Meet author Sherry Shindalar
Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. She is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of thirty-nine years.
What inspired you to write Texas Forsaken?
Twenty-five years ago, I read the real-life story of Cynthia Ann Parker, the most famous captive of the 19th century. The story haunted my heart for a couple of decades. I knew I had to do something about it. So I created a character who was similar to Cynthia. Fingers ready at the keyboard, I started at the moment of crisis and wrote a different trajectory. I couldn’t heal Cynthia’s heart, but I could give my character, Eyes-Like-Sky a nuanced happy-ever-after. Eyes-Like-Sky’s is not a seamless, sparkly everything worked out as she originally hoped. Instead, it is the joy born of spring and sunrises after a long dark winter, all the more appreciated for having gone through the darkness. However, it was my reading Lori Benton’s Mountain Laurel that sparked my decision to write the book at this point in time. Lori’s novel so impacted my heart that I wanted to write a book that would capture my reader’s emotions and impact them as her book had.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Seven years ago, Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything she knew when a raid on a wagon train tore her from her family. As the memories of her past faded to nothing more than vague shadows, Maggie adapted—marrying a Comanche warrior, having a baby, and rebuilding her life. But in one terrible battle, the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life, and she is taken captive again, this time by those who call themselves her people. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope of protecting her child may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband. Enrolled in West Point to escape his overbearing father, Captain Garret Ramsey has graduated and finds himself assigned to the Texas frontier, witnessing the brutal Indian War in which both sides commit atrocities. Plagued by guilt for his own role, Garret seeks redemption by taking responsibility for the woman he widowed and her baby. Though he is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them, is he willing to risk everything for a woman whose heart is buried in a grave? Or is there hope she might heal to love once more?
What genre do you focus on?
I write Christian historical romance because I want to be able to share my faith in my writing, I am captivated by history, and I love romance.
Why do you write?
I believe this is God’s calling on my life. I’ve been making up stories in my head since I was nine years old. Five years ago, God worked in my heart to reawaken my love for writing. It’s as if He said, “Now, is the time. Go do it.” I believe that fiction can penetrate and touch hearts in ways and depths that nonfiction cannot reach.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My heroine is Eyes-Like-Sky. Her name was Miss Maggie Logan before she was kidnapped by the Comanche at age fourteen. She has adapted and married a Comanche warrior by the time the story starts. The name just came to me. I wanted a unique name that made her stand out. Also, it matches the color of her eyes. She’s brave, determined, and feisty, and she will do almost anything to protect the ones she loves.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m a full-time English professor at a small Christian college, so my writing time is in the evenings and on the weekends. I neglect my house, social engagements, TV, and more. I treat my writing as a second full-time job. And I love the summers! Once graduation is over, and I’ve finished grading all of those freshman essays, I write several hours every day, except for when my husband and I are traveling to visit family.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part is working alone for years, pouring your heart into your work, and not knowing if it will ever be published or how it will be received by readers. The Lord has blessed me with a writing critique group these last several years. I no longer feel as if I’m on this journey alone. Every week, I submit a scene or chapter to my group and receive their feedback. I offer feedback on their submissions, as well. In addition, this provides me with a deadline. If I don’t turn in my 2,500 to 3,500 words by Sunday night, my partners will know. I connected with this group through ACFW. ACFW has made a world of difference in my writing.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is those hours and days when the characters come alive in my head. They take over the story and fight and love like real people. During those times, I can feel their hurt, their joy, and everything in between. The next best part is hearing from my readers about how they got all caught up in the characters or that the story touched their or kept them up at night.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’ve dreamed of being a writer since I was nine years old. I used to swing on my swing set for hours making up stories in my head. I started off with creating new episodes of Star Trek, and then I moved on to romantic adventures. When I was in my twenties, I got an idea for a book after visiting a historical house in the Shenandoah Valley. Ten years later, I started writing the book. However, when it didn’t earn a contract right away, I put it in a box under my dresser and went back to college and graduate school. Five years ago, the Lord worked in my heart, and I fell in love with writing all over again. That next month, I wrote 50,000 words. In the years that followed, I rewrote my first book twice, and then I wrote Texas Forsaken. The publication of Texas Forsaken is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the middle of writing Book Two in the Lone Star Redemption Series. The second book, Texas Divided, will be set in 1863-1864 Texas. I’m writing a total of three books set in Texas in the 1860’s. Eventually, I plan to revise and publish my first book, Shenandoah’s Daughter, set in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War. However, my heart is in Texas for now.
Website: https://sherryshindelar.com/
Social media links:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/historylitgirl
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sherryshindelarauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/user/show/134972322-sherry-shindelar
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-shindelar
Coming soon! Love at a Lighthouse series
Three amazing Thousand Islands stories set in lighthouses. Check them out!
Book One
Libby’s Lighthouse
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
Summer, 1894
When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.
When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
Book Two
Julia’s Joy
Sister Island Lighthouse
Summer 1894
William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Scarred by chronic pleurisy and disinterested in love, William’s world turns upside down when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions. Julia challenges William’s reluctance to love again, sparking fresh hope for a future with her. But just as he dares to dream again, Julia contemplates marrying another.
Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her wealthy grandmother’s will. Intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on, Julia undergoes a life-changing journey as she is confronted with her own lack of faith and lingering anger over her parents’ demise. When she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled life that William and his mother enjoy, and she helps in the rescue many lives during a steamer-and-barge collision, Julia discovers a profound love for the lighthouse life, the river’s embrace, and the lightkeeper, William. Then, she faces with a tempting proposal to join a prominent family in Brockville, and Julia must choose between societal expectations and the newfound richness of her island existence.
Book Three
Emma’s Engagement
Rock Island Lighthouse
Summer 1894
Emma Row embarks on a journey that will test her resilience and love. She marries Michael Diepolder, the Rock Island Lightkeeper and widower, a man who seeks a companion for both himself and his twelve-year-old daughter, Ada. But as she steps into the role of lightkeeper’s wife with a heart full of hope, little does she know that the idyllic setting conceals challenges that will shake the foundation of her newfound happiness. Isolation creeps in, compounded by Ada’s determination to keep her father all to herself. As a storm looms, Emma must grapple with the difficulties of being a stepmother and lightkeeper’s wife. Will she find her place, or will the tumultuous waves of doubt and isolation tear their newfound happiness apart?
For Michael, Emma is not just a wife but the hope for his future. But the lighthouse life and being a stepmother proves harder for Emma than he ever imagined, and Ada’s animosity only intensifies it. When the lighthouse inspector questions Emma’s place due to her Canadian heritage and Ada become deathly ill, the very foundation of their family is shaken. Can their family find solace and unity on this tiny island?
Amid the swirling tempest of challenges, Emma, Michael, and Ada must discover the strength within themselves and each other to weather the storm. Emma’s Engagement is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that can form in the most unexpected places. This fictional story is based on the actual lives of Michael and Emma Diepolder.
Meet author Linda J. White
A native of Washington, D.C., I’ve been a government worker, a stay-at-home mom, and a newspaper editorial writer. I started writing fiction thirty years ago, when my husband, who made training films for the FBI, encouraged me to write. I believe in the power of story to convey transcendent truth. I have twelve published books, all mystery/suspense with some romantic elements. I live in Yorktown, Virginia, near my daughter and her family.
Tell us about your newest book.
A Great and Terrible Darkness is the sixth book in my popular K-9 Search & Rescue series. The series follows the story of Jessica Chamberlain Cooper, a former homicide detective turned private investigator, and her rowdy German shepherd, Luke. Mentored by Nathan Tanner, a wounded war veteran, Jess learns SAR, saves lives, discovers faith, and finds love.
What inspired you to write A Great and Terrible Darkness?
Almost everyone who walks with Jesus will experience something that challenges their faith: a difficult diagnosis, a failed relationship, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. I wanted to explore the “why” and “where is God” questions that naturally follow those experiences.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Jessica Cooper and her dog Luke help search for a missing college student in the mountains of Virginia. After her mentor, Nate, loses his wife he falls into despair. He decides to solo hike the Appalachian Trail through those very same mountains, a decision that alarms Jess. Circumstances collide, paths cross, and in the end, it’s Jess who’s in a fight for her life.
What genre do you focus on?
Mystery-suspense because it’s what I tend to read. My late-husband’s connection with the FBI gave me the inside-scoop on the Bureau’s procedures and practices. I try to write as authentically as I can.
Why do you write?
I write to make sense of life, to process questions I have or thoughts about faith. I write because I believe God called me to write, and to help others move closer to him through stories. I write because I can’t not write (believe me, I’ve tried!).
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
My writing work schedule has varied over the years. I am retired now (and widowed) and have the freedom to write when I want to. I publish a book a year and usually begin writing the next book as I’m putting the final touches on the current book. I write in the morning for about four hours, take a break, and then edit in the evening. I have to say I’m pretty obsessive about it once the story gets rolling!
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Sometimes the writing flows, and that’s a joy, but sometimes it can be incredibly difficult translating the images in my head into words that express those thoughts.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
When I write, I feel I am fulfilling my purpose. I think I was created to write, so for me, writing becomes an act of worship. Paraphrasing Eric Liddell, when I write, “I feel his pleasure.” And that’s the very best part of any creative project.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love birdwatching, the beach, hiking, spending time with my family, and teaching Bible studies. I also love dogs, but sadly I’m without one for the first time in fifty years. My Sheltie, Keira, died in November.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
A Great and Terrible Darkness is my twelfth book. The first six are FBI thrillers and the second six are K-9 Search & Rescue books. Most have romantic elements, all are designed to keep you reading right to the satisfying ending.
What are you working on now?
I am just beginning the seventh book in my SAR series. No title yet. I’m just starting the research, but I know it will be set on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Website: www.lindajwhite.net
Link to book: (Susan, I’ll send this as soon as I have it, in early May.)
Social media links:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/LindaJWhiteAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindajwhitebooks/
X: @rytn4hm
Meet author Tez
Tez Brooks is a multiple award-winning author and international speaker and named one of the Top Writing Coaches by the Coach Foundation. His work appears in Guideposts, Power for Living, The Upper Room, CBN.com, YouVersion, Focus on the Family, and more. He and his wife are full-time missionaries and have four children. You can learn more at TezBrooks.com
Tell us about your newest book.
Adult-o-Nomics offers experience and know-how collected from others who have forged the path. It’s a mix of ancient wisdom from God’s Word and advice from modern contemporaries to help readers experience more effective adulting. I’m excited because it’s a way for young adults to avoid anxiety when they move out on their own. Launching and making your way in life can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. In one study, over fifty percent of young adults boomeranged home after a few years.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Adult-o-Nomics is a gift book to yourself or others. It’s a collection of 500 short quotes, scriptures, and suggestions for those leaving home for the first time. Topics cover everything from practical housekeeping, automotive maintenance, and career advice to romance and spiritual living.
What genre do you focus on?
I write Christian nonfiction, usually family-related… because it’s what I know. I have dabbled in fiction, but I’m most comfortable writing about real-life issues from a Christian worldview.
Why do you write?
I love teaching. When I see something that needs to be addressed (even if it has already been addressed), it hasn’t been written from my point of view, my voice. What drives me is “need.” I see a need to be met and want to be a part of that. I feel God’s pleasure when I move within his creative character.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. I don’t like marketing, and I’m no good at it. But these days, you have to market. Even if you traditionally publish, you must somehow be involved in the marketing. I dread it, but I know I have to do it. It drains me.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I have a whole other life, a day job. I love writing and teaching others how to write better, but that’s all a side gig. My day job is being a full-time missionary, an entirely different life and work. I’ve traveled to over thirty countries, sharing the love of Jesus with unreached people groups, and I enjoy watching God transform people.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
Years ago, I served as an animal rescue volunteer for Florida wildlife. I love animals, and I love giving emergency medical care to wild animals when people would call on me.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Over the years, I have become more confident in the messages that I have to share. With my first book, I felt so ill-prepared (and I was) but struggled with imposter syndrome and feelings of “Who am I to think I have anything of value to share?” That has disappeared for two reasons. First, I’m older now, which allows me to speak with authority and wisdom. Secondly, I have a lot of great writer friends who have made me a better writer. I surround myself with excellent authors, and thankfully, it kind of rubs off on me.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Yes, I have written four other books alone and co-authored 12 more. Each one is unique, so it’s hard to box me in. I’ve written for single dads, first responders, animal lovers, poetry lovers, and devotionals… I’m all over the place when it comes to topics!
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a book for couples headed toward marriage. It’s 100 questions you should ask before you get engaged.
Website: tezbrooks.com
Link to book: Amazon.com
Social media links:
Twitter @tezd63
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TezWrites/
The Blessing of Writing
I just returned from a wonderful writers conference and was thoroughly blessed. When I read Matthew 5, I thought of how this scripture related to the writing life.
Jesus taught the multitudes, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they, which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they, which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
How can we apply the concept of “be-attitudes” to our writing life, our creative life, or just life in general in a new and fresh way? Although not in order of Matthew’s beatitudes, here’s what I came up with:
- Be patient. Writing is perfected over time.
- Be content. Enjoy the journey and stop wanting more.
- Be prepared. Learn all you can about writing.
- Be proactive. Schedule writing time and remember, you reap what you sow.
- Be clear. Communicate well.
- Be tenacious. It doesn’t matter how you feel; if God’s called you to write, never give up.
- Be doers. Write! Write! Write!
- Be connected. Find other writers and do life with them.
- Be dead. Die to your personal plans and live for God’s plans for your writing life.
But Jesus wasn’t finished. He went on to say, “You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
How can we “salt” our writing to make our readers hungry and thirsty for Him?
And then Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Writers, creatives, and friends, let your light shine!
What other be-attitudes would you add to this list? I’d love to know!
Meet author Alicia Whittle
Alicia Whittle has always been fascinated with the American West and lives in Colorado. Cowboys and their lifestyle have enthralled her since childhood when television was full of stories about them. Travels with her Air Force husband and later with RVing have included fascinating places and people which have also influenced her writing. Alicia is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She’s a Literary Titan Award winner for Dead Ringer Cowboy.
Tell us about your newest book.
Natalie’s Cowboy is an inspirational western romance set in New Mexico. Natalie Westwood is on the fast track of her dream career of being a West Coast fashion designer until she’s told at the last minute she didn’t get the job. Losing her current job, the promised job, and now homeless, she temporarily stays with her mom and stepdad. Justin Remington who saved her life a year ago meets up with her. He’s a former PRCA rodeo champion who works long hours at his father and uncle’s ranch. As Natalie builds a business of clothing line and Justin is buried in ranch work, where will they find time for their growing relationship before ranch and career pull them apart?
What inspired you to write Natalie’s Cowboy?
The first book in the series, Dead Ringer Cowboy, which is about Natalie’s mother finding love the second time around prompted me to write about Natalie and her newfound attraction to Justin. Their very different lifestyles provided a challenge to see if romance would bloom between them.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
She’s picking up broken pieces of her life’s dream. He’s trying to remedy a disjointed relationship with his father. Together can they have a stake in each other’s lives and find love?
What genre do you focus on and why?
Inspirational romance., with a western flair. I’ve always enjoyed the culture of the men and women who built the American West. Clean and wholesome romance is lacking in so many of our books today. I believe strong lasting love and marriages are built on God-centered relationships.
Why do you write?
I write to reach out to others that there are good stories a reader can escape to. With so many dysfunctional “romantic” relationships, I hope that my books will inspire readers, especially younger readers, to see the strengths of a healthy love relationship.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Her last name was the same as her mother’s in the first book and my daughter’s name begins with an “N” so I chose a name which began with that letter.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m very sporadic with writing, but when I commit to time, I can sit for two hours and write with only tiny breaks in between. I’m working on being more scheduled.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part of being an indie author is the marketing. Most authors just want to write. When it comes to promoting your book there is a time element that must be set aside to publicize your book.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Now that I’m retired, the best part of being an author is having time to create a book that readers will enjoy. I have the flexibility to choose day or night to write, although I prefer daytime. I can work other chores, errands, and meetings into that schedule. Also, it is a mental escape for me to picture the characters and scenes in which they play a part.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
Most authors are introverts. All my life I have seen myself as an extrovert, but recently one of those personality tests put me in the introvert category. That might make me unusual as I believe I have both qualities.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I have learned so much about writing. It’s not sitting down and pounding out what you think is the greatest novel ever—there are courses to take, networking with other authors, and conferences to attend to improve your writing.
What is your favorite pastime?
My favorite pastime is reading, of course!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My other published book is Dead Ringer Cowboy, about a widow who goes on vacation with her daughter and meets a rancher who looks identical to her deceased husband.
What are you working on now?
I’ll begin work on the third book in the series, Cowboys of the High Desert.
Website: https://aliciawhittle.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Natalies-Cowboy-Cowboys-High-Desert-ebook
Social media links: Facebook.com/WriterOutWest , alicia.r.whittle@gmail.com, Instagram at alicia.r.whittle.author.