Not only is Vannetta published with Abingdon, but she also has a 3-book contract with Zondervan! Yes, she must be doing something right. I'll be sharing her brand new title for the first book in that series at the end of her post. So please grab your coffee or tea and settle in to hear from this new and successful author...
Doing Your Homework
Vannetta Chapman
Why is it we all still cringe at the word HOMEWORK? I’m a 47 year old woman. (Yeah, I’m proud of my age.) I’m a full time public school teacher, and an adjunct professor, and even I wince at the thought of homework. Nonetheless, I fully believe if you want to become a published author, or if you want to be picked up by a bigger publishing house, or if you want a 3 book deal from your publisher instead of the 1 book deal you have – you need to do your homework.
When I was completing my Masters degree in English, I had a graduate advisor who gave me some sage advice. “Most scholarship applications are rejected because they’re not filled out correctly. If you don’t bother to read the directions … if you don’t do the homework necessary for the application, you don’t deserve the scholarship funds. The good news is, if you do the homework, you’re already in the top 10%.” Those words have stayed with me through the last 12 years, and I believe they are the reason that my first inspirational release is a CBD bestseller this month, and they’re also the reason I have a 3 book contract with Zondervan which will begin releasing next year. I did my homework.
So what does that mean? How does it translate to writing? We all need to spend time in the chair, fingers on the keyboard, and I’m a big advocate of writing so many words a day. But I also think it’s pretty futile if you haven’t done some prep work.
1. Genre study. You probably know what you like to write. Now you need to spend a few hours finding out what’s already out there. Open up an excel spread sheet, go to Amazon, and do a survey of what books have released recently. Note the titles, the settings, and the blurbs (or short synopses). It’s important to know what’s hot in your genre right now for several reasons: you don’t want to write 85,000 words on a story line that has already sold, you want a feel for what types of stories readers like, and you need to become familiar with the market in general. I had another professor who said that with any type of publishing you are entering a conversation. Stop and listen for a minute. Figure out what is being said--and what isn't, then jump in. I think that’s excellent advice, and I think that’s largely why I’ve experience some success.
2. Style study. Once you’ve done your genre study, I recommend going to the library and checking out the books that appealed to you the most. Okay, I might not CHECK THEM OUT. Personally, I sat down with a pad of paper and a pen (not a computer—it’s too distracting), and I read the first chapter or first 3 pages of each book. Harsh? Yes, but so are editors and agents. I made notes about what appealed to me and what didn’t. I forced myself to move on. It was quite eye-opening. Now I starred the entries where I wanted to go back and read the entire book, but I didn’t let myself do it right then. For one thing, I have a fear of copying other voices in my genre. So I only READ in my genre, when I’m not actively WRITING in my genre, but that’s a pet peeve of mine.
3. People study. As I was looking at each book, I took a quick peek at acknowledgements. If the author noted their editor’s or agent’s name I wrote it down. If you don’t currently have an agent, I suggest contacting one early, especially if you have another manuscript that is completed. No, an agent isn’t necessary, but in my experience, they are worth their weight in gold. As far as editors, you now have the names of editors that specifically like the kinds of books that most appeal to you. This is like a box of treasure. If you have an agent, when you finish your book, ask her to submit it to these houses first. If you don’t have an agent, send it to these houses first yourself.
4. Fun Study. Notice I haven’t mentioned doing research ABOUT your story. Probably when I said homework, that’s what you were envisioning. I think a well-researched story is important to being published, but I also think it slows down a lot of writers. A manuscript that could be written in 4 months, takes a year instead. You’re a writer—so write. I’m a bit compulsive, so I have an excel spreadsheet, and I decide ahead of time how many words I’m going to write a day (usually 1,000 words a day, 5 days a week). If I make my word count, then I can spend time researching. While I’m writing, if I don’t know something, I highlight it and keep going. I never stop in the middle of writing to research. I’m not advocating sloppy writing, but I think THAT sort of research can become a type of procrastination. Let’s face it, researching the details of our story is FUN. It’s a bit like recess, and you don’t get to do that until you’ve finished your day’s work.
I hope this helps everyone find a way to the publishing contract they’ve envisioned for years. In the last few weeks, I’ve had many people say to me, “You’re doing it. You’re living your dream.” I fully realize how true those words are. Every night I thank the Lord. Every morning I write in my gratitude journal, then I grab a mug of coffee, boot up my computer, and do my homework.
Vannetta
Missy again. Vannetta just found out the title of her upcoming release from Zondervan and wanted to share this new info with you:
A Shipshewana Amish Mystery
You can find Vannetta at:
Vannetta's at school right now so won't be able to hang out with us until later this afternoon. Apparently, schools don't like to pay teachers to hang out on Blogger, so they block it. Imagine that! :-) But please jump in and leave comments and questions! And don't forget to mention if you'd like to be entered in a drawing for A Simple Amish Christmas.
Links to the FREE download!
Well, I waited up to see if we had any midnight posters, and then it hit me that I think I forgot to have the post go up at midnight! I think I did 3 am like I do my other group blogs. Tina, did you do me a favor and make this post early?? :)
ReplyDeleteI'll set the coffee pot to brew for you early risers. I'll probably see you around 7 am.
Night!
Missy:
ReplyDeleteThe coffee and tea pots are ready.
Vannetta:
Oops, sounds like I've been doing it wrong.
The thing that jumped out at me was when you said "So I only READ in my genre, when I’m not actively WRITING in my genre,..."
I've made it a point to read romances when I'm writing romance, mysteries when I'm writing mystery.
My thinking was to be in the right (write) mental mode.
Helen
Vanetta, I read A Simple Amish Christmas last week and was charmed by Annie's story. (It was a perfect start for a Christmas-themed reading "challenge" I'm following.) Thanks for your helpful advice about the kind of homework that will help hopeful writers be successful. And I look forward to those books you contracted to write!
ReplyDeleteHi Missy - this was splendid - thank you for inviting Vannetta!
ReplyDeleteHi Vannetta- this truly resonated with me, especially Let’s face it, researching the details of our story is FUN. It’s a bit like recess, and you don’t get to do that until you’ve finished your day’s work.
Did you hear that THWACK with the rule from there?
Thanks, I needed that! Please enter me - I'd love to enjoy this story, after I get my homework done of course! may at maythek9spy dot com
and please enter me for the 5 page critique if you would too.
Seekerville, I'm thankful for each of you!
Vanetta, gut morgen!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for touching on some great points here, and I couldn't agree more. Doing that homework is a big keystroke toward achieving the dream, and I'm so proud of your accomplishments.
YAY, YOU!!!
And I'm grateful for the free download because you know what? New authors need to get their names OUT THERE, we need to use whatever marketing is begged, borrowed or bought to put ourselves on the board.
Nothing like the word "FREE" to snag attention!
Mmmm.... coffee.... yum.
And we need an Amish breakfast, me Celtic mind thinks, so I'm delving into my Amish cookbook and we're doing:
An assortment of homemade muffins, chopped cherry, blueberry and jam-filled.
Morning Sausage, Egg and Rice casserole.
Buttermilk pancakes because Elias doesn't like the whole wheat variety no matter what is said about heart-healthy diets!
Real maple syrup from Yoder's farm around the bend.
Butter from our two Jersey cows, their milk is for our personal use, and their cream is none such.
Milk, of course, for the liebchen.
And if anyone knows how to withdraw a stain from my cap, I'd be grateful. I've bleached and sunned it, but while faded, it's still there, a most annoying burden with Meg's wedding upon us! It is November, you know, and our patch of celery was a well-tended hint of what will transpire in just days.
:)
What a wonderful post! Thanks Missy for posting and Vannetta for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI was especially struck by the "style study." I know what I like and what I don't like but hadn't applied it for precisely the reasons Vannetta mentions. Now must go back and reread my favorites to mark and then ponder my own voice.
Please put me in for the book. Christmas and the Amish together in one read. Glorious!
I am going to eat Ruthy's breakfast and then I won't have to eat until Wednesday.
Peace, Julie
Morning, All! I'm so happy we have some early posts! This way we can chat a little before I go to work.
ReplyDeleteHelen, it may be perfectly okay for you to read IN your genre as you're writing ... that's merely a problem for me. I hear books (and authorial voices) in my head as I read them--like echoes. So IN GENERAL, I don't read Amish books while I'm writing Amish books. I might check a book for reference, and I'll read them on weekends when I'm editing or focusing on promo. It might not be a problem for you, since we're all built differently. Thanks for commenting!
Renee Ann, thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed Annie's story. : )
ReplyDeleteKC, did I step on your toes? Hee hee. I LOVE researching ... always have, even before the internet made it easy. It's just so much fun to find out about faraway places and exotic things. It's a GOOD part of our job, but we still have a word count to reach each day. Thanks for posting!
Hi Ruth.
ReplyDeleteI was very pleased that Abingdon chose my title to offer as a free download. That was a huge compliment.
Sorry I can't help with the stain. I'm big on bleach, but you probably don't want to try that unless it's white. : )
Morning. /yawn/ Here's some chocolate chip muffins for anyone who wants some. The really big ones.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info Vanetta! I just DL'd the Kindle version for free! How wonderful! Thank you!
I'm also CPing an Amish story but I don't know that I've ever really read one so we'll see how this all goes :).
And silly schools blocking blogger. Don't they know how important it is. Sheesh. ;)
carol at carolmoncado dot com
Hi, Julie. Glad the post was helpful. After having written 8 other full manuscripts that were NOT purchased (good books too), I decided to take a very logical approach to this one. I think a STYLE STUDY helps. We have to wear a marketing cap before and as we're writing ... and also still allow our voice and heart to shine through. : )
ReplyDeleteCarol, you SAVED me. I need those muffins. : ) Thank you for downloading ASAC. I hope you enjoy it. As far as my school blocking all social media sites ... I get it, but it's still rather inconvenient on my lunch break. I could be WORKING, you know, on work.
ReplyDeleteVannetta,
ReplyDeleteI just read your comment that you had written 8 complete manuscripts before hitting pay dirt with your Amish story.
Do you think those mss are part of the reason you began to resonate with readers? Or are you saying if you had used the method in your post, you would have published almost immediately?
I'm also curious as to how many years ago you started working on that first mss you completed.
Your self-discipline is inspiring! What do you teach? I knowhow time-consuming teaching is. Do you pick up the word count in the summer?
Oops, please put my name in for the book.
ReplyDeletecathy underscore shouse at yahoo
Hi Cathy. Good morning! Actually I think I'll still sell those 8. : ) I'm what you'd call an optimist. But seriously, we're shopping a 3 book romantic suspense right now, and I already have 2 of them completed. They're great stories, but rs hasn't been really hot for the last few years. Some have sold (kudos to you out there if you've sold one) ... but not many.
ReplyDeleteI think I was writing the stories of my heart, but not necessarily what pubs had slots for. There's been much discussion on "writing to the market." I'm not necessarily advocating that. But when your agent asks you to write in a genre, say yes (I said no at first), then PUT the story of your heart in that genre. : ) If you don't have an agent, look around and see what's selling ... be smart about it.
I've been writing novels for 6 years. I write for 2 hours before school and 3-4 hours after school. I don't necessarily advocate that either. It's hard on the wrists and shoulders. I don't know that I pick up the pace in the summer, but I'm focused better and less sleepy!
Good Morning Vannetta,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Seekerville and thanks for giving us such sage advice. Loved the analogy to school since I'm a retired teacher myself. I mean, the research is recess. smile You nailed it.
In fact I'm heading for the Grand Canyon this week to do research for my current wip. Now how can you call that work?????
But you're so right about disciplining yourself to write, write, write and get those words down. Then do the editing, polishing etc.
I loved how you went to the library and read the first three pages. That is so helpful. And inexpensive. No excuse not to do that research.
Have a great day and thanks Missy for bringing Vannetta.
Oh, yay! I'm so glad Vannetta got to drop by!
ReplyDeleteBoy, Helen, unless you're on a different time zone, you were up late--or extremely early! :) Thanks for putting on the coffee and tea for those of us who were still sleeping.
Renee Ann, I'm glad you got to read her story! I'm really looking forward to it. Although after taking a peek, I realized I've read part of it before. Vannetta, did I read that first chapter for Finish the Book? Or maybe I judged it in a contest?? Anyway, I definitely remembered it. Love those memorable characters! :)
LOL, KC. You're welcome for the hand slap. ;)
ReplyDeleteRuthy, I really need that casserole recipe! I'm just so curious about it. I love breakfast casseroles but have never had one with rice in it. Yum! Gotta love having carbs to go with my protein (and fat!). ;0
Good morning, Julie! How's that new grandbaby doing?
I did do that, Missy. The reason is that I get up with insomnia every night at 10 MST or 12 EST.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Vannetta. We are THRILLED TO HAVE YOU HERE!!!
Love your cover and look forward to more Vannetta Chapman books.
Carol M., thanks for the giant muffins! I'll have a half of one with Ruthy's casserole.
ReplyDeleteCathy, thanks for your questions this morning.
Vannetta, I'm impressed with your schedule! But I know you must be dragging with all the promotion you're doing right now. I bet you're looking forward to Christmas vacation! :)
Good morning, Sandra! Man, I'm so jealous you can just take off and head to the Grand Canyon for research! I've never seen it other than flying over (and then I was just guessing that I was seeing it). I bet it's so amazing.
ReplyDeleteTina, thank you! I'm glad you discovered my goof. My other group blogs are set on Pacific or Mountain time zones (or have posters who live in those zones), so I always set my posts for later. :)
ReplyDeleteVannetta, Congratulations on your book's success AND your 3-book contract! I enjoyed meeting you face-to-face in the airport at ACFW this year. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your tips, especially the one about reading the first few chapters. I might just have to set up camp at my local library soon. :)
Sandra, ENJOY the GC. I just turned green. We were there in April and it is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMissy, I'm waving madly. I can't remember where you might have read ASAC. : ) But I"m glad it was memorable. lol.
Tina, Thanks, thanks, thanks. Abingdon did a nice job with the cover.
I'm off to school, ladies. See you in 9 hours. Do NOT eat all that casserole.
I have recently gotten into the Amish genre and have really enjoyed the books I've read. I'm interested in why you chose that genre. Was it a result of your homework or do you have personal experience with the Amish the way some authors do?
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the idea of an Amish mystery series! Can't wait to read those!
Vanetta, thanks for the great advice. And for taking the time to share here.
ReplyDeleteMissy, I would love to be entered in the drawing. :)
I had this casserole at a funeral luncheon...
ReplyDeleteHope that doesn't cast a pall on it, LOL! But since it was soooo good I promise to bring it to your funerals, 'kay????
It's a mix of GOOD rice (I use basmati), country sausage, cheese, eggs, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, and you can toss in chopped carrot, celery, corn, etc as desired.
I think it would also be good with water chestnuts diced up in it, but I didn't try that today. I love their crunch.
The sausage seasons it perfectly, the eggs help form a nice hint of topping, and the soup keeps it from drying out.
I do not use scrapple. Do not ask why. Because then I'd have to tell you.
Missy, do you think Teeeeena ever sleeps??
Just thinking out loud here.
Hi Vannetta:
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a marketing soulmate! I agree with everything you said. I would even add that one should build the ‘marketing’ into the story at the start. I call this adding ‘marketing vitamins'.
For example, selecting a location many people have an interest in, choosing characters with interesting occupations or hobbies, having a loveable dog, and having a lighthouse mentioned in the story.
Think in terms of having a book cover that appeals to many people so strongly that it alone will sell the book. Build these marketing vitamins in before you write a word. Make the marketing power of the manuscript so obvious that agents and editors can’t miss the potential. In other words: stack the odds in your favor.
But do you know what I have found? Too many new writers will not do this. They want to write the book of their heart. They want to write the book they would want to read but have never found. (This is ample evidence that no publisher wants to publish that book!) You can’t even get these writers to plot their book. It has to be spontaneous for them to be happy. Plotting is a duty and duty is no cutie. (Apologies to Ogden Nash.)
I believe with you that 90% of success is planning your work and working your plan.
I love the start of your book! I have the Kindle but I’d like a chance to win a signed copy.
Great post! Thanks,
Vince
vmres (at) swbell (dot) net
Hey, Vannetta! We met at the conference and I just wanted to say hi! Great advice, BTW. I actually do research while I'm writing, but I don't consider research fun, so I will find out what I need to know and get back to writing, which is more fun than research to me!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 3-book contract with Zondervan! And your debut bestseller!
Vannetta, SO nice to have you here!! And it's hard to believe you are a "debut" author because it seems your name is "out there" a lot already, so you go, girl!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
Welcome to Seekerville, Vanetta! I can hardly wait to read this book --- and it seems a lot of others feel the same as it's gone into several subsequent printings, right? How wonderful! I absolutely love books written in a Christmas setting that draw me away from my too-busy life to a quiet time and place. I've also enjoyed your blog this fall when you posted about your Amish research.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Kav! Yes, I second the fact that the mystery series sound wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I agree. And you know what I actually do (no camping required!). :) I go to Amazon or e-harlequin and read the first chapters. Very easy.
ReplyDeleteI also browse e-harlequin just looking at blurbs as well to get an idea of all the books that month. To see what others are doing.
I've gotcha, Dianna!
ReplyDeleteOkay, smarty Ruthy, a list of ingredients does not a recipe make! I'll have to email you and beg for the actual recipe. I will not wait till a funeral to have it! :)
Also, who beside me had to look up "scrapple"??? Come on. Admit it. (please) :)
Vince, excellent points! I'm learning more and more to think like a marketer. I'm actually one who LOVES to do an art fact sheet (for Harlequin where we give input on the cover). I love thinking about this stuff.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, you and me both! Research is not something I relish. Although there have been times where certain topics have enthralled me. I took days looking into archaeological sites nearby. I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Jules and Glynna! Glynna, I agree. I love Vannetta's blog and all the photos she shared.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! Thanks for sharing, Vannetta! Another for my writing tips file. I need to do this for the marketing part of my proposal. Had no ideal how to go about it. This is a huge help!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
~Linnette
Linnette, that is good timing on the marketing part of your proposal. I hope it helps!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Seekerville, Vannetta! Congratulations on your CBD bestseller and three-book contract!!! I am definitely downloading A Simple Amish Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions for doing our homework! I totally agree that research can tempt us away from our word count. Thinking of it as recess reminds us of our priorities.
Ruthy, breakfast was yummy and perfect for Vannetta's visit! Thanks!
Janet
Great post, Vanetta.
ReplyDeleteTo the point and encouraging all at the same time.
I find myself getting distracted by research and have had to give myself a mental slap (I envision Ruthy nearby and it works wonders ;-) -and then move on to writing. It's an act of the will, seriously!! I love research :-)
Thanks for the great tips on doing 'homework'.
And CONGRATS on your debut!!! OH what fun. It looks beautiful.
Any advice on getting the download for PC? I've got an old Dell that doesn't meet the specifications. Or a new MAC Book Pro.
ReplyDeleteDo I have to download some big file to read Vannetta's story? Revealing my tech ignorance here, I know!
Thanks, Missy! I'm finding a lot of "good timing" posts here at Seekerville. I appreciate all you ladies do for us fellow writers. :D
ReplyDeleteHugs,
~Linnette
Cathy and anyone else who wants to get the book on your computer... I only have experience on a Mac. I went to Amazon and clicked to "buy." it took me to a page and told me what software needed to be downloaded. I did so (it's called Kindle for Mac). Now I just click to buy books and it brings up a page that says to send by whispernet (or something like that). I click that, and it sends it to my computer.
ReplyDeleteHoller if this doesn't work for you. We'll figure out something. :)
Also, I think I remember that on Amazon, they require a credit card so future books can be purchased with one click.
ReplyDeleteOooh - enter me :D
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post that I will be coming back to. Thanks Vannetta!
joanne(at)joannesher(dot)com
I've got you, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteNo scrapple in the South?
ReplyDeleteTo go with the ....
Mmm....
Yum.....
;)
grits?
Scrapple is a German/Pa Dutch sausage type concoction that has a soft consistency because of the inclusion of delicious, will-not-be-named here organ meats.
But if you're raised on scrapple, you probably love it, LOL!
Amounts.
Oh my.
I'll have to play. Hey, lunch, shrimp salad straight from Lancaster PA, a sweet little luncheon spot there that has traditional Amish fare alongside English selections.
I love both.
No scrapple in the South?
ReplyDeleteTo go with the ....
Mmm....
Yum.....
;)
grits?
Scrapple is a German/Pa Dutch sausage type concoction that has a soft consistency because of the inclusion of delicious, will-not-be-named here organ meats.
But if you're raised on scrapple, you probably love it, LOL!
Amounts.
Oh my.
I'll have to play. Hey, lunch, shrimp salad straight from Lancaster PA, a sweet little luncheon spot there that has traditional Amish fare alongside English selections.
I love both.
Vannetta,
ReplyDeleteI loved the homework tips! For a number of years before I sold, I carried a small notebook in my purse and always checked out the bookshelves in the grocery store before shopping for the food items I needed. Like you, I made note of editors and agents, especially for suspense novels, which is what I was writing.
Your debut looks wonderful. And congrats on the three Zondervan sales. Your homework paid off!
So good having you with us in Seekerville today!
Ruthy, my husband, born and bred in NC, went up your way and was introduced to scrapple with all those "unmentionable parts." He tried it once and only once.
ReplyDeleteThis is the guy who thinks spam is a gourmet treat.
Here we have livermush and fatback. Put either on toasted white bread with a tomato and mayo. You have a feast.
Peace, Julie
Ruthy, thank you for not mentioning those organs/parts. :)
ReplyDeleteJulie, I've never heard of livermush either. But I can guess what it is. :)
Howdy, Debbie!
I mean Debby. Gosh. I emailed Debbie Clopton earlier and got mixed up on my spelling. Sorry! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, Pepper! I think I missed your comment earlier!
ReplyDeletewell I thought I was safe and wouldn't be tempted since Amish isn't my cuppa(at least not yet but I've said that about a lot of stuff only to change my mind a year later!) but hoo boy a quilt shop murder book?! NOW you're talking my language! I'll read just about anything with 'quilt' in the title! I don't care if they're purple and live on Mars.if it's about quilting I'm on board!
ReplyDeleteI'll pass on the scrapple though I probably eat worse with sausage and summer sausage..I had dirty rice one time when a woman at work went to pick up some 'soul food' from a little church up the road that was doing a fundraiser..I asked her if it was chicken and she said' girl you don't know what's in dirty rice'? and I'm like 'nope' and she and this other woman looked at each other and I heard the other one tell her to tell me it was just chicken but I could've sworn I heard 'liver, heart, and something else mumbled. but it sure was good til I found out!
Susanna
I've missed so much good chatting!
ReplyDeleteKav, I actually started writing Amish b/c my agent asked me to. Though once I started researching I learned that my grandfather's parents are from Pennsylvania and might be Pennsylvania Dutch.
Dianna, You're welcome and thanks for stopping by.
Vince, you made me laugh. I'll give you an example of how much I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing these Amish murder mysteries, and I wanted my main "Englisch" character to find some books that would interest her ... something that would start her thinking about murder. So what did I do? I went to my PUBLISHER's site and looked up THEIR backlist, way back, and who do you think I found? Yeah. Uh-huh. Agatha Christie. No kidding. Harper Collins (who own Zondervan) publishes AC. So there's my heroine, devouring AC books. Ha ha ha. It's subtle product placement, but why not? Might sell a few back copies. . . will be interesting to see if they leave it in. I haven't received the edits yet.
I honestly believe I can write the story of my HEART within any parameters. Just give me a contract.
Melanie, Nice to see you again! : )
ReplyDeleteJulie, You're sweet. It IS hard to believe this is my first book, but then there are those other 8 staring at me from the To Be Published shelf. Hee hee.
Glynna, Thanks for bringing that up. ASAC is in its 4th printing (in just 6 weeks). I love Christmas stories too. And thanks for stopping by my blog.
Missy, about those 1st chapters--it's one of the things I love about my kindle. You can download the "sample." It's HANDY for checking out genres.
ReplyDeleteLinnette - you are so welcome!
Janet - I'm glad you brought up about the download of ASAC. It's free at Amazon and B&N through tonight. : )
Pepper - easy with those slaps. : )
ReplyDeleteCathy - I wish I could help. I just download to my Kindle. Would you believe my 72-yr-old mother is the one who told me I could download kindle books to my pc? I haven't done it yet, but she has! lol
Joanne - you are welcome!
ReplyDeleteDebby - I love the picture of you in the aisle with the notebook. I still carry my journal everywhere, thanks to my Margie Lawson class.
Anon - glad you're interested in the Quilt Shop Murder Mystery series. They are fun, fun, fun. : )
Susanna, my sister is a big quilter, and she loves any books that have a quilting theme. Especially mysteries! Vannetta, she'll be your next big fan. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Seekerville, Vanetta. Your book looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Missy, glad to hear your sister will be a reader. : )
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thanks for the welcome. This is a great group!
Vannetta, thanks so much for being with us today! I'll be drawing a name later for the winner of a copy of A Simple Amish Christmas. Look for the winner in the Weekend Edition!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on all your contracts, Vannetta! I really enjoy reading Amish books, so I'll be sure to read yours.
ReplyDeleteHey, Cara! And I just saw that I somehow missed Janet today. Not a very good hostess! :) But Janet, you're just family, aren't you? :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks Missy and Vannetta!
ReplyDeleteCount me in!
ReplyDeleteAnn_Lee_Miller@msn.com
Eva and Ann, I got you included! You're not too late. :) I'll probably draw tomorrow morning for the West coasters to have time to drop by. :)
ReplyDeleteHope I haven't jumped in to late! Loved reading this post--Vannetta, you've offered me some valuable information! Thank you.
ReplyDeletewant[_]adventure[_]write[@]yahoo[.]com
Cara Lynn, Eva, Ann, and Sheila - thanks for your kind words and for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteMissy - you've been a GREAT hostess. : )
Great post and interview Vannetta. I love Christmas stories and would love to win your new book. Thanks for stopping by to chat.
ReplyDeletePls enter me in the drawing.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I am anxious to read the book. I use to live in an area of many Amish people and love their quilt shops and Food! Please enter me in the drawing-what a great Christmas gift.. thanks for all the good advice.Thanks Seekerville-
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Vanetta. I've got my download, so I can do my homework on what publishers are releasing now. ;)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the article on Vannetta Chapman and would like to be entered into the contest for her free book giveaway. Appreciated her ideas on "homework" an author should do! Marilyn
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips, Vannetta!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the contest.
Thanks!
umdmaurer at gmail dot com