Meet Anne Greene
Welcome, Anne. Tell us about yourself.
Besides my first love, writing, I enjoy travel, art, reading, sailing, and way too many other things to mention. Life is good. Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.” Whether writing contemporary or historical, my books celebrate the abundant life Jesus gives.
My home is in McKinney, Texas, just a few miles north of Dallas. My dear husband is a retired Colonel, Army Special Forces. My little brown and white Shih Tzu, Lily Valentine, shares my writing space, curled at my feet. I have four beautiful, talented children.
Tell us about your newest book.
My newest book is Recipe for a Husbandand is set inside a lighthouse in Maine during the year 1940 as America enters World War II. Nessie McDonald, daughter of a recently deceased lighthouse keeper, seeks a husband by Thanksgiving to share the work and responsibility of warning sailors off the rugged Maine coast and watching for German saboteurs. She advertises in the Bar Harbor Newsfor a husband and cooks gourmet dinners for each would-be husband’s interview.
Kyle Cameron, the injured seaman she rescues from the sea, doesn’t qualify because he must return to his home in Australia to run his enormous sheep station. Yet Kyle, lying on a cot in the kitchen with a broken leg, points out each of Nessie’s aspiring husband’s unsuitability by reading spiritual advice aloud from Lady Jane’s New England Cookbook,Nessie’s mysteriously discovered heirloom. Kyle also offers hilarious Aussie advice.
When Kyle must return home, he cooks up a recipe of his own.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I usually focus on historical romance because I think if people don’t know the history of their country they are destined to repeat the tragic years. Plus, I love a happy ending. I also write suspense and contemporary detective stories.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I write because I can’t not write. I have the greatest message in the world to share, and I’m not a fantastic conversationalist. But, I don’t believe in preaching. My characters react naturally to their environment and those events reveal their Christian character. Sometimes the reader must search for my message, which I trust will sneak up on them and surprise them.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Nessie McDonald is the heroine of Recipe For A Husband and Kyle Cameron is the hero. Her ancestors arrived on the Mayflower and have operated the lighthouse at Bar Harbor for generations. Of course, this information never appears in my book. But Nessie comes from early Scot immigrants. Kyle is an Aussie. I chose his name because I like it.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
My days are quite varied. When I’m on a deadline I get to my desk as early as possible because my deadlines are tight. When I’m not on deadline, which is seldom, I plan to be at my computer by 11:00 each day, often including Saturday. I work usually to 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. I don’t work on Sundays. I often put in a 35-hour week.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
I’d have to say, promoting. I love being a published author. But these days with the internet and self-publishing (I’m not self-published) books flood the market. So, every author is required to promote their books. I don’t mind promoting my books because they are well written and enjoyable as well as giving the reader an experience of life they’ve never had but promoting is time consuming and takes away from actual writing.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
I love seeing my books in people’s hands. I love seeing them displayed in public and seeing them online. I love when readers come to me and say my book has impacted their life and they thoroughly enjoyed my book. I love seeing each new book cover arrive from my publisher and the new books arrive at my doorstep. I love when my book’s ending brings me a sense of satisfaction that the ending is really good. So much I love about writing. God has given me a joyous gift, and I give Him all the glory.
What are you most proud of?
I pondered that question and didn’t come up with a good answer. I believe writing is the task God has given me, and I hope I’m doing a good job fulfilling that task or talent. Jesus’ parable of the talents scares me as well as prods me into trying to do my best for Him. So, I try with each book I write to write it as best I can for Him. Much as I like to see my covers on display I feel more thankfulness than pride.
What is your favorite pastime?
Oooh, I have so many. I love singing in my church choir and spending time with my family and friends. I love oil painting and travel. I love reading a good book and just being alive. I love experiencing nature and God’s wild creatures. Life as a Christian is good. Much better than life before I met Christ at the age of twenty-one.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes. Recipe For A Husband is my twenty-first published book. All my books are listed on my website. I also have a thick three-ringed binder of awards for my different books.
What are you working on now?
So glad you asked. I’m working on a suspense set in the exotic country of Turkey. The working title is Shadow of the Dagger. While my husband served in the military, I spent three months in Turkey, which is one of the most fabulous countries I’ve visited. In a single day, Nicole, an archeologist, discovers her brother’s been kidnapped, her purse is stolen, and she’s alone in a foreign city with only a mysterious stranger, Josh the CIA Agent, to turn to. And someone wants the secret she hides enough to kill her.
Website:Visit with Anne atwww.AnneGreeneAuthor.com
Links to books:https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Greene/e/B004ECUWMG.
Social media links:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnneWGreeneAuthor
Twitter: @TheAnneGreene
Pinterest at The Anne Greene
Blog: www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com.
Meet author Grace Fox
I’ve been a career missionary for nearly 25 years and speak regularly at women’s retreats and conferences internationally. My husband and I were married nearly 37 years ago. We have three grown children and seven beautiful grandchildren with another one on the way. Writing-wise, I’ve written nine books and hundreds of magazine articles since launching my career in 1999. My passion is to help my readers connect the dots between faith and real life.
Tell us about your newest book.
It’s an 11-week Bible study titled Forever Changed. It’s based on the premise that our thoughts shape our beliefs, beliefs influence behavior, and behavior determines our destiny. Aligning our thoughts with truth, then, is vital for life transformation. I wrote it for “First Place 4 Health”—for people wanting to improve their well-being specifically through weight loss—but anyone can use it whether or not they’re involved in a FP4H small group.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I write non-fiction Christian living books, mostly devotionals and Bible studies. Why? Because I’m passionate about helping my readers connect God’s Word to everyday issues they face. That’s the key to victorious living.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I’ve enjoyed writing from girlhood. The year I turned forty, I sensed a strong call to explore writing for publication. I didn’t have a clue what that looked like, so I attended a Christian writers conference to learn. That conference resulted in my writing magazine articles—profiles of people who’d overcome difficult and often tragic circumstances, mostly.
Two years after attending my first writers conference, an editor challenged me to write a book. Well, at that time, I was a mom with three kids at home. I’d been involved with a mom’s prayer group that focused on using Scripture for intercession. I knew how to pray God’s Word on my kids’ behalf, so I wrote a devotional that taught moms how to do the same. Within the context of writing books then, I’ve been writing devotionals ever since.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
The hardest part of being an author, for me, is finding the time to write consistently. My husband and I are career missionaries, and our role as co-directors of International Messengers Canada requires overseas travel, training short-term volunteers, hosting our table at mission conferences, and much more. But this is the season of my life right now, and I have to just be faithful to do what I can do.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
For me, the best part of life as an author is interacting with my readers and hearing how God is using something I’ve written to challenge or encourage them. For example, I recently received an email from a women’s ministry leader in Iowa. “We began the study with seven women,” she wrote. “Five more joined us after the first week. Two are paralyzed by fear. Thank you for these materials. Please pray for God to set these precious women free.” Feedback like this fuels my desire to provide more life-changing resources.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
I remember a season when I wondered if my role as an author was over. Book sales were low, and my agent told me that my book Moving from Fear to Freedom was about to be discontinued. I felt desperate to know if I should spend my energies on other worthwhile endeavors, so I prayed. My phone rang five hours later. A woman I didn’t know spoke these words: “I’ve never phoned an author. Today I felt compelled to call you and to say that your book Moving from Fear to Freedom has changed my life. Please keep writing.” Her words sealed my call to write. I will do so until God tells me to stop.
BTW, the book was never discontinued. It was published in 2007 and is still being sold. Stonecroft Ministries later asked me to develop a DVD-based Bible study based on it, and it’s been translated into Polish and Romanian.
What are you most proud of?
Writing-wise, I’m most proud of producing the award-winning DVD and workbook to accompany Moving from Fear to Freedom. Ironically, I had to address my own fears and move forward in faith. God looked after the details, and the result has impacted thousands of women for good.
What is your favorite pastime?
My husband and I live on a 48-foot sailboat in a Vancouver, BC, marina. How that came to pass is a faith story in itself! As a result, my favorite pastime is hosting friends and family on our boat, sharing the beauty of God’s creation with them.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I have several. I’ve already mentioned Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation. Then there’s Peaceful Moments to Begin Your Day: Devotions for the Busy Woman, Morning Moments with God: Devotions for Busy Women, as well as others listed on my website.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently awaiting several publishers’ response on a book proposal I’ve submitted. This is a devotional with very short readings, perfect for the woman whose life is in a state that makes it difficult for her to focus.
Website: www.gracefox.com
Link to book: http://www.gracefox.com/books/moving-from-fear-to-freedom-a-womans-guide-to-peace-in-every-situation/
Social media links:
Instagram: graceloewenfox
Blog: www.gracefox.com/blog
Meet author Diane Stortz
Diane Stortz loves to create engaging books based on the Bible that children want to return to again and again. She lives with her husband of 42 years, Ed, in Cincinnati, OH. They have two married daughters and five young grandchildren—all boys!
Tell us about your newest book.
I AM: The Names of God for Little Oneshas short Bible stories, verses, and prayers help toddlers and preschoolers get to know God by discovering the meaning of twelve different names for God, such as Creator, Savior, Healer, Teacher, and Friend. It’s an 8×8-inch board book with a padded cover.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Mostly Bible-based books for children. I love connecting children with God’s Word.
Why do you write? What drives you?
I’m all about making God’s wonders known to the next generation. My mission is to help people get to know God through His Word, the Bible. I believe everything about our life with God flows from there.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
I’m not very good with routines, so every day is different. I might get up early to work or stay up late. You might find me in my office or at the kitchen table if I need a change of scene.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Probably the isolation. I’m an introvert, but even introverts need to be around people sometimes!
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
I really enjoy meeting parents and children at book shows and other events. I love seeing children’s eyes light up when they first spot my books and their beautiful covers.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
My grandson’s preschool teacher came to my book launch party and signing this summer and bought fifteen books—for the preschool and for family and friends. She had me sign them all.
What are you most proud of?
My books have been translated into Korean, Arabic, Spanish, Finnish, and Africaans. That’s pretty amazing to think about.
What is your favorite pastime?
I enjoy being outdoors, and I love spending time with my five grandchildren—all boys!
Do you have other books?
I do! The Sweetest Story Bible and The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers(Zonderkidz), Words to Dream On: Bedtime Bible Stories and Prayer, Say & Pray Bible, Say & Pray Devotions, I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, I AM Devotional (Tommy Nelson), Baby, Baby!(Worthy Kids/Ideals), Parents of Missionaries(IVP), A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year (Bethany House)
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a 365-day devotional through the Bible for women that Bethany House will publish in September 2019.I also have a 52-week devotional for busy families coming out in February 2019, with short, active Bible stories, think-and-talk questions, and fun follow-up activities.
Website: www.DianeStortz.com
Link to book: http://www.dianestortz.com/books/i-am-the-names-of-god-for-little-ones/
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/diane.stortz.books/
https://twitter.com/DianeStortz
Meet author Jackie M. Johnson
Jackie M. Johnson is an author and blogger who inspires readers worldwide with practical help and biblical hope to grow a better life. Jackie is the author of the popular Power Prayers for Women, the helpful breakup recovery book, When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty and the inspiring Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough. She blogs at www.jackiejohnsoncreative.com and Living Single on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk website.
Tell us about your newest book.
Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough is my most recent book. It’s a helpful resource for people going through challenging times. When you’re stressed or depressed—or you feel like giving up—you can find encouraging stories and powerful prayers that will speak to your need.
The book is arranged so you can turn to the topic you need at the moment, or read it from beginning to end. Some of the issues covered in the book include: When Life is a Mess, When You Feel Like Giving Up, When You’re Busy and Stressed, When You Have Health Concerns, When You Have Relationship Issues, and When You Feel Distant from God. I want people to know that prayer is powerful because God is powerful. Hope and help are just a prayer away.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I write nonfiction books. I want to help people “grow a better life.” And, that means not only knowing more about who God is but also experiencing firsthand how He helps us in our daily lives. I want people to know the power available to them that God provides. He helps us to love better, forgive when we don’t feel like it, and have the strength to live this hard and messy life with contentment and joy.
Two of my books have been on the topic of prayer. One book was for single and single again readers on how to get over a relationship breakup.
Why do you write? What drives you?
Most people are busy and stressed. They want to have a better life, more joy, a loving family, and so much more. But often they get swept away in the busyness of life and get emotionally and spiritually parched.
Through my books and blogs, I want to offer a cold glass of water to desert-dry hearts. I want to bring hope and encouragement to life-weary souls and point them to God—and all He offers us. Love. Joy. Peace. Power for living. Healing. Wisdom. Courage. Fortitude. A New Perspective. Eternal Life. And, so much more. I write for singles. I write for women. I write for anyone who needs hope and joy.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
For me, one of the hardest things about being an author is finding time to write. I have a full-time job and I am an author and blogger. I also do all of my own marketing, social media and PR. As most authors know, we wear many hats to write and promote our books.
I’ve learned that it’s not about finding time, but about making time for writing. It’s about choices. Generally, what I do is: work all day at my full-time job, come home and eat dinner, relax for a bit, and then I choose to get myself in the chair in front of my computer and write—even if it’s for a short time.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
The best part of my author life is helping readers to know our amazing and loving God more, and inspire them to have more hope and joy, courage and confidence in their daily lives. I also enjoy expressing my creativity and changing the world with words.
What are you most proud of?
In addition to the English language, all of my books are also translated into Portuguese. One is in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and soon Afrikaans. It makes my heart happy to know that people all over the world can learn more about God, and find heart healing and hope through my writing.
What is your favorite pastime?
It’s hard to pick just one! I love to write, read, go to movies, be out in nature and do nature photography, travel, and spend time with friends and family.
Do you have other books?
Yes! Power Prayers for Women, which offers inspiring content and short, starter prayers for 21 areas of a woman’s life—like praying for your family, your emotions, your dreams and goal, your job, your church, your nation and more. Each prayer is derived from Scripture, so you’ll be “praying the Word,” the most powerful way to pray.
My other book is a helpful breakup recovery resource for single or single again readers called, When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty. This book provides practical help and biblical insight to help you get out of emotional darkness and into the light of a brighter and better future.
What are you working on now?
I write a blog called “Living Single” for singles of all ages on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk website: https://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/living-single-blog
I am also working on a book proposal for my next nonfiction book. Someday I would love to write fiction and a screenplay.
Website: www.jackiejohnsoncreative.com
Link to book:
Praying With Power When Life Gets Tough:
Social media links:
Facebook: Jackie M. Johnson – Author https://www.facebook.com/Jackie-M-Johnson-Author-188809573072/
Twitter: @jackiecreative https://twitter.com/jackiecreative
Pinterest: Jackie M. Johnson
https://www.pinterest.com/jackiecreative/?autologin=true
Instagram: jackiejohnsoncreative
Christmas Charity, Susan’s novella, is out!
Hi friends! I’m thrilled to let you know that my newest book has just come out. Here’s a little more about it.
Anne Greene, multi-published, award-winning author, said, “This truly delightful novella goes straight to the reader’s heart. I love the Irish traditions and the family interactions. Susan Hawkins’ difficulties as a stepmother are real issues of life today and Susan G Mathis, does a masterful job showing the wise solution. This story grips the reader from the first scene to the last. Based on a true story, the reader will want to put this novella on her keeper shelf and reread it often.”
[Click here to buy Christmas Charity now.]
What’s Christmas Charity about?
Susan Hawkins and Patrick O’Neill find that an arranged marriage is much harder than they think, especially when they emigrate from Wolfe Island, Canada, to Cape Vincent, New York, in 1864, just a week after they marry—with Patrick’s nine-year-old daughter, Lizzy, in tow. Can twenty-three-year-old Susan Hawkins learn to love her forty-nine-year-old husband and find charity for her angry stepdaughter? She hope so—before Christmas comes.
Who’s your main character?
Susan is the ten-year-old girl from my debut novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy. If you haven’t read it yet, get it here. Susan is all grown up now and loving her teaching job on Wolfe Island. But when her parents betroth to a man twenty-six years her elder and the new family moves to America just days after the wedding, life gets tough, especially when she becomes an instant stepmother.
How would you describe your writing to someone who hasn’t read any of your books? As with The Fabric of Hope, my writing is full of faith, hope, and love. My writing style is inspiring, yet a little pensive, for I deal with real topics that happen to real people, whether they live in the 1800s or today.
What inspired you to write Christmas Charity?After the great feedback from so many readers who enjoyed The Fabric of Hope, several wanted to know more about Susan, my great grandmother, whom I’m named after. Susan really was given in an arranged marriage to my great grandfather, Patrick, and yes, he was twenty-six years older. Oh my! I thought it’d be fun to write about such a marriage.
How did you research your book? My cousins did a lot of research on our ancestry, and I did extensive research about the history and culture, the customs, and so much more. I also enjoyed visiting Wolfe Island, Canada, and Cape Vincent, NY several times, and have made friends in both places.
Do you have any photos of the setting of your book?Since I didn’t have photos of my great grandparents, the man who represents Patrick is actually my grandfather. I have many, many photos of the setting—both Wolfe Island and Cape Vincent—on my website and Facebook pages. I hope you’ll check them out.
What’s your next project? Katelyn’s Choice releases on March 15thwith Lighthouse Publishing, and it’s the first in the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series!
It’s the story of nineteen-year-old Katelyn Kavanagh who leaves her family’s struggling farm to work on Pullman Island for the famous George Pullman. There she finds herself serving powerful men such as President Ulysses S. Grant, and Generals Sherman and Sheridan—and falling in love with her best friend’s brother. Katelyn gains popularity with some of her friends by spilling the sensitive high society gossip she’s privy to. But when she overhears a possibly damaging presidential conversation, she knows she can’t tell anyone. She could lose her job—and endanger the president’s 1872 reelection—and jeopardize her relationship with the man of her dreams. Still, the scandalous news just keeps begging to be told…
I hope you’ll consider picking up Christmas Charity and/or The Fabric of Hope for yourself—and don’t forget they’d make great Christmas gifts. [Click here to get Christmas Charity.]
Kathi Macias, bestselling author of more than 50 books, including To the Moon and Back said, “Christmas Charity is an absolutely delightful read—at Christmas or any time! With her lovable, well-defined characters and captivating storyline, the story carries the reader with it. I hope this is among the first of many such offerings from this talented author!”
Meet Ellie Gustafson
Ellie Gustafson grew up in Branchville NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren. Ellie’s early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel.
Tell us about your newest book.
An Unpresentable Glory is a multi-dimensioned love story. A stranger, more dead than alive, shows up in Linda’s garden. She cares for him and only later learns who he really is. An investigative reporter uncovers the secret, and both Linda and her guest are vilified.
The story has an American Indian component. Kill the Indian, and save the manbecame the watchword of this brutal project. Other fascinating stories are woven together in this complex tapestry that blazons the glory of God.
What genre do you focus on and why?
I’ve jumped around a fair amount, for no other reason than I wanted to. Imaginations are, after all . . . imaginative. I’ve written contemporary, time travel, speculative, and biblical fiction.
Why do you write? What drives you?
My mother fed me story from a young age, and it nourished my DNA. God first touched me through story and then made the bigger story come alive. I love Him passionately and want to communicate His love.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
The book has two main characters. One goes by the name Jay in the first few chapters, but telling more would spoil things. Linda’s official name is Kileenda Jensen. Her parents, deep-rooted in Westchester County, New York, had made tiresomely sure she knew her uncommon heritage and social standing. Linda, though, was comfortable with a plain name because her real worth did not rest on money or position. I waffled between two names—Kileenda and Eileenda—both patterned after a missionary friend named Kyleen.
What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?
Marketing is hard. You have to know things that are foreign to story DNA. Market resources are available, but my math-challenged brain is also marketing challenged. I do, however, love doing blogs and interviews. Thank you, Susan!
God has been gracious, though. At a recent conference, I was feeling bad about my tendency to misuse people’s time and confessed it to God. When I returned to my book table, a young man came with money in hand to buy a book. Gift enough, but we somehow got talking about King David, and I asked if he would like me to read a passage from The Stones. He sat enthralled as I read of the prophet Nathan’s confrontation with David over his sin with Bathsheba. He loved it and declared his intention of buying the Kindle version. I, in return, hugged him for allowing me to read (which I love doing and do well). I saw this as a special, handcrafted gift from God.
What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?
Loving and talking with people about things that matter is right up there.
What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?
En route to a TV presentation, I belatedly realized that airport Security takes a dim view of penknives in jeans pockets, and I had forgotten to shift mine from my pocket to my luggage. What to do? Spotting a large, potted plant near the door, I looked around surreptitiously and “planted” the knife next to the stem and went through the line. I returned the next day, retrieved the knife—damp and dirty—and left the airport smiling. Cathy at Whitaker House said, “Thank God we didn’t get a call from the county jail to post bail for you!”
What are you most proud of?
I think I take the most pleasure (not pride) in the gift of Love that God has granted me. It’s not natural to me, and it came relatively recently. I love people—in church, in whatever book venues, on email—and receive much love in return. Here’s a quote from a book I’m currently reading: “Christianity is the world’s great love religion. . . . The Christian God woos us with love and works our transformation through love” (Surrender to Loveby David Benner).
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have five:Appalachian Spring, Wild Harvest, Middle Night,The Stones, and Dynamo.
What are you working on now?
My next project is to stop writing. In what time remains to me, I hope to have space to smell the roses, read for pleasure, and listen to music that makes me cry. The segue into heaven could be abrupt and definitive, but it could also be reflective of a life full of learning and adventure, of growing into the real person that God has been shaping these many years.
Website:www.eleanorgustafson.com
Link to book:An Unpresentable Glory https://tinyurl.com/y9lpft6a
Social media links:
Facebook: Ellie Gustafson
Twitter: @EgusEllie
Pinterest: Ellie K Gustafson
Goodreads: Eleanor Gustafson