What's a Work for Hire Novel?

My guest today is Author DeAnna Julie Dodson who is going to share her experience with writing a work for hire novel. Here's DeAnna:

WRITING THE WORK-FOR-HIRE NOVEL

After a long hiatus following the publication of my medieval trilogy, In Honor Bound, By Love Redeemed and To Grace Surrendered, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to write the fourth book in the Annie’s Attic Mystery series, Letters in the Attic, released by DRG Network in September.

How did I find out about the opportunity?

DRG contacted my agent for the names of some authors who might be interested in writing work-for-hire novels for them. I was one of the writers they eventually selected. Though this particular series was new to me at the time, I was very familiar with DRG because I love needlework, and they are a major publisher of pattern books and magazines. They sell related notions and supplies as well. Since their main character, Annie, is a crafter, it was a perfect fit for me.

How is writing a work-for-hire different from regular royalty-paying submissions?

A work-for-hire book is written within certain specific guidelines at the request of the publishers. In general, once the author has satisfactorily completed the requested work and turned it over to the publishers, he receives the agreed-upon payment and his rights to the work end. The work becomes the sole property of the publishers to do with as they please. The author does not receive any additional royalties or payments.

What is it like to write a work for hire novel?

After I agreed to accept this assignment, the first thing I did was read the first three books in the series. It is extremely important to know the story world and know the characters inside and out. Obviously, all work-for-hire writing doesn’t involve series, but it’s vital to know what the publisher wants and adhere to their requirements.

Keeping Annie’s earlier adventures firmly in mind, my next task was to figure out where to go from there. DRG gave me just one intriguing premise: Finding some letters from a childhood friend, Annie decides to see what this friend is up to now, but nobody knows anything about her. With that start, I could go in any direction. Is her friend alive or dead? Do people really not know what happened to her, or are they just not saying? What kind of trouble will Annie get into trying to find out?

I had to keep in close contact with my editor on the project to make sure what I had in mind was what DRG had in mind for their book and for their series. And, unlike any other book I’ve written, I had to turn it in one third at a time. This was an extra hurdle for me since I don’t usually write chronologically, but I met my deadlines (often ahead of time) and feel that I strengthened my writing muscles by meeting that challenge.

Why did I decide to write a work for hire novel?

Even though I didn’t have as much creative freedom as I do with books I create completely on my own, I very much enjoyed working with DRG. It was a challenge to write a book in four months when it usually takes me a year and a half or more. And it was nice, after such a long time between books, to finally have something new out. I was very happy to have the opportunity to get my name back into circulation."--DeAnna

Here's DeAnna's book and a few links in case you want to read more about her and her book!--Lyn

DeAnna's website is http://www.deannajuliedodson.com

Her blog is http://www.deannajuliedodson.com/blog/

First Page-2 Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K Paul

Chapter One

"Christmas. Cora had been trying to catch it for four years. She scurried down the sidewalk, thankful that streetlights and brightly-lit storefronts counteracted the gloom of early nightfall. Somewhere, sometime, she’d get a hold of how to celebrate Christmas. Maybe even tonight.

With snowflakes sticking to her black coat, Christmas lights blinking around shop windows, and incessant bells jingling, Cora should have felt some holiday cheer.

And she did.

Really.

Just not much.

At least, she was on a Christmas errand this very minute. One present for a member of the family. Shouldn’t that count for a bit of credit in the Christmas spirit department?

Cora planned out her Christmas gift-giving in a reasonable manner. The execution of her purchasing schedule gave her a great deal of satisfaction. Tonight’s quest was a book for Uncle Eric—something about knights and castles, swordfights, shining armor, and all that.

One or two gifts purchased each week from Labor Day until December fifteenth, and her obligations were discharged efficiently, economically, and without the excruciating last minute frenzy that descended upon other people . . . like her three sisters, her mother, her grandmother, her aunts."

For more info, visit
www.donitakpaul.com
www.dragonandturtle.com
http://donitakpaul.blogspot.com/ This one is the OLD Blog where she shares books by my fellow authors. Other Literary Dabblings.
http://awriterwritessometimes.blogspot.com/

Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson & Smalltown Lies

Do you live in a small town? Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes about small town lies. Do you think this story could happen in your town?

Secrets Buried Deep!

Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother’s back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole’s grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she’s willing to accept Rich’s help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.

WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR ABOUT LEGACY OF LIES:
I’ve always been fascinated by social dynamics in a small town. Having lived in rural communities all my life, I’m intimately familiar with the unique politics involved. Crafting a story about the shadow cast over a town by its founding family came readily to me. I was particularly interested to explore the affect past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be.

The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37: 10 – 11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the world.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373444087/jillelizabeth-20"target="new">CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK NOW!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. She was delightfully astonished this year to receive the prestigious Carol Award in the Short Contemporary Suspense category for her 2009 release, Evidence of Murder. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild. Visit Jill on the web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com for book giveaways, excerpts, and information.

I lived most of my lives in cities over 90,000 population. Now I live in a small town. I don't think I'm really experiencing small town life since I didn't raise my children here or hold a job here. Do you think that makes a difference?

Book Monday Review-Author Charlene Baumbich & Divine Appointments

Divine Appointments: A Novel by Charlene Baumbich

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If you're looking for something different to read, Divine Appointments fits the bill! The heroine is not a young "thing" but a more mature woman who has spent her life in solitary achievement. However, God has more in mind for her.

I endorsed this book and here's my endorsement. "This book intrigued me from the first page. A delightful, unique heroine and a story well told with twists and turns and layers peeled back. Insightful. Don't miss it!"


View all my reviews

Jeff Gerke, A Man Who Loves His Wife

My guest today is Jeff Gerke, author, editor, publisher, and man who loves his wife. Here's Jeff:

"My wife has been my biggest support through all the crazy things I've done during our marriage. She worked full-time as a teacher so I could go to seminary full-time and graduate more quickly. Then when I announced I thought God was leading me not into ministry but to write fiction, she was my first fan.

When I moved her hither and yon across the country--we've now lived in all four time zones in the Continental U.S.--she was there beside me. She was there when I lost the occasional job and when my novels failed to achieve sales success.

And when I launched my own small Christian publishing company, she was not only cheering me on but helping me do it. She took more of the load of raising our children when I was writing my fiction craft book for Writers Digest.

At every step of our journey, she has been my strongest supporter. And all of this is without mentioning the 26 hours of labor she went through to deliver our first child. Or the grief we went through when we suffered a miscarriage. Or the shock we endured upon learning that our son was autistic.

She has suffered physically, as well. She endured a painful injection in her knee so she could walk the Great Wall of China--and the steps of Zhengzhou--to adopt our little girl in 2009. She's got near-herniated discs in her neck and cysts on her thyroid. She's lost both her parents to cancer and has had to move away from all her family and old friends.

And yet she still gets up every morning and fights the good fight. She cares for our toddler and does homework with our son and attends our oldest daughter's marching band competitions in the cold and rain. She cooks, cleans, shops--loves, cares, and perseveres.

She's a strong woman, a heroine in her own right, and I don't know where I'd be without her."--Jeff Gerke

Jeff has also just had his first book by Writers Digest published

First Page-Mistletoe Prayers by Author Marta Perry

MISTLETOE PRAYERS

A BODINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Chapter One

Lt. Travis McCall had never had what most people would call a merry Christmas, and it was the last thing he wanted this year. The glossy door of the Southern colonial house bore a huge Christmas wreath, and the sight was nearly enough to make turn tail.

Almost, but not quite. He’d promised his buddy, and he never went back on his word.

The moment’s hesitation proved just enough. A discordant bray pierced the air of the quiet Charleston suburb. He glanced toward the driveway which swept around the house and blinked. A horse trailer had been pulled there, its ramp down. On the ramp, all four feet planted firmly, stood a small gray donkey.

A lead rope disappeared into the back of the trailer. Someone, out of Travis’s sight in the trailer, was apparently trying to pull the donkey in. Just as plainly the donkey didn’t intend to go anywhere. Travis had loaded horses and cattle enough times as a kid to know the signs.

Even as he thought it, the animal jerked back. In a minute it would be free, running into traffic as likely as not. He’d have to go give that idiot a hand.

A few quick strides took him across the lawn. Just as he reached the ramp the donkey reared, yanking the lead rope. A slight figure hurtled out of the back of the trailer, stumbled on the ramp, and barreled into Travis.

He grasped it, mind registering several things at once. This was not a teenage boy, as his first startled glimpse had made him think. And the donkey, managing to free himself, bolted.

For more info, visit
www.martaperry.com
www.booksbymartaperry.blogspot.com
Visit me on Facebook at Marta Perry Books

And there are more to come:

MISTLETOE PRAYERS: A BODINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS, novella, Love Inspired, Nov., 2010
MURDER IN PLAIN SIGHT, Amish suspense, HQN Books, Dec., 2010
SARAH'S GIFT, Pleasant Valley Amish Book 4, Berkley Books, March, 2011
VANISH IN PLAIN SIGHT, Amish suspense book 2, HQN Books, June, 2011

Author Leann Harris & Faith of the Heart

My guest today is Author Leann Harris who writes Love Inspired Suspense romances. Her next one is coming out in January 2011--which may sound a long way off. But it isn't! Here's Leann:

"It’s amazing the people God puts into our lives. I was blessed with a daughter who has been a strength and joy. She was such a determined child that all I could do was channel that energy into the correct path. She was one of those children on the first day of 1^st grade that didn’t cling to mom’s side, but she walked into the classroom, found the teacher, and asked if she needed any help.

I also tried very hard to discourage her from becoming a teacher, which I was, but she told me it was her life and butt out. But it was that strong determination that I believe saved my life.

I suffered a brain aneurism at the age of 45. A vessel in my brain burst, and I bled into my brain. That happened late in September. I had picked up our speaker for the local RWA chapter meeting at the airport, we had breakfast, and then went to the meeting. A suddenly and terrible headache hit me, and I ended up in the bathroom, throwing up. I was taken to the hospital and in there for months. If it could go wrong, it did.

One dark night, the doctors called my family into the waiting room and told them I had less than a fifty/fifty chance of making it through the night. It was more like 30/70 chances, not in my favor. My parents lost it and my husband was devastated. My daughter (19 at the time) refused to accept the verdict. She prayed and asked God not to take me. She needed her mother. Her faith was not shaken and she believed. That is a faith of the heart. I think she also carried the rest of the family through that dark time.

I’m truly awed at the power of prayer, and I think it was her faith that God honored."--Leann

Thanks, Leann. Tell us a little about your January 2011 book, Second Chance Ranch.
Zachary McClure lost his leg while serving in Iraq. When he came home his dreams were shattered and faith shaken. Ex-army medic, Sophie Powell, knows how a horse can heal the wounded part of a soldier’s body and spirit. As Zach and Sophie work together, they find the faith in God they lost and the love they denied years ago. But is love enough to heal their wounded hearts?

I have a tender place in my heart for disabled veterans. My own dad lost an arm and a lung in France in WWII. But it didn't stop him in any way. And evidently God had plans for you to write for Him!"--Lyn

Drop by Leann's website for more info:
www.leannharris.com,

You Tube --The Chilean Miners

Author Randy Ingermanson & The 1st Woman on Mars!

A writer who has taught me quite a bit about writing and about websites and Internet Marketing is Author Randy Ingermanson. Today he's going to share the strength of his heroine, Valkerie, the first woman on Mars in his (and co-author John Robinson) ebook reissue of their Christy Award winning sci-fi, OXYGEN. Here's Randy:

"OXYGEN features a very strong woman as the lead character, Valkerie Jansen, who has the opportunity to be the "first man on Mars" -- if she can survive the trip.
Valkerie is cool under pressure and is able to think clearly when everybody else is going nuts. In OXYGEN, she shows this strength on a voyage to Mars when an explosion causes most of the air in her ship to leak out into space while two of her comrades are doing a spacewalk. She does an unscheduled spacewalk, hauls in one of her friends who's unconscious, and puts an emergency patch in place to save what little air remains in the ship.

Where does Valkerie get her strength? From two places. First, her faith in God helps her to not fear death, because death is not the end. Second, Valkerie has a strong relationship with her father, and she wants to act in a way that'll make him proud of her.

In OXYGEN, both of those sources of strength receive a severe trial. It's easy to act heroically in moments of high danger, but it's not so easy to continue to act heroically when those moments stretch out for days, weeks, or months -- and you have time to reflect on the fact that you are probably going to die very soon. When that happens, Valkerie is forced to ask whether her faith is real . . . or just an act."--Randy

BTW, Randy has a PhD from Berkley in physics (I think!) so the science is all factual not made up.


Drop by
http://www.ingermanson.com

And also co-Author John Robinson's website:
http://www.litany.com

Randy's web site about writing fiction is at:
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com

Randy has written a great book called Writing Fiction for Dummies and is known for his "Snowflake" characterization plan which he gives away free on his Advanced Fiction Writing website. He also has a free ezine for fiction writers which is AMAZING!--Lyn

First Page-Reinventing Rachel by Author Alison Strobel

Reinventing Rachel

By Alison Strobel

Chapter 1

Rachel Westing pulled into the parking lot of Beach Cities Church and finished the last sip of Ethiopian Harrar she’d been nursing. The exotic coffee had required a half hour detour up the coast, but she’d needed a break from the seminary application she had been working on that morning before frustration made her head explode. The traffic on Beach Boulevard had given her plenty of time to think, but she was no clearer on the essay she still needed to write. Rare coffee usually sparked her creativity, but as she left the cool cocoon of her car for the SoCal May heat, she resigned herself to the fact that she was no closer to starting her paper than she’d been over an hour ago.

The worship team was polishing their set in the sanctuary when Rachel arrived. Despite feeling like a raincloud of consternation followed her, she sang along with the leader as he came to the chorus. The love of God is greater far, Than tongue or pen can ever tell… Upon hearing the words, warmth spread through her, and the cloud began to dissipate. The concept of God’s love would never cease to amaze her.

Rachel exchanged waves with fellow volunteers as they caught each other’s eyes, basking in the familiarity and security she always felt when she entered the building. After setting her Bible in her usual spot, she headed back out to the foyer where the associate pastor’s wife was preparing the refreshments table with coffee and cookies."

What readers are saying about Reinventing Rachel:

For every reader who has doubted God through troubled times, this book is for you.

~ Rene Gutteridge, author of Listen and Never the Bride

I lent this book to a friend—and she called it a life-altering story. Way to go, Alison!

~ Melody Carlson, author of The Four Lindas and 86 Bloomberg Place

What the book is about:

God let Rachel Westing down. For twenty-six years she’s done everything by the book; she figures He should have her back. But then she learns her fiancé is cheating on her. Her parents are getting a divorce. And her Christian mentor has a pill addiction. Where is God in all this? Nowhere, as far as Rachel can see. Wounded, bitter, and with a shattered faith, she quits her job and goes across the country to live with Daphne—her childhood best friend whose soul Rachel once thought she was meant to save.

Confident, successful, fun-loving Daphne sets about helping Rachel reinvent herself, and for a while it’s exciting. But when another tragedy shakes Rachel to the core, what little bit of self-possession she has left begins to unravel. A true-to-life story that will draw you in and keep you biting your nails until the end.

Drop by http://www.alisonstrobel.com/ for more about Alison and her books!--Lyn

Author Patricia Hickman & Her Most Desperate Hour

The Power of Solitude

By Patricia Hickman

After the loss of our daughter, everything inside of me shifted never to return to the same shape again. I had loved noise and activity and being around crowds of people. Suddenly, my tolerance for clamor evaporated. I had to find time alone. The first time I went away on a retreat to practice spiritual solitude my goal was not to be needed by anyone. But what awaited me was a surprise.

The first day I knelt in a quiet room overlooking a rose garden. I was acquainted with practicing God’s presence, seeking God in a waiting posture, not asking for anything. So I did that until the silence became nearly deafening. Restlessness set in. I paced. After two days of solitude, I moved out to the rose gardens where I journaled. By the third day, though, I was finally beginning to relax and become accustomed to the silence. That is when I first noticed God speaking to me. Had he been doing that all along?

Next God showed me the condition of my own soul. Realize women are already innately racked with guilt. But when God examined me, I sensed a benevolent soul hovering over me, guiding me to understand why I stumble or why I keep taking the same hills. It was a necessary examination. Next came the realization of those whom I had wounded. The latter part of that confessional practice—recognizing those I’ve wounded--had eluded me most of the time because I lived in a continual clamor. So as I began to repent, a deep sense of sorrow followed.

From that time on, I began to find creative ways to practice solitude in God’s presence. When I left behind the noise of everyday life, I realized God has been talking to me when I thought he had fallen cruelly silent. But the noisy place where I lived prevented me from hearing him. I realized that when I’m home and allowing my life to spin out of the busyness of activities, I can easily adopt pseudo-spirituality. I justify my actions, anger, judgmental attitudes if I measure my life by the life of other flawed humans. But when I seek him in solitude, then I no longer have others around me as my measuring stick, just the measure of my own sin-sick life against the radiance of Christ.

In the past, I would breathe a quick prayer in the morning, rattle off a generic “forgive me of all my sins,” and then hit the day, guns-a-blazing. But what I learned through this new practice of solitude was my own need to offer up everything to God for his examination. The more I practiced it, the more I found myself inviting his examination of me throughout the day. And that is when I discovered an amazing lightness of being I had not known in all of my striving—a condition the Bible calls God’s “perfect peace.” In my most desperate hour, I finally understood what scripture means by God’s “gentle whisper.”

"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper … " (1 Kings 19: 11-13) --Patricia

Thanks for sharing so candidly, Patricia. Perfect peace is attractive to us all in this hasty, bizzy world. Your "guns-ablazing" definitely matches my style. I don't often seek God in silence. You've given me something to consider. Thanks.

And here's the cover of Patricia's latest book. I gave it 5 stars when I reviewed it on GoodReads, not something I do very often.--Lyn

Now a couple of important links with the chance of winning a prize!

http://www.patriciahickman.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Hickman/34010447810?ref=ts

And by visiting either of these web addresses, bloggers may register for my Pirate Queen Treasure Trove with the grand prize of a 3G Kindle, an e-book version of The Pirate Queen, and 9 other great prizes.

Book Monday-Author Sandra Byrd & Don't Kiss Him Goodbye! & More

Book Monday has two books today! Book 3 and 4 of Author Sandra Byrd's

London Confidential Series--

Byrd's ability to provide a fun story that incorporates biblical truth will help teens relate to this new series. Readers will identify with the struggle to fit in while staying true to one's convictions.

Romantic Times, 4 star review

Book Three, Don't Kiss Him Goodbye, finds Savvy, now established in her quirky British village, working hard to get an article with her own byline published. When an attractive and mysterious boy asks her for help with his school work, Savvy is slowly pulled into his circle and soon finds out that the wrong set of friends—boys and girls—can influence her own behavior. Following her own advice to cut ties with a charming bad boy would mean abandoning her dearest wishes, and it just doesn't seem as wrong as it feels. Is it? Read on for surprise twists throughout the book!

In a shocking turn of events, all writers for the Wexburg Academy Times will cast their votes for next year's editor—and it looks like Savvy's vote will be the tie breaker! In Book Four, Flirting With Disaster, Savvy must choose between a nasty-girl-turned-nice, with a sudden interest in letting Savvy get what she wants, and the prickly Hazelle, who promises nothing at all. Savvy then finds herself wrapped up in a new, seemingly innocent but potentially dangerous activity. It's all at risk in this book: her position on the paper, the boy she likes, the ministry she wants to go well. At a critical moment, Savvy must figure out how to rely on God rather than luck and to overcome temptation before it is too late.

London Confidential is a new series for tweens and teens where British fashion, friendships, and guys collide as an all-American teen girl learns to love life and live out her faith.

Please visit Sandra online at http://www.sandrabyrd.com/ The books can be purchased at amazon.com through her website or at other fine online or local bookstores near you. If they're not stocked, just ask!

London Confidential Books 1 and 2 were featured in Focus on the Family's Thriving Family Magazine ... click here:

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/protecting_your_family/book-reviews/a/asking-for-trouble.aspx

About the Author:



After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd went on to publish three dozen books including her widely-acclaimed adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, and her recent 4-book young adult fiction series, London Confidential.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra is also an accomplished non-fiction writer and author. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications such as Radiant, Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Magazine, Christian Parenting Today, Pockets, Decision, and Guideposts. During the past seven years, Sandra has mentored hundreds of students through the Christian Writer's Guild.

Sandra resides in Seattle, Washington with her husband Michael, a chaplain, their two teenagers, and a circus dog named Brie.

Author Cara Putman & The All-Expense Paid Vacation to the World's Largest Kitty Litter Box

My guest today is Author Cara Putman. Here's Cara:

"My Mom – A Woman of Strength

I’ve always admired my mom. She homeschooled us kids as soon as it was legal – in the days when it was still very weird. She has always poured Christ’s love into others through homeschool groups, crisis pregnancy centers, church ministries and so much more.

But in 1990, I saw her strength in a whole new light. In August, my dad and his National Guard unit were at their two-week summer training when Iraq invaded Kuwait. At that time, I wondered if he’d even get to come home before being shipped overseas. He did.

It wasn’t until Thanksgiving week that his unit got called to active status. On three days notice, Mom went from a busy woman helping with our restaurants, homeschooling, community involvement, and more to a woman who’s husband was shipping to a war zone. Her support system was gone, and unlike when he served in Vietnam, she was left with four children and all her responsibilities plus much of the load Dad had borne for our stores.

That Christmas I got a stack of boxes from the nicest store at the Mall because Mom didn’t have time to shop in a dozen places like she usually would. My Dad’s unit shipped home in April – just in time for Easter. I barely recognized the man with the tan and mustache.

That six months was a challenge for each of us. Phone calls were so rare. Email barely existed. And regular letters were what we had to rely on for most of our communications. I remember making jokes about Dad’s all-expense paid vacation to the kitty liter box of the world in an effort to keep from crying when people would ask about him.

We all cope in different ways. But that period gave me a great respect for all the military families that are left behind when their loved one deploys. And it also revealed just how strong my Mom is."--Cara Putman

Here's Cara's latest book. What a fantastic cover!

Hollywood 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her but instead must identify her body. Determined to bring the killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister. Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?

About the Author

Stars in the Night is CARA PUTMAN's ninth novel and tenth book. An attorney and sometimes lecturer at a Big Ten University, Cara lives in Indiana with her husband and three children. http://www.caraputman.com

---

First Page-Masquerade by Author Nancy Moser

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Chapter One

Dornby Manor

Wiltshire, England

Early autumn 1886

“I’ve told you, Father, I won’t marry him.”

Thomas Gleason held a matchstick to the bowl of his pipe and puffed repeatedly, luring the tobacco to ignite. “It’s a good match, daughter. Everyone has heard of the Tremaines, even here in England.”

Heard of their money, perhaps . . .

Lottie remembered the whispered rumors about the Tremaines. She knew her parents hated gossip—or pretended to for propriety’s sake—but now was not the time for her to be timid. “Some say the Tremaines are nouveau riche. The elder Mr. Tremaine is but one generation away from those who peddled their goods on the streets of New York City.”

Her father pointed his pipe at her. “Perhaps. But Tremaine’s Dry Goods has grown to encompass a five-story building within an entire city block.”

Mother shook her head and said beneath her breath, “A glorified shopkeeper.”

Father shot her a glance.

Mother nodded to the maid, Dora, to pour the tea. “We are the ones doing the Tremaines the favor. You are Sir Thomas Gleason,” she said. “The Gleasons have ties to Richard the Second. Our name is listed in Debrett’s.”

A puff of smoke billowed in front of Father’s face. “Now, now, Hester. By seeking a goodly match for our daughter, we’re not negating our own roots. It’s a blessing the Tremaines have shown interest in our Charlotte, especially since they’ve never met any of us. And considering . . . ”

Lottie interrupted. “You act as if meeting me might cause them to change their minds. I may not be a ravishing beauty, Father, but I’ve been complimented many times regarding my appearance.”

“No, no,” her father said. “Don’t take offense. You’re a lovely girl. I was merely pointing out the odd circumstances of . . . our situation.”

Hester coughed and put her ever-present handkerchief to her mouth.

Lottie tried unsuccessfully to squelch her annoyance at her mother’s cough. Hack, hack, hack. Perhaps if Mother spent more time outside, walking the grounds of their Wiltshire estate, her health would improve. But Mother prided herself on indoor pursuits, namely her needlepoint chair cushions. Best in the county, she bragged. Lottie didn’t care for such nonsense. To go to so much work only to have someone sit upon it was absurd.

As was this conversation.

Lottie set her teacup down, rose from her chair, and moved to the windows that overlooked the front lawn. “I don’t see why we have to talk about this now.” Or ever. “It’s my birthday and my friends will be arriving for my party soon and . . . ” She turned to her mother directly. “Speaking of my party, why aren’t you bustling about? A dozen of my friends will arrive in just a few hours, yet if I didn’t know better, I’d think the party was next Tuesday rather than today.”

Do You Rember these 3 Questions?

1-Why do Authors and Publishers give away books on blogs?
2-Have you won a book on a blog?
3-If you did, what did you do with that book?

Project Journal's reply summed up and added a little zest to the replies I received.

Her reply: "I think they give away books one) for publicity, let's be honest. Giving away free books is an easy way to catch new readers and keep old followers! Two) Along the same lines, it keeps people interested in your blog a lot of times I think. Three) I think it shows a lot about your character. Lol! I know that's not necessarily true or anything, but I personally think that it's really nice to do the giveaways! There's a couple answers :- )"

I appreciated the comment that giving away books was a nice thing to do! I do like giving gifts.

Another common reply to # 3) came from JKW: "I pass books on to friends - keep them going."

That's also good to hear. Do you know what the most common and strongest reason for a person to pick up and read a book by an author she/he hasn't read before is?
Word of mouth--that means that people telling people is what sells books!

Ellen Too replied to 3. with "Read it then put it on my special keeper shelf." That's so wonderful, Ellen! Thanks. Every author hopes she will write books that people will deem "Keepers"--those books that remain with us and are reread. (I'm always so happy when I DON'T see my books at garage sales and Goodwill!)

Aus Jenny wrote-"The ones that are signed to me I have kept but often have shared them. Others are or will end up in the Church library or if its a must keep in my library to share. I also normally will post a review on my blog and other places."

Now that's what I often do with books I read. I give them either to our smalltown (1 room) library or to our church library.

And the final sentence of of AusJenny's reply--She posts reviews of the books she received.

That's one of the main reasons that authors and publishers give away books. We hope that if you like the book:
A- you will post a review of it on your blog OR
B- you will post a review of it on Amazon.com or Christianbook.com or BN.com

A few other commenters said that they do post reviews of books. And you know you don't have to get fancy with reviews, click a rank and say what you liked.

I know I appreciate a reader who does this. My September book has no reviews up yet on any sites. (HINT-HINT) GRIN.

Anyway, I'm not done with this recap of those questions I asked in September. Soon I'm going to start visiting the blogs that the people who left comments recommended.

BTW, if you drop by the Craftie Ladies blog, you'll read what a special day this is for me!

Book Monday-Author Trish Perry & The Perfect Blend

A little about The Perfect Blend by Author Trish Perry. Here's Trish:

"Steph Vandergrift left everything to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, who then stood her up at the altar. Too embarrassed to return home, Steph hopes to earn enough to get by until she can decide what to do next. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel hires her and appreciates the extra help at the tea shop. Also appreciative of Steph is Kendall James, one of the kindest, most eligible bachelors in the area. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her run-away fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always blended so well. Christie Burnham, the frank-talking equestrian from whom Steph rents a room, and her frillier sister Liz become fast friends and confidantes to Steph. Between the two sisters, there isn't much any man is going to pull over on Middleburg's newest bachelorette and tea shop employee.



A little about Trish: Award-winning novelist Trish Perry has written The Perfect Blend (2010), Sunset Beach (2009), Beach Dreams (2008), Too Good to Be True (2007), and The Guy I’m Not Dating (2006), all for Harvest House Publishers. Her monthly column, “Real Life is Stranger,” appeared in Christian Fiction Online Magazine during its inaugural year. She was editor of Ink and the Spirit, the newsletter of Washington D.C.’s Capital Christian Writers organization (CCW), for seven years. Before her novels, Perry published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media. She will release several new books in 2011. Perry holds a B.A. in Psychology, was a 1980s stockbroker, and held positions at the Securities and Exchange Commission and in several Washington law firms. She serves on the Board of Directors of CCW and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She invites you to visit her at www.trishperry.com"