Writer Clarice James On Reading

Clarice, welcome to Writers on Reading! Your debut novel, Double Header, released mere months ago. Since you’re a Contemporary Women’s Fiction writer, I’m curious…as a reader are you drawn toward certain genres?

I am drawn to contemporary women’s fiction, but also love a good historical or classic. Of course, many of the books in my library are non-fiction, including topics on spiritual growth, devotionals, biblical reference, and even marketing and business.

Do you find one theme more repeatedly snags your attention as a reader?

The themes that resonate with me are often ones I’ve personally experienced: fighting God and finding Christ; new love after widowhood; letting go of control to experience God’s best for me; and finding God’s purpose for our life.

Is there something special you seek when selecting your next reading adventure?

I don’t want the book to be so shallow that I can’t learn from the story yet so deep that I get lost.

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

Recently, I read Out of the Storm (HopeSprings Books, 2015), an anthology of short stories, many of which were speculative fiction, which is not a genre I am drawn to. Yet I enjoyed many of those very stories. My choice to read this book was due to one particular story: "Just West of Clovis," a western by Ralph D. James, who happens to be my husband. It won first place in its category.

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?

A few years back, I read a romance novel—not usually my first choice. But the history and writing were so good I’ve recommended it over and over--The Chamomile by Susan F. Craft (Heritage Beacon Fiction, 2013). Sometimes in historical stories, the researched parts are obvious. But Susan’s stories read like she lived during the revolutionary war days.

As a writer working on her third novel, do you find time to read?

I find pockets of time to read because I enjoy good stories, love learning from other writers, and find it relaxing.

So, what did you read while working on your last book?

I was a beta reader for Terrie Todd’s The Silver Suitcase (Waterfall Press 2016). It was excellent!

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

It was a western titled West for the Black Hills by Peter Leavell (Mountainview Books LLC, 2015). He had so much conflict and tension in his story, it made it hard to stop reading! I can’t wait to get the next book in the series.

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

I had a high school teacher who was also the drama coach. His love of good books and his dramatic flair made writing seem fun, important, and worthy of my time. (Besides, I wasn’t an athlete and I couldn’t carry a tune.)

With a spring just sprung upon us, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal spring reading experience?

I want to read Cynthia Ruchti’s Song of Silence (Abington Press, 2016). When I read Cynthia’s books, I feel like I’m home. My front porch chairs aren’t out yet (still cold in New Hampshire), but it’s a quiet and bright spot to read. Then there’s always my big fat comfy reading chair in the living room in the evenings.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. It’s my all-time favorite.

If Casey Gallagher, the protagonist in Double Header, were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

They Wore Red Sox and Pinstripes: Players Who Went to the Enemy by Todd Stanley (McFarland & Co., 2016)

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

BIO:  Clarice G. James loves to read and write smart, fun, relatable contemporary women’s fiction. After many years of writing and editing for business and ministry, she now enjoys the freedom that writing fiction allows her. Clarice has been a follower of Jesus Christ for over 35 years. She and her husband live in Southern New Hampshire. Together they have five married children and ten grandchildren. Double Header is her first published novel. It was one of three winners in the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

Since Mountainview Books LLC is a traditional publisher with a distribution source, you can request Double Header, at your local bookstore. If you’re in a hurry, there’s always online ordering at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

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Writers On Reading Closed for Today

Hello All, No post this Friday---Good Friday. May all of you have a blessed weekend! Here's what I'll be reading and recommending this Easter weekend. :0

Writer Marilyn Turk On Reading

Marilyn, welcome to Writers on Reading! Your debut novel, The Gilded Curse, released mere days ago and looks sumptuous. I’m curious…as a reader are you drawn toward the genre you read in? 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?

I love historical fiction, especially Civil War era books, but I read all historical eras.

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

A contemporary suspense, whodunit. I don’t like to read about murders, but I try to choose a variety for my book club, because they don’t all like historical and some like more contemporary suspense or mystery, so I try to stretch my reading selection.

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?

Probably Lisa Wingate’s book, The Story Keeper, which I enjoyed immensely and bought her next book as a result.

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 always have a book that I’m reading. I think it helps keep my mind in gear.

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

The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate. I like the way she combines historical with contemporary so I have two story lines to keep up with.

Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

Well, I just read Esther, by Angela Hunt, and it made me shiver because of the

horrific things that people did to people during that time period in Persia.

I cried when I read Dan Walsh’s book, Rescuing Finley – it’s a sweet story.

And I laughed when I read Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin and also laughed when I read Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock – both books I loved.

Thanks for the great recommendations! Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

As a preteen I read Nancy Drew and loved those books.

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

I’ve wanted to write devotionals for a long time because I like reading them. I suppose my writing style is a combination of Nancy Drew and historical because I read a few historicals as an older teen, such as The Silver Chalice, Captain from Castille, and Ramona.

With a spring just sprung upon us, what is on your to-read list? And what is your ideal spring reading experience?

I love to read sitting under an umbrella at the beach. That’s got to be my most favorite setting. Fortunately for me, the beach isn’t far away, but with family responsibilities, I often don’t have that leisure. I’m looking forward to reading Once Beyond a Time by Ann Tatlock and The Inn at Ocean’s Edge by Colleen Coble.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

No. Not enough time to reread with all the books I want to read.

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

That’s a hard one to answer. I think I’ll pass on this one.

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

BIO:

Marilyn Turk Bio

Marilyn Turk has been published in Guideposts magazine, Guideposts books - A Joyful Heart and A Cup of Christmas Cheer, The Upper Room, Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Lighthouse Digest magazine. Her book, Lighthouse Devotions was published in 2015, and The Gilded Curse, a historical suspense novel, was released this month. Her weekly lighthouse blog can be found at http://pathwayheart.com. She lives in Florida with husband Chuck and enjoys boating, fishing, tennis, and gardening when she’s not climbing lighthouses or playing with her grandsons.

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

@pathwayheart.com 

@marilynturk.com

Blurb 

In 1942, Lexie Smithfield becomes the only heir to her family’s dwindling fortune after her brother is killed at Pearl Harbor. A mysterious telegram beckons her back to Jekyll Island. Ten years before, the family quit coming to the exclusive Millionaire’s Club after tragic events convinced her mother the island was cursed. Club Superintendent Russell Thompson knows the truth, but he swore never to tell. Will he and Lexie discover the real danger before it’s too late?

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 Janet K. Brown On Reading

Your novels, Victoria and the Ghost and Worth Her Weight, couldn’t be more different. I cannot imagine your reading list! So… as a reader are you drawn toward certain genres? 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?

That’s funny, but true, and not only do I write multiple genres, but I read multiple genres. I read young adult, romance, suspense, mysteries, non-fiction, women’s fiction, general fiction.  I guess I look more than anything for hope in impossible situations. I don’t only read Christian. Sometimes, the story provides hope because the protagonist learns what’s really important in life. However, since God brings everlasting hope, I do prefer Christian novels.

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

I guess I would say “Joseph’s Cradle,” a children’s Christmas book. (I told you I read everything.) It was new view of the nativity, showing Joseph’s point of view, and I liked that. I chose it because I had become acquainted with the author.

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?

True confession: Lately, I’ve mostly read books that I agreed to review or that I won as a gift, so I haven’t chosen just by cover in awhile. I will say that my all time favorite cover is the one Kimberly Pennell did for my devotion book, Divine Dining. It’s not just me. I’ve been told that by others.

Having published other books 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 read all the time. Reading makes my writing fresher, or at least, that’s my opinion. Besides, I need to get into a story other than my own. I keep a non-fiction and a fiction going at all times.

The last few months, I’ve been on deadline to finish Worth Forgiving, the sequel to Worth Her Weight. During this time, I read Remembrance by Danielle Steel, In This Together by Gail Kittleson, and Moonlight Can Be Murder by Blanche Day Manos.

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

The Debt by Angela Hunt

Oooh, good choice! Did a book recently make you laugh/cry/sigh/shiver?

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer.

Children in novels always make me laugh. In this one, little Lily was a reader of wild western novels, and especially ones written about the exploits of the man that became their protector. The shivers came with the girl’s kidnapping, and the crying when they learned how the precious child had been used for criminal gain.

Lots of sighing over the protagonist and the hero’s opposing ways of looking at things, but again we learn that in romance, opposites attract.

Sounds great! Judging by the cover, that's a book I've been wanting to read. Now I have a real excuse. Were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I don’t remember reading a lot before college. The first I remember was a LaVryle Spencer book. But, as a lonely child, I made up my own stories, some in my mind, some written. My imagination was my book.

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

My junior high school English teacher was extremely hard on me. At the end of the school year, I got up the courage to ask her why she didn’t like me. She told me she was harder on me because she saw promise in my writing. That sparked a dream that never went away.

I'm so glad you asked her! How special! Has any book stuck with you recently? What created the lasting impressions?

The Debt by Angela Hunt made a lasting impression, again because of the theme of hope for an impossible situation, and in this case, redemption despite sin.

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

Actually, I don’t read as much in the winter as I do in the other months. I read in thirty minute swatches between writing, promoting, Bible study, family activities, and watching movies during this time.

We travel with our RV during the spring, fall, and some in the summer. My husband and I like nothing better than to sit outside and read overlooking a gurgling brook or a mountain scene.

I’m now reading 74 Seaside Avenue by Debbie Macomber. My next book to read is Virginia by Cathy Marie Hake and the one after that will be Private Eye Protector by Shirlee McCoy.

Is there a book you are looking forward to rereading?

I rarely reread a book.

If Lacey from Worth Her Weight were to pick a book from today’s shelves, what do you think it would be?

Lacey, my protagonist, likes romance and is a Christian, so she’d probably read Margaret Daley or Linda Goodnight.

Thanks so much for visiting, Janet, and letting us get to know you better as a reader.

I’ve enjoyed it, Deirdre. Wow, you ask tough questions. Made me think.

BIO:

Janet K. Brown lives in Wichita Falls, Texas with her husband, Charles. Writing became her second career after retiring from medical coding.

    Worth Her Weight is the author’s first inspirational women’s fiction, but it makes a perfect companion to her previously released, Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness. Both books encompass her passion for diet, fitness, and God’s Word.

Worth Her Weight marks Brown’s third book. Who knew she had a penchant for teens and ghosts? She released her debut novel, an inspirational young adult, Victoria and the Ghost, in July, 2012.

    Janet and her husband love to travel with their RV, work in their church, and visit their three daughters, two sons-in-law and three perfect grandchildren.

    Janet teaches workshops on writing, weight loss, and the historical settings of her teen books.

Find her at http://www.janetkbrown.com

on Twitter at https://twitter.com/janetkbrowntx

on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Janet-K-Brown-Author/143915285641707

E-mail:  Janet.hope@att.net

Purchase Links for Worth Her Weight:

http://pen-l.com/WorthHerWeight.html

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Her-Weight-Janet-Brown/dp/1940222958/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth-her-weight-janet-k-brown/1120982917?ean=9781940222950

Writer Amanda Cabot On Reading

Amanda, welcome to Writers on Reading! I confess it is hard to keep

track of your stories! You definitely have a plethora of novels—both historical and contemporary—to your credit, and I must say loved the title and theme of your Paper Roses so much so I had to buy the book instant I first saw it! I think it’s safe to say romance is the abiding theme in your stories. Are you drawn toward the same tender love stories 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?

I’m absolutely delighted that Paper Roses caught your eye! That story holds a special place in my heart. You’re right in thinking that I’m drawn to romances both to read and to write. I love the concept of love conquering all, but more than that, I truly believe in the healing power of love. My favorite stories are those where love heals a wounded hero or heroine … or sometimes both.

Oh, yes, those are the best! So, know that we know what you love to read... What was the most out-of-character book you’ve recently read, and what led to your choice?

Thomas Locke’s Trial Run.  I rarely read thrillers, because they either keep me awake at night or give me nightmares, but this one had such great reviews that I couldn’t resist seeing what all the hype was

about.  I was hooked from the first page, and yes, it did keep me awake at night, turning pages to find out what was going to happen next.  No nightmares, though.  Just hours of riveting reading.

Wow, now there's a recommendation, folks! Amanda, 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 don’t normally read children’s books, but when I saw the cover of The Adventures of Geraldine Woolkins by Karin Kaufman, I was so intrigued that I had to buy it.  I’m happy to report that the story is as good as the cover and, that while it may appear to be a children’s book, it’s an allegory that’s also suitable for adults.

Another good recommendation. So speaking of children's books... were you the kind of kid/teen who loved reading? Which novel do you first remember reading?

I was definitely one of those kids who always, always, always had a book in hand.  As Thomas Jefferson said, “I cannot live without books.”  I can’t remember the first novel I read, but the first one that I read so often that I had whole sections memorized was Little Women.  

My copy's a mess, too! When did you know you wanted to write? Did

any or multiple books influence this desire?

I was about seven when I decided I wanted to be a writer.  That wasn’t based on any one book but rather on the fact that books had the ability to transport me to new and exciting places, to introduce me to people who were braver than I’d ever be, and to show me that happily-ever-after was possible.  Reading brought me so much pleasure that it seemed logical – at least to a seven-year-old – that I should become a writer and bring that same pleasure to others.

What a delightful decision! I'm glad that seven-year-old mind remained undaunted. So one last question, Amanda, with a chilling winter deep upon us, what is on your cozy to-read list? And what is your ideal winter reading experience?

Next on my TBR list is Susan Anne Mason’s A Worthy Heart.  I’m looking forward to reading it on the couch in the family room,

snuggled under a wonderfully warm fleece throw a dear friend made for me, with a cup of cocoa topped with miniature marshmallows at hand.  

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

BIO:

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of more than thirty novels including the Texas Dreams trilogy, the Westward Winds series, the Texas Crossroad trilogy and Christmas Roses. A former director of Information Technology, she has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages.  Amanda is delighted to now be a fulltime writer of Christian romances, living happily ever after with her husband in

Wyoming.  

PURCHASE AND CONNECTION LINKS:

http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Trail-Novel-Crossroads/dp/0800734335/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/on-lone-star-trail-amanda-cabot/1122135205?ean=9780800734336

http://www.christianbook.com/new-3-on-lone-star-trail/amanda-cabot/9780800734336/pd/73433product_redirect=1&Ntt=734334&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

www.amandacabot.com

https://www.facebook.com/amanda.j.cabot

https://twitter.com/AmandaJoyCabot/

http://amandajoycabot.blogspot.com/

In case you need back cover copy for the current release, On Lone Star  Trail, here it is.

A woman without a future. A man running from the past.

One enchanting place where broken dreams are mended.

If there’s one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it’s a man

on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow’s End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.

When TJ Benjamin’s wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God’s sense of humor.


As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead—it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.