Author: Betty Owens

Christian writer of historical fiction and general fiction.

Interview with author Linda Yezak

On By Betty OwensIn Blueberry Festival, Bremond Texas, Give the Lady a Ride, Joy Tamsin David, K.M. Weiland, Linda W. Yezak, Polish Days6 Comments
It’s easy to admire someone like Linda Yezak. As a writer, she excels. Her debut novel, Give the Lady a Ride is making waves in the world of Christian fiction. As any author knows, writing the story is just the beginning. Making it shine is a lot of work. Even then, the work’s not done. Just like a birth, once the baby’s here, the real labor begins. Thank you, Linda for allowing me to interview you and help promote your book!
Who has been your shining star throughout this venture?
I’d have to divide the venture into stages to answer this accurately, because I’ve had several shining stars–way too many to enumerate. God has been good to me! 
So, in the writing stage, it was author K. M. Weiland, whose sharp eye and gentle direction helped me refine the story. Katie has been an incredible source of encouragement throughout the entire process, but especially when I was writing. She still is. 
In the early cyber-promotion stage, it was Joy Tamsin David, influencer extraordinaire. From the moment she discovered Give the Lady a Ride was coming out, she gave me guidance about the best romance blogs to submit it to for great reviews. The bulk of my amazon sales were due to her advice.
In the physical marketing stage, Mom and Billy have to share the limelight. You just can’t beat the efforts of a mother who’s proud of her daughter, or a husband who’s proud of his wife.
These are my brightest stars, but as I said there are so many others–not to mention a certain Betty Thomason Owens who has been an avid supporter since day one!

What is your highpoint memory from the moment the book went live until now?

Wow. Tough one. I think it would have to be the look on my 79-year-old mother’s face when she held the book for the first time. She cried, of course. Then, after I read the dedication to her (she has Macular Degeneration and can no longer read), she cried again. It was sweet and emotional, and it makes me happy to have her so proud of me.

When did you think you may have “knocked one out of the ballpark”? Whose great review blew you away?

Monte Alkire, a rancher and rodeo team roper in Illinois, read my book and gave me his impression in detail. (Yes, I have male readers. That surprised me, but those I’ve heard from really liked the book.) The fact that he found my depictions of ranch life, rodeo, and cowboys accurate is the biggest pat on the back I’ve received, and I’ve received some wonderful pats. Monte believes the book is Hallmark quality and thinks I should submit it. I’d certainly love to try. He sent his review in an email, so I couldn’t post it anywhere but Facebook (and my blog–I didn’t think of that!), but the fact he wrote it at all is a great honor.

Where to now? Future plans? 
I’m still debating a sequel to Ride, and I’m almost finished with my second novel, The Cat Lady’s Secret. I’m also co-authoring a thriller with a friend, and I’m anxious to see that one finished. I enjoyed writing Ride, but I’d also like to write suspense/thrillers (probably under a different name) and women’s fiction.
Aside from my writing, Billy and I enjoyed our times at the festivals so much, we’re planning to add a few more–fall festivals. Or spring. But definitely, no more summer festivals! At the Polish Days in Bremond, Texas, I included the books of some author friends whose works I’d read and could comfortably endorse. I enjoyed selling theirs as much as I did selling mine, so I’ll continue to add other books to my traveling bookstore.

How does it feel to be a superstar (if only for a moment)?
The word “stunning” is accurate, despite the fact it is often misused. I’m always stunned when someone seems enthusiastic to meet me. At the Blueberry Festival, someone rushed over to me, all excited, and exclaimed, “You’re her!” as if I were some Broadway star. She had read my book and enjoyed it. At the Polish festival, people asked to have their pictures taken with me. That floored me. I’m amazed every time something like this happens. 
Thanks for interviewing me, Betty. You’re one of the stars God blessed me with, and I’m forever thankful for you!

For more information about Linda Yezak, visit:
777 Peppermint Place, AuthorCulture


The Gift of Invisibility

On By Betty OwensIn Bilbo, Gift of Invisibility, Invisibility, Jael of Rogan, The Lord of the Rings2 Comments

Have you ever wished you could just disappear when the pressures of life close in? At work, when someone’s looking for you? At home when the kids are driving you crazy? What if it was really possible? 
Some say it is. In this article from Wired Science, I read about the existence of “invisibility crystals.” Potter fans say all you need is a cloak. Well, there’s an actual invisibility cloak according to this article by Charles Q. Choi, Invisibility Cloak: Now you see it, now you don’t.
In The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) a ring rendered Bilbo invisible. There was also an elven cloak later in The Lord of the Rings that enabled its wearer to blend into his or her surroundings. And of course, there’s the Bible. There were incidences in the Bible when saints disappeared, some to reappear in another place. Catholic believers will remember several of the ancient saints practiced the gift of invisibility. Eastern religions also spoke of it. 
Jael of Rogan, the heroine of my fantasy novels, practices invisibility. She discovers the gift quite by accident. It comes in handy several times. In The Lady of the Haven, she “fades into the background.” That’s a talent I could use at work. In the second book, A Gathering of Eagles, she learns to travel while invisible. Think of the gas you’d save! 

Father’s Day – A Dedication

On By Betty OwensIn Fathers Day, Robert Frost
On the way home from Mom’s house today, I ran into heavy traffic. Spur of the moment, I turned off the main road onto a back road I knew would take me across country to my subdivision. This was a one-lane road, with a gravel shoulder just in case you meet another vehicle. It is definitely a road less traveled. I didn’t expect to meet another vehicle and I wasn’t disappointed. 
The road twists and turns through woods and fields with steep inclines. Driving down this beautiful stretch of back road through deeply shaded woods and bright green open meadows, I was reminded of the Robert Frost poem, “…the woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep…and miles to go before I sleep.” I took a few minutes to breathe and remember. Sometimes, when you’re really busy, you just get tired. I needed a second wind.
Mom, Dad and Thomas, 2006
Mom and I had visited Dad’s grave. The picture you see here is the last one taken of him. Mom’s holding little Thomas, their great grandson and Dad’s namesake. Thomas will be five next week. Yesterday would have been Dad’s 80th birthday. He may never know I honored him with a visit, but I know. I miss him.  
I have chosen a road less traveled in another area of my life. It’s not an easy road, but it’s one I’ve chosen and I mean to pursue it to the end. It will require study and hard work to achieve it, but I know I can do it and I’m not giving up. I think Dad would be proud. 

Jael of Rogan, Lady of the Haven

On By Betty OwensIn Deliverers, Facebook, Herbs, Jael, The Lady of the Haven, Twitter

Jael of Rogan grew up an only child. After her mother’s abduction and brutal murder, her grandmother and great-grandmother stepped in to raise her. Her father, Jon Rogan and grandfather Justus were called Deliverers and revered as heroes. Both were often away for long periods of time.

She was named by her grandmother Deborah, in honor of an ancient heroine. Together they dwelt in a remote river haven at the base of the Grand Touri Mountains, near the Falls of Verani. Sailmakers by trade and healers by calling, Deborah knew every indigenous herb by sight and cultivated many of them in her kitchen garden. She trained Jael to follow in her footsteps.

When she was sixteen, Jael’s father was killed by an evil magistrate. Her grandmother wasted away and finally died of a broken heart. Jael was left on her own in the mystical haven.

Thus begins the story of a young woman’s harrowing journey. She seeks protection from her enemy, Torin Dugold–the evil magistrate who killed her mother and father. What she finds is a life she’d never dared to imagine.

The Lady of the Haven is soon to be released as an ebook. Link to this page for updates, or join me on Facebook and Twitter.

Happy Mother’s Day!

On By Betty OwensIn A Gathering of Eagles, Amazon Gift Card, giveaway, Mother's Day, The Lady of the Haven2 Comments

Today, I gave my mom a Mother’s Day Gift. The hardcover/dust jacket version of my latest novel, A Gathering of Eagles. When she found the dedication page with the words “For Mom,” she said, “For me?” I nodded. She teared up. Then she said, “Is this in all the books?”

Yes. She has been honored in all the books. All her friends will see it. She has bragging rights. With two little words, I think I made her happy. For about five minutes–until the UPS guy arrived with a Camellia bush from my big brother. Ah, we are still competing. Mike, if you’re reading this, you know I have to one-up you now. I know it’s not a competition, but sometimes a little contest is just fun. I love my big brother and he knows that. So, we’re on.

I have another little contest coming up and it’s an easy one. Next week, I will give away one copy of both my books, The Lady of the Haven and A Gathering of Eagles (both in softcover). All you have to do is leave a short comment, either here on this blogpost, or on my fan page for A Gathering of Eagles. If you want to be included in the book giveaway, be sure to mention that in your comment. On Friday, May 13th (I am not superstitious–I am not superstitious–knock on wood) I will announce the winner of the double book giveaway. Hint: You can click on the facebook badge to the right of this post to get to the fanpage.

All of those who have entered and/or “liked” my fan page will be included in the final drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card.