Today I’m blogging on the Australasian Christian Writers group blog. I’m talking about the importance of writing conference etiquette aka. good manners. Hope to see you there!
http://australasianchristianwriters.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/writing-conference-etiquette-101.html
Today we’re escaping for the weekend with my author friend, Elaine Fraser, to the beautiful region of Tuscany in Italy. Elaine is sharing her holiday and writing retreat in a Tuscan villa. Enjoy!
The Art of Writing Tuscan Retreat
By Elaine Fraser
Imagine sitting on the terrace of a Tuscan villa in the Casentino region, surrounded by fascinating people from around the world who all have stories to write. The food is Kilometre Zero —sourced from local producers, along with the red wine.
You are there to spend a week developing your writing project and being inspired by great tutors. You’re in heaven!
Sometimes you have to climb out of your comfort zone, fly to the other side of the world and take a step of faith.
I found The Art of Writing through Lisa Clifford’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Clifford/313345380986?fref=ts Because of the beautiful photos of Tuscany I was led to discover Lisa’s books and the writing retreat she has created.
I decided to sign up, take the plunge and join the retreat.
The Art of Writing is an opportunity for writers at all stages of development to gather and move their project on—whether it’s a memoir, short story, blogging or a novel. The retreat is located at the Borgo Caiano in the Casentino region. http://www.borgocaiano.com
Our hosts Ombretta and Roberto Stoppioni are very welcoming and you feel very at home. They cooked traditional dishes made with simplicity and authenticity for us.
Located in eastern Tuscany, Casentino is in the upper Arno valley and is fifty minutes from Florence and fifty minutes from Arezzo.
Casentino has a rich literary and historic heritage. Dante was inspired to write parts of his Divine Comedy in this region and it is said that St Francis of Assisi received his stigmata here. It’s a land of castles, medieval monasteries and sanctuaries.
We had our own private apartment, complete with living room, worktable and Wi-Fi inside and on our own terrace. Walks around the property and area were lovely.
The sunflowers were out and the rolling hills had that distinctive olive green haze that we associate with Tuscany.
On Wednesday we had an outing to visit Castello Di Porciano where we met the owner Martha Specht Corsi, the daughter of George and Flaminia Specht, who restored the castle. You can actually book the apartment out at the top of the castle or a cottage on the grounds‑very romantic!
Later in the day we visited Lorenzo Cipriani’s farm where we milked sheep. Lorenzo and his family then made ricotta and pecorino. The family then treated us to a Tuscan feast with the fresh cooked ricotta, some aged pecorino, prosciutto, salami and the most amazing tomatoes we had ever eaten—picked from their garden.
From a writing point of view, there were morning lectures on writing, individual coaching sessions in the afternoon and guest speakers in the evening.
Our tutors were generous and encouraging. Lisa Clifford, Jane Corry and Conrad Williams are successful authors who gave practical insight, and help, to each one of us.
Each of the participants had fascinating life stories and discussions around the meal tables were full of laughter and deep conversation. From England, Dubai, Australia, the USA and Italy it was a mix of culture and experience that was uniquely cohesive. Lifetime friendships were birthed in this group.
This was one of the best weeks I have had in terms of both work and travel. Tuscany is inspiring and beautiful. For a feast of the senses and warm hospitality, you can’t beat it.
About Elaine:
Elaine Fraser, author of ‘the Beautiful books’, is from Perth, Western Australia. For many years she taught English and Drama in secondary schools.
Although Elaine is best known for her non-fiction work: Beautiful: beauty tips for the soul and Too Beautiful: more beauty tips for the soul, she has branched out into fiction.
Perfect Mercy, Book #1 in the Beautiful Lives series was released in 2012.
Book #2 Love, Justice was released 2014, and Book #3 Amazing Grace is in the works.
‘I try to write books that are honest, concerned with real lives and real issues with a spiritual edge. My books are contemporary, don’t always have the perfect ending, but always have hope. For example, Mercy Hamilton, the central character in Perfect Mercy, finds out that life isn’t always perfect.’
Then, she looked up to heaven and thanked God from the bottom of her heart for where she was at that moment. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but at this minute, in this place, she was thankful.
Travel is an important part of Elaine’s life and she spends up to three months of the year away from home.
‘People say I have the dream life. I get to do what I love – write, study, travel, mentor writers and enjoy living in one of the best cities in the world with my wonderful husband, young adult children and golden retriever, Bear,’ Elaine says.
‘I agree with Marc Anthony when he said, If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.’
Elaine’s latest book Love, Justice can be purchased online at: http://www.amazon.com.au/Love-Justice-Beautiful-Lives-Series-ebook/dp/B00N4YI9Y8 or at Koorong Books
Find out more here: http://www.elainefraser.co/books/
Today we’re escaping for the weekend with my author friend, Paula Vince, to South Australia. Paula is giving us a tour of the beautiful Adelaide Hills in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Enjoy!
By Paula Vince
It’s a pleasure to welcome people to my lovely part of the state of South Australia. The Adelaide Hills are part of the Mount Lofty Ranges, situated east of the city of Adelaide. It is one of the first areas to be settled by European settlers, probably because it is such a lush place for crops and gardens. Towns such as Hahndorf and Lobethal were founded by Germans who wished to escape religious persecution in their own country in the mid 1800s. Several of these settlers were my ancestors.
The town of Hahndorf is just a drive down the road for us, and it is full of buildings such as this old sweet shop. I have ancestors buried in the old church cemetery. My grandma was born in what is now an art academy, when it was still a maternity hospital in 1918. My daughter currently has art lessons there.
The scenery along this road is typical of the countryside around the corner from where we live. When I describe the local settings of my novels, I always say that we enjoy four distinct seasons. (Actually, we sometimes suffer them, when the weather is extreme either way, but I don’t mention that.) The colours change all the time.
In winter and spring, it’s easy to find creeks and waterfalls to hike alongside. It’s hard to believe they often completely dry up in our scorching hot summers. Between December and February, it’s not uncommon for us to have heatwaves of ten days or more with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
One of my favourite parts of living in the Adelaide Hills is that we don’t have to go far to find a great view. You can tell the exact spot where the city ends and the beauty of the Adelaide Hills begins. It’s right at the bottom of the South Eastern Freeway, when we suddenly find ourselves driving uphill with cliffs on either side.
The Hills are saturated with history. We accidentally discovered this old chimney when we were out walking recently, along with the foundation of the house it was part of.
Finally, here is my younger son along one of the many walking trails in the Hills toward the end of winter. We thought this puddle looked just like a map of the whole of Australia. I hope you enjoyed this tour with me.
PAULA VINCE is a South Australian author of contemporary, inspirational fiction. She lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, with its four distinct seasons, and loves to use her environment as settings for her stories. Her novel, ‘Picking up the Pieces’ won the religious fiction section of the International Book Awards in 2011, and ‘Best Forgotten’ was winner of the CALEB prize the same year. She is also one of the four authors of ‘The Greenfield Legacy’, Australia’s first and only collaborated Christian novel. Her most recent novel, ‘Imogen’s Chance’ was published April 2014. For more of Paula’s reflections, please visit her blog, It Just Occurred to Me. You may also like to visit her book review blog, The Vince Review where she also interviews other authors.
You may also connect with Paula through the following.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Vince/112910232067021
Twitter @PaulaVince1
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1111331.Paula_Vince
Her books are sold through the following outlets.
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Paula-Vince/e/B0070PKTAY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1411963117&sr=8-1
Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=Paula+Vince&x=32&y=14&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s?store=allproducts&keyword=Paula+Vince
Imogen Browne longs to make up for past mistakes before she can move on. She quietly resolves to help the Dorazio family, whose lives she accidentally upset. Her biggest challenge is Asher, the one person who may never forgive her. And he is facing a crisis of his own. Imogen must tread very carefully, as trying to fix things may well make them shatter. A sensitive story about misplaced loyalty, celebrating life and falling in love. Can family secrets concealed with the best intentions bear the light of day?
My third fiction book release with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Heartsong Presents line, The Doctor’s Return, was released in August 2014. Today I’m posting information on the new Heartsong Presents releases for October.
Four Heartsong Presents books are released each month under the Love Inspired brand: two contemporary inspirational romances and two historical inspirational romances. The Love Inspired range of books include contemporary romance (Love Inspired), historical romance (Love Inspired Historical) and romantic suspense (Love Inspired Suspense).
North American readers can purchase books from the Harlequin Reader Service. International readers outside the USA and Canada can purchase the print books online from Amazon and The Book Depository (free international shipping). If you’re looking for inspirational (Christian) romances to read, please check out the Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired books.
Holly Miller Is Steering Clear of Mistletoe
Just out of nursing school, Holly can’t risk any distractions. She knows a slipup could cost a life. Like the mistake she made years ago that still plagues her conscience. When she runs into old high school friend Matthew Cook, she hesitates to let romance into her life. Even if the handsome baker is as delectable as his fabulous pastries.
She didn’t notice him back in high school, but things have sure changed. Now that Matthew has Holly’s attention, maybe the holiday season is the perfect time for him to show her that she deserves to have it all—work, family, friends and a love that lasts a lifetime.
Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com
Tasha Henderson Can’t Afford Romance
Tasha sacrificed everything to start her custom doll business, and she’s depending on holiday sales to keep her afloat. But when Dr. Philip Strathorn orders a special Christmas gift for his adorable daughter, Tasha finds herself thinking more about the handsome single dad than the bottom line.
Widower Philip never expected to find love again. As he spends time with the lovely artist, he finds comfort and hope for the future for both himself and his little girl. But his practice is in Denver, and Tasha lives in Montana. The holiday season could bring them together—if Tasha gets her Christmas wish.
Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com
Joe Huntington Is Finally Home
After long years away at war, Joe is determined to start his life anew. But it isn’t easy. Settling into his Michigan hometown at last, he doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with the girl who got away—and is still holding a grudge.
Feisty dance teacher Victoria Banks has always stood on her own two feet. But everyone needs help sometimes. It’s tempting to share her joys and troubles with a war hero who would like nothing more than to cherish her. But can she let go of the past…and take a second chance on love?
Read a FREE sample at Amazon.com
Stagecoach Driver Adam Clark Is Used to Surprises
But he never thought he’d find his childhood friend Amanda Ross applying for a dangerous driver’s job. Now Adam’s “little bundle of dynamite” is all grown up…and sparking feelings that are anything but brotherly. If he can’t talk her out of her crazy scheme to assert her independence, he’ll just have to protect her.
Amanda’s fiery personality dwarfs her small stature, but their journey westward tests even her indomitable spirit. And she learns she can trust Adam to keep her safe in the swirl of danger that surrounds them. Can these two old friends survive a treacherous trip…and open their hearts to one another before it’s too late?
Today we’re escaping for the weekend with my author friend, Lynne Stringer, to Brisbane, Australia. Lynne is giving us a tour of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in her home city. Enjoy!
By Lynne Stringer
Many overseas visitors to Australia usually focus on Sydney or the outback. However, Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland, is well worth a visit.
Having lived in Brisbane for most of my life, I know that it has numerous attractions and one has charmed me since I was a child, and that is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Lone Pine was founded in 1927 and my first visit was when I was five, as you see here. At that age, I was already fascinated by kangaroos and I loved the open enclosure where visitors could feed and pat them.
Having enjoyed it so much as a child, I had no hesitation in taking my son to Lone Pine. We have been several times and still enjoy the kangaroo enclosure.
Lone Pine has added new exhibits in recent years, such as sheep herding and shearing. Their dogs are skilled and we enjoyed seeing them in action.
Another new exhibit featured birds of prey, including this beautiful White Bellied Sea Eagle. Afterwards she was brought over by her handler so that visitors could see her up close.
Of course, a visit to Lone Pine would be amiss without a photo cuddling a koala. Koala cuddling is banned in some places in Australia, but not at Lone Pine. My son and I were only too happy to participate.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is smaller than some other zoos around but I think this is to its advantage, as it means we can get up closer to the animals and their handlers. It’s definitely on our list of one of our favourite family destinations.
Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. The only good thing about school is the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father’s multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah’s best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who is there for Sarah, but she can’t shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn’t know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes? Sarah is desperate to uncover the truth, but it could take her to another galaxy, and change everything she believes about who she is. Will it bring Dan and Sarah closer together or tear them apart? The Heir is the first book in the Verindon Trilogy.
LYNNE STRINGER has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. She lives in Australia with her husband and young son.
www.lynnestringer.com
www.verindon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Stringer/e/B00BT60S1K
Today we’re escaping for the weekend with my author friend, Lynette Sowell, to Central Texas, USA. Lynette is giving us a tour of her home state and sharing her love for the Lone Star State. Enjoy!
Cowboys, soldiers, and wide open spaces
By Lynette Sowell
Welcome to my neighborhood! I love to travel the country (and the world) sometimes through books, but I thought I’d let you have a glimpse of where I’ve called home for over twenty years now—Central Texas.
Most people think about cattle, wide open spaces, pickup trucks, cowboys and such, when they think about Texas—and all those things are true. Within a few minutes’ drive of my city, you’re in the Hill Country, where they do have cattle and ranches.
But what I love most about the area, besides those wide open spaces, is being so close to Fort Hood. I can dine ’round the world and never leave home. We have a large expatriot community here from transplants as far away as the South Pacific!
As a local newspaper reporter, I get to enjoy time with those of many varied backgrounds, like recently attending a 70th anniversary celebration commemmorating the liberation of Guam from the Japanese. The island folks had a big party here, complete with roasted pig, pancit (with Spam) and other yummies.
In our part of Texas, the cavalry is still alive and well, and the Army’s First Cavalry division still has a horse detachment that rides and trains. Their purpose is ceremonial, and they along with their mounts travel around for parades and public events.
Texas has big churches, but it also has small community churches that have been around for more than a century. Immanuel Lutheran Church recently celebrated its 125th anniversary—a big milestone.
When driving through the Texas countryside, you never know when you’ll come upon an encouraging word, like with this church sign. I drove past it one very busy morning, when I had a lot on my mind and much to do. Glimpsing this sign made me feel as if I’d had a nudge from a friend, telling me I wasn’t alone with my concerns and I should probably fret a lot less.
That’s why when I decided to write a contemporary Texas series, I chose to set it in the fictional town of Starlight, Texas—not far from Fort Hood. Inside the three titles—Catch A Falling Star, Counting on Starlight, and The Sweetheart of Starlight—I’ve put many of my favorite things about Central Texas inside their pages: wide open spaces, fickle weather to include hail storms, heat, ice storm and a tornado;/ a kaleidoscope of characters to include transplants from other parts of the country, as well as Germany and Korea; along with high school football and barbecue, all wrapped up in a small town with a view that goes on for miles.
Thanks for stopping by and reading about my corner of the world, deep in the heart of Texas!
Here’s more about Catch A Falling Star:
Justine Campbell would gladly rewind her life a few months…back before it crumbled around her like so much gilded plaster. Billy Tucker could use a rewind button, too. He’d go back to the day before his humvee exploded in Iraq, injuring himself and killing two of his buddies. Billy’s bitterness and Justine’s humiliation make for a prickly pair when they first meet, but can either of them let go of the past long enough to let God make their paths straight again?
LYNETTE SOWELL is an award-winning author with New England roots, but she makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas Hill Country with her husband, her dog Mocha, and a duo of spoiled cats. When she’s not writing, she chases down stories for the local newspaper and is always up for a Texas road trip.
Blog: lynettesowell.blogspot.com
Facebook: facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor
Twitter: @LynetteSowell
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/311277.Lynette_Sowell
Today I’m blogging on the International Christian Fiction Writers group blog. I’m talking about exotic settings in fiction books and giving away a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card. Hope to see you there!
Today I’m blogging on the Australasian Christian Writers group blog. I’m talking about the importance of writing and publishing good quality books that meet reader expectations. Hope to see you there!
I’m delighted to welcome my author friend, Shirley Raye Redmond, to my blog today. We’re going to escape for the weekend with Shirley to her home town of Los Alamos in New Mexico, USA. Enjoy!
Los Alamos, New Mexico: Where Discoveries are Made
By Shirley Raye Redmond
I am blessed to live in Los Alamos, a snug little community nestled on a plateau in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. If you know anything at all about Los Alamos, you will recall that it was once a “secret city,” where scientists during WWII were frantically working to develop the atom bomb before the Germans did so. WGN has recently aired a television drama Manhattan (referring to the top secret Manhattan Project) that depicts life (sort of) as it was on top of “the Hill” in those frantic war days. Today, Los Alamos is the home of Los Alamos National Laboratory, where scientists from around the world pursue advances in everything from nuclear energy to biotechnology.
Although my new Christian regency, PRUDENCE PURSUED, takes place in 1806 in Bath, England, I realized, after a bit of reflection for this blog post, that Los Alamos and Bath actually have a few things in common.
(1) Both Bath and Los Alamos boast ruins. Today’s city of Bath in Somerset is built on top of and around the ancient ruins of the Roman town of Aquae Sulis. The Pajarito Plateau where Los Alamos now stands was once home to the Anasazi and Bandelier National Monument is a popular tourist destination for those interested in cliff dwellers.
(2) For centuries after the Romans vacated, the British have gone to Bath to soak in the famous hot springs and, like Jane Austen and her contemporaries, to drink the medicinal waters in the Pump Room. I did that when I visited Bath some years ago and much prefer soaking in the hot springs which we have in abundance here too. We also have the Aquatic Center, a high altitude Olympic size swimming pool, which attracts swim teams from all over the country.
(3) Bath and Los Alamos are both great towns for history buffs. While UNESCO named a World Heritage Site in 1987, the U.S. Congress is presently considering the viability of a Manhattan Project National Park here. We already have a wonderful history museum and a science museum. And LIVABILITY recently named Los Alamos the #1 Best Small Town in America!
Come visit—and enjoy the world’s best green chile bacon extra cheese breakfast burrito!
At the advanced age of twenty-seven, vicar’s daughter Prudence Pentrye is on the shelf. Content to occupy her time by attending meetings of Mr. Wilberforce’s Abolition Society and helping her father administer vaccines in an effort to prevent a small pox epidemic, Prudence is resolved to see that her younger cousin Margaret does not share her own unmarried fate.
But Margaret is plain and shy. She is repulsed when a swashbuckling baronet, Sir James Brownell, makes her an offer of marriage. With his sunburned skin, eye patch, and indifference to fashion, Sir James is not Margaret’s idea of a romantic suitor. Nor does Margaret enjoy his tales of fighting against Malay pirates and trekking through tropical jungles on the island of Borneo in hopes of capturing a living orangutan.
Prudence, however, finds herself secretly smitten. Will she maintain control of her traitorous heart or will she trust God to make her life richer and more rewarding than the one she had planned for herself?
SHIRLEY RAYE REDMOND is an award-winning author of children’s books and sweet romance. Her Lewis & Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President (Random House) was a Children’s Book of the Month Club selection. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, the Faith, Hope and Love Chapter of RWA, Southwest Writers and Women Writing the West. Prudence Pursued is her second inspirational romance novel. Connect with her via her facebook author page or at www.shirleyrayeredmond.com
Her titles are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.
Three weeks alone at a friend’s summer cottage on a Finnish lake to fast and pray. That was Adam Carter’s plan. But sometimes plans go awry.
On an impromptu trip to her family’s secluded summer cottage, the last thing Eveliina Mikkola expected to find was a missionary from the other side of the world—in her sauna.
Determined to stay, Eveliina will do whatever it takes—from shortcrust pastry to shorts—to send the man of God packing. This island’s too small for them both.
Adam Carter, however, is not about to leave.
Will he be able to resist her temptations? Can she withstand his prayers?
I enjoyed reading Helsinki Sunrise. Eveliina is seeking solitude at her grandparent’s cottage. She wants to escape her demanding boss, who is pushing her to form a more personal relationship with him. Adam is Eveliina’s brother’s friend and he is devoted to his missionary calling. Sparks fly when Eveliina discovers Adam in her sauna. Eveliina has no time for God. She does her best to drive Adam away from the island despite her growing attraction to him. Adam is determined to resist the temptations placed before him by the beautiful Eveliina.
I loved the playful romance that developed between Eveliina and Adam in an authentic Finnish setting. We have a South African hero, a Finnish heroine and a gorgeous island setting full of fresh blueberries and mosquitoes. The faith element in the story is strong and we see Adam struggling with his feelings for Eveliina, knowing he can’t be unequally yoked. Events in the story challenge Eveliina to face her past and explore her faith. I recommend Helsinki Sunrise to those looking for a light hearted contemporary romance novella that explores faith issues.
