Welcome, Linda!

Here’s Linda’s bio: Linda lives in a forest in east Texas, with her husband, a rescue cat, and a pond full of fish and turtles. She has won the Grace and TAA Best Book awards and was a 2012 Carol Award finalist. Her short story “Slider” is published in the 2016 Saturday Evening Post’s Great American Fiction anthology. Linda is a freelance editor and a speaker, with a passion for the written word. And coffee.

Tell us about your newest book.

I had so much fun with The Bucket List Dare, the first novella collection I participated in, that I was anxious to do another. I gave a shout to my buds, the Penwrights, and sure enough, there were seven positive responses. Ane Mulligan even had a perfect theme for us: tiny houses. Since they seem to be all the rave these days, I loved it. We named it Coming Home: A Tiny House Collection. This group of novellas aren’t exclusively romance, as my first collection was. We have a good blend of romance and women’s fiction.

My story is Kayla’s Challenge, about a young woman who decides it’s high time for her to start thinking for herself. Narrowly escaping marriage to the man her parents chose for her, Kayla drives halfway across the country to exercise her independence. Once she arrives in Texas from Georgia, she discovers that maturity is harder than she thought. Ten acres and a tiny house provide her with a good start toward responsibility, but is she mature enough to forgive her parents?

What genre do you focus on and why?

With a few exceptions, I tend to write women’s fiction, often with a strong romantic thread. Despite the fact that my first novel, a romance, won an award and was a finalist in both the Genesis and Carol contests, I’m not usually comfortable writing straight romance. On the other hand, I can’t seem to write anything that doesn’t have a touch of romance involved.

Why do you write? What drives you?

In college, I had an opportunity to read a piece I’d written before a crowd in a small theater. The story was about the persecution of Christians behind the Iron Curtain. When the lights came up, I received a standing ovation and realized many of the listeners had tears in their eyes. Seeing their response hooked me, but I didn’t have the opportunity to take writing seriously until many years later.

But that reaction is still what I hope for, the opportunity and ability to draw raw emotion from my readers. Stories are compelling. Stories combined with God’s message are powerful. And when combined with His guidance and blessing, stories can change the world. Or maybe just one reader’s world. One reader is enough.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

I chose Kayla because I like the name, and Mullins is from my dad’s side of the family in Georgia. Just a nod to the folks back home.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

I get up at four for Bible study, then by five or so I’m working the emails and social networks. Usually, by seven, I spend time with the hubs, followed by writing articles or working on client edits. My primary time to work on my clients’ manuscripts is right after lunch.

By two, I’m ready to settle in to a long period of writing. Often that involves a lot of computer Solitaire and window staring, along with an early quitting time. Occasionally, it involves an amazing, inspired session and a late night. Of course, late for me is eight p.m.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

Trying not to compare myself to others. That is most difficult for me. Sometimes I feel like others have skyrocketed while I’m cluelessly looking for the launching pad. But I should know better. My career may be the greatest lesson in how not to do things, but it’s going well and improves annually. God is pulling me along in His time.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

That magical moment when all the pieces fall into place, and the story begins to work. The inexplicable oddity of having my characters come to life and talk to me, providing dialogue, action, and emotion. I sit in a quiet house, but I’m not alone. I’m on an adventure with friends, recording everything as quickly as I can.

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

All of the “firsts” come to mind—the first time a fan wanted a picture with me, the first time I was asked for my autograph, the first time I was interviewed on TV. For a plain ol’ Texas housewife, all those firsts are mind-boggling. And I’m still not used to them.

What are you most proud of?

Hard one to answer if we’re talking about writing. I guess for now, having “Slider” in the Saturday Evening Post’s Greatest American Fiction anthology is at the top.

What is your favorite pastime?

I love to play games and tend to be competitive. I also love to fish.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

I have the first two novels to the Circle Bar Ranch series, Give the Lady a Ride and The Final Ride, along with The Cat Lady’s Secret, The Simulacrum, and my only nonfiction title, Writing in Obedience, which I cowrote with my former agent, Terry Burns. Also currently on the market is the other collection, The Bucket List Dare.

What are you working on now?

The third in the Circle Bar Ranch series, Ride to the Altar.

Website: http://lindawyezak.com

Link to book:

Social media links:

Twitter: @LindaYezak

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GivetheLadyaRide

LinkedIn (for my freelance editor resume): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindawyezak

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LindaYezak

Newsletter, Coffee with Linda

Welcome, Sherry!

Here’s Sherry’s bio: Sherry Kyle is the author of Delivered with Love, The Heart Stone, Watercolor Dreams, and Road to Harmony. Sherry also writes books for tweens and is a Gold Mom’s Choice Award winner. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys taking walks, decorating her beach home, and having coffee with friends. She lives on the California coast with her husband and their four children. Find out more at www.sherrykyle.com

Tell us about your newest book.

Road to Harmony is a historical romance set in a small dairy farming community in Harmony Valley, California in 1907.

A cattle thief is loose in the valley, and Elena Seifert wants to help her father guard his dairy farm, but everyone thinks that’s a man’s job. When her childhood sweetheart returns to Harmony, her heart is torn between Jonas Bollinger, her secret love, and Lars Rissler, the wealthy middle-aged storeowner her parents hope she marries.

Jonas Bollinger never imagined he’d be back in Harmony Valley, but his pa isn’t well. When Jonas makes a promise he wishes he didn’t have to keep, he is torn between loyalty to his family and the woman he has loved since he was a boy. Will Elena and Jonas find the inner peace to choose love and still do what is best for their families?

What genre do you focus on and why?

I enjoy writing stories, both historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction, that connect people together, whether it be families, long-lost loves, or childhood sweethearts. There’s something about that re-connection that speaks to me. I also write books for kids, specifically for the tween market, because I still connect with that inner child within.

Why do you write? What drives you?

I have a big imagination and love to be creative! More than that, however, I want to share how much God loves us and what better way than through story. It’s how Jesus connected with people, and it’s the best way to bring others to him.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

My main character is Elena Seifert, and I chose that Swiss name because Swiss immigrants settled in the town of Harmony in the late 19^th century. Plus, I like how it sounds. I think it has a nice ring to it.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

Right now my youngest is a senior in high school, so my schedule is determined by where I need to drive her—to school, events, etc. I try to write 1000 words a day, but it depends on the project I’m working on. Right now I’m writing a lot of articles, guest blog posts, and blog interviews to spread the word about Road to Harmony.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

My most difficult writing obstacle right now is finding my own space to write! At our former home, I had a writing shed, a little room all to my own, that I could sneak off to and focus on my writing. Our new home provided the bedrooms for my kids, but has an open floor plan, which makes it hard for me to concentrate. So when I’m on deadline, I end up at a coffeehouse. Currently, I’m researching how to add a sunroom addition to our home. Wouldn’t that make a cool office?

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

The best part of an author’s life is connecting with readers and making new friends! Come find me on social media.

What is your favorite pastime?

I enjoy decorating our beach home. I love watching HGTV and really get inspired to let my creativity flow. For example, we have a wall between our dining and family room that is ten feet long and twelve feet high. Even after my husband painted it three times, I still wasn’t happy with it. I researched the Internet, and discovered a product to make new wood appear to have a weathered finish. That was it. I wanted a wood wall! We purchased tongue and groove pine boards and had them cut into 2’, 3’, and 4’ sections, and I stained each piece—twice! I also put on a coat of polyurethane to seal it. My husband and younger son helped me put it up one afternoon. And I love it! It’s just the thing we needed to add warmth and coziness to the room. Besides decorating, I enjoy taking a walk every afternoon so my Fitbit (and body) is happy!

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

Yes, I have three other novels in print, another historical romance, and two contemporary women’s fiction. I also write books for tween girls. The Girl’s Guide to Life and Love, Lexi: Letters to God, are my newest titles.

What are you working on now?

Last month I completed a tween devotional, and right now I’m doing a lot of reading to get inspiration for my next novel.

Website: www.sherrykyle.com

Link to book: http://amzn.to/2nPIKRs

Social media links: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Audible

Welcome, Jayme!

Jayme’s Bio: Jayme H. Mansfield is an author, artist, and educator—and feels a bit incomplete when she’s not juggling all three balls. An award-winning author, her debut book Chasing the Butterfly, is an Amazon bestseller. RUSH (Nov. 1, 2017 release) provides a tension-filled, moving tale of a pioneer woman’s determination to survive. She and her husband live near the base of the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains, having survived raising three hungry, hockey-playing sons. Currently, a very needy Golden Retriever runs the roost. When Jayme isn’t writing, she teaches art to children and adults at her long-time art studio, Piggy Toes.

Tell us about your newest book.

Chasing the Butterfly was initially inspired by my love for painting and traveling in France, coupled with the intricacies, fallibilities, and need for loving human relationships. The novel has received several awards in the areas of women’s fiction, romance, inspirational, and book club favorite—causing my publisher to scratch his head as to its specific genre.

From a vineyard in the south of France to the sophisticated city of Paris, Ella Moreau searches for the hope and love she lost as a young girl when her mother abandoned the family. Ella’s journey is portrayed through a heartbroken child, a young woman’s struggles during the tumultuous times surrounding World War II, and as a reflective adult. Through a series of secret paintings, her art becomes the substitute for lost love, the visual metaphor of her life. But when her paintings are discovered, the intentions of those she loves are revealed.

What genre do you focus on and why?

I’m drawn to historical fiction and contemporary women’s fiction. Recently, I wrote a contemporary story and it ended up in split-time. Both big and small events, notorious and obscure people, and poignant memories of the past never cease to amaze me how they are tied to the present.

Why do you write? What drives you?

Writing, much like painting, is a means for me to create—that mysterious need that’s instilled in every human in a unique way, and in some form or another, demands to be met. For me, writing taps into my innermost thoughts—celebrations, praises, fears, desires, and dreams—allowing access to a sacred and transparent place. Writing is a form of intimate prayer—a time and place to listen, speak, and create with God.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Ella Moreau is the main character. Her American mother chose the name, wanting to name her daughter after Eleanor Roosevelt. Ella’s’ French father didn’t care for the U.S. Presidential couple, or much of anything American for that matter. In a backhanded attempt to maintain her heritage, Marie Moreau gave her only child a name in close proximity to Eleanor … Ella Moreau.

What does a day in your writing world look like?

Early coffee, time with the Lord, a clean desk, acoustic music, and my dog underfoot are the ingredients for a successful launch into dedicated writing time. Although I continue to search for the perfect daily word count (of which I’m not convinced exists), I default to composing in long blocks—sometimes in all-day and into the night stretches. The other time is spent marketing and promoting—a never-ending and necessary endeavor. Often I envy other writers who subscribe to a succinct and predictable schedule. Adventurous, distracted, curious, social … maybe an ounce of being rebellious … short of having a personal playground supervisor, my writing days will inevitably vary.

What is the hardest part of being an author? Why?

Balancing the time required for effective marketing, constantly learning about and improving the craft of writing, and good ol’, nose-to-the-computer time to produce writing is a challenge. There are so many avenues to market and an abundance of writing craft resources that my head often spins. I’ve found the best “cure” is to return to the initial passion … create images, description, and all that goes into making a meaningful story with those magical letters that link together to express.

However, it’s a slow release medicine and a great deal of patience and perseverance is needed because, plain and simple, writing a novel takes a long time. So while new scenes, and even stories evolve, the task at hand is composing the next word, sentence, paragraph…moving forward.

What’s the best part of your author’s life? Why?

The gratification of journeying with characters, putting them in a time and place, and bringing them to life through life’s trials and celebrations is one of the richest experiences in my life. Through fiction, the stories become part of my reality. Endless story seeds carry on the wind and wait to settle into fertile writing ground. As an author, there is always inspiration and a new story to tell. From a big picture perspective, I love the people I’ve met—readers, other authors, marketing folk, editors, and publishers—all enriching my life in so many ways.

What is the craziest thing you’ve experienced as an author?

When Chasing the Butterfly was initially written, my ambitions weren’t for publication. It was a story between God and me. Upon its completion, doors of opportunity flew open on an imaginable level and a conviction to follow a passion to write was confirmed.

What are you most proud of?

I’m blessed that God has given me lots of interests and opportunities. Most importantly, I’m proud that fear, procrastination, and doubt didn’t take hold, and instead, those gifts have been embraced and taken along on my life’s journey. The exciting part is watching and listening for other passions to be realized, and then following the intended direction in which I’m led to go.

What is your favorite pastime?

It’s hard to beat spending time with my family—especially if it involves a beach! But from a day-to-day perspective, playing tennis, walking my dog, reading, and painting bring me joy.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

My second novel, RUSH, releases November 1, 2017. Based on a true story of my great-great grandmother’s participation in the 1893 Oklahoma Land Run, it provides a historically fascinating and moving tale of a pioneer woman’s determination to survive while paying tribute to the brave people who shaped America.

What are you working on now?

I just completed a beautiful love story entitled, Seasoned–A Vintage Love Story With a Modern Day Flavor. It’s about an elderly couple and proves love knows no age. This story has a hold on my heart!

My newest endeavor is The Lesson, inspired by my many years in education and the life-long relationships of a special group of teaching colleagues. Besides that, I’m dabbling with a children’s book and prioritizing several other ideas for novels bubbling around in my heart and head.

Website: www.jaymehmansfield.com

Blog: http://www.jaymehmansfield.com/inspirations—blog.html

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Butterfly-Jayme-Mansfield/dp/1941103375/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1493650134&sr=8-1

Social media links:

Author FB – https://www.facebook.com/JaymeHMansfieldAuthor/

Twitter – @jaymemansfield

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/jaymemansfield/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jaymemansfield/