Category: Interview

Siri Mitchell – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn ACFW, Authorview, European, Interview, Iris Anthony, Like a Flower in Bloom, Siri Mitchell - Authorview
Siri Mitchell
Siri Mitchell, novelist, Christy Award finalist, and today, it is my pleasure to welcome her to Authorview. I suppose I am also hosting Iris Anthony, so that makes this a two-for-one! I hope you enjoy her (their) interview. Please feel free to leave comments and ask additional questions!
Author/Artist Name: Siri Mitchell
Pen name (if different from above): Iris Anthony
I am a…thinker
You would like me when I’m…writing the first drafts of my novels
You wouldn’t like me when I’m…writing the second drafts of my novels. Or the third or fourth or fifth.
What qualities I like to see in others: Kindness
Favorite way to spend an evening:  Watching a movie
Who I love to spend an evening with: My husband
Am reading (or want to read): The Natural History of the Flirt
If I had a hammer… I would tap in the loose nails on my deck. Wait. I have a hammer!
My favorite genre is: Historical
My work-in-progress: Is a historical set at West Point Military Academy in the 1850s.
My favorite food is: Anything with caramel
I’m a collector of: Very odd characters begging to be put into a story
My favorite happily-ever-after: The movie While You Were Sleeping
Betty – Great answers, Siri! I’m especially interested in the book you’re reading (or want to read)–The Natural History of the Flirt–what fun! And that would be considered research, right?

About Siri Mitchell:

Siri Mitchell has written over a dozen novels, three of which were named Christy Award finalists. A graduate of the University of Washington, she has worked in many levels of government and lived on three continents. She also writes European historicals under the pseudonym Iris Anthony. Learn more at www.sirimitchell.com and www.irisanthony.com
 

Like a Flower in Bloom

It’s all her uncle’s fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she’s reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte’s future–the only proper future for a woman–is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.
Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he’ll soon change his mind…and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society–a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.
Things aren’t perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She’ll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she’s most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

Connect with Siri Mitchell:
Siri Mitchell on Facebook        Iris Anthony on Facebook
Siri Mitchell on Twitter            Iris Anthony on Twitter
          
Siri Mitchell on Pinterest         Iris Anthony on Pinterest

Deanna Klingel – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn author, biography, Deanna Klingel - Authorview, fiction, historical, Interview, literature, writer, YA
Deanna Klingel

 

I am: Deanna but you could call me Jan Karon if you’d like.

My best trait:I’m totally transparent.

My bad habit: I’m totally transparent.

Qualities I admire:Integrity

What I like to read:Good literature, especially historical fiction well-written

What I write:Everything; short stories, picture books, middle grade historical fiction, YA nonfiction biography and fiction

What I watch:You mean on TV? Uh, sometimes I watch the listings scrolling. The first of the year I’ll watch Downton Abbey.

My family: My husband Dave (married 52 years), our seven children and their spouses and our eleven grandchildren and one great grand, and my mom, 92 years.

My favorite food, snack, or beverage: I like eggs. I love Coke. 

What I love to do:be with my dog, write, read, walk

What I admire:Selfless acts and kindness

What makes me happy:Getting up each day, going to bed every night and everything in between.

What makes me sad:Some of what happens in between

I believe: the words I profess in the Nicene Creed 

Betty: Thanks, Deanna. Some of your answers left me giggling. 

For more information, keep reading!

Deanna’s Bio:
Deanna K. Klingel was raised in a small town in Michigan. She left for college, married, and spent the next twenty years moving every two years with her IBM husband Dave. Their family grew with each move. They eventually settled in Atlanta with their seven children where they put down roots for nineteen years. The children grew up, left home, and Dave retired. They moved to the quiet mountains of western North Carolina. It was here, in the quiet remote setting that Deanna returned to her love of writing, and began the life of a writer.

Her books include Beth’s Backyard Friends, and Rebecca & Heart, both eBooks on Storyrealm.com, and published award-winning short   stories that can be read on her website. Other published books are Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog, (Dog Ear Publishing, Oct 2010); Avery’s Battlefield, (Journey Forth BJU Press, March 2011); Avery’s Crossroad, (Journey Forth BJU Press, Sept 2011; Bread Upon the Water, (Rafka Press, spring 2011.) Cracks   in the Ice, (Write Integrity, Oct. 2012.) Deanna writes primarily for young adults.


Discover more about Deanna here:
 http://www.booksbydeanna.com/
Cracks in the Ice, by Deanna Klingel

“We skate deliberately over the wide dangerous cracks, where lesser skaters might fall and never recover …”

Gina Mangalli, niece of a mafia don, has dreams of Olympic gold as a figure skater. When tragedy strikes, her life spins out of control, and then a rash decision changes Gina’s life forever.

The burden of guilt causes a spiral that carries her further from the life she had always dreamed for herself. Have things gone too far? Can her hopes and dreams be restored or is it too late? 

Hallee Bridgeman – Authorview

On By Betty OwensIn author, Authorview, Hallee Bridgeman, homemaker, Interview, questions, Temperance's Trial, writer

Welcome to Authorview! For the next few months, I’m going to post an interview with a different author every Tuesday. The questions are always the same, but their answers will sometimes be vastly different, and so much fun!
 

Hallee Bridgeman

Welcome, Hallee!

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): I was Hallee the Homemaker for years. Now I transition between Hallee the Homemaker and Hallee the Storyteller. And Mom.
I am: Blessed in ways I cannot even express.
My best trait: I quickly analyze and come to solutions to problems.
My bad habit: I interrupt people. Because I’ve already quickly analyzed what they’re going to say. (see above)
Qualities I admire: Honesty. Integrity. Cleverness.
What I like to read: Cookbooks. The older the better. I have one written in old English. It’s really hard to understand.
What I write: Christian fiction – romance, suspense, historical (WWII).
What I watch: Campy action.
My family: Pretty much rocks. My kids are clever and fun. My husband is my solid rock.
My favorite food, snack, or beverage: Cake. Which leads to other problems considering my sedentary job.
What I love to do: Go to the movies.
What I admire: Heroes – people who risk all for the life or liberty of others.
What makes me happy: Feeding my family and friends.
What makes me sad: The helplessness in poverty.

I believe: That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.


Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author who writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.

An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee finally settled in central Kentucky with her family so that she could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. She enjoys the roller-coaster ride thrills that life with a National Guard husband, a teenaged daughter, and two elementary aged sons delivers.
A prolific writer, when she’s not penning novels, she blogs about all things cooking and homemaking at Hallee the Homemaker(tm) (http://www.halleethehomemaker.com). Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.

Hallee is a member of the Published Author Network (PAN) of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) where she serves as a long time board member in the Faith, Hope, & Love chapter. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the American Christian Writers (ACW) as well as being a member of Novelists, Inc. (NINC).

Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@bridgemanfamily.com

Temperance’s Trial
Release date: September 15, 2014
Now available for preorder
Marie Gilbert flees France after the Gestapo arrest her father. In London, Marie is recruited into an experimental all-female cohort dubbed the Virtues, a collection of seven extraordinary women with highly specialized skills.

Known only by her code name, TEMPERANCE, she is trained to operate a wireless radio and returns to her beloved France. As the H-hour to execute a daring mission draws near, Marie plays a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the unrelenting and merciless young Nazi forces that surround her.


Nicola Martinez, Editor-in-Chief

On By Betty OwensIn discoverability, Editor-in-Chief, Interview, manuscripts, ministry, Nicola Martinez, Pelican Ventures Book Group, Publisher, query letters20 Comments

Nicola Martinez is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Pelican Book Group where she is blessed to work with a group of talented authors and staff.

I’m so pleased she agreed to an interview. This month, I’ve talked to publishers who have started their own companies. How many of you have thought of doing the same thing? An intriguing idea, but a lot of work is involved. Work, prayer, and a learning process, every step of the way.

I hope you enjoy reading Nicola’s answers to my questions. Feel free to ask questions in the comment section. And check out the websites given on each of these interviews. Some of them contain guidelines for you to submit your query letters or manuscripts.


Betty: Why did you decide to start your own publishing company?

Nicola: Starting a publishing company was a desire I had many years before Pelican Book Group came to fruition, but ultimately, I see Pelican as a ministry–a way to bring the Gospel to people in an entertaining and approachable manner.

Betty: How did you begin? (Research? Study? Jump in and learn along the way?)

Nicola: I have to say I began by “all of the above.” I always do a lot of research of the market specifically and of business strategies in general–even today. But when it came down to it, I did rather just “jump in.” But, I didn’t just jump in without any relevant skills. I acquired many skills through a series of life experiences that seemed unrelated at the time because Pelican wasn’t even a thought back then.Through different employment opportunities, I learned hands-on about bookkeeping, taxes, business management, customer and employee relations, advertising and marketing, branding. Years before Pelican Book Group, I was self-employed and owned both a print shop and a Christian bookstore, so I got a taste of that part of the industry from graphic design to production, to retail. I’m a published author, and spent many years as an editor–first for a newspaper and then for a book publisher before Pelican Book Group launched. And, then there’s the fact that I’m a mother, so we know how to do everything, anyway, right? I could go on and on, but ultimately, a lot of what I needed to know was floating around in the vast, sometimes seemingly empty, expanse of my brain. 🙂 God prepared it all and then pulled it together. (Well, He’s still pulling it all together. We are a work in progress.)

Betty: What are some of the obstacles you have encountered?

Nicola: The greatest obstacle I’ve encountered–and one I think every small publisher and indie-author has to face–is that of discoverability. Reaching readers (and convincing them to purchase one of our stories) when there are so many titles published each day is a constant battle (So if you’re so inclined, please do “shout about us from the rooftops!”). Then, there are always the “normal” obstacles of technical glitches, personal illness, encountering the unscrupulous, etc. All-in-all, however, I think we’re pretty blessed that things run as smoothly as they do. We put out approximately four titles per month utilizing a very small staff. We have a process, we put out quality stories, and the obstacles, I give to the Lord to deal with. He’s better at that than I am. (although, sometimes I do have to scream and pout for a minute. We call it “Whiny Tuesday.”)

Betty: How do you stand out from other small publishers?

Nicola: I’m not sure how to answer that question accurately. I don’t try to stand out–just to stand firm. Perhaps other Christian publishers try to do the same, and if so, Pelican isn’t really standing out from those others. In standing firm, though, I do my best to uphold the Gospel in my life, business, and in the books we publish (I believe there’s a trickle-down to living for Christ: Our books can’t witness to the Truth, if I, as an individual, am not doing so in my own life); so I try to keep my focus on what He wants, not what I want. I believe the rest — the standing out from others, garnering readers, etc. — follows all that and will happen naturally as God wills it.

Betty: Everyone always likes to share their horror stories, so let’s go another way. What has been your greatest blessing since you started your publishing company?

Nicola:  There are so many blessings, I’m not sure I can pin-point a “greatest.” Working with talented authors and staff is a huge blessing. If I didn’t have excellent, moral people to work with, I’d probably go insane. Then there’s the awesome blessing of hearing from readers who feel blessed themselves by our books, and of authors who are realizing a dream by being published. And, of course, there are untold and countless blessings that come from the peace of knowing we’re doing something for Him and because of Him.

Thank you so much, Nicola Martinez, for participating in my interview. Readers, you can find more information about Nicola, her companies, and books at these sites: 

Pelican Book Group (website)
Straight to the Books – see what they have available!

Facebook 
Twitter

ONE Big, FUN Thing!

On By Betty OwensIn ancestors, contest, FUN Thing, giveaway, granny, Interview, July, ONE Big, Publishers, Tennessee, Writing


Why am I smiling? Because I know a secret. You’ll know too, in a couple of weeks. But for now, here’s my latest post and a couple hints: ONE Big, FUN Thing.
It seems some people have the most interesting lives. Surely, that should’ve been my life. I could’ve done that. WAIT. I could still do that. 
We are witnessing amazing days. Oh, I know the word amazing is overused and cliché—there are better words. My thesaurus brings up astonishing, astounding, mind-blowing, incredible, wonderful… I could go on and on. The sights we behold on a daily basis–it’s truly mind-blowing. 
What would our ancestors think of sending a message from one side of the world to the other, received in seconds, answered seconds later? 
What would Granny think of sitting in front of a screen in her home in Tennessee while talking to a beloved family member stationed in Afghanistan? She’s gone on to glory, so we’ll never know, but it’s a part of Granny’s great-great grandchildren’s everyday life as her great-great-great grandchildren talk to their daddy.
What would she think of millions of books available to us, instantly downloaded to our electronic devices? As a sightless individual, she would’ve loved the audiobooks! These would have opened a whole new world for her.
ONE. This brings me to the subject of my post today, the ever-changing world of publishing. Who could have predicted what has happened in the last twenty or so years? The last ten years? Astounding, incredible…
During the month of July, I will post an interview on Thursdays with an individual on the cusp of the changes in the publishing world. Editors, publishers, writers taking the plunge to create something truly wonderful. To impact the world. But I’ll let them speak for themselves. 
I hope you’ll drop in each week, to read their interviews and get an inside view of their lives and purpose. Perhaps you’ll find a niche for your story. Or a mentor to guide your way through the new world of writing and publishing. 
Who will be interviewed? I’ll publish my list on Thursday, July 3rd. On every subsequent Thursday throughout the month of July, you’ll meet one of the publishers. I’ll also publish the list on all my social sites.
Mark your calendars, sign up as a member of this blog, or have my posts emailed to you. If you prefer, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+, because I don’t want you to miss these interviews. More importantly, I don’t think you want to miss them!

FUN. There will be giveaways. I love giveaways. At least one of the publishers has already requested to give away a book, so watch for it. Leave a comment there for a chance to win a book.  

See you next month!