We Have Winners
Contact us at seekers@seekerville.net to claim your prize. See our legal page here for details. Remember that we get busy and forgetful juggling writing and blogging. If you haven't received your prize in 6-8 weeks, DO CONTACT US!!
Monday we welcomed Samhain and Love Inspired Suspense author Alison Stone! "Will I ever feel like a "Real” Writer?'' Congratulations to Debra Holt who is the winner of a digital copy of Plain Pursuit.
Abingdon Press and Heartsong Presents author Myra Johnson talked about "True Lies: Writing Stories that Resonate" on Tuesday. Writing fiction is easy, right? Don't we just make stuff up? Find out what makes fiction "true" in ways that will touch your readers' hearts and linger long after "the end." Winner of a copy of Whisper Goodbye, book two in Myra's Till We Meet Again historical romance series from Abingdon Press is Stephanie Queen Ludwig.
Question: What’s one of the most, if not the most, important component in a romance? Answer: The Hero! Julie Lessman explored the most common hero types in Inspirational Romance today on Wednesday. She shared tips to ramp up the hero swoon factor from ho-hum to hot in her blog entitled, “From Sweet to Swoon … Ramping Up the Sigh Factor in our Heroes!" Congratulations to Jeanne T and Carolyn Astfalk, who are the winners of a signed copy of any of Julie’s books including her upcoming release, Surprised by Love.
Friday Debra Clopton returned to Seekerville to chat about "Opening a Book with a Hook." Winner of her recent release, "Four Weddings and a Kiss," is Courtney Phillips.
Next Week In Seekerville
Monday:Love Inspired Historical author Janet Dean dares writers to search and destroy pointless scenes with the post entitled "No Tea Scenes Allowed." She’s giving away a copy Courting the Doctor’s Daughter. Leave a comment to get your name in the teapot.
Tuesday: Harlequin Heartsong Presents author Helen Gray returns with her post, "Writing Your Book is Like Writing a Melody." Stop by to sing, er, chat with Helen and you might win a copy of her latest release, Ozark Reunion!
Wednesday: Debby Giusti's blog post today, titled "Yes, you can!" is sure to motivate all of us to keep working and writing. Debby promises to give away one of her books, and the breakfast bar will feature Southern treats, including...you guessed it...grits!
Thursday: Sandra Orchard returns with "Tips for Crafting High Action Scenes!" You suspense writers do not want to miss this post. One commenter will receive an e-copy of Blind Trust.
Friday: Margaret Brownley will be galloping in today to talk about "The Long and Short of Writing Novellas." Why is short the new long? And how can a novella help your writing career? She'll be giving away a copy of Four Weddings and a Kiss.
Seeker Sightings
Pam Hillman signing books at the Sebastopol Public Library, Sebastopol, MS
Pam Hillman and Hallee Bridgeman at the Southern Christian Writers Conference, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
And at the same conference: Natalie Monk, Heather Snyder and Pam Hillman!
Mary Connealy and Rose Ross Zediker are in Sioux Falls, SD, TODAY, Saturday, June 14. She will be signing copies of Stuck Together and Four Weddings and a Kiss from 11 - 1 at Crossroads Book and Music, 1220 W. 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105Next Saturday, June 21, Mary will be signing in Sioux City, Iowa at the Barnes and Noble at the Southern Hills Mall from 11-1
Mary also has a new book releasing. Four Weddings and a Kiss is in bookstores now. A novella collection with stories by Mary, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton and Margaret Brownley.
On Thursday, June 19th, you can find Mary blogging on Petticoats & Pistols.
Random News & Information
NIGHT CLASSES IN THE VILLAGE! It's not too early to reserve your spot in the August, October & November classes!
Keep your eye on the June Contest Update so you don't forget to enter an upcoming contest.
ARE YOU GOING TO #RWA 2014 SAN ANTONIO? If so, drop us a line. We'll send out a group email blast a couple times during conference letting you know when and where we are hanging out during the conference. Send your email to seekers@seekerville.net
Write from the Heart—Harlequin Heartwarming Contest (Harlequin Heartwarming)
The American South: The Perfect Setting for a Jane Austen Novel? (HuffPost with Mary Jane Hathaway aka Virginia Munoz)
Writers Conference Preparedness (Natalie Monk)
A big change for our agency (MacGregor Literary)
Fault in Our Stars Stays on Top of Best-Sellers List, Effect of Kindle First (DBW)
Toronto Library offers store-quality book printing to customers (cbcnews)
22 Tips for Effective Deadlines (Lifehack)
The Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference is coming. August 4-7, 2014 at the Red Lion Hotel in Jantzen Beach, Portland! OCW is the home of the Cascade Writing Contest. Details here.
Six Reasons Self-Published Books Have Subtitles (SPR)
The Joys of Trimming (NYT)
Why Agents Pass On Material They Say They Are Looking For (Carly Watters, Literary Agent)
The Publishing Industry-Alive and Well (Words that Matter)
That's it, Seekerville! Have a great reading and writing weekend!
Thanks or another great WE. Some good reading in those links.
ReplyDeleteCoffee aplenty brewing for the weekend!!
Congratulations to the winners! And thank you, Julie for one of your books. Can I just say that after a very difficult week, discovering I won one lightened my spirit?
ReplyDeleteThank you Seeker Ladies. You bless with your encouragement, your wisdom and your grins.
I checked the Big Change at the Macgregor Agency link. Huh, that was a surprise. I'll read more tomorrow, I hope. I'm yawning my way to bed now. :)
Thank you do much! I am excited to read Myra's book, especially since the hero's name, Gilbert, is the same as my childhood ideal, Gilbert Blythe, from Anne of Green Gables! ;)
ReplyDeleteYawn, it's kind of early for a weekend but I have lots to do today. So glad I could ease into the day with the WE. Now for some brekkie. Anyone care to join me in a round of oatmeal and toast? No? Why am I not surprised? Okay, I'll share the oatmeal chocolate chip muffins I made yesterday instead. That should hit the spot along with a swig of Helen's coffee.
ReplyDeleteYawn, it's kind of early for a weekend but I have lots to do today. So glad I could ease into the day with the WE. Now for some brekkie. Anyone care to join me in a round of oatmeal and toast? No? Why am I not surprised? Okay, I'll share the oatmeal chocolate chip muffins I made yesterday instead. That should hit the spot along with a swig of Helen's coffee.
ReplyDeleteOh my stars, Kav and I are working together here!!!! YAY!!!!!! Okay, #MSWL is a riot, I'm psyched to see Twitter used that way. #smart !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI only got to two links for now, Tina, but thank you, I loved them!!! More later, I have company this weekend in the form of really cute kids and must get an hour's work in before they all wake up. Their dog did wake up...
Laughing!!!!!
But she's settled down now and realizes No One Interrupts Writing Time.
Good dog!!!!
Grabbing coffee, thank you Helen, and I love, love, love your new cover!!!!! YAY!!!!!
Jeanne T., nothing in this biz should surprise. Seriously, and I mean that beyond belief, everything happens in this business and often it happens, repeatedly.
ReplyDeleteTherefore we smile, nod and move on.
This is my recipe for not getting caught up in nonsense ever and staying focused. I grab that Serenity Prayer, and ignore the drama of publishing while focusing solely on the work and the fun.
I'm a big fan of nice folks and fun, Jeanne!!!!
People bounce from job to job, publisher to publisher, agency to agency and for a vast variety of reasons...
So we smile and nod. Smile and nod. Because the face that liked your work in one agent's office but got voted down when marketing sighed and said "we can never sell that book..."
Might be the next editor at Zondervan or Love Inspired or Bethany House or Penguin....
And all of a sudden you're on the right track toward publication.
It is a mobile business!
Great reading, Tina. Thanks for another info filled weekend! :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the lucky winners, enjoy your read!
And to all a wonderful weekend everyone... :-)
Ah, the weekend is here! Saturday is often one of the days I'm most free to be. To do. Love those Saturdays. Sundays I love to worship with my Christian family and perhaps have a mini adventure with my dh. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina, for the terrific Weekend Edition! Always a great way to start my Saturday. Congrats to our winners.
Thanks for the oatmeal chocolate chip muffin, Kav! And that cup of java, Helen!
Happy Weekend, Seekerville! Come sip some tea with me on Monday!
Janet
Another fun WE. Thanks Tina
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners. Be sure and contact us so we can send out those prizes.
Pam Love seeing your photos and how fun to meet Seeker friends. Don't you just love it?
You know, Keith and I work from home seven days a week, so you would think weekends would lose their charm, but NO!! I perk up on weekends and actually feel like I'm relaxing even if I'm working, so go figure. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the weekend pic with the dock leading into the marshes because my current WIP is located in Isle of Hope, GA, in the Lowcountry where marshes and tides and the smell of the sea are part of the charm.
SUPER CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS AND HAPPY WEEKEND (AND FATHER'S DAY TO THE DADS!).
Hugs,
Julie
Aw, JEANNE T ... I am so sorry your week wasn't the best, but SO very thrilled I could make it somewhat better. Not sure which book you will want of mine because I think you've only read A Passion Most Pure, right? So you can either go for Charity's story next with book 2, A Passion Redeemed (my personal fave of the DOB series) or book 1 in the next series (Katie's story, my all-time fave of the books I've written), or Marcy & Patrick's prequel, A Light in the Window, or start with book 1 of the new series, Love at Any Cost. You can even request the paperback of Romance-ology 101, so just let Tina know what you want, and I will shoot it out to you, okay?
ReplyDeleteSaying one RIGHT NOW that this week is WORLDS better, my friend.
Hugs,
Julie
Am I the only one who does NOT look forward to weekends??? Saturday is chore day around my house, which means I DON'T GET TO WRITE!!!!
ReplyDeleteAt least today is my ACFW chapter meeting, so for a few hours I get to hang out with my local writer pals.
STEPHANIE!!! So glad you like Gilbert's name! I hope you enjoy his story, too. I'll have the book in the mail to you soon! (Be sure you send your postal address to the Seeker email!)
Must put on some "real" clothes and makeup, then head to my meeting. Y'all have a great Saturday!
GOOD MORNING SEEKERVILLE!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
The trick is to do all your chores during the week and do NOTHING but writing or reading on the Weekend. Especially..sacred Saturday.
Great WE! Off to a family reunion. Grilling, BBQ, CAKE, and peach cobbler.
ReplyDeleteOh.My!
Later!
Another Great WE!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners.
Hoping the vertigo lets up enough for me to work on my WIP.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
CONGRATS TO VIRGINIA MUNOZ aka Mary Jane Hathaway for her brilliant article in the Huff Post!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great definition of "tomorrow."
ReplyDeleteThe Joy of Trimming -- Oh my gosh, there's someone else who likes to edit and trim their work! The trick seems to be in knowing when to stop and move on to another WIP.
Thanks for the links, Tina. And thanks to whoever is responsible for those photos -- so much fun to see faces and smiles.
Congrats to the winners! Have a lovely weekend and to the dads out there "Happy Father's Day!"
Nancy C
JESSICA NELSON!! You are the GREATEST!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI got the books last night at 10:00 & read until I couldn't keep my eyes open! I Love Gracie!! She is going to get into a lot of trouble. I can tell! :)
And Human Trafficking in a historical...GENIUS!!! My friends & I are lucky enough to volunteer with a couple of organizations that work with girls rescued from human trafficking. I've never seen that in a historical. So Cool!!!! Great Awareness!!!
Thank you, my friend!! You made my day!!! I'll start "Family on the Range" by Monday!!
Great WE, Tina! I am SO glad it's the weekend...
ReplyDeleteSeekerville is such a great resource! Can't tell you how much I appreciate this place. I'm off to re-read posts about GMC. Got to get that stuff into my THICK head! I am the mistress of making things HARDER than they have to be!
Happy Father's Day Weekend.
ReplyDelete(Where are the guys?)
Hugs to all dads, even those who lurk! :)
I hit two stores this morning--Kroger and Publix--preparing for the big feast tomorrow. Seems I show love with food, which isn't necessary good for my own waistline.
Hope everyone has a relaxing Saturday and a very special Sunday with dad/hubby/or favorite book, either reading or writing.
Congrats to the winners!
You MUST check out Natalie Monk's link. Did you know that she and Pam Hillman are related?????
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winners of books. They all look wonderful. I persuaded a friend and her mother to try Christian fiction. She reads novels in different genres but only Christian non-fiction.
ReplyDeleteRuthy, I keep the serenity prayer near my desk. So helpful to consider the words when the unexpected happen.
Thanks for the WE, Tina. A wonderful weekend to all.
Janna, thank you for the shout-out and thank you to the Seekers for letting me be their guest!!! :-) Great links and news going on, as always, and cute pics!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, ladies. ;-)
Thanks for the link to my article, Tina!
ReplyDeleteAnd JANA, I have human trafficking in my historical Purple Like the West, set in 1909. Human trafficking has been around longer than there have been records, but likewise, there have been good people fighting that dark tide with everything they have. Total hero/heroine material.
Keep up the good work!
Congratulations to the winners!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog article, Natalie. How cool you and Pam are related.
Tina - fantastic job as always. There are some fantastic links.
VIRGINIA!! Thank You! I'm going to order your book!! Great title, too, by the way.
ReplyDeleteRUTHY, you're right. Nothing should surprise, but it did. :) I'm just newbie enough that it still happens. ;)
ReplyDeleteJULIE—Thanks for the prayer. And thanks in advance for the book. I'll let Tina know which one I'd like. :)
You ladies are true, priceless gems!
Congrats to the winners!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks Seeker Ladies for the links to the helpful articles at the end of the post. Great info!
It's Sunday, and I'm giving a shout out to all the dads...
ReplyDeleteHAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
Happy Father's Day, everyone! Especially the dads. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat WE! Thanks for including my link, Tina! You're awesome! Hope it's helpful!
Terri, I know!!! I had been following Pam for about a year (I think) when I recommended her book in an email to my aunt Neda, who informed me we're related. That got me emailing Pam for the details and lo and behold I found out I was related to a Seeker. I totally feel famous now. ;)
ReplyDeleteSuch nifty links this weekend. I'm still browsing. :)
Awesome Huff Post article, Virginia!!! I live in north Mississippi and when I saw you've set the series in Mississippi, they moved up on my TBR list! :)) Love Austen and love a good southern story.
You are TOTALLY famous, Natalie. Just don't forget us little peeps.
ReplyDelete