Best of the Archives: Using Time Wisely

This post didn't first appear anywhere...

It's appearing here now because time is one of those very physical yet existential things and sometimes...

We run out of time.

And nowhere does that happen more than at the very busy holiday season! So today, take a moment and do one of those "examinations of conscience" we all talk about...

List your time wasters. Not here, of course, because comments are shut off so we can all have a writing day!!!  But list them on paper. Or a phone list. 

Social media?
Too much TV?
Too much reading?
Internet browsing?
Game playing?

(Note the lack of actual people interaction in the ways we waste time these days. Not going to lunch with friends... or meeting folks for coffee... or having people over for dinner... WHAT????? People in our house???? If you have puppy petting or kitten holding as a time waster, then you're doing all right. I salute you! And if you are watching Phineas & Ferb or Christmas movies with small children, I give you a pass... )

Writers have a singular job most often. Part of the reason I kept my day job part time (25 hours/week) is because I need normal, fun, young people around me to keep me in touch with today's young family. Today's harried mother. Today's tired dad.... because the way they talk, act and think is SO DIFFERENT than when it was my turn pushing that pram/stroller.

Maybe it's different if you're writing historicals... because your vantage point is removed by a century or two.... :)

But for contemporary writers, I think we benefit by being present among people on a regular basis. Not online people.

Like the flesh and blood type! 

We're coming up on a new year (and our amazingly fun Rockin' It New Year's Eve Party in Seekerville on 12/31!) and with this new year we have that opportunity to be different... and maybe to make a difference.

"Seek and ye shall find... Knock and the door will be opened unto you..."  

We founded our group of Seekers and this blog on that premise, that bit of encouraging Gospel.

Don't give up.

Do not despair.

Do not go gently into that good night. 

Move forward... at your pace. Not mine. Not Missy's. Not your mama's! :)

At your pace. 

But when you examine those time drains, those wasters, those water-down-the-drain-pullers... dump a few. Open your time frame. Reassess on a regular basis. If where you want to be is HERE....

But you are actually HERE.......

Then do what ya' gotta do my friends to cover the distance. You've got the tools right there, in your hands... at your fingertips.

Go get 'em! 

And wishing you a beautiful and bountiful, peace-filled Christmas, wherever you are and whatever you're doing... 

May God bless and keep our military and their families safe and sound, and may every father and mother, son and daughter, come back home to their seat at the table for 2018... there's my wish!

Multi-published, bestselling Ruth Logan Herne is currently holed up in a snowy cave in Western New York, surrounded by the ghosts of pumpkins past and hopeful of some really great food and fun over the Christmas season. Her chickens fear the snow, her donkeys appear stoic, and her dogs think cavorting in snow is great fun.... Which means all systems "normal" in her crazy, fun-filled life! Friend Ruthy on facebook, follow her on Amazon, Bookbub or Twitter to make her editors happy...(Ruthy loves, loves, loves happy editors!) and be sure to stop by the Yankee Belle Cafe during the week to see what she, Mindy Obenhaus, Missy Tippens, Jan Drexler and Cate Nolan have going in the kitchen... or just in their lives! 

Comments are closed today because, well... there's work to be done, people! :)

Best of the Archives: A Business Chat With Ben Franklin!

This topic is PERFECT for fall (this was published a few years ago, and I know it's November now, but humor me, okay???) the month of resolve, one-words, plans and goals!

Here's a Franklinism to start us off:

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

Now that might appear negative, but I think Ben was referring to the human tendency to want more... In Isaiah 56 the prophet laments how the lack of satisfaction prevails, and that's such a good lesson for us to grasp. I think it came through to me in that quote from Charles Ingalls: "Enough is as good as a feast!" I can't read or hear that quote and not smile! And having a competitive nature, I've learned to run roughshod over ambition. As long as I control ambition, we're okay... but when I let it control me, well... trouble starts!

"1776" is one of my all-time favorite movies... I love it THIS MUCH!!!!

An author is a small-business owner. 

As a business owner/professional/manager, we get bombarded with decisions that affect our annual bottom line. Dozens of little decisions can add up to costly business expenses, so January is a good time to examine costs vs. effectiveness. We've got the "books" out, doing taxes and we've got clear vision of the balance sheets.

When I was first offered contracts, another author laughed when I estimated my projected earnings. I wasn't offended, I was puzzled.... and then she told me my financial outline was impossible, that writing little books would barely break even. Even when I showed her my estimated figures of sales x royalties x #of books she scoffed.

Real numbers don't lie. (Darlings, this truism is not to be confused with statistics which can be twisted, shaped, referenced in multiple ways to build a case for or against just about anything these days!) But math is still math, addition still works and I knew I was right. My goal to make a solid living writing delightfully affordable category romances is blossoming daily.

Can still be found on shelves nationwide or on shelves at our friend Mr. Amazon! 

And yes, you can still get your copy HERE!!!!!

No matter how beautiful your work/your story(ies), publishers need to cover a bottom line or lines fold. And while I was sad to see lovely Christian lines fold, I have to say that working with Summerside editors and Anna Schmidt on "Love Finds You in the City at Christmas" (Come on, you knew I'd get a shameless plug in here, didn't you????? Really, it's me, it's to be expected!!!!) was an absolutely wonderful experience. Guideposts and Summerside had/have a great staff and marvelous insight. I was truly blessed to have that chance. (Current note: And now I'm moonlighting writing mysteries for Guideposts "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard" series... and I love it! Who ever thought of Ruthy & Mystery in the same sentence?? Not me!!!)

You Can Order This FIRST Martha's Vineyard mystery HERE!!!!

Now here's the thing, chickie-chickie babies!!!! We're all different. God has modeled us from various cloth and life has wielded our sculpture with its own hand, therefore none of this is written in stone. It can't be because our business and our cause-and-effect are individual.

We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately. (Ben Franklin)

Certain expenses are a given for most of us:

Computer (and maybe a back-up in case one is down for repairs?)

Internet service (minimize this by working in a library/coffee shop/mall, etc. As long as you don't spend money there, which may or may not be considered downright rude in the coffee shop!)

Internet Back-up (Mozy, Norton, etc. in case a worm/bug/virus wipes your files clean)

Website (Hosting and domain name can go from minimal cost right up to hiring professionals to build/maintain your website, this can be a several thousand dollar differential)

Blog (Hosting, possibly free i.e. "Blogger")

Internet presence  FREE... (You can find this by "Googling" your name... if other things come up on that first page, you should heighten your internet presence by writing more books, blogging, guesting on blogs, did I mention writing more books???? Oh, yes! I see that I did! )  BIG GRIN HERE, and a reminder to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!!

Paper (Most of us catch more repetitiveness and issues on hard copy, but that might be my age talking)

Ink (To use with aforementioned paper)

Postage (For contests/editors/agents who request hard copy)

Envelopes (I use free ones from Post Office and send via Priority Mail)

Food/Drink of choice:  (For me it's coffee and broccoli slaw!!! But you're fooling yourself if you think you can work effectively and be longing for a Diet Coke and none is in the house... or that you're hungry and decide you need Oreos and must go to the store. Those are stall methods, and you're better than that!!!!)

Ongoing courses, either online or via craft books, to stretch your knowledge and application. This can be a small price or crazy over-expensive. Choose wisely! Please note how easy I made that to see! You're welcome!  (BIG GRIN!!!)

Janet Dean reminded me that business cards are a good thing.... Which means I should order new ones because mine are ancient. (updated note, Beth Jamison designed new business cards and bookmarks for me so that I appear far more organized than I am...)

Books to read: Mary Connealy wants you to know that this can done through purchasing or library borrowing... and that it is ESSENTIAL that she read so much!!!! To keep up with the market!!!! :)

Also from Mary: 
"Fan for summer--Space heater for winter--my office (enclosed porch) seems to have faulty duct work. Grrrrrrrr....... I've proposed selecting a different office, My Cowboy seems to think I'll be messy and turn a tidy guest room into a war zone. He thinks this BASED ON NOTHING."

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.  (Ben Franklin)

Specific to unpublished authors:
(non-expense items listed first):

Knowledge of who's publishing what, this is your homework. This helps your focus and drive. There might not be much expense in learning this, if you use an up-to-date library... or it can be the cost of books X number of books. I did the Good Will Hunting library route and incurred very little book expenditure because money was tight. And it worked. I love Will Hunting. And I love "Edward" from Pretty Woman because he taught me that sleep is not as essential as we make out.... and I BELIEVED him, LOL! And of course there's Ben's take on that subject, a real-life man that I love beyond belief:  "Plenty of time for rest in the grave!"

I love that Franklinism!!!!

Self-discipline even though unpaid AS YET!!!! (Gotta trust in God, in the future and go for the gold at your pace. It will all come together, but like the Polar Express, ya' gotta "B-E-L-I-E-V-E"!)

Increase that web presence

Items requiring expense for unpublished (as yet!) authors:

Writing contests sponsored by publishers and/or writing groups: (some of these have costs, many are now online with electronic entries, cutting your cost substantially). These provide opinion/critique from numerous sources, an invaluable tool if you truly want to improve your craft AND a chance to final and win a spot on a targeted editorial desk. This is what brought the Seekers together, a mode and method (note the mathematics I'm throwing your way!!!!) proven true.... and we're all grateful for the outcome!

Conferences (National, local, regional, genre specific) (Writing classes, industry information, networking, agent and editor appointments.)

College classes or local classes focusing on writing/publication/website-building, etc.

For the published author:

Contests for published books (fees/cost of books/shipping)

Conferences (National, local, regional, genre specific, these prices can range from a few hundred to an easy $2,000. Choose wisely. Deb Giusti did the best blog I've ever seen on this here in Seekerville:  LINK TO DEB'S BLOG ABOUT CONFERENCES!!!!

Ongoing classes 

Promotion of books (Newsletters, Facebook ads, Book launch services, books purchased for give-aways, bookmarks)

Gifts for agents/editors 

Amazon Prime Account (this is optional, but I love mine. It gives me perks I use as an author and as a person.... Hey, you know what I mean!!!)

And from the wisdom of Connealy again:

Gas for trips to booksignings/writer gatherings

Lap Desk...second lap desk...third lap desk...My laptop was hot. Now it's winter, plus my hot flashes seem to have eased and I quit using a lap desk and just use my lap. Money wasted, closet full of lightly used lap desks! (Ruthy note:  SIGH..... 'Sall I'm sayin'..... SIGH!!!!)

Tetley's Earl Grey Tea with draw string bags. (Hey, it's an indulgence!) Ruthy note: (This is a delicious tea and a worthy indulgence, must go order some because the drawstring bags are that cute, although I'll do Mandarin Orange Spice if they have it. I like Z-I-N-G with my tea.)

Camera bought on a whim because I was going to a cool museum and I forgot my camera. And everybody has a camera on their phone now (except me) so no one wants my camera. Does anyone need a camera?  (Ruthy note: I will bet dollars to donuts she has a camera on her phone and has NO CLUE HOW TO FIND IT OR USE IT.... But that's just a guess, of course!!!)  :)

Elliptical machine.......it makes a nice luggage rack. (On this topic we totally concur, only mine is a treadmill... Do you know how many cute shirts and unmentionables you can DRY on a treadmill??? Mind-boggling!!!! 

Well done is better than well said.  (Ben Franklin)

Here's your homework: Your task is to be a good money steward. A good money steward doesn't throw money away recklessly and a good business person weighs cost vs. reward for everything they do. Remember, being frugal is not the same as being "Scrooge".

If money is tight, look at the must-haves and deal with those. (I did that for many years and I have no regrets, zero, zilch, nada, nil).

And even if money isn't tight, examine the reasons behind your choices. If a $1500-$2000 conference isn't affordable, why do it? What is in it for you? If there is no professional advantage to it, is there a better way to use those funds? Depending on which stage of writing you're at right now, your internal response to that should vary.

I view published author contests very carefully as well. My nature prefers to give away books to lots of readers than to worry about winning/placing in contests. Remember my unpublished contest goal wasn't to win, it was to get a spot on an editor's desk. That mission has been accomplished multiple times, and I could not be happier. Here's an amazing story that helps keep things in perspective for me:

If you need your laptop upgraded, do you buy the $400 HP or the $1250 Mac because you heard it's better? And then when a kid spills soda on it (happened here, I can testify to the fact that DIET SIERRA MIST and laptops are not a good mix!!!) you might let them live.

Note: MIGHT.  :)

Choices surround us. Being frugal becomes easier every teeny, tiny step we take. Wisdom and courage should be part of the prayerful process of setting/keeping/polishing a budget. Wisdom to recognize the necessary and the courage to take charge of our business and personal lives.

Of course you should never be so frugal as to not order the newest Ruthy book... which today is this just released Women's Fiction from Waterfall Press!

Available here from Amazon.com and Waterfall Press!

Best of the Archives is brought to you by the crazy fun authors of Seekerville... and comments are closed today to give us all a chance to focus on writing.

Ruth Logan Herne lives in upstate New York where lake effect snow likes to bury her and a house full of munchkins on a regular basis. Every now and again she pokes her head up to check the weather, then retreats to her writing hole where she writes sweet, evocative books that make folks smile and sometimes cry... and she's okay with both!  Visit her at http://ruthloganherne.com, here in Seekerville or on Facebook at Ruth Logan Herne. 

Loving Women's Fiction! Most of the Time!

I love writing romance. Check out this video my daughter Beth made for me... Twenty Love Inspired books so far. #21 comes out in February and #22 in August... and then a Christmas novella duo with my buddy Linda Goodnight... and then #23 in January of 2019.

I am blessed.

I love writing mysteries!!! Who knew? This was my first mystery for Guideposts, and I've just finished mystery #2 and I'll be plotting #3 in a couple of weeks!!!

I love writing big books and smaller books, too. 
Link to bestselling "Back in the Saddle" on Amazon...

And I've always loved writing women's fiction... with women empowerment plugged into the story because I believe women should all feel empowered. They should feel ready to handle whatever life sends their way, and when I wonder why women might not feel that way, I look around the world where oppression and lack of women's rights... and the fact that we only gained equal rights in the grand old U.S. of A. a hundred years ago. Historically, that's like YESTERDAY...

But while I love a splash of romance in Women's Fiction, I don't want the heroine rescued. There ain't no Disney princess on my watch, although their newer varieties are more my cup of tea.

Note to everyone reading this: PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND RESCUE ME. Rescue not needed, not appreciated and clearly unnecessary. And that's the spirit I like to see in my heroines... even the ones that might benefit by a little help and a ragingly cute, cool guy. 

BUT... I don't want her saved by a knight in shining armor.

I don't want her to be relegated to a life of raising kids in a worn kitchen while the hero earns a living.

Not because that's bad... It's not.

But if we don't learn to take care of ourselves and stand up for ourselves, neediness can become a major step backwards in the story plot... and I don't want to see women stepping back when God calls us forward. But if your heroine is strong, what makes the conflict relatable in your story? Why does she need a story at all?

Here's where Mandisa hits the nail on the head with "Overcomer" on Youtube. I love this song... and what it represents. 

Plotting the Wishing Bridge series came from multiple inspirations, but today we're sticking to heroines and Thanksgiving. I brought pumpkin pie and cranberry orange relish!!!! YUM!

Back to plotting.... In a women's fiction story, your women need to be the crux of the stories/series. The stories and plots should revolve around the woman's story. She's the ice cream in the sundae. The fruit in the pie. The cake... not the frosting. Because the solid base of the woman and her issues is what your story grows from.

In Wishing Bridge, all three women are from abusive pasts. All had troubled teen experiences. All were in group foster care at Hannah's Hope, a home for troubled girls near Philadelphia. And they'd made two promises at age 18: To never repeat the mistakes of their mothers... (mothers take a lot of heat in this series!!!!) AND...

If one ever runs into trouble, all she has to do is send the others an SOS and they will come running.

And of course, that's the beginning of the series.

Book One: Cinderella-looking Kelsey has always longed for the All American dream. To be a teacher, to be beloved, to fall in love with a wonderful man and raise a family.

OOPS. How about a con-man disguised as Prince Charming, an unexpected pregnancy and an $8000.00 line of credit taken out in your name... only it wasn't you who signed the application.

Book Two: Jane Eyre-styled Thea is the big city loner. Sold into human trafficking by her crack/cocaine addicted mother, she was eventually released from captivity by a kind man... Now a family practice nurse practitioner, Thea's determined to work in the big city and help the teens and tweens that remind her of herself... and here she is in a tucked-in-the-hills snow-belt town that rolls up the sidewalks at seven o'clock, every night. Yawn.... 

Book Three: And then there's long-legged, drop-dead gorgeous bi-racial Jazz, a supermodel living the high life, a runway favorite, destined for continued greatness... If she survives the eating disorder threatening her life.

And that's where it begins, with strong, flawed characters who might need help, who may seek redemption but who are inherently overcomers... the kind of women who don't blame others because they're too busy carving a life for themselves.

I try not to belabor my own slovenly upbringing when talking about stories... not because I don't like talking about it. I don't lean on it, I don't use it as a crutch. It's the past. Over. Done. Finis. I don't dwell in the past. Ever. But I'm not afraid to use my past, my experiences, or those of others to deepen a story.

I don't wallow, and I don't want my heroines to wallow, either. Wallowing is for piggies, down on the farm. Not for successful women, even if they still question their own strength.

We know they've got what it takes, and as authors build their stories, we can construct a path that helps readers reach for success. Just because it's fiction doesn't mean it ain't real.

Keep it real.
Keep it upbeat.
Keep it moving.
Stay on the upside of the crises, never miring down in the seamy side of life for too long. We know it exists... we don't have to drown ourselves in it.

Show your heroine emerging from her cocoon like a butterfly escapes the chrysalis... To spread her wings and take flight. And if that flight includes a wonderful man, well that's not a bad thing. But it shouldn't depend on the wonderful man outcome. That should be the frosting on the cake... the whipped cream on that sundae... And a drizzle of hot fudge is never in bad taste!

I am so excited about this release. I love the story, I love the series, and I've had a great time working with Amazon's Waterfall Press to launch this book.

FIVE MORE DAYS!!!! COUNTDOWN BEGINS!!!! But you can pre-order "Welcome to Wishing Bridge" here.

What kind of women's fiction do you love? What speaks to you?

Come on inside and let me know and I'll put your name in the wishing basket for a chance to win the amazingly beautiful and so well done audible version of "Welcome to Wishing Bridge", narrated by Erin Bennett of Los Angeles.

They picked a great actress to do the voices... and she nailed it! 

Thank you, Erin!

Multi-published, award-winning inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne is currently holed up on her Western New York farm with family, friends, 3 miniature donkeys, two dogs, three cats and a partridge in a pear tree! Friend her on facebook... follow her on twitter... and she'd LOVE IT if you followed her on Amazon and Book Bub! 

Celebrating 20 Love Inspired Books and Ten Years of Seekerville!

This is a monumental month. 

SEEKERVILLE IS TEN YEARS OLD.

Gosh.

I remember her when she was a youngster, wet behind the ears, featuring posts written by aspiring authors... Only six of us were published when we launched the blog in 2007... But we'd made a pledge, a vow to pray each other into publication... a vow that said we would leave no woman behind...

And we meant it! 

"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you..." Matthew 7:7

We started as fifteen... and when we'd reached the goal of ALL 15 AUTHORS being contracted by royalty-paying publishers, we kept going. We kept writing, two of the originals moved on, and the remaining thirteen joined hands to make Seekerville and you a priority.

Why?

Because you matter.

In a competitive business like ours, it's good to know that someone is out here who isn't just reaching for your pocket. Your wallet. It's good to know that help exists beyond the measures of payment, and that there are people who believe that the more you give, the more you get. That's our belief system here. It's not about us... although we all love selling books. It's about the collective "us"... you and me and Patti Jo and Caryl and Seekers and editors and agents and Trixi and Helen and Wilani and Deb and Tracey and Jackie and Jackie and Jacki... 

It's about advice and encouragement, work and encouragement, lectures... and encouragement IN THE LECTURE! :)

As we celebrate this birthday, I get to celebrate a different milestone, one that I'm immensely proud of: My 20th Love Inspired book hits the stands this week, around October 17th... "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby", a beautiful story of second chances and forgiveness... And how a baby changes everything, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.

I got the call in June of 2009. Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired, calling to offer me a contract... Twenty books later, I've just signed another six book contract with them, and I was delighted to do so. 

Publishing is an odd biz. Many publishers get upset if you work with more than one company/publisher. Or if you put out indie books... but the reality is that unless you're a NYT bestselling author, they're probably not paying you a living wage. When other publishers contact me, I let them know that I'm not giving up my Love Inspired books, because not only did Love Inspired give me my first chance, they've sold close to a million books for me... 

Remember that old line "dance with the guy who brought you..."

I believe that a good turn deserves another, and my goal has always been to delight my Walmart and Kroger readers alongside my B&N and Amazon readers because a growing readership is the plan... but not one at the expense of the other. 

And this business has more than its share of shellackers. Folks who prey on the desire to write a book and see it published by offering all kinds of help.... for a very steep fee. 

Those sharks lurk in all waters of this industry, and they often see Christian authors as easy targets. They see us as trusting, naive, innocent and maybe a trifle foolish because we like to believe others are the same way. Nope. Throwing the word "Christian" or "Believer" into a name doesn't mean the person is on your side. Don't let appearances deceive. It's up to us as smart businesswomen and men to check the fine print... 

Why am I telling you this? Why am I advising you to stay away from sharks and empty promises and luring offers that will take your hard-earned money?

Because there are no short-cuts. There is one formula. 

Talent + Desire + Perseverance + Hard Work = The Possibility of Success.

Believe in yourself. Believe in the gifts you've been given. Believe in the opportunities that abound... but it will all go for naught if you are unwilling to do the work, to take the time, to make the commitment to be the best you can be.

Remember our scripture from the Rockin' It 2016 New Year's Eve party? 

This is what I leave you with as I celebrate my 42nd published work and my 20th Love Inspired and our 10th Seekerville Birthday... 

Be strong and courageous in all things, and when this writing road seems rough or tough or broken, remember that God alone sees beyond the bends in the road... and He is our strength and our salvation.

Reason enough to throw a party, right there!

Great parties have great company... You!!!... and great prizes, so I'm giving away three copies of "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby" today.... and a $20 Amazon gift card to celebrate TWENTY LOVE INSPIRED BOOKS... with more to come!

Leave a comment and you'll be entered into the drawings... and into the conversation! What makes you stick with a goal... and if it gets tough, what helps you to re-engage and get back on track? Share your tips with everyone here... and Happy Birthday Seekerville!!!!

Multi-published inspirational author Ruthy Logan Herne loves God, her family, mini-donkeys, dogs, chocolate, coffee and Diet Mt. Dew. She is obviously not a health nut, cringes at the free use of hand sanitizers, and encourages small children to splash in puddles and play in mud. She lives on a crazy fun/busy Pumpkin Farm in Western New York where her dual lives offer great story fodder... and a chance to meet all kinds of sweet people! Email her at loganherne@gmail.com OR friend Ruthy on facebook, follow her on @Twitter or stop by her website to see what's new!

Are Christmas-themed Novels Worth Your Time? This Author Says "YES!"

I love Christmas. 

One of our Living Nativity pics with sweet pre-schoolers... Oh my heart!

I love the preparation, the beautiful winter season here in Western New York, the calm, the quiet, the long dark nights, lit with a community wide twinkle-fest, joining in the celebration of Christ's birth. Advent is a true season to me, to my church, to my faith community. It's not just a song fest (although who doesn't love non-stop Christmas music????)

(Straight No Chaser's "Twelve Days of Christmas" from 1998)

In England, the Twelve Days of Christmas are renowned. They begin on Christmas and end on January 6th, Twelfth Night or the Feast of the Epiphany. The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is based on those twelve nights, a fact lots of today's kids don't know!

In America, Thanksgiving unofficially marks the beginning of the Christmas season... but lately the Christmas decorations are in full swing by late September, and take center stage as soon as Halloween is kicked to the curb.

What does this mean to us as authors? Does it pay to write a book that is so specifically designated to a particular holiday?

Absolutely.

And I say that for good reason. A lot of good reasons, in fact. I have a current Grace Haven Christmas-themed book releasing in four weeks:

Due on shelves 10/17/17!!!!

Love Inspired is re-releasing this beautiful duo  this November:

And look what's coming out from Harlequin's popular Reader's Service in October! I'm coupled with Jillian Hart in a Classic Christmas collection... or you can buy my highest selling book of all time... "His Mistletoe Family"... on its own!

This is the cover from Jillian's original book....

This is the newly redesigned cover of "His Mistletoe Family"..... Love it!

AND... The amazingly talented people of Harlequin's art team re-designed this cover... they must have gone back to my original facts on my Art Fact Sheet, the design sheet all authors fill out to help the art team envision your work... because the two little boys on THIS cover look like the pictures I sent! The pictures were of my grandson Dave and my little buddy Nolan Tydings, and these little fellows look like they did six years ago! Adorable! 

Raise your hand if you like the Hallmark Channel.

Are you a "Heartie"?

Do you love mysteries?

Do you love CHRISTMAS MOVIES????

Do you love that Hallmark now shows them All Month Long???

Hallmark discovered something that Harlequin figured out a long time ago. We love the idea of romance at Christmas.... We love the bonding, the family, the sacrifice, the holiday cheer, the drama, the longing, the loneliness, the kindness of strangers.

WE LOVE THESE THINGS, and how nice is it that we can write about all of this with a thread of faith?

Harlequin doesn't re-release these beloved Christmas stories on a whim.

They want to make money.

Writing's a business, publishing's a business, the romance we love comes to one thing and one thing only: NUMBERS.

The dollars and cents of the situation.

So yes, if you've been considering a holiday-themed book, I say do it! Go for it! Be big and brave and bold...

You can offer it for sale from September through December. You can do a Christmas in July sale. You can market it any way you want, but first you have to write it.

Go for it.

Have fun. And some tips for writing a Christmas story when it's not Christmas... Listen to Christmas music... slide a holiday movie into your line-up. Read the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2... 

This beautiful creche was in the Oakdale Mall ... How beautiful and how fun to have a Nativity scene in a mall!  Oh... Hello, boy!

Imagine being that young mother, on the road, traveling mile upon mile to obey a government edict.

I have a CD that begins with "Breath of Heaven" and goes through a dozen beautiful, heartfelt Christmas hymns and/or songs that make me THINK... and FEEL... because that's the guts of a great Christmas story. We want the reader to be immersed in all aspects while wrapped in a blanket of caring and empathy.

Think of all the famous Christmas stories/movies/themes you love. The pauper... the princess... the single mom or dad... the child buying shoes for his sick mama... Caught in an airport... caught in a skyscraper with terrorists/thieves!!!!... Babies.... sick babies.... newborn babies.... pregnant single mothers....  Abandoned babies.... Lost loves.... new loves.... Small towns.... big cities.... Leaving the big city for the small town....

There are so many tropes that go well with Christmas. Let's finish this up by sharing ideas: What Christmas tropes/plot ideas do you love most? What story would you love to write?

To celebrate the beautiful fall season, I've got copies of "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby" (NancyMae on facebook said she couldn't put it down, and I never argue with NancyMae!!!) and "Yuletide Hearts/Mended Hearts", two top-selling books from my Men of Allegany County series!  Two people will get both books... a delightfully fun package to get in the mail!

Come on in... coffee's hot and fresh and I brought chocolate dipped pumpkin spice cannolis to go with... Happy fall, everyone!

Ruthy Logan Herne loves writing sweet books with unforgettable characters, the kind of folks who live next door to all of us. With over forty published novels and novellas (and more on the way!) Ruthy is living her dream of crafting stories while baking cookies for the Blodgett Family Farm in Western New York. Friend her on facebook, follow her on Twitter or swing by her website... she's always happy to see you!