Welcome to the Weekend Edition!
"Look How Far We've Come!"
Tuesday: Not all Amish books are coming out of the CBA. Molly Jebber is our special guest with "Amish Tidbits." Stop by and comment, and you could win her historical Amish release from Kensington, Two Suitors for Anna (A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel) that releases TODAY! Molly is generously giving away TWO copies.
Wednesday: Danica Favorite joins us today with a great post: "Career Choice Can Deepen Characterization." Stop by while Danica shows us how the choice of career for your protagonists can help define their conflict and their personality! Leave a comment to be tossed into the very clean cat dish drawing for that day!
Thursday: Virginia Carmichael aka Mary Jane Hathaway, returns to Seekerville with her post, "Going Against the Flow." Bring your flippers, and join the chat! She's got some awesomely cool giveaways!
If you are enjoying Rocky Mountain Cowboy you certainly want to know what becomes of Sheriff Sam Lawson and journalist Abi Warren!
Be sure to sign up for Tina Radcliffe's newsletter. The February issue will come out on February 9th. Subscribers only get an EXCLUSIVE early cover reveal of book 6 in the Paradise series. Rocky Mountain Sheriff, which releases this spring in ebook format only!
It's not too late to comment and get in the rafflecopter for a giveaway at Just Commonly's blog! An Out-of-Print tote & Rocky Mountain Cowboy.
Debby Giusti invites her Seekerville friends to join her at two delightful reader events.
Romancing the Smokies
March 17 - 18. Knoxville, TN
A getaway weekend filled with authors, readers, books, yummy food and lots of fun!
Love Our Readers' Luncheon
Atlanta Metro Area, February 11, 2017.
A delightful luncheon with your favorite authors! Reserve your seat at Debby's table!
Thanks for the link love.
BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO MEGAN BESING!
First sale! The Mail-Order Brides Collection will be available early 2018 through Barbour Publishing.
More info on Megan here.
Congratulations 2017 Golden Heart Entrants. The category formerly known as Inspirational has apparently made it. All five reimbursement requests will be filled. The five entrants will be notified asap. Names not posted to maintain GH contest integrity.
**'New York Times' Cuts a Range of Bestseller Lists (PW)**
9 Cheap Ways to Refresh Your Writing Space for Maximum Inspiration (The Write Life)
What are You Doing that Someone Else Should Be Doing Instead? (BookEnds Literary)
What Makes the Best Marketing? (Business Boutique)
Have You Created Your Sell Sheet? (The Book Designer)
What Editing Software Can Teach You About Your Writing (BookBaby Blog)
Restraining Accents (The Editor's Blog)
Rumors of the Demise of Books Greatly Exaggerated (Gallup)
Must You Send 1099 Forms to Contractors Paid Via PayPal or Credit Card? (Small Business Trends)
Harvest House to Launch Children's Imprint (PW)
Revell Signs Ted Dekker, Grows Suspense List (PW)
Don't forget--on Tuesday, February 14, Myra brings you a peek at the Seekers’ writing spaces! Are we neatniks, messies, or somewhere in between? Do we write at a desk, in a recliner, on the porch, or on the road? Computer or longhand? Mac or PC?
And if you’re really brave, you’re invited to share photos of your own writing spaces! Submit your pix to seekers@seekerville.net no later than January 31. As space permits, we may include a few of them on the blog. Others will be posted on the Seekerville Facebook page—yes, for all the world to see!!!
No fair sprucing up your writing space just for the photo—this is strictly “come as you are”!
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Send to Seekers@Seekerville.net
Monday: Thanks for joining us for our day with Rachelle Dekker. Winner of The Returning is Sharee S.
Tuesday: Cara Lynn James discussed Romance Series and the winner of a $15.00 Starbuck's gift card is Connie.
Wednesday: Tina Radcliffe got the chatter going today with "What Makes a Christian Inspirational Romance." Winner of a first 15-page critique for the Genesis is Kathryn Barker. Winner of a Seeker e-book of choice is Carrie Fancett Pagels. Winner of coffee or tea to keep them going is Jeanne.
Thursday: Sandra Leesmith talked about Show Don't Tell III and offered a ten page critique. The winner is Amber Schamel. Jackie Smith wins a Seeker ebook.
Tuesday: Cara Lynn James discussed Romance Series and the winner of a $15.00 Starbuck's gift card is Connie.
Wednesday: Tina Radcliffe got the chatter going today with "What Makes a Christian Inspirational Romance." Winner of a first 15-page critique for the Genesis is Kathryn Barker. Winner of a Seeker e-book of choice is Carrie Fancett Pagels. Winner of coffee or tea to keep them going is Jeanne.
Thursday: Sandra Leesmith talked about Show Don't Tell III and offered a ten page critique. The winner is Amber Schamel. Jackie Smith wins a Seeker ebook.
Monday: Fasten your seatbelts today, because Susanne Dietze is bringing us," Managing Madness: Meeting 8 Deadlines in 12 Months." Leave a comment for your opportunity to win her debut release from Love Inspired Historical, The Reluctant Guardian. (She got Jonny Lee Miller on her cover!!)
Tuesday: Not all Amish books are coming out of the CBA. Molly Jebber is our special guest with "Amish Tidbits." Stop by and comment, and you could win her historical Amish release from Kensington, Two Suitors for Anna (A Keepsake Pocket Quilt Novel) that releases TODAY! Molly is generously giving away TWO copies.
Wednesday: Danica Favorite joins us today with a great post: "Career Choice Can Deepen Characterization." Stop by while Danica shows us how the choice of career for your protagonists can help define their conflict and their personality! Leave a comment to be tossed into the very clean cat dish drawing for that day!
Thursday: Virginia Carmichael aka Mary Jane Hathaway, returns to Seekerville with her post, "Going Against the Flow." Bring your flippers, and join the chat! She's got some awesomely cool giveaways!
If you are enjoying Rocky Mountain Cowboy you certainly want to know what becomes of Sheriff Sam Lawson and journalist Abi Warren!
Be sure to sign up for Tina Radcliffe's newsletter. The February issue will come out on February 9th. Subscribers only get an EXCLUSIVE early cover reveal of book 6 in the Paradise series. Rocky Mountain Sheriff, which releases this spring in ebook format only!
Romancing the Smokies
March 17 - 18. Knoxville, TN
A getaway weekend filled with authors, readers, books, yummy food and lots of fun!
Love Our Readers' Luncheon
Atlanta Metro Area, February 11, 2017.
A delightful luncheon with your favorite authors! Reserve your seat at Debby's table!
Thanks for the link love.
BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO MEGAN BESING!
First sale! The Mail-Order Brides Collection will be available early 2018 through Barbour Publishing.
More info on Megan here.
**'New York Times' Cuts a Range of Bestseller Lists (PW)**
Print vs Digital, Traditional vs Non-Traditional, Bookstore vs Online: 2016 Trade Publishing by the numbers (AER)
Streamlining Your Writing, Publishing, and Marketing Process to Become a More Profitable Author (Lindsay Buroker)
Streamlining Your Writing, Publishing, and Marketing Process to Become a More Profitable Author (Lindsay Buroker)
7 Tips for Planning a Writers Brainstorming Retreat (Novel Rocket)
9 Cheap Ways to Refresh Your Writing Space for Maximum Inspiration (The Write Life)
What are You Doing that Someone Else Should Be Doing Instead? (BookEnds Literary)
What Makes the Best Marketing? (Business Boutique)
Have You Created Your Sell Sheet? (The Book Designer)
What Editing Software Can Teach You About Your Writing (BookBaby Blog)
Restraining Accents (The Editor's Blog)
Rumors of the Demise of Books Greatly Exaggerated (Gallup)
Must You Send 1099 Forms to Contractors Paid Via PayPal or Credit Card? (Small Business Trends)
Harvest House to Launch Children's Imprint (PW)
Revell Signs Ted Dekker, Grows Suspense List (PW)
Don't forget--on Tuesday, February 14, Myra brings you a peek at the Seekers’ writing spaces! Are we neatniks, messies, or somewhere in between? Do we write at a desk, in a recliner, on the porch, or on the road? Computer or longhand? Mac or PC?
And if you’re really brave, you’re invited to share photos of your own writing spaces! Submit your pix to seekers@seekerville.net no later than January 31. As space permits, we may include a few of them on the blog. Others will be posted on the Seekerville Facebook page—yes, for all the world to see!!!
No fair sprucing up your writing space just for the photo—this is strictly “come as you are”!
That's it! Have a great reading and writing weekend!
Am I really first to comment? Woot!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Megan! We're so proud of you!!!
Okay, now I'm heading to bed. See you in the morning.
Hugs!
Thanks, Debby! You guys are the best encouragers!!!
DeleteCongratulations to MEGAN!!!! And congratulations to the brave writers who entered the Golden Heart. Have a great reading and writing Weekend Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Tina! You treat us islanders so wonderfully!
DeleteCongratulations, Megan! How exciting! I love mail-order bride stories.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the Golden Heart entrants. I applaud you for putting your work out there and wish you well.
Thanks, Keli. I'm super pumped as you could probably guess. :)
DeleteIf You Like Seekerville...
ReplyDeleteI Suggest You Take Tina's
Advice and Visit
Just Commonly...
They have a real nice community over there and it's a friendly place to get a little action on Fridays. :)
(Just Commonly link is given on the WE page next to Tina's picture. ALSO you just might win a Rocky Mountain Cowboy but Tina didn't say who he was.)
Annie is a sweetheart... any day of the week!
DeleteThanks Vince. I agree. It was a great post.
DeleteLOL, Vince. Any cowboy you want. I will deliver to with a smile.
ReplyDeleteMegan Besing!!! Huge congrats to you!!! Happy dancing in cold upstate!
ReplyDeleteRuth, I got my hat, gloves, and coat on and for sure dancing with you!
DeleteAnd congratulations to all winners... and excited about the week to come. I love hearing how other authors pack so much into the very same ordinary 24-hour day God gives all of us.... Susie Dietze, I might be talking about you!
ReplyDeleteI BROUGHT COFFEE!!!!
And donuts because I just wrote a donut shop scene and now I Must Have Doughnuts/Donuts....
Chocolate-frosted, white-cream-filled...
And glazed for the less tempted than me!!!
Thanks Ruthy. I'll have one covered with maple. Those maple bars are my favorite. I always think of you when I see a Dunkin Donuts shop. Memories of RWA conference in Florida. smiling
DeleteHi Ruth:
DeletePlease tell me you don't have cops in that doughnut scene!
Donuts, coffee, and cops.
DeleteIt just is. :)
Great WE, Tina! Thanks for the links.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners, and a big Whoohoo to Megan Besing!
Ruthy, thanks for the coffee! When my husband and I go to the donut shop, I study all the different choices and make a scrumptious selection. Tim acts like he is studying the selections, but he almost always orders glazed.
Have a great weekend everybody!
Congratulations, Megan! Awesome news!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a terrific WE, Tina. I look forward to reading the links.
Happy Saturday!
Donuts! Oh my gosh, I gain weight just thinking about them!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm into the final read-through of the second story in my new Amish series!!! The manuscript will head to my editor's desk on Monday! Last night, I reread the first 100 pages before I stopped by Seekerville, left my comment and then headed to bed.
But I was so wired I couldn't sleep!
#lovethewritinglife
Congrats on getting your manuscript finished. I hope you get some well deserved rest this weekend. Hugs
DeleteDebby: Did you read the news last week on FOX about the Amish buggy that was hit with driver and horse killed, wife injured, and truck driver with no injuries? Sad.
DeleteIf you use a crash death in an Amish story, it is as true as the evening news.
I have a question: I just had a thought that one of the reasons readers really like Amish stories is because they are so basic that the reader can read anything, emotion, or rationale into the story that he or she would like to be there. Like getting married too soon and thinking the other is what you want them to be.
Hi Vince!
DeleteI did see news of the accident. Buggy crashes are a continual problem for the Amish...although it's usually the drivers behind the wheels of their autos who are at fault.
Linda Castillo opened one of her Amish suspense stories with a gruesome buggy crash. I still haven't forgotten the authenticity she wove into that horrific scene.
Speaking of Just Commonly...I'm excited about the next Christian Fiction Readers Retreat to be held in Cincinnati this AUG! Bonnie, Carrie and Annie, thanks for all your hard work. I know this year's event will be spectacular!
ReplyDeleteSounds like SO much fun! Bonnie, Carrie and Annie are amazing!
DeleteThat sounds great, Debby!
DeleteCan you join us, J Baugh?
DeleteMegan SUPER CONGRATULATIONS!!! Yay. Your first sale to a traditional publisher. That is sooooooo exciting. What plans have you made to celebrate? Have a blast.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I had a Vanilla Coke for starters...once I finish the writing I'm going to take my family out for dinner because: 1. I love food. 2. And that way I won't have to cook--win,win for everyone! :)
DeleteMEGAN, you know how to celebrate!! Go you!
DeleteJanet
Happy weekend, everyone! This is a great WE, Tina. Thank you! Congratulations to all the winners. I'm tickled to have won a coffee card. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to have a full day to write today. I'll be having some quiet time with Jesus and then digging in to write. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
Jesus first and the rest of the day just goes so much better! Right, Jeanne?
DeleteI forgot to say, congratulations, Megan! So excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteRuthy, thank you for the coffee and donuts. I'll nab a cuppa joe and a gluten free doughnut to start my day. ;)
Congrats to all the winners. What a happy way to start the day. And great going you writers who entered the Golden Heart contest. Best wishes and I'm praying you get some wonderful feedback.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great week ahead. Congrats everyone and Thank you Seekers!
ReplyDeleteA big congratulations to Megan!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Megan! I am so thrilled for you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the winners this week.
Another Great WE.
Way to go, Megan. Would love to read it. HUEG fan of mail-order brides.
ReplyDeleteWorking on my WIP this weekend, just did half a chapter BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE, now the house is crying for attention. Last week when I was creatively blocked I cleaned the top of the refrigerator. Did you know that's a "thing"? Anyway, I hope to work on the WIP this weekend and also do some editing on one of my sequels, just in case the first book sells. As Mary C. always says, "Be ready."
Would love a doughnut.
Back later,
KB
Thank, Kaybee. Mail-order bride stories are some of my favs too. Hope your WIP is going well. Early this week I decided I 'needed' to rearrange two rooms of house instead wising using my free time to write...so it's a 'thing' for sure ;)
DeleteOops, I meant "Huge." Sheesh.
ReplyDelete"Hueg" is probably a word, but unfortunately not in English.
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday, everyone! I was quiet this past week, spending time with my parents in Kentucky. A really nice visit.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Megan!!! So exciting! I'm also happy the GH category got enough entries!
Congratulations to Megan!!! And to all the brave writers who entered the Golden Heart!
ReplyDeleteMy house is temporarily quiet. Daughter & fam just left for a hike and picnic at a mountain park not too far from us. Seriously, though??? When it's 34 degrees out there??? They asked Project Guy and me if we'd like to go along. I said ask me again when it's 75.
It's turned cold in GA! Brrrr! No picnics for me either, Myra!
DeleteMyra, I think you made the wise choice! haha
DeleteCowboys Love Doughnuts!
ReplyDeleteAccording to Louis L'Amour, cowboys loved doughnuts more than any other food! They'd ride miles and miles on the rumor that some were available. Back then doughnuts were called 'bear sign'. No kidding! You can find the recipe for authentic cowboy 'bear sign' here:
http://recipegoldmine.com/cowboy/bear-signs.html
Now that's an idea for the Yankee Belle Café. Besides if you win that Rocky Mountain Cowboy, it would be wise to know how to make bear sign.
Vince
Yep, a camp cook who could make good Bear Sign was a well-liked man.
DeleteWe won't tell y'all why they were called Bear Sign. Use your imagination. lol
PAM, until I read your comment, I was thinking the donuts were in the shape of a claw print. LOL Thanks a bunch! NOT.
DeleteJanet
Vince, I'd love to have you as a guest! You make them and take some photos, and I'll be thrilled to post it on the Yankee-Belle Cafe! :)
DeleteHi Missy:
DeleteI was watching a YouTube video on making doughnuts and my wife came in and said: "Yes, make those! I want one right now!"
So I'd love to do it for you and send pictures but please let me do it first and get good results before you announce it!!! I made Ruth's maple fudge from her Lawman book and it turned out great...but since I did not have any of the ingredients, it cost me close to $40 to buy all supplies! (I had to use only genuine maple syrup.) My wife said, "You know you can buy fudge at Sees for less than that?"
BTW: I brought a big tray of Ruth's maple fudge to the local ACFW chapter, WIN group, and put it on the table with all the other food items. I went up to talk to the speaker before the meeting opened. When I came back to get some fudge, it was all gone! I don't think anyone had tasted maple fudge before! Writers love their sweets!
Vince
Vince, just let me know once you make it and are happy with it. Of course, I've posted several failed recipes. LOL So don't worry if you don't love it. :)
DeleteHow fun that you made Ruthy's fudge! But real maple syrup will break the bank. I splurge on it every now and then for pancakes and waffles (but usually mix it with my sugar-free syrup).
Congratulations Megan! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Megan!! You're living the dream! :)
ReplyDeleteSo excited for the Rachelle Dekker book! Thank you!!!!!
Happy weekend all :)
Congratulations Megan! Congrats to all the winners.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY WEEKEND!
Wow...congrats to Megan Besing! Can't wait to read!! And, congrats to all the winners!! :)
ReplyDeleteStarting the day with polishing an entry for a contest...and then working on new story!
Celebrating 49 years with my forever man today! We're gonna grocery shop later...LOL!! Tomorrow, it's a matinee play, a Sherlock Holmes mystery!
Wishing you all a joy-filled weekend!
KATHRYN, congratulations on your accomplishments! Both with your writing and with your forever man! Happy Anniversary!
DeleteJanet
Happy Anniversary, Kathryn! Congrats on 49 years! Truly, you both are blessed!
DeleteHugs!
Kathryn! Happy anniversary! That's awesome!!!!!
DeleteMEGAN, congratulations on your sale! I'm so excited for you. I love mail order bride stories!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Congratulations to our winners! Looking forward to next week's lineup. And to Myra's post on our office spaces. I'm hoping I'm not the only one still tethered to the desktop. I use a laptop upon occasion but use an attached keyboard to speed me up.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend everyone!
Janet
49 years!! Amazing, Kathryn! Happy anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin' the idea cowboys and donuts, and that's part of why I put the Cle Elum Bakery (a real bakery in Cle Elum, Washington) in the Double S Ranch books... and shouted out their maple bars, a donut they're known for.
ReplyDeleteAnd Isabo's warm bread and rolls.... and pots of pulled beef and pork.
Keepin' a cowboy or cowgirl well fed is clutch!!!
Hi Ruth:
ReplyDeleteI need your expert help. Do you consider maple bars to be a donut? My cowboy donut recipe does not call for a hole in the donut. Is that possible? If I made them for Missy, would it be okay not to have a hole? I love maple bars, and maple fudge, but they don't have holes in them. BTW: I just saw a YouTube video of a cowboy on the open range making donuts over a camp fire! You really can do it!
Vince
Sure, they're donuts.... holes don't matter. And not all donuts are created equal, they are not guaranteed equal rights under the constitution. I've checked a bunch of recipes and I'm now a confirmed expert on how many bad recipes are out there.... so the hole is a clever trick for cooking, but the bar works just fine, and I'm an equal opportunity shape-lover. :) The maple frosting is the cat's meow.... Not really, I wouldn't let a cat near my maple bar, but we have maple frosted donuts here WITH the hole... so Cle Elum's are their own unique version.
DeleteI support the right of all donuts to maintain their shape and size.
The preceding is NOT a political announcement.
Ruth: Thanks, I will make the cowboy doughnuts without the whole and see what happens. I mean without the hole, you get more doughnut. What's not to like? Vince
DeleteLOL, Ruthy. Yes, we'll love any shape doughnut at the Cafe. :)
DeleteCongratulations, MEGAN!!! I'm so happy for you! Congrats also to all the winners!
ReplyDeleteThanks, TINA, for such an awesome WE! I've already read a couple of the links - headed back to read more!
What a wonderful week it was! I am looking forward to diving into all the awesome links. Congratulations to all the winners and big congratulations to Megan! Way to go!
ReplyDeleteI hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Super WE.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to alllll the many winners and wow - SUPER news on the Golden Heart entrants. As always, the Seekers are so generous to pay it forward.
Snowing here this morning. Perfect day to write some (and I likely will) but my closet won't clean itself either. Tackling that first!
<3 to all in Seekerville. Happy last week of January. WHAT?!
Home from church and back at my manuscript...my due-tomorrow manuscript. :)
ReplyDeleteLooking out my window at the lake where kayakers
are paddling on this quite chilly and very windy day.
Wonder if they'll stop for a picnic lunch, Myra!
Debby, I hope you have a productive day and don't have to stay up all night!
DeleteDEBBY, praying you to the finish!
DeleteJanet
Tina, thanks for the WE. I'm excited about the cover reveal for Sam and Abi's story. I'm already on your newsletter list. :) Hard to wait!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners and to Megan Besing on her FIRST SALE!
Thank you and congratulations to all who entered the Golden Heart inspirational contest. I believe keeping that RWA category is important.
Happy writing and/or reading to all this week. Prayers for those who have projects to complete this week. Blessings!
AGH!!!!!! I missed the WE, which always seems to happen when we have weekend company, so my apologies for being late.
ReplyDeleteAnd, MEGAN!!! OMG, SOOOOO excited for you, my friend, so SUPER CONGRATS on the first sale -- VERY exciting!!
Hugs,
Julie