The 2008 Golden Heart Inspirational Finalists-----Part 2

SEEKERVILLE Welcomes Keli and Denise

Meet Keli Gwyn

March 25, 2008 will stand out in my memory. I didn’t expect to receive a call from RWA®. Tears came to my eyes when Terri Reed said two of my entries were finalists in the Golden Heart®: Addie’s Choice and Love in Bloom. Although I was in shock, I grabbed pen and paper to jot some notes. I’m glad I did, or I wouldn’t be able to recall half of what she said.

When I began writing two years ago, I was drawn to romances. Many a night some talented romance author has kept me up until the wee hours. I write for the inspirational market because Christian romances are what I enjoy. I think readers hunger for something deep, something that helps them make sense of lives filled with overbooked schedules, constant stress and guilt for not having it all together. For me, my faith fills that need, so I weave a spiritual element into my characters' lives.

My five historical romances are about godly women of yesteryear who deal with challenges to their faith. The situations women faced in the 1870s may be different than those of today, but the themes transcend time. Some of my characters need to forgive, others to trust, still others to discover God’s plan for their lives. It’s my hope that a reader who journeys with my characters as they struggle to learn the lessons the Lord has for them will gain useful insights she can apply to her own life. I have a heart for hurting women. If my books help even a single person, I would feel that I'd done something worthwhile.

I applaud each woman who’s entered a contest. It takes courage to submit our work to be judged. It's disappointing when our entries don't final. I have two drawers full of entries that didn't. I'm learning there’s always room for improvement. No matter how many times I read my manuscripts, I find things I could do better. I strive to learn the craft, but I also believe it's important for a writer to stay true to her voice and the stories she’s been given.

I’d enjoy hearing from you. What do you write and why? How do you deal with the hills and valleys that are part of a writer’s life? What are ways God has surprised you on your journey to publication?

You can contact me via keligwyn.blogspot.com

Meet Denise Meinstad

I've had a passion for books since the second grade when I discovered Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I wrote my first book, a mystery, at age thirteen and have been writing ever since.

I'm a member of RWA, Midwest Fiction Writers, Northern Lights Writers and Faith, Love and Hope. My current manuscript, This Time Forever is a contemporary inspirational romance. In 2006, This Time Forever took first place in the inspirational category of the Winter Rose Contest and is currently a finalist in RWA's 2008 Golden Heart Contest.


Here is a brief description of This Time Forever:
Libby Cunningham's dream has finally come true. She's found the daughter her father forced her to give up for adoption sixteen years ago. Libby has never forgiven herself for relinquishing her child, and now she desperately wants to make up for the years they've lost.

Her dream, however, turns into a nightmare when she learns that Amber's natural father, Cash MacKenzie, has custody of her. Years ago, Cash shattered Libby's heart and abandoned her when she needed him the most. Now he holds the key to her future happiness. Can she trust him to do the right thing and cooperate?

From Cash's viewpoint, Libby couldn't have chosen a worse time to show interest in her daughter. Amber is like Libby at that age—strong willed and independent. The last thing he needs is interference from the woman who gave up her own child. What guarantee does he have that Libby won't lose interest and leave Amber again? For years, he's struggled to forgive Libby for running away from her problems--and him. He wonders if God is using her to force him to come to terms with the past. Worse yet, he's afraid that the excitement of finding her mother will draw Amber toward Libby—and away from him.

I live on six wooded acres in East Bethel, Minnesota with my husband, Steve and my cat, Mocha. I love to read, write, study and travel.