Thursday, August 15, 2019

MMMadness Blog Party - Six Book Giveaways






Welcome to the Mid-Month Madness Party! We really appreciate you coming by! We will be giving away six books so be sure to pay attention to how to enter.

To enter to win you MUST leave a comment WITH your email and you MUST ask one or more of the authors a question you'd like to know about them, their writing, or their books.

We are looking forward to getting to know you better and hope you'll get to know us better, too!


BE SURE TO DROP BY THE FACEBOOK PARTY FOR A CHANCE TO MINGLE WITH THE AUTHORS, AND EVEN MORE GREAT GIVEAWAYS! 
IT'S TODAY, THURSDAY AUGUST 15TH, FROM 3:00 to 6:00 PM EASTERN TIME.


The Ranchero's Gift


When Maya Garza’s step-father drags her to the cantina, planning to auction her off to cover his debts, she is desperate to escape. She sees no hope as she stands atop the table with a room full of men leering at her. Yaniv Madrigal is searching for his brother, and he can’t believe his eyes when he finds his brother bidding for a young woman. A woman who has the look of a trapped animal. Will Yaniv and Maya find a solution to their trouble before the unthinkable happens? 





Newlywed Games




A hilarious romantic comedy about a "little white lie" that grows into a very big problem. Meghann Livingston invents a husband to soothe her dying mother. But when her mom miraculously recovers, then comes for a visit, Meghann is hard-pressed to explain her "husband's" absence! Before Meghann can come clean, her “handsome", elusive boss, Bruce Halloway, inadvertently steps into her romantic charade ... and to Meghann's shock and horror, insists upon playing "son-in-law" to her mom. The masquerade's success depends upon them playing their newlywed games extremely well. But when they do, both Meghann and Bruce -- even as they struggle to overcome the consequences of their deceptions -- find themselves falling in love ... for real!




Lessons on Love




4 Teachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts

Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher
New York, 1840s
Her father’s sudden death makes Gilda Jacobs the new schoolmaster, but to teach Christian curriculum she partners with fire-and-brimstone revivalist Joshua Blake, who learns a lesson in love.




Stagecoach to Liberty




Coming to America seemed a dream come true for Elsa, but now she wishes she'd never left Germany. Her companions seem less trustworthy, and she comes to the attention of a man with soulless eyes. Can Elsa trust the handsome Irish stranger who wants to free her, or does he have motives of his own? 

Set in Montana during its gold rush -- a time troubled by outlaws, corruption and vigilante violence, Stagecoach to Liberty explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. 




Fall Flip




The tragic death of Shelby Dodson’s husband—her partner in a successful Home Network house flipping business—stole love, status, and career. Now a bungalow redesign thrusts Shelby into the company of a new contractor. Scott Matthews remembers high-and-mighty Shelby from high school, and her prissy, contemporary style goes against his down-to-earth grain. When the house reveals a mystery, will its dark secrets—and their own mistakes—cost a second chance at love?





The Mystery of Christmas Inn, Colorado




Matthew returns to Christmas Inn to celebrate his fortieth anniversary alone, intending to take his own life so he can join his beloved Sarah, who passed on to glory the previous January. Not certain how—or if—he will go on without her, Matthew learns on his arrival that the old inn will close its doors on New Year’s Eve. A developer has purchased the building and intends to tear it down and put up a chain hotel. Determined to keep his memories and his connection to Sarah alive, Matthew embarks on a harebrained scheme to keep the inn open. 
Edith Cochrane, a widow, comes to Christmas Inn because she has nowhere else to spend the holidays. Her children are angry with her because she refuses to choose to live with one of them. Edith and her husband enjoyed a long marriage and a long mission-field ministry, but ever since his passing the previous year, Edith has found herself at loose ends. She comes to Christmas Inn to spend some time thinking about her options.
Can Matthew and Edith save the old hotel—and themselves—or will they run out of time?









About Your Hostesses




Nancy J. Farrier is a best-selling, award winning author of historical and contemporary Christian fiction. She grew up in the mid-west, moved to the Southwest to be close to the mountains and never looked back. She loves the people, plants and animals found in the desert. She loves the sunshine, and most days she enjoys the heat. Nancy enjoys early morning hikes, spending time with her family, reading and going to church. 
Connect with Nancy: Website Facebook Twitter Bookbub Amazon Goodreads





Bestselling, award-winning novelist Mary Davis has over thirty titles in both historical and contemporary themes. She is a member of ACFW and an active critique group member. Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-four years and two cats. She has three adult children and two adorable grandchildren. Find her online: Newsletter  Blog  FB Readers Group   Amazon   GoodReads   BookBub





Kathleen L. Maher's first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she's loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter. Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small zoo. 





Janalyn Voigt’s father instilled a love of literature in her at an early age by reading chapters from The Wonderful Wizard of OzRobinson Crusoe and other classics as bedtime stories. When she grew older and her father stopped reading stories at night, she continued putting herself to sleep with tales she ‘wrote’ in her head. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Janalyn became a voracious reader, something she credits with teaching her to write. When she's not immersed in one of her story worlds, Janalyn can usually be found weeding the garden, spending time with her family, or reading. Find out more about Janalyn Voigt and join her email list at janalynvoigt.com





Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored over nine novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor at Smitten Romance, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.






Donna Schlachter writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. Donna loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.



Direct a comment below to one or more of the authors for a chance to win her book giveaway! And don't forget to join the Mid-Month Madness Facebook party for even more great prizes!

Please be sure to include your email address in your comment using at and dot so we can notify you of your prize! Example: janedoe at gmail dot com



115 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your books, girls! My question is for each of you....when writing do you get emotionally involved as in tears rolling down your face when your book has a very sad moment or have a good belly laugh when you write something hysterical? I have done both when I am reading but I don’t know how it is in writing.
    I am in awe of you gals and your talents. To turn a collection of words into page after page until a book is formed.....WOW!
    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Great question, Melanie. Yes, I do get very emotionally invested. I only hope it’s an indication that the same reaction is happening to readers. 🙂

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    2. Melanie, I do get emotionally engaged in my stories, both as I write and as I edit. If the story doesn’t touch me then I’m not sure my words will connect with my readers. Thanks for the question.

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    3. Yes, Melanie, I do get emotionally involved. I learned long ago that if I'm not reacting, neither will my readers.

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    4. No tears in the author; no tears in the reader. That's a saying that often makes rounds in author circles. It's quite true.

      As for me, I cry, laugh, and get feisty whenever my characters do.

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    5. So any comments that say "unknown" are from me, Donna Schlachter. I don't know why that is, but I will see if I can fix it.

      Later that day...apparently not. So let's create some mystery here with Unknown :)

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    6. I do get emotional. In my book Lakeside, I cried (happy tears) when I wrote the epilogue, then again when I read it to edit it, and then last year when I reread it. It just really got to me to have my broken heroine's dreams come true.

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  2. Very single author would be a new read for me. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. Oh, you’re in for a treat then, with my esteemed colleagues’ work. Good luck in the contest, Kim.

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    2. Kim, I’m so glad you are here. We love to meet new readers.

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  3. Hey, Ladies--awesome giveaway with a great variety of genres! My question for each of you is: What is your favorite to read, and what is your favorite genre to write?

    gcwhiskas at aol dot com

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    1. Favorite to read and write and edit, historical romance :)

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    2. Virginia, this is such a hard question for me. I love to read many genres. I think my favorite is epic fantasy. 😊 However, when I’m writing it’s so much about the story being told. I enjoy writing both historical and contemporary. Thanks for asking.

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    3. I love reading mysteries, either contemporary or historical. Love writing the historical, because we're not wrapped up in our gadgets and gizmos.

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    4. I love reading and writing in a variety of genres. I do love finding unusual tidbits in history and incorporating them into stories or building a whole story around it. There are some pretty strange things in history.

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    5. My favorite genres to read and write are medieval epic fantasy, western historical romance, and romantic mystery/suspense.

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  4. Hi Virginia. I love historical fiction and nonfiction to read, and most of my favorite movies are period pieces like Amistad, and Amazing Grace. I really feel inspired by the courage of real life historical heroes and heroines (like William Wilberforce, the figure whose life is featured in Amazing Grace)
    I only hope my writing captures the courage and spirit of the great men and women who shaped our history with God’s guiding hand.

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  5. Good luck, ladies, with your book babies! My question is to any of you who write in more than one genre......I would think that would be a really tough mental exercise. How do you accomplish that? Do you spend time writing two or three books at a time in one genre and then a couple in the other one.....I know it must be refreshing to your mind, but I would get whiplash, I think!

    bcrugattwcdotcom

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    1. Connie, hi! I do write in more than one genre, and I do find it helpful to cushion the changeover with a bit of time. I really have to adjust the style of writing and the tone of the novel. But one of my favorite things is to write time slip, with a modern main story in which the characters learn lessons and uncover mysteries from the past. :)

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    2. Connie, good question. I don’t have a problem going back and forth between genres, but I also read more than one book at a time. They are usually a variety of genres. Right now, I am reading a historical set in the 1200’s, a contemporary romance and listening to a YA fantasy audiobook.

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    3. Nancy, I admire people who can comfortably read more than one book at a time. I haven't done that since high school!!! I'm more of a dive in and devour kind of gal!!!

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  6. Hello ladies! I was reading about all the books listed above and they all sound great! My question is: where do you get your ideas for your books?


    Kaileybehrendt (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Welcome, Kailey. I love to find little-known legend, lore, or unique fact about an area or a time period and explore that in story form. I'm probably not alone in this group in saying that we enjoy weaving a lot of real history into our novels. That often provides the inspiration.

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    2. Kailey, good question. My ideas come in a variety of ways. Usually, I read about an incident or historical happening and the idea leads to questions I want to answer. I do hope you will join my half hour at the party today because I am sharing the fascinating inspiration for my book.

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    3. I travel a lot for research, so everywhere I go, a story percolates.

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    4. Hi, Kailey. Ideas come in a variety of ways. For example, Hills of Nevermore and The Forever Sky (books 1 and 4 in the Montana Gold series) first arrived as titles. Cheyenne Sunrise (book 2) tiptoed in as a concept. Stagecoach to Liberty impressed itself upon me as an idea inspired by the classic movie, Stagecoach.

      It's entertaining, never knowing when a story idea will turn up.

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    5. EVERYWHERE! And from EVERYTHING! I can come up with a story for the guy crossing the street in front of me at a crosswalk. LOL!
      I love getting inspiration from historical events and tidbits.

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    6. Hi Kailey. Thank you for a hard question. Lol. Seriously, though, I guess an idea has to strike me with that certain quality to spark my inspiration. The muse is almost undefinable. Historical facts, combined with something amusing one of my family members did, mixed with current events and what if’s. Then the fun begins. ☺️

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  7. Welcome ladies. Thank you for such a wonderful give a way. To all of you: I know that authors can get emotional about their writing of the characters. Have you written a character that later you look back and think, "this character really stinks" or "this character really is not adding to the story" what do you do then? quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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    1. Lori, this is an interesting question. I realized recently that I tend to write antagonists that share a similarity. Now that I’m aware of this I will strive to change so they won’t be the same. Writing is such a learning experience. Thanks for the question.

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    2. In an yet-uppublished book (and this may be why it isn't published yet), I didn't like my main character, and neither did anybody in my critique group. I wanted to convey that she lived a hard life and so was a difficult person, bossy, controlling, and all the rest, but she came off as mean and nasty. I still need to go back and re-write her.

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    3. I either need to get rid of that character, or refashion her/him to give them purpose and get the stink out.

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    4. Not me, personally, but my publisher took such a dislike to one of my characters that I had to sweeten her up. :)

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    5. Lori, you would make a good beta reader. That’s a really insightful question.

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  8. My question is for Donna: is your book"
    The Mystery of Christmas Inn, Colorado" based on a real place or one you made up? I have read the book and liked it

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    1. email is: sheliarha64@yahoo.com

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    2. I usually choose to make up the town, but it is loosely based on the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, which was, to my horror when I learned it, torn down in the 1970's to make way for modernization.

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  9. This is for all you lovely ladies. How do you decide what genre you want to write your story in? I happen to love historical fiction as I always learn a little more history that way, so I look for those types of novels. I also enjoy suspense/mystery and thus those catch my eye.
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. I write historical under my name, and contemporary under my pen name of Leeann Betts. I guess I could choose to write in any sub-genre under that, but I love mysteries, so even if I'm writing what might be described as a romance, there is still a mystery buried in there somewhere.

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    2. Right now, I'm mostly focusing on historical romance, so that decision is mostly made for me. Some times the theme and/or characters make the decision for me. It's a little harder to come up with a contemporary story with a mail-order bride, or a stage coach robbery, or WWI.

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    3. Hi, Betti. The same elements--romance, mystery/suspense, history, adventure, and fantasy/ whimsy appear in all my books. The proportion dictates the genre.

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    4. Hi Betti. My story ideas a time and place, but sometimes imagine a character first. I think his or her occupation, goal, motivation and conflict Largely determine the time and place to sit him in. For example, a fisherman would have to live by the ocean of some body of water, etc. unless that is his conflict… He has relocated and has no more livelihood. hmmmm now I have to pursue that thought. Lol

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    5. Hi Betti, Usually, the Story dictates the genre. The idea that is sparked will let me know a time period, genre, and setting. It is fun to see where the imagination leads. Thanks for the question.

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  10. I'd like to ask all the authors this question:
    Which do you enjoy writing the most, short stories or novels?

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    1. I like mixing it up between novellas and full novels. :)

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    2. I like doing novellas because while they aren't easier, they are quicker, because of the shorter word count. But I prefer novels, because I like to have 3-4 subplots going on in addition to the main plot, and novellas don't leave enough room for that many subplots.

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    3. Yes! Both! I like writing the shorter ones because I can write more stories and get these pesky characters in my head to stop pestering me to write their stories. But the longer one allow me to explore my characters in more depth and spend more time with them. It's nice to vary it up.

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    4. I like both, but I seem to have a short attention span these days.

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    5. I definitely prefer novels. I find it harder to write shorter. I also prefer to read longer novels. I have written both but like the extra length for character development and plot twists.

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  11. Hi Ladies! Thank you for the opportunity to get to know you and your books better. For those who do a lot of research for your books, what is your starting point? And for Kathleen Maher, did you visit many one room schoolhouses for your story Lessons on Love? Many thanks, Betsy (btieps1204@gmail.com)

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    1. My research usually starts at the library, then the internet, and then the location. I like to visit where I'm going to write about, even if I'm going to make up the actual town/city.

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    2. Like where do your ideas come from, research can start with anything. A PBS special, a TV show, a book, an offhand comment, an agent or editor asking if I've ever considered writing ___________ (fill in the blank), and so much more. Then my mind goes spinning off in several directions at once. I usually jump onto the internet and do a quick search to see if I want to pursue an idea.

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    3. I learn as much as I can from books, videos, and online before going on a research trip to the area I'm writing about.

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    4. Betsy, research can be a strain on the budget, so I do most of mine via my laptop. Fortunately, there were a couple one room school houses in my county that I had information to reference. I think it’s important Do you know the building materials for the setting… Some places would use fieldstone, granite, or limestone, some places would use wood, some would use brick, so it’s good to know what materials were available in a time and place.

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    5. Betsy, I have many historical research books and can do more online. Sometimes, I can go visit the area I’m writing about. Visiting historical sites can give you an idea of not only the way of life but also the native flora and fauna of the area. Thanks for asking.

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  12. Hello Ladies, it is so great to read about your both you and your books. Denise, at one time your daughter was attending school in Kentucky. Is this still the case?
    Connie
    cps 1950(at) gmail (dot)com

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    1. Hi, Connie, my older daughter had to come back home to UGA so she could get the needed classes to apply to the university's PharmD program. She really misses Asbury, her friends, and the smaller classes! Thanks for remembering that. :)

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  13. Hi! It’s great to be a part of the party. Thanks for a giveaway!

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  14. Do y’all get together to collaborate on a book that y’all are going to have a part of even if the stories do not connect?
    grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. We haven't yet, but then again, I'm the newbie on the block.

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    2. The novella collections are a bit of a collaboration. We need to make sure we aren't overlapping or messing up someone else's story. I have not co-written with anyone. In my first novella collection, it was a generational thing, so each story had a heroine who was the daughter of the couple before. Mine was first and the author who came after me was contemplating killing off my hero (her heroine's father). It was intriguing and I was all for it. But the author couldn't bring herself to kill off my guy. =0)

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    3. That sounds like fun. With all these brilliant minds here, I’m sure it would be amazing.

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    4. Hi Brenda, That would be fun. We have some amazing authors on this blog.

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  15. Re: Fall Flip by Denise Weimer, I love these flipping shows on TV. Are you into home decor or renovating yourself?

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Patty, I do enjoy decorating, especially seasonally, but I'm not handy with tools. My father is an experienced carpenter who build a number of homes we lived in. The renovation he and my mother did on a historic doctor's house and apothecary shop inspired my Restoration Trilogy.

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  16. Hello Ladies! What genres do YOU enjoy reading?

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Mystery. Mystery. Oh, and mystery. I also read biographies, because they're chock full of -- yep -- mysteries.

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    2. I enjoy reading most anything with strong romance and love books with humor.

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    3. Western historical romance, medieval epic fantasy, and romantic mystery/suspense.

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    4. Hi Caryl, I read most genres. My favorites are fantasy and suspense.

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  17. I am a devoted home fixer upper and I wondered what is your favorite shows to watch if any and what is your favorite hobbies ?
    Linda Marie Finn
    Faithful Acres Books & Author Services

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    1. That's wonderful, Linda Marie! I do enjoy shows like Fixer-Upper and Hometown. Great for inspiration.

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    2. Pretty much any crafting hobby is great!

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    3. That is so great and I learned tonight that Donna paints as well and I so love her esty shoppe! I really need to start doing art again myself, it was my first love for sure and I should spend more time doing it
      Linda Marie Finn

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    4. Hi Linda, I watch very little television and no home improvement type shows. I do love needlecrafts. Right now, knitting is my craft of choice. Of course, reading is a favorite hobby for sure. Thank you.

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  18. This sounds like a question for Denise, but I'll chime in -- anything mystery. Forensic. Police procedural. Did I mention mystery?

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  19. Kathleen Maher, when you are in a novella collection, how do you decides who gets which story? How do you all coordinate the stories?
    Is it easier or more difficult to write a novella when there are just four as opposed to seven or nine in the collection? Is it harder to write shorter stories?

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    1. My email: paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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    2. Novella collections are an interesting animal. They start as proposals with a germ of an idea connecting them. For example, when our publisher was still buying larger collections, eight of us came together with ideas for individual world war two stories. Then the news came that they were going down to four in one collections, so some of us were weeded out but I’m still very excited that they bought some of the ideas. Very few collections have to synchronize facts because it is very challenging, so they usually stick with a common theme.

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    3. a germ... wow Kathleen does this mean the night we met, it was in a petri dish... It was a Pura virus I guess!!! The Murray Pura Civil War Series! That was one long and wonderful novella collection!
      Linda Marie

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  20. Mary Davis, it sounds like your book will be one that is quite humorous. What is a book by another author that has made you chuckle?

    stevejoin@donohoanalytics.com

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    1. I remember laughing while reading "Hi Honey, I'm Home." by Linda Windsor. That goes back a few years, but it was close to the same time as Newlywed Games and in the sort of series.

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    2. Thanks! If you haven't ever listened to the audiobook of Carol Burnett's "This Time Together," you might enjoy it.

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  21. Janalyn, Your book about Montana in the 1800's sounds interesting! I'm wondering if Liberty is a city there and where in Montana is it located?

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  22. Wow the books sound awesome.Thank you rose blackard at gmail dot com

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  23. Thank you to all the authors. Donna, do listen to music when you write? rose blackard at gmail dot com

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    1. From Donna Schlachter: I don't usually listen to music, but if I do, it's something faith-based.

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  24. sounds like a lot of fun with a lot of authors, I love chatting with authors and playing the games and answering the questions . What an awesome time to mingle with you all. God Bless you all. Thank you so very much ladies. aliciabhaney@sbcglobal dot net

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    1. From Donna Schlachter: I think I speak for everyone else here at HHH -- it's our pleasure!

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    2. Thank you Alicia! It was so nice to get to know you a little at the Facebook party

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    3. Licha, Thank you for commenting. I live chatting about books and meeting readers.

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  25. A great variety of genres in the giveaway. Thank you all so much. My question for each author is Do you prefer writing early morning or late night for inspiration? marilynridgway78[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi Marilyn, I’m definitely a night owl. But I find that anytime I have an hour without demands I try to sneak in some sort of writing Whether it is a blog post or outlining or editing or brainstorming. Somehow life complicated than it was when I started this journey, so I have to fight for writing time. Great question

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    2. Yes! I write when a flight of fancy strikes, morning, noon, or night. I keep a notebook, pen, and flashlight beside my bed to jot things down while trying to drift off to sleep. When I'm under deadline, I write at all times of day.

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    3. Hi Marilyn, I usually write in the late morning and the afternoon. That’s what fits best with my husband’s schedule. I’m usually up late and get up early to walk and then do Bible study before writing. Thanks for asking.

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