I will never forget that day. Will you?–Lyn
Boatlift 9/11 –A Story I’d Never Heard
Lyn Interviews Author Tyora Moody & Deep Fried Trouble!
My guest today is author and author promoter Tyora Moody. Here’s Tyora’s interview and scoop about her latest book–DEEP FRIED TROUBLE! (That’s the worst kind of trouble! 🙂
Tell us a little about your writing and your real life, Tyora.
I have worked with authors for over twelve years behind the scenes. I’m still pinching myself that I’m on the other side as an author now. I have always enjoyed writing, but the real starting point of my journey started in 2006. Characters showed up during my journal time and I found myself writing the type of novels I had been seeking. My novels are mystery and suspense under the Christian Fiction genre. What’s unusual about my books compared to the other books in this genre are the diversity of characters. The stories reflect my diverse upbringing as well as my love for a good faith-based whodunnit.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually working on a virtual project (coordinate virtual book tours, hosting Facebook or Twitter chats) or a literary project (designing a book cover, scripting a book trailer, etc). I’m an all-around creative person. I simply refuse to be bored. 🙂
Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.
Definitely! I never imagined being divorced and not a mother by now (early 40s). My parents are aging now and I’m finding myself in a place of being more aware of their health. A lot of circumstances can change in the blink of an eye and it’s so easy to lose your footing. I have had to come to learn to become more dependent on God versus the natural desire to become super independent. Strength is the ability to stand tall and do by yourself with a smile on your face. We are human and we are limited in our capacity to take on but so many burdens.
What is special about your most recent book to you?
The book Deep Fried Trouble is the first adventure of a retired schoolteacher and grandmother. It’s set in my favorite place in my state – Charleston, SC. A lot of authors may not want to be pushed into choosing a favorite character, but I generally love writing stories around the main character, Eugeena Patterson. She represents many of the older women who serve as mentors in my life. Let’s say I hope to grow up to be like her one day. LOL!I also deal with some issues you may not find in a fiction book. Eugeena Patterson has Type 2 Diabetes and as a recent widow, I wanted to explore the possibilities of romance during senior years. Is it possible to fall in love again in your 60s?”–Tyora
Thanks so much, Tyora, for being my guest. And yes, romance survives into senior years! The heart never ages.
OR AM I WRONG ABOUT THAT? DO WE EVER GET TOO OLD TO FALL IN LOVE???–Lyn
To purchase, click here. Deep Fried Trouble (Eugeena Patterson Mysteries)
ABOUT THE BOOK
Deep Fried Trouble
A Eugeena Patterson Mystery, Book 1
A Eugeena Patterson Mystery, Book 1
Widowed and officially retired, EUGEENA PATTERSON throws herself into organizing the neighborhood association. This presents a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and get to know new neighbors like recently widowed Amos Jones, that is until Eugeena stumbles upon her estranged neighbor’s dead body. Eugeena’s daughter is fingered as a prime suspect, but where is she?
Determined to find her missing daughter, Eugeena and Amos sort through a list of neighbors with shady or unknown backgrounds. The more she searches, the more Eugeena becomes unsure about this neighborhood association idea. Someone closer than Eugeena thinks, wants to keep it that way.
BIO
Tyora Moody is the author Soul-Searching Suspense novels, Deep Fried Trouble (June 2013), When Memories Fade (April 2013) and When Rain Falls (March 2012). She is the 2013 Urban Literary Awards Debut Author Winner and 2013 Urban Literary Awards Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Winner. Tyora is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.
As a literary-focused entrepreneur, she has assisted countless authors with developing an online presence via her design and marketing company, Tywebbin Creations LLC. Popular services include virtual book tours, book trailers and book covers.
SOUL-SEARCHING SUSPENSE
VICTORY GOSPEL SERIES
- When Perfection Fails, Book 3 (March 2014)
- When Memories Fade, Book 2
- When Rain Falls, Book 1
EUGEENA PATTERSON MYSTERIES
- Oven Baked Secrets, Book 2 (November 2014)
- Deep Fried Trouble, Book 1
- Shattered Dreams: A Short Story
PS-Last week’s winners are:Bonnie Traher for GRACE UNPLUGGED & Maxie won Hannah Alexander’s KEEPING FAITH!
Author Hannah Alexander & Mother’s Only Weak Spot
My guest today is my longtime friend Author Hannah Alexander. Hannah is going to tell us about her mother’s weak spot and her latest Love Inspired Historical Keeping Faith. And remember to leave a comment to enter the drawing for a copy. Here’s Hannah:
Mom Faced WWII
“My mother had a tendency to faint at the sight of blood. That, however, was her only weak spot. Everything else about her was strong, independent and determined. She worked at Hughes Aircraft as a machinist during World War !!, and farmed alongside my father while they both worked full-time jobs to dig their way out of the poverty that followed them from the Great Depression. Mom chose to drive a school bus in California in an era when folks thought driving a bus was a man’s job. She took the harassment that came with the job without complaint. Mom also often drove alone halfway across country if a family member was ill and needed her help’ however, she protested when I followed in her footsteps years later.
Mom’s example was why I had no trouble writing about strong heroines when I began my writing career. The irony is that, though I base my female leads on the strengths of my mother, most of my characters can’t afford to faint at the sight of blood, because they work in the medical field!
To purchase, click here. Keeping Faith (Love Inspired Historical)
Dr. Victoria Fenway, my heroine in Keeping Faith,
is an unusual character because she not only learned her late husband’s skills in medicine in a time when it was taboo for a woman to practice medicine, but she also incorporated herbal remedies she’d learned as a child. And she continues treating patients after her husband’s murder. As my mother would have done in 1855, Victoria joins a wagon train to head west. Secretly, she intends to hunt down her husband’s murderer and stop him from killing others, but in order to gain entry as a single woman, she practices her healing skills on her fellow travelers, who have no choice but to accept her skills–since she’s the only physician traveling with them.
Even strong, independent women, however, can be weakened by the power of love, and Victoria’s weakness is the wagon train captain, Joseph Rickard, whom she nearly married ten years earlier. Her battle becomes more real when she discovers he has never stopped loving her.
My mother wasn’t often accepted in the social groups
available to her in her lifetime because, much like Dr. Victoria Fenway, she walked a different pathway from most women. Mom’s been in heaven for 1½ years, where I believe she’s accepted and loved as she is, and no longer has to struggle to fulfill her destiny.
As for Dr. Victoria Fenway, you can see her more clearly, and read about her in Keeping Faith if you pull up the first chapter at www.hannahalexander.com
Facebook:
facebook.com/author.HannahAlexander
Leave a comment for a drawing to win a copy of Keeping Faith Here’s the QUESTION: What’s your weak spot? Or what was your mom’s weak spot?–Lyn
Lyn Reviews Author Melody Carlson’s Grace Unplugged & Giveaway
Grace Unplugged by Melody Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read other books by Melody Carlson but this is the first time I read one that was written for Young Adults or the New Adult. The story is timeless–small town girl goes to Hollywood- or at least Los Angeles to become a singing star.
What sets Grace Unplugged apart is the great writing and deftly drawn characters. Also I liked the realistic situations that Gracie Trey, daughter of the one hit wonder, Johnnie Trey, finds herself in.
The book has been made into a movie which debuts October 4, 2013.
I’d recommend this book to any young person and their parents. It would provide a great jumping off point for parents and teens to discuss their conflict over the teen preparing to sail off into the adult world.
In my own series “The Women of Ivy Manor,” (four generations of women amid the tapestry of the 20th century) I found that every mother tried to prepare her daughter to save her from the struggles the mother had. But in each case, the mother couldn’t protect her child from life.
We all wish to wrap our children in cotton and keep them safe, but that’s not letting them become who they were meant to be and to face the challenges God has prepared to shape them.
To purchase, click here. Grace Unplugged: A Novel
I have a copy of this book to giveaway. Please leave a response. QUESTIONS: Did you feel like your parents prepared you for adult life? Do you think it’s possible for a parent to prepare a child for the future? If so, how?–Lyn
PS-Ola Norman won Ann Gabhart’s book and Karen Frisch won Jo Ann Brown’s book!
Author Jo Ann Brown & Grandma Loveland
My guest today is Author Jo Ann Brown who says she can’t write wimpy heroines. But she is doing a giveaway of her Love Inspired Historical, The Dutiful Daughter. Here’s Jo Ann:
No Wimpy Heroines
“I don’t know how to write heroines that aren’t strong. I love daring heroes, and each of them deserves a strong woman who is willing to face the challenges life throws in her path.
Grandma Loveland
I learned about strong women from my mother’s mother, my Grandma Loveland. She never hesitated to help her family. She was a farm wife during the Depression and raised four children of her own plus one of her nephews who was deaf. When my grandfather had a bad heart attack while still quite young and could no longer work, she took a job cleaning houses. She tended to him, making sure he did not miss his meds and even convincing him to quit smoking after almost fifty years.
An uncle going blind
At the same time, she assisted my uncle who was going blind, making sure he was able to visit with his friends. I get tired just thinking about doing all that…every day. I’m sure she was exhausted, too, but she always had time to read a story to a grandchild or recite one of the poems she memorized during her eight years in a one-room schoolhouse. She gave me wondrous gifts.
Not only her love and her time,
but her belief that if I wanted something badly enough and was willing to work for it, no challenge was insurmountable.
To purchase, click here. The Dutiful Daughter (Love Inspired Historical)
I can’t imagine a better gift any woman could give to a child. That’s probably why my heroine Sophia shares a similar gift with the two children in the book. Sophia Meriweather, the heroine of The Dutiful Daughter (the first book in the Sanctuary Bay trilogy from Harlequin Love Inspired), knows her duty is to marry a distant cousin who has inherited her late father’s title. It is what she needs to do to help her family.”–Jo Ann
Thanks, Jo Ann. Your grandma is an example to all of us. Question for comment to win a copy of The Dutiful Daughter. What do you hope others will say about you after you’re gone or even now?–Lyn
my website: www.joannbrownbooks.com
Shaker Author Ann H Gabhart Tells of Becoming a Mother at 17 & Finding Strength
Author Ann Gabhart is my guest today. I told her that I am always amazed and touched by how honest my guests are about their life experiences. Ann is no exception. She is also offering a giveaway of her new book, Christmas at Harmony Hill. Here’s Ann:
At seventeen, I was expecting my first child.
Naturally I was eager to hold my baby in my arms, but I was also nervous and scared at the thought of going through the birthing process. I’d read enough to know it wasn’t going to be pleasant, but I didn’t really know what to expect.
Left Alone in Labor
This was long before hospitals had those special maternity wings with comfortable rooms for entire families to await the arrival of their new baby. Instead, I was whisked away from my husband and mother, ushered into a hospital room where I was examined, prodded and prepped by a nurse. Then the nurse left me in the room totally alone. My husband and mother weren’t allowed to be with me. They had to stay in the waiting area.
Assumptions were wrong.
Because it was my first child, the doctor assumed I’d have a long labor and since it was the middle of the night, he was in no hurry to get to the hospital. Nobody monitored my labor pains. Nobody offered me any pain relief or even advice on how to handle the labor pains. I felt very alone in that hospital room as the pains strengthened. Maybe the nurses thought I would ring the bell if the pains got too intense, but I was timid and didn’t want to complain. When a contraction gripped me, I counted dots in the ceiling tiles to take my mind off the pain. And I prayed.
Finally a nurse came into the room.
She didn’t take my vital signs. She barely glanced my way as she went to the window to check if it was raining. It was storming that night – naturally. She did ask how I was feeling. When I told her the pains weren’t stopping, things got interesting. Three nurses descended on me, telling me not to push and to breathe into the mask they shoved over my face. When I woke up in the delivery room, the doctor was there and so was my precious son.
With the Lord’s Help
I became a mother and found out about strength that night. With the Lord’s help, I was strong enough to make it through that lonesome valley of pain into the bright light of a baby in my arms.
To purhase, click here. Christmas at Harmony Hill: A Shaker Story
Ann’s Latest Book
I remembered all that while writing Christmas at Harmony Hill. Heather faces the birth of her child while her husband is away fighting in the Civil War. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. That’s the Scripture I threaded into the story as Heather feels alone and afraid in the Shaker village that has given her shelter.
Thou art with me. Heather, the same as I did years ago, reaches for the true source of strength. Women are strong. The Lord knew we’d need that kind of blessed strength to be mothers.”–Ann
Find out more about Ann H Gabhart at www.annhgabhart.com or on my blog, www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com and at www.facebook.com/anngabhart
Well, by the time I became with child, times had changed. My dh was with me throughout and a great help to me. And I’d taken Lamaze classes. Now evidently the pendulum has swing away from natural childbirth to everyone getting an epidural.
Questions for Comment to enter book drawing: Have you given birth? What was your experience?
If you haven’t given birth, why do you think birthing methods keep changing?
I recall during my 1st pregnancy, my mil telling me–I can’t advise you–everything they told me not to do, they tell you to do!–Lyn
PS-I was away but finally picked the winner of James’ L Rubart’s book–Connie Brown!
[subscribe2]
Lyn Reviews Mystery Author Suzanne Young’s Murder by Mishap
Murder by Mishap by Suzanne Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder by Mishap finally garnered 5 stars from me. I am so enjoying the Edna Davis Mystery series. Suzanne Young is one of those new indie authors who have chosen not to go through the endless rounds of rejection by traditional publishers. She has published her own books but with excellent writing, obviously professional editing and great covers.
Again our heroine Edna Davis (whose mysterious husband Albert remains clueless about his wife’s new sleuthing ventures) finds herself embroiled or really “stuck” in a new set of characters and a disturbing mystery and then a murder by mishap.
I look forward to Suzanne Young’s upcoming fourth Edna Davis mystery.
If you enjoyed Invisible by Lorena McCourtney, you’ll love Edna Davis.
To purchase, click here. Murder by Mishap (Edna Davies mysteries)
[subscribe2]
Lyn Reviews Turbulence by Love Inspired Suspense Author Dana Mentink
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Turbulence was the first book by Dana Mentink I’ve read–a great introduction to a new Love Inspired Suspense author. This book started with a super-charged situation.
Heroine Maddie Lambert a daughter flying with the new heart machine for her father who is dying. And in the same plane is the hero Paul Ford, MD–the doctor who treated her nieces when they were in a auto accident.
Paul wasn’t able to save them and the heroine’s father has vowed revenge. Oh, and BTW, the heroine was engaged to Paul. WOW–that’s a powerful convergence of connections.
Then everything goes wrong–I mean everything. And not due to natural causes. Very exciting snowy mountain chases and situations that push the hero and heroine to their limits.
We’re discussing this book at http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1…
with the author. Drop by and read the discussion. Interesting!
To purchase, click here. Turbulence (Love Inspired Suspense)
Strong Women, And a Male Author Who Loves Them
My guest today is Author James Rubart. Sometimes I like to shake things up a bit and get the Male Point of View. I found out that James had a lot to say about strong women (BTW, HE’S OFFERING A BOOK GIVEAWAY! SO DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT.) Here’s James on STRONG WOMEN:
“You find them in all of my novels: Strong women. They are a hallmark of each of my stories.
Why? Three reasons:
- Because I think chauvinism is still rampant in our culture and regrettably often even more prevalent in the church. Women are marginalized, put down, not respected, relegated to cooking and cleaning. Which is tragic given the stature which Jesus gave women. (Who did he appear to first when he was resurrected?)
- My mom was a warrior as I grew up. We went through some dark years in our family and she was the rock we held onto.
- My wife is stunning in her strength. Her selflessness. Her discernment. Her tenderness mixed with a fierceness that no one would want to get in the way of.
Because of these things, I like to show the strength of women in my stories. Show their wisdom, their tenacity, their insight, their power. How they are different than men, but needed in this adventure and battle we call life as much as men are, and sometimes more.
In my Well Spring series
(first book is Soul’s Gate, the just released sequel, Memory’s Door, and the The Spirit Bridge releasing next spring) I have a character named Dana Raine and she is learning just how strong she is. The series centers around four characters over whom a prophecy was spoken. One is the Song, one is the Teacher, one is the Temple, and one is the Leader.
Yep, you guessed it. Dana is the Leader and over the course of the series we see Dana throw off doubts about her gifting and step into her role as the Leader in life-saving ways again and again. She must provide answers when the men don’t have them. She must stand up against the enemy when the others around her are caving in. She must lead like she’s never led before if the Warriors Riding are to survive their battle with the Wolf of the prophecy. She must be stronger than she ever imagined she could be.
One More Thought Before I Go
Rise up O woman of God, your strength is needed as well. You have it. It’s in there. Don’t be afraid of your strength and don’t be afraid to show it to others. Believe me, I know what you’re saying right now. “James, you don’t know how hard it is to do that! You don’t know what that costs and how men perceive those kind of actions.”
You’re right, I don’t know, because I’m a man. But my wife tells me how hard it is for women to live out of their strength. I’m sorry for that. But it doesn’t mean you’re not needed. You are. You are strong. The Spirit of Jesus is on you and in you, and there are powerful things you can do through him. Believe that, dear sister. Believe.”–James
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart
Twitter: @jameslrubart
Website: http://jameslrubart.com/
BIO
James L. Rubart is the best-selling and Christy award winning author of, ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, THE CHAIR, SOUL’S GATE, and MEMORY’S DOOR. During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing which helps businesses and authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, golfs, takes photos, and occasionally does sleight of hand. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and teenage sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman. More at www.jameslrubart.com
James, I really appreciate those words of encouragement. I think it’s a shame that women can still be marginalized simply because of their gender. And I am fortunate enough to have a husband who also prizes my strength and encourages me to do all that I’m able.
Now for the QUESTION to enter the drawing to win a copy of MEMORY’S DOOR: As a woman, have you ever been put down or pushed back because of your gender? Why do you think the church may be guilty of this.–Lyn
Lyn Interviews Period Mystery Author Julianna Deering
Today my guest is Mystery Author Julianna Deering who is writing period books, her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England. I don’t know about you but I’ve always loved the 1930’s mysteries like Erle Stanley Gardner and Agatha Christie. Here’s Julianna:
1-Tell us a little about your writing and your real life.
My real life is . . . different. I have the singular blessing of working from home almost all the time. Granted, most writers do their work from home (or at their location of choice), but not many legal secretaries have that privilege. I hope to write fulltime eventually, but that time has not yet come. The job I have now is the perfect one for me until it does.
I am very much a night owl, and when I worked a regular nine-to-five job, getting going in the morning was always such a struggle. I’m just not made that way. So now I can work when I am naturally at my best, from about noon until ten or later.
Thanks to the internet, I can do almost everything I need to do without going into the office. This also gives me a lot of flexibility when I want to get my writing done. Plus I always feel more creative in my own space and with my cats around.
So, what’s my life like? Usually I run errands and whatever else I need to do outside the house in the mornings. Then I get to work when I get home. I get any office work done first, and then I try to get my creative work done. Now that Rules of Murder is actually out, I’ve been spending a lot of time on promotional things like interviews, which is a lot of fun but much more time consuming than I expected.
I just got back the notes from my editor on the third book in the series, Murder at the Mikado. I have some work to do on that one, but I enjoy that part of the process. I always need a fresh set of eyes to point out what could be better in my stories, and this editor is extremely helpful besides just being a really nice guy.
When I’m done with my work, I like to sew. Quilting and cross stitch are both favorites of mine, and I have lined up more projects of both kinds than I can ever do in my lifetime. But I think I need that type of creative outlet. Writing is creative, but it’s all mental. There is something soothingly tactile about fabric and threads and beads and buttons and everything else involved that gives my mind a rest and refreshes me inside.
And last, but certainly not least (they would never settle for least!), are my cats. Eloise, Elizabeth and Petie are funny and sweet and absolutely essential to my happiness. I thank God for them every day.
As far as the writing itself is concerned, I am working on the edits for my third Drew book right now. I’m also toying with some ideas for other types of stories. I’d like to get back to medieval romance one day, and I have a fantasy story that’s just clamoring to get out. Stay tuned!
2-Was there a time in your life when you think God challenged you to become stronger? Please share.
I think He challenges me to be stronger all the time. But there was a particular time when I felt He was really moving me out of my comfort zone. I had worked as an accountant for a number of years, but I really wasn’t happy there. I felt I needed to do something more creative with my life, but that would, of course, be much riskier than staying where I was.
Eventually there came a time when I felt He was urging me to trust Him to make a way for me. I quit my job and took an almost 50% pay cut to become a secretary. I felt that would still pay my bills while leaving me some mental energy at the end of the day to do my writing.
That job eventually became the extremely flexible, work-from-home job I have now, the one that is just what I need. But I had to step out of my comfort zone and trust God to make it all work out even when it looked like a huge mistake.
He has provided for me every step of the way.
3-What is special about your most recent book to you?
Rules of Murder, well in fact the whole Drew Farthering series, is very special to me. These are the books of my heart. I have for a long time been a fan of classic mysteries and of the romantic comedies of the 1930s and ’40.
Drew and Madeline give me the best of both worlds. I’ve had a wonderful time writing the stories and enjoying the relationship between Drew and Madeline. They have a lot of fun together, and I think readers will have fun with them, too.
To purchase, click here. Rules of Murder (A Drew Farthering Mystery Book #1)
Back Cover Blurb:
Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.??Soon, financial irregularities at Drew’s stepfather’s company come to light and it’s clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer–and trying harder to impress Madeline–Drew must decide how far to take this game.
Author Bio:
JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, Summer 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, Spring 2014) and Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, Summer 2014). She is represented by Wendy Lawton of the Books & Such Literary Agency (www.booksandsuch.biz).
Julianna also writes as DeAnna Julie Dodson.
www.deannajuliedodson.com