Writer Valerie Comer On Reader

Valerie, welcome to Writers on Reading! I’m looking forward to getting

to know you as a reader. Your most recent novel, Berry on Top, releases in February, and looks very fun. I also love farm-fresh-romance theme from your first series.

I’m curious if you read mostly romance and any other quirks about your reading habits. Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a reader? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

I read a lot of Christian contemporary romance, the genre in which I write. I have several authors on auto-buy, but I also like to try out newcomers in the field. Sometimes themes seem to repeat, but that may be coincidental to the order in which I read them. I find it endlessly fascinating how authors can spin new characters into tried-and-true scenarios and come up with unique stories. The possibilities are endless!

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

I actually read an Amish book recently, based on the recommendation of one of my street team members. It was Jennifer Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Summer, in which the young Amish hero is

an environmentalist, which ties in well with the themes I write about in the Farm Fresh Romance series. I enjoyed Ms. Beckstrand’s storytelling voice so much that I’ve read a couple of other books in the series. In general, I’m not a fan of Amish fiction, so this was a big departure for me!

That's very fun, sounds like a good fit for you! As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

I’m far less cover-conscious than many readers and go more by author or recommendations from friends. Once the book is on my old-school e-ink Kindle, the cover no longer matters at all, as I never see it again! Sometimes when I’m browsing, though, I cringe at some of the covers I see. I’ll still buy them if a friend recommends them, though.

Having published so many stories over the last couple of years, do you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?

In my early writing years, I found it difficult to read fiction, especially in the same genre as I was writing. That’s not a problem anymore. When I finish one first draft and have cleaned it up to send my beta readers, I start on the next book while awaiting feedback. So… if I waited for a gap, I’d never read, and I love it too much for that to happen. I read on average of an hour every evening, which works out to at least a book a week. Most of what I read is contemporary Christian romance, though not all.

Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I was ‘that kid’ for sure! Early reading memories include Heidi, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, The Borrowers, and the

Trixie Belden mysteries. We lived in a remote northern community and didn’t have access to a library. Even my three-room school didn’t have a library, although each classroom had a book cupboard at the back of the room. I burned through the available books quickly then reread my favorites.

Great insight into your reading past! That's why I love these interviews! So, when did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

I started writing many stories when I was a child. I loved the ability of books to send me to other places and other times, and wanted to do the same thing for others, but had no idea how. I abandoned all of them just a few pages in.

I toyed with writing for years as an adult, too. I always wanted to do it ‘some day,’ but the driving passion to make it a priority wasn’t there. In 2002 I found myself with a job at a small-town flooring shop. There were empty hours to be filled most days, and my bosses were totally fine with me bringing in a computer and writing in the back corner of the store. I spent the next few years applying myself to learning to write fiction through how-to books, an online forum, critique groups, and lots of practice.

I thought I had it made when I sold a romance novella to Barbour for release in 2012, but the doors didn’t truly open for me in traditional publishing. I’ve been an independent author/publisher since July, 2014, and I honestly couldn’t be happier! God has blessed me beyond my dreams. So, so thankful.

Wonderful to hear. You've really found your nitch. So, with a chilling winter upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

Winter reading. Hmm. In December, it’s mostly Christmas novels and novellas, but now that we are well past that, I can enjoy stories set in any season, even if it doesn’t match the blowing snow outside!

Ideal experience? I’d like to say in my armchair near the fireplace, with a quilt and a kitty on my lap, a mug of mocha on the side table, and soft music playing. The reality is a bit less romantic! I usually read in bed with a few down pillows behind my back just before lights-out, so the mocha with its caffeine hit are out! But both my cats are likely to be curled up tight against me, and their soft purring provides a pleasant backdrop.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Before I began writing, I used to reread books all the time. Now I no longer have time to do so, plus I have enough books in my Kindle queue to last me even if I didn’t hit that one-click-buy for quite a while. Which never happens!

Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Valerie! Folks, you can continue to connect with Valerie—and find out more about her books!—at the links below.

BIO:

Valerie Comer's life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local food movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.

Valerie writes where food meets faith and fiction in her Farm Fresh Romance series and Riverbend romance novellas. Visit her at www.ValerieComer.com.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Berry on Top is the sixth book in the Farm Fresh Romances. It can be read as a standalone, but will make the most sense as part of the series.

Find out more about the series here: http://valeriecomer.com/series/farm-fresh-romance/

Berry on Top is available for Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook here: http://valeriecomer.com/books/berry-on-top/

About Berry on Top:

God forgave him — but can she?

Liz Nemesek’s first visit home in forever is tough enough before Mason Waterman shows up. Despite her best efforts, she’s never forgotten — or forgiven — him for the hurt he once caused.

Former bad boy Mason Waterman has returned to northern Idaho to raise his five-year-old twins. The kids are determined to find a new mommy, but Liz is the last person they should latch onto… and the last person he should find himself falling for. Again.

If Mason has really changed, can Liz re-open her heart to him… and to the God who could have prevented her decade of heartache?

Writer Susan Anne Mason On Romance Reading (Valentine's Post)

Susan, welcome back to Writers On Reading—what perfect timing for

your visit as we approach Valentine’s Day! Your latest historical romance, A Worthy Heart, the sequel to Irish Meadows recently released—another beauty—and I confess I am personally excited about the third book in the series. (Wink.) 

As a genuine romantic, do you have any reading recommendations for us this Valentine’s Weekend?

I have a few actually, but one that really fits for Valentine’s Day is Courtney Walsh’s Paper Hearts. I read this last year around this time and was so charmed by the whole story and the concept of a husband and wife sharing romantic thoughts on paper hearts. It’s a story that doesn’t disappoint!

Wow! Sounds like a delight. Can you share the best romance book you’ve read or heard about during the year since you visited us?

When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren was fabulous! So was To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander.

Excellent recommendations. (You've good taste in books, my friend!) Looking back through the years, is there a romance story that sticks with you above all others?

I’d have to say Gone with the Wind and The Thornbirds were equally instrumental in my life. I saw both of these stories in film during my

teens, and then read the books. The star-crossed lovers theme really resonated with me, but I would have written the endings different for both of these stories. My character Rylan Montgomery in Irish Meadows, who was in the seminary when he met Colleen O’Leary, was born from the idea in The Thornbirds of a priest falling in love. 

What fun insight into your books. What was the last romance you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

The most recent one was Julie Lessman’s new contemporary novel Isle of Hope. It’s a big book, and I read it in like 2 days. Her characters are so compelling, and the storyline catches you up. I couldn’t put it down. I’ve loved all Julie’s historical romances and was thrilled to find her contemporary story even better!

Okay, we're gonna have to look at that one. I confess I might have passed it up, not wanting to see her "change genres"! Is there a certain kind of romance that draws you? Something you look for in a hero or heroine when you’re browsing books?

I’m very much drawn to a wounded hero, one with deep hidden scars that only the heroine, and God, can heal. John Brady, the hero in Julie Lessman’s A Passion Denied is an example of this type of hero. 
I also seem to write these types of heroes. Adam O’Leary in A Worthy Heart is just such a hero—and Matthew Clayborne, the hero of my third historical, Love’s Faithful Promise, can also be described this way. It’s such fun pairing them with strong women who help them find their true worth and a renewed faith in God’s love.

Yes, those are the best! Again, I love your taste. What was the first romance you remember reading?

I’m not sure if it was a real romance, but as a kid I read Anne of Green Gables and all the books that followed, mainly to see how her romance with Gilbert Blythe turned out!

Oops, you made me laugh. So true and relatable, right, folks? Susan, when did you know you wanted to write romance? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

After my kids got a wee bit older and I had more time to read, I picked up a book in a used bookstore by an author I’d never heard of before: Nora Roberts. (I know, I was living under a rock!) I loved her romances so much, I started reading as many as I could. That seemed to spark the idea of writing again, and of course I wanted to write romance since that’s all I wanted to read!

That is fun. I just love knowing that about you. Do you have a to-read list you’d like to share with us?

Sure! These are some I bought with Christmas money and haven’t had chance to read yet:  From the Start by Melissa Tagg, The Mistress of Tall Acre, by Laura Frantz, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt and Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall. 

All good books, I'm sure. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing the spirit of this Valentine’s! Folks, you can continue to connect with Susan—and find out more about her sumptuous romance books!—at the links below.

BIO:
Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys. A Worthy Heart is her second historical novel in the Courage to Dream series. Irish Meadows won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA. 
Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She loves red wine and chocolate, is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian, and is ecstatic on the rare occasions she has the house to herself. In addition to writing, Susan likes to research her family history on-line, and occasionally indulges in scrapbooking. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.com.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Website: www.susanannemason.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.anne.mason.333/ 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=susan+anne+mason 

Christian Books: http://www.christianbook.com/new-2-a-worthy-heart/susan-mason/9780764217258/pd/217258?event=ESRCG 

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-worthy-heart-susan-anne-mason/1122232802?ean=9780764217258

Bethany House: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/a-worthy-heart/355430 

Writer Beth Ann Ziarnik On Reading

Beth, welcome to Writers on Reading! I’m looking forward to getting to know you are a reader. Your debut novel, Her Deadly Inheritance, released mere days ago. I’m curious, are you drawn toward the same genre you write? Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a read? Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

Thank you for inviting me, Deirdre. It’s great to be here, and yes, I am excited about Her Deadly Inheritance. I’m hoping readers will find it as much fun to read as it was to write. As to the genre I’m drawn to, I’ve loved reading romantic suspense since I was a freshman in college. Like others, it comes and goes in popularity, but I agree with librarians. They tell me that fans of romantic suspense are always looking for that next one. I’m definitely one of those avid fans.

As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

Just recently, I saw the fascinating cover for The Dividing Stone by Anita Estes. I bought her novel and am thoroughly enjoying it. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a Frank Peretti novel, with angels and demons responding to people’s prayers in ever darkening circumstances.

Sounds shivery! I was a Peretti fan, too, back in his heyday. Do you find time to read during the months you spend writing or with deadlines ahead is it either/or for you? If so, what did you read while working on your last book? If not, what did you read when you finished this one?

I enjoy reading other novels while I’m writing my own. They inspire me rather than distract me. While writing Her Deadly Inheritance, I read many Love Inspired Suspense novels by such authors as Margaret Daley, Dana Mentink, Debby Guisti, Lisa Harris, Christy Barritt, Terri Reed, Shirlee McCoy, Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Valerie Hansen, and so many more!

What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down? Why?

Actually, I can name two! “Fragile Blessings,” by Susan M. Baganz, one of three historical romance novellas in Love’s Christmas Past. The heroine has just lost her first baby in childbirth when her husband volunteers to take in three small children who just lost their parents in a fire. She’s aghast, but the deed is already done. I had to know how she would finally come to take those children into her grieving heart. The other novel is A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar, also an historical romance. The convoluted adventures of the heroine as she tries to find her sister in the midst of Civil War battles and, instead, finds true love in the most unlikely social situation absolutely captivated me.

Well, those are excellent recommendations! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

Absolutely! The library was my second home. Mom said I first set foot in a library when I was two weeks old. I don’t remember that, but I do remember the many childhood summers when I eagerly signed up for the reading program—check out a book, read it, give a little book report to the children’s librarian, who then stamped another “stone” along the pathway of a themed sheet. Great memories, especially finishing the number of books required to participate in the celebration party. What kid doesn’t like candy, games, and prizes? Maybe that’s what set me on a lifelong pattern of reading novels.

When did you know you wanted to write? Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

I was ten years old when the desire struck. How I loved reading fairy tales, especially books loaded with stories of princes and princesses who had to overcome great challenges before they could live the rest of their lives in love. My favorites were a series: The Red Book of Fairy Tales, The Blue …, The Green …, The Pink …, The Yellow …. The colors went on and on, and I read every one of them! One day, I thought how wonderful it would be to write books that gave others as much pleasure as these books gave me. I didn’t know it at the time, but God had planted the seed of novelist in my heart that day.

What a special memory! Thank you for sharing that with us, Beth. Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

The novel that has stuck with me down through the years is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The heroine faced such awful challenges—orphaned and mistreated by those who should have loved and cared for her. But she rose to the challenge and grew up to be a woman of courage, a woman who risked the unknown and chose to do what was right in God’s eyes even when it cost her dearly. And because she did, the Lord rewarded her in the end by giving her the desires of her heart.

With a chilling winter upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

When I was a child, I loved reading in the crook of a tree or on my belly in the living room. These days, I like to cuddle in my bed with a soft and warm blanket, and multiple pillows behind me. I keep my to-read novels stacked high on my bedside table. Nearly all are romantic suspense, including Foul Play by Elizabeth Rees and Compromised Identity by Jodie Bailey.

If antagonist/protagonist in your debut book were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

If Jill, the heroine of Her Deadly Inheritance, were to select one of today books, I think it would be Pesto & Potholes by Susan M. Baganz. She would find common ground with Susan’s heroine who longs for a place in a loving family but isn’t sure how that would ever happen.

What a delightful and intriguing answers. Wasn’t this a fun interview! Thanks so much for visiting and letting us get to know you better as a reader, Beth! Folks, you can continue to connect with Beth—and find out more about her Romantic Suspense books!—at the links below.

BIO:

A long-time fan of romantic suspense, Beth Ann Ziarnik offers her first novel with all the twists and turns, cliffhangers and romantic tension she and readers have come to love. She is a co-founder of Word & Pen Christian Writers in Northeast Wisconsin and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In addition to her 450 published pieces (several included in anthologies), she is the author of Love With Shoes On, her ten-year devotional column about love in action and based on 1 Corinthians 13.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Her Deadly Inheritance

www.bethziarnik.com
www.facebook.com/beth.ziarnik
www.bethziarnik.wordpress.com

Writer Ally Carter On Reading

Ally, welcome to Writers on Reading! Congratulations on your recent release, Hearts Undone—What an intense cover. I think I’m safe guessing you’re drawn to romance stories, not just writing, but in reading too. But what kind?

I’m all over the place with what I read. Sometimes I’m in the mood for light and funny. Most of the time I read suspense. That’s my go to genre. It must have romance in it as well. What do you look for when choosing your next reading adventure? That depends on my mood. Sometimes, I go for what someone recommends me or to a favorite author.

What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

Outlander series! I’m not one for time travel romance. I saw a lot of people talking about the book and thought I’d give it a try.

As a writer, you should know better, but as a reader, you know we all do it…so, when did you last “judge a book by the cover”? How did it work out?

That’s been awhile since I’ve done that. It didn’t go well as I got totally sucked into the book. It was good.

Hearts Undone released weeks ago, did you have time to read during the months you spent working on it?

No I didn’t.

So did you treat yourself to a book when you handed this one off to your publisher?

I sure did. I have a book I’d been wanting to read on hold. I kept telling myself you get this done then you can read Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer.

What was the last book you absolutely couldn't put down?

The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem Why? The way she wove the story about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was just amazing. The way she shows Jesus as a friend and caring. She gave another glimpse to us of Him. We see him joking and laughing. I just loved it!

Did a book recently make you, cry? The Tomb Stephanie Landsem. Sigh? The Govnerness and Mr Granville. Laugh or shiver? A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman. Actually that book had me doing all of these and also wanting to throw it across the room at parts. Stubborn men!

Laughing. Great reaction! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading?

Yes! Which novel do you first remember reading? I don’t remember the names of them. I know they were my Granny’s romance stash.

Hah! That’s a great bit of insight! Thanks, Ally! So, when did you know you wanted to write?

That would have been about six years ago. I was stuck in the house with the kids due to a blizzard. We were all going a little crazy. I just finished reading Twilight. I’d written some before, but these characters came to me demanding I write. I sat down at the computer in between nap times for kids and making lunch and started to write.

Well, there's a fun and unique story! I guess that answers my next question. Did any or multiple books influence this desire?

Twilight.

Has any book stuck with you recently?

Redeeming Love.

I do remember that book. What created your lasting impressions?

It was the way she wove faith in along with passion and not going over the lines.

With autumn fast-approaching, what is on your cozy to-read list?

A Love Surrendered, Julie Lessman

The Awakening and The Gathering, K. E. Ganshert.

And what is your ideal fall reading experience?

In the recliner, with a cup of coffee, pumpkin spice to be exact. I don’t usually eat when reading.

Oooh, pumpkin spice coffee, autumn is here! I just tasted it. Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

All three of the ones above as I can’t choose!

If Shelby Johnson from Hearts Undone were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be? She would go for a Debbie Macomber book.

Quick answer! I’ll bet you nailed it too! Thanks for visiting, Ally, and letting us get to know you as a reader too! Folks, you can continue to connect with Ally, and find out more about her books, at the links below her bio.

BIO: Allyson writes Edgy Christian romance and suspense novels. In her books, readers will find emotionally stirring story lines, as well a compelling mixture of suspense and faith. She resides in Missouri with her loving husband and four wonderful children, and three cats. When not spending time with her family, you can find her knitting, and watching perhaps a few way too many suspense and reality television shows.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

You can get a copy of Hearts Undone on eLectio Publishing and Amazon.

She can be found around the Internet at these places, website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.