Clicks, Hicks and Ugly Sticks—A Review

Clicks CoverCliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks, by K.D. Mc Crite is the second in the Confessions of April Grace series about a middle-school girl traversing the difficult years between elementary and high school. She must deal with a variety of challenges, including a snooty neighbor who moves in with April’s family, an old friend who is now the queen of the popular girls, a Christmas play she wants nothing to do with, and the coming of a new sibling. Oh brother, as if middle school wasn’t hard enough.

Yet April Grace does it with … well … grace. No, she is not some little Stepford child who behaves and never complains, but when the chips are down, those who know her best know they can count on her.

What I like best about this story is the main character, April Grace. I can relate to someone who wants to do what’s best. And yet, maybe complains a little along the way. The supporting cast is real and relatable, too. I recognize them in my own life.

My only wish it that there were more of a united theme to latch onto that carried throughout the story. But maybe that’s just how middle school life is, just a girl trying to make sense of it all.

I received this book for free from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program in return for an honest review.

http://www.booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9781400318261

Other Reviews you might like:

Split Ends

Carrying Mason

In Between

And don’t forget to subscribe (top left) to get reviews and inspirations on a regular basis.

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A Writer’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

Give me the strength today to pen the words you want written on the page, the knowledge and wisdom to convey the message You desire for the reader to grasp.

 

 I am weak, but You are strong. Lord, I am helpless and can do nothing without Your mighty power and understanding. You make my fingers move on the keyboard. Without You, I couldn’t even find the letters.

 

You put the words in my heart and allow them to flow through me and onto the page. Without Your knowledge I couldn’t write even the shortest of sentences. And you even placed Spell Check in the program because you know I can’t spell.

 

Help me mold the words into a story that comes from Your heart. Bring healing and hope to any who read it. Put Your emotion and desire within me to convey Your passion. With every word I type, glorify Your name. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Categories: Devotionals | 2 Comments

Stephanie Guerero and Shades of the Orient

Stephanie, welcome to Infinite Characters. Please, tell us about your book.

An action-packed suspense in the exotic Orient.

No one is who they seem…

A classic tale of good versus evil: spies, smugglers and betrayal

The Smuggler

Black Jade is many things… Hiding behind a prominent name by day and a Chinese mask by night, he can be anyone, just not the man he wants to be. Trapped in an ever tightening web of deceit, and pursued relentlessly by the White Dragon (Major Montero) he must choose which man he wants to be. When a way out is offered from a surprising source, will he choose power or let it go?

 The Spy

A Spanish officer, a black market dealer, a shipping executive…

Intelligence officer Philip Montero is skilled at wearing masks to defeat the enemy, but this time he must face the enemy within. When his body betrays him with night terrors, he must unlock the past in order to survive, but time is running out and Black Jade has targeted the woman of his heart.

Betrayed by his family, his fiancé, and his fears, WHO can teach him how to trust again?

The Senorita,

Shipping heiress turned missionary nurse, Francesca McRae is a target everywhere she turns. Desired as an heiress by power-hungry men and hated by the Chinese Boxers for her interference in the culture… she is surrounded by betrayal and hatred. None of her suitors are who they seem, yet one has stolen her heart. When loving others becomes more than she can handle, WHO can she trust?

Where do you turn when life is too much to handle?

There is a God… Who is waiting to be your answer…

What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?

Computer hard drive crashes. The first time I lost 2/3 of my book and had only a paper copy that had to be typed back in. The next time it happened I had backups, but it can make you want to quit. Never give up!  Breaking into the market has been a challenge too.  I finally went through the self-publishing arm of Thomas Nelson (Westbow Press) I have been very happy about it. Again.  Never give up!

What was your inspiration behind “Shades of the Orient”?

Long story short… I found a really amazing quote among some correspondence between American officers involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. The quote stated that if any tale had all the elements of a good story filled with betrayal, power, greed, etc it would be the tale of the Boxer Rebellion. I took the bait, did the research, and the rest is history.
I will add this note however… The entire tale of the Boxer Rebellion is tragic and horrific. Somewhere between 10,000-11,000 Chinese Christians were violently murdered just because they followed the “foreigner’s God”. Many other foreigners were killed just for being foreign. I chose to use the two years leading up to and during the Rebellion as a backdrop to a tale of smuggling, betrayal and romance. I did not want to take away from the tragedy of the real people who suffered and died.

 What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?

I love to write about going beyond forgiveness to actively love those who hurt or betray us or those we love.  What a challenge the Father has given us… one we can only do in His strength, but oh the grace received when we do. James 2:13

What was your favorite part to write?

There are a couple of surprise twists in the story that were a lot of fun to write. Since the story is an espionage there are quite a few “masks” that need to be pulled back. I had the most fun deciding how to “unmask” certain people.
My heart is also in the “romance” of the book. It was important to me to portray the fun and beauty of doing things God’s way contrasted with the devastation of following our own way.

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

One of the many names of God is El-Rohe “God sees”.  I want my readers to know that no matter where you are or what has happened to you… God sees you…really sees you. He knows your hurts and pain, and He will wrap you in His arms and help you turn and show that same love to others. When you get tired of doing right… don’t give up. When you are betrayed and hurt, RUN TO HIS ARMS… NOT AWAY.

Why did you choose to use WestBow Press? Are there any advantages or disadvantages you’ve encountered with self-publishing so far?

I never thought I would consider self-publishing until I discovered Westbow Press. Westbow is a division of Thomas Nelson Bible Publishers, one of the major Christian publishing houses. Thomas Nelson was receiving so many good manuscripts from new authors that they were unable to publish them all. They decided to bring Westbow as an arm in order to give these authors a shot while still monitoring the integrity and tracking the numbers. If a Westbow author is extremely successful, there is the possibility that Thomas Nelson will bring that author under its wing.

There are many advantages, these are just a few:
1.The books are printed on demand, so it makes self-publishing much more affordable.
2. I am now a professional, published author and that opens doors.
3. I owe all the rights to my own book. (Not so with a publishing house)
4. I had a wonderful creative team working with me.
5. I got to price the ebook (Right now its just $.99)
There are a few drawbacks:
1. There is no editor provided.
(I had two hard drives crash and there are newly typed pieces that did not get as much editing as I would have liked)
2. All promotion falls to the author, though advice is given.
3. I did not get to price the hard and soft covers. Books on demand are generally a little higher.

Where is Shades of the Orient available?

Shades of the Orient is available at www.Westbow Press.com, www.Amazon.com,  and www.BarnesandNoble.com

The ebook is just $.99 right now!

What is your favorite color?

Absolutely purple!!! Rich royal purple would be my favorite, but even lavender or periwinkle will do. Red is a close second. I really just love color in general. (The walls of my home are rarely white!)

What do you like to do besides write?
I love to be outside and hike, garden or rock climb. Cooking is also a fun thing for me!

What is your favorite type of cookie?
Cookies in general are my favorite weakness! My newest favorite is peanut butter chocolate chip.
Check out this recipe: WOW!

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
(chocolate chips if desired)
Mix, drop onto cookie sheet, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

What project are you currently working on?

I currently just finished Shades of the Orient, a historical romantic suspense, and now I am starting the sequel. It’s coming together in my head and I can’t wait to get it on paper!

Stephanie has agreed to give away a copy of her book. Please leave a comment to have a chance at this intriguing book.

 

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With This Ring, I … What?—by Connie Almony

 

Time for another Fiction Fun this week. I hope you enjoy my crack at the theme “Unusual Proposal.”  It was actually inspired by how my husband proposed to me. Leave a comment and see if you can guess which parts are true and which are the product my imagination.  

  With This Ring, I … What?

Something gave Jenna a chill. It couldn’t have been the weather outside, because the high that day had been 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It wasn’t the hard-blowing air conditioner at the Blue Lizard Sports Bar, because Jenna had remembered to bring her favorite light pink summer sweater.

It had to be the way Dustin trembled from the moment he picked her up in that old, beat-up Dodge truck. Was he cold? Couldn’t be. He’d just pulled at his collar like it strangled him.

Jenna took in the smell of onion rings as Dustin gave his name to the maître d who seated them right away. Strange. At least ten other groups hovered around the waiting area. And the Blue Lizard didn’t take reservations.

The maître d sat them near the bar. Jack’s station. Dustin’s best friend. That meant he’d be laying out a big tip. Not just because they were “buds,” but Jack’s reputation for hoofing it on busy nights made him indispensable to the management.

Jack approached the table with a white linen napkin draped over his arm and spoke in a terrible British accent. “May I take your order?”

Dustin glared at his friend then quirked a grin. “The usual, Jack. Oh … and a couple of glasses of white wine.”

Jenna bunched her brows. They usually ordered a Diet Coke and a Root Beer.

Dustin smiled in her direction before his attention shifted to the baseball game on the television mounted over the bar. “Ooo!” He winced, clenching his fist. “Struck out again.”

“Dustin.” Jenna reached for his hand. “I thought we were going to talk about us tonight.”

He glanced to her with darting eyes, then back to the game. “Come on, come on … Yeah! Homerun!”

“Here you are, Ma’am.” Jack placed a wine glass in front of Jenna. Then Jack. “Sir.” He actually bowed before trotting away. What’s up with that? Was he fishing for a bigger tip? His car payment must be due.

Dustin’s breaths grew shallow. He rubbed at his thighs like he was in pain and stared straight over Jenna’s head.

“Dustin?” Jenna tried again.

He dropped his gaze to her, expression softening. His eyes lingered on hers. His lips opened. Was he going to murmur sweet nothings? “Drink some wine, Jenna. It’s real good.”

She pursed her lips. How did he know? He hadn’t even tasted it.

He picked up the goblet and turned the glass in his hand. “Look at it. It’s an interesting color.”

White wine. Usual color. Irritation brewed in her gut. Her appetite slipped away.

Dustin rubbed his thighs with more ferocity. Was that sweat on his brow? He turned back to the game. “Foul ball!”

What was with him? He’d never been this annoying in all the years they’d known each other. And he hadn’t rubbed his legs like that since the first time he asked her out.

Uh-oh!

Jenna scanned the restaurant for another clue and caught Jack staring from the bar wearing a grin that made the Cheshire cat look innocent. Couldn’t be.

Was Dustin going to …?

Was Jenna ready for …?

The room turned and the people around her seemed to swim. Suddenly the “special colored” white wine became most appetizing. Maybe it would relax her nerves. She snatched the glass from the table and downed it in one gulp.

Only … it was lumpy. Hard, rounded metal kind of lumpy. With sharp edges in places.

Dustin went pale.

Jenna held her neck. “What did I just swallow?”

Dustin’s jaw hinged, but no words came out. He jumped from the chair and dragged her out of the restaurant muttering something about the hospital.

### 

 

ring and wineFear gripped Dustin. His nerves had been shot waiting for her to find that ring, then she goes and swallows it. Explaining the thing on the way to the emergency room was not how Dustin saw his proposal playing out.

Nor did he imagine the women at the nurse’s station holding their hands to their mouths as he explained to them what happened. He knew it was alarming, but they almost looked like they held back a laugh. He just wanted someone to tell him his dear, sweet, Jenna would live. But they said not a word.

He peered back at the woman he hoped would one day bare his children. She sat in the waiting room chair, beautiful legs crossed, reading People magazine. So strong. So stalwart. Even in the face of death.

Finally, Jenna’s name was called and they were led in the back to an exam room. Another woman appeared wheeling a computer on a cart. She asked Jenna questions about her insurance.

Her insurance!

Didn’t they know she had a very large marquis diamond, mounted over brushed gold, in her gullet that could obstruct her innards? The woman’s lacquered nails clattered along the keyboard.

Finally, a doctor appeared. At least Dustin hoped he was a doctor. He wore a lab coat, a tie and a stethoscope. The shiny scalp spoke of experience. Dustin sighed within, thanking God they hadn’t sent a pimply-faced intern.

Could this man save his Jenna?

Jenna sat on the papered table, whistling and bouncing her foot. She’d be a wonderful mother. Calm through any child’s storm.

The doctor clicked on the computer screen and read the nurse’s notes. His lip curled up. No doubt from concern for his patient.

“I see,” he said on a heavy breath.

“Can you save her, doc?”

He turned to Dustin. The curve of his lip almost appeared as a grin. “I think she’ll live.”

Dustin released all the air from his lungs and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you, sir. Thank you.”

“No problem.” The doctor tapped his pen on the sink counter and turned a narrowed brow on Dustin. “What in the world possessed you to put an engagement ring in a glass of wine?”

Dustin glanced to his girlfriend who seemed to lean forward with expectation. “I wanted to make the proposal memorable.” He stood. “So what happens now?”

bended kneeThe doctor ticked away at the keyboard watching the words appear in his notes. “You get your wish. Over the next 24 to 48 hours,” he peeked over his glasses at Jenna, “you and your possible fiancé, there, get to partake in a very memorable treasure hunt.” He looked down his nose at the screen. “But once you find the prize,” his face twisted in a grimace, “try the bended knee approach.”

Which parts do you think actually happened to me? Leave a comment with your guess.

Related Posts:

An Unusual Proposal

A Painted Man

A Doctor’s Folly

… And don’t forget to subscribe to Infinite Characters via email and have the fun sent to your email box. See the top right corner of this website.

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June Foster – Debut Novelist – Part One

In lovely Georgia, I cannot wait for the first signs of spring. Then I walk out on my porch, dust off the rockers and visit with dear company.

Today is truly special because my friend and debut author, June Foster and her hubby, Joe have parked their RV on my lawn to chat about her new book, “Give Us This Day.”

Welcome, June, Joe.  I have some sugar free scones for you Joe.  You can go watch some sports with my hubby down in the man cave while, June I visit a bit.

Vanessa: So June, comfy in the wicker rocker?

June: Yes, but do you have some of that sweet tea. I hear it’s everywhere in Georgia.

Vanessa: I have a glass pitcher  just for you.

After a lip-smacking slurp, we begin the interrogation.

Vanessa: Now what made you want to leave the retired life and start a brand new career, a full-time writer?

June: It does sound a little crazy. I was a happy grandma doing scrap-booking and card making. Then the Lord opened up my heart and put a story inside. When I told my daughter about the tale, she made the casual remark that I should write it. I got zapped. The spark I needed. 

I read every “how to” book I could get my hands on, joined ACFW and scribes, and started writing. I didn’t intend to make a career out of it, but since I work about ten hours a day, it’s starting to look like a career.

Vanessa: Where do your characters come from? Pure imagination, a compilation of people you know?

June: My characters come from my imagination, however, many of their traits and situations come from people I know, including myself.

Vanessa: What draws you to write the romance genre as opposed to mystery or historical?

June: A great question. I don’t know. Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I never even read romance until I started writing it. I was a fan of end time fiction such as the Left Behind Series.

Vanessa: You’ve been coined as a writer who can make the ordinary seem extraordinary or dare I say it, sexy.  What is your secret for making the anti-hero, the hero in your books?

June: I believe that there is a connection between godly sexuality and spirituality. Most of my heroes are Christians or are heading in that direction. Like David in the Old Testament, they have a heart for God even though they are not perfect. Because my heroes are in love with the Lord first, the heroines perceives that when the heroes reach out to them.  The heroines are able to look into the heroes’ souls and see their godliness and thus their appeal.

Here’s a little excerpt from Give of This Day:

Jess held out his hand toward the brown leather couch. “Please. Sit down.”

“Jess, I’m so sorry I barged in on you like this. It’s just… It’s just I…” Another tear escaped. “Please forgive me. I thought something was wrong with you. I pictured you unconscious on the floor.” She covered her face with her hands.

He scooted next to her, drawing her toward him. “Shh, Holly. It’s okay. I’m not mad or anything.” Somehow, he had to forge ahead. He pulled away and reached in his back pocket for his handkerchief. “Take this.”

She dabbed at her eyes and lifted her gaze to him. “Jess, I’ve wanted to talk to you as well. I need to tell you how much I care about you, and something about… my past. It could change everything. You may not want to ever see me again.”

Jess cringed. Dear Lord. She’ll think I don’t want to see her again because of whatever she has to tell me. I can’t allow it. She’ll think it’s because of her I need to call this off.

“Holly, before you go on, I need to tell you something about me.” He faced her. “This will change everything, I’m afraid.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I care about you.”

“Jess, I care about you, too. I know we haven’t talked about it, but I’ve fallen in love with you.”

“Holly, don’t. There’s no future for us. That’s what I wanted to tell you.”

Holly’s eyes widened. “But why, Jess?” She dabbed her face again with his handkerchief. “I don’t understand. Maybe it’s because you don’t feel the same way.”

“I want to tell you I’m in love with you, too, but I can’t. It’s best we don’t see each other anymore.”

Holly’s tears turned into sobs. “I don’t know what my future would be like if I thought you weren’t a part of it. Whatever it is, please, let’s just work it out. I love you.” Her hands covered her eyes as her shoulders shook.

Her pleas tore at his heart. He embraced her again, and her arms slid around his shoulders as her tears soaked his shirt. How could he do this to her? “Holly, you’d be miserable with me. I’m not all you think I am. I have an addiction, to food and before this, I drank too much.”

“I’ve never seen you drink.” She put his handkerchief under her eye.

“I know. Ridding myself of one addiction made room for the other.”

“There are groups. You can get help for those things. I can help you. Jess, it’s not the end of the world.” She pleaded with him.

Jess longed to take her hand, but he didn’t. “That’s not all. My health isn’t good. I couldn’t ask you to give yourself to someone who may die at an early age. As much as I want you, desire to have you in my life, I can’t. My family’s dysfunctional. My life is a mess. Why would you want to settle for me?” If she’d give him a reason to believe they could make it work, he’d fold, give into his desires.

“What about the ‘for better or worse’ promise people make to each other?” She stared at him, expectation in her eyes.

“We’re not married. I can’t change, Holly. This addiction has encroached on me, and I don’t see any way out. It’s best you be rid of me before we make any promises.” His throat tightened.

Her voice softened as she gazed at him. “Do I need to remind you with God all things are possible?”

“Don’t you think I’ve pleaded with Him hundreds of times? He hasn’t answered my prayers. He feels so distant to me now. That isn’t likely to change with my continued disobedience.” His mouth fell open at his own words. The truth had come out. He was too entrenched in his addiction to change even when it meant losing the woman he loved.

Holly shook her head. “Don’t say that.”

“I can’t ask you to strap yourself to a fat slob. If we were to marry, I cringe at the thought of what you’d say if you saw my body. It’s not a pretty sight. It’s obese and misshapen.”

“Jess.” She gazed at him with sad eyes.

“You’re so beautiful. Your shape is so lovely.” Jess lowered his forehead into his hands.

Holly took a breath and blew it out in a steady stream. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. You honestly think you’re the only one whose body isn’t perfect.”

*****

Holly reached down and untied the shoe string of her left tennis shoe. Could she really do this?

“What are you doing?” His questioning look accelerated the nervous pangs in her stomach.

Holly lifted a restraining hand to him and continued her work. With an unsteady grip, she pulled her sock off exposing the curved metal of her prosthetic limb.

Jess stared, his eyes the size of large plates. “Oh, good Lord, Holly. What happened?”

Holly folded her jeans up to her knee exposing the entire device. She released the suction holding the hollow plastic casing over her knee stump and removed the entire leg, setting it next to the couch.

Her heart thundered as she dared a glance at Jess.

He sat motionless, his eyes wide open. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I thought you’d reject me if you knew. Now do you see? You’re not the only one with a flawed body.” Holly leaned back against the couch, her stub barely meeting the end of the seat. Her palms were like ice. She took the risk and showed him. No turning back now. He’d always know.

Jess’s voice was barely a whisper. “You haven’t told too many people.”

“No. Only my family and Dr. Murphy know. Zack, too. I was riding on the back of his motorcycle when the accident happened.”

“Holly, I don’t know what to say.” He gazed at her with woeful blue eyes.

She wiped away another stream of endless tears. “After I came to know you, I figured you’d love me in spite of it. That’s the kind of man you are. I didn’t know how to tell you until now.”

Jess eased off the couch and slowly knelt in front of her. He folded her jeans a little higher, gazed at her with eyes of love and compassion, then bent down.

She gasped.

He lowered his lips to the stub and kissed it, then gazed up at her again.

“I can’t believe you did that. I love you for it.”

Jess blinked, a grimace painted on his face. With a groan, Jess moved back onto the couch with her. He slid his arms around her. “You’re right. It would’ve made no difference in how I feel about you, but this makes things even more difficult.”

Purchase from Amazon  or Barns & Noble or Desert Breeze.

Next week: Another excerpt and more sweet tea. Many some diabetic apple pie.

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June Foster’s Announcement

 

Today I’d like to announce an exciting event which has taken place in my life – publication of my debut novel Give Us This Day. In my post on November 25, 2011, I shared how it came about so I won’t repeat myself. Please check out the story under the heading On My Mind.

Give Us This Day is the first of my Bellewood Series with Desert Breeze Publishing Company. The stories are set in the Seattle area where I lived for ten years. I love this first book because my hero finds freedom through the power of God for his eating addiction and a young woman learns to forgive herself.

 The book can be downloaded to any e-reader from Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony Readerstore, Apple’s ibookstore, All Romance ebooks, Christianbook.com, Books on Board ibookstore and Desert Breeze Publishing Company.

Categories: Announcements | 2 Comments

Firethorn—A Review

firethornbook

Phew! <dramatic arm across brow> What a wild ride!

I just read the final installment of Ronie Kendig’s Military Thriller Series, Discarded Heroes,and it was … well … thrilling.

Firethorn starts off with the Nightshade team in shambles. Their headquarters, The Shack, is blown to smithereens, the team scattered by those who want to make them suffer, and Griffin Riddell is in jail for murder. How can they save themselves when each is imprisoned and there is no team to extricate them?

In walks Kazi Faron, who plucks them from oblivion, one-by-one. But is she really there to help, or does she have an agenda of her own? You’ll have to read it to find out.

I love saying that!

I must admit, I am a Kendig fan. I have not been disappointed by a single book yet. And though, there is an element that reminds me of the scene in the movie, Speed, where the bus leaps up over a gap in the highway with no apparent ramp—extra-ordinary—I just plain don’t care. It’s about the ride, and I love the adrenaline. This is fiction after all.

But it’s deeper than that. The reason I am not just a Kendig fan, but also a Discarded Heroes fan is that this series shines a much needed light on some of the needs of our men and women in the armed forces. These are the heroes of our world. The ones who keep our nation free and too often pay a heavy price in doing so. Ms. Kendig also reminds the reader that true healing of the inner scars of war come from a real and deep relationship with Christ.

A word of caution to those slackers—I mean—people who haven’t read the first three books. You’ll be meeting a lot of characters in a short period of time. And even for one who’s read the others, it’s a lot to keep track of. This malady, however, can be prevented by reading the series in order, so you can be introduced to the entire team and their families one at a time.

Oh bother! That means you’ll have to read four really cool novels instead of one. <sigh> A chore indeed. <tongue planted firmly in cheek>

So what are you waiting for? You’re still loitering about reading this silly review. Go buy the book. Just make sure you strap on your seat belt before you open it.

Here are some more of my favorites:

Seasons in the Mist

A Most Unsuitable Match

In Between

… And don’t forget, if you’d like to receive reviews, Christian author interviews, short fiction by our authors and other inspirations on a regular basis, subscribe to us by email. It’s on the top, left corner of this website.

Categories: Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Contemporary, Current Books, Fiction, Hero, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Please Welcome Sherri Johnson

I’d like to introduce Sherri Wilson Johnson. She started the journey to publication several years ago, and in God’s time, is now realizing her dream come true. 

SHERRI has enjoyed creative writing since she was a young girl and has always loved spending summer vacations at the beach. To Dance Once More is a culmination of those two loves. A special project originating from Sherri’s love of pure romance, and inspired by the love stories of her ancestors, To Dance Once More sets out hoping to prove that true love still exists. Sherri candidly speaks of the purity of not only the heroine, but also the hero, and wholeheartedly desires to point others to Jesus through her words.

Sherri has been married since 1988 and has homeschooled her children since 1997. She lives in Georgia with her family and pets. She is a graduate of the Christian Writers Guild writing course and has been published in Creation Illustrated magazine, The Link Homeschool newspaper, Homeschooling Today’s Homeschooling Helper, and The Writing Academy’s Daily Devotions for Writers. Sherri has written two Inspirational Romances in addition to To Dance Once More, two self-published Bible study guides, and various other resources for homeschoolers and churches.

Sherri, please tell us a little about yourself and your book.

I am Sherri Wilson Johnson. I live in Georgia with my husband, children and dogs. I love to make people laugh and I talk a LOT. Writing is my favorite pastime and, fortunately, I have been able to see my dream of publication come true. I write non-fiction and homeschool resources also, but fiction is my true love.

To Dance Once More is a special project originating from my love of pure romance, and inspired by the love stories of my ancestors. It sets out hoping to prove that true love still exists. I candidly speak of the purity of not only the heroine, but also the hero, and wholeheartedly desire to point others to Jesus through my words. It is set in Victorian Florida, which is a combination of two of my favorite things—the beach and Victorian times. Of course, there has to be more to a novel than just the romance and so there is betrayal, sacrifice and a bitter enemy that Lydia must overcome.

Here’s a short excerpt from To Dance Once More: “Tell her what you do in the city, Father,” Eliza suggested.

“I fear my daughters romanticize my work a bit too much, Kathryn. I run a
modest lumber and turpentine business. I am hoping one day Nathan will work
with me, and possibly even a son-in-law or two.” He shrugged his graying
eyebrows at his daughters. All the girls except Lydia giggled.

Lydia noticed how he cheered at the thought of sons-in-law. “That is if I
get married. The only boy I like is Nathan, and he is my brother! I think
marriage is very old-fashioned and limits what women can do with their
lives,” Lydia explained, glancing towards Kathryn.

No one reacted immediately to her well-known response about boys. Kathryn,
new still to the plantation and not quite accustomed to Lydia’s free spirit,
hid her smile with her napkin.

“Now, Lydia. A girl has to marry eventually. How else would she ever support
herself?” Rosalyn finally asked. She chided Lydia with her eyes, as only a
mother could do.

“Mother, I am very resourceful, you know. I will find a way.”

“That kind of talk can get a girl in trouble. You cannot venture out without
a gentleman by your side. A woman cannot make it in the world alone,”
Archibald interjected. He made it clear by his fierce look toward Lydia that
he was through with this kind of independent thinking.

“What about Miss Kathryn, Father?” Lydia knew severe chastisement would
occur for contradicting her father, but she had to ask. After all, her
parents had insulted Kathryn to her face when they said those things about
women.

“Allow me, please, Mr. Barrington,” Kathryn cut in. “Lydia, I am not on my
own. As you see, your father employs me and provides a place for me to live
while I am in his service. This did not happen by itself. I had to receive
my teaching certificate, after much studying, mind you, and I had to have
references from people who knew me well before I could even imagine having
work like this. Although I am not married, I do not consider myself an
independent woman. I am very dependent upon the good graces of your family.
And I have very little to call my own.”

Lydia blushed at her own naïveté. “I never really thought of it like that,
Miss Kathryn. I see your point.” She paused thoughtfully, then added,
“However, I still am not going to marry someone wealthy just so I can travel
the world. I’ll find another way.”

That sounds interesting, Sherri, now tell us three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

1. I am really bad at finishing projects. A long time ago, I gave up on sewing projects, home decorating, and volunteering for long-term projects or projects that required a lot of planning. Writing novels seems to be the only thing I actually stick to long enough to complete. I did, however, homeschool my children all the way through high school.

2. I can write and edit more than one project at a time. I easily switch back and forth from my historical novels to my contemporary novels with no problem.

3. My favorite animal is the Bengal tiger and I would love to hug one someday.

Hugging a tiger? I shudder, but remembering my homeschooling days, maybe you are brave enough. LOL! As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?

I dreamed of being an author for as long as I can remember. At first, I wanted to be a reporter and then a newscaster because I loved the excitement of digging into the happenings of society. I always dreamed up stories and could never quite exchange them for the real life stories in the news, so I decided to stick with fiction.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I answered this question in another interview and it seemed to strike people as quite funny. So I will tell the story again. I have a twelve year old Labrador who at times loves to bark like crazy. A few years ago I bought a bark collar for her to stop her from barking. It wasn’t working so I decided to see if something was wrong with the collar. I placed the little booger on my own throat and barked. To my horror, the collar worked quite well and shocked me ferociously.

Oh, that is funny is a sort of scary way. I can’t even imagine! How many books do you have published and where can they be found?

My debut novel, To Dance Once More (OakTara), was released in September 2011 and can be found on Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, and many other websites and in stores upon request. You can find links to these stores at my website, www.sherriwilsonjohnson.com . My second novel, Song of the Meadowlark (OakTara), comes out in May. I am currently writing the sequel to To Dance Once More.

Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.

I recently wrote a blog about my publication journey. Rather than sharing all of that here, I offer the link to that blog post: http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/2011/09/09/my-road-to-publication/

Sherri, I read your “journey” and it is inspiring. Well worth reading. What inspired you to write this particular book?

This book is about selflessness, surrender, and seeking God’s will for your life. The theme of this and my other novels revolves around the purity of both my heroine and hero. I have worked with teens for years and have witnessed the baggage that they carry with them when they do not remain pure. I long to encourage my readers (both young and old/married or single) to live a life of purity and to feel the hope of forgiveness when they do not.

That is a wonderful and much needed theme in our books and in our lives. How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I started writing To Dance Once More in 1993! It went through many rewrites and critiques and sat on a shelf while I worked on other novels. Finally in 2008, I received a contract.

Where do you get ideas for your books?

My brain is always in motion. I don’t sleep very many hours at night for dreaming up new story ideas. I watch crime shows and also Jane Austen movies and a good mix in between. I guess my ideas come from those places. I also read a lot and that helps to stimulate my creativity.

Isn’t it amazing how many ideas are there if we just look? Are you a plotter, a pantster, or somewhere in between, and can you elaborate on your answer?

I am a plotter initially. I love to draw up an outline and to clip photos from magazines that represent my characters. I look up baby names to find names that relate to the personalities of my characters. But then, once that’s all planned out, I fly by the seat of my pants. I jump around from one chapter to another and then go back and complete sections that just didn’t flow the first time.

What is your writing schedule and where do you write?

I write eighteen hours a day between what I actually put down and what I concoct in my head. Sometimes I am at my desktop in front of the window. Sometimes I am at my laptop on the sofa with my Chihuahua by my side. And sometimes I am in the bed writing into the wee hours of the night with a pen and pad or emailing my main computer from my phone.

That’s a lot of hours. But was another writer, I have no problem believing you. Do you have to juggle writing with a job, family responsibilities or other obligations? How do you balance it?

In 1997, I began homeschooling my children and just finished in 2011. I have also worked several stay-at-home jobs throughout the years (church secretary, bookkeeper, legal transcriptionist) while I homeschooled. Writing often had to take the backseat, but never did I give up.

Does your faith affect your writing? How?

One thing I vowed from the very beginning was that I would never write anything that would shame my dad, who was a preacher, but mainly that would shame my heavenly Father. Because God has been so amazing to me throughout the years and has never left me in the midst of my trials, I can’t help but season my writing with my faith.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Do not give up. Take classes. Keep practicing. Get critiques. Read in your genre. Just do it!

Very good advice. Where can fans find you or your books on the internet?

http://sherriwilsonjohnson.com/to-dance-once-more/

http://www.christianbook.com/to-dance-once-more/sherri-johnson/9781602902862/pd/902862?item_code=WW&netp_id=961019&event=ESRCG&view=details

http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Once-Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/dp/1602902860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317834254&sr=8-1

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Dance-Once-More/Sherri-Wilson-Johnson/9781602902862?id=5209476941309

Sherri, thank you for allowing Infinite Characters to interview you. Sherri is giving away a free copy of her book To Dance Once More to someone who comments below. Please let her know you’re been here. I think you’ll enjoy her book. Check out the above links to learn more about this book and to obtain your own copy.

If you enjoy meeting new authors and reading about what they are writing, especially historical romances, you might also enjoy this interview: http://infinitecharacters.com/2011/10/05/welcome-darlene-franklin-to-infinite-characters/

Categories: Author Interviews, Current Books | 7 Comments

Important Announcement

 Vanessa Riley’s partners can’t wait another minute to make our announcement. Our fellow writer on Infinitive Characters has just signed a contract for her regency romance, Madeline’s Protector with White Rose Publishing Company. We are all so proud of you. God bless you, and we wish you many sales.

 

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An Unusual Proposal

We authors at Infinite Characters love our Fiction Fun series. I’m kicking off the first of our new topic – an unusual proposal. It’s so fun to see the individuality of this project – each author’s story different from the others.

 

                                                                                                                      

 

Bethany couldn’t miss Mark anymore than she did now. She longed for his arms around her and his lips on hers. Three months since he’d left for Europe.

 

What had he said? “When your boss sends you to foreign countries on a facts-finding mission, you can’t exactly refuse.”

 

She agreed though she didn’t have to like it. Even now the vision of her tall, muscular boyfriend danced in her mind, and her pulse tripped.

 

She swung the bedroom door around to stand in front of her floor-length mirror on the wall and smoothed her royal-blue silk dress. Her long auburn hair touched her shoulders and the light makeup she’d applied would do. Bethany had to look her best tonight.

 

She rushed down the stairs of her two bedroom condo, her cat, Furball, scampering in front of her. Her flowery perfume should catch Mark’s attention when he arrived. She glanced at her watch, and her heart pounded out of her chest. Twenty more minutes.

 

Excitement ran through Bethany like lightening—her wait almost over. Her heart warmed when Mark said he’d come directly to her apartment from the airport without even stopping to take his suitcase home. He couldn’t wait another minute to see her, his email said.

 

She switched on the computer in the small downstairs office. One more time she’d take a look at the pictures he’d sent her from Spain, Germany, and even France. Her breath caught when she thought about how he took time from his hectic schedule to send her photos.

 

Bethany looked around her spacious apartment. Only thing wrong - she dwelled alone, so many dreary, solitary nights. She wanted a roommate.  Not the female type but Mark—as her husband.

 

She tapped her toes as she waited for the computer to boot up. Would he ever propose? She’d certainly dropped a couple of hints. Like the time they went shopping for her best friend’s wedding gift. He helped her pick out a waffle iron, and when he questioned if her friend would like it, she’d told him every married woman needed one. But did he catch her meaning when she’d implied she wanted one of those appliances soon? Mark had merely poked around in the coffee maker section.

 

 Then there was the evening they’d gone to Romano’s for dinner, and she told him how she’d read in a magazine that married people lived longer lives. She wasn’t sure it even sunk in because he just nodded, turned the page on the menu, and told her the eggplant parmesan was delicious.

 

The computer screen flickered with light so she clicked on her photo gallery. She scrolled to the first picture— her gorgeous boyfriend standing in front of Frankfurt Central Train Station. He held an enormous grin on his lips and a piece of cardboard in his hands. But what kind of greeting was that? Mark was always so creative. Saying hello in German. She stared at the words again. Heirate mich. He looked so happy—must’ve found a market for his boss’s software there.

 

She moved her curser to the next picture and enlarged it. Her heart pounded. Mark in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. How she wished she could be by his side as he held the welcoming words in French—mˋ épouser.

 

She gazed at the last picture—from Spain. Though the Spaniards knew well what cásate conmigo meant, she didn’t have a clue. Had it been hot that day? Mark had his hand to his brow as he stood in front of a bull ring in his short sleeve shirt.

 

Bethany kissed the tip of her finger and placed it on Mark’s lips in the last picture. Furball purred as she rubbed up against Bethany’s ankles. “You’re anxious to see him, too, aren’t you little kitty?”

 

With a glance to her watch, her pulse raced. Seven. Mark said he’d try to make it by that time. Where was he taking her tonight? Maybe he’d translate the words in the pictures. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of her doorbell. Furball skittered toward the kitchen.

 

She moistened her lips and turned from Mark’s pictures on the computer. Soon she’d be engulfed in his strong, warm arms.

 

She ran to the door, opened it, and grabbed the door frame to keep from falling when her knees gave out. Mark stood on her front porch. In his hands he held a sign like she saw in each of the pictures. But this time she comprehended the words.

 

With a grin on his face, he held the sign up. “Well, will you?”

 

Bethany read the words out loud. “Marry me.” She gulped. “You mean…is that what the other signs said?”

 

Mark nodded with a sly grin.

 

“Oh, Mark. Ja. Oui. Sí.” The only words she knew in the three languages—yes.

 

Mark set the poster board down on her front porch and pulled her against his chest in a hug. His lips met hers for a long delicious moment. Then he moved back a step and gazed into her eyes. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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