Interview: Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

As promised, today we're chatting with author Marianne Evans. If you missed the previous two posts, you'll want to check 'em out, so you're on the same page with us today. It's worth it!

PLUS...Marianne is sharing a scene from HEART'S KEY, the final book in the Woodland series! You'll find this sneak peek NOWHERE ELSE!

Read on...

Welcome to My Book Bag, Marianne! I’ve been enjoying your Woodland Series, so I’m very excited about your special Easter release, A Face in the Clouds. Tell us about this book.

Delia, it’s my pleasure and honor to be here – thanks so much for being an outstanding hostess and opening the doors of your wonderful blog!! I’m excited about the new release as well! A Face in the Clouds tells the story of a pragmatic ‘show-me’ kind of reporter who falls in love with a woman of faith who needs no quantifications in order to hold firm to her Christian belief system. Through the miracle of an artist’s inspired work, their hearts are transformed forever.

I’ve read it, so I can truthfully say it is phenomenal. I absolutely loved it! How long have you been writing? Was there an “aha” moment when you knew that’s what you wanted to do?

Delia, you’re so sweet! Thank you for the support and encouragement! Writing is something I’ve loved to do for as long as I can remember. Seriously, back in grade school, I’d write and produce stories a chapter at a time and hand them out to my friends to read. They kept coming back for more, and I loved answering the call!

I’m sure you did! LOL What inspired you to write the Woodland Series? And what’s next from you?

Oh, Delia, talk about an “ah-ha” moment!! For almost two years I had felt the call to write a Christian romance. I tried to come up with ideas, and never found one that grabbed me by the soul and demanded to be told. Also, I think there was a large part of me that just didn’t feel ‘worthy’ of writing a Christian romance. God had other plans, I guess!

I was sitting next to the hubby at church one Sunday and I watched people coming forward for communion. As they did so, I had a true, God-touched epiphany. I studied their faces, and realized, these were all beautiful children of God. Each of them had a story, a journey of faith and love. The idea I had been searching for finally emerged. Not only did the story come to life – the Woodland Series was born.

And what a great series it is! I know this is not going to be easy, but… :D Of all the books in the Woodland Series, do you have a favorite scene? If so, please share it with us.

Wow! That’s like asking a mom to pick a favorite child! I love so many scenes throughout the series! I’ll provide one, but I just know, as soon as you post this interview I’ll be going: “Well, shoot! What about this scene or what about that scene?” LOL!!! OK, then – here we go!

Let me ask a question first. Have you ever longed for a second chance? An opportunity to reclaim a love that got away? What if you were once the queen of the school – the one most likely to succeed? What if your life didn’t turn out the way you planned – and you ended up having to leave everything behind except your four-year-old daughter? What if you held in your hands, the heart of a boy, now man, who adored you for everything you are on the inside, not just your popularity and reputation? And what if he was now a highly acclaimed Christian musician who hadn’t forgotten you for even one minute?

Meet Amy Maxwell and Tyler Brock—you may remember them as teenage mission group members in Hearts Surrender—well, they’re grown up now, and life’s given them lots of surprises – good and bad. This is their reunion scene, so it’s a sneak peek at Hearts Key, the concluding book of the Woodland Series. Enjoy!!

MARIANNE'S FAVORITE SCENE:

Amy took a deep breath. It was time to move forward, and act like the friend
she had always been. She made progress toward approaching Tyler.

He shook hands with members of his crew and received enthusiastic hugs of support. Then in came Rebecca. Tyler spotted his back-up singer immediately and grinned while she made a dash for his ready embrace. She gave a happy shout as he lifted her up, and spun her in a full circle.

“You were great,” she enthused, her voice touched by the cadence of the south. “Honestly, what a show!”

“Inspired, wasn’t it, Becs? It feels so good to be home!”

Amy’s heart sank when she watched Rebecca peck both his cheeks and smile into his eyes. His dynamic colleague then greeted others around them and dissolved into the crowd of tour staffers. Amy winced, battling off turmoil, self-doubt, and inadequacy.

It was a battle she lost.

In that instant, her mature, straightforward intentions to say hello to Tyler vaporized. Hiking up her purse and camera strap, Amy kept a tight hold on them both as she turned to leave. She took a few steps toward the exit. This was senseless. Futile. She needed to bid this entire, world-rocking episode farewell. In the morning everything would be back to normal. In the morning she could—

“Seriously?”

Amy froze at the sound of the smooth and deep voice that carried with it just a touch of the South. She closed her eyes, and she trembled. Bad.

“You were seriously gonna leave without sayin’ hello to me?” the voice continued.

She couldn’t pull in a proper breath. Her heart skittered wildly. Red-hot heat crawled up the skin of her neck and ignited her cheeks, melting and burning in one fell swoop.

Bravely she turned around, her lips pressed tight, though she fought through it all to offer a tentative smile. “Hey, Tyler.”

It was the best she could manage. His eyes were unspeakably gentle and tender. His attitude of warmth was so typical of the Tyler she had known, once upon a life. Amy welcomed that fact, and at the same time she was swept away by just looking at him.

“Hey, Amy,” he greeted softly. His smile bloomed when he took her hands. A beat later, he drew her in for a long, tight hug that left her aching. He felt so hard, and strong. So wonderful. A lump formed fast in her throat—a bit of mourning, she supposed, for all she missed.

“I, ah, didn’t want to interfere or anything.” As soon as the words crossed her lips, she realized how lame they sounded.

Tyler kissed her cheek, and Amy went a bit dizzy. A bit weak at the knees. “You couldn’t interfere if you wanted to.” He leaned back and drew a fingertip against her chin; he looked deep into her eyes. “I’ve missed you.”

Wow, wow, wow! Now I can’t wait to read the whole book. That was dynamic! Thank you for giving us a sneak peek.

Now, what’s the most touching/exciting/encouraging thing a fan has ever said to you about one of your books?

I heard from a widow of two years who read Hearts Surrender and was tremendously touched by Pastor Ken Lucerne’s story of remerging from mourning following the death of his wife. The review and e-mail left me in tears because it impacted her at a very deep and personal level—what a precious gift her connection was to me!!

That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Do you have a favorite verse of scripture? If so, what makes it special to you?

Oh, yes! Jeremiah 29:11, which tells us: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Gives me chills every time I read it because, since God’s word is Truth, we can hold fast to the knowledge that all things will work to the good! We are part of His plan—we are His precious children. As such, he wants us to be prosperous, full of hope, and to know he is giving us an eternal, perfect future with Him!!

Another “wow”! Great verse, Marianne, and wonderful interpretation. Where can readers find you and your books?

Please connect with me at:

www.marianneevans.com or www.marianneevans.blogspot.com and I have a Facebook readers page located at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

Thank you for spending time with my readers and me on My Book Bag! We've loved having you.

New Release: A Face in the Clouds

I’m so excited to share the release of a wonderful Easter novelette by my friend and fellow White Rose author, Marianne Evans. Today, find out a little about the book. Tomorrow, come back for a chat with Marianne.

A FACE IN THE CLOUDS

Reporter Paul Hutchins is all about finding facts and uncovering the truth. Verification, authenticity and quantification are the fuel of his spirit…Until he falls in love with producer Sandy Pierson.

Sandy sees Christ alive in every aspect of her life. No need for quantified facts. Faith is the fuel of her spirit. But her love for Paul puts her at odds with God's call toward faith and all of its mysteries.

Paul considers Christianity to be well-meaning myth—hyperbole. To Sandy, it’s everything—and she can accept nothing less from the man she loves. Can a miracle happen? Can the touch of God Himself keep their relationship from shattering?

EXCERPT

I know how deeply you feel things, Paul. You have a wonderful heart. That’s part of why I love you so much. I’m torn in two about my feelings for you.”

Sandy’s declaration would have filled him were it not chipped and cracked by the impact of her doubts.

“Your reporter’s instinct toward authenticity and revealing the truth is a big part of what I admire about you. There’s nothing wrong with facing the world honestly, but you need to make room for a few other truths.”

“Yes, and the fact that life holds as much mystery, and as many intangibles, as it does realistic things you can hold tight with both hands.”

She wanted him to change. Right down to the soul.

Paul continued to study her. She was hurt enough that she had almost stepped away from attending tonight’s event—out of a frustrated sense of love. Yet here they were—together—out of a frustrated sense of love.

And if he wasn’t mindful of her beliefs, she’d step away from him.

Paul navigated the rapidly-filling parking lot of Woodland Church. Once they stopped, he killed the car engine and used a restraining hand to keep Sandy in place. He closed the space between them and gave her a kiss that lingered and thoroughly tasted. He felt the gesture ease a bit of the tightness in her shoulders and back.

“I’ll keep an open mind, OK?”

She touched his face, and there was yearning in her eyes. “Keep an open heart. That’s much more important.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Marianne Evans is a multi-published author of contemporary romance novels. Her professional career began when Kensington Publishing purchased her book, Friends & Lovers. Her second offering, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim from reviewers and in the local media.

Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing—an award-winning novel entitled Hearts Crossing. Hearts Crossing led to the creation of a four-book Christian romance series: The Woodland Series. Book 2, Hearts Surrender, released in late 2010 with Books 3 and 4 – Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, slated for late 2011 and early 2012 release. A Woodland Series Bonus Story, A Face in the Clouds, is an Easter-themed short story, also from White Rose Publishing. Recent awards include:

Hearts Crossing:
Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist
CAPA Finalist
5-Star Review, The Romance Studio
5-Star Review, Coffee Time Romance

Hearts Surrender:
Christian Small Publishers Association Book of the Year Finalist
4-Star Review, Romantic Times Magazine
5-Star Review & Book of the Week, The Romance Studio
5-Klover Review & Recommended Read, Kwips & Kritiques

A lifelong resident of Michigan, Marianne is an active member of Romance Writers of America and the Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, but most notably for two terms as Chapter Treasurer and two terms as Chapter President. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network. Marianne loves to connect with readers ~ find her at:

www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

Review: A Face in the Clouds

by Marianne Evans


Paul Hutchins does not want the assignment. He’s never been able to grasp the whole religion thing. Still, he agrees to cover “An Artist’s View of Salvation and Grace” at Woodland Church. Executive Producer Sandy Pierson’s faith is all-important to her, and Paul wants to give this lovely woman, at the very least, a nod of respect for that unapologetic, unwavering dedication.

He covers the artist missionary story, in short, because he loves Sandy. He’s aware that his lack of faith threatens their evolving relationship, because Sandy won’t share her life with a man who doesn’t love God. Paul’s heart is at risk, but the last thing he’s willing to do is pretend to “get it”—not even for Sandy.

At that special Easter service, Paul watches a gifted missionary chalk her heart and soul onto canvas. Within the lines of her stirring depiction of Calvary, something amazing, powerful, and life-changing unfolds….

A Face in the Clouds is a beautiful, stirring, unforgettable love story—the love between a man and a woman, and the unequaled love of the Savior. The artist in this story uses her God-given talent to depict scenes that stir hearts and speak to souls. Marianne Evans does that too—without a paintbrush or a piece of chalk. This author’s words are clearly derived from a solid foundation of prayer, dedication and a whole-hearted desire to touch readers with God’s love. Every word in this short story is delivered with powerful impact. Do yourself a favor and do not miss A Face in the Clouds.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for more information about this amazing little book. Marianne will share a peek inside! The following day, we'll chat a bit with the author. Mark your calendar for the next couple of days, and bookmark this site so you don't lose your way!

Winner from Penny Zeller's interview comments

Thank you to all who left comments on Penny Zeller's interview!

The free copy of Kaydie goes to Ann Lee Miller. Congratulations, Ann! You will be hearing from Penny to make arrangements for receiving your copy of Kaydie.

(Ann's name was drawn from all the comments on Penny's interview.)

Clash of the Titles Winner

Naomi Musch and the opening paragraphs from her historical novel, The Green Veil.

CONGRATULATIONS, NAOMI!

Naomi takes the title in her clash against the very worthy runner-up, Karen Baney, author of A Dream Unfolding.

A snippet from Naomi's winning passage:

Colette's temples, neck, and shoulders. Behind her eyelids, everything blazed like a powder keg of dynamite going off inside her. Explosions roared and blasts glared - red, and now and then a streak of hot white. She stirred on the bed, and her satin dress rustled.
(read the full excerpt here)

Naomi says her best ideas come from overlooked portions of history she stumbles upon and in The Green Veil those include lumberjacks, land barons, and mill owners racing to control the pine lands in 1840s Wisconsin Territory. To read more about the book and find out what her favorite reads of the last year were, check out her interview ith COTT's Senior Editor April Gardner here.

What did readers have to say? A few comments from our voters:

"Excerpt A grabbed my heart. I found myself hurting for Colette, wishing there was something I could do to save her from her plight. Beautiful work."

"I wished I could pick both. I chose A simply because of the references to the book of Esther, one of my favorite accounts in the Bible."

"Wow, I really enjoyed that pine book."

Naomi responded to her win:

Oh WOW! Thank you to everyone at COTT for allowing me to be part of this month's clash, and for all those who stopped by and voted for either mine or Karen's book. What a way to start the Easter weekend!

There are two more Opening Hooks to vote on this week, so head over to Clash of the Titles and let your voice be heard! A free copy of each competing book will be given away to two lucky readers--you can increase your odds by voting, commenting, sharing our link, or joining our Blog Alliance. Tell us whose blog sent you here to give them an extra entry too!

Have fun!

bio: Michelle Massaro is a homeschooling mom and aspiring novelist, as well as Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles . Connect with her on twitter @MLMassaro, facebook, and her blog Adventures in Writing

Guest Post: Shellie Neumeier

I want to extend a huge, very warm welcome to Shellie Neumeier. I know you'll enjoy her guest post today. Shellie's debut novel, Driven, released in March. A second book, The Wishing Ring, will be available in 2012.

Shellie Neumeier

I love this time of year. Not because its springtime—spring in Wisconsin could mean anything from hot and humid to snow and sleet. It’s Easter. Cute fuzzy bunnies and yummy marshmallow chicks and don’t get me started on the hard-boiled eggs—yum!

The best part of Easter has nothing to do with farm animals and breakfast food, though. When I think of Easter, I think of the greatest sacrifice ever made. The gift Christ gave us—life and love. And the story of Peter.

What? You don’t think about Peter when you think on Easter? Maybe it’s because I am like Peter—a bit overzealous, impetuous, and impulsive, and for me Peter’s story puts the exclamation point behind the Easter story.

Consider this, if you were sitting among strangers waiting for word about Jesus, your best friend and someone everyone hated (as in to-the-death hated), would you have told three inquisitive souls you were His friend? Even if it meant being hated along with Jesus? Maybe even killed? I don’t think I could have. I’d have been just as cowardly…as self-absorbed as Peter had been. And just as guilt ridden when the moment passed.

Easter didn’t end there for Peter (or me). When Jesus returned, He walked up to Peter, who may have stood back from the group, maybe up against the wall like white-wash with his head hung low and his shoulders slumped.

“Do you love me?” Jesus asked Peter.

Can you picture it? At first Peter’s answer may have come softly, but by the third request, he would have gained strength, confidence even.

“You know I do,” he told Jesus.

As many times as Peter betrayed Jesus, Jesus gave Peter a chance to redeem himself. Sweet forgiveness. Yay! But it doesn’t end there…

Jesus gives Peter a do-over.

“Then feed my sheep,” Jesus says. Peter had a second chance to be a part of Jesus’ team. To have purpose and dignity.

As if the incredible sacrifice Jesus gave on the cross was not enough, He followed it with this tender moment. So, if you find yourself hesitating to learn more about Jesus because you have junk in your past…it’s cool. Jesus offers do-overs to those who love Him.

Happy Easter!

Author bio:

Married for over 20 years, Shellie and her husband have four wonderful kiddos and two goofy greyhounds. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, she went on to acquire an early childhood education certificate. Shellie also served in youth, children’s, special needs and family ministries for over twenty-two years.

Now she enjoys teaching her teens how to drive and chauffeuring her preteens across the Wisconsin countryside. And once in a while, she loves to read big people books (you know the kind without pictures).

Shellie writes because it keeps her away from her husband’s power tools and because every now and then, she doesn’t have the choice, it just takes over. Her best inspiration comes from God and the occasional walk along a country road with her greyhounds.

http://www.shellieneumeier.com/

Blurb from Driven:

Robyn can’t help but notice the handsome new guy at her school. She ignores, however, the arrival of another being at Brookfield Central High School—a demon assigned to destroy her…

Robyn loves her friends, enjoys her youth group, and looks forward to meeting cute Caleb Montague. But when a caustic news reporter challenges her school’s prayer team, Robyn must choose: defend their right to meet on campus and pray for whomever they wish or back down at the principal’s request.

Now she must learn what God wants her to do. And she had better learn fast, because there’s a supernatural enemy in town whose sole mission is to stop her—no matter the cost.

Interview: Penny Zeller

I want to welcome Penny Zeller to My Book Bag, and I’m so excited about the chance to talk to her about her new release. Penny is giving away one copy of her book, Kaydie, to someone who comments on this post. (Comments will be included in the drawing from today through Wednesday, April 20.) So be sure to leave your comments by clicking on the “Reader Responses” link at the end of this post.

Hi, Penny! Your most recent book, Kaydie (Book 2 in your Montana Skies Series), is scheduled for release this month. We’d love a brief synopsis!

Hello, Delia! It’s great to be here. I am thrilled about the release of Kaydie. A short synopsis is as follows:

For the first time in years, Kaydie Worthington Kraemer can breathe easily. Although she is still haunted by memories of her abusive husband, Darius, she takes comfort in knowing the man is dead. Staying with her sister McKenzie and brother–in–law, Zach Sawyer, at their ranch, Kaydie is still wary of men, especially now that she has another life inside of her to protect. As she looks forward to her baby's birth, she builds a protective wall around herself that won't be easy to tear down. Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson views his boss, Zach, like a brother. He does not, however, envy Zach's new role as a husband. Deserted by his mother at a young age and forever despised and rejected by his own father, Jonah has few close relationships. But there's something about Kaydie that draws him to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor. When Cedric Van Aulst, an old friend of Kaydie's, comes to town, an unforeseen prospect of marriage arises. Cedric is someone Kaydie trusts. Will she settle for a safe union with him, or can she trust God to guard her heart and her life in the arms of Jonah?

Cindy Sproles produced a fantastic book trailer for Kaydie, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwihs6rsqDk

Sounds like it’s full of hooks to keep us turning pages! Who has been the srongest influence in your writing journey?

When I was in second grade, my teacher, Mrs. Vernon, encouraged me to never stop writing stories about Jesus (I began my writing career rewriting Bible stories and publishing them in homemade cardboard books).

In addition, my husband and children have been strong supporters of my writing. As far as influencers or mentors, I would have to say authors Sharlene MacLaren and Amanda Cabot have been wonderful mentors to me.

Having a writing mentor is so important—having at least one really good one is certainly a treasure! Why do you write the kind of books you write?

Writing is my ministry, and I pray daily that the path of writing that I have chosen in life will glorify the Lord. I am in constant prayer for wisdom, guidance, and that my books would be life-changing – that they would bring others to the Lord or closer to the Lord. I have chosen Psalm 19:14 as my life verse: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

I love when other authors feel (as I do) that their writing is not only a career, but a ministry. And what a wonderful life verse! (But then…they all are, aren’t they?) When you were a child, did you have a favorite book or books?

I was an avid reader as a child. I loved Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries and read every copy of those books I could get my hands on!

This is funny and not something I have shared much, but beginning when I was 10 years old, I also loved the romance stories in the back of “Good Housekeeping Magazine.” In those days, the stories were wholesome and I would sneak outside with my mom’s copy into our playhouse to read. I loved the stories because they would have pictures of the characters drawn by an artist with a little tidbit under each picture, such as “Lydia thinks she’ll never love again – that is until James unexpectedly walks into her life…” I laugh when I think of those early days reading those stories! I suppose I have always been a romantic at heart!

Sounds a bit like you were peeking in on my childhood! :) Do you have a favorite genre to both read and write?

Historical romance is my favorite genre to write, followed by contemporary romance. In third place would be nonfiction, which I also enjoy writing as well. As for reading, I would have to say my favorite is historical romance. There’s something neat about being able to pick up this genre and escape into a simpler time.

I love to read historicals, but I don’t enjoy all the extra research involved in writing them. So glad someone is willing to do it! :) Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The happiest days of my life were the day I married my husband and the times we became parents to our two daughters.

What inspired you to write McKenzie and Kaydie: The first two books in your Montana Skies Series?

My family and I were in a car accident a couple years ago where I suffered neck and leg injuries. During that time period of seven months, I was also hit with back-to-back bacterial infections. Because of the injuries and illness, I was pretty much homebound and my active athletic lifestyle suddenly became limited. I look back now and praise God that He gave me McKenzie, as well as two other manuscripts (another historical and a contemporary) I wrote in that seven month period of pain and illness. God took what was a difficult time for me and turned it around to something positive that can be used for His Kingdom – taking the time to write the books that I had always wanted to write.

He has since healed me and I pray daily that the path I have chosen in life will glorify Him.

It is often through the hardest trials of our lives that we gain the biggest blessings. I’m certainly glad to hear God worked His healing power in you, Penny! What prompted you to write about the Montana Territory?

Our family has traveled extensively through Montana on road trips. We have visited two well-preserved ghost towns, which provided me with so much inspiration! I love the scenery and the history of Montana and couldn’t wait to base my characters in that setting.

Do you have another book in the making? Can you give us some insight on what it's about?

I just finished the third book in the series, Hailee, which is scheduled for release later this year. Here's a little teaser about what's to come:

Times in Pine Haven have changed over the past few years. The town has doubled in size and Montana has become a state. Bethany Ethel is now the older sister to spunky seven-year-old twin brothers who find great delight in providing trouble for the new teacher, Miss Hailee Annigan. The Sawyers have added to their own family with daughter, Chloe; and Lucille Granger continues her antics as the town busybody.

Faith. Love. Hope. Forgiveness. This recent installment of the Montana Skies Historical Romance Series explores all four in the continuing saga of a peek into the lives of those who call Pine Haven their home.

I'm also working on a historical romance series that takes place in the Post-Civil War Era. I've finished book one in the series and have started writing book two.

Where can readers purchase a copy of Kaydie?

Kaydie is available everywhere books are sold, including Amazon.

Where can fans find you on the internet?

I love to connect with my readers at my website, my blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

Thank you so much for being with us on My Book Bag, Penny. Any parting comments?

I would like to thank you, Delia, for having me here, and also thank my readers for their support and encouragement. I couldn’t do it without you! Secondly, I would like to let everyone know that from April 1 – May 15 is my official blog tour for Kaydie. I will have all the details on giveaways (including a chance to win Hailee, the third book in the series) on my FB author page, so be sure to stop by!

About Penny:

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog “A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author” (www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com). She is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women’s Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women’s prayer group. Penny devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom. Kaydie follows McKenzie in Montana Skies, her first series with Whitaker House. When she’s not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband, Lon, reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers at her Website, www.pennyzeller.com.

COTT: Clash Conqueror

Attention! Ann Gaylia O'Barr has been crowned CHAMPION at

Clash of the Titles!

For her excerpt from Singing in Babylon, Ann Gaylia O'Barr garnered favor in a Clash against fellow contender Dee Smith for Best Antagonist. Both excerpts showcased sinister adversaries.

As one reader put it:
Both antagonists were well described, and both gave me a chill up my spine.
Another assures us:
Both are VERY creepy!
But only one can claim victory, and that honor falls to O'Barr this time around. How did she do it? Ann believes a good antagonist elicits a measure of sympathy from the reader so that we are both drawn to and repulsed by his character. It must be true because it secured her the win.
In her interview with COTT staff member Amanda Flower, Ann shares how she spent years country-hopping for her work as U.S. Foreign Service officer and collected plenty of raw material for her antagonists by her immersion in Muslim-dominated culture. Wow!
Want to know who her favorite fictional bad guy is? Read her interview to find out.
Ann says: I've thoroughly enjoyed the contest. Answering the interview questions sharpened my ability to explain the novel. Writing is a continuous learning expreience, and I love it!
About her book:
***
Singing in Babylon:
Recent grad Kate McCormack, saddled with college debt, has limited options…until she accepts an offer to teach English in Saudi Arabia. Plunged into a foreign world, she’s homesick and lonely, stuck in a gilded prison where women aren’t even allowed to walk around the block by themselves. The future stretches before her like a leaden sky.
Journalist Philip Tangvald, on the trail of a story about illegal immigration routes through the Middle East and North Africa, is intrigued by the feisty Kate, but wonders if he deserves to find love again. Too much loss and betrayal has burdened his life. First, his father, when he was eleven. And, a year ago, his wife. Now he’s free of everything—except the guilt from his past—and wants to stay that way.
Two worlds, two hearts in exile, are about to collide. And when they do, might they find a new song to sing … in Babylon?
***
Read more about Ann and her body of work at her website
COTT's current Clash is on Best Opening Hook. Visit today to read the two selections, vote for your favorite, and enter to win one of the competing titles! (Mentioning my name gives me an extra entry, so if you don't mind I'd appreciate it!)
bio: Michelle Massaro is a homeschooling mom and aspiring novelist, as well as Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles . Connect with her on twitter @MLMassaro, facebook, and her blog Adventures in Writing

Why Attend a Writers Conference?

I attended the Called to Write Conference in Pittsburg, Kansas last week. It was phenomenal! Great workshops - informative and fun. Wonderful "instructors" (is that what you call someone who conducts a workshop? LOL). Good food. Beautiful devotions I'm still thinking about. But as much I enjoyed all of those things, something else stood out to me as a reason all writers should attend conferences when they can.

Other writers.

It's an environment in which you're surrounded by many people who get the whole writing thing. All those individuals gathered in one place, all caught up in the same obsession to which you've also succumbed...writing. (And, in this case, it was also wonderful to know they were all Christian writers!)

Writing is such a solitary occupation. It can become downright lonely sometimes. Most writers don't really mind it - they're OK with being by themselves. But occasionally, it's nice (and really a good thing) to be around people. It's especially nice - at least once in a while - to have those people "speak your language."

I met so many new writing friends, for which I'm immensely grateful and blessed. AND...I was able to meet a few writers I already felt I knew from online contact. Meeting them in person was a special blessing!

By the time I left, I was tired. Yep. I admit it. And I was also a little overwhelmed by all the information trying to slide itself into the proper slots in my poor, overloaded brain. But I was also fired up and ready to come home and WRITE. I felt spiritually refreshed, blessed with new friends and networking contacts, and geared to GO!

That's reason enough to make the effort to attend the next conference, don't you think?

THANK YOU to all the coordinators of Called to Write...all the workshop leaders, and the many people behind the scenes who kept the wheels oiled and rolling. You are appreciated!

The settings on my digital camera were "off " somehow (I am utterly ignorant of photography stuff!) and my pictures all turned out a bit blurry. This is me (left) with my sweet friend, Susan Hollaway, whom I got to meet in person at the conference. Suzy and I are critique partners, and have become very close, but we'd never actually met. This conference made a meeting possible, and it was SUCH a blessing!

Why Do We Love Bad Guys?

by Amanda Flower

Every story needs a good bad guy or well-crafted antagonist. Both of our Clashers this week have created great ones. However, my question for you, dear readers, is “Why do we love bad guys?” What is it about them that makes us keep turning the page?

I’ll tell you why I love them.

1. They demonstrate the ongoing battle between good and evil, between justice and injustice. Hopefully good/justice prevails in the end.

2. They give you someone to dislike. I love disliking characters in books. These characters don’t have to be truly awful people either. It could be a character as simple as a snippy next door neighbor or a rude co-worker.

3. They are flawed. In some cases, horribly flawed. However, they reminded us all that we are flawed as well.

4. They keep the story more interesting. Of course, we want our protagonist to triumph in the end, but antagonists cause conflict and conflict creates a plot that gives us a story to read.

5. Sometimes, they transform and leave their antagonistic ways. They can be forgiven and demonstrate God’s power to forgive even the worst of humanity.

Those are my reasons. Now, share yours.

Get to know this week's authors all week at Clash of the Titles and be entered to win a free book.

Bio: Amanda Flower  is an academic librarian for a small college in Ohio. Her first novel, Maid of Murder, was released in 2010. When she is not at the library or writing her next mystery, she is an avid traveler, aspiring to visit as much of the globe as she can

She is the author of Maid of Murder