One of the Craftie Ladies' Favorite Pastimes...

Cold weather is a coming...by Lisa Mondello

I'm always a little sad when Halloween week rolls around. It means I'm going to spend the next week or so raking leaves, cleaning the yard and wrapping myself up with sweaters and heavy socks. Since I'm always cold, it doesn't matter what temperature I keep my house at. I'm still always cold until my husband fires up the pellet stove.

It also means it's time to clean out closets and bookshelves and make room for the holiday stuff. I hate cleaning. There...I said it. I'm the worst housekeeper in the world. I'd rather do anything but housework, except when I have a touch of writer's block. Housework always cures that! But I also hate weeding through books and trying to decide which ones to give away.

Like many of you, I have a book addiction. And since going to conferences usually gives me an overdose of books that I can't possibly read myself, I have the space issue dilemma every year. Luckily for me I have a lot of family members who love reading so I can put those books to good use. But it's easier said than done. Which do you give away? I want to read them all. If I didn't I wouldn't have taken them home in the first place.

Give me some pointers. I know some of you would rather build a new room on your house than give up your books, but there are some people who are good at weaning the bookshelves. I need some of that to rub off on me. How do you decide? By date published? Author? Subject?

On another subject, did I hear Lenora say we're going to have another short story coming up? Yes, she did! Keep checking back for the start of our Thanksgiving story. It's been a while and I'm really excited to write another one.

Until next time, many blessings,
Lisa Mondello

You Don’t Have a What?

A TV.

If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen me mention that as of October 1, 2010, I would be sans television. It’s been almost a month now . . . (she says, chewing her little fingernail).

There are a lot of reasons for this. One would be the money. As someone who went without cable from 1996 to 2009, no one was more surprised than me when I signed up for a satellite service. But the HDTV thing was coming up, and they offered me a good bundle deal, and and and . . . and I wound up with more than 200 mostly ignored channels. In addition to the local channels, I watched A&E, TNT, and USA. My addictions were (in no particular order)

The Glades
Law & Order (prime and SVU)
Rizzoli & Isles
White Collar
Royal Pains
Criminal Minds
Castle
The Big Bang Theory

Nerds and murder, which is pretty much the story of my life. And my writing.

Which brings me to the main reason I went cold turkey on the viewing.

Productivity.

Now I’ve been moving, which has zapped a lot of my off-job time. But I’ve noticed that I’m having more creative ideas, and what time I do spend writing is more relaxing and productive. I figure once I stop worrying about realtors showing a house that hasn’t been vacuumed in a month, it’ll get even better.

Do I miss it (she asks, checking on that chewed nail)? Yeah. Enough to go out a buy a new TV?

No.

I wouldn’t have believed it either. But I hope (and I know my agent hopes) that my writing career will get a jumpstart. My next book, House of Secrets, launches in April, so now is the perfect time to submit.

But if you like serial stories, stay tuned here. The CRAFTIE Ladies are about to start a new one...

What would you miss most if you were without a television?

Tricks or Treats--Books--Lenora Worth

cWhat are you reading right now? I'm alway fascinated by what others are reading. I just finished Irene Hannon's "An Eye for an Eye." Very good book! Now I'm on something more playful but just as enjoyable, Sandra Briker's "Love Finds You In Holiday, Florida." I bought this one a while back but had to put it aside until I had time for a good long read. Love me a good Florida setting. Very cute but also a thoughtful book regarding grief and how to heal.

And I can't wait for Marta Perry's "In Plain Sight." I'm sure it will be another gripping Amish tale. Marta is fast becoming a contender in Amish fiction. I also just picked up "Mistletoe Prayers", a two-in-one Christmas book by Marta Perry and Betsy St. Amant. I'm going to save that one for a long winter's night.

As far as genres, I love suspense, women in jeopardy (and I'm not just talking about the shoe clearance at Macy's!!!), a good solid romance and sometimes ... men's fiction--gasp. I want to read more Lee Child. On my list.

What's on your list? What would you like to see more of. Maybe we can help. We love ideas from our readers. Oh, and speaking of that--spread the word. We will have another of our popular online serials here very soon. Hopefully during November.

Writers love readers. Without our readers, we wouldn't have a job. Thanks for that.
Now tell me what you're reading!

Things to do together-Not

By Margaret Daley

Being married means doing things together. That is good for a marriage and to deepen your relationship with your husband. Well, I now know one thing I won't be doing with my husband. I tried--really--but it isn't gonna work.

I know some of you out there are great at being a gardner. Well, I'm not for several reasons. I still remember having to help my mother in the garden as a child. Let's just say I didn't inherit her green thumb. She was great at growing things. I'm not. I didn't like gardening as a child, and I haven't changed my mind in all those years. And while we on the subject of the outdoors, I don't camp out either. My idea of roughing it is a two star hotel.

Well, anyway I decided to help my husband these past few weeks with our yard work and gardens since I'm retired now. In the two times I worked outside with him, we found two snakes and I think every mosquito in the neighborhood feasted on me. I'm now over the urge to help my husband with the garden. He's on his own.

INTO THE DEEP INTERVIEW

Today we're welcoming Nikki Hoffman, the heroine of Into the Deep, Virginia Smith, October 2010.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I should have known better than to go on vacation alone. One minute I was in a luxurious condo in Key West, Florida, and the next thing I knew I’d been dragged into a nightmare, with a terrifying Mexican drug cartel, and a crooked senator, and worst of all, my ex-boyfriend!

2. So, during the book you met Ben Dearinger. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

Actually, I met Ben four years ago in Cozumel, Mexico. I walked into his scuba diving shop and it really was love at first sight for both of us. Within a week I had quit my job and moved to Mexico to be with him. But then life slapped me in the face, and I came to my senses. I left Ben and went home, and I didn’t have any contact with him at all for three years. See, I have this secret that I don’t ever want him to discover – when I left him in Cozumel, I was pregnant with our son. So when I ran into Ben on the boat dock in Key West, I was stunned!

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

I guess my greatest strength is my loyalty. Ben probably wouldn’t agree to that when this story started, but I think he’ll come to realize it in time. My greatest weakness? I’m not very adventurous. That’s a major handicap when you’re in love with a scuba diver!

4. What scares you?

Sharks! They terrify me. And I don’t just mean the ones that live in the water, either.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d be more daring, more willing to take chances, like Ben is. Of course, I don’t want to go overboard with that. I’m a single mother, and I take my responsibilities to my son seriously. But I do wish I could be a little less cautious, a little more adventurous.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

I came to the Lord four years ago in Cozumel, shortly after I found out I was pregnant, and my faith has grown. I do believe in the power of prayer, but so far that belief has been theoretical.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

God has proved that He really is all-powerful, and He really does answer prayer in a big way! My beliefs have been proven, and my faith is stronger than it has ever been.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Psalms 139:7-8

That verse describes Ben’s life perfectly. He started running from God when he was a boy, and he ran as far as he could. And of course since he’s a scuba diver, he’s been to some pretty deep depths! But God always knows where we are, and He will always find us. We both discovered that!

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

I’d be a pineapple sundae, because pineapples are my favorite fruit, and I drink pineapple juice constantly. Ben introduced me to pineapple juice when we lived in Cozumel, and it has always reminded me of him. If I were a dessert, I’d want to be reminded of Ben always.

Thank you Virginia for sharing Nikki with us. This sounds like an exciting read!

FEATURED BOOK: INTO THE DEEP BY VIRGINIA SMITH

When Ben Dearinger got hold of a flash drive carrying deadly secrets, the scuba diver did the only thing he could. He buried it—fathoms deep. Now a drug cartel wants the evidence back, and they're willing to threaten Ben's ex-girlfriend Nikki Hoffman to get it. Although Nikki caused him no end of heartache, forgetting her has been impossible, and Ben would risk anything to protect her. But what will he do when he discovers her secret—that he's the father of her child?"

Fall and the Suspense Writer!

by Debby Giusti

The leaves are turning colors and the air is crisp and cool, at least in Georgia.  After the hot days of summer, the fall offers a refreshing change I always enjoy.  It also provides a great season in which to set a suspense story. 

I'm working on book two of my new Military Investigations Series entitled, THE CAPTAIN'S MISSION.  Set in Georgia, the story takes place in the fall when cool nights and warm days are the norm.   

The heroine sets out to investigate a military training mission and finds her life turned upside down...literally.  The hero is there to save her time and again, despite inner warnings that the female Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent will complicate his life.  Bottom line, she spells trouble. 

Actually she spells love interest, but this fall, he's not seeing things as he should.  Instead, he's seeing Fort Rickman and the surrounding area through his own trouble past. 

An isolated farmhouse, a snare trap big enough to catch human prey and an angry mob betting on a fight to the death signal excitment for the writer and reader alike.

What are you doing now that the days are cool and the leaves are awash in color?

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/ -- Our 3rd Birthday Bash all month in October!  Visit today for two giveaways and a chance to win a Kindle.
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
  

Holiday Stories

Terri Reed here on my regularly schedule blog day.
I received the eHarlequin newsletter in my inbox this morning and to my delighted surprise saw that Love Inspired Suspense novella collection Holiday Havoc, for which I have a story in along with Stephanie Newton, is listed on the top ten holiday stories. I also see that a Love Inspired Romance Novella collection Mistletoe Prayers by Marta Perry and Betsy St. Amant is listed as well. What fun to be listed with some of my favorite Harlequin authors.
Yea! for Love Inspired!

So for you Christmas shopping pleasure here is the list:

Top 10 Holiday Stories

1. A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
by Sherryl Woods
2. High-Caliber Christmas
by B.J. Daniels
3. Mistletoe Prayers
by Marta Perry and Betsy St. Amant
4. Regency Christmas Proposals
by Various Authors
5. Home in Time for Christmas
by Heather Graham
6. 'Tis the Season
by Various Authors
7. A Creed Country Christmas
by Linda Lael Miller
8. Shameful Secret, Shotgun Wedding
by Sharon Kendrick
9. Holiday Havoc
by Terri Reed and Stephanie Newton
10. One Winter's Night
by Lori Borrill

When Carol Comes Acalling!

A few weeks ago an organization called American Christian Fiction Writers honored Jill Elizabeth Nelson with an award called The Carol. Jill wrote a fabulous Love Inspired Suspense called Evidence of Murder.

In the inspy world, winning a Carol is high praise. See, Carol is named after Carol Johnson, the editor who discovered Janette Oke and gave readers of Christian Inspirationals something to aspire too. The Carol is important because it’s our equivalent to the Newberry, the Edgar, and the RITA. I don't know about you, but I want want to know more about the author who earned this award. So, let's get to know Jill Elizabeth Nelson.

What did you feel the moment your name was called as a winner?

I was honestly speechless. I sat frozen with my hand over my mouth in utter disbelief. Let me clarify the backdrop of the moment, however. I was in my easy chair at home when I heard the news. My husband and I had just returned from the place we needed to be instead of ACFW that fateful weekend, and I checked the clock. Yup, it was about time for me to log onto the computer and catch the announcement of the winners. I had no inkling that one of them could possibly be me. The thought just wasn’t on my radar.

This was one of the few years I was unable to attend the ACFW conference. But missing my “moment in the sun” as a Carol Award winner didn’t feature as a concern in my head. I know the competition for these awards, and simply being a finalist was awesome. It never occurred to me I might actually win!

All finalists who were not going to be at the conference were asked to designate someone to accept in their place and provide that person with an acceptance speech. While I wrote mine and sent it to my editor, Emily Rodmell at Steeple Hill, I chuckled to myself, certain the words of thanks and appreciation would never be heard. It was beyond exciting that the joke turned out to be on me!

Ever since a goal-setting session at an American Christian Fiction Writers conference a couple of years ago, I’ve carried in my purse a blue, 3 X 5 index card bearing a list entitled, “Five ‘Impossible’ Goals for God to Make Possible.” One of those “impossibilities” came to pass with the receipt of this ACFW Carol Award. I had considered my goal of achieving a Carol to be somewhere in the nebulous cloud of my long-term future. God sure worked fast!


For you, what number published book is this?

My Carol Award-winning book is titled Evidence of Murder. This was my sixth published book. My eighth book, Legacy of Lies, released last month. Readers can find out more about my books, read excerpts, and enter a monthly contest to win a signed copy of my latest release at my web site: http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com


What made this book an award winner?

There are lots of variables in contest judging. As a veteran judge myself, I fully realize that there is a healthy element of subjectivity in the results. However, the plot of Evidence of Murder was particularly poignant in the situation of a survivor of a horrible crime seeking justice, but even more importantly, peace with himself and God. I don’t think it hurt any that I had a couple of cute pets in the story either. LOL.


What are your writing habits (how many hours/pages a day... research tips, etc).

I don’t generally set a daily word count or page count limit for myself—at least not until I’m closer to deadline. Then I do whatever it takes to get the book done on time. I do have the habit of re-reading and editing one or even several previous chapters before starting new material each day. The process allows me to get my head back into the story, as well as giving me a jump on the editorial process. By the time I print “The End,” my book is no longer a genuine first draft. Most chapters have been edited several times already.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve dreamed of becoming a published novelist since I penned—er, penciled my first mystery in the sixth grade. Whenever I go out on speaking engagements, I like to tell my audience that if God can bring to pass a cherished dream for this nobody in particular from nowhere special, He can and will do it for them too!

UNDER THE MARSHAL'S PROTECTION

Today we're welcoming Dominic Sullivan, the hero of Under the Marshal’s Protection by Kathleen Tailer released 10-12-10. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
Well even though my brothers became lawyers, I found myself pulled towards law enforcement, and have really found my niche working with my U.S. Marshal team. They are a very professional group, and the arrests we make truly impact the world around us. This last case had some incredibly far reaching consequences because of the drug counterfeiting ring. I mean, who doesn’t want to make sure that their medicine is safe? We had to succeed before more innocent people bought and depended upon counterfeit drugs thinking they were the real thing. Thankfully, God was with us and helped us put a stop to that ring – and at the same time showed us the leak that was working at the FBI who could have done even more damage in the future if he hadn’t been caught.

2. So, during the book you met Jessica Blake. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love? Were do I start? Jessica is amazing, and I was hooked the first time I saw her when she pointed that rifle at me on her front porch. When she got shot at the airport, I was terrified that I’d lost her before I had really gotten a chance to explore our relationship. Again, thanks to God, she is alive and well and we treasure each and every day together.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? Well, I’m pretty good with the rifle and have aced my last few qualifying exams on the shooting range. I’m also very good with the physical training and like to keep in shape. My greatest weakness is probably that I’m not good at telling other people my feelings. I learned my lesson though when Jessica got shot – so now even though it’s difficult for me, I make sure to tell her I love her every single day. In my line of work, anything can happen, and I don’t want to leave things unsaid between us.

4. What scares you?
The scariest thing to me is losing those loved ones I care about. I’ve already lost my dad and I think about him all the time. Maybe that’s another reason I became a cop – to help protect those I love.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I used to play practical jokes on everyone, and although I had a lot of fun, I know it took some people a long time to take me seriously.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I have to admit that I was struggling. I’ve had a head knowledge of God since I was a child, but I hadn’t applied it to much of my work before that drug counterfeiting case.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? God is amazing! He saved Jessica and I continue to see his hand in the little things that happen each and every day. I’m a new man in Christ and have drawn even closer to Him as Jessica and I have grown together in our faith.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. Jessica and I agreed that the scripture reminded us to “let go and let God.” We both had trust issues and were often anxious when things happened that were out of our control. We continue to work on these issues in our daily walk with Jesus.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? Tough question. Let’s say a chocolate ice cream sundae with hot fudge topping, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top. If I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna go all out!


Thank you Kathleen for sharing Dominic with us. Can't wait to read this story!

FEATURED BOOK: UNDER THE MARSHALL'S PROTEXTION BY KATHLEEN TAILER

Entrap her own brother for a U.S. Marshal? Jessica Blake can't bear the thought, but what choice does she have? It isn't just the marshals who are after Michael. If his co-conspirators in the counterfeiting ring find him first, he won't live long enough to clear his name. And both the U.S. Marshals and the counterfeiters think the best way to get to Michael…is through Jessica. With danger on every side—for herself and for the only family she has left—Jessica has to make a choice. Can she trust U.S. Marshal Dominic Sullivan with her safety, her brother's life…and her heart?

Help! Where did my muse go?

Terri Reed here, jumping in on the fly again. I should be writing on my book that is due in two weeks and three days. I'm nearing the end but for some reason am procrastinating. Not sure why. The plot is solid, the characters are keeping me on my toes and the action is fun to write. So why am I so slow to get started this morning? Okay sending up prayers for the drive to get this book done and for the words to flow.

On another note I received my first reader mail on my November release, a novella in Holiday Havoc. Hearing from readers is always a treat even when the reader points out mistakes. How will I learn if I don't know I've made a mistake?
Not that this reader pointed out any mistakes, on the contrary, she loved the setting and had actually been to Cannon Beach Oregon many times and could see the book unfolding and she really liked the suspense plot, which eased my mind since I was a bit afraid this story was too dark.
Anyway, hope you all have a blessed day. I'm going to work now. I promise. I really, really am. Now!

Autumn in the Pacific Northwest

Terri Reed here. Today isn't my normal day to post but I saw that no one had so I thought I'd jump in. Today is the epitome of a beautiful fall day in the Pacific Northwest.

Cool, crisp air, sunshine streaming through the canopy of trees indigenous to the Pacific Northwest and apples, pumpkins and hot drinks(I'm a morning coffee then tea rest of the day drinker), all make for a wonderful October day.

But the best part are the colors of autumn. Everywhere you look there is an explosion of color. Reds, yellows, oranges, golds, shades of green. A visual feast.

CRITICAL IMPACT INTERVIEW

Today we're welcoming Deputy Sheriff Stu McCabe , the hero of CRITICAL IMPACT by Linda Hall and out in October.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.

I've been a deputy sheriff here a few years, and mostly, I tell you, Whisper Lake is quite a quiet place to work. We're quite rural and located on the beautiful shores of Whisper Lake in Maine. And so when the order came down that the three communities around Whisper Lake were going to take part in a mock disaster. These happen all the time and personally, I've been involved in three. Maybe you've had one in your community - it's when the community stage a 'mock disaster' and the police, the hospital, Search and Rescue, EMTs - we're all involved. It's excellent practice to see how well our services are coordinated. This one was to be a 'bomb' in City Hall. Well, no one could have predicted that this 'fake' bomb would turn into a 'real' bomb, and that people would be killed! I was right there - right on the scene, eating a hot dog of all things, when the building blew.

2. So, during the book you met Anna Barker Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?

I'd met her at one of the planning sessions. No, let me back up a bit. I didn't meet her then. Seen her? Yes! But there were so many of us who came to those planning meetings that we didn't formally meet. Okay, let me back up even a bit further. When I saw her at the meeting drinking a cup of coffee, let's face it, she looked way out of my league. Boy, that was for sure!

Her job on the committee was to do the make up on the actors who were playing the 'victims'. It was her job to make up facials wounds and compound fractures look real. Little did anyone realize that Anna would end up with 'real' facial wounds and a compound fracture of her wrist.

And that's when I met her - when that building blew, with her trapped underneath it. I was first on the scene. I'd looked up just in time to see her stand right next to the building, when it blew up. I don't know what happened to my hot dog, I must have dropped it, because my sole focus was on getting her out!

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?

Strengths? Physically I would say I'm pretty strong. I'm kind of into extreme sports, mountain biking on steep trails, rappelling, climbing - just about anything like that. But, I know, that's not the question you are asking, is it? As for personal strengths, I like to think I'm loyal. Once I make up my mind to do something, I'll do it. As for weaknesses, maybe I'm a bit too impulsive. Sometimes I do things first and think later.

4. What scares you?

Not a lot. :) Oh, you didn't mean physically, right? Not a lot scares me on a physical level, which is a good thing because I'm a cop, but I guess what scares me on the inside is way worse. I'm afraid of being hurt again, the fear of being close. My wife died in a bomb accident in Iraq. She was in the military. And so to be where that bomb blew, I don't know, something happened to me - I knew I had to get that girl out.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
That I could trust more. That I wouldn't hold back, I know it's because of what happened to my wife. And so I hold people away - all people, even the people I work for.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?

Pretty shaky, I would say. I didn't understand how God could love me on the one hand, and then have my wife die on the other.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?

Much better. I'm much closer to God at the end. And I have Anna to thank for that. We grew pretty close during the course of the book - but it wasn't always a steady growth of a relationship. She had a bunch of issues to work through too. Turns out she'd been pretty hurt in her life, too. We had a lot to work through, but by the end of the story, both of us realized that God loves us. I guess that's the main thing we learned - that God loves us.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

This verse means a lot to both Anna and me. Both of us have had to learn to 'wait'.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?

Pancakes with real maple syrup. As for why? I don't know. I just like them.


Thank you Linda for sharing Sheriff McCabe with us today. Can't wait to read this exciting story!

FEATURED BOOK: CRITICAL IMPACT BY LINDA HALL

The bomb wasn't supposed to be real. But the mock-disaster explosion to test emergency procedures killed two people in a small Maine town. And all evidence points to shy makeup artist Anna Barker as the prime suspect. When Deputy Sheriff Stu McCabe is assigned to investigate the case, Anna hopes he'll prove her innocent. But with a harrowing past of his own, Stu seems to trust no one. Something that might save both their lives when the real killer plans to make critical impact—again.

See. Ramona. Run.

OK, so you won't actually ever, EVER see me run. Trot, maybe. Maybe.

Sorry, I'm late blogging today. I actually had a great one in mind, but then I fell asleep over corrections for my April book, HOUSE OF SECRETS, and woke up late for work.

See. Ramona. Scurry.

DEEP breath. I have a meeting at one, and I've just finished moving into my new apartment. Got home yesterday to find that they had ripped out the bathroom floor (long story), so my eyes are a little weepy from the dust. Need to go see my daughter tonight, and this weekend is the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, which is HUGE. Love it. A premier literary event for the area and a number of Christian authors are participating this year, which is a really nice foot in the door. I'm speaking on a panel Sunday: "Cops, Kilts, and Vampires: The Many Faces of Romance."

In between sessions, I need to run to my house to clean and try to get it staged for selling. I also have two writing deadlines, and my brother is coming down from Virginia next week, so I need to find time to see him and my mom.

See. Ramona. Pant.

But, in my experience, life is a rollercoaster for all of us. While I'm swarming around, so are most of my friends. We dash about, trying to grab as much of life as we can.

So here's hoping you can take a breath this weekend. Inhale. Snuggle up to God and just say...thanks. For everything.

See. Ramona. Pray.

Amazing What God can do.

A couple of weeks ago when we went to church with my daughter and her husband our pastor talked about what happens after we die. I was fascinated with the message and thought our pastor gave me some new insight. When we went to dinner after church (we do a Saturday night service) I commented on the wonderful things pastor said. My daughter informed me that I told her all that when she was a child. Huh?

She told me about the time she was frightened of the concept of forever and couldn't go to sleep. I remember the incident. She told me I said the same thing that night to her as pastor had said. I remember comforting her, but not what I said. I can only marvel at the wisdom God gave me to comfort her. And it was God, not me.

It's it wonderful that God can use us to comfort others when we don't have a clue? Has that ever happened to you?
Leann Harris

Steeple Hill Editor over at Seekerville

Terri Reed here, over at the Seekerville Blog my editor Emily Rodmell is a guest today. Here's the link. Stop on by to see what she has to say about Love Inspired books.
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Favorite crime show

What is your favorite crime show? One of the shows I'm been enjoying is new this year called The Glades on A & E channel. It is filmed on location in Florida and I love the male star's character in the show. Very capable detective but doesn't know quite what to do with a woman he is really interested in. I also like shows like NCIS, Burn Notice, Bones Psych (for the crazy humor) and The Mentalist. So what are your favorite crime shows?

Betrayal in the Badlands Interview

Today we're welcoming Isabel Ling, the heroine of Betrayal in the Badlands, by Dana Mentink, available in October.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I had a rocky childhood and rather than face my past I ran, leaving my sister behind. I’d just started to try to repair my relationship with her when she died under mysterious circumstances. I returned to her horse ranch in South Dakota to settle her affairs only I got much more than I bargained on.

2. So, during the book you met Logan Price. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love? Logan is a pararescueman who was injured during his last deployment. When we first met, I dismissed him as alternately aloof and bossy. Over time I learned that he’s had just as many obstacles to overcome in his life as I have. I fell for Logan when I realized he really did want the best for me, in my faith, in my life and in my future.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? I’m a quiet person by nature but I am determined to catch my sister’s killer. I know that God is bigger than anything obstacle I can face in this world and I know He’ll sustain me.

4. What scares you? Loving someone and losing them.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would have been more courageous and stayed by my sister’s side.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I’m still stuck in the past with the consequences of my bad choices. I’ve asked God for forgiveness but I’m not fully trusting that He’s forgiven me.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Feeling the incomparable joy that comes from loving and trusting the Lord.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Psalms 56:8 says, Thou hast taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Thy bottle; Are they not in Thy book?

God knows where I’ve wandered and has counted ever bitter tear I’ve shed.
He doesn’t keep us from the pain, but he stays with us through every moment along the way.


9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
I’d be a dark chocolate square, sweet with an edge of bitterness that only makes the flavor more intense.

Thank you Dana for sharing Isabel with us. What an exciting story!!

FEATURED BOOK: BETRAYAL IN THE BADLANDS BY DANA MENTINK

Isabel Ling returned to the barren Badlands of South Dakota to bury her sister—but she stayed to find answers no one wants to give. Cassie's death was no accident, and Isabel will find the killer, no matter what she has to do. And no matter who stands in her way.The one thing former pararescue soldier Logan Price wants is to avoid the kind of trouble Isabel brings. Yet he can't deny his attraction to her. In this desolate, treacherous land, Isabel needs all the protection she can get—and all the love that Logan can give.

Make a Difference Tour

As y'all read this I'm on my way to the Make a Difference Tour in Corbin, KY. I can't wait to see some of my favorite artists like Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Tobymac, and Jason Gray. Oh, and Max Lucado is speaking, too!

The whole night is all about doing big things that we were created to do. We have a great God, who has equipped us each to to make a difference in someone's life. Max Lucado's new book is called Outlive Your Life, and that's what he'll be speaking about at the show. So that's got me thinking. What kind of legacy am I leaving, not just in my writing but with my life? And how can I use my books to serve others through more than messages of hope and faith in God?

I've heard about a lot of authors who give away their books to people going through chemo or other extreme medical treatment. I've also seen members of my local Christian writers group collect books to send to men and women in the military.

It's amazing how simple these acts are and how, done with love, they show Jesus to others. And these acts leave a legacy of love. I don't know about you, but I sure want to leave that kind of legacy. So what do you think about outliving your life? What are you doing to leave a legacy?
-Liz Johnson