Meet author Janet Joanou Weiner
Janet Joanou Weiner is an American living in France for almost twenty years. She and her husband make their home in the 500-year-old Château de Planque, where she daily wishes the walls would tell her all the stories. Their small town in the south of France is steeped in history as epic and dramatic as the mountains soaring high just beyond her home. The beauty, the culture, the people are all constant sources of inspiration.
Tell us about your newest book.
Though Darkness Descend: The Huguenot Resistance Series, Book 1, is my debut novel, based on actual 17th-century events in my small town in southern France and the Château de Planque where I live.
The story focuses on a young Huguenot woman, Jeanne Tessier, who is unwilling to die for a faith she doesn’t possess. Where was God when she desperately needed him? In her darkest hour, he didn’t seem to hear or care. Jeanne has kept her lack of belief hidden from her Huguenot community. But with the imminent threat of twelve hundred dragoon soldiers sent by King Louis XIV to suppress them, she faces upheaval in every way–including her hope of marrying Etienne.
Fighting for her way of life, she follows Etienne against his wishes and warnings from her close friend Pierre. When the dragoons move into her home, the Château de Planque, Jeanne discovers where God is in suffering and death, who she truly is–and whom she truly loves.
What inspired you to write Though Darkness Descend?
I’ve always loved history and majored in it at university. I’m so grateful to live in an area with centuries of fascinating events.
When we moved to our small town in the south of France, into a 500-year-old château, I began researching the local history. I discovered story after incredible story of the stubborn faithfulness of the Huguenots despite severe persecution. Even in France, this chapter of history is not widely known. By sharing these events in the form of historical fiction, I hope many will find encouragement and inspiration.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
As 1200 dragoon soldiers arrive in her town, a young Huguenot woman faces persecution and possible death for a faith she doesn’t possess. Until now, she’s kept her lack of belief hidden. But with King Louis XIV determined to bring the Protestants under control, Jeanne embarks on a journey that leads to an unforeseen end.
What genre do you focus on and why?
Historical fiction is my personal favorite, so that’s what I write. I find it fascinating to learn of different times and cultures, and nothing makes it more alive than living it with great characters.
Why do you write?
I write because it is what God has asked me to do so. I write because I have so many words! So, I thought I’d better put them into stories before driving my family and friends crazy.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
My main character is Jeanne Tessier, a young Huguenot (French Protestant) woman. Her name is a common one from the time (17th century) and also happened to be my name in middle school French class.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I aim to write mornings, usually Monday through Saturday, for 2-4 hours a session.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
It’s challenging to get the word out about the book beyond family and friends.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
For me, the joy of co-creating with God is deeply satisfying. I’m continually amazed at the ideas that flow out.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’ve lived in four different countries: USA/California, the Netherlands, France (the French Alps, Paris, the south of France), and Kona, Hawaii (not really a country, but a unique culture). And I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, primarily for mission work.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I’m still relatively new to writing, but as I work on my second novel, I’m happy to apply the many lessons learned through crafting the first book.
What is your favorite pastime?
Collage-making, watercolor, and reading. I also love long walks in nature.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Not yet. I have plans for the Huguenot Resistance Series to have four books. I’ve also compiled memoirs and travel stories that include humor and spiritual insights, which I hope to publish someday.
What are you working on now?
The second book in the Huguenot Resistance Series. Also based on events and people in my town and region, it picks ups 17 years after the end of Book 1. Again, some of the characters from Though Darkness Descend appear, plus several new ones.
Website:
Link to book:
Social media links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetjoanouw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janet.weiner
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.fr/janetjw/_created/
Meet author Karin Beery
Karin Beery grew up in rural Michigan, where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies with her husband and fur babies.
Tell us about your newest book.
Two years ago, Jessica Miller made a mess of her already confusing life. Now, she’s back in Boyne Heights, and she’s determined to fix her reputation. She can’t seem to avoid the past that haunts her, but that’s the joy of small-town life—word spreads and people remember. Intent on her mission, however, she faces her past head-on, taking a job with her ex-boyfriend while avoiding her grandmother’s attempts to find her a new one.
What inspired you to write Avoiding Marriage?
I didn’t want to go too long between publishing books and I didn’t have a contract yet, so I decided to self-publish a novella. I wanted to follow-up Practically Married with a redemption story for Jess—she’s Russ’s ex-girlfriend, and I wanted to show why she and Russ would break up if they were so perfect for each other on paper.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Jess made a mess of her life, but she’s back and she’s determined to fix her reputation, even if that means working for her ex-boyfriend and avoiding her grandmother’s attempts to find her a new one.
What genre do you focus on?
My stories are romantic women’s fiction. The stories focus on the women and their lives, but I always include a sweet romantic line.
Why do you write?
I started writing as a way to deal with the pressures of life (my husband was dealing with cancer at the time; he’s fine now). Once I started writing, I wanted to figure out what it would take to get published. Now I’m sort of hooked—I always have a story idea that I want to flesh out (I just wish I wrote faster!).
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
In Avoiding Marriage, Jess is named after my good friend Jessica. She was one of my bride’s maids and continues to be a friend. Whenever I need a name, I scroll through Facebook to see if I can find one that sticks with me.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I’m terrible about finding time to write, which is why it takes me so long to finish a book. The best way for me to write is something like NaNoWriMo, where you force yourself to write 50,000 words in a month. I have to skip everything and force myself not to socialize for the sake of finishing that first draft.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
For me, it’s making time to write. I work as a book editor, so at the end of the day I don’t always want to stay at my computer. It’s currently taking me eighteen months to finish a manuscript, and that’s too long. I need to figure out a way to motivate myself to write faster.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Research! You can’t write well if you don’t know the market and the industry, so reading is a must.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I don’t really like chocolate. I like it with things, but I rarely eat it alone. I’m more about textures—I’ll take a chewy treat over a chocolate treat almost every time.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
In too many ways to list here, so I’ll focus on one—I’m figuring out my method, which is making me a better writer. I wrote my first novel without any plans or notes. I tried to outline my second novel and went completely off track within the first third of the story. I’m still figuring it out, but I now use a combo of character development and a basic outline to put everything together.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love hanging out with people. We can be watching movies, kayaking, sitting at a coffee shop—I don’t really care. I just like being with people.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I do! My debut novel Summer Plans and Other Disasters is available in print, ebook, and now on audio. I also have Practically Married, the award-nominated prequel to Avoiding Marriage. That’s not on audio yet, but maybe someday.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing book three in a series about three sisters in Northern Michigan. It’s romantic women’s fiction about the middle daughter, a professional musician who’s ready to try something new with her life. My agent is pitching book one of the series to publishers now.
Website: https://karinbeery.com
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Avoiding-Marriage-Practically-Married-Novella-ebook/dp/B093RGB9RD/
Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinbeery/
https://twitter.com/karinbeery
https://www.instagram.com/karinbeery/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/karin-beery
https://www.amazon.com/Karin-Beery/e/B07HQ2GZQS
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2666258-karin
Meet author Mary Davis
Tell us about your newest book, Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War.
Margaret “Peggy” Witherspoon is a thirty-four-year-old widow, mother of two, flying for the WASP. When her new supervisor, Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg, gives her an order she can’t follow, sparks fly. In the course of her duties, Peggy learns of US soldiers being held captive in Cuba. She undertakes a daring rescue mission. She will need all her WASP skills to succeed and come out of this alive while trying not to ignite an international incident.
What inspired you to write Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War?
My agent asked if I had a WWII story idea that might fit in with Barbour’s Heroines of WWII series. I had to tell her I didn’t. I knew women had done some military flying but didn’t know the details, so I jump into some quick research. An idea started forming with a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). I wrote a brief one-page outline of my rough idea. I knew I couldn’t take too much time away from my contracted project to write a whole proposal if I was going to be told the publisher already had a story in the series about a WASP, which I assumed they had. Because who wouldn’t want to write about lady pilots? I wrote a proposal, and well…as they say, the rest is history.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A WWII WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) embarks on an unsanctioned mission to rescue three US soldiers held captive in Cuba.
What genre do you focus on?
Historical Romance. I do like writing contemporary romance and other sub-genres of romance. I was writing both historical and contemporary romances when my agent at the time told me to pick one or the other. It was hard. I had recently won an award for a historical, had a couple of historical proposals floating around, and was contracted for a short historical series, so I chose historical romance. That was years ago. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t dabbled in various arenas. I currently have some contemporary ideas I’m exploring.
Why do you write?
I write because I believe the Lord has called me to write. Often, but not always, my characters drive me. The only way I can get them to stop pestering me, is to write their stories. They can be quite demanding.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Margaret “Peggy” Witherspoon is a 34-year-old widow with two young daughters who flies for the Women Airforce Service Pilots during WWII. Sometimes there is a lot of attention and intention that goes into naming a character and it can take a long time to find just the right name. Not so with Peggy. I was pressed for time as I was under a quickly approaching deadline, and I need to shoot off a potential idea to my agent to see if the editor liked my premise. Peggy is a name that is appropriate for the era. Peggy is a nickname for Margaret. Then she needed a last name, and Witherspoon popped into my head. And I never looked back or contemplated any changes to her name.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
What is this schedule thing you speak of? I’m a bit free-wheeling when it comes to my schedule. I have always had to write in between interruptions. If I had a ridged time I had to write when my children were young, I would have been too stressed and frustrated. Now that they are all grown up, it still works for when Hubby wants to do something.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing. My brain isn’t wired for marketing, but it is a necessary evil these days. I can spend all day frolicking with my characters and be energized. But it takes less than an hour of marketing to drain me of all my energy and wipe out all my creativity for the rest of the day or more.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Having so many friends who live in my head. I’m never alone, and I can manage the expectations they have of me. If I don’t like what one character is saying to me, I can visit with another.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m a slooooooow reader. Reading has always been a challenge for me because I’m dyslexic. So what in the world am I doing being a writer? I guess God has a sense of humor. He wants me to depend on Him. I can’t do this writing thing in my own strength. He is strong in my weakness.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Have I? I guess I’m better at English and some spelling. Pretty much, I can’t spell my way out of wet paper bag to save my life. I’m more confident in my writing. I know some of the things that work and why.
What is your favorite pastime?
Crafting. I love doing stuff with my hands and creating things. My crafting interests include sewing, quilting, clothes making, porcelain doll making, crocheting, knitting, paper crafting, and more.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have been published for over 22 years. https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Davis/e/B00JKRBJKE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1513048567&sr=1-1
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing book 5 in my Quilting Circle series. I’m also editing/rewriting a novel a family member wrote in the 1990s. She has passed away, and her sister gave me the novel to do with whatever I want. I plan to self-publish it once I’m done with it. I’m also planning to get back to a contemporary Christmas novella I’ve been wanting to finish.
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Davis/e/B00JKRBJKE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1513048567&sr=1-1
Link to book:
https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Witherspoon-Goes-Heroines-WWII-ebook/dp/B09FP8Y3G8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1642528465&sr=1-1
Social media links:
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dekl_5
FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/132969074007619/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Davis/e/B00JKRBJKE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1513048567&sr=1-1
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8126829.Mary_Davis
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-davis
Blog: https://marydavis1.blogspot.com/
Meet author Jen Turano
Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com – https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor/
Tell us about your newest book.
To Disguise the Truth is the third and final book in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series, but it may be read as a standalone. It revolves around Eunice Holbrooke, a mysterious lady who hides beneath widow’s weeks, and has secrets from her past she isn’t keen to divulge – until Mr. Arthur Livingston shows up out of the blue, wanting to hire her agency to find a missing heiress. Que the start of some very interesting chaos.
What inspired you to write To Disguise the Truth?
I always turn in a book proposal to my editing team before I begin writing a new series. I wasn’t exactly certain where this last book was going to go, but once Eunice showed up in book one, “To Steal a Heart,” I realized she was going to have to have a fairly interesting backstory. She is the owner of the Holbrooke Boardinghouse, and it’s the ladies in that house who form the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency. Eunice is the character who flits through the first two books, and as she did that flitting, her story kept changing. Thankfully, by the time I began writing her story, I knew I wanted to write a book about forgiveness, as well as embracing your truth, and that’s what inspired a good portion of the entire book. I mean, it’s a Jen Turano book so there’s a lot of mayhem to get to those truths, but that’s what made it a fun book to write.
What genre do you focus on?
I write historical romantic comedies set in the Gilded Age, and I write these because I have a very odd sense of humor, which comes in handy since I write comedy, and the Gilded Age has provided me with mountains of fodder for stories.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Eunice Holbrooke is the heroine of my latest book. I chose her name because everyone has this preconceived notion about who a Eunice should be and…I like to twist preconceived notions around and give readers a name that is at complete opposites for who my character actually is.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I usually write for at least eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. This changes to eighteen hours or more when I’m on a tight deadline or finishing up a first draft. That’s the only time I work on the weekends, but when I get to that point in a story, I just have to finish because the entire ending of the book is unfolding in my head and I won’t be able to sleep until it’s down on the page.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part for me is simply juggling everything. Unlike when I was writing for fun, contracts come with obligations. I have deadlines, but while I’m writing a first draft for a new story, I’ll have edits come in for a previous story, sometimes more than one story. Then I always have a release mixed in there as well, so it was difficult for me at first to not allow the writing part of my life to take over everything. I’ve recently cut back from releasing two books a year to releasing one every nine months, and for now, I have time to breathe. With that said, I’ve gotten a little bored, so I might rethink my schedule again.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
I know this sounds cliché, but the readers are really the best part. I love interacting with them and hearing their stories. I’ve really missed being able to go to reader retreats during this horrible pandemic.
One unusual thing about me?
Hmmm….I have so many. I’m a bit of a weirdo, and contrary to what most people think about authors, I’m not an introvert – more on the lines of a social butterfly.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I think most authors grow as they spend more time in the business. Working with an editing team has allowed me to pick up on some of my bad habits – you know, too much backstory or history dumps (okay, I still do this, but the Gilded Age is fascinating.) Also, with every story, I tweak my writing style because I always want to produce a book that’s fresh and not like my previous books.
What is your favorite pastime?
Walking on the trail. I used to jog, but I’m getting old, so power-walking it is, unless my dog spots a deer, then it’s a downright run.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have a lot of books published through Bethany House. Here’s the list:
Ladies of Distinction Series
Gentleman of Her Dreams (an e-novella)
A Change of Fortune
A Most Peculiar Circumstance
A Match of Wits
A Class of Their Own Series
After a Fashion
In Good Company
Playing the Part
Apart From the Crowd Series
At Your Request (an e-novella)
Behind the Scenes
Out of the Ordinary
Caught by Surprise
Grand Encounters (featured in the Serving Up Love novella collection)
American Heiresses Series
Flights of Fancy
Diamond in the Rough
Storing Up Trouble
The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency
To Steal a Heart
To Write a Wrong
To Disguise the Truth
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in a new series – The Matchmakers. The first book is tentatively titled “A Match in the Making” and this second book is tentatively titled “To Spark a Match.”
Social media:
Website: www.jenturano.com
Link to book: To Disguise the Truth | Baker Publishing Group
Social media links: @jenturanoauthor – Instagram
www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor – Facebook
Meet author Margie Wood
A long time Colorado resident, Margie Wood loves Victorian mansions and the rich history of the State. Margie’s happy places are sipping tea with good friends while dressed in Victorian fashions, and writing retreats in the majestic mountains.
Tell us about your newest book.
Escaping the Tunnel is the second book of the Rose Haven Journals series
What inspired you to write this book?
Escaping the Tunnel came from a desire to write about people that suffer from PTSD. In Book 1 Amelia Richardson suffered great trauma and I wanted the readers to understand her “real life” repercussions.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
There’s no doubt in Amelia Richardson’s mind that she loves Matthew Chandler and wants to spend her life with him. But how can she heal from the trauma of the past? And does she blame Matthew?
What genre do you focus on?
Inspirational Suspense with a hint of romance.
Why do you write?
I love creating characters and putting them in real life situations. I ask God for inspiration and creative ideas and I believe they come out in my stories. It’s my great desire for my readers to experience God’s freedom and truth.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Amelia Richardson – to fit with the historical thread of the story, I wanted a fairly “old fashioned” name. Amelia seemed to work perfectly. For last names I looked through a genealogy book that belonged to my dad’s Kansas family and liked the way Amelia Richardson sounded.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I write three to four days a week. Mornings seem to work best for me.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Time management is a huge challenge for me. Like many authors I also work a part-time job and I’m a caregiver for my elderly mother.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
It was so exciting to hold the print version of my first book The Second Story Window in my hands. It was a dream come true.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
For many years I’ve dreamed of writing and publishing a novel. It finally came to life when I was 65 years old. Don’t ever give up on your dream. I’m a living testimony that it’s never too late!
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Oh my goodness…I’m definitely more confident and bold. I’ve been working on this with the Lord for a few years and He’s answered my prayers in some amazing ways!
What is your favorite pastime?
Jigsaw puzzles, reading historical fiction, walking while listening to podcasts about writing
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
The Second Story Window Book 1 of the Rose Haven Journals released in Nov 2019.
What are you working on now?
Escaping the Tunnel (book 2) will release Early 2022
Website: Margiewoodwrites.com
Link to book:
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Story-Window-Haven-Journals/dp/1733180214/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32OLG80OJRA8&keywords=The+second+story+window+margie+wood&qid=1645662620&sprefix=the+second+story+window+margie+woo%2Caps%2C340&sr=8-1 media links:
Meet author Grace Fox
Grace Fox is the award-winning author of eleven books, a regular contributor to Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesusannual devotional, a member of the First five writing team (P31 Ministries), and co-host of the “Your Daily Bible Verse” podcast. She’s a popular Bible teacher at women’s events internationally and the co-director of International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with staff in twenty-nine countries.
Tell us about your newest book.
Keeping Hope Alive: Devotions for Strength in the Storm contains ninety brief meditations written for readers whose minds are on overload. Each devotion uses stories and biblical teaching, prayers, and relevant quotes to encourage readers to remember that God is present, faithful, sovereign, and good. Full-color pages add visual appeal and make this a beautiful gift book, too.
What inspired you to write Keeping Hope Alive: Devotions for Strength in the Storm?
I’ve faced several significant crises and experienced their strain on my mental, emotional, and physical capacity. Encouragement from God’s Word carried me through those seasons, but I couldn’t focus on long passages. I needed easy-to-remember tidbits. I wrote Keeping Hope Alive for others in a similar position. I wanted to provide a resource that would literally keep hope alive amidst life’s wind and waves.
What genre do you focus on?
I mostly write devotions and Bible studies because God has led that direction but also because I believe His Word is vital to our well-being. But there’s more: we need to know how to apply the Word. That’s how transformation takes place in our lives. My writing helps readers connect the dots between faith and real life.
Why do you write?
I write because God has called me to it, and I want to honor Him by being a wise steward of the gifts He’s given me. But I also write because I believe in the life-changing power of His Word. It brings great joy knowing my devotions bring encouragement to someone who’s hurting.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I get up at 4:30 to enjoy a good cup of coffee and quiet time with God. After that, I work out and, if the weather’s nice, I’ll take a walk. I generally sit down at my computer around 8:00. I’ll answer emails for a couple of hours and then start working on my book by 10:00. I generally write until 5:00ish with a couple breaks to grab a snack or take a short walk. Some of my author friends write well into the night, but I’ve never been able to do that.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Marketing and social media. The learning curve never ends, and I always feel like I’m not doing enough.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Hearing stories about how God is using my books to change readers’ lives. I recently heard about a Muslim woman who buys a cup of coffee at the end of her work day and then sits in her car to read a devotion from Finding Hope in Crisis. She says it’s the highlight of her day. Stories like this humble and thrill me.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I do my writing on a sailboat. My husband and I have lived aboard a 48’ vessel since 2018.
What is your favorite pastime?
Spending time with my family. I have three married kids and 11 grandkids ages nine months to 14 years. My youngest daughter moved to a city an hour’s drive away last fall, and I’ve spent one day per week with her and her two little ones since then. Tea parties with my two-year-old granddaughter make my heart smile!
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have several women’s devotional books – Peaceful Moments to Begin Your Day, Morning Moments with Jesus, and Finding Hope in Crisis: Devotions for Calm in Chaos. The latter won the Golden Scroll Award for Devotional Book of 2021. Check out Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation, too. That one addresses common fears women face and includes personal growth questions and Scripture-based prayers for each chapter.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a proposal for a Bible study and always writing scripts for the “Your Daily Bible Verse” podcast.
Website: http://www.gracefox.com
Link to book: https://www.christianbook.com/keeping-hope-alive-devotions-strength-storm/9781649380517/pd/380517
Social media links:
https://www.fb.com/gracefox.author
https://www.instagram.com/graceloewenfox/