Author: Betty Owens

Christian writer of historical fiction and general fiction.

Authorview 2014 Roundup

On By Betty OwensIn 2014, Authors, Authorview, Fay Lamb, Hallee Bridgeman, Jerusha Agen, Rose McCauley, Roundup, Victoria Bylin

This has been an awesome (overused word) wonderful, amazing year in so many ways, topped off by the addition to my blog of “Authorview”– an adventure for me in cookie cutter interviews. I was pleased to find, however, the interviewees made these anything but cookie cutter. Their responses were funny and interesting, allowing readers a glimpse into the private lives of some of our favorite authors. I hope you were introduced to a few new and interesting writers as well.

Authorview was an experiment for me, and it went so well, I’m going to keep it. Once a month throughout 2015, I will interview an author. I hope to come up with some new and thought-provoking, yes, even silly questions. If you have a suggestion for a question feel free to comment below or send it to me on the contact form above this post.

Today, tomorrow, and on New Year’s Eve, I will post the authors (in order of their appearance) and if you click on their photo, it will take you to their website so you can learn more about them and their writing. If you click on the link below the picture, it will take you to the original Authorview post. I encourage you to connect with these special people and let them know you found them on my blogpost. Believe it or not, Authors Need Encouragement!

Hallee Bridgeman

Victoria Bylin

Jerusha Agen

Rose McCauley

Fay Lamb

The Year Santa Found Us

On By Betty OwensIn blessings, Christmas, clock, Gifts, Santa, The Year Santa Found Us, tree5 Comments

I’ve often shared my favorite Christmas memory, when at the age of 6, I received a refurbished doll cradle. That story can be found here. But there’s another Christmas that often comes to mind. One spent in different circumstances, far away from the sunny winters in San Diego.

My grandmother and step-grandfather (we called him Clarence) were tenant farmers in West Tennessee. I guess you could say they were poor. They lived in a house some might describe as a shack with no running water. Grandma used to say they had running water, but outside. No indoor plumbing. The house was drafty and cold in the winter, but Clarence kept it warm. Sometimes almost too warm. When you got out of bed in the morning, the linoleum-covered floors felt like walking barefoot on an ice rink. “Sure ‘nuf cold,” Grandma said.

Most years, they barely made it through. Grandma kept a vegetable garden and put up all the excess so they could eat all winter. They kept hens for the eggs and an occasional Sunday fried chicken. Christmas was just another day for them. There was no Christmas tree and usually no gifts for Grandma.

One year when I was around eight years old, we’d gone to visit Grandma on Christmas Eve. When we got ready to leave, Grandma and Clarence begged us to stay the night, spend Christmas with them. I can imagine my mother’s panic when Dad agreed. These days, I know how Mom felt about Grandma’s house.

My older brother and I went to bed in the big four-poster in the back bedroom and snuggled down beneath the numerous quilts, me wondering if Santa would find us way out in the country. Big brother already disbelieved in Santa, but he tolerated my wide-eyed innocence.

“They don’t even have a tree,” I whispered. “Where will Santa put the presents?”

“Maybe there won’t be any,” Mike said.

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to go to sleep as misery churned in my belly.

Grandma’s grandfather clock struck the hour, every hour, throughout that dark night. I tossed and turned and worried and fretted. Finally, I heard Clarence up stirring the fire. It was almost time. I poked Mike in the side. “It’s morning! Let’s go see if Santa found us.”

Mike moaned and snuggled deeper into the covers. I turned over and waited a few more minutes. When I heard Grandma in the kitchen starting breakfast, I crawled out of the covers and hopped around on the cold floor, pulling my clothes on before dashing out to the warmth of the fire.

My eyes bulged at the sight of a Christmas tree in the front room and beneath it, toys and gifts. I immediately ran back to the bedroom and woke Mike. By now, Mom was up with little brother then Dad wandered out and we were allowed to open our gifts.

As the fire in the old pot-bellied stove roared and its heat filled the room, my brothers and I played with our new toys. Nothing else mattered to me, beyond the joy in my heart. Santa had found us and had somehow managed to slip into the house, bringing everything we needed for our Christmas celebration.

I now know Mom and Dad made a late-night trip back to our house and gathered up Christmas, including the Christmas tree and whatever Mom had planned for Christmas dinner. I can well imagine what she said to my dad on the way. I have been privy to many similar discussions over the years. And I can’t say that I blame her. But looking back, I remember the joy shining from Grandma’s face as she was able to watch her grandchildren open their Christmas gifts—a rare treat for her—a Christmas present like no other.

That sacrifice made by my parents, putting aside their plans in order to spend Christmas with Grandma and give her something they knew she’d love, stuck with me all my life. I never forgot it. To this day, when I hear the chime of a grandfather clock, my mind spins back to that cold, dark Christmas Eve. And then I remember a glow of warmth that came not from the old stove, but from the general region of my heart. Grandma didn’t have gifts for us, but she gave lots of warm hugs and kisses.


Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you enjoyed the story and if you did, I hope you’ll take a moment to let me know. Leave a comment below and share one of your cherished Christmas memories.


Merry Christmas!


Linda Yezak – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn author, Authorview, chocolate, coffee, Linda W. Yezak, Romance, suspense, Texas, The Cat Lady's Secret2 Comments


Linda Yezak

I am (what you do): An Author/Editor/Speaker/Coffeeholic/Manager of the Nut House
My best trait: My amazing ability to walk with a foot in my mouth
My bad habit: My amazing ability to put my foot in my mouth. Sometimes both.
Qualities I admire: Tact.
What I like to read: Just about everything
What I write: Romantic comedy, chick lit (a term no longer used. Sigh.)
What I watch: Food Network, Hallmark channel, UP Entertainment, Inspirational Channel—and Dancing with the Stars, Castle, Bluebloods.
My family: is my most precious God-given gift.
My favorite food, snack, or beverage: I like junk food—hamburgers, hotdogs, tacos—and downright trash, like Cheetos, Fritoes, and anything containing chocolate. (Bet you thought I was going to say “coffee,” right?!)
What I love to do: have one-on-one time with family and friends
What I admire: Talent
What makes me happy: Being loved
What makes me sad: N/A (the answer would be way too long)
Betty: Thanks, Linda, for taking part in Authorview!
Linda’s Bio:

Over twenty years ago, after a decade of life as a “single-again,” author Linda Yezak rediscovered God’s love and forgiveness when He allowed her a second chance at marital happiness. She is now living her greatest romance with her husband in a forest in East Texas. After such an amazing blessing, she chooses to trumpet God’s gift of second chances in the books she writes. Linda’s novels are heart-warming hallmarks of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Linda’s Books — 
The Cat Lady’s Secret  
Emily Taylor loves to help people, loves to ease their burdens and make their dreams come true. But when a conman ruins her reputation, she discovers that helping others is safer and easier from behind the scenes.

When one of Emily’s gifts captures the attention of an avid journalist, her identity as the town’s anonymous benefactor—and her renewed relationship with her high school sweetheart—are threatened.

As her private life begins to unravel, she realizes the one hope for regaining control lies behind prison walls.


You can find more of Linda’s delightful books here.


Shirley Kiger Connolly – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn author, award-winning, civil war, fiction, mystery, RONE, RWA, Shirley Kiger Connolly - Authorview


Nickname or “wannabe” name If you don’t have a nickname, you can choose one you’d like, that tells us a little bit about who you are:
When my sister and I were young we used to trade pretend names: Mergatroyd Glutchensnable and Thusneld Burpsack (can you believe it). I don’t think I’d use one of them these days.
I am (what you do): Often scatterbrained (call those “Shirley-Days”)
My best trait: Hmm, there are so many (hardly)
My bad habit: Scratching
Qualities I admire: Humor over Criticism
What I like to read: Human Interest stories and feature stuff about people
What I write: words mostly
What I watch: Classic Movies and Nicholas Sparks movies. I could watch The Notebook a million times.
My family: My immediate family is very close
My favorite food, snack, or beverage: Mexican food, Good n Plenties, Icewater with lime and sugar (not all at the same time)
What I love to do: buy shoes, decorate, fix big fancy dinners (only occasionally)
What I admire: positive people
What makes me happy: being a Christian and having a family that loves me
What makes me sad: negative family members and people that make fun of the Lord
I believe: the Lord is coming soon for me and those who love Him

Shirley’s Bio:
Shirley Kiger Connolly, daughter of a 1940s mystery writer, enjoys penning historical fiction romances and books filled with lighthearted devotions and reflections. Shirley majored in English and Journalism, later joining the graduates of ICL. Shirley was blessed to discover her first Decisions historical romance, Say Goodbye to Yesterday, won 2ndplace in the RWA Ida Awards contest. Her second Decisions book, That Impossible Dream finaled in the Carolyn Readers Choice contest and was also selected as a RONE nominee. Her third Decisions book, Second Time Promise just recently won Fourth Place in This year’s OKRWA- IDA contest. She and her husband reside and minister together in Central-South Texas. Readers can visit her anytime on her blog, http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com, at her Author Page on Facebook, http://facebook.com/shirleykigerconnollyauthoror over on Twitter http://twitter.com/shirleyhere
Shirley’s latest release:
Not Quite An Angel
Sir Geoffrey Wentworth thought he knew every alluring woman in San Francisco by now, until on the night before his return to England he meets and is mesmerized by the mysterious Lady Delphia, the daughter of a French Marquis. Not only has she appeared out of nowhere, she unwittingly steals his heart.

When Sir Geoffrey tries to learn more about this irresistible lady of the night, the two are caught in the middle of a severe San Francisco earthquake. Sir Geoffrey soon learns this woman of mystery is no daughter of a marquis, at all, but is the younger sister of a simple country parson, and already engaged to be married.

If there is anything the honorable Sir Geoffrey Wentworth, 2nd son to the Viscount of Salisbury cannot abide is being duped by a woman.

Any of Shirley’s books can be purchased at both online and print bookstores here or at her publisher’s website: here. Readers can also find Shirley’s Civil War romance here.

 

Elizabeth Noyes – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn Authorview, Elizabeth Noyes - Authorview, Imperfect Series, Imperfect Wings, suspense, Write Integrity Press, writer


Betty Noyes

This week’s Authorview guest, Elizabeth Noyes, has been here before. You may recognize her from an earlier post. Her debut novel, Imperfect Wings, is a recent release from Write Integrity Press. She has a wonderful, humorous style, and I hope you enjoy her interview.
Nickname or “wannabe” name:I grew up being called “Betty Ann” by my family and friends (that’s a strong southern emphasis on Ann, two syllables, pronounced “Ayyy’-yun”). My brother dubbed me with my nickname – “Boop” (as in Betty Boop, not that I looked anything like her). Today, people call me Betty.
I am (what you do): For several years, I’ve told people I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up—retired! Last month I did it. Now, I plan to refocus my 40-hour work week on my writing.
My best trait: Perseverance
My bad habit: Self-doubt
Qualities I admire: Confidence, outgoing natures, positive outlooks
What I like to read: Reading is my addiction. I love all genres – suspense, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, historical, biographies, even some horror (if it’s not grisly). No war stuff, though.
What I write: Action/suspense with a dash of romance
What I watch: On television, I watch old movies, baseball, football, and bullriding! But I also like to people-watch at the park, at church or while shopping. You get some crazy ideas for stories that way.
My family: I have a husband (been married for 41 years this Christmas), one son married with a son of his own, and one daughter also married with a daughter and son. There are also assorted grand-dogs at any given time.
My favorite food, snack, or beverage: Ice cream – Chunky Monkey, Pistachio, Butter Pecan – haven’t found a flavor I’d turn down yet.
What I love to do: Read, crochet, read, yoga, read, write, read, bridge, and … did I say read?
What I admire: People who can put themselves out there without fear of rejection.
What makes me happy: Sunshine, blue skies, oceans, cruises, other people’s smiles, children playing, dogs napping, flowers, clean toilets, and that all important first cup of coffee in the morning.
What makes me sad: A friend’s tears, movies that make me cry, the end of a good book series, a wasted day.
I believe: There is a Creator who put order in the universe, one who lets us make mistakes and learn from them, one who created us for a purpose and will gently guide us to the right path if we allow Him.
Elizabeth Noyes–professional writer, aspiring author, dedicated dreamer–lives in Atlanta with her husband and best friend, Paul, who listens tirelessly while she regales him with all the tales in her head of damaged, but very human character clamoring to be heard. Imperfect Wings is the first novel in her romantic suspense Imperfect Series.

Contact Information:

Elizabeth@ElizabethNoyesWrites.com

www.ElizabethNoyesWrites.com

www.facebook.com/Elizabeth.Noyes.54

www.linkedin.com/in/enoyes1625

www.twitter.com/ENoyes5246

 Click here to Buy the Book
Imperfect Wings by Elizabeth Noyes
Evil stalks TJ McKendrick.
Three years after burying her father, TJ visits Honduras where he died. While there, she witnesses a murder and is forced to flee.
Don Castillo dreams of power. Funnel the drugs into the States and it’s his. First though, he must kill the woman who dared spy on him.
The last thing Garrett Cameron needs is another woman interrupting his life, but when the feisty vixen that put a monkey wrench in his mission two years ago shows up at his ranch running for her life — what’s a man to do?
The attraction between TJ and Garrett bursts into flame in the midst of danger, a fierce desire that neither is prepared for. Her past is filled with betrayal. He’s lived a life of violence, and love isn’t for someone like him. Do they dare let go of past hurts and embrace a future together?

Only faith in God and trust in each other can overcome the deadly odds they face.
https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/v7e9e5ciiZ4&source=uds

Join in the Fun! Our Five Days of Christmas is underway! Check out our other blogposts for more information and more free stuff!

Rare Rabbits in Bolivia  Peggy Cunningham 
Free on Kindle! (3 days only) Really Rare Rabbits Giant Green Ghosts and Secret at Peppermint Pass (Children’s Book)
Just Don’t Take Her Chocolate! Julie Arduini
Romance, Suspense, Cruises, and Retirement: An Author’s Life Tracy Ruckman/Elizabeth Noyes
Christmas Present Memories Julie Arduini

On the Ledge: Is that All? Fay Lamb

Debra Butterfield Interview with Elizabeth Noyes
Writers’ Favorite Christmas Song
Writers Play Secret Santa on Characters
Give Hope: Carry! Sheryl Holmes

Free on Kindle! (3 days only) Charisse by Fay Lamb (Romance)
Cancer Survivor and Mom of Nine Offers Hope All Year Long Sheryl Holmes

Romantic Suspense Author Living on Faith Fay Lamb
Christmas at Rumi Rancho Peggy Cunningham
The Focus of Christmas
On the Ledge/Fay Lamb: A Very Special Mom