Category: fiction

Fay Lamb – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn Authorview, contemporary, Fay Lamb, fiction, Florida Gators, Keychain Productions, Longmire, Romance, suspense3 Comments
Fay Lamb

I’m a fan of Fay Lamb‘s – I love her writing, and have read all of her published books except one. We’ve found so many weird connections in our lives, we’ve decided we’re twins, separated at birth. Only she was born several years before me (actually, it’s the other way round, I’m the eldest). I recently met Fay Lamb in person, after a cyber friendship that spans several years. It was as if we’d known each other all our lives. Fay has a gift for making people laugh, and also for pricking your heart. I hope you enjoy her answers to my questions.

I am: Baby Fay or Fay Fay. These are names from my childhood. Baby Fay is precious to me because my grandmother was called Big Fay by my four cousins, and I smile every time I think of my mother exclaiming, “If you refer to your grandmother by her given name, I will kick you into next week.”

My best trait: I believe I’m friendly for the most part, unless something upsets me politically or if someone disparages the University of Florida Gators.

My bad habit: While I consider myself someone who can look at both sides of the issues, I do have some key triggers upon which I do not budge, and it has been said that I don’t lack an opinion on those things.


Qualities I admire: I admire honesty, integrity, and someone who offers a smile or better yet can get me to laugh.


What I like to read: I’m reading a lot, but I think that my favorite stories are young adult novels that transcend the age group and books that make me smile or laugh my way through them (because they are truly funny and not because they are poorly written).


What I write: I write contemporary fiction, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense.


What I watch: Oh, boy. Are you ready for this eclectic list in the order of favorites: Longmire, Finding Big Foot, Mountain Monsters, Ghost Hunters, and well-written short films, which I’m usually introduced to through my favorite short-film makers, Keychain Productions.


My family: I have two married sons and six grandchildren (three boys and three girls). Oh, yeah, and I have a longsuffering husband.


My favorite food, snack, or beverage: Moonlight Drive-In sweet iced tea with extra ice and ice cream.

What I love to do: I love to write and to work with authors.

What I admire: Beautiful settings, friendly people.


What makes me happy: My husband would say nothing makes me happy, but I always rejoice when someone tells me that something I have written has ministered to or been a joy to them.

What makes me sad: Right now, I’m the saddest over the changes I see in America, its people, and its freedom. I’m sad that the First Amendment right is being taken away from us by rhetoric labeled political correctness, and I’m sad that those who cry out for the rights afforded us under the Second Amendment are more concerned with the fact that they won’t be able to hunt more than they are concerned with the true reason we have that amendment: to protect our nation from enemies within and without.

Sorry, I got a little political there, but this truly the thing that makes me saddest because if we continue on this road or children and grandchildren may face more than the loss of their freedoms.

I believe: After all that I mention above, I do believe that my God is the One True God. That He is a sovereign God, and that He has all things in control. I believe that the hateful “gods” of others are dead and of none affect until the great enemy Satan invades the cause and takes the form of those “gods.” But again, I believe what God declares in His word. Satan and evil will be defeated.

 Thanks, Fay!


Fay Lamb’s emotionally charged stories remind the reader that God is always in the details. Fay has contracted with Write Integrity Press for three series. Stalking Willow and Better than Revenge Books 1 and 2 in the Amazing Grace romantic suspense series are currently available for purchase. 

Charisse and Libby, Books 1 and 2 of The Ties That Bind contemporary romance series have been released and are currently available for purchase.

Future Write Integrity Press releases from Fay are: Everybody’s Broken and Frozen Notes, Books 3 and 4 of Amazing Grace and Hope and Delilah, Books 3 and 4 from The Ties That Bind. Also, look for Book 1 in Fay’s Serenity Key series entitled Storms in Serenity.

Fay and her husband, Marc, reside in Titusville, Florida, where multi-generations of their families have lived. The legacy continues with their two married sons and six grandchildren.

Libby Overstreet can’t see herself as anything but shy and socially awkward. She’s nearing thirty, and she’s never even been on a date. Then she meets the man of her dreams, but Libby knows he would never be interested in a wallflower like her. All she wants to do is to buy that garden nursery on the outskirts of town and settle down with the life she has always dreamed about. Evan Carter has been watching the sweet woman in the coffee shop for weeks when his friend tells him that the object of his affection plans to buy a garden nursery and needs Evan’s expertise as an architect/contractor. When they meet, Libby is more enamored of Evan and even more convinced that he would never look at her as anything but a friend. However, that’s far from the truth. Evan would love to get to know the innocent beauty God has placed in this path. Trouble is, he fears that a lovely flower like Libby will wilt under the sins of his past, and he’ll do everything in his power to keep that from happening.

Links for Fay:
http://faylamb.com (Fay’s website and blog: On the Ledge)
http://facebook.com/fay.lamb (personal FB page)
http://facebook.com/AuthorFay (Fay’s fan page)
http://twitter.com/FayLamb (Fay’s Twitter address)
http://faylamb.com/innersource/ (Inner Source Blog)
http://tacticaleditor.faylamb.com/ and http://facebook.com/TacticalEd
http://faylamb.com/ontheledge/on-the-ledge/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1482814.Fay_Lamb

Rose McCauley – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn Authorview, Christmas, fiction, Kentucky writer, Romance, Rose McCauley3 Comments
Rose McCauley

Rose McCauley is a fellow Kentucky author and one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. She’s the embodiment of Southern hospitality. 

While she’s here, answering my questions, I’m over at her blog, answering hers. We’re doing a “reciprocal” post (you’ll find the link below). After you’ve read her interview, hop on over and find out what she asked me!

 

I am: Rose Allen McCauley; my family still calls me Rosie

My best trait: perseverance

My bad habit: disorganized

Qualities I admire: someone who is good at organizing!

What I like to read: fiction and non-fiction; ABA and CBA; women’s fiction, romance, small town stories; real life stories; Christmas stories

What I write: small town stories, romance, Christmas stories (or at least a Christmas scene in most of my stories)

What I watch: Dr. Oz, Hallmark movies, some police/crime shows with my husband

My family: I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for over 46 years. We have 3 kids and 5 grandkids so far! We live on a cattle farm, but are moving in a few months to a suburb of the small town of Paris.

My favorite food, snack, or beverage: dark chocolate, also fruit and nuts, or a combo of all three!

What I love to do: read, write, walk, sing, scrapbooking when I get a chance

What I admire: loyalty, kindness, helping others

What makes me happy: getting email/letters from people who are blessed by something I wrote; seeing people use their gifts for God; family and friends; peace and quiet; Christmas and Christmas books

What makes me sad: seeing people who don’t try to reach their potential

I believe: that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God

 
 
Rose has been writing for over ten years and has been published in several non-fiction anthologies and devotionals. She is happy for Christmas Belles of Georgia to be her first fiction anthology because Christmas books are her favorites. A retired schoolteacher who has been happily married to her college sweetheart for 46 years, she is also mother to three grown children and their spouses and grandmother to five lovely, lively kids! You can reach her through her website www.rosemccauley.com or blogsite at www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com

Her book Christmas Belles of Georgia is available at cbd.com and amazon.com in both paperback and kindle versions. 

Now, hop on over to Rose’s blog for my interview! http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/


Growing Connections

On By Betty OwensIn ACFW, Christian Fiction, Colorado, Denver, Facebook, fantasy, fiction, Growing Connections, Ralene Burke, SAHM, stay-at-home-mom, Texas, Writers conference, YA Novelists2 Comments

I first met Ralene Burke via the ACFW regional page on Facebook, but I think I’d seen her before. According to her article below, we were both in Denver at the 2009 ACFW conference. I can’t imagine being in the same room with Ralene and not noticing her. Her bright personality is hard to miss. After relocating to the Louisville area, she set a date for a meeting and several writers gathered. We’ve been meeting once a month, ever since that day, picking up more members as we go. Her fresh ideas keep us coming back for more. So of course, I had to ask Ralene to share her take on Connections for this month’s theme on my blog. I hope you enjoy the post!

Ralene: When your parents tell you that you can be anything when you grow up, that leaves a whole wide world of choices for the young mind. As a young woman, fresh out of high school, I was ready to tackle the world. Or so I thought. 

For several years, I stumbled about, trying to find my place. I floated from job to job. Sure, I excelled at whatever I put my mind to, but I wasn’t happy. Satisfaction eluded me. I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be doing.

While I was working at a bank, I had a chance encounter that included my high school bus driver and my teller supervisor. The result was this brilliant (yeah, not so much) idea for a novel. So, in my free time, I started writing. Over the next few months, I continued to work on the story in bits and pieces. I was even brave enough to let a fellow bank employee read it. 


In February 2006, my husband returned home from deployment, and we moved to Texas. I went from working full time and going out with friends to being a stranger in a strange land: a stay-at-home mom with a newborn with no local friends. Aaaah!

But, the new freedom gave me more time to write. I really didn’t know much about writing or publishing, and I wanted to learn. So I joined Writing.Com (free basic account, which I later upgraded) and found a forum for YA novelists. This group became my source of growth and encouragement. I’m friends with many of them still today.

A year or so later, I joined American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and immediately got involved! I took the free courses and participated in the loops. When I was eligible, I even became one of the Zone Directors. In 2009, I went to my very first writing conference: ACFW in Denver, CO. I thought it would be awkward, not knowing anyone, but it turns out I knew more than I thought. Of course, my critique partner was there, but so were several members from my zone, whom I had communicated with and gotten to know online. 

It was about this time that I started getting into Facebook and blogging. Here was an opportunity to connect with even more writers. Even more homeschoolers. More people to encourage and support, and in whom to find the same. 

Today, as a writer and homeschooler, I find that my life can get rather hermit-esque. All too often, the day-to-day stress (and joys) of working from home while educating my kids can get to me. It’s nice to have found fellow writers who understand my journey. It’s a joy to know that I can reach out to other homeschoolers when I am ready to tear my hair out. And those rare few who write and homeschool? Well, they completely get me.

I’ve finally found my place. It took a few years, a few wrong turns, and a multitude of prayers, but I’ve made it. And God provided me with the support He knew I would need. 

About the Author:Whether Ralene Burke is wielding a writer’s pen, an editor’s sword, or a social media wand, she always has her head in a dreamer’s world. And she wants to make it SHINE! In her own writing, she spins fast-paced tales of fantasy worlds, angels and demons, and the broader calling of every human being. A place where the light pierces the darkness . . . You can find out more about her writing and editing services on her website: http://www.raleneburke.com. 

Interview With a Dream

On By Betty OwensIn A Gathering of Eagles, adventure, fantasy, fiction, Lady Jael, Lady of the Haven, Romance, William

And now, my interview with the King, William du Frain, of Coldthwaite:



Me: Welcome to my blog, Your Majesty.

King William of Coldthwaite’s dark hair is pulled back, tied at the nape of his neck. He’s dressed in an indigo tunic cinched at the waist with an intricately carved leather belt. Highly polished black leather boots end just below the knee of his sueded leather britches. He wears no crown, but a rather large sapphire glints from its gold band on his right pinky. He exudes strength, eyes sparkle with life, and the smile … be still my heart … 

King: I am honored to be here, Lady Owens.
Me: You don’t really have to call me … Nevermind. I kind of like being addressed as “Lady” and wow, he’s handsome! Ahem. How would you describe your Queen, sir?
King: (Smiles) Jael–beautiful in every way–God’s gift to me. She … is as strong as any warrior I’ve fought beside. Though not in the physical strength, of course. I quite depend upon her, you see.
Me: She is famous in the Kingdom of Coldthwaite (pronounced Cold-thrate, by the way) and beyond for reasons that defy explanation.
King: (Dazzling smile) Thank you for pronouncing the name of our fair kingdom correctly. But then, I suppose you are an authority (glances over his shoulder). My queen would not like me to talk about it, even with you, Lady. But her gifts are quite unique, yes. There was one time … I was deliberating what my next step would be in battle. I feared for our lives and thought I may never see her face again. When suddenly there she was, kneeling before me. I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was so real, I reached out to touch her, but there was only emptiness. I could see her, and she spoke to me, but she was actually miles and miles away. She told me exactly what I needed to hear.
Me: Were you relieved, when you realized she was not actually there?
King: (Nods) Aye, indeed I was. I had no desire for her to be in such a dangerous situation. And of course, later on, when I heard what happened to her­­—well, you remember it, I know. A frown creases his forehead. His gaze sweeps the room then returns to my face, accompanied by a knowing smile. He gives me a wink. I have a confession. I worship the very ground she walks on.
Lady Jael: Blasphemy! You take that back!

I nearly jump out of my chair at her sudden appearance in our midst. Even knowing her capabilities as well as I do, I am not prepared for this. But what fun! Can I get her to talk to me?
The portraits I’ve seen of her do not do her justice. In person, she is lovely. She turns her azure eyes on me and suddenly, I want to slink away. But she gives me a very polite curtsey then a most gracious smile.
Lady Jael: It is you, isn’t it?
Me: I … I don’t know … er …
King: Yes, my love, it is she. Allow me to introduce Lady Betty, our beloved author.
A servant moves quickly to provide a chair for Lady Jael. She nods her thanks to him, and perches on the edge of the seat. After he withdraws, she gathers my hands in hers.
Lady Jael: Dearest Lady, thank you so much for hearing my call, and telling my story.
Me: Oh, I’m honored to do it. I just hope I’ve done your story justice.
Lady Jael: Glances at King. Oh, you have. We love what you’ve done for us.
Me: I would like to ask a question, if you don’t mind.
Lady Jael: Of course. Ask anything you wish.
Me: What does it feel like to disappear? Lady Jael arches her brows.Oops, I know what that means.
Lady Jael: “Except that.”
When the king has a sudden fit of coughing, I turn to look. Just as I thought. He’s laughing. I turn my attention back to Lady Jael. I am determined not to mess up this opportunity.
Me: I beg your pardon, Lady Jael. I meant no disrespect. She gives a gracious nod.
Me, again: What are you willing to share about your life? Something your readers don’t know about you. She’s still holding my hands. She lets them go and relaxes in her chair, a faraway look in her eyes.
Lady Jael: I remember my mother.
Me: Do you? I never knew that.
Lady Jael: I was only a few summers when she died, but I remember. She was lovely, with black hair and eyes like sapphires. She was a healer, too. It’s how she met my da. But she didn’t heal him, she worked her healing on his da, my grandpere.
Me: I see. That’s really interesting. Even the King seemed surprised. He sat forward in his chair.
Lady Jael: And there’s one other thing … I was not the firstborn.
My mouth drops open. This is something I never suspected.
King: I never knew this. Why have you never said anything?
Lady Jael: He was taken, before I was born.
King & Me: (simultaneously): Taken?
Me: You mean he died.
Her gaze pierces my soul. “He was taken. This is all I know.”

Well, this calls for some research. And maybe, just maybe … another story …

Inspired by a Dream

On By Betty OwensIn A Gathering of Eagles, adventure, Betty Thomason Owens, ebooks, Facebook, fantasy, fiction, Jael of Rogan, Lady of the Haven2 Comments

Jael of Rogan inspired me to believe in the impossible dream.

Some inner part of me became an inner part of my character.  

Do I crave adventure?

Do I love to explore new roads, see where their twists and turns take me?

Yes, on both counts. But the likeness doesn’t end there. Though I tried to write Jael’s character as different from my own as possible–she’s petite with platinum hair and blue eyes–only her outer structure differed in the end.

Oh, but she is quite a bit braver than I. That part was big-time fiction. But my hopes and dreams spilled over into her and surfaced on occasion. Maybe that’s why I love her character and can’t seem to forget her…

  • So here’s the scoop: In just a few days, I will release the updated version of The Lady of the Haven, followed closely by the updated version of A Gathering of Eagles. They will both be available as ebooks, on all the usual networks, in their brand new clothes with reformatted interiors. They are beautiful! 
  • What do you think? I am in discussions right now about the print version. I am leaning toward combining the two books into one volume. I would like to hear your opinion of that. You can comment here or drop me a note on Facebook. 

And along with the launch, I will have some really nice gifts you can win by entering a contest here on my website. So, exciting things are in the works! I hope you’ll stop back by in a few days. “Like” my Facebook page to stay up-to-date. I won’t overwhelm you with advertising.

Thanks for stopping by!