Meet author Susan G Mathis
Just for fun, I thought you’d enjoy a Meet the Author blog with me.
Tell us about your newest book.
It’s the summer of 1914 and Colleen Sullivan conceals secrets when she joins her aunt on Comfort Island to work in the laundry and await her betrothed’s arrival. She loves to draw and dreams of growing in the craft. But tragedy strikes when her fiancé perishes in the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland on his way to meet her. With her orphan dreams of finally belonging and becoming a wife and an artist gone, what will her future hold?
Austrian immigrant, Jack Weiss, enjoys being the island’s groundskeeper and is smitten by the lovely Irish lass. But Colleen dismisses him at every turn, no matter how much he admires her art, tries to keep her safe, and waters the blossoms of love. Perhaps introducing her to the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, will brighten her opinion of him. But rumors of war in Europe means Jack must choose between joining his homeland’s army or staying safe in the Thousand Islands as he makes a life with Colleen. If she will have him.
What genre do you focus on?
I’m hooked on the wonderful world of historical fiction, and especially the Thousand Islands Gilded Age history. It’s gives me so much “scope for the imagination” as Anne Shirley would say. I am also blessed to have accomplished such diverse published works, but it’s tough to promote books to three different audiences—the nonfiction premarital audience, the picture book audience, and now the historical fiction reader audience. So what have I learned? I love historical fiction and am going to stick with that! Smiles.
Why do you write?
Eric Liddel said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure,” and I can sure relate. When I write, I feel His pleasure! So even though it’s hard work, I enjoy it immensely.
What does a day in your writing world look like?
Since I’m a morning person, I generally spend three to five hours plugging away, depending upon the project, deadlines, etc. I spend the first few minutes answering emails, checking on my social media pages, and planning my day. But then I buckle down and write, write, write! When I’ve exhausted my creativity, I take a break and move on to the editorial aspects of writing.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
Connecting with my audience, whoever they are, is the best part of being an author. Whether I hear from them in person, through my website or email, on Zoom (I love doing book talks and meeting with book clubs) or on social media, hearing the stories of how my work has touched their lives keeps me going and helps me remember why I do what I do.
What writing are you most proud of?
Although I am so humbled to have five published books for adults and children, have published works in several book compilations, have written curriculum, wrote a weekly newspaper column, have had several hundred magazine and newsletter articles, and more, I’m most thrilled to have my family legacy in print. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy is a work of the heart, mind, and emotions as all my books are.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love to travel the world. We’ve been to more than 40 countries and still have several more on my bucket list. When I’m not globe-trotting, I love FaceTiming with my four granddaughters, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying my sweet Maltichon, Lucy.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma, and Katelyn’s Choice have each won multiple awards, and book three, Peyton’s Promise, comes out May 2022. Rachel’s Reunion is coming in October 2022. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise, and Reagan’s Reward,are award winners, too. I’m also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles.
What are you working on now?
I’m researching my book four of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Mary Moment, and I’m itching to get started on writing it. I love jumping into my story world and watching where my wonderful characters take me.
Want to support Susan and share the love?
Here are things you can do:
- Read Colleen’s Confession and write a positive review on Amazon and Goodreads.
- Copy and post your review on Facebook (and other social media you use.) Please be sure to tag Susan.
- Watch and share her book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc3W_tu55vE
- Comment and share any social media posts you see about Colleen’s Confession.
- Invite Susan to speak at your book club or other group. She loves visiting with you whether on Zoom, FaceTime, or in person.
- Give her books as gifts; they make great Christmas gifts!
- Take a photo of the book(s) (a selfie is even better). It’s so fun for others to see the book in your personal reading setting. If you read it in a camper or on your sofa or at a table or in bed or in a coffee shop, just take a picture of the book there. Then post it! If you’re on Instagram, this is a great photo for that too. Again, be sure to tag Susan.
- On Amazon, click “helpful” on the reviews you like.
- Suggest her books to others—word of mouth is still the best!
If you haven’t connected with me on Social Media, please do. Here are the links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads | Google+ | CAN |
What did you like about this interview, and what other questions would you like my author friends to answer?
Meet author Kimberly Rose Johnson
Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery and suspense with a heart. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Tell us about your newest book.
Personal Threat is the final book in my Protection Inc., series. It takes place in Seattle and is a Christmas novella. Here’s the back cover blurb:
Bodyguard Sally Wilson has become the target. Can she save her own life as well as her daughter’s? Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn.
Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough? Sally is drawn to Dillon. He’s a natural with Emma and appears to care about both of them. Sally’s been fooled before by a man she believed loved her, but what if it’s an act? Can Sally learn to trust again and follow her heart, or will Dillon get relegated to the friend zone?
What inspired you to write Personal Threat?
The main characters in this book were supporting characters in previous Protection Inc. books. They needed their own story. I began to see their story as I was writing the other books. I’m thrilled with how the series wrapped up.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
A fast-paced romantic suspense set at Christmastime in Seattle. A bodyguard and mom are the target of someone who wants her dead.
What genre do you focus on?
Romantic suspense because I love to read it. I like the action and how quick they move. I also enjoy romance which is why I write romantic suspense and not just suspense.
Why do you write?
I have a creative mind that needs to be used. Writing is my outlet. I love it!
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Usually, I begin my day on social media, then a sort through emails. After that I read my Bible, have breakfast, go for a walk, exercise, lunch and then I finally settle down at the computer a little after noon and write for two to three hours. All that being said, my schedule seems to always be in flux depending on what’s going on in my life at that time.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I am a lot more comfortable writing about my faith than I was when I first started writing over a decade ago. I’ve also learned to trust my gut instincts.
What is your favorite pastime?
I think it’s a tie between reading and watching movies. I am also a screenwriter, so it’s important that I watch movies too.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have books in three different genres: contemporary romance, romantic mystery, and romantic suspense. All of my books are in ebook on Amazon and most are available in print as well and can be find at other book retailers. Just do a search for Kimberly Rose Johnson.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on adapting one of my books to a screenplay as well as co-writing a book that is the adaptation of a movie my co-writer and I were hired to adapt.
Website: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/
Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Threat-Protection-Inc-Book-ebook/dp/B0924S19J8/ref=sr_1_4
Social media links: My links are on my website.
Meet author Lane Jordan
Lane Jordan, a best-selling author, international motivational and inspirational speaker, professional life coach, seminar leader, Bible teacher, and artist, has written five books on organization, including 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Woman and 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Mom. She has served as Associate Producer for the program In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. She lives in Frisco, TX with her husband who partners in her ministry.
Tell us about your newest book.
I’m excited to have written my first historical fiction book.
What inspired you to write Evangeline?
During a quiet time as I was reading the book of Esther, the Lord gave me the idea of taking Esther out of the past and place her in the 1960’s, hiding that she is bi-racial rather than Jewish.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Take a young orphan to a different city, change her name and identity, and try to keep her safe. However, evil lurks around all corners though God will see her through.
What genre do you focus on?
Usually, I focus on faith-based non-fiction, so this was a big change for me to write an historical fiction.
Why do you write?
I have wanted to write since I was a little girl. I was on the newspaper staff in high school and then majored in Journalism/Broadcasting in college. After hearing a women give her testimony at a Christian Woman’s Club, I decided I wanted to start sharing my testimony and that led me to start writing so I could speak more. The main purpose of speaking is to share the gospel with as many people as I can.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
I love my main character, Evangeline or Evie as her friends call her. Since this book is based on the book of Esther, each character starts with the same first letter: Esther – Evangeline; Mordecai – Martin, etc.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
I pretty much write every day around 1:00 in the afternoon. I need the mornings to sleep in, read, have my quiet time and then dig in. I try to put all my appointments in one day so I’m not leaving the house but maybe two days a week. I also might take a walk and then come back to writing. I write my blog, articles for magazines, and children’s books as well.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
It’s a lot of work and can be isolating. My husband works from home also so that is a big help. Also, there is so much I want to write but it takes such a long time to write/edit/get published. Then you feel that you (with the Lord) have accomplished so much but the book’s life isn’t that long and it’s time to write another one!
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The pure joy of writing for the Lord and praying these few seeds will be planted and will grow in another person.
What’s one thing your readers should know about you?
I’m really an extravert so I love being around people.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
Each time I write, I grow. It’s a never-ending learning process. I also oil paint and I will always have a teacher close by.
What is your favorite pastime?
Reading. I could sit all day and read. Also, anything outdoors and all sports. I love to walk/hike/swim/boating/tennis/golf, etc.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
My 12 Step series. The first one, 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Woman was a best seller and ten years later the publisher asked for an updated version. Then 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Mom; 12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Cook, (cookbook) ; 12 Steps to Having a More Organized Christmas and Holiday Seasons. I have one in the can about crazy people in the Bible that I need to pull out and work on.
What are you working on now?
I have three children’s books with my agent looking for a publisher! And working on a few more. Then, I’m working on another fiction book and another non-fiction.
Website: www.LaneJordanMinistries.com
Link to book:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/164949369X
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58909052-evangeline
Website: http://www.LaneJordanMinistries.com
Website: http://www.PathwaysToOrganization.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaneJordanMinistries
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lane-jordan-burday-88231a9/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lane_Jordan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanejburday/
My newest BOOK BABY!
Colleen’s Confession
Thousand Islands Brides, Book 4
Colleen’s Confession is set in 1914 on Comfort Island. Colleen Sullivan conceals secrets when she joins her aunt on Comfort Island to work in the laundry and await her betrothed’s arrival. She loves to draw and dreams of growing in the craft. But tragedy strikes when her fiancé perishes in the sinking of the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland on his way to meet her. With her orphan dreams of finally belonging and becoming a wife and an artist gone, what will her future hold?
Austrian immigrant, Jack Weiss, enjoys being the island’s groundskeeper and is smitten by the lovely Irish lass. But Colleen dismisses him at every turn, no matter how much he admires her art, tries to keep her safe, and waters the blossoms of love. Perhaps introducing her to the famous impressionist, Alson Skinner Clark, will brighten her opinion of him. But rumors of war in Europe means Jack must choose between joining his homeland’s army or staying safe in the Thousand Islands as he makes a life with Colleen. If she will have him.
The first three novellas in the Thousand Islands Brides series features a woman who you met in the previous novels—The Fabric of Hope, Katelyn’s Choice, and Devyn’s Dilemma. But Colleen’s Confession stands alone. Yet each woman eventually finds love and hope in her journey around the Thousand Islands.
Check them all out, and enjoy a warm and inspiring holiday read.
Christmas Charity
Thousand Islands Brides, book 1
Susan Hawkins and Patrick O’Neill find that an arranged marriage is much harder than they think, especially when they emigrate from Wolfe Island, Canada, to Cape Vincent, New York, in 1864, just a week after they marry—with Patrick’s nine-year-old daughter, Lizzy, in tow. Can twenty-three-year-old Susan Hawkins learn to love her forty-nine-year-old husband and find charity for her angry stepdaughter? With Christmas coming, she hopes so.
Sara’s Surprise
Thousand Islands Brides, book 2
Katelyn’s best friend, Sara O’Neill, works as an assistant pastry chef at the magnificent Thousand Islands Crossmon Hotel where she meets precocious, seven-year-old Madison and her charming father and hotel manager, Sean Graham. But Jacque LaFleur, the pastry chef Sara works under, makes her dream job a nightmare. Sean has trouble keeping Madison out of mischief and his mind off Sara. Though he finds Sara captivating, he’s jealous of LaFleur and misreads Sara’s desire to learn from the pastry chef as love. Can Sean learn to trust her and can Sara trust him—and herself to be an instant mother?
Reagan’s Reward
Thousand Islands Brides, book 3
Reagan Kennedy assumes the position of governess to the Bernheim family’s twin nephews, and her life at Cherry Island’s Casa Blanca becomes frustratingly complicated. Service to a Jewish family and tending to eight-year-old mischievous boys brings trouble galore. Daniel Lovitz serves as the island’s caretaker and boatman. When he tries to help the alluring Reagan make sense of her new world, her insecurities mount as her confidence is shaken―especially when she crosses the faith divide and when Etta Damsky makes her life miserable. As trouble brews, Daniel sees another side of the woman he’s come to love.
If you’ve read the previous stories, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them. Leave me a message, and I’d love to connect!
Meet author Angela Breidenbach
Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Don’t miss her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach.
Tell us about your newest book.
What will her courage cost? As Montana emerges into statehood, one woman must decide if social pressure will prevail when she hides an endangered child, risking her own future happiness. Queen of the Rockies — Book 1 of 6, opens this delightful series of Gilded Age historical romances peppered with genealogical tidbits.
What inspired you to write Queen of the Rockies, and the series?
Montana is a fascinating place. I was asked to research and write this first story but became so enthralled with little tidbits and pieces I found in my research that I had to keep going. The entire Queen of the Rockies series came out of odd lines here and there that jumped off the page or microfiche.
What genre do you focus on?
I love writing historical fiction. The fascinating part for me is delving into the way of life my ancestors might have experienced. I love genealogy and exploring all the intricacies of life. I walk into an old building and immediately begin imagining the people that once lived in it. I can’t help myself.
Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?
Calista Blythe is a debutante who has been sheltered from too much reality until she’s faced with a little girl facing a grim reality. I’d been reading a lot of fiction during that time. I felt like I saw the same names over and over. Calista came out of a list of names that I hadn’t read in a book before. There may be, but she was fresh to me to work with. That gave me a sense of a naïve young woman who was suddenly forced to cope with something she couldn’t avoid or fully understand. She was called in that time and place, for who she was, to be obedient to God even against societies opinions. I feel like each one of us are Calista. The question is…will we hear our call and act with courage. Will we answer as the mother of Jesus and say, let it be unto me… or will we cross to the other side of the road as all those who passed by the beaten man before the good Samaritan found him? I wanted to explore what it would be like to be a good Samaritan but not to have the freedom to act as one.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
Oh, it’s just nuts. I’m never only writing a book. When it gets really intense, I have to write after the world goes to sleep. For those who know about me already, you know that I’m a night owl. I promise I’m trying to change. But I don’t know if that’s actually possible. Am I the way I am because that’s part of my DNA? Or am I the way I am because I need complete silence? It’s a mystery.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
An unusual fact about me is that I love ballet, dancing it. I’m a beginner en pointe, but after raising kids I’m doing it because I want to do it. Not because I want to perform. I love the sense of grace and movement. But I’m dancing on my toes at the barre. No way I’m ready to let go, lol.
What is your favorite pastime?
I love learning. But the hobby that most fits with the first book in this series, Queen of the Rockies, is I’m learning to play the Celtic lap harp. I wish I could devote more time to it, but I try to practice 3-4 times a week. Those limited practice times have developed simple tunes and some simple hymns. I do have to battle my fe-lion, Muse, for my harp. He adores both the harp and the harp bag which he has claimed for his favorite sleeping bag.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
Thank you for asking. There are 6 books in this series ranging 1889-1910. Each one tells a special element of Montana history and a special moment in time that somehow changed the world. Queen of the Rockies kicks off the series and hands off the story of abandoned Orphan Train children to the Song of the Rockies. Heart of the Rockies explores how women’s roles change while Flower of the Rockies introduces the sense of shame and redemption during the time Montana chose the delicate state flower. Bride of the Rockies is happening in similar time frame as Flower of the Rockies, but we see the women of Montana showcasing their scientific prowess at the 1893 World’s Fair. You’ll be amazed at all they achieved! The last book in this series is Flame of the Rockies and we get to meet a huge historic hero during the largest fire in US history. I hope you’ll join me in these stories.
What are you working on now?
The Queen of the Rockies series has six books releasing each month Sep. 2021 through Feb. 2022. So, the next book in this series is Flower of the Rockies. Emmalee Warren is the most like me of any characters I’ve written. I’m proud of this story, but it’s also the most vulnerable I’ve been in my fiction.
Website: https://AngelaBreidenbach.com
Link to book: https://AngelaBreidenbach.com/books/queen-of-the-rockies/
Social media links: @AngBreidenbach
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/angela-breidenbach
Meet author Karen Whiting
Karen Whiting writes to help families thrive and pray together to build strong bonds. A mom of five and grandmother, she enjoys adventure like camel riding in the Canary Islands, white water rafting in Australia, and scuba diving off Bermuda’s coast. She’s a certified writing and marketing coach, international speaker, former television host, and author of twenty-eight books.
Tell us about your newest book.
52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer provides tools to pray together and explore elements of prayer. Every week includes a different way to pray with children, hands on activities to investigate questions children ask about prayer, a contemporary story involving prayer, a Bible story to read that focuses on prayer, scripture prompts to chat about prayer, and ideas to write about in a prayer journal.
What inspired you to write 52 Weekly Devotions for Family Prayer?
As a family my husband and I prayed with our children and that brought us closer together. I wanted to share the value and ideas on prayer with other families. Praying together equips a family for life.
How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?
Want to create a great family prayer life? Then try this book that’s packed with stories of contemporary families, fifty-two exciting ways to pray together, hands-on activities that help children understand basic principles of prayer, and discussions that encourage you to dig into what happens when we pray.
What genre do you focus on?
Nonfiction. It provides a simple way for me to share lots of create ideas that are easy to apply.
Why do you write?
I write because God gave me a vision followed my someone giving me a painting of the vision. The passion to help families thrive and engage with God drives me to write.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?
My schedule when I write a book, market, or write articles is the same. I write all day five days a week unless I am speaking or have appointments/family events.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
Balancing the desire to write with the need to market plus the pressure within the industry that we have good sales.
What’s the best part of your author’s life?
The best part is meeting people and impacting their lives in a positive way. I love engaging with people and sharing what God puts in my heart.
What’s one unusual fact about you?
I have five children and fourteen grands who are loving and supportive of one another.
How have you changed or grown as a writer?
I have continually studied writing and marketing so that continues to help me grow as a writer.
What is your favorite pastime?
Being with family.
Do you have other books? We’d love to know.
I have 27 other books.
Watch for my next two books: Devos for Brave Boys
The Super-sized Book of Bible Gift Crafts (paper crafts that focus on kindness and encouragement written with my older daughter).
What are you working on now?
Two recently contracted books and starting a podcast with Michelle Medlock Adams.
Website: www.karenwhiting.com