Fort Rock: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Rock, Oregon My latest book, Oregon Outback, releases in July so I plan to do a series of posts that I hope you’ll find interesting, relating to everything from the unique geography to the complex characters and their law enforcement backgrounds. Oregon Outback includes four novellas, all romantic suspense and heavy on both elements. As a reader you might wonder how and why writers choose specific locales for their stories. Why did I choose the south central region of Oregon? Ayers Rock Australia photo by psmorrison on Flickr I’ve always been fascinated with Australia and would love to …
Take the High Road
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7: 13,15 Abert Rim in Oregon (public domain) I started a new walking program and hopefully I can keep it up. The best part is that it gets me off the treadmill and into the outdoors, which I love. But summer is coming on, and I’m in Texas, which means I have to walk in the evening …
Adventure Novels and Story Setting
If you’re familiar with my novels you know that I love my romance seasoned with a big dose of adventure and suspense. Setting can be a character in a novel and, in my opinion, is essential to an adventure story. Often writers set all their stories in a specific region they love or at least with which they’re reasonably familiar.While I’m an experienced traveler and have first-hand knowledge of most of my settings, I also love to step away from the familiar in my stories, if possible. As a seventh generation Texan, I love Texas much like Scarlet O’Hara …
Great Minds Think Alike: When Someone Else Has the Same Idea
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 Ten years ago when I first became serious about writing novels for publication, learning how to come up with ideas was the first order of business. I’d dreamed of being a writer all my life, but when I sat down to write, I realized that turning my dream into a book started with an idea. I began a file and selected three of the best ideas–the ones that caught my attention. Then I narrowed it down to the …
Considering God’s Glorious Creation
Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1 Today’s a beautiful spring day and you can feel a hint of summer in the air. I’m sitting outside and considering God’s glorious creation. The wind is whipping the trees around and, if I close my eyes, I can almost imagine I’m on a beach. The sound of the leaves rustling is similar to ocean waves crashing against the shore. Don’t you agree?
When You’re Not the Only One . . .
When You’re Not the Only One in Your Family with a Dreamby Gina Conroy I’ve been thinking a lot about my personal goals, my children’s dreams, and what I want my family to look like. Unfortunately, all three are often in conflict with one another at different times. I knew from a young age that I wanted to write, and I’ve never doubted the calling, though I’ve struggled often with finding the time to pursue my dreams. I started my first novel right after I got married, then I had my first son and writing took a back seat to …
This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lost Melody Zondervan (October 25, 2011) by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa. Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of …
Spotlight: Lynne Gentry and REINVENTING LEONA
I’m honored to welcome my friend Lynne Gentry, author of REINVENTING LEONA. I met Lynne at a conference several years ago through another close friend, Lisa Harris. But it wasn’t until about two years ago that I really got to know Lynne—she’s not only an incredible person, but she’s an awesome writer. Her voice is exceptional and when I feel like my writing is sagging, I’ll read Lynne’s work to give myself that nudge I need to bump things back up. Not only does she have an incredible writing voice, she has an amazing talent for characterization, and no wonder, …
Blog appearances this week.
I’m guest blogging over at Martha Rogers’ blog today–hop over there for a chance to win a copy of Freezing Point. Also, Janet Lee Barton interviewed me on her blog, too, and also offers another chance to win a copy of Freezing Point. Hope you have a chance to join the discussions!
Have you seen Christians Read yet?
I recently joined with numerous other prolific writers contributing to a new blog called Christians Read. From the Christians Read website: A group of Christian readers who also happen to be writers. They’ve joined together to create a lively blog that focuses on three main areas: 1. During the work week, the participating authors and invited guests will blog about books and reading, devotionals, inspiring quotes and on topics of interest to Christians in their own daily lives.2. On weekends, authors will be posting blog entries on writing–the craft, the business, and/or the writing life.3. On weekends, guest bloggers who …