Karen Witemeyer has released a brand new novel, More Than Meets The Eye, which serves as the start of a new series called A Patchwork Family. The first thing about the book that caught my attention was the beautiful cover which features a young woman that matches the heroine’s description, right down to the different colored eyes (one blue and one brown). The colors also come into play with the lettering colors in the title, “More” is in blue and “Eye” is in brown. It really fits the book. The second thing that hit me was the Prologue. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but be warned, tears for days! It’s beautifully done and hooks the reader immediately.
​
More Than Meets The Eye is an excellent start to a brand new series and I am all for it. I haven’t met a Witemeyer series that I didn’t love. I find the concept behind this series fresh and unique. A patchwork family made up of three children (now adults) who were orphaned and banded together to make their own family in order to survive in the world isn’t a concept you come across often. This first installment in the series introduces Evangeline, Zach, and Seth “Hamilton”.

Evangeline has a very interesting and unique quality, her mismatched eyes, one blue and one brown. She grows up doing her best to hide them as most people either think she’s some sort of freak, a witch, or the devil’s spawn. She was orphaned at a young age and has had to fight hard for her place in the world, against nonstop rejection. Along the way she meets Seth and Zach, both orphans themselves. Both had traits that also made them unwanted, Seth was always a sickly child and Zach had a dark, cold demeanor. Through tragedy, they band together and decide to make their own family. They work together and look out for each other.

15 years later, the three have carved out a good life for themselves living on a farm in Pecan Gap, Texas. But not all is what it seems. Seeking justice against the man who stole his father’s land and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his family’s troubles. Only instead of finding a ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself, with an unusual family to boot. Logan soon finds out that Hamilton’s family is a bit odd, but enchanting at the same time…. Particularly his sister, Evangeline.

I have always enjoyed and admired Karen’s writing style. She has a true talent for spinning stories with earthy characters, an intriguing plot, and superb dialogue. I love the way she handles the dialogue in her books. She adds a great deal of wit and funny sarcasm to her stories. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve laughed out loud at the exchange between certain characters. I particularly enjoyed the exchanges between Logan and Zach, and Logan and Evangeline in this book. You can’t help but feel that you are right there with the characters, hearing their voices and seeing their facial expressions. Part of this is just a superb talent for writing dialogue, and the other part is her beautiful crafting of the characters themselves. Evangeline has become one of my favorite heroines, and of course what’s not to like about Logan? Karen gives her characters very human flaws and quirks, which is yet another thing I enjoy about Karen’s writing.

I also love the fact that Karen weaves great Christian values and Biblical lessons into her books. The message of justice vs. vengeance and the importance of forgiveness were strong throughout More Than Meets The Eye. That’s not to say it’s overtly strong to the point where non-Christians wouldn’t enjoy the book. Karen handles the whole thing with care and respect.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. Wonderful story, lovable and relatable characters, and a plot that won’t let you put it down until you’ve reached the end. Karen Witemeyer has another hit on her hands…. But then again, she hasn’t had a miss yet. ;)

I give it a 10/10.

​Grab the book here! 

John Wayne: Made in America was recently released by the Editors of the Official John Wayne Magazine, on May 8th . With a small introduction by John Wayne’s youngest son, Ethan Wayne, the book is a wonderful addition to any fan’s collection. John Wayne: Made in America features photos that span Duke’s life and career, along with pictures of scripts and other memorabilia from Duke’s personal collection. The book also takes the reader through a broad biography of Duke’s life and career.

Most avid fans will have already seen the majority of the photos featured in this book, especially if you’ve read or own both Michael Goldman’s John Wayne: The Genuine Article and John Wayne: The Legend and The Man released by John Wayne Enterprises, and probably won’t learn anything new from the biography information included. That’s not too say this isn’t something you shouldn’t add to your collection.

What John Wayne: Made in America brings to the table, as far as fresh material goes, is its incorporation of historical details. The book brings together Duke’s personal history and that of America’s to showcase the similarities of the two entities. The book is divided into decades for the most part, with each section dedicated to a time period spanning a decade. It then takes each section/ chapter and showcases where Duke was in his life at that time and where America was as far as progress, wars, economy, or another big event.

I found this approach fascinating and illuminating. It’s a unique and fresh take on tackling a biography of John Wayne. The information and details were interesting and helpful, it allows the reader to come out with a better overall understanding of the time periods that shaped Duke’s life and career. I would recommend this to any John Wayne fan. It is definitely a great addition to any fan’s collection.

I give it an 8/10.

Josephine Blake released her latest installment of her The Hands of Fate series, A Twist of Fortune today! I had the honor of reading it prior to its release and my goodness, y'all do not want to miss out on this one. Before I get into the actual review part of this, I would like to highly recommend you read the first book in this series, A Brush with Death before reading this one. You don't necessarily have to, but it will definitely make the experience even cooler, because you'll be able to spot characters that you already know from the first book, including the main character (from A Brush with Death) that will tie the series together. But again, you can also read it as a stand alone. 
​
If it's one thing that Josephine Blake does well it is that she spins an incredibly intriguing story. I was completely obsessed with the first book in her The Hands of Fate series, A Brush with Death, ​and was so excited when I heard that it would indeed be a series. A Twist of Fortune is just as fabulous as A Brush with Death. Usually sequels aren't as strong as the first, but this is an exception! Josephine didn't lose any power or intrigue while writing the second installment. The same enticing energy is present throughout A Twist of Fortune.

The characters are even more interesting and intriguing, and the plot is fresh and unique. The story centers on a group of rag-tag circus performers, who are all incredibly original in their own way. Josephine captures the spirit and comradery of circus life perfectly. They may be closed off and guarded towards outsiders, but they stick together and love their "circus family" fiercely.  It was interesting to see the contrast between the circus performers and Malaina, who is an American girl who came to England on a mission that ends up derailed due to the circus. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil it for new readers, so suffice it to say, it really is a "twist of fortune".  

​I love that Death, from A Brush with Death, makes an appearance in this book. This series is so fascinating because it's linked through the theme of being handed a life changing choice/decision, but it also appears to be linked through the character of Death, albeit loosely. He doesn't have a strong presence in the second book, but he's there nonetheless. I think Death is the most fascinating character I've ever had the pleasure of "meeting". 

​I highly recommend A Twist of Fortune. I give it a 10/10. It's on my list of books you don't want to miss in 2018. 

Grab A Twist of Fortune here! ​

****** Originally published on The Book Corner blog ***** 

The second book in the much anticipated new multi-author series Silverpines is finally here! Wanted: Horse Breeder is Barbara Goss’ first offering to the series and it is reliably enjoyable, as is the case with all of Goss’ novels.

For those of you new to Silverpines, the series takes place in 1899 Silverpines, Oregon. The series is based around two major disasters, a silver mine cave-in and lumber camp mud slide, which caused a shortage of young men in town. The women, as a result, were saddled with running businesses and ranches alone. Each book in the series will feature a woman from Silverpines, who enlists the help (and marries) of an outside man. This is a Mail Order Husband series, a new take on the age old Mail Order Bride theme.

Wanted: Horse Breeder by Barbara Goss is the second book in the growing series. The novel follows Laura Bennett, the owner of White Oaks ranch. After her husband was killed in the disaster that rocked Silverpines, Laura finds that she desperately needs a man to help her run the ranch. But not just any man will do, Laura needs someone who is educated in the horse breeding business. --- Max Winters lost what he thinks is the love of his life, Catherine, to another man. He decides to get a fresh start by answering Laura's ad and take a chance. He travels to Silverpines and is met with a beautiful bride and her adorable daughter, but also, many trials and setbacks.
​
I’ve always been a fan of Barbara’s novels, I have yet to read one that I didn’t like, and I’ve read every single one of them. The book is a fast and enjoyable read, the characters are relatable, and the story is interesting. Wanted: Horse Breeder follows that formula that makes it an easy, enjoyable read that the Historical Sweet Romance genre has become known for. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series, and I look forward to Barbara’s next installment.
 
Grab Wanted: Horse Breeder Here

The Blood of Heroes: The 13 Day Struggle For The Alamo and The Sacrifice That Forged A Nation by James Donovan is truly history at its best. A few months ago I became interested in The Alamo and its history (and legend), and it has now developed into a full on passion. I’ve been researching and reading up on the siege, the events leading up to it, and the results of the Alamo’s fall. The Blood of Heroes was one of the first books that I read on the subject (after many hours spent researching).

It is clear by his extensive and sourced notes (roughly 80 pages worth) included in the back of the book that Donovan rigorously researched the subjects on hand. Donovan does an expert job at not only detailing the lives of the brave men (and women) who fought for Texas’ independence, but also providing crucial information and details on the events leading up to the siege of the Alamo and the results of the fall.

The Blood of Heroes gives a short but detailed biography of each key player in the battle for the Alamo. William Barret Travis, James Bowie, Santa Anna, and of course, the most famous of them all, David Crockett, all receive at least a chapter’s worth of an account of their lives leading up to the siege. Other honorable mentions include Sam Huston, Frank Johnson, James Neill, Ben Milam, “Deaf” Smith, Susanna Dickinson, Joe (Bowie’s slave), and Juan Seguín, among others. I personally found it fascinating to see these key players’ lives unfold and intertwine with each other. I learned that quite a few of these men knew each other or at the very least crossed paths before the siege took place. I also admired the fact that Donovan managed to remain respectful and keep some of the legend behind each man intact, while exposing flaws and shortcomings. He expertly humanized them which made them feel more approachable, all the while conveying to the reader that these people deserved respect for all that they contributed. They may have been flawed human beings, but they were brave and noble when it came to the cause of Texas.

Donovan’s writing style is one that is informative and thorough, yet also vivid and captivating. The 500 page novel reads quickly. Once you start, you can’t put it down. I found myself engrossed within the first few pages. As Donovan walks you through the various lives and events leading up to the big battle, you feel as though you are living right alongside these brave and noble people. I particularly enjoyed how he handled the final battle for the Alamo. It was both riveting and moving. I found myself cheering for the Alamo defenders even though I already knew the outcome. You cannot help but feel invested in the lives of those brave men after reading the back-story leading up to the siege. I was moved almost to tears as Donovan moved through the scene, mapping out the battle and ultimately the deaths of the defenders. The battle plays out with a rawness to it. It’s honest, chaotic, bloody, and heart wrenching, but Donovan handles it with the utmost respect and ultimately the scene leaves you with a sense of pride for the defenders. I swear I could feel my heart swell with pride when I read the line, “De la Peña could not help but admire one robust blond norteamericano as he fired, ran back a few steps while loading, turned, and fired again, until he finally fell,” which alludes to David Crockett and his brave last moments.

One thing about The Blood of Heroes that I respected and enjoyed was the fact that he steered away from the revisionist take on the events. Among the most argued about beliefs regarding the Alamo, is Crockett’s death. Some revisionists hold to the belief that Crockett wasn’t killed in battle, rather he surrendered and was executed after. They cite what they refer to as strong evidence that points to Crockett not dying in battle. The trouble with the evidence on hand is the fact that the majority of eyewitness accounts, including some on the Mexican side, points to Crockett dying bravely in battle with his men. The evidence/accounts that differ are not strong enough to disprove the original accounts and conclusions, as they are second and third hand accounts, and often misread/mistranslated. Therefore most of us still hold to the belief that Crockett died in battle, and I’m appreciative of Donovan for doing his research and deciding to stick to that account for now.  
​
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the siege of the Alamo/Texas history and looking for a historical account. The Blood of Heroes is well written, thoroughly researched, riveting, and brings a vividness to the well known story of The Alamo. It is truly a must read!

******* Originally published on The Book Corner blog *****

I recently had the privilege of talking with bestselling author James Donovan about his excellent book, The Blood of Heroes. After reading The Blood of Heroes last month, I really wanted to sit down and discuss it with the author himself, and Mr. Donovan was gracious enough to agree. We discussed his research process, the writing process for the book, and the importance of separating legend and fact.

BC: I’m wondering what originally drew you to the Alamo? Did you have an interest in it before writing The Blood of Heroes or were you prompted to write about its history in some other way?
Donovan: My previous book was A Terrible Glory, about the Battle of the Little Bighorn (Little, Brown, 2008). That sold well, so my editor wanted to know if I had any ideas about a follow-up along the same lines. I live in Dallas, and I said, “Well, there’s this well-known battle that happened here in Texas a few decades before that one . . .” He loved the idea, and thought it a perfect follow-up.
 
BC: I can tell by reading through your Notes and Bibliography sections that a great deal of time, work, and effort went into the research behind the book. How long did the research process take? What did your research process look like? (How did you determine where to start? How did you go about gathering and organizing the information needed?)
Donovan: A Terrible Glory had required a lot of travel to do it right—to many collections at various universities and archives around the country, as well as a few trips to the National Archives. Since the Alamo story did not involve federal archives—Texas wasn’t a part of the U.S. at the time—I thought the research would be more easily handled. In a way it was, since it didn’t involve much air travel. But for about 18 months, I was on the road to San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and other Texas places about every other weekend. A lot of driving . . .and of course that involved delving into lots of collections and archives, and reading old manuscripts, letters, newspapers, etc. That part of it is actually the most enjoyable for me—it’s the closest thing to time travel. But before I do that, I read several broad, comprehensive histories, to get a good feel of the subject and the era, and then I start living in the bibliographies of those books and making lists of their sources. The point is to go back further and further until you’re reading every primary source (written by participants or observers) available.  That’s how you get the closest to the truth of what happened. It’s also the only way you’ll find anything new. Most writers don’t dig too deep, but there’s almost always unused material if you dig deep enough. All of that, the background reading and the archival research, took about three years.
BC: That’s a fascinating process. Wow, three years! I think you have to be dedicated to and passionate about the project to undertake such a task. I also love the researching part of a project. It’s the most enjoyable part for me.
Donovan: I’ve got a full-time job and I also had a young daughter to raise while writing that book, so I did most of my work—outside of the travel—at night and on the weekends.
BC: I think that’s the picture of dedication right there.
 
The book’s layout is perfect. The chapters flow and weave into one another beautifully. Each of the key players in the siege of the Alamo receive at least a chapter to themselves. I wondered how you decided on the layout of the book. The Blood of Heroes covers a great deal of ground, both the history surrounding the Alamo and the lives of the people involved in the fight for Texas’ Independence. With such a big undertaking as this one, how did you decide on where to start?
Donovan: Thanks for the compliments. I never jump into the actual event immediately—I think it makes more sense, and the reader will have a much better understanding, if you show how it got to that point, and put it all in context. So with the Alamo, you’ve got to go back to the earliest days of Texas, and discuss its relationship with Mexico, and even Spain. Of course, doing that without sounding like a history textbook is the hard part, because no one reads history textbooks for enjoyment. Whenever possible, I try to focus on the human side of whatever aspect I’m tackling at the time, because if I’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s that people like to read about people. I take it a chapter at a time, and I spend a lot of time deciding how to open a chapter, because I see that as the key to letting a reader into the story in that section. If at all possible, I like to start a chapter talking about a person. That draws the reader in. Then, when you’ve got them interested, you can segue to something else. But of course you can’t make up a single thing, or pretend to know what’s going on inside a character’s head unless that’s known through an account or interview. It’s not easy—probably the hardest part of the process.
BC: That approach makes sense and as a reader, I thought it worked very well. It’s true that you understand more if you’ve spent a good part of the book reading about all of the events leading up to the siege. Basing it around people rather than the events themselves helps the reader get more invested in the book. You get a feel for these people and develop a better understanding of their mindset.
Donovan: You hope so, anyway.
 
BC: You handled the scene of the final battle for the Alamo beautifully. I would imagine that writing that particular scene was a rather daunting task. There’s not a whole lot of information available on the details of that battle. Not to mention the conflicting information and theories surrounding that final battle, Crockett and Bowie’s deaths in particular come to mind. What was your mindset going into writing that particular scene? What were some of your concerns (if any) in handling that scene?
Donovan: You’re a sharp reader. Yes, it was difficult, because we don’t know so many details of what exactly happened to specific people. Any book or story is more satisfying when the main characters are involved in the climax. When that information isn’t known, the writer has to work harder to involve, and to emotionally invest, the reader. But one thing I don’t do—and this is a mistake that too many writers of history make—is stop in the middle of a scene and discuss various theories or conflicting accounts. I call it the Battle of the Footnotes, and if you’re trying to tell the story dramatically, it brings the proceedings to a screeching halt. I’m not saying there aren’t good books that do that, but for a popular history, it’s dangerous. You risk losing your reader. I prefer to write the story based on my conclusions as to the most likely scenario after much deliberation, and discuss that in the endnotes (few publishers use actual footnotes anymore). So in the climactic battle scene involving the predawn assault, I tried to write it as dramatically as possible and as accurately as possible. It was frustrating not to be able to write more about the three main characters, and other prominent ones, because I know the reader also wants to know what happened to them.
BC: I agree. You handled it beautifully. When reading your depiction of the final battle, I couldn’t help but feel emotionally invested in these people. I knew what the outcome was going to be already, obviously, but I still found myself rooting for them and feeling a sense of pride at their show of bravery and courage. When you recounted De la Peña’s account (on page 286) about admiring “one robust blonde norteamericano as he fired, ran back a few steps while loading, turned, and fired again, until he finally fell,” I could almost feel my heart swell with pride for who we assume was David Crockett in his final moments.
 


BC: I appreciated the fact that you went with the account/belief that David Crockett died in battle as opposed to surrendering and being executed afterward. You explain your reasoning behind using this account on page 446 in the Notes section of the book, ultimately stating that there is very little evidence to support the “execution scenario”, due to all accounts pointing to that theory having major credibility issues. Your explanation of Crockett’s death, which spans 4 pages front and back, demonstrates the fact that you thoroughly researched the subject and gave it an enormous amount of thought, before going with the “died in battle” account. Have you received backlash for your stance?
Donovan: Yes, that’s the longest endnote in my book. As you point out, I think it’s unlikely that Crockett was one of the prisoners taken alive and executed. There’s certainly not enough evidence to write it as history. There’s been some backlash, but not much. The most interesting was probably the review in an academic periodical, the Southwest Historical Quarterly, by James Crisp, author of Sleuthing the Alamo, whose Alamo celebrity is largely based on espousing the Crockett execution theory. He spent most of the review criticizing my rejection of that theory and the “eyewitness” accounts supporting it, and distorted or misread one of my points. But that comes with the territory, I suppose.
BC: I was put off by Crips’ Sleuthing the Alamo. It seemed to me that he was more concerned with pushing and proving his own agenda and bias toward racial equality than digging deep and getting down to the bare bones of the historical record. I also read his review of The Blood of Heroes and to put it simple, it seems to contain an undertone of sour grapes. On the surface, readers may see a man complimenting you on certain aspects of the book, but if you dig deeper, it really seems like he’s whining over the fact that you didn’t side with him (and Kilgore for that matter) on the circumstances of Crockett’s death.  Personally, and this isn’t me sucking up (I don’t do that), in my humble opinion, I think The Blood of Heroes is far superior in its research, content, and writing style than Sleuthing the Alamo.
Donovan: There’s also the bias that academic historians have against those without doctorates, which is unwarranted. Historians have performed tremendous research in every area of history, and written countless excellent books, but an academic often view them as trespassers in their area of expertise. Crisp, by the way, wrote much of an expanded edition of Dan Kilgore’s book How Did Davy Die?, which of course supports the Crockett execution theory.
 


BC: What does the process of separating fact and legend look like and mean for you in regards to writing The Blood of Heroes?
Donovan: It’s a large and important part of the process. The farther back you go in history, the less accurate things are, obviously, and the more time you spend weighing all the evidence in primary sources to decide what exactly happened. You’ve always got to keep in mind the three basic tenets of good popular history writing, as laid down by the great historian Samuel Eliot Morison: objectivity, vigor, and accuracy. I’d add a fourth: exhaustive research. You’ve got to constantly remind yourself to be objective, because even the best historians can slip into subjectivity without realizing it—a classic example is the biographer who falls in love with her subject. Another example is the historian who enters into research on a subject with preconceived notions or conclusions, and uses sources selectively—citing those that support his theory and ignoring those that don’t.
 
​
BC: When writing the book, were you at all concerned about the reception it would receive?
Donovan: I never gave it a thought. You can’t, otherwise you’re allowing that to influence what you write. Besides, it’ll just drive you crazy, because you can’t please everyone.
BC: Why do you think people are so fascinated with David Crockett and his death, as opposed to the other key players in the Alamo. I mean, if you take a look at the facts and information on hand, Crockett was actually a small player in the events leading up to the siege of the Alamo and the siege itself, as compared to say Travis or Bowie or Seguín. So why then are we so enamored with Crockett and his death?
Donovan: Crockett was a fascinating character, and he was also one of our first folk heroes. Larger-than-life legends like him who are involved in last stands have to be the last man standing—think about cultural representations of Roland, and Custer, and many others. When there’s a mystery about such a death, myth rushes in to fill the void.
BC: A quote by legendary director John Ford comes to mind, it was usually his motto when tackling a project where history and legend intersected: “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.”
Donovan: Right. I think it’s an innate human tendency, something to do with refusing to accept an ordinary death for a well-known personage.
 
 
BC: Are you currently working on another project/book?
Donovan: I recently finished a book about the Space Race and Apollo 11 entitled Shoot for the Moon. It’ll be published sometime next year. I haven’t even thought of another project—I’m just catching up on reading for enjoyment, which I can’t do much of while I’m working on a book.
 
BC: Just one more question before I let you off the hook. I’ve spoken to quite a few authors and their stories about how they first got into writing are all quite different. Some of them have loved to write from an early age, others developed the passion later on. According to your bio on your website, you have been a literary agent since 1993. So you were within the “industry” already. I’m wondering, how did you come to be an author? Have you always enjoyed writing?
Donovan: I’m sure my answer is similar to those of most other writers. I’ve loved the written word since my mother read her favorite poems—many of them story poems like “Casabianca” and “The Highwayman” and “Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight” and others—to me and my siblings. I read voraciously after my mother bought me a copy of Tarzan of the Apes when I was nine. I wrote various things as I grew older, and in high school I wrote for and edited the school newspaper. But after that I didn’t think about writing until I became a book editor, and then a literary agent. I wrote a couple of small books—one about Dallas, where I live, and one about the Dallas Cowboys—and I was looking for something bigger. One of my authors—he had written several good history books—wanted to do a coffee table book on Custer and the Little Bighorn, but he was busy finishing something else, so he asked me if I wanted to do it with him. I said yes, and got started researching, and then writing. He never found the time to work on the book, so I finished it and sold it. That led to my first book with Little, Brown, A Terrible Glory. So there you are: from Tarzan to Custer and Crockett and now to Neil Armstrong. Makes perfect sense, right?
BC: That’s interesting. Each author has their own unique story of how they came to be in their profession. I’ve spoken to several authors who said that they were never interested in writing or reading when they were younger. It wasn’t until they got older that they developed the passion. One even said that the only reason they became a writer was to help pay bills, nothing more.
It does make perfect sense in a poetic sort of way. All four “characters” share the same quality. It’s the one that pushes them to press forward into the “wild”, unseen, untamed world. I can see the connection.
Donovan: A few years ago when I told a New York book editor about the new book I was working on--Shoot for the Moon—he said, “Another book on the same theme.” I said, “What are you talking about?” He said, “Men on the frontier.” He was right.

***** Originally published on The Book Corner blog ******

I am pleased to welcome author Regina Jennings to The Book Corner. The winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award, Regina has seven novels and three novellas to her name. She recently released her novella, Bound and Determined, which is the second book in her wonderful Fort Reno series. I am so grateful that Regina took time out of her very busy schedule to talk with BC about Bound and Determined, camels, her writing process, and more. So without further ado, let’s get to it! ;)

BC: Hi Regina! I’m so glad you had time to chat with me. To get things started, will you tell us where you were raised and where you live now?
Regina: Certainly! I was born in Joplin, Missouri, and moved to Oklahoma when I was two years old. I’ve lived in the same community west of Oklahoma City ever since.

BC: That’s cool! I can relate to that as I was born and raised, and still reside in the same part of NY. I grew up in the foothills of the Adirondacks and absolutely adore the mountains. Do you have a favorite/spot feature in Oklahoma?
Regina: My favorite feature is the people. People in Oklahoma are so friendly and helpful. As far as the location, my part of Oklahoma is distinguished by rolling plains. You can see forever. Visiting places with dense forests makes me feel a bit claustrophobic at times. Someone could be nearby, and you’d never see them. That’s a bit freaky. And where’s the sky?
BC: Haha It’s funny, I’m actually claustrophobic but feel totally at home in the woods/forest.
 
As a writer myself, I’m always interested in how other writers came to be in the profession. Have you always loved to write or did the passion develop over time?
Regina: Some authors say that they are compelled to write. They couldn’t stop writing, even if they wanted to.  While I love to read, writing is a chore for me. It’s hard work. I’ll always love telling stories and being creative, but putting words on paper is tedious. Writing is work for me. I keep doing it because it’s profitable and because there’s a lot of satisfaction with finishing a book, but for me there are more exciting things to do than sitting in front of a computer.

BC: You’re the second author in a row that has said that writing isn’t necessarily a burning passion for them. I admit that I love to and find it easy to come up with stories, but find it a bit of a drag to sit down in front of a screen to type it all up. Haha. So how did you get started as an author?
Regina: I wrote things for my church when they requested them – newsletters, missionary profiles, skits, etc. I’d always wondered if I could write a full-length book, but didn’t have the nerve to start. In 2009, I wrote a Christmas play for our church and the response was very positive. Suddenly, I couldn’t hide my dream any longer. I was tired of making excuses for not trying to write a novel, so that became my New Year’s Resolution. Seven months later I took that manuscript to my first writer’s conference and that was the start of my career.

BC: Lucky for me and my fellow readers! ;) I’ve had quite a few authors tell me that attending writer’s conferences is the best way to get started and to get a publishing deal. Did it happen quickly for you or did you have to plug away at it for a while?
Regina: I’m embarrassed at how quickly it happened. I took that first manuscript to conference and sat down for a pitch session with my dream publisher. Within a few months I had a contract. The only way to explain it is God’s timing.
BC: Wow! That’s wonderful! God knows what we need and when we’re ready for it. :)

I’m curious about how other authors go about writing. Could you tell me a bit about your writing process? Do you outline your stories or do you just start writing? Do you model your characters after real-life people (either in your own life or maybe an actor?) Do you listen to certain music? Do you write at a certain time (like mornings or nights)?
Regina: Because I’m under contract, I start each story by submitting a synopsis to my editor. That gives me an outline to work from. Then I write a thousand words a day until I’m finished with the first draft. I set it aside for a few weeks, then start rewrites, which are usually intense. My writing time is squeezed in between homeschooling and managing a busy household, but the earlier in the day I can finish, the less stressed I feel.
All of my characters have flaws and quirks, so of course they couldn’t be based on my flawless family and friends.
BC: My goodness that must take some juggling, discipline, and good scheduling!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you always loved reading or did you learn to love it over time?
Regina: I have always loved reading. My idea of a fun summer was going to my grandma’s and browsing through her books. I think I’ve read every Reader’s Digest Condensed collection published between 1975 and 1985.

BC: Ah a fellow book nerd. ;) As writers, we tend to have one or a few authors in our early years that inspired and shaped our own style and preferences. What author has had the most influence/impact on you as a writer?
Regina: Laura Ingalls Wilder. My great grandparents were Laura and Almanzo’s neighbors in Mansfield, Missouri. I learned to love history through her stories, and to love sassy heroines.
BC: Oh my goodness! Laura Ingalls Wilder is probably one of my top two greatest influences as well. That is so neat that your grandparents were their neighbors! My goodness would I love to be a little fly on their wall. ;) I also learned to love history and particularly pioneer/western stories through her books.

While we’re on the topic of influencers, what is one book that has had the greatest influence on you?
Regina: Although I haven’t read it in years, I’d have to say Gone with the Wind. Epic historical romance at its finest. As much as I’d love to rival them, I don’t know if there’ll ever be a couple as memorable as Scarlett and Rhett.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BC: What was the inspiration behind your Fort Reno series? How did it come about?
Regina: My editor and I were brainstorming a new series. He asked if I was interested in writing about my home state. The reason I had never pursued it is that I write humorous romance in the late 1800s. Indian Territory wasn’t exactly hilarious at that time, but at his encouragement, I dug a little deeper to find some good story material. Luckily, Fort Reno isn’t far from my home and is full of colorful history.  The biggest hurdle to setting romances at a fort in isolated Indian Territory is getting single women there. Solving that problem has led to several fun, original story premises.

BC: Ah, I can see now how that would be a bit challenging, haha. I’m so glad you solved that problem because I LOVE cavalry stories! I think Holding the Fort is my new favorite book from your catalogue. I truly enjoyed Louisa Bell and Major Daniel Adams’ story. I also found Bradley and Ambers’ story just as entertaining and rather intriguing due to three unusual characters. ;)
Regina: Thank you!

BC: Let’s talk about Bound and Determined. It is the second installment in your Fort Reno series, and follows Private Bradley Willis. First off, did you know right from the beginning that the second installment would feature Bradley?
Regina: Not initially. When writing Holding the Fort, I planned for three books with the heroes being Major Adams, Lieutenant Hennessey, and Frisco Smith. I’d hoped that someday I could revisit Bradley and give him a story when he was older and more established, but the novella opportunity came along early. The timing of the story changed the plot a bit, but it ended up working perfectly.

BC: Well I’m so glad Bradley got his story! It was wonderful. As I said before, this story features 3 characters that you don’t usually find in the Historical genre. How did the camels come to be in the story? I loved them and the fact that they had their own personalities. They were such a fascinating twist!
Regina: Ahhh…the camels. As a writer, you’re probably familiar with those little tidbits you find while researching, that take a life of their own. I’d bought a book on the pony express at a library sale and in it was a tiny line about the U.S. Cavalry experimenting with camels. I tracked down the footnotes and soon had a book called, The Last Camel Charge by Forrest Bryant Johnson. I fell in love with the hilarious, but true, improbability of having camels in the cavalry and knew I had to get them in Indian Territory somehow.  It’s been one of my favorite research projects so far. Someday, I might just have to get a camel. (I take that back. In an earlier interview, I said I’d always wanted to learn to play banjo and guess what my husband surprised me with for Christmas? I do NOT want camels, dear.)
BC: Ah yes. I think researching is the best part of writing. That’s amazing how it all started with a book at a sale and a footnote. I love when things fall into place like that! You go down a rabbit hole only to come out with an awesome, unique story. I find myself down one of those holes currently regarding the Battle of the Alamo….. Not sure what I’m going to do with it though, hehe! Oh my goodness! Well he definitely gets points for being thoughtful and creative! Haha, oh but think about the party conversations you could have! ;)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BC: I am currently working on my first novel and hoping to publish this year, so whenever I get to sit down and chat with an author, I always like to pick their brain for advice. What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 
Regina: Being a published author doesn’t change the important things about you or your life. For years I dreamed of being an author and it was so exciting when it happened, but I’m glad I didn’t put my other dreams on hold waiting for it. Live your life, take care of your family, and serve where God has placed you. It’s by doing those things that we have the experiences to write about. And if God never opens the doors for you, then you will have no regrets over wasted time.
​
BC: That is very sound advice. I think too often we can place too much importance on one dream or our career, that’s when we tend to run amuck. And on that note, I shall let you go, it has been wonderful to be able to chat with you. I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your day to do this. I truly appreciate it!
Regina: Thank you for having me, Liz. I’ve enjoyed our visit!

BC: Hi Karen! Welcome to The Book Corner! I always like to start off by asking authors where they are from. I know you currently live in Texas, were you born and raised there, or are you a transplant?
Karen: I'm a transplant from California. I came to Texas in 1989 to attend Abilene Christian University, met my husband, and not only did we never leave Texas, we never left Abilene. We both work for ACU now, and my daughter is a junior here. My oldest son will be a freshman here in the fall, as well. Our blood runs purple.

BC: Awe, that’s cool! Having lived there for so long, do you have a favorite spot/area in Texas?
Karen: Does home count? Ha! Being home with my family is my favorite place. After coming from California with mountains on the horizon, ocean views, and real trees, the scenery is not what keeps me in Texas. It's the people. Southern hospitality, godly values, frontier spirit—all of these wonderful elements still pervade the culture here. That's what I love most about Texas. Although the sunsets are pretty spectacular. 

BC: Ha! Yes, home most definitely counts, after all, “Home is the nicest place there is.” I’m based in Upstate NY, so I’m also used to mountains, hills, woods, and trees. Was it a bit of a “culture shock” moving to Texas? 
Karen: Yes. Being so far from home was difficult at first as an 18-year-old, but it challenged me to become independent, introduced me to a great group of friends (my future husband among them), and gave me plenty of school work to keep me distracted. Although, even after more than 25 years, on the rare occasion we get a low-hanging fog bank, I imagine the clouds are actually mountains on the horizon. 

BC: All of your books take place either solely or mostly in Texas, so it’s safe to say that Texas has had an influence on you. Do you find it more interesting, fulfilling to write stories set in a place that you are so familiar with?
Karen: Even though I'm not a native, Texas is my home. It's where my children were born and raised. It's where my heart resides. And because it's such a large place, there is no shortage of settings to utilize for my stories. Being here does make it easier to research. Even though the majority of my research is done online, there have been times when I've driven to the place where I am setting my story to take pictures and get a feel for the landscape. I'll never forget when I was writing Head in the Clouds and decided to take a detour through Menard County on my way home from a conference. I had imagined Gideon Wescott's sheep ranch to be about 10 miles outside of town, so I took a little Farm & Market road and drove 10 miles. I pulled over and couldn't believe my eyes. There, behind the barbed wire fence were sheep! It was meant to be.
BC: Oh my goodness, that’s truly providence for you!

One thing that I love about your whole body of work is the fact that the stories are diverse and unique. They may all take place in Texas, but each novel and novella has their own unique plot and characters. Has it been challenging to come up with new plot ideas, or does that come more naturally to you?
Karen: YES! The more books I write, the harder it is to come up with ideas that feel fresh. I pray a lot. I am not a naturally creative person. I don't have a dozen ideas running around in my brain at a time. I have one. And I cling to that one with all my might and pray that when the end of that story comes, the Lord will provide another. Thankfully, he continues to do so, like he did for the widow who kept pouring oil until all the vessels she found were filled. There may come a day when my last vessel will be filled and the oil will stop, but for now, I'll keep on pouring and thank him for his provision. 
BC: That’s so interesting. Most people immediately assume that authors are naturally creative and therefore find it easy to come up with stories, but for some it’s more of a developed habit rather than an instinctual impulse. I like you’re likening it to the widow and the oil! That’s such a beautiful way to look at it.

A question I always like to ask authors is, have you always had a passion for writing or did it develop over time? 
​Karen: I've always been passionate about story, but for most of my life that passion was focused on reading, not writing. I was a book worm as a kid, bringing stacks home from the library and hiding in my room to devour them. However, I never really considered writing my own. I would daydream stories, so I guess I had an element of that creative process lurking deep inside, but I was never one to keep a diary or journal. I didn't write stories except for the ones required in school. As I grew older, I started thinking that maybe someday I would try my hand at writing a book, but there were always other things to consume my time. College. Work. Kids. Then when I was a stay-at-home mom with three pre-school children, my husband found out that his job was being eliminated. Panic set in. I needed to help contribute to the family income, but I didn't want to leave my kids. I know, I'll write a book and make lots of money right away. Ha! Well, my estimate on both counts was off by a mile, but God used that crisis moment to awaken the dream he'd planted in me. Within a few months, both my husband and I were working full-time for the university, my in-laws were watching the kids, and I was learning the craft of fiction writing. Six years later, I signed my first book contract and the rest is history.
BC: That’s interesting! I was the same way, a voracious reader and always daydreaming up stories in my head, but it never occurred to me to write them down until just recently. It’s truly amazing how God works, isn’t it? 

As a writer myself, I’m always curious about how authors go about writing. Could you tell me a bit about your writing process? Do you outline your stories or do you just start writing? Do you model your characters after real-life people (either in your own life or maybe an actor?) Do you listen to certain music? Do you write at a certain time (like mornings or nights)?
Karen: My writing process is different from many authors. I write one very slow, careful draft. That's it. Just one. But I constantly edit and polish it as I go. I send chapters off to critique partners as I finish them and incorporate their feedback. At the outset, I need to have a firm grasp of who my characters are and what the main story problem is. I like to have an idea of about 3 major plot events that will help propel the story along, but I don't actually outline. I just carry it all in my head. Before I start writing, I send off a detailed synopsis to my editor for approval, and if he has feedback, I adapt accordingly. I keep a loose timeline document as I write to keep track of what happens when and how much time passes over the course of the story, and I have a few notes about character appearance and a listing of character names, but I don't use story boards or extensive worksheets. I just don't have the time. Since I write so slowly, I need all the time I can get for the actual book. Instead of daily word count goals, I have weekly chapter goals – one polished chapter a week. Since my books tend to be between 36-40 chapters long, I try to allow 40 weeks for a full-length novel and 10 weeks for a novella. With 52 weeks in a year, you can see that leaves very little time off. My characters live solely in my head, they aren't based off of real people, though sometimes I ask my Posse Facebook friends to submit images of people who they think would match my character descriptions. These photos don't help me a lot during the writing stage, but they are wonderful for passing on to my publisher when the time comes to select a cover model.

BC: Through this interview feature, I have found that every author has their own, unique process. I find each one fascinating. I am a member of your Posse Facebook group and remember that time well. We had so much fun! Plus, it’s always a thrill when your favorite author lets you in on the process. It’s truly a delight.  

Now, before I go any further, I HAVE to talk about A Worthy Pursuit, simply because it’s my absolute favorite book from your catalogue and one of my favorite books period. Can we talk about Stone?! My goodness is he swoon worthy. ;) How did he come to be? What was the inspiration behind his character? 
Karen: With A Worthy Pursuit, I actually had the heroine figured out first and designed the hero to be her perfect man. After watching her father cheat on her mother and experiencing her own suitor's perfidy, Charlotte had lost all faith in men. So creating Stone was my gift to her. Someone who would be patient enough to pursue her as long as it took, someone steadfast and honorable. Yet at the same time, I needed conflict between them, so what could be better than making him the man sent to apprehend her after she abducts/rescues the children in her care? Oh, and I just couldn't resist making him a larger than life dime novel hero. Someone too good to be true, so she'd be even less likely to trust him.
BC: It certainly was a brilliant bit of creativity! I know I certainly fell in love with him! ;) I grew up on John Wayne movies and old westerns, so the whole dime novel hero definitely appeals to me.  Another aspect of the book that I particularly loved was the dialogue.

As is the case in all of your books, the dialogue is witty and funny. You have perfect timing with your injections of comedy, wit, and sarcasm. I literally laughed out loud at the “gnome” remarks (to himself) from Stone in the beginning of the book. Does writing dialogue come easily to you or do you actually have to work at it? 
Karen: Sometimes it comes easily, and sometimes it's like pulling teeth. The key for me is to let myself get absorbed into the character whose head I am in, and let the dialogue flow from that place, not from me, the author. This is particularly tricky when writing the male POV. I'm a natural explainer and like to use lots of words (shocking, right?), but men, especially the rugged cowboys I write about, tend to be more of the strong, silent type. So, I have to fight the urge to be verbose and instead be concise and pithy with them. Where I would ramble, they'd grunt and be done. Ha!
BC: That’s a good point! I’ve always wondered how female authors, like yourself, manage to write the male POV so realistically and believable, it definitely takes a certain talent.   

BC: You have a true talent for writing/developing characters who are attractive, relatable, and approachable. Your male heroes are handsome and attractive, yet they aren’t fake and they don’t feel like fantasy. You make them feel approachable and relatable by giving them flaws and idiosyncrasies. Some examples that immediately come to mind would be Levi from To Win Her Heart and Malachi from No Other Will Do. They break the mold of the formula romance hero, which is refreshing. Speaking of breaking the mold, let’s talk about Amos from Heart on the Line. I feel like he broke the mold more than the others have. He could be classified as a “nerd” hero. He’s not the typical cowboy, but proves that you don’t need to be tall, outrageously handsome, and built in order to win the girl. Who or what was the inspiration behind this particular character and plotline? 
Karen: The theme verse for this novel is 1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  I've been a romance reader since my teen years, and I love swoon-worthy, alpha-male heroes. Yet I think the romance genre as a whole skews the ideal man a little too much in that direction. I have a 19-year old daughter away at college, and when I think of what I want her to look for in a potential mate, good looks and swagger don't make the top of the list. It's so much more important to look for deeper character traits like godliness, kindness, a sense of humor, and steadfast dedication even when times get tough. So in this story, I turn the usual romance ingredients on their heads. The hero prefers bicycles to horses, wears spectacles, and is a 19th century technology nerd (hmmm…rather like my husband, come to think of it). He doesn't match the fantasy my heroine has built up in her mind about the man on the other end of the telegraph wire, but she soon learns that looks can be deceiving and that a mad of godly character is one to be treasured.
BC: Now that I think back over all of the books that I’ve read within this genre, that’s very true. Up until I read your novel Full Steam Ahead, and then of course, Heart on the Line, I hadn’t come across a book featuring a male hero that didn’t follow that same formula. I agree that the genre needs some more balance between the macho, alpha male hero and the non-alpha hero. As much as I love a good alpha male, cowboy type, I’ve also enjoyed the other types as well! A good man is a good man, no matter the outer package. 

I have enjoyed your Ladies of Harper’s Station series right from the beginning. I’ve always wondered, when writing a series, is there a point in the process when you figure out which characters will be more prominent than the others?  Did you have an idea of how it would all end from the beginning? Or did you have to walk through the series yourself, in order to figure out how it would end?  
Karen: Since I write so slowly, it is hard for me to carry a long series and maintain momentum with readers since they have to wait 6-12 months for the next story. In fact, when I first started writing, my publisher steered me away from series because books 2 and 3 rarely sell as well as book 1. So, most of my series have been short, usually just two full-length novels with one or two novellas thrown in the mix. The Archer Brothers were my first, and that was easy to know when to end. As soon as I ran out of brothers. Ha! The Ladies of Harper's Station had potential to offer many more stories since all the ladies in town were unattached, but I didn't want readers to lose interest. So, I picked the characters with the most compelling stories to tell and focused on them. I cheated a bit in Heart on the Line and worked in two romances instead of just one, but as that series comes to a close, I feel good about the ladies I highlighted.

BC: I just recently finished reading the last installment of the series, The Love Knot, which is featured in the novella collection, Hearts Entwined. I have to say, I was sad to hear that it would be the last book in the series, but after reading it, I find I am happy and satisfied with the conclusion.  How did the Hearts Entwined collaboration come to be? I know you have collaborated with Regina Jennings and Mary Connealy twice already with the novella collections, A Match Made in Texas and With This Ring?, and you’ve collaborated with Melissa Jagears twice with With This Ring? and With All My Heart. Did that history of collaboration have anything to do with this recent project? 
Karen: Yes, we knew that we worked well together and that we had similar styles, so when I decided to write Claire's story, I immediately reached out to these ladies and asked if they would like to collaborate. We decided to link our stories by theme and not by geography or time period and had a lot of fun working in the entwined theme. Each of our stories has some kind of imagery dealing with tangles and knots. My story, The Love Knot, plays on that idea several ways—there are actual embroidery threads that become tangled when Claire and Pieter interact and later come to represent a bond between them that cannot be untangled or broken. There is also a tie-in to the Celtic love knot of Claire's heritage.​


BC: Can we talk about your upcoming projects? As I mentioned before, I am a member of your Facebook group, The Posse, so I do know that there are at least two upcoming novels. I’d like to talk a bit about the first one, More Than Meets the Eye, which is already up for pre-order. Can you tell us about More Than Meets The Eye? How did that story come about? 
Karen: I wanted to bring together a set of siblings in an unusual way and use them as a base for a series. I remembered reading a series of books by Julie Garwood back in the 1990's based on the idea of a group of street boys who find a baby girl in the garbage that someone had thrown away. They take this baby under their wing and move out west for a fresh start. They change their last names to Clayborne and call themselves family. That sparked the idea behind the Hamiltons in More Than Meets the Eye. Evangeline, Seth, and Zacharias are all orphans on one of the orphan trains sent west to find homes for children. Each of them has been rejected for different reasons. Evie has mismatched eyes, Seth is sickly, and Zach wants no part of family, so he scares off any potential takers. When their train derails, tragedy binds them together and they decide to make it on their own. They take on a new name and leave the wreckage to become their own family. Life is hard, though, and choices made in desperation have consequences they couldn't have foreseen. And when the piper demands to be paid, the only thing that can save them is love.
​BC: That sounds like yet another not-to-be-missed story! I look forward to reading it when it comes out! I’ve already pre-ordered it, so I’ll be not so patiently waiting until June. ;)  

This is the part in the interview where I like to ask you a few questions from your readers. I recently posted a query in The Posse group asking your readers what burning questions they had for you. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many interesting questions! So here are a few:
 
•   Catherine would like to know, “Do your characters ever talk to you outside of writing? Like when you’re out and about and you see something, does a character’s voice/thoughts pop into your head? If so, do they talk to you even after you’ve finished the book?” 
Karen: Unlike many authors, I don't actually hear character voices. I think it's because I'm a left-brained writer instead of a right-brained one. Or maybe it's just because I'm bossy and won't let them out of their box unless I'm working. I do sometimes get ideas for plot points when I'm not actively writing. Car rides and walks in the neighborhood can be great for generating ideas. I don't usually get inspired by someone or something specific I see, it's more of having the chance to quiet my mind that allows new ideas to take root. 

•   Megan would like to know, “How much say do you have in the cover art of your book and in the marketing of the book?”
Karen: My publisher always asks for input at the beginning of the process—physical descriptions of the hero and heroine, the setting, any images I have regarding clothing or actual people to represent my characters. They also take input from me about what might make a fun cover. The covers for Head in the Clouds and Short Straw Bride were based on my ideas, but most of the others came from the creativity of the Bethany House Art Department. Once I give my information, the Art Department takes over, and I rarely see anything until the publisher decides on the final result. Sales, marketing, design, and editorial all weigh in. Editorial makes sure the cover matches the story; sales makes sure it is a cover that will appeal to retailers; marketing makes sure the cover will appeal to readers; and design ensures the high artistic standards are maintained. Once they show me the finalized cover, I'm allowed to give feedback, but I rarely get to change anything. With the upcoming cover for More Than Meets the Eye, they actually gave me a choice between two covers, which was wonderful! I selected the one I preferred, and they went with that one. I felt so empowered. Ha! 

•   Stacy would like to know, “What advice would you give to aspiring authors?” 
Karen: Work hard, be patient, and cultivate a tough skin. There is a lot to learn about the craft of fiction. Don't look for short cuts. Put in the work, and you'll eventually reap the rewards. Publishing is a very slow business, so learn to be productive while you wait. Send off your queries and proposals, but start working on your next book, too. Finally, be prepared for criticism. It hurts to have your work picked apart, whether by critique partners, contest judges, editors/agents--but if you learn to set aside the emotional defensiveness and absorb the comments with objectivity, your work will be stronger for it. Even as a multi-published author, I still have to deal will all these criticisms including the added level of reader reviews. The tougher your skin, the more likely you are to learn from past mistakes and become a better author.

•   Darcy would like to know, “What’s your favorite of the books you’ve written?” 
Karen: That's a tough one. It's like asking a mother to pick between her children. She can't! Each one is special in its own way, but if I were forced to pick, I think I would choose either To Win Her Heart (Levi Grant was just special, and the entire plot of that book came together in a way that could only be Providence) or Heart on the Line (since the hero was directly inspired by the delightful nerd heroes in my own life).
​
•   Lynne would like to know, “Is there a historical period you’d like to write about that you haven’t touched yet?” 
​Karen: I really enjoy reading regency novels and might like to try writing one someday, but for now, my heart and my brand is late 1800s Texas, so I think I'll stay here.

BC: Before I bring this interview to a close, I would like to thank you, Karen, for taking the time to chat with me and answer my questions. I have had such a blast with this interview. It was a dream come true to be able to pick your brain about your writing process and your books. So thank you so much for joining me! 
​Karen: Thank you for having me!
​
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay up to date with Karen Witemeyer through: 
​Karen's Website
​Karen's Facebook Group, The Posse
​Inspired By Life and Fiction Blog
​Pistols and Petticoats Blog
​​Pre-order Karen's new book, More Than Meets The Eye here!

​              ******** This Interview Originally appeared on The Book Corner blog *********** 

I’m very pleased to welcome author Amanda Tero to the blog. I’m so grateful that she took time out from her busy schedule to do an interview with me. I admit I just recently discovered Amanda Tero (and her books) through a group on Facebook that highlights the Historical fiction genre. That’s one reason I love those groups on Facebook, I’m always discovering great new authors to add to my “to read” list! ;) Amanda happens to write books that are outside my usual reading niche, but I’m always open to great books, no matter the genre/subgenre and I love discovering awesome books. I’m so excited to have Amanda on the blog, so without further ado….

Me- Hi Amanda! I’m so glad to have you on the blog. To get things started, will you tell us where you were raised and where you live now?
Amanda - I was born and mostly raised in Louisiana. Three years ago, my family and I moved to Mississippi. I’m a Southern gal for sure.
Me- That’s cool, I’m actually making plans to move south by the end of this year hopefully, if all goes well lol! I’ve lived in New York my whole life, and I do love it here. One of my favorite things about where I live is the mountains. We’re surrounded by them here and camp every summer in the Adirondacks.
Amanda- Ah, I love the mountains!! We have a few more Mississippi hills than in Louisiana, but not quite mountains. ;)
What is your favorite thing about where you live, do you have favorite spot or activity?
Amanda- My favorite thing about where I live would have to be the churches in the area; our church is part of a 13-Baptist Church association, so we get together with the sister churches throughout the whole year.
Me- That sounds fun! I absolutely love my church. It’s a little country church that has been around since before the Revolutionary War. We’re a tight knit congregation. I have to say, that’s the one thing I won’t be happy about leaving when I move!
As a writer myself, and one who has always loved the craft, I always like to ask authors whether they’ve always loved to write or if they developed the passion over time?
Amanda- So cool on the church! But I feel you about leaving it. L I’m fairly certain yes. J I have evidence of attempting poetry from when I was about six (since then, I’ve discovered that nope, I’m so not a poet!).
Me- Hahaha I can relate! I’ve attempted poetry…. Ok ok, I still try it every now and then, but I’ve never been successful at it. I keep hoping I develop the talent for it, but I haven’t yet lol.
You said you started writing at a young age, when did you first start writing stories/novels?
Amanda- My first completed story was probably when I was around ten or eleven. When I was in my teens, I put writing aside for a while—which I really believe God used to help me to get focused on writing for His glory. Then, I resumed writing again when I was in my early twenties. This time, I took it more seriously and have been trying to learn the craft.
Me- Wow, ten/eleven, that’s impressive! God truly does know how to refocus us and he also has perfect timing. J
 
Another question I always like to ask authors is how they got started as an author, can you tell me how you got started?
Amanda- I wrote a few short stories for my younger sisters one Christmas. The following Spring (2015), I was setting up a booth at a home-school convention (for my music: www.withajoyfulnoise.com) and Mom suggested printing off the short stories to sell for a couple dollars there too. It was the strangest thing, to realize that not just my family enjoyed reading my stories and learning from them.
Me- That’s awesome. J
How many books have you written so far?
Amanda- Including “The Secret Slipper” (releasing May 25, 2017), I have published three novellas, one non-fiction (“Me? Teach Piano?”) and nine short stories.
 
Me- As a writer myself, I’m always interested in other people’s writing processes. Could you tell me a bit about your writing process? Do you outline your stories or do you just start writing? Do you model your characters after real-life people (either in your own life or maybe an actor?) Do you listen to certain music? Do you write at a certain time (like mornings or nights)?
Amanda - I will try not to be wordy here. J I’ll just take the questions one at a time.
Outlines? Nope. Well, almost a nope. I have a general idea of the storyline when I begin writing the story, but I’m more of a pantster writer. I have learned my writing style though. I have to write a rough draft and then go back and dress it up. A lot.
Characters. I would say that they’re influenced by real-life people, but more often than not, they are usually their own being.
Music. Not at all. Well, when I’m editing and don’t have to think too hard. I’m a musician. I arrange music. So when I listen to it, my brain starts to analyze it. I can’t concentrate on writing and analyzing music at the same time. ;)
Writing Time. VERY random! Some weeks I write very little. I teach piano and violin 2 ½ days a week, so my writing time is usually on Thursday evenings, Fridays, and the occasional Monday. It usually works best for me to write afternoons, though I have had some morning sessions as well. I basically write whenever I can get the time.
Me- I find it very interesting that each author has their own process, I have yet to come across two that are the same. I’m not much of an outliner myself, I’m more of a just start writing and see what happens type of gal lol. Wow! You teach violin? One of my goals for this year is to learn/start learning to play the violin! Though, alas, I haven’t started yet. L
As an avid reader myself, I’m always interested in authors’ reading habits. Have you always loved reading or did you develop the passion for it over time?
Amanda- Very true about authors. We’re all individuals, aren’t we? J Violin is a great instrument! I’ve heard it’s one of the hardest to learn, but stick with it and it’s beautiful!
I have always, always, always loved reading. Like…get-in-trouble-because-I-was-reading-and-not-doing-chores loved reading.
Me- Lol a girl after my own heart! ;)
I’m curious, what author has had the most influence/impact on you as a writer?
Amanda- Hmm…various authors have influenced me in various ways. The first one I vividly remember was Al Lacy, who always had a salvation message woven into his stories. Janette Oke influenced the real-life type stories.
Me- I love Janette Oke, she’s one of my favorites.
Who are a few of your favorite authors?
Amanda- Roseanna White, Alicia Ruggieri, Janette Oke, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Lois Walfrid Johnson. And a few non-fiction authors as well such as Elizabeth George and A.W. Tozer.
Me- One reason I ask that question is that it’s a great way to discover great authors that I haven’t read yet. ;) Aside from Oke, the only other I’ve read on your list is A.W. Tozer, which means I get to add a few more authors to me list! ;)
What are a few of your favorite books?
Amanda- Sweet! You’ve got some good ones to add. ;) As for books… Ooh… hard choice. I know this is a given, but the Bible is my top favorite book. Beyond that, my favorites tend to change. Amazingly, the more I learn about writing, the less amazingly-written some books become. ;) I’d say the best answer to that question is to peruse my 5-star Goodreads shelf. http://ow.ly/lKZW30cckKy
Me- Don’t you just love Goodreads? ;)
 
Another fun question for which I have an ulterior motive for asking is: What are you currently reading? Any recommendations? ;)
Amanda- At the time of answering this question, I am almost finished with Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum (my first Erynn Mangum book) and it is quite funny. I’m not a huge fan of first-person, present-tense writing, but it’s grown on me.
As for books I recommend…ooh…that really depends on the reader. Kim Vogel Sawyer’s Grace and the Preacher was a good historical fiction read. Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Diebler Rose a great non-fiction. The Viking Quest series by Lois Walfrid Johnson a great teen series (and yes, I enjoyed it in mid-twenties). There to get you started. J 
 
Me- When I was first introduced to your books I found the concept of essentially rewriting well-known fairy tales fascinating. Interest in fairy tales seems to have picked up the last couple of years, what with re-imagined TV shows and movies based on old fairy tales. How did you get the idea for Fairytale Retellings?
 
Amanda- Well, it all began with “Befriending the Beast.” I just had the idea… “What if the beast was Belle’s father?” I was just planning on it being a stand-alone though.
 
Me- Can you tell me a bit about your new release the “Secret Slipper”? It is the second in your Fairytale Retellings. What was the inspiration for it?
 
Amanda- “The Secret Slipper” all began when an author friend asked me, “What about a father/daughter Cinderella story?” Yep…the story came after that.
 
Now, about “The Secret Slipper.” It is the story of a lord who discovers that his daughter who had died ten years ago really didn’t die. The story of a lass with a deformity whose life gets worse every passing day. And the journey that will either bring them together or permanently apart.
 
Me- Wow, that sounds intriguing! I can’t wait to read it!
 
A few fun questions I always enjoy asking authors are:
If you had to pick a favorite character from your books, who would it be?
 
Amanda- ANY of my books? One that I’ve not written yet. ;) But for those written…hmm…it may be Jolin, from “The Secret Slipper” (A side character—ever notice how side characters are sometimes the most interesting?).
 
Me- Lol that is true sometimes!
 
The second question is which of your characters is most like yourself?
 
Amanda- Thinking through all that I have written, it would be Meg from the short story “Coffee Cake Days.” Her story is kind of a very near-to-my-heart lesson that I learned.
 
 
Another fun thing I like to do whenever I interview an author is ask their fans what questions they’d like answered ahead of time. Here’s what they wanted to know:
 
What are a few of your favorite hobbies outside of writing?
Amanda- Music, though it’s not just a “hobby” as I teach piano/violin and arrange hymns and publish them. Oh, reading too. I really like that. ;)
 
What’s your favorite holiday?
Amanda- That would be Thanksgiving. Our family gets together and it’s just a wonderful family time where we share how the Lord’s been working in our lives that year.
 
If you had to live in one book, and it can be any book, which one would you choose?
Amanda- Ooh. Tough one. Wow. Yeah. I…don’t…know. I like so many different genres and books. I don’t have a real answer for that. ;)
 
Me- What’s your favorite Bible verse?
Amanda- The verses that stand out to me over and again is Proverbs 3:5-7… “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
It applies to SO, SO many aspects of life. I also got to feature this passage in “The Secret Slipper.” ;)
 
 
Well, I suppose I should bring this to an end at some point! ;) It’s been truly wonderful having you. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this with me, it was great fun! :) Do you have anything else you’d like to say or add before we sign off?
 
Amanda- Thank YOU for doing the interview!! I had such fun doing this exchange with you. <3
 



​
Stay Up-To-Date with Amanda through her website and socials:
Website- http://amandatero.com/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pg/amandaterobooks/about/?ref=page_internal
Get the book- http://ow.ly/2Za830ccm9l
 

******** Originally posted to The Book Corner blog***************

To Tame the Wind is a Historical Regency Romance novel, which means that it’s actually out of my usual wheelhouse as far as reading material goes, but this book was a special case. The author, Regan Walker, contacted me interested to have BC review one of her books, which is why I took it on, and I admit, I think I might dig deeper into the Regency subgenre. Before I go any further, I was given this book for an honest review, and I think most of my readers know that I don’t lie, no matter what.

Like I said before, To Tame the Wind is out of my usual wheelhouse. Not only is it a Regency novel, but it also contains sexual innuendo and a sex scene (albeit one that takes place after marriage). The latter is the main reason the book is out of my wheelhouse. I, being a Christian, usually stay away from anything containing sexual innuendo, sex scenes, or profanity. I made an exception for this book because I did some research on the author and her books. I found out that the majority of her novels contain love scenes but only after the characters are married, and she handles the whole thing in a respectful way. Walker doesn’t get super explicit and her scenes are never vulgar. This impressed me and I decided to read the book. I ended up thoroughly enjoying the storyline.

This was the first “sea adventure story” I have read, though I have enjoyed movies about pirates and such. The book takes place predominantly in 1782 France and England, and the sea in between. Claire Donet grew up inside the convent walls in Saint-Denis. The convent was all she knew, she certainly had no idea her father was a pirate. When her father seizes Simon Powell's schooner, the English privateer decided to take the thing his enemy held most dear...her. What the Captain didn’t plan on was falling for the pirate’s lovely daughter….

Walker’s writing style is one that makes the story flow effortlessly. Her characters are well developed and relatable. The story is intriguing and riveting. It keeps the reader hooked right to the end. I would highly recommend To Tame the Wind, even if you want to skip over the love scenes. ;)
 
Grab the book here: http://a.co/85ZDrWV
​