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Writer’s Desk: Kimberley Woodhouse

Writer’s Desk with Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than thirty books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she’s traded in her hat of “Craziest Mom” for “Nana the Great.”

Connect with Kimberley on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, BookBub, and sign up here for her newsletter here.

More about The Secretes Beneath

Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . .

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they’re given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna’s world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn’t erased the feelings they’ve always had for each other. After Joshua’s nephew goes missing–just like his sister did years ago–and Anna’s job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.

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Writer’s Desk: M.D. House

Writer’s Desk with M.D. House

In late 2020, M.D. House semi-retired from a successful career in the Corporate world. He enjoyed his time there and still consults part-time, but being able to pursue his passion for creative writing has been a blessing.

Many years ago, while writing on a very limited basis, he came within a hair’s breadth of getting a science fiction novel published. Since embarking on my new journey with much more time and focus, he has published that (very long) book and a sequel, along with six religious historical fiction novels (which were a surprise to me). M.D. House has gotten award recognition, including a Chaucer Award finalist nod for The Barabbas Legacy, along with a favorable review from Kirkus for The Servant of Helaman, a spy thriller.

M.D. House’s schedule is filled with new projects, including his first fantasy novel, provisionally titled Crossroads of Sundering Memory, the sequel to The Servant of Helaman, and a pair of screenplays. The third volume of the Patriot Star sci-fi series will be on the docket soon as well.

You can learn more about M.D., including interviews with people like Eric Metaxas, Tricia Goyer, and Dr. Paul Reeves, at mdhouselive.com.

Connect with M.D. House on his website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Bookbub, LinkedIn, and sign up for his newsletter here.

More about Sophia

After her miraculous rescue by the angel Raphael, Sophia, daughter of Barabbas and Chanah, sets out with the former slave Onesimus to find the elusive and itinerant apostle John. Once they find him, an unexpected trip outside the Roman empire into the mysterious northern nation of Sarmatia expands her understanding of God’s global efforts to gather his children to their Savior.

It also reveals in starker detail the pernicious, pervasive attempts by the adversary to disrupt the work and turn the children of God toward evil and superstition. Pride is her own weakness, and she must learn how to temper and control it, so that her mind might be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What surprises await her as she travels great distances with the Lord’s beloved apostle to spread the message of the gospel? How differently does God see her life than what she has assumed? What will happen to the growing church’s relationship with Rome when Emperor Vespasian dies and his sons pick up the mantle? And how does John continue to have so much energy and faith?

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Q&A with M.D. House

TG: What is your writing process like?

MDH: I’m more a planner than a pantser, but I tend to throw plenty of wrenches into my own plans, which is always fun/challenging.

TG: What is your writing Kryptonite?

MDH: Distractions, of course, but also finding enough time to read; any good writer has to continue to read other good books.

TG: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

MDH: Don’t worry about something not being “perfect,” which is unachievable by us mortals, anyway. The famous line “Fear is the mind-killer” from Dune has application here; perfectionism manifests itself largely through fear.

TG: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

MDH: Good editors – they are so, so useful.

TG: What did you edit out of Sophia?

MDH: A few things from the original outline, but nothing from any of the drafts. That was astounding. The first draft came out cleaner than anything I’ve ever written. I’m trusting that’s a good sign. 😊

TG: What is the most difficult thing about being an author?

MDH: Not being “predictable”

TG: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot?

MDH: Eagle

TG: Which book that you’ve written is your favorite?

MDH: Sophia is the new favorite, though it’s not far ahead of Kindred Star (Book 2 of the Patriot Star series), which is a reflection of my sci-fi roots.

TG: Which of your books was the most fun to write?

MDH: It’s hard to say, but probably Pillars of Barabbas. I needed to get into the mind of Paul and tell portions of the story from his perspective. The research and study in the NT to prepare for that was incredibly valuable all by itself. The interactions with Emperor Nero were also so much fun to envision and then capture on the page. Really fascinating to think about. I’m also somewhat of a politics nerd, and the early saints had to deal with politics just like we do.

TG: Which was the most difficult — and why?

MDH: It’s one that hasn’t come out yet. I’ve completed four drafts of my first fantasy novel. I love it, and it’s shaping up well, but there’s still more work to do. I really want to make an impact with it.

TG: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

MDH: Well, it’s a toss-up between “Thank you!” and “I’m so sorry.” 😊

TG: What is coming up next for you?

MDH: I’ve started to visit some shows this year (see the pic from July 3-4 – you can spy the cover of Sophia I was teasing), which I thought I wouldn’t enjoy. It turns out I do because I’ve gotten enough people to come up and talk to me (which I love – I’m definitely a talker). I’m also working on a pair of sequels, plus the aforementioned fantasy novel, and two screenplays (in concert with professional screenwriters).

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Writer’s Desk: Shawna Coleing

The Writer’s Desk with Shawna Coleing

Born and raised in Western NY State, Shawna never expected to move too far from home. She craved adventure, but that adventure pretty much stayed in her head.

Then, after finishing college, she had the opportunity to spend a year in Australia, and she took it. She met her husband while there and now, two decades later, she lives in the middle of tropical Far North Queensland, about a kilometer from croc-infested waters.

She and her husband have three kids and Shawna still loves nothing more than staring out the window daydreaming and making up a good story.

Connect with Shawna on her website, Instagram, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and sign-up for her newsletter.

More about Hidden Trial:

Charlotte, seeking solace in a quiet town after a harrowing overseas trip, discovers that a life of safety no longer satisfies her longing for adventure. So, when her sister, an undercover agent, sustains an injury that halts her operation, Charlotte seizes the opportunity to step into her sister’s role, taking on what appears to be a simple assignment.

Meanwhile, Will has spent years tirelessly searching for a kidnapped friend, desperately clinging to hope despite a trail that has long gone cold. When his undercover partner is injured and she proposes training her twin as a replacement, Will is torn by the ghosts of his past. The idea of involving a civilian weighs heavily on his heart, but the urgency of their mission persuades him to take the risk.

Little do they know that Charlotte’s involvement will lead them down a perilous path when the operation takes an unforeseen turn and they find themselves in a life-and-death struggle they never could have imagined. Now, they must surrender to God’s guiding hand and trust that He can lead them through the darkest of trials. But will it be enough to save them in this lifetime? Or will their enemy be the one to send them into eternity?

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Q&A with Shawna Coleing

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

SC: I’m addicted to playing with my hair.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Hidden Trial?

SC: I’ve always been a big daydreamer and that’s usually where ideas spring from. I get the seed of something — in the case of this book it was how to get a small-town
girl mixed up in an international crime — then I stare at the wall or go for a walk and let my imagination run away with itself.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

SC: Nope. Just the discipline of sitting in front of my computer and getting words on the page.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

SC: Same as the above. But also, don’t let feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy stop you from putting words on the page. Most writers feel that way, especially at the beginning. You won’t know how good you are until you put yourself out there. And chances are you’re better than you think (we’re usually our own worst critics)

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

SC: Water, water, water, and coffee. I try not to snack if I can help it.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

SC: Going for a walk always helps me find ideas. Other than that, I sit my butt in the chair and write even if I don’t think it’s very good. That usually gets things moving.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

SC: I do three drafts so each draft has a certain amount of edits along with adding to the story. I also do a final edit for grammar and punctuation followed by a final read-through before sending my manuscript off to my editor.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

SC: Spending too much time second-guessing themselves and their writing.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

SC: If you want to be a successful author, you have to work hard, and get the books written. It sounds obvious and it’s something I knew going in, but needed to remind myself of when things were moving slower than I wanted.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

SC: I’m continuing my Hidden Alliance series which will probably end up with four books, and I already have ideas for the next series brewing.

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Writer’s Desk: Melissa Hannigan

Writer’s Desk with Melissa Hannigan

Melissa Hannigan holds a master of arts degree in counseling from Midwestern Theological Seminary. She is the wife of John Hannigan, executive director of Celebrate Kids. They have been married for 17 years and have four children. Before becoming a full-time homeschool mom, Melissa worked with teen girls to overcome abuse, addictions, and trauma. She is passionate about helping people discover God’s best for their lives. Melissa is an Associate of Celebrate Kids and Ignite the Family.

More about Inconvenient Parenting

Hope and help for shaping Christ-honoring future generations.

Families are like little churches. They are meant to be places of discipleship, worship, and rest—places where we can fine-tune the gifts God’s given us so we can bless the world. They can be full of surprises and joy. But family life can also be heartbreaking and downright discouraging. Trained counselor and mother Melissa Hannigan knows how hard it is to cast and keep a vision of rich family life. How do we cultivate a family culture that’s vibrant and encouraging—a refuge amidst life’s storms?

Melissa is passionate about helping families build healthy, strong, God-honoring homes. In Inconvenient Parenting, she shares twelve qualities that are the key ingredients to that desired end:

Wisdom — Wonder — Vitality — Sensitivity — Flexibility ­­—Curiosity —

Creativity — Imagination — Inventiveness — Playfulness — Humor — Joy

Melissa shows us why, though inconvenient at times, it’s necessary to encourage and infuse these traits in our children and reveals how we can unknowingly discourage these qualities. Each chapter concludes with practical activities, book recommendations, and discussion questions to help parents immediately apply the principles discussed.

Become more connected to God and one another through the rich wisdom and help offered in Inconvenient Parenting.

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Excerpt from Inconvenient Parenting

How do we teach wisdom to our kids?

Wisdom starts with humility. We must first admit that we need help because we don’t possess wisdom within ourselves. We must be willing to be a student, desiring to learn and grow in knowledge. We never get to a place where we have learned everything we need to know, right? Modeling this type of humility to our children is an important first step.

We must hunger for knowing more about the world around us, and especially God’s Word. Do you have a hobby, or have you learned a new skill? Is there a Bible study that you have enjoyed lately? Have you demonstrated to your kids that you desire to keep learning and growing, or are you content believing that you already know everything you need to
know? If you’re reading this book, then you are demonstrating a desire to learn and to grow. That’s a great example to your kids!

I learned in the last ten years how to crochet. My children witnessed my frustrating beginning and pitiful first attempts at scarves and baby blankets. But they also witnessed me grow and develop in my ability, mostly through seeking more experienced friends who helped me along the way. Also, thanks to YouTube, I was able to teach myself some new crocheting skills. I hope my kids understand that this mom still has a lot to learn, and I am humbly willing to admit that and willing to put in the time and effort to continue to learn.

For you, it may not be crocheting; it could be birdwatching, tennis, or even the history of ancient Egypt that you’re learning alongside your kids as they study. As a homeschool mom, I get a lot of opportunities to say, “I don’t know, let’s research that!” My family is not under any delusion that I know everything, but they do know that what I don’t know, I can learn. More is caught than taught, and if we demonstrate an ongoing interest in learning, our kids will catch the excitement for learning too.

Ultimately, we want our children to see us going to the source of all wisdom. They need to see us seeking God’s Word for wisdom and direction. They need to hear us talk about what God is teaching us because we must never stop learning and growing, especially when it comes to the living and active Word of God. If we desire our children to seek godly wisdom above all, then they must see us doing that as well.

Maybe that means you occasionally include your children in your time of Scripture study. It may be more convenient to do your studying in private—trust me, I love my quiet time alone, but modeling this habit before your family, no matter how noisy it may be, helps them see the value that you place on God’s Word.

But we cannot simply stop at showing our children the importance of learning new things. That is only the first step toward wisdom. They must also see us seeking to apply that knowledge with discernment. They need to see us taking what we are learning in God’s Word and applying it in our daily lives. They need to hear us talking about relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment and praying for strength to implement whatever God is asking us to change. No matter the age of your children, they will benefit from seeing a parent who humbly seeks God for truth and then shares about the ways they are applying that truth! This is true wisdom!

How do we empower our children to seek out truth?

The first step is to become students of our kids and discover how they learn best. In her book 8 Great Smarts, 9 Dr. Kathy describes the eight ways children learn. She calls these different learning styles their “smarts” because it describes the natural way that they are wired to receive information. Some children are music smart and love listening to different genres of music or using instruments from other cultures—these children will be inspired to learn in musical ways. Another child will thrive outside in nature—being surrounded by creation, and therefore an outdoor environment, makes learning more engaging for them. Our job as parents is to figure out how they are wired to encourage their unique style of learning. When we understand how our children are created uniquely it becomes much easier to create settings for learning.

Another great step in helping our children become wise is to introduce them to various ideas and information. Charlotte Mason, a pioneer in early childhood education in the 1900s, believed that a child’s mind was just as hungry as their stomach and that a parent’s job is to provide variety for them to feast on.10 This feasting will look different depending on the stage of your child’s development.

When our children are babies, we can provide visually stimulating environments, talk to them often, play music, and read picture books to them. Elementary-age children are eager to learn new things; for parents, this is an ideal time to capitalize on this desire. Read engaging stories, find out what they are interested in, and learn about it together. We went through a period where one child was fascinated by the Titanic. We read books, studied the history of the era, and watched documentaries. These activities reinforce the message that in our home, when we are interested in a topic, we will study about it together!

This is also the perfect time to help your children learn how to identify reputable sources of information. Wisdom is not just the gathering of facts but involves discerning where to go for that information and what to do with that knowledge. This is something we must intentionally teach our children.

By the teenage years and into young adulthood, children should understand where to go for reputable truth and scholarly sources. Hopefully by this point, they understand the value of God’s Word and its infallibility. We must help them develop a biblical worldview that stands firm on the unchanging Word of God. Once their worldview is firm, it is time to encourage studying a variety of cultures and viewpoints that don’t necessarily align with their worldview. Invite people of different cultures and views into your home and learn more about them. Help your teen learn how to think critically about current events. They must be able to defend their faith, so introducing apologetics is helpful. Encourage your young teen to travel. Mission trips are a great way to see that the world is so much bigger than they realized. Even if your family can’t physically go anywhere, there are boundless resources that can transport us to foreign lands. The point is to help our children value understanding and insight.

It seems so simple, right? Just model a love of learning, expose them to lots of valuable information to feast on, help them develop a strong biblical worldview that filters all things through the lens of Scripture, and they will be wise. Okay, maybe that doesn’t sound simple, but it is doable. So why aren’t we as Christian parents doing a better job of this? (I’m looking in the mirror when I ask this.) May I gently suggest that while we have the best of intentions, we let lesser things distract us?

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Writer’s Desk: Lisa T. Bergren

 

Lisa T. Bergren is Tim’s wife, Olivia, Emma, and Jack’s mom, and an explorer of people, places, and stories in many genres. She’s written over 60 books and sold over 3 million of them, with the help of some good publishing people and readers like you.

Connect with Lisa on her website, Instagram, Facebook, BookBub, and sign up for her newsletter.

More about Estuary:

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace…or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Nico’s theory that their lost Betarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

Purchase a copy of Estuary.

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Q&A with Lisa T. Bergren

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

LTB: I’m not a morning person or night owl. I’m a middle-of-the-day person.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Estuary?

LTB: My passionate River of Time tribe. I’ve never had readers go so crazy for a series. People re-read them (some annually). Gotten tattoos. Named their children after characters (along with pets and guitars). And so I was pulled back into the waters! (And willingly went.)

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

LTB: I do best if I get away from home, plug in my headphones to listen to soundtracks, and just fall back into my story. Library, hotel, or a room with a good view.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

LTB: I feel I am not qualified to answer this. Ha! I am productive in spurts. Some of my friends write every day. I write a ton in a short period of time.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

LTB: Water and iced tea. Almonds. A little dark chocolate.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

LTB: I sit down and make myself write the next scene. Or if I’m REALLY stuck, I’ll move to the next scene that captures me.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

LTB: I edit the last amount I wrote the day before and that helps me get back into the story and roll forward. So I end up with a second draft. Then I do a third.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

LTB: Point-of-view. If you’re writing first-person, you have to see everything from that one character’s perspective (which makes it very challenging). If you’re writing third person, you need to stay in one character’s perspective for the scene. Don’t “head-hop.”

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

LTB: There should be tension of some sort on every page. (Relational, situational, emotional, etc.)

TG: What is coming up next for you?

LTB: Rip Tide, book 2 in the Oceans of Time

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Writer’s Desk: Mary Connealy

Writer’s Desk with Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two-time Carol Award winner and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.
Her most recent book series is WYOMING SUNRISE.

Connect with Mary on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and BookBub, and sign up for her newsletter here.

More about The Laws of Attraction 

Can they risk giving in to the attraction between them while their lives are on the line?

If widowed seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might just quit the business altogether! So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower struggling to raise three girls on his own, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls properly, and Nell finally has a chance to create beautiful outfits while also teaching the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover who has a target trained on them before it’s too late.

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Q&A with Mary Connealy

TG: What is your writing process like?

MC: I write one thousand words a day seven days a week. No set length of time, just however long it takes to get one thousand words. I tend to write late at night but not always. I don’t need tea or music or silence.

I’m very low maintenance as a writer.

TG: What is your writing Kryptonite?

MC: None really. Slow and steady wins the race for me. If something stops me now, I just go and pick up the writing later in the day.

TG: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

MC: Hmmm . . . I honestly was pursuing publication the whole time I was writing. And I just love it so much. I think if no one wanted my books, I’d just keep writing still. So to my younger self . . . save every idea you get, because you will get to them someday.

TG: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

MC: A computer, I suppose. I doubt I’d have made it with a typewriter. Being able to delete and rewrite is hard to imagine on a typewriter, and I do that a lot.

TG: What did you edit out of The Laws of Attraction?

MC: I wanted to make Nell’s role as a judge a much bigger part of the story, but I spent the story getting her to the justice of the peace job and didn’t really have much space left for her to do it. But what little I did was fun.

TG: What is the most difficult thing about being an author?

MC: I love everything about being an author. Difficult for me is getting out from behind my computer and living, talking to real people. Moving my muscles. I’m just so at home in my make-believe world.

TG: What is the first book that made you cry?

MC: Wow, tough question. I’m not a big crier. I didn’t cry at my children’s graduations or their weddings. I don’t cry when they’re sick or when I’m worried about them. I’m more apt to cry over an episode of Little House on the Prairie, so again with the make-believe world. First book? I’m stumped.

TG: What is your favorite underappreciated Christian novel?

MC: I’m not sure it’s underappreciated, but I loved Angela Hunt’s Unspoken. That really packed a punch. It seemed to just be a nice, tidy romance novel and then all of a sudden pow!

TG: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot?

MC: I write cowboys. It’s gotta be a horse.

TG: Which book that you’ve written is your favorite?

MC: This is a hard and cruel question, Tricia. Hmmm . . . it’s hard because I tend to be so deep in what I’m writing currently that I’m always going to say, “This new one.” My favorite, funniest wedding scene was from Now and Forever. My favorite moment was in Doctor in Petticoats when Belle Tanner stepped into view from a campfire. My favorite hero might be Gage Coulter from Fire and Ice. My favorite dog is Brutus from the WYOMING SUNRISE series. My favorite heroine is probably Ilsa from the BRIDES OF HOPE MOUNTAIN series. I guess I could go on like this indefinitely, but I love Nell in The Laws of Attraction and love her romance with the hero, Brand Nolte. She mostly wanted his daughters but couldn’t figure out how to get them without taking him, too.

TG: Which of your books was the most fun to write?

MC: Wow, these are hard questions. I had a blast with the WYOMING SUNRISE series. The research I did for a blacksmith for Forged in Love was so fun. And reading about Wyoming and women’s suffrage was fascinating.

TG: Which was the most difficult — and why?

MC: I’m going to pick Out of Control. I had a fictionalized Carlsbad Cavern in that one and did so much research and cross-referencing of the rock formations in that cavern. It was hard work, but I loved it.

TG: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

MC: I wish I was as brave as you.

TG: Finally, what is coming up next for you?

MC: Book #3 of the WYOMING SUNRISE series is coming in October. Marshaling Her Heart is the exciting conclusion, full of roping and riding, lawmen and robbers, and two strong, honorable, faithful people falling in love in the midst of mayhem.

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Writer’s Desk: Dr. Heather Holleman

Writer’s Desk with Dr. Heather Holleman

Dr. Heather Holleman is an associate teaching professor at Penn State, speaker, and author. She designs advanced writing curriculum for the English department and loves helping students thrive professionally. She has written eight books, including the bestseller Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison, and an award-winning book on evangelism (co-written with her husband, Ashley Holleman) called Sent: Living a Life That Invites Others to Jesus. Heather’s book, The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Incivility, helps fight the loneliness epidemic by inviting readers to enjoy better conversations. Her most recent fiction book, This Seat’s Saved, written for middle-grade audiences, helps young readers discover they are already seated at the best table with Jesus. Heather also serves with Faculty Commons in the professor ministry of Cru. She and Ash have two daughters and three cats, and Heather blogs daily at heatherholleman.com. Her podcast is “The Verb with Heather Holleman.” When she’s not writing or teaching, Heather is growing a plum orchard, looking for turtles in the woods, or gathering with friends for dinner and a movie.

Connect with Heather on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, listen to her podcast, and sign up to receive her blog in your inbox.

More about This Seat’s Saved 

Class schedules, locker combinations, and the play for popularity — middle school is a new world with new rules.

At the start of 7th grade, Elita Brown’s friends enjoy their seats at the popular lunchroom table. Meanwhile, Elita hides in the bathroom. This is not how she envisioned middle school. And her omission from the popular table is only the beginning of her problems. What will she do when she’s terrorized by the meanest girl in school and accused of a crime she didn’t commit? Elita befriends an older couple living in the woods and gains confidence through her project on the red fox. Will Elita find her way and take her seat at the best table? Full of suspense and divine moments, readers will be captivated by this story.

Parents and teachers who loved Seated with Christ can invite their middle school reader to This Seat’s Saved. With great discussion questions and a main character who learns to read her Bible, trust God for the first time, and understand what it means to be seated with Christ from Ephesians 2:6, This Seat’s Saved will help young readers on their journey with Jesus.

Purchase a copy of This Seat’s Saved.

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Q&A with Dr. Heather Holleman

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

HH: I read grammar books for fun. I love semicolons.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for This Seat’s Saved?

HH: After speaking on my nonfiction book, Seated with Christ, I realized how many women still carry the wound of feeling rejected from the middle school lunchroom. I began to dream about a fictionalized account of a girl who can’t find her seat in the lunchroom, realizes she’s not popular, and must learn from Ephesians 2:6 what it means that she’s already seated at the best table with Jesus.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

HH: I love lighting a candle, drinking coffee or a warm beverage, putting on my coziest clothes and slippers, and sitting at my desk.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

HH: Schedule 2 hours of writing every other day. If you go longer, that’s great!

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

HH: Coffee, water, nuts.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

HH: Writer’s block usually stems from shame and not imagining your ideal audience who cannot wait to read what you’re wanting to write. If you have writer’s block, imagine you’re writing something to a person who really loves you and believes in you. The other key factor in writer’s block is the false belief that the writing must be your best work. Just get the writing out. It doesn’t have to be your best. That’s how I finished my dissertation for my PhD.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

HH: Wait until the end.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

HH: Not taking time to develop a written voice. They don’t sound authentic because they don’t know what their writing voice is.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

HH: Insert a 3–5-word sentence into every paragraph if you can. It’s the easiest way to create a written voice. Short sentences grab the reader.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

HH: Perhaps a sequel to This Seat’s Saved, a screenplay, or a book on prayer connected to the attributes of God.

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Writer’s Desk: Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Writer’s Desk with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an award-winning author and humorist, a popular blogger and speaker, host of the The Story Table podcast and co-host of Rocking it Grand. Her titles include Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On, and Finding Deep and Wide. She and her husband Phil live and farm in Lake Providence, Louisiana. They have two happily married kids and six grandchildren.

Connect with Shellie on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

More about Seizing the Good Life

Living on high alert drains your energy and steals your joy. There is a better way and Seizing the Good Life will help you find it as it takes you through the Gospel of John.

If our chaotic culture has left you drained of joy, here’s some good news: there is a way to get it back—and keep it.

Let’s face it. Joy is becoming as scarce in our culture as fresh eggs at the grocery store. Constant headlines about one catastrophe after another, along with living in a society bent on erasing God from our consciousness, can leave us stressed out and working hard just to get by—far from the good life of abundant joy Jesus promised us.

And yet, He did promise us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So how do we go about seizing the good life from the jaws of depression and hopelessness that threaten us now?

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson has walked this path and knows the way. With the Gospel according to John as her roadmap—and plenty of personal stories, insights, and a healthy dollop of humor for good measure—she can help you not only rediscover the peace and joy found in friendship with Jesus, the Lover of your soul, but maintain it over the long haul.

God never intended for you to hold on to a dry faith with chewed-up fingernails. You really can know peace and joy in the middle of our anxious and angry culture. A deep dive into this study will help you seize the good life once again.

Purchase a copy of Seizing the Good Life here.

Scroll below to find out how you can enter to win one of five copies of Seizing the Good Life! 

Q&A with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

TG: What is your writing process like?

SRT: I’m a churner, which I suppose I should unpack because all I’ve ever heard of are plotters and pantsers. For me, being a churner means I don’t wait for inspiration to strike, for a muse to show up, and start dropping words. I have limited time to write so I block out several hours a day and I write, trusting Jesus to be His faithful self with what comes from my dedicated time.

TG: What is your writing Kryptonite?

SRT: My writing Kryptonite is grandkids. The End.

TG: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

SRT: In full sad disclosure, I haven’t always written with my readers in mind, wanting my words and my journey to help them! It was more about me being a successful writer. If I could, I’d tell my younger self how much sweeter it will be when you figure out that it’s not about your publishing career, but the eternal souls reading your words!

TG: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

SRT: Hands down, my LOGOS Bible software. I use it every day.

After that? Time spent with fellow creatives!

TG: What did you edit out of Seizing the Good Life?

SRT: LOL! A lot! When I first started writing it looked like I was going to have a four-volume commentary once I was done. I quickly realized that I’d need to have one major thought per chapter to hold my readers’ attention and not risk boring them to tears!

TG: What is the most difficult thing about being an author?

SRT: The hardest thing for me about what I do is having to fight feelings of selfishness because I “should be” doing something with or for my family. Only Holy Spirit saves me from that guilt and when I’m not listening to Him, I’m super prone to falling for it!

TG: Finally, what is coming up next for you?

SRT: I have a partner in another lifestyle site for grandparents. It’s called Rocking it Grand. We have one book out and we’re about to write a follow-up.

Personally, I want to follow up with Sierra, I want to write on Peter, and I want to write a mashup of humor and holy. I don’t have a lot of details on the last one. Holy Spirit has just begun talking to me about it. If you’re thinking I need prayer for my going in many directions brain, you are so right. I do! I do, indeed. LOL!

Enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Seizing the Good Life*

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Writer’s Desk: Dannah Gresh

Writer’s Desk with Dannah Gresh

Dannah Gresh is a best-selling author and sought-after speaker. Her best-selling titles include And the Bride Wore White, Lies Young Women Believe co-authored with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and Lies Girls Believe. Dannah is the co-host of Revive Our Hearts, a daily podcast for women, and the founder of True Girl, which provides mom+daughter connection tools including the True Girl podcast.

Dannah has sold over 2 million books and reaches women and girls in more than 100 countries. She and her husband Bob live in State College, Pennsylvania on a small farm that could be confused as a petting zoo. Horses, llamas, peacocks, chickens, goats, dogs, and cats abound. The family pastime is chasing whoever— or whatever—might be loose.

Connect with Dannah on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and sign up for her newsletter.

More about Happily Even After

Is happily-ever-after a myth—or can you experience something even better?

Couples don’t ride off into the sunset after their honeymoon. The truth is marriage is hard. Maybe you’re in a place where you’re feeling that. You might even feel like this is the end.

Bob and Dannah Gresh have been there. But they decided to participate in God’s redemption story. Together they discovered something better than romance: a love that endures.

Whether your relationship is suffering from pornography, addiction, an affair, or just years of unhappiness, Jesus Christ can help you redeem the broken places of your marriage. In Happily Even After, Dannah is a friend who walks beside you and helps you:

  • stop pretending everything is okay
  • strengthen yourself in the Lord
  • fight for your husband instead of with him
  • discover 7 essential beliefs every marriage needs to survive broken places
  • participate in your husband’s redemption story

Dannah demonstrates how to forgive, live with joy, and hold your head high while you participate in His redemption story for your husband. You may feel like your story is over, but no one writes better—or happier—endings than Jesus.

Purchase a copy of Happily Even After here.

Scroll below to find out how you can enter to win one of five copies of Happily Even After! 

Q&A with Dannah Gresh

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

DG: There are more boring than interesting facts about me. But I really like being home on a Friday night. How’s that for boring?

TG: Why did you write Happily Even After?

DG: Between 60-70% of men in the church could be classified by what the recovery world would say is sex addicts. While there are lots of books for those men, there are very few strong, biblically-based books for their wives. When I walked through this hardship with my own husband, I craved a guidebook that was full of God’s Truth and also compassionate and clinically informed. I needed help understanding my husband’s battle and my pain. And courage to rise up and become a victor.

TG: Did you have any surprises or learning moments while writing this title?

DG: In 2017, Bob and I shared our story for the first time publicly at an event for about 3,000 women. And for three hours women lined up hoping to talk with us about their own husband’s battle with lust and pornography! Bob said, “I knew then that this book needed to be written.”

I mean, you hear the stats but to see the tear-stained faces of women who needed hope culminated in a change in our hearts. We had reluctantly approached that first public testimony, but now we’re eager to see hearts experience the freedom and redemption that we have known through Jesus Christ!

TG: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

DG: Rather than pursuing “recovery,” we hope couples will pursue God’s redemption. Recovery patches up the damaged pieces of your relationship. But through Jesus Christ, we can be made into something stronger, better, and more whole. It’s not a repair, but a renewal.

And we want to shorten the length of time between disclosure and redemption. It can feel painful and lonely. Bob and I want to walk with other couples through those hard weeks and months.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

DG: I love a cozy candle burning while I’m writing. And I take frequent walks to talk to the Lord on a writing retreat.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

DG: Read the book Deep Work by Cal Newport. And learn the power of long segments of time to think and create. I’ve always needed that, but Cal explains the science behind why we all need it if we’re going to find our best content.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

DG: I try to eat rather healthy when I’m writing. Years ago, I learned that the pilots of Stealth Bombers and Stealth Fighters often have to make 24-hour flights at a moment’s notice. When they are on call, they are instructed to eat “high protein, low residue” diets. In part, this is to keep the alert when they are on a mission. I’d like to think that I’m on a mission for the Lord on writing days and that my body needs to be in submission to that purpose. I think more clearly when I eat healthily.

I also celebrate the end of a writing retreat with carbs and sweets!

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

DG: It seems every project is full of Muses who refuse to be caught! Walking is part of my strategy to win that game of hide and seek! There’s incredible research revealing that walking helps us think and even calms us when we are frustrated. Both of those are useful when you’re stuck.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

DG: A writer’s best tool is the proverbial razor blade. The best content is hard to see when it’s hiding in the midst of good writing. If you can cut out the good (and mourn it when you do), you’ll end up with a stronger piece. I edit as I go and then take brave, deep slices of content out at the end.

For Happily Even After, I cut out an entire section of the book in the final round of editing. It made the book dramatically easier to process. I hated doing it, but it was a good decision.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

DG: Being fearful of an editor’s critique is a common mistake new writers often make. The process of being edited was so painful for me the first time. I could not believe how much needed work. I told my husband, “My editor hates my book!” He said, “No, she’s just making it better with you.” And that is the truth about collaboration.

Be alarmed if an editor just green-lights your work. Fresh eyes will surely see where you have not communicated clearly or have missed a nuance that’s important.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

DG: “My story is my most valuable asset.” My husband, Bob, taught me that.

Revelation 12:11 describes the moment all of history longs for when Satan is thrown down and God’s people are victorious. Pay attention to how we will overcome:

They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Because of Jesus, we have victory over enemies big and small. One of the weapons He has asked us to wield is our story.

Enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Happily Even After*

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Read Beyond the Gray Mountains FREE in KU + Giveaway

A palpable energy fills the air as the warm sun kisses our faces, and the gentle breeze whispers through the towering pines. Ah, the glorious summers of Montana, where time seemingly stands still, and nature paints an enchanting tapestry of wilderness. Can you feel it? The allure of open skies, untamed rivers, and majestic mountains beckons us to embark on unforgettable adventures.

Our souls yearn for the crackling campfires, the exhilaration of casting a line into crystal-clear waters, and the thrill of hiking through lush forests with vibrant flora and fauna.

Now, picture yourself standing at the edge of a pristine alpine lake, its glassy surface reflecting the snow-capped peaks surrounding it. The sun’s warmth caresses your skin as you take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of wildflowers dancing in the breeze. The melody of nature’s symphony fills your ears—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant rumble of a cascading waterfall.
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Can you picture moments spent horseback riding through rolling meadows, feeling the powerful rhythm of the horse beneath you as you traverse the open range?

Montana’s summers are an invitation to awaken the adventurer within, embrace the call of the wild and embark on a journey of discovery. From Glacier National Park’s breathtaking landscapes to the hidden gems within the Bob Marshall Wilderness, this treasure trove of nature’s wonders will leave you spellbound.

But fret not, fellow wanderers! If Montana is not on your travel agenda, the beauty and excitement of Montana still await. Through the pages of a novel, you can ignite the flame of wanderlust within your soul.

So, dust off your hiking boots, grab your fishing rod, and prepare to lose yourself in the untamed glory of Montana’s wilderness. The journey awaits!

BEYOND THE GRAY MOUNTAINS IS FREE IN KU!
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More about Beyond the Gray Mountains

Finding Home. Finding Faith.

He craves the stage. She wants a simple life. But when love sparks, what world will win?​
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​She just wants to marry the man she loves…​
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Marianna Sommer always dreamed of a simple Amish wedding, but there’s nothing simple about marrying rock star Ben Stone. She loves him—but what about her traditions?
​
Ben loves Marianna, but he has secrets that stand between him and his happy ending. His solution-go to the high mountains and search for answers.
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​Trouble lurks in the High Mountains…​
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It’ll take a miracle to make it back alive when Ben finds himself in over his head.
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And suddenly, Marianna doesn’t care what the wedding looks like…as long as Ben makes it home…
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​But if he does…and she discovers his secrets…what sacrifices will she make to save…and marry…the man she loves?

Secrets. Trouble. Sacrifice…Miracles. What will it take for love to survive?​
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“I can always count on Tricia Goyer to draw me into her story world. She deftly writes characters I can root for right to the very end. Treat yourself to a great Goyer read!” -Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Even Forever and All She Ever Dreamed

​READ FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Also available in Audio and Paperback! 


Here’s what reviewers are saying . . .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you are looking for a story with deep themes and heart-warming characters you’ll fall in love with, check out Beyond the Gray Mountains.
— BestInSuspense

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After devouring the first three of Tricia Goyer’s Big Sky novels (Beside Still Waters, Along Wooded Paths, and Beyond Hope’s Valley), it was very satisfying to get to read this one. Of course, there are still obstacles for Ben and Marianna to overcome, but Goyer does a great job of helping them work through the challenges. Lots of plot twists, but great resolution. — Mugget

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Beyond the Gray Mountains, Tricia did not disappoint. From the very beginning, the reader is thrown into the lives of the Amish community in West Kootenai, Montana and you’ll find yourself wrapped up in the struggles of living life according to the Amish ways and the worldly ways. It’s more than just Marianna and Ben who find themselves torn between two worlds.

​I listened to the audiobook and absolutely LOVED narrator MacKenzie Koppa. — Kate Angelo

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Writer’s Desk: Karen Witemeyer

Q&A with Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.

Connect with Karen on her website, Facebook, BookBub, sign up for her newsletter, and join her Facebook Group, The Posse

More about Fairest of Heart

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters–and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather’s ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope’s acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope’s guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

Purchase a copy of Fairest of Heart.

Scroll to the end of this post to enter to win one of three copies of Fairest of Heart.

Q&A with Karen Witemeyer

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, but we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

KW: I’m in bed by 10:30 every night. Sometimes I even fall asleep in my recliner before bedtime.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Fairest of Heart?

KW: Fairest of Heart is the first book in my new TEXAS EVER AFTER series, which will feature retellings of classic fairy tales with a Western spin. I’ve always adored fairy tales—the romance, the adventure, the battle between good and evil. Those elements find their way into all of my stories in one way or another, so why not pay more direct homage to the happily-ever-after tales I’ve adored since childhood? As you might have guessed, Fairest of Heart is a Western retelling of Snow White. A Texas Ranger hero, a beautiful heroine battling hardship, seven retired drovers at the Diamond D Ranch, and a villainess with a fondness for mirrors come together in this fun reimagining of a classic tale.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

KW: I like to wear bookish socks when I write at home. Half of my sock drawer is filled with socks that have books or cowboy designs. They make me grin and get me in the mood to write.

TG: What habits would you encourage someone to take up to be a more productive writer?

KW: Set mini deadlines and make yourself stick to them. Find out what type of deadline works for you. Many authors use daily word count goals, but since I still work at a full-time day job, I need more flexibility. I’ve chosen to set more flexible weekly goals. I write one polished chapter a week. Having a weekly goal instead of a daily goal allows me the flexibility I need while still keeping me on track.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

KW: I’m a hot tea gal. I drink various blends of Murchie’s Tea imported from Victoria, British Columbia. My daughter and I visited the historical seaport town several years ago, and I fell in love with Murchie’s Tea. My two favorites to drink while I’m writing are their original 1894 blend, named for the year their shop was established, and their Editor’s blend. Might as well have some literary inspiration in tea form while I work.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

KW: One thing I love to do is get my readers involved in the creative process. I have a fan group on Facebook called The Posse, and I will often brainstorm with them. Sometimes I’ll pose a story question and ask for their ideas. Other times I seek their help with characters or titles. Many times, I’ve found a spark in one of their comments that starts the creative juices flowing.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

KW: I am definitely an edit-as-I-go writer. I am a methodical writer with strong perfectionist tendencies, so I constantly polish as I write. I send each chapter to my critique partners as I finish it, so I can adapt on the fly instead of waiting until the book is done to fix things. I write one very slow, careful draft.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

KW: Explaining too much about who the characters are before jumping into the action of the opening scene.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

KW: Resist the urge to explain. I’m an explainer by nature, and I’m often tempted to make sure my reader “gets” what I’m trying to show in a scene or emphasize a theme. However, readers are savvy. They don’t need me to explain things to them. If I’m doing my job by showing things in a compelling manner, they’ll get it.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

KW: Book 2 in the TEXAS EVER AFTER series. I’m currently working on rewrites for If the Boot Fits, a Western Cinderfella story that I can’t wait to share with readers.

Enter for a chance to win one of three copies of Fairest of Heart*

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Don’t miss Karen Witemeyer’s Chat Monday, June 5th at 5:30 PM CT on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook Group! Click below to join the group + watch the LIVE!

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