Love Inspired Historicals discussion

Karen Kirst, My favorite cupcake is the Midnight Chocolate ; the cake part is chocolate, the frosting is chocolate and is sprinkled with chocolate chips. Yum!

Milinda wrote: "Dorothy wrote: "Milinda wrote: "Thank you so much, Deb, for that sweet introduction!
I've been writing since I was young enough to hold a pencil in my hand! I wrote my first play when I was 9 (my s..."

Thanks for your kind words. I don't have your book as yet. I'll check for it at our local K-Mart when I go to town on Friday.

Is the book your editor has set in the same time frame and setting? And again, is the cover one of your suggestions? It really catches the imagination.

Dorothy

Agreeing with Dorothy, I also love the cover! Where can I get me one of those? ;)

Lyn wrote: "Hi Milinda,
Welcome to LIH! Your book sounds really interesting and reminded me of one of Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series. Good company to be in!"

Thank you, Lyn! That is a compliment of the highest order:)

Jennifer wrote: "For any author: What has been the turning point in your writing carriers? As far as determining whether or not you were committed to writing as an author."

Hi, Jennifer:
The turning point in my career when I was taking a creative writing class, and my professor said, "Do you pay yourself first?"
I asked her what she meant, and she explained, "your writing has to come first. Before your family, before your job, before everything. You have to be committed to writing every day no matter what. That doesn't mean you can't have a family, or love your family, it just means that everyone has to understand that your writing has to happen every day no matter what."
I had to ask myself the tough question, "Am I willing to do this?" and when I knew the answer was "Yes," I knew I was on the road to being a "real" writer. Since then I have written every day with very few exceptions.

Dorothy wrote: "Milinda wrote: "Dorothy wrote: "Milinda wrote: "Thank you so much, Deb, for that sweet introduction!
I've been writing since I was young enough to hold a pencil in my hand! I wrote my first play wh..."

I'm sorry for not answering that question! The cover was not my idea; I would love to take credit for it! The publisher asks the writer for a few scenes in the book that might make for good cover pictures, and I did describe a scene with the Roman soldier, Marcus, holding the baby. However, I had no idea it would turn out that way. I was really pleased!
The book my editor has is set in the same time period, but it is set in Celtic Britain. The Celts are trying to fend off the Romans, and I tell the story of a very real Celtic Warrior named Caratacus and the woman he loves.

Melody wrote: "Agreeing with Dorothy, I also love the cover! Where can I get me one of those? ;)"
:)

Ausjenny wrote: "I loved Carla Capshaw's books set in this time period and this looks just as good.
About what time is it set in? Did you find any interesting tibits in research.
Congrats on the debut book Milinda..."

Thank you so much, Jenny! I hope the book is close to being as good as Carla's. I love her books!
I've set the book in 49 A.D., and I could go on and on about the interesting tidbits! I found so many that I created webpage for it! You can find the history here:
http://www.milindajay.com/novels-2/no...

Ruth wrote: "Hi Milinda!

I love your debut novel and just love your characters--especially Annia. Congratulations! Will you be writing more about her? Or this particular time in history? I find it so interesting!"
You are very kind, Ruth, and I never would have made it through this novel without your wonderful reading/ editing ideas!
I'm writing a novel right now set in nearly the same time period, only the book is set in Joppa rather than Rome and follows the story of a young woman that the New Testament character Tabitha/Dorcas helps. The young woman and her love of a handsome slave is fiction, of course but I try to stay as true to the historical period as possible.

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Milinda, How long have you been an author before you were able to get published?
How exciting for you to be making your debut!"

Hi, Jennifer:
I published my first magazine article a year after I started writing seriously. A few more magazine articles followed that one, but it took me eight years to publish my first novel! And, yes, I am so excited!!! This has been a wonderful day! My husband just sent me a picture from Tallahassee, Florida where my books are on the shelves at Walmart! Woohoo!

Jennifer | 73 comments For any author: What has been the turning point in your writing carriers? As far as determining whether or not you were committed to writing as an author.

Good question, Jennifer! I think it's something many of us can pinpoint.

I started writing my first book back in the Dark Ages before the Internet or even email! I had a friend who'd encouraged me to write a book, and since I had a problem with quitting manuscripts after a couple of chapters, I sent my chapters off to her by snail mail and she would write to me with feedback and suggestions. About 3/4 of the way through the book, I sent her a three-chapter chunk that ended with a major cliff-hanger. Three days later I got a letter with a scribbled note scolding me for leaving her hanging. She said she didn't care if the next chapter was finished, just send the next few pages. And she enclosed two dollars for postage.

That was the first time anybody ever gave me money for something I'd written. I get chocked up whenever I tell that story.

What a great story Deborah!

Deborah wrote: "Jennifer | 73 comments For any author: What has been the turning point in your writing carriers? As far as determining whether or not you were committed to writing as an author.

Good question, Jen..."

What a wonderful story!

Milinda,

Besides the era of the Roman empire, what other times in history interest you? Will we ever see one of your books set in colonial times? Or the Dark Ages?

I love that your husband sent you pictures of your book on sale in the town where he is visiting! What a thrill!

Ruth wrote: "Milinda,

Besides the era of the Roman empire, what other times in history interest you? Will we ever see one of your books set in colonial times? Or the Dark Ages?
That is a really good question, Ruth! I love the 1800s in Northwest Florida, and that is probably the next book I will write after I finish my Joppa novel. I have a young adult fantasy set in the dark ages, but I don't think I will revisit that era anytime soon, but who knows? I never actually know what book I'll be writing until I start writing it! Thank you for asking!

Thanks Milinda and Deborah for answering my questions! Loved reading your stories about how you got started. I'm glad you had a good friend who helped encourage you Deborah. I'm so very grateful for having such good stories to read and enjoy, my husband not so much. :)

I enjoy reading historicals the information is interesting.

Just managed to get on now. Since it's the start of tax season things are a little crazy.

So Lyn I finished your book Heartland Courtship Sunday night and enjoyed visiting Pepin again. Some how I missed getting a copy of the second book in the series and will have to find it online and order it.

Congrats on your debut novel Milinda! I love the sound of Her Roman Protector. One of my favorite things about the LIH line is the fact that it covers from Biblical Times to WWII. There is just so much history and so many time periods we get to visit.

Jennifer wrote: "I enjoy reading historicals the information is interesting."
I'm so glad you enjoy reading them, Jennifer! I love writing them! What is your favorite time period to read about?

Laura AKA Loves 2 Read Romance wrote: "Just managed to get on now. Since it's the start of tax season things are a little crazy.

So Lyn I finished your book Heartland Courtship Sunday night and enjoyed visiting Pepin again. Some how I ..."

Thank you, Laura. So glad you stopped by! Sounds like you are an accountant! Tax season must be crazy! When do you find time to read?

Hi Milinda, It's hard to choose a favorite era. I have the westerns, the regency, the Bronze Age and pioneer. I tend to read them all.

Hi Milinda! Congratulations on your debut with LIH. "Her Roman Protector" sounds like it's full of emotion and suspense and all sorts of good stuff. What made you choose this setting? One of the great things about LIH is the variety. Enjoy the ride!

Victoria wrote: "Hi Milinda! Congratulations on your debut with LIH. "Her Roman Protector" sounds like it's full of emotion and suspense and all sorts of good stuff. What made you choose this setting? One of the ..."
Hi, Victoria!
Thank you for your kind words! The Roman era is not the norm, I know, but this is just the story that came to me. I was working on my dissertation when I read about how women in Ancient Greece and Rome had to allow their husbands to choose whether or not the baby would live. There was simply more information about the practice in Rome than there was in Greece, so I ended up setting it in Rome. I'm also really interested in the time period before, during and after the birth of Christ, so I set this novel right at 49 A.D. when the Christian church was very new.

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Milinda, It's hard to choose a favorite era. I have the westerns, the regency, the Bronze Age and pioneer. I tend to read them all."
I am with you, Jennifer. I love reading historical fiction about any era at all!

Thanks for a great discussion day, Milinda! I really enjoyed the chance to meet you and hear about Her Roman Protector.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Wednesday! Our featured author for today is Patty Smith Hall. You'll be seeing more of Patty around the LIH Group as she is one of the authors who has volunteered to host some future Q&A's. Many thanks to her for that!

Hearts Rekindled is Patty's third book for LIH. Merrilee Daniels Davenport never thought she'd see her former husband again. John Davenport has returned to their small Georgia town after fighting in the Pacific bearing a letter from the little daughter he didn't know he had. Merrilee wishes she and her daughter could lean on John's able shoulders, but her new assignment as a homeland informant won't allow it.

Twelve years have only made Merrilee more beautiful in John's eyes. Back then, he was the proud fool who walked away. Now all he wants is to prove he can be the husband she deserves, and the daddy his daughter needs.

I always enjoy "second chance at love" stories and this sounds like an especially good one!

I've never heard of a "homeland informant" before -- Patti, can you explain what that is and why Merrilee has become one?

Deborah wrote: "Thanks for a great discussion day, Milinda! I really enjoyed the chance to meet you and hear about Her Roman Protector."
Thank you for making this happen for all of us. It is a demanding job for you, and you are really kind to keep it going. Thank you so much! Please let me know if you need help, and I will be happy to do so. I really love this board and believe in its importance. Happy Wednesday!

I'm with Deb ~ I too always enjoy "Second Chance at Love" stories.

I've never heard of a homeland informant before either. What made you choose that storyline?

Good Morning everyone! Thanks so much for being here this morning!

Wendy and Deb--I'd never heard of a homeland informant either, not until I met this elderly lady who along her husband came to my very first book signing back in 2011. They were a very gracious couple, taking me and my husband out to lunch just to talk about the book. During desert, she shared her story--she was serving in a branch of the service(not sure which one now) when she was asked to go undercover at one of the bomber plants and spy on the other workers. She wasn't crazy about the job, but hated the thought of a longer war so she continued as a homeland informant until the war ended.

Why did I chose this storyline--I love unknown history, and to me, being a homeland informant was so against who Merrilee was. Throw in the fact it's the only way she can get her daughter the treatment she needs and it seemed a great conflict for Merrilee to deal with.

And I love second chance at love stories too. Merrilee and John's story has been dancing around in my imagination for three years now!

Congrats on your debut!

Milinda wrote: Thank you, Laura. So glad you stopped by! Sounds like you are an accountant! Tax season must be crazy! When do you find time to read? ..."

Actually I am the Office Manager/Secretary to the Accountant which is still crazy. I tend to read at night. I don't have any kids unless you count 4-legged ones so my evenings get to be pretty relaxed.

I just got to read your first two books Patty and am thrilled that Merrilee gets her happy ending. What are you currently working on.

Laura-Thanks so much for dropping by today! It looks like love is still in the air at Merrilee's boarding house! My editor fell in love with Sheriff Mack Worthington who made appearances in my last two books and suggested I write a happy ending for him so I'm waiting on the okay for that book. And I'm working on a series involving two sisters desperate to find their father in the mist of the Georgia gold rush of 1829--think a western set in the North Georgia Mountains!

That's fascinating, Patty! I wondered if it was something like that. I love finding bits of unknown history like that in the context of an enjoyable story.

What a great source of conflict for her -- to be doing something that goes against her nature but which she has such compelling reasons to undertake!

Deb--I thought so. Life is never cut and dry, and sometimes, we have to do things we disagree with out of love for someone else. Plus, I love throwing the kitchen sink at my characters and seeing what they do about it! LOL!

Patty wrote: "Good Morning everyone! Thanks so much for being here this morning!

Wendy and Deb--I'd never heard of a homeland informant either, not until I met this elderly lady who along her husband came to my..."
Is this in WWII? If so, I had a heroine do this in my book BETTE. Wow what a coincidence. And you actually met a woman who had been one! WOW

Patty wrote: "Laura-Thanks so much for dropping by today! It looks like love is still in the air at Merrilee's boarding house! My editor fell in love with Sheriff Mack Worthington who made appearances in my last..."

Never heard of the gold rush of 1829. More interesting history!

Lyn, I couldn't believe this lady's story either--I mean I'd heard about homeland informants but to actually meet one was awesome!

And the Georgia gold rush of 1829 was the first in the country, producing the purest gold found in the world. You're probably more acquainted with it's other name, the Dahlonega gold rush which started the Trail of Tears.

Patty, I can't wait to get my hands on this book. It sounds wonderful! Just picked up the January books at my Walmart, so the February books will probably be in stock soon.

Hi Patty welcome and congrats!

Heading out to maybe the library, lunch and maybe the movies because we have no power. Pray it comes on soon.

Patty wrote: "Lyn, I couldn't believe this lady's story either--I mean I'd heard about homeland informants but to actually meet one was awesome!

And the Georgia gold rush of 1829 was the first in the country, p..."

***Hi Patty, I was in Dahlonega this past summer and it was a beautiful area. It will be a lot of fun to read a story set there. I know when I write I love to travel to the places I'm writing about. Did you have a chance to visit north Georgia for any research? If so, did your travels influence the story your characters?

Hi Patty! I've never heart of a homeland informant either, but it does sound very interesting! Isn't it fun finding those little known history facts? I look forward to reading this story!

Jennifer wrote: "Heading out to maybe the library, lunch and maybe the movies because we have no power. Pray it comes on soon."

Sounds like a fun day even if you don't have power! Maybe it will be back on when you get home. Thanks for dropping by!

Jennifer wrote: "Karen Kirst, My favorite cupcake is the Midnight Chocolate ; the cake part is chocolate, the frosting is chocolate and is sprinkled with chocolate chips. Yum!"

It sounds divine!

Patty wrote: "Good Morning everyone! Thanks so much for being here this morning!

Wendy and Deb--I'd never heard of a homeland informant either, not until I met this elderly lady who along her husband came to my..."

Hi Patty,

Okay, I'm hooked! I LOVE WWII stories and your premise is intriguing. I'll be watching for your book to hit the selves.

How great to have an opportunity to talk with a true homeland informant! I love listening to people tell their WWII stories. It's one of my favorite periods of history. Some very interesting things happened in my own family during WWII and I've had a few story ideas based on them floating around in my head for years. Maybe it's time I corraled them into a proposal.

My family is connected to the Trail of Tears also. I'll look forward to reading that series...when you get the "go."

What's your favorite part of writing historicals? I love the research. I thought I knew about the setting for the new series I'm starting, but once I started checking my facts for this first book I found so many fascinating details.

Carla wrote: "Patty wrote: "Lyn, I couldn't believe this lady's story either--I mean I'd heard about homeland informants but to actually meet one was awesome!

And the Georgia gold rush of 1829 was the first in ..."

Carla--I owe the idea of the gold rush series to my cousin Holly--as a student at UNG, she worked at the Gold Museum in Dahlonega. We got to talking about it one day and before I knew it, I was dreaming up characters and taking a research trip to pan for gold(which is HARD work!) To thank Holly for her help, I named my hero after her little boy Micah.

Hi Patty,
First of all, I really like your unique cover! Congrats on this new book. I enjoy reunion stories, too. So full of emotion.

Janet wrote: "Hi Patty! I've never heart of a homeland informant either, but it does sound very interesting! Isn't it fun finding those little known history facts? I look forward to reading this story!"

Thanks for coming by, Janet! I love finding unknown pieces of history which is why I love going to the Library of Congress whenever I can. Those folks have given me more information than I could ever possibly write! Especially about women's place in history.