Thanksgiving should never end!!

Hello girls and guys. Sorry I’ve been away so long. Life has a way of filling up your time before you know it. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day…and enjoyed all the good food with the family.

Thanksgiving Day is over, but reasons to be thankful continue to soar. God is so good. Our Thanksgiving holiday was looking to be promising, Our daughter was flying in from California to spend almost two weeks with us, and we had a new grandbaby to join us at the dinner table, as well as the rest of the kids, grandkids, and son & daughter-in-laws.

Unfortunately before the big feasting day arrived, things went south. A dear family member had a major surgery. During the waiting, my husband became so ill; his doctor had us take him to the emergency. Then while a procedure was being done on him the next day trying to make him better, our daughter home for vacation collapsed in the lobby of the hospital. She was immediately admitted to emergency room, and she too was operated on the same day. As sad as all of this sounds, good came from it and more will. Trials we go through become testimonies later. We all just have to hold on tight to God’s promises and know that He is with us through it all. This too shall pass. He loves us and promises our later will be greater than our past. We’ve had so many good days over the years; it’s hard to believe things can get better. But they can and they will—that’s a promise from God to those who believe, trust and follow Him.

So keep on thanking God as days go by no matter what the circumstances are around you.

Look what is only a few weeks away. Christmas!! The best time of year—the best day of celebration! Christ’s birthday! He is the reason for the season, and I so look forward to this time of year. I love the lights and decorations. I love the joy of giving. And who doesn’t love the caroling and all the Christmas movies. Well some of you may not like all those sappy movies, but I do. I love happy endings. Peace, joy, good will to men. Just saying those words as I type them, brings a smile to my face.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

This Friday (12/13, 5-10 pm) and Saturday (12/14, 4-10 pm) I’ll be down in Marrero, Louisiana at the Imagine Christmas Bazaar & Craft Show. Admission is FREE. This will be my first year in attendance although it will be their 9^th year. They had over 2500 in attendance in 2012. I’m looking forward to being a part of it in 2013. I’ll have all my books available (as well as a few Christmas Specials) and look forward to meeting you. It’s always a blessing to get to know my readers. So drop on by.

They have so much going on. There will be an inflatable park for the kids, Bazaar & Craft show, Christmas Trees decorated, Pictures with Santa, give-a-ways & door prizes, outdoor stage performances, a special indoor performance “Home for the Holidays” Christmas Show (seating is limited), face painting, balloon twisting, sleigh rides, roasted marshmallows, concessions. Go on line to secures your seat at the “Home For The Holidays” showing. CLICK HERE I hope you try to make it. It looks to be a lot of fun for the whole family!!!

A few weeks ago I was at the Livingston Festival. It was great. The festival pulled in a huge crowd and everyone looked to be having a blast. In the Author Rows tent I met some people who already read Deborah Lynne books, and a good many more who purchased one or more of my novels. Hopefully they too will become followers of my books. Two teenage girls made my day. Both got excited when their mother not only bought the first book in my Samantha Cain series, Be Not Afraid, but their mothers purchased book two & three as well…Testimony of Innocence (released 2012) & The Truth Revealed released November 2013. Both girls seemed very excited about going home and starting to read Be Not Afraid knowing they had both Testimony of Innocence and The Truth Revealed, ready to read in order. Book 4 – Against Her Will will be released in 2014.  

Again – Have a very Merry Christmas.

Now for you writers who read my blog, this is for you. As you know, I belong to American Christian Fiction Writers, a national organization. They teach on-line classes through the website to its members. I’d like to share some information on one of the classes I took, hoping it will help you grow your novel as you grow in your writing. Sorry to say, I didn’t note who taught this class or even when it was posted. I would like to thank her for her time and pray she doesn’t mind me passing some of her knowledge on to you. If you already belong to ACFW, you can check out all the courses they’ve taught through the archives. I suggest you do. If you don’t belong to ACFW, it’s a great organization to hook up with as a writer.

Layering Your Novel:

What is layering? It is a mix of elements beneath the surface of the main plot and characters. It’s used to create a richer reading experience. When we read a story that touches us on several layers, it enhances our reading experience, and this is what you want your readers to experience.

Some layering elements are subplots, texture, subtext, foreshadowing, and symbolism. When you understand the purpose of layering, it will help you understand what is should achieve.

You add layers by adding more highs and lows. Layering also takes some of the pressure off of an emotional main plot so it won’t exhaust the reader. It extends the main plot as well as helps you control the pacing of your story. It also gives your fiction a better representation of the complexities of real life.

Have I got your attention? On my next blog we will go into layering one step at a time. When I do this, I will have the name of the original author who taught this to me and will share her name as well as give the date she taught this. So stay tuned for next month’s blog.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. I do plan to post another blog before the New Year…if all stays well…which it will!!

Bye now!

"It's off to the press"

Hello everyone!

It's off to the press...Wonderful words to my ear. My publisher sent me an email letting me know The Truth Revealed has been sent to the press. I'm so excited. Book 3 of The Samantha Cain Mysteries will be available in November. YES. And I'll have some copies to bring with me to The Louisiana Book Festival.  Here is a peak at the cover:

I'll also add the front and back cover so you can read the blurb--maybe. Hope you all have been waiting for the next one and will rush to get your copy. I was so glad to learn my books can be found through all the EBRP Libraries as well as the Livingston Libraries. I'm not sure how long it takes the libraries to get their new copies, but if you're one who reads books but don't like them piling up around your house, this is a way to get mine...at least for people who live around the area. Maybe more libraries soon as you know in 2014 my books will be available in chainstores across the US. I'll keep you posted on that as well.

I'm not sure you'll be able to read it, but maybe. I'm hoping once it is posted you can zoom in on the writing. If not...see the real thing. The first chance to see it will be before it's in stores and that will be at The Louisiana Book Festival...Saturday 11/2/13...downtown Baton Rouge between the Capitol and The Louisiana State Library. The festival is free. There will be food, fun, music, activities of fun for kids, and a lot of Louisiana authors...so come on down. I hope to see you there.

On a more personal note, yesterday I got to meet my daughter's mother-in-law, Janet, from England. What a sweet, kind, and wonderful lady she is. We've been facebook friends (sisters) for some time, so it was like we knew each other when she walked through the door. It was wonderful.  And her little grandbaby (& mine), Eli, was tickled pink to get to know her in person. He's been enjoying her love face-to-face for a few days now. I know my son-in-law, Pete, was proud to have his Mum meet his son...and wife, and step-sons. Not trying to put Molly, Scotty, & Koby last -- but when a new baby is around EVERYONE falls behind those cutiepies...even Pete, I'm sure.

Also something else happened yesterday. My grandson, Koby, had a surprise to show me. He got a new electronic tablet - probably from his NanJan and started writing a book. He's written 3 chapters and wanted to read them to me. He did and I'm so proud!!! It (his book) sounded like a professionally written book as he read it to me. Maybe one day...I know he can if his heart leads him that way. He sounded like a natural!!

Speaking of grandsons -- here's a brand new shot of the little one, Eli. He's 3 months old. Well 3 shots for 3 months. I hope that's okay with you. He is sooooo adorable.

I have no interview for you today with someone's new book. Sorry. Maybe I'll get the interview finished I was planning on and do an extra blog in another week or so.

I hope you enjoyed today's blog. I truly would love to hear from you. Take care and God bless you all.

deb

It's Time for Catch-Up AGAIN

Hello everyone. I hope life is going well for everyone.

A lot has happened in my family this past month, and I do have an update on book 3, The Truth Revealed. For the past few blogs, I’ve included a review of someone’s book I had read recently. I plan to do that as well as give you some future upcoming events.

I’ll start with the happenings in my life. For those of you who have been reading my blog for the past couple of years know my husband, Scott, has been through some physical challenges. After going 60 years without being sick, suddenly his lung collapses and they find he has lung cancer. The damage done by the tumor Agent Orange caused slowed his life down tremendously. I call this a blessing in disguise. We’d been married almost 40 years at the time and he had worked six days a week practically all of our married lives. Over the past three years fighting through pneumonia several times and other things, he endured and kept pushing forward. He’s a man. What can I say? Scott does not like to admit when he can’t do something, but there has been several times he’s had to admit it.

This month he’s been in hospital two times, but nothing to do with his lung. How about that? Now it’s his heart…well more to do with his blood pressure and a blockage. Three mornings in a row I tried to get him to go to the doctor. He woke up the first morning with really puffy eyes—more than I’ve ever seen on him or anyone else for that matter. Of course he said it was nothing and went about the day. The third morning was a little different. His eyes and his face were swollen. His chest looked like someone (me, I guess) had been beating him up all night long. It looked like bruising all over. He still didn’t worry and wouldn’t go to the doctor no matter how much a pleaded. I forgot to say others had encouraged him to go to the doctor as well. He ignored them too.

Tuesday I went on to Bible Study and when I returned he sat down with me and said he had to tell me something but he didn’t want me to worry. Scott took his daily stroll around our neighborhood (1/2 mile). Sometimes when he’s up to it, he takes two. While I was at B.S. he started on his first lap and only made it about 1/4^th of the way. Pains and pressure accosted his chest. His breathing was hampered and he thought he was going to die—literally. He knew most folks in the neighborhood were gone to work and he doubted anyone would find him if he gave into his body and just laid down on the street. He pushed himself through neighbors’ yards, side and back, and around until he made it back to our home. He then came in and put his oxygen on. It took about an hour for the pain to diminish and the tightness to let up some. Of course by the time I got home, he felt good. I tried to talk him in to going to the doctor. He wouldn’t hear of it.

Our youngest girl, Molly dropped by with our new grandson, Eli. The minute she walked in the door she said, “Daddy. What’s wrong with your face? It’s puffy.” I told her she should see his chest and hear what happened an hour ago. By the time he told her everything she started working on him to go to the hospital. FINALLY he said I could call the doctor and tell them what is going on…see what they thought. I was told to take him immediately to the hospital.

They found he had a blockage and opened it with balloon but felt it didn’t need a stint at the time. Immediately, his chest cleared and the puffiness went away. What I thought was bruising was blood pooling in the vessels or corpuscles in his chest. They said if it happened again, they would probably put in a stint. Well two weeks later it happened again. This time he didn’t wait for the bruising and the whole face to swell. I’m not going to give more details and bore you with the next several days. The good news is with the treatment of thinning in his blood and putting him on medicine that slowed down his heartbeat, he seems to be doing great. He looks fantastic (always, even sick) and he feels good as well.

For you men who are reading this…please don’t play so tough. If something is wrong with you physically, take care of it—let the doctors take care of you. This will make your wife’s life easier too.

My grandson, two months old now, is getting cuter every day. Growing by leaps and bounds. Check him out:

Enough on my family life...for now anyway.

October 5^th – the free all day workshop at the Denham Springs Library will be happening. I’ll be speaking on writing mystery and suspense. There will be other speakers as well covering some great writers’ subjects. Call the library for more information and to sign up now. Although it’s free, they like to have a rough head count.

Now about The Truth Revealed, book 3 of the Samantha Cain Series. I love that people are asking me about it and can’t wait until its released. I’m excited too. My publisher told me I would have it in time for the Louisiana Book Festival, which is November 2^nd. So all of you Samantha Cain fans, keep watching. If you live in the area, I hope you’ll come out to the capitol grounds to buy a copy. There will also be copies at the Holiday Bazaar. More details will come later. You can always order it from your favorite bookstore once it has been released, or order on line to come straight to your door. For those of you who don’t like to collect books but love to read, it too will eventually be in the libraries in our area (EBR & DS), like my first six are.

More news on Deborah Lynne novels, published by Oak Tara Publishing – They will be coming to chain stores across America. This should be around the spring of 2014. Some of the chain stores will be: WalMart; Costco; and Christian Book. When I learn more of the names of the stores I will let you know. I also hope as the stores start caring me around the nation, I manage to have some book signings in your area. I’d love to meet you all face-to-face. I am blessed with the stories and with a fantastic publisher who believes in me, Ramona Tucker – co-owner of Oak Tara Publishing.

The book I’m working on now, After You’re Gone is a stand-alone romance. As soon as I get that off to my publisher I will begin work on book 4 of the Samantha Cain Series…Against Her Will.

Remember the interview I promised you? Well, this one is a little different. Instead of answering questions Gladys Ford, author of 2 Inspirational non-fiction novels, spoke to me from her heart. I sent her questions and then she wrote what she felt she could/should share. First, I want you to know before those chain of events filled our lives this month, I’d started reading Abba, Father, and I do believe His words in her book helped me endure and walk through the fire with Scott knowing God was in control. I trust Him, so I was able to stay strong through most of the ordeal. I wont say all of it – cause hey. I’m human and at times I let my flesh move my lips. You know what I mean. I spoke before I prayed, you might say. But 95-99% of the time I believe I walked in peace.

**********

Take a few minutes and enjoy the words Gladys shared with me:

Ernest Hemingway is quoted as having said, “There is nothing at all to writing. All you have to do is sit at your typewriter and bleed.” This sentiment can be true but it doesn't encompass the “why do writers write” question.

 Just as no one questions why birds sing (chirp) or why musicians play music, writing is spontaneous to those who have been given this gift by God.  I cannot remember not having a desire to write.

picture of Glayds Ford:

 Perhaps because both of my parents died before I was fourteen, I maintained a journal of my daughter's first five years of life.  It may have been my way of securing memories for her in the event I was gone. Years later, I wrote a five-year journal for my firstborn grandchild.

  Little did I know that I would self-publish two books and be working on a third. The first book:  Along the Pilgrim Pathway is a treasury of testimonies and Bible expositions written, compiled, and published for the benefit of fellow pilgrims. It brings the word of God together with human experiences in a personal way, using humor when appropriate. Often poignant and always heartwarming, it was written to encourage those walking the pilgrim pathway.

Along the Pilgrim Pathway:

  The second book, Abba, Father, was written for those privileged people whose hearts cry, “Abba, Father.” It contains fourteen carefully selected Bible expositions that provide provocative insightful understanding of God and His word. By examining destiny-setting events recorded in the Bible, we gain an appreciation for the sovereignty of our God who moves providentially to accomplish His purposes. He often works through, what we call adversity, to accomplish His best in the lives of those who love Him and call upon Him as, “Abba, Father.”

Abba, Father:

  The third book, For His Glory, is a work in progress and will be a combination of testimonies and Bible expositions.

  Only God knows the reasons why He grants to individuals keen insight and understanding of Him and His word. But certainly part of the reason is that He intends for that person to share by whatever means made available. Studying, praying, writing, and publishing are the means He has made available to me for your benefit.

   These books can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other distributors like Book Depository, which offers worldwide, free shipping. Along the Pilgrim Pathway is also in e-book form.

   I pray you will be enriched and encouraged as you read the words He has shared.

Thank you, Gladys, for sharing this with my readers. Keep doing God's will in your life, blessing others as your work has blessed me. THANKS.

**********

And to all of you readers who are thinking about writing or have started but want to learn more, I remind you to check out the all day FREE Writer's Workshop. Other published authors and myself are there because we love sharing what's been given to us to help improve our writing...and maybe even help you skip some of the hard times we had to go through to get where we are today.

One more note in closing. A dear friend of mine lost one of her children this past week. Although he was a grown man, it made the pain of losing him no less to the mother and father. Please keep Kathy Mayeaux, her husband, and their grandchildren (Christopher's children) lifted in prayer as they walk through the loss of their loved one.

Thank you again. I hope to see some of you at the October Workshop, and others at the Louisiana Book Festival and Holiday Book Bazaar in November. Take care and God bless you all!!

It's a new day!!

Hello everyone.

It has been a while since I've written in my blog. Things have been happening. I'll share some of those things...as well as I have a surprise for you at the end. SO KEEP READING!

Let me start by saying on July 15th my newest grandson, Eli, came into this world. It was a difficult delivery but mother (Molly) and son made it through. Local grandparents (Scott & I), the boys (Scotty & Koby), and our pastor Phil, (Eli's name sake- Elijah Phillip Moore) and his son Luke had it rough (ha-ha) waiting in a huge waiting room and visiting the cafeteria, while Kelly (Pastor's wife) and Pete (Molly's hubby and Eli's daddy) pushed Molly and Eli through delivery. Eli's grandparents who live in England probably had it tougher than us, since they couldn't be here waiting it out. Nana (Janet-Pete's mom) was thrilled to see pictures of her grandson. Molly's keeping them flowing on facebook.

All-in-all, it was a great day! (in the picture below you catch a peak at Kelly and her little baby bump in the background. She's due in October, I believe.)

Isn't he adorable. That was him right after birth, a little over a month ago. He's so alert now. It's fun to hold him and watch him study your face or respond to your voice. Here is a more recent picture. Not that it shows his alertness...but babies sleep. What can I say?

It's a new day, it's a new life. Isn't God good. Eli sleeps in such peace. That's another thing I love to do, watch him sleep. Suddenly a sweet smile will touch his lips. People say that it's gas...no. It's joy. He's seeing images that make him happy, or thinking pleasant thoughts. When he has gas, we know it and he knows it. Look at that handsome face!! Nana says he looks just like Pete when he was a baby.

Another big thing that happened in this period of silence -- I turned the big 60. Guess what? I feel no different from when I turned 50. I remember thinking how old 60 was when I was a kid. I was so wrong. Sixty is just another number. In fact, for my birthday, Scott took me to the beach to celebrate. He knows that's my favorite place to be. Below is a picture of the view from our room.

We spent a few days soaking in the rays, playing in the water, and having fun...just the two of us. It's been almost 42 years and it keeps getting better. I am so blessed.

My son (Chris) and his wife (Rosie) bought a new home. This one is still in Baton Rouge (yeah!!). They got a great deal and a great home. I'm very proud of them and for them.

Our daughter in California (Rachael) has also moved. She's still in northern California (not Louisiana sad to say, but happy for her). She moved from Dublin to Livermore, moving closer to her job and her friends, and activities she's involved with in the evenings and weekends. She too got a bigger place. Rachael said next time we come out west, instead of kicking her out of her room, she now has a guest room so we can stay longer. Isn't that sweet.

NOW for more big news. My next book-The Truth Revealed. It's scheduled out by the end of the month with Oak Tara's bookstore and the first week of September for the nation. Not sure that's going to happen at this time...a small delay I do believe. The good news is my editor/publisher, Ramona, is well and back to work. I didn't realize how concerned I was for her health until I got the confirmation she was back. You know my faith. I KNOW pray is answered. I KNOW God is in the healing business--we are healed by His blood. I KNOW Ramona's faith is strong in God's word, so why was I getting worried? Yes. I'll use the word I don't like to use cause the Bible tells me--to worry about nothing and pray about everything...which I usually do. But I was "in the world"or "in the flesh" as you might say because when I didn't get a response from her (Ramona) directly, I panicked. Instead of panicking I should have been resting on believing she was back, 100%, and hoping she wasn't overdoing it. The woman never stops! She's like the EverReady battery, the pink bunny (with red hair). I think I've told you this before. Anyway, I worried...but when I got word from one of the OT workers Ramona was back, a peace covered me again. I needed it. With it, I'm back to work on the romance I've been working on -- hopeful to complete by the end of September. It should have been finished in July. I really want to get to work on my new Young Adult fiction series - Lincoln Parks' Adventures. As a writer, you have to keep writing. Sometimes I let my emotions tug me off course. That's not a good thing. A writer needs to keep writing, keep growing, keep learning, keep reading, and just keep on moving forward!! I still don't have a definite on The Truth Revealed, book 3 of The Samantha Cain Series, release date, but when I do, I'll let you know.

Also I mentioned before, the GREAT thing Oak Tara has done for their writers...I think I told you...If not, I'll reveal it now. In 2014 Oak Tara novels (including mine: Be Not Afraid, Testimony of Innocence, & Crime in The Big Easy--maybe even The Truth Revealed and then my romance I'm working on now) will go in chain stores across America. As I've told you before, Oak Tara, my publishing company is growing more and more every year. I was blessed to be connected to them for as a writer I'm growing as well. All of you who write, know how hard it is to get your books in the stores, bookstores, libraries, schools, and anywhere else a book can go...to get them to go into these places without you having to do the pushing. What a blessing! What a relief!! Oak Tara has opened the doors to Deborah Lynne's novels. YES! All of you who read my blog, my website, and my facebook that I tell about my newest release (who don't live in the Baton Rouge area) will still be able to order my books as you've been doing BUT in 2014 you can run to your local WalMart or one of the other chain stores (don't know their names yet, but when I do I will pass them on) and pick up my book as your buying groceries or whatever you've run into the store to get. My local readers will be able too also. Isn't that EXCITING??? It is for me too.

Another note on Deborah Lynne novels...not only are they in the library in Livingston Parish, but now
they are in the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries as well. This too is so exciting to me as a writer. Sure we want our books to sell, but more than that we (I) want our (my) books to be read and enjoyed by all.

Now for the big surprise I have for you. Another interview.

Everyone enjoyed the interview of Elaine Grant, the author of The Caverns and many more. Now I'm interviewing Sylvia Rochester, author of several novels. Read and enjoy:

1.  How long have you been writing?

            First, thanks for having me on your blog.

            I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, I’ve always conjured up stories.   During high school and college, I turned to writing poetry.  Then, about fifteen years ago, I decided to write a novel.  Boy, was I in for a surprise and a long learning curve.  But I’ve got to say, it’s been a wonderful journey.

2.  How many books have you had published? (and their titles)

            To date, I have eight published books.

            The Sweet Smell of Death, When Evil Loves, Come Back My Love, Shadow of the Soul, Courage to Care, Da Vinci’s Lost Years, Deadly Illusion, and Disrobed for Death.

3.  What made you start? 

            I was inspired by the works of other authors, especially the classics.

            I believe we all have a story to tell, and the ones running through my mind were screaming to be heard.

4.  Do you enjoy writing?

            Oh, yes!  Some say the life of a writer is a lonely one.  I disagree.  I might be the only tangible person in the room, but I’m surrounded by a host of characters, all vying to be heard.

5.  What is the name of your latest novel? Tell us a little bit about it.

            Disrobed for Death, Book 1 in the Bawdy Boutique Series.

            Susan Griffin awakes from surgery with one thought—how to stop a murder before it happens.  Only the intended victim refuses to believe that she has foreseen his death.  Worse yet, she hasn’t a clue as to the murderer, and the day of reckoning is but two weeks away.

            As owner of the Bawdy Boutique, Susan’s forte is fashion and frills, not murder and mayhem, so she calls on the two people she trusts the most--Wesley Grissom, a detective with whom she hopes to rekindle a past relationship, and her assistant manager,      A. K. Williams, a forty year old cougar who’s game for anything.  But when Susan uncovers a conspiracy, she finds herself in over her head and dead wrong as to the killer.

            If you like your mystery with a dash of humor and a can-do heroine, this one’s for you.

6.  Have you started book two in the series? Can you give us a sneak peak?

            Book 2, The Corpse Wore Cashmere, is with the editor and due for release February, 2014.

Susan’s vision comes true when Palmetto’s flotilla recovers the remains of a missing resident.  A witness and the victim’s prior employment point to the Mississippi Gulf coast where the annual pirates’ festival is in full swing.  When a swank Biloxi casino contacts the Purple Pickle to supply costumes, Susan and A. K. jump at the chance.  But even the best costumes can’t hide the real evil, and before the weekend is over, no one is safe. 

A. K. wants only a weekend of fun.  Susan, on the other hand, can’t wait to question employees and maybe discover a motive for the murder.  Spurred on by her visions, she ignores warning signs and soon finds herself in the clutches of a killer.  When the local authorities attempt to execute an arrest warrant, the investigation turns upside down, and suspects become victims.

7.  Give us your website so everyone reading this interview can go view not only your books, but also see the gift of art you share with the world as well.

             www.sylviarochester.com.  You can also visit me on Face Book.  Ask to friend me.

8.  Where is the next place you will be signing your book? (give place and time and any details you want to share)

            So glad you asked.  Get ready, Hammond, LA.  Disrobed for Death, Book 1 of the Bawdy Boutique Series, will be available at the Bra la Vie boutique, 221 W. Thomas Street on Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 2 to 4.  Be prepared.  It’s not your typical book signing.  You’ll be greeted by girls in lingerie on swings in the display windows, bubbles machine will be in full force, and I will be wearing red, silk pajamas.  Wine, tea, and refreshments will be served.  Hope you can make it.

* * *

Thank you Sylvia for taking time to chat with me. Keep writing and painting so we can keep enjoying your gifts.

            Thank you, Debbie, for your hospitality.  I look forward to new releases from you, too. 

***

Wasn't that fun??!! I can see Sylvia in red silk PJ's. She is a tall woman who probably could have been a model had she not gotten into world traveling, seeing the darker sides of the world through her military background (I believe). And I love what she said about even when she is alone in a room writing, she may be the only tangible body in the room but she's surrounded by a host of characters...that is so true. I'm like her. I love being a writer and wouldn't change it for the world. BTW, I've read Disrobed for Death and it was great! A real page turner with a lot of laughs, hoots, and serious moments. I can't wait for book 2!!

God bless you all. And to my writer readers - Keep writing!!

Not All About Me: BLOG GUEST AUTHOR PEGGY BECHKO

Not All About Me: BLOG GUEST AUTHOR PEGGY BECHKO: Today's guest author is Peggy Bechko . Peggy has been in the writing biz for quite a while, so I know you'll enjoy reading about ...

Good News in many ways

Good morning to all. My last blog was a little depressing. For those of you who know me personally, you know that is not me. I don't get down or worried. I try to stay upbeat no matter what is going on around me. In fact, some of my friends call me Pollyanna. Well the sunshine is up on the horizon.

Scott (my husband for you new readers) had 3 doctor appointments in 2 days. The first removed skin cancer from his face again. This time it was on the side of his face near the temple. The good news is they got it all and Doc said its the kind of skin cancer, if you get skin cancer, you want it to be. Not bad at all. They looked at the scar from the removal of the skin cancer that had been next to his nose and said it healed nicely. (surgery a few months back). The next good news came yesterday. He saw both his oncologist and his pulmonary doctor. The symptoms he's been experiencing that mirrored the symptoms from three years ago -- they do not believe the cancer is back. Although X-rays showed them the possibility was there which planted the fear in all of our heads a month ago, after doing a CT scan last week, they believe the earlier X-ray that lead them to run the CT scan was showing the pneumonia coming on...remember he was in the hospital for 4 days with antibiotics being pumped into his body. NO CANCER WAS FOUND! You can't beat that. He goes back in 1 month, so they can keep a close eye on his lungs. Thanks for all of the prayers. We appreciated them.

More good news -- My middle child, Molly, who is pregnant with her 3rd child is getting ready for delivery. Eli (the baby) has gotten in position and has dropped. She doesn't believe he'll be holding out to July 21 (Scott's birthday), but that's okay. Eli is big, strong, and healthy...and it looks like he's ready to pop out any day.

Last week I took a trip to Virginia to visit a writer friend of mine. We met years ago before either of us were published...but both with a burning desire to see our works in print. Today we are living the dream within us. Life as a writer. It was a great visit. We saw a little history and met up with some of her newer writer friends at a place called -- The Mudhouse Coffee House. It was pretty cool. The five of us sat around with our laptops open, chatting, sipping brew, and writing at the same time. I actually managed to finish one chapter and write a few pages in the next chapter. We had a great time.

A great idea hit me while my friend, Elaine Grant, and I were sitting out on the upstairs porch talking writing. I had just finished reading her latest book--the first in a series--and she was telling me about the plans for book 2 and book 3 of the series. I said I need to interview you for my blog. So I did. I'm going to copy and paste it below. Check it out.

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I’d like to welcome – Elaine Grant, a fellow author, and an amazing writer … I knew this the first day I read a manuscript she had been writing. Her words flowed beautifully, painting a picture in your mind. Her characters are well developed and bring the story to life. Join me as I ask her a few questions. You won’t be sorry.

1.     What type of books do you write, Elaine?

I write contemporary romance, suspense, paranormal and historical, all of which contain a love story.

2.     Do you enjoy writing?

I do enjoy writing though like any occupation, it has its ups and downs, frustrating times as well as joy filled moments.  Holding a book and knowing it is my own unique creation is always a thrill.

3.     How many of your books have been published? And how many of them are still available?

I have five published books.  Make Believe Mom, An Ideal Father, and No Hero Like Him are published by Harlequin.  All are still available in ebook format at Amazon.  My last two from Mountain Writer Publishing, Roses for Chloe and The Caverns are available on Kindle in ebook format as well as trade paperback from Amazon.

4.     What is the name of your latest novel you’ve had published? Tell us about it…

The Caverns is my latest.  Seventeen years after leaving his small hometown of

Cumberland Cove, Tennessee to serve a prison term for the death of a high school friend, Cade Youngblood returns to bury his beloved uncle.  Still the pariah of the village, he enlists the aid of his former high school sweetheart, now a Cumberland Cove police officer, to help him clear his name.  But some folks don't forgive or forget and at least one is willing to kill to protect a dark secret. 

The kernel of this idea came to me while visiting Tuckaleechee Caverns near Townsend Tennessee.  And yes, some of the action takes place in "The Caverns."

I just received word that The Caverns is a finalist in the Tampa Bay Area RWA 2013 TARA Contest.

5.     Congratulations!! Where can we find your novel? And is it available for our electronic readers?

The three books from Harlequin are available for all e-readers at Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Kobo, etc.  Roses for Chloe and The Caverns are only available for Kindle at this point, although they may become more widely distributed at a later date.

6.  Will there be a sequel to The Caverns?

Yes, The Valley is the next in The Tennessee Mountain Home Series, and should be available in the Fall.  The Mountain, the third book in the series, is slated for a Christmas release.

7.    Can you tell us a little about these next books coming out?

The Valley and The Mountain will continue the lives of Scottie, Cade, Trish, Nick and the other characters of Cumberland Cove as well as introducing more people as time goes by.

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I’ll let you all in on a little secret. I’ve read The Caverns and it was fantastic…a great page-turner.  You won’t want to put it down. There is one thing I need to say, there are a couple of curse words in the novel…but I found I skipped right past those few words. You can too, cause I promise, you don’t want to miss this read. (I only point this out because those of you who read my blog know I write in the Inspirational line of fiction and normally that is the line I choose to read. But there are a few authors who write such compelling works, that I read them too -- and Elaine Grant is one of them.)

I hope those of you who love mystery, suspense, and even thrillers, make sure you get The Caverns. You won’t regret it. 

You can go to my website www.author-deborahlynne.com and look under my recommendations of other authors to read, or go straight to hers http://www.elainegrant.com/.

Take care and have a blessed day.