumpster and money is tight. But as you do your holiday shopping this year, I encourage you to check out your local, individually-owned stores. You'll not only help your local economy, but you might also help save someones mortgage or help them pay off medical bills from an illness such as cancer. You never know...

In the words of Alan Jackson, "God bless the little man."

NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, when writers are challenged to create an entire novel in 30 days with a 50,000 word-count goal. I've loved hearing how many schools in my surrounding area are getting students involved by brainstorming plots (setting a lower word count) and providing time in the classroom each day to write stories. Though writing isn't for everyone, I wonder how many students will discover their love for words this month and someday break into publishing? To some, the experience will simply teach them what they like to read and birth a love for books that may have not been there before.

Unfortunately, I won't be participating in NaNoWriMo this year. My e-novella Bright Copper Kettles releases later this month, and I've recently finished a 90,000-word novel so I plan to take a break. But I'd love to hear from you!

Do you plan to participate in NaNoWriMo? What are you working on?

Modern-day Circuit Rider

Since the birth of our nation, a rugged breed of men have traveled America's wilderness to present the gospel to isolated parts of the frontier. Carrying only the possessions they could stuff in their saddlebags, they spread Christianity across the wild West, preaching where there was a need--as well as officiating baptisms, weddings, and funerals--traveling in circuits that ranged form 200-500 miles. Their pay was meager, if they received any at all. Many paid with their lives before reaching the age of 35. Since farms were wide-spread and travel wasn't as convenient as it is today, churches and meetinghouses were scarce--one serving a fifty-mile radius, for example. Circuit riders traveled from place to place, preaching in a church one Sunday then moving on to another meetinghouse to preach the next Sunday. When their circuit was complete, they'd begin again. Folks knew which Sunday to expect their pastor, and many would make the long journey each month to be fed.

Though I write contemporary, I love reading historical romance. This is where I was first introduced to the circuit rider. Upon research, I was delighted to find circuit riders still exist today.

For 54 years, Reverend David Iverson (80) and his wife Ella (77) have traveled their 200-mile circuit to three different churches in rural Montana. Once church still lacks plumbing and electricity. Iverson "preaches salvation and is faithful to the Bible's teachings," says one parishioner. Iverson's other occupation as a rancher helps him connect to his flock. "Sheep and people can be easily misled," says Iverson. "They both have to have care."


What a great ministry! For the full story of Reverend Iverson and his modern-day circuit-riding ministry, visit americanprofile.com.

Jessilyn Lassiter Series by Jennifer Erin Valent

As you know, I love to read books in a series. For me, the Jessilyn Lassiter series did it all--invoked every emotion from laughter to tears, took me back to thirteen and angst that came with it, made me reminisce over friendships, reminded me what a blessing my parents are, put me in Depression-era Virginia and made the tragic history of that time real for me, and contained a romance so beautiful, I sighed at the end.

Stick with me for just a few minutes as I introduce you to author Jennifer Erin Valent and the Jessilyn Lassiter series.



FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER (#1)

Jessilyn Lassiter never knew that hatred could lurk in the human heart until the summer of 1932 when she turned 13. When her best friend, Gemma, loses her parents in a tragic fire, Jessilyn's father vows to care for her as one of his own, despite the fact that Gemma is black and prejudice is prevalent in their southern Virginia town. Violence springs up as a ragtag band of Ku Klux Klan members unite and decide to take matters into their own hands. As tensions mount in their small community, loyalties are tested and Jessilyn is forced to say good-bye to the carefree days of her youth.

Publisher: Tyndale House
Awards: Fireflies in December won the 2010 Christy Award, is the 2007 winner of the Christian
              Writer's Guild First Novel contest, and won the Audie Award for Inspirational Fiction in
               2011.


My Thoughts
I was immediately drawn into the story with the first sentence: "The summer I turned thirteen, I thought I'd killed a man." Jessilyn's spitfire character connected with me (and reminded me how glad I am that I'll never have to be thirteen again). Here, we're introduced to her older and loyal best friend, Gemma, Jessilyn's protective and loving parents, and the All-American guy, Luke Talley, her first crush who happens to be six years older than her. The Lassiter's accept Gemma and Luke as part of their family,while battling violent prejudice and losing innocence. I listened to Fireflies in December in audio-book format (Kate Forbes does an amazing job!) as I cooked and washed dishes in the evening. I found myself creating more work in the kitchen just so I could listen longer!

COTTONWOOD WHISPERS (#2)

Jessilyn Lassiter and her best friend Gemma Teague have survived prejudice and heartache in their lifelong friendship, but the summer of 1936 threatens to tear them apart yet again. Gemma's job with the wealthy Hadley family leads to a crush on their youngest son. But Jessilyn's insistence that he's no good and that no rich white man would ever truly fall for a poor black girl like Gemma puts them at odds. Tragedy strikes when Jessilyn's cherished neighbor girl is hit by a car and killed. Things get worse when an elderly friend is falsely accused of the crime, and the only way to clear his name is to put her family's livelihood in jeopardy. For Jessilyn, this is a choice too hard to bear and she wonders where to turn for answers, especially when an angry mob threatens vigilante justice.

Publisher: Tyndale House

My Thoughts
Hatred consumes the town of Calloway again in Cottonwood Whispers. A friendship I thought could never be broken was. This book makes you feel the loss of a neighbor, the loss of a child. The characters were put into situations where decisions had to be made and no matter how they chose, tragedy would strike. It made me wonder what I would do in their shoes. As another of Jessilyn's summers crumbles around her, Luke Talley begins to see Jessilyn in a whole new way--as a woman. Cottonwood Whispers kicks everything up a notch, and I couldn't put it down!

CATCHING MOONDROPS (#3)

Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she's not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she's always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett--a young, black doctor--comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn's best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that's been simmering just beneath the town's surface. The tension starts to bubble over as Jessie's elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first towns person to accept Tal's treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family.

Publisher: Tyndale House

My Thoughts
Just when I thought things in Calloway couldn't get worse, they do. Catching Moondrops took me inside the human heart and showed how bitterness and hatred poisons the soul. As Jessilyn battles her inner darkness and struggles to find the peace-filled faith in God her parents have, the romance between her and Luke blossoms into a love story I won't soon forget. (I won't say anymore, so I don't spoil how it all comes together.)

This series was so fantastic, I know I'll read it again. And from a writer's point of view, it encouraged me to dig deeper into my own plots and characters.

I gave all three books five out of five stars on Goodreads.



About the Author
Jennifer's sincerest hope is to glorify the Lord by writing quality Christian fiction that will inspire, encourage, and uplift readers of all ages. She began writing in her mid-twenties, which led to her acclaimed fourth novel Fireflies in December. She's also been a nanny for fifteen years. For more about Jennifer, her blog, and novels, visit www.jennifervalent.com.

Taming Rafe by Susan May Warren

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BULL RIDER RAFE NOBLE HAD NO IDEA HOW QUICKLY HIS WORLD COULD END.

In less than eight seconds, he lost his title, his career, and his best friend--all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena.

Katherine Breckenridge just wants to make a difference by running her mother's charity foundation. But the mysterious disappearance of half a million dollars has forced it to the brink of bankruptcy. Her last chance to save it is the annual fund-raiser, an event that's destroyed by an out-of-control Rafe Noble.

Desperate to rescue the foundation, Katherine heads to the Noble family ranch to enlist Rafe's help in raising the money he cost her in lost donations. What she doesn't know is that Rafe is broke--in cash and in spirit--and helping her could end up costing him his life.

Author: Susan May Warren

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007

Theme Verse: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you  both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phillipians 2:12,13

My Thoughts

This is book #2 of the Noble Legacy series. Though I started with the first book and read through the entire series--which was superb--Taming Rafe was my favorite.

The book opens in a rowdy arena and jumps right into the action with Rafe astride an angry bull in the holding pen, choosing to ride even though his gut is telling him not to. The tragedy that follows sets the tone for Rafe throughout the rest of the book. Like a mad bull, Rafe's wild nature can't be tamed... until Katherine Breckenridge comes along. Katherine desires more than anything to make her late mother's charitable foundation a success to help save sick children's lives in Guadalajara. But she'll never live up to her mother's memory and feels uncomfortable in her aristocratic world. Then Rafe crashes into her life--literally--and she discovers a man much like herself, a soul searching to connect to his roots and make a difference in the world. I loved Katherine's character as she would be the only woman who could wrangle this wild cowboy.

The plot held a unique angle I wasn't expecting which kept me turning the pages. Another romance blossoms throughout the story between diner-owner Lolly Stuart and rancher John Kincaid, whose had enough of Lolly turning down his marriage proposals. But John holds a secret card Lolly knows nothing about--he's a best-selling author or romance novels penned under the name B.J. King. He'd love to see Lolly's reaction to his latest novel, since it's about their twisted relationship, but Lolly refuses to read such an unrealistic time-waster. John's novel Unshackled unfolds throughout Taming Rafe which creates a teasing plot that comes together beautifully at the end. It's literally a book within a book.

I rated Taming Rafe 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Susan May Warren recently returned home to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full-time from Minnesota's north woods. Visit her Web site at

www.susanmaywarren.com

Susan is also an instructor with My Book Therapy.





Meeting the Master--My ACFW 2013 Conference Experience

Kara Hunt, Pegg Thomas, and myself
We're three members of six in a critique group called
the "Quid Pro Quills."

For months leading up to the ACFW Conference, I prepared in anticipation--polishing my novel to pitch to editors and agents, choosing outfits and deciding what to pack, praying for wisdom and the right words to make someone want my book, helping my critique partners polish their novels, printing out proposals and one-sheets, ordering business cards...you get the idea. I foolishly put way too much pressure on myself, believing everything had to be perfect since the conference was being held close to home and it might be my only opportunity for years to do this.

But closer to conference time, my attitude and prayers began to change. ACFW offers an email loop for first-time conference goers--this year led by the humorous and upbeat Brandilyn Collins and the sweet, knowledgeable Cara C. Putman--to help them prepare, know what to expect, and provide the opportunity to meet other first-timers. A few weeks before the big day, an email came through from someone expressing how nervous they were. The wise and experienced Brandilyn and Cara helped ease our fears by explaining that we shouldn't come with a particular outcome in mind. We should go to this conference ready to learn, with no expectations, and let God work His will through us. I have to admit, I was very ashamed of myself after reading this because, sadly, I had begun to lose sight of the fact that God is in control of my journey, and I need to follow Him in this, not myself.

That's when I began praying that God would help me to put myself aside and allow Him to make this conference what He wanted it to be for me, even if it didn't include any contracts.

God did just that.

One week before conference, my dad--56--went in for back surgery and had a heart attack on the table. The doctor and nurses rushed to close him up, flip him over, and revive him. They were able to get him stabilized and settled in "recovery," but he was in very critical condition with no guarantee that he would pull through. For four days they kept him under heavy sedation, assisted with a ventilator. Slowly, his vitals started to return to normal. On the fifth day, the nurses woke him from his sedation and gave him several hours to rally around. When he didn't, we all knew something was gravely wrong. My parent's pastor showed up at the hospital during the time he should've been giving his congregation a sermon. The pastor told us that God spoke to him and told him he was needed with us, so he called in a replacement and drove to the hospital. That being said, I knew then that one way or another our lives were about to change.

The doctor ordered a CT scan that showed Dad had suffered a severe stroke and another was active as they were running the test. Due to the damage and location of the stroke, we were told to prepare ourselves as he would probably not make it through.

Tough words to hear. I've always been a daddy's girl, and though I know he's put his faith and trust in Jesus and will spend eternity in heaven, I didn't want to say good-bye. I wondered if the pastor was there to help us do that very thing. I stood next to Daddy as he gazed at me with a blank expression and told him how much I love him. I asked him if he loved me, and he rapidly blinked his eyes. I asked again, and he responded the same way. I knew he was trying his best to communicate, and he was still in there somewhere.

I believe there's power in prayer, and I asked my Facebook friends (old and new) to please pray for my dad. Those of us at the hospital surrounded my dad's bed as the staff made preparations to transfer him to another hospital and prayed. My mom told her pastor that the bible says if we ask for something in God's name, faith not wavering, He will give it to us (Mark 11:22,23). We prayed for a miracle.

Five hours passed, and Dad was transferred to a hospital with neuro-specialists who did several evaluations. At this point, his eyes would not dilate at all in the presence of light, and he couldn't move his arms or legs. A neurosurgeon met us in the waiting room and told us that the swelling of his brain was pressing on the brain stem and that our only chance to save him would be to go in, remove the part of the brain that had been damaged, alleviate the pressure, and give the brain more room to swell if it continued. We trusted the doctor's judgement and prayed that Dad would survive another surgery.

He did.

Two hours later, his pupils were dilating and he could move his arms and legs. Another CT scan showed the swelling was already diminishing. He seemed to know exactly what we were saying to him and could even shake his head when asked questions. Within two days, the nurses had removed the ventilator. He was able to speak clearly as if nothing happened. He knew the month, day, and year, and knew who all his visitors were (and there were a lot!). God gave us the miracle we asked for. Yes, the doctors and nurses knowledge saved my dad's life, but God gave them that knowledge, and God was in control the entire time.

What does all this have to do with conference? Everything. Though I didn't feel right going to the conference after everything that had happened in the past week, my family members encouraged me to go since my dad was doing so well, and I would be closer to the hospital than I would be at home if something were to happen. So, I went.

The Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis
Location of 2013 ACFW Conference

Albeit, the first day of conference, Friday, was a struggle for me. My body was present, but my heart was not. It was with my dad. But the keynote address by speaker Robin Jones Gunn was amazing and stirred my heart. God has truly blessed that woman with the gift of storytelling.

As the day progressed, I realized how completely unprepared I was to pitch my novel in light of all that had happened the week prior, so I utilized the prayer room and asked God to meet me at this conference in the way that He wanted. In a mass of over 600 attendees, I met one of my critique partners in person, Pegg Thomas--who writes historical fiction with humor--and through laughter and close fellowship, helped uplift my heavy heart.

Me and Pegg Thomas

The evening ended with a class I attended--a spotlight on Bethany House Publishers, where Charlene Patterson and Dave Long (editors at BH) explained what they were looking for in new authors. Here, I met Becky Wade in person (who you all know I'm a huge fan of). She signed my copy of My Stubborn Heart, along with offering a heartfelt hug.

Saturday began with breakfast (and lots and lots of coffee!) and my first appointment to pitch my book to a lovely agent who I'd love to work with. Unprepared and nervous, she calmed my jittery nerves with her easy manner. She was so easy to talk to.

That afternoon, I took a class on "The First 50 Pages" taught by Jeff Gerke, took a much needed nap, and volunteered to work the silent auction room, where I met the lovely Cara C. Putman and her mother (who was so precious I wanted to take her home with me).

Sunday was full of activities, beginning--again--with lots of coffee! After breakfast, I got a hug from Denise Hunter and we chatted for a few minutes. I had three more appointments, two with editors and another with an agent. Another great keynote address by Robin Jones Gunn shook me hard. Her story of how God has used her writing to touch people's lives reiterated how I need to follow Him on this journey and let Him work through me to help others. After all, He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews  12:1,2). I am nothing without Him.

During worship, the mass of attendees sang their hearts out to God. Voices spilled out the ballroom doors and down into the lobby where all guests and employees could hear. Even some of the serving staff sang along.

Me and Karen Witemeyer, author of historical romance
with Bethany House

I thoroughly enjoyed Karen Witemeyer's class on "Author Voice." She is so sweet and encouraging, and has a heart for helping aspiring authors.



The gorgeous Kara Hunt!

My other critique partner, Kara Hunt, arrived, and I was so excited to meet her, I skipped my class with Tosca Lee (but will still get to hear it when the entire conference on flash drive arrives in my mailbox). Kara is so genuine and funny. Meeting her and Pegg--I felt like I'd known them forever. I'm so blessed with a wonderful critique group. I only wish the other three could've been there!


The Annual Awards Gala was so much fun. Everyone was dressed in their best, dinner was divine, and I loved watching the winners take the stage and accept their much-deserved awards.

Me with Frank Peretti
ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner



Brandilyn Collins

Beth Wiseman, giving her thank-you speech



Me and Pegg again!

All the free books I got to take home!!

Me and Rachel Hauck
She's one of my all-time favorite authors!

This conference was an amazing experience for me in so many ways. I learned things about writing and about myself, enjoyed the worship, discovered what not to do when pitching a book, and met a lot of great people. But inspite of learning how to master my craft, most of all--after I put myself aside--I met with the Master.

ACFW Conference 2013

The last several weeks, I've been preparing to attend this years ACFW Conference in Indianapolis, September 13-15. I've never been to a writer's conference before and since this is one of the biggest held every year, I'm both very excited and very nervous.

The next two weeks will be challenging for me as I finish polishing the novel I'll be pitching to editors and agents, memorizing my book proposal, printing off one-sheets and sample chapters, deciding what to wear, packing...all while trying to keep up on household chores, helping the kids with their homework, seeing my normal commitments through, AND editing my Christmas novella that will release with White Rose around Thanksgiving. (More to come on that later)

Overwhelmed? Yes, but I'm grateful for God's blessings and will meet these challenges head on. He'll give me the tools I need to get these jobs done. (And hopefully He'll provide me with LOTS of caffeine as well.)  

I'm so excited for the opportunity to meet other authors, many of whom have touched my heart through their writing, and I admire very much. We'll sit in classes together, fellowship with one another, and worship together. I'm looking forward to being a student of Karen Witemeyer's class (she is one of my favorite historical romance authors), Deb Raney's class, and learning how to make my character's memorable with Tosca Lee.

I'll get to meet two of my wonderful critique partners in person, one of which is a finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest. The winners will be announced at the awards gala, and I'll be proud to sit with her and watch her accept her award (she's that good, so I believe she'll win!)  

If you "Like" my Facebook page you can follow my journey during the conference, and, of course, I'll write a blog post to share afterward.

I ask anyone who is willing to, please pray for me the next 15 days--for my nerves to settle, that I'll get everything done with time to spare, clarity of thought when I pitch my novel, safety while traveling to and from the conference, to make lasting friendships, to have a good attitude, and above all to honor and glorify God in all that I do. His will may not be for me to receive a book contract or an agent from this experience, but I know He has something waiting for me there.