There are two key places where I do the majority of my writing. The first is at my day job during lunch hours and down times. I work at Abilene Christian University as the Testing Coordinator, so you’ll see a large window above my computer monitor. This is where I can spy on test takers. There’s one in there now taking a computer-based exam.
On the wall to the far left is a cross-stitched verse I made when I re-entered the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom for five years. There are thick grapevines surrounding Colossians 3:23. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man. Below that, you’ll see a mug my sister-in-law gave me when I first started writing. It has a picture of parchment and ink with the inscription: If I write it, they will read. Inside the mug is a gift from a friend of mine. I love hippos, and this is my writing mascot, Hugo the Hippo, a finger puppet. He keeps an eye on me and makes sure I don’t slack off. I have one copy of each of my books strategically placed around my office. Short-Straw Bride just happens to be the one on my desk. I gave it the place of honor because the green shades on the cover match the nearby Bible. Seemed as good a reason as any.
Then on the right side hidden behind my hot tea mug, I have a mini covered-wagon pencil sharpener and a western barrel with boots, hat, bandana, and rope that holds my pencils and pens. Finally, you’ll find pictures of my kids. The pictures are a few years old, but I love them because they were taken in the Texas bluebonnets.
The second place where I write is at home in the bedroom. Not too much to see here. Just the bed with plenty of pillows to support my back, a lap desk, and my laptop computer. The bare essentials.
Thanks so much for letting me show off my not-so-glamorous writing desks, Tricia. I’m giving away a copy of Stealing the Preacher today as well. May summer reading begin! (Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win.)
About Karen Witemeyer:
Karen Witemeyer is a deacon’s wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul. Connect with her at her website and on Facebook.
About Stealing the Preacher:
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he’s forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he’s haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind–a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.
For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna’s outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?
Hi Karen and Tricia!
Thanks for sharing your desks with us, Karen. It’s always neat to see where other writers write the stories we fall in love with.
Tricia, as always, you’re a lovely hostess. Thanks for this series on where your fellow authors write. I enjoy it a lot.
Blessings,
Andrea
You’re welcome, Andrea!
Thanks, Andrea. It’s not much, but it gets the job done. 🙂
I know the feeling, Karen. 🙂
Would love to read this book. 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to win it. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by today, Cheryl. And good luck with the contest.
Hey Karen and Tricia . I love your books and would love to win Stealing The Preacher. It sounds do good .
Blessings,
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks, Elizabeth!
I loved seeing special places that you like to work at, I have mine right here in my kitchen and I can sit an watch what goes on outside. Look forward to being able to read this book, but sure would like to be the owner of it also. so thank you for the chance to win. thank you from Karen at khsmith97217@yahoo.com
I always thought that I would love to write someplace where there are lots of big windows opening up to a lovely view. Instead I write in a basement and a bedroom. Oh well. The lovely view would probably be too big a distraction, anyway. 🙂
I can’t wait to read this one! I really enjoyed Crockett in the earlier book!
Thanks, Martha. I had so much fun with those Archer brothers. Neill’s story will be coming in a novella in January.
Great interview, i have desired this book since it came out, i would love to win it.
jcisforme@aol.com
Wishing you luck, Shirley. 🙂
Karen, I just recently heard about your books. I haven’t had a chance to read any yet, but they sound great, and I’m REALLY looking forward to them! Also, I attended ACU several years ago…it’s nice to “meet” someone else with ties to such a wonderful place! Thanks for the giveaway!
How fun to make an ACU connection with you, Randi. I attended as a student as well, Class of ’93. My husband and I both work for the university now. I always love running into ACU alums whether online or in person. Have a wonderful day!
Karen…where ever you write, you turn out a story I just LOVE. Thank you for sharing your gift its brough such delight to me. I’m so grateful! (And I thank God for gifting you as He has.)
Debbie
Thank you, Debbie. Your encouragement is a blessing.
I’m glad I found Litfuse as I have been introduced to some great authors and have enjoyed learning about the story behind the story many times. I’ve also enjoyed seeing the cheering that goes on between authors. It is very scriptural to encourage each other to good works and so to see authors bragging on and applauding other author’s works is pretty cool. Good job! Also, being an avid reader, I am so happy to find authors who write books that I can enjoy and recommend to friends and my own daughters without reservation. Keep on writing, please!
I’ll make you a deal, Melody. I’ll keep on writing if you keep on reading. 🙂 Thanks for the lovely note. I couldn’t agree more about cheering one another on. We all need that encouragement. Have a wonderful weekend.
Such a cute storyline – would love to read this! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!