Author Interview - Amber Crawley

I am THRILLED to have Amber Crawley visiting with us today! If you haven't read my review of On Luna Time yet, you can find it HERE. And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY!!!

Where is one place you want to visit that you haven’t been before?

Amber: England! My dream is to rent a cottage in the countryside for a summer before my kids grow up and leave home. Social media free with lots of reading, writing, and baking. 

Rachel: Oh that sounds absolutely lovely!!! Sign me up too!

If you didn’t like writing books, what would you do for a living?

Amber: When I’m not writing books I’m homeschooling my kids and dyeing yarn for my business, Makers Haven. Owning my own business where I can be as creative as I want is a dream and I’m so thankful for it every day. 

Rachel: I just love that you are living your dreams! 

How many books do you average per month?

Makers Haven

Amber: It depends on how much free time my kids give me, but I listen to a lot of audiobooks while I work (and clean, and shower, and do all the things). I prefer to read with a physical book in my hand, but I also love getting lost in the world while listening. I’d say on average I read one physical book per month and listen to anywhere from 2-3 audiobooks. 

Rachel: Oh, I adore audiobooks! Multi-tasking at it's finest!

How do you organize your books?

Amber: By color! I don’t have a huge selection of books that are solely mine, but we have two large family bookshelves that are filled with all the books - from Harry Potter to Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin. 

Rachel: I love the LOOKS of shelves organized by color...but for my own...I don't know if I could do it...How do you find anything? LOL!

How many books have you written? Published?

Amber: From start to finish, 3, all written in the past year. But the number of stories that are lingering with a couple of promising chapters all the way up to nearly finished - I’m not sure. So many.

On Luna Time is my debut novel, it will be self-published on February 17th!

Rachel: YAY!!!! I'm so so excited for you!!!

What genre(s) do you write?

Amber: YA with a touch of magical realism.

Rachel: That is the PERFECT description...and I absolutely love it!

What are you working on now?

Amber: The second book in my On Luna Time series! As well as a really fun novella that will be coming out in December of 2019!

Rachel: YES!!! I can't wait!!! <3 

What is your next release?

Amber: I’m aiming to publish the second book in the On Luna Time series in fall of 2019.

Rachel: Oh good!!! Because I can't wait much longer than that to find out what happens next!

Do you have any strange writing habits?

Amber: I’m not sure if this is strange or not, but I get all my best ideas in the shower or when washing dishes. It’s something about the contact of the warm water and the sound that just moves my characters into action. 

Rachel: Hehe, this seems to be the frequent place for good ideas! 😉

What part of the publishing/writing process do you most struggle with?

Amber: Editing and grammar. I have struggled with this from day one, way back in high school. I’ve always known I wanted to write a book but the fear of not being taken seriously because of my lack of grammar skills has stunted my growth as a writer for years. I’m trying my best to put it behind me and let my editor help me along the way. 

Rachel: Editors work wonders and miracles don't they?

Which aspect is most natural for you?

Amber: Drafting, hands down. I’m a big pantser and I love the entire process of feeling myself get lost in the story. I truly believe that my best writing comes from letting my characters come alive on the page and surprise me with the plot twists as I write. The plotting I spend hours on before I begin never ends up being where the story wants to go.

Rachel: Our "fictional" friends really do like to run the show don't they? I absolutely love where they took you in On Luna Time. 

Oh! It has been such a pleasure to chat with you, Amber! Thank you for writing and being here today!

About the Author

In my non-writing life, I’m a homeschooling mom of three, a wife, and an indie dyer of watercolor-inspired yarns in the Piedmont of North Carolina. In the midst of daily life and various hobbies that have come and gone, I’ve been writing. From the minute I knew how to put words into sentences, I’ve had a story to tell. After nearly a decade of hiding this passion, I'm ready to share my words with the world. But through it all, I'm still only tiptoeing.

Instagram // Pinterest // Website // YouTube

Giveaway 

Amber Crawley and I are proud to offer TWO giveaways! One: 1 (ONE) winner will receive a box of goodies from Amber Crawley, including a PRINT copy of On Luna Time. This is open to US mailing addresses only. Two: 1 (ONE) winner. INTERNATIONAL ONLY. Open to residents OUTSIDE the US. Prize will be 1 eBook copy of On Luna Time. Giveaway will be open 2/4/2019 - 2/11/2019 11:59pm EST. Both giveaways are sponsored by Bookworm Mama and Amber Crawley. Amber Crawley is the sole provider of the prizes. Void where prohibited. Please enter via the Rafflecopter forms below.

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Author Interview - Jaime Jo Wright

Welcome to Bookworm Mama! I am so honored to have you here today! I have a fresh pitcher of cold brewed coffee for us to sip on today while we visit!

JJW: I’m thrilled to be here! I love visiting!

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

JJW: My love of stories was fostered as a little girl. My Dad was always concocting stories and taking me on adventures! It was ingrained in me and then I started reading when I was four years old, and there was no looking back!

Rachel: This just makes my heart smile! My son just finished Kindergarten and I taught him how to read! I am SO excited for all the adventures he is going to go on!

When did you KNOW that you wanted to be an author?

JJW: I would say my early teens. I dreamed of penning my own book and seeing it in print. I wrote my first novel when I was thirteen . . .huh. I should dig that out and see how bad it was! LOL

Rachel: LOL, You never know, might be a great base for your next story!

What literary character is most like you?

JJW: Ohhhh, that’s a tough one. I know a lot of people probably say this, but my mom used to call me “Anne Shirley”. I’m super stubborn, I talk too much, I have mood swings like nobody’s business, and I live in my imagination. Although I do not have red hair and have never been to PEI Island.

Rachel: Surprisingly no lol! Anne Shirely is my soul sister though! Daydreaming and books...and I have the red hair!

What were your goals and intentions in your book?

JJW: I know it’s not usually expected with mystery novels, but I do intentionally pick a spiritual theme to encapsulate the story. In TRAGP, that theme was grace, and it was also not just about how the Lord shows us grace, but how we show grace to others (or don’t show grace). The critical elements of grace and the health it brings to relationships.

Rachel: Oh man! That is amazing!

Can you share a behind the scenes fact about your book?

JJW: Behind the scenes, I spent quite a bit of time pouring over research my pastor fed me. He’s a natural history buff and he had already uncovered some intriguing historical facts. We met about them, conspired about how they’d fit into a story, and it was so great to get a “pastoral” view of history too--since there are evangelists and theologians in this novel :)

Rachel: How fun!!! I love when I find someone who loves history! I always want to learn more!

Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?

JJW: Oh man. Several authors have been influential. Colleen Coble is the jet fuel to my rocket. She gave me the push I needed to launch and to this day, she’s my back-up when I need to panic, need prayer, or need to text her a success. But, in my formative years, I grew up reading Tracie Peterson. Her words and prose and stories are still etched in my heart. Erica Vetsch has also been an ongoing cheerleader. She is selfless in her encouragement and I am so in awe of her writing and stories. She’s just an amazing mentor!

Rachel: Tracie Peterson is one of the very first authors I ever read as an "adult reader". Tons of credit to her for hooking me on Christian Fiction!

What hidden talents do you have?

JJW: I don’t know that it’s hidden (or that it’s a talent), but I shoot bow and love to bow hunt.

Rachel: Maybe not hidden, but definitely a talent! I haven't shot a bow in YEARS! I don't remmeber being any good at it though.

What books have had a significant impact on your life?

JJW: NANCY DREW! All of them. I devoured every hard copy of Nancy Drew from my library and when the library sold them years later when I was in my late twenties, I bought them all!

Rachel: YEEEEES!!!! I Have read several. Love them all!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

JJW: Probably that I usually only write in 15 min segments at a time for the most part. Rarely, do I sit down for hours and compose. Sometimes I write on my phone.

Goodreads

Rachel: OH! That is interesting!

What writing advice do you have for pre-published authors?

JJW: Probably that, while studying craft is important, nothing beats writing. Just write. Write because you love it, learn as you can, and never lose that joy of just telling a story.

Rachel: I love, love, LOVE this!!! So good!

Before we go can you tell us about your current WIP?

JJW: My current work is finishing edits on The Curse of Misty Wayfair, which is coming out in early 2019. It’s set in the north woods of Wisconsin, there’s an old asylum, some misguided heroines, and even a one-eyed dog and a stray cat. :)

Rachel: AHHHHH! I haven't even read TRAGP yet and I am already drooling over this next one. Hehe!

Thank you so much for joining us today Jaime, I can not wait to get my hands on your book!

JJW: I am so glad to have spent the time with you here!! Thank you for having me and for your excitement over my stories. I pray they’ll bless you and that you’ll always know, (in the words of Matthew West) Grace Wins!

About the Book

For over a century, the town of Gossamer Grove has thrived on its charm and Midwestern values, but Annalise Forsythe knows painful secrets, including her own, hover just beneath the pleasant facade. When a man is found dead in his run-down trailer home, Annalise inherits the trailer, along with the pictures, vintage obituaries, and old revival posters covering its walls. As she sorts through the collection, she's wholly unprepared for the ramifications of the dark and deadly secrets she'll uncover.

A century earlier, Gossamer Grove has been stirred into chaos by the arrival of controversial and charismatic twin revivalists. The chaos takes a murderous turn when Libby Sheffield, working at her father's newspaper, receives an obituary for a reputable church deacon hours before his death. As she works with the deacon's son to unravel the mystery behind the crime, it becomes undeniably clear that a reckoning has come to town—but it isn't until another obituary arrives that they realize the true depths of the danger they've waded into.

Two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their own town before it's too late and they lose their future—or their very souls.

About the Author

Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher's Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited romantic suspense stained with the shadows of history. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com

Website // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Instagram // Goodreads // Amazon

Author Interview + Giveaway - Joanna Davidson Politano

Mind

About the Book

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet house guest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father's unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother's disappearance--and perhaps even her father's death.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano's stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance.

Read the First Line HERE!
Read My Review HERE!

Welcome!

Welcome to Bookworm Mama, Joanna! I am so honored to have you here today!

Joanna: I’m so happy to be part of the Bookworm Mama blog!

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

Joanna: I can clearly remember sitting with my dad and brother in a big comfy chair as he made up fabulous stories about leprechauns, crabs, and interesting settings. I remember my mom reading me books with animation and enthusiasm. So I suppose I’d say that stories were always a part of me. I soaked up story lines from Scripture, from random conversations, anywhere I could find them. My imagination took off from there.

Leprechauns and crabs! Ahhh I love it! 

When did you KNOW that you wanted to be an author?
Joanna: Birth? Ok, maybe not that early. I think I was always informed I’d be an author, so it was in the back of my head forever, even though I had other careers along the way. I still have a little wallet-sized photo somewhere of my kindergarten teacher, who addressed it to Joanna “the authoress.” I never saw myself as a novelist, though, until I heard the story of my great grandparents and became enamored. I sat down one day and just wrote out a scene in my head because I couldn’t not write it, and the entire story just kept pouring out on page after page until it was done. After that book I decided I liked writing fiction!

Story! Some of us just can't escape it. It is a part of our soul.

What literary character is most like you? Why?

Joanna: Probably a combination of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Alice had a tendency to depart from reality and have wild adventures. Peter pan delighted in childhood and everything it entailed. The character most like me in all of literature, though, is probably L.M. Montgomery’s creation Emily of New Moon. I recognize in her the same obsession with words and stories, the imagination that is able to coexist with reality and common sense, making her a dreamer AND a doer.

Peter Pan is one of my favorites! I have yet to meet Emily. But she sounds fabulous!

Can you share a behind the scenes fact about Lady Jayne Disappears?

Joanna: I had zero intention of publishing this book. It was meant to be my “practice” novel that would allow me to explore all the pieces of a book I liked and pick and choose what I would use in the “real” books I wrote. I allowed my imagination and heart free reign and used it as an open conversation with God and a fun distraction as I started out as a stay-at-home mom.

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor...You WHAT?!?!?!?! Well, I am so glad God didn't let you follow through with that haha!

What type of research was involved for Lady Jayne Disappears?

Joanna: Most of my research on the Victorian era came from simply reading loads of books that were written in that time frame. The characters, their reactions, where they lived and worked all came to life in the stories written by people who lived among them. I did read a few nonfiction books by modern writers describing the time period, but I found the novels written during the Victorian era itself more immersive in the culture. I read a great deal of serial fiction, since that’s a theme in my novel, and thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of research. I also soaked up lots of modern nonfiction about the printing and consumption of serial novels, from printing presses to audience reactions.

Oh that is an excellent perspective! I think this is fascinating!

Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
Joanna: Daphne Du Maurier was a master of shadowy, engrossing stories that keep your imagination working overtime long after you finish a book. I loved that approach to mystery, and always attempt to incorporate at least a small hint of that in mine. I enjoy the vibrant, gritty characters Dickens created, turns of phrase from Martha Grimes and the depth of the Bronte sisters. I also deeply love the lyrical writing that sweeps me away by authors like Kristy Cambron, Joanne Bischof, and Lori Benton.

Ahhh! Some of my favorites! Contemporary and classic! 💜 Lady and the Lionheart is an ALL time favorite!!!

What hidden talents do you have?

Joanna: Well I’m not sure if this is a talent or a weakness, but I bake without measuring anything and play the piano without music. I don’t know how to do either one any other way! I dearly love to bake anything sweet, and I’ve come to know if things are right by its consistency, taste, or appearance. Usually you have to be really specific with baking, but I fail at that method so I just wing it. Same with the piano—I will stumble along by reading music, but if I can just hear a song in my head, it’ll flow out onto the keys much more naturally. I suppose that has informed the way I write, too.

OK! Now THIS is definitely a talent! Both things...I am beyond impressed. I am too OCD to wing it with baking haha. And I am awful at reading music notes, but chords I can do just fine.

What are you reading right now? What made you pick it up? 

Joanna: I’m currently reading The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner. What made me pick it up? Well first, I met the author because we’re releasing our debuts from the same publisher on the same day and became friends. Secondly, we discovered our books have a lot in common, like author heroines and first person writing. But mostly, this book just grabbed me. From the first witty line this book pulled me along a hugely entertaining journey. I have laughed out loud so many times and underlined more places than I can count. This book has been a delight!

YAY! Bethany just visited me on the blog last week!  I can't wait to start this one!!!

Pinterest

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

Joanna: I’m very much a write-as-you-go kind of girl, so I often find myself stuck. To unstick myself, I wander down to my personal library, which my husband claims is far too large, and begin reading snippets of different books. If I’m stuck on an opening line, I’ll go down the row and read all the opening lines of all the books in sight. If I’m stuck on a certain description or transition, I’ll grab a book that did something similar very well and study how it was done. So my library sees a lot of use. Not only do I read my books, but I study and return to them many times. I also underline and take notes in the margins of all my novels. I love to dissect writing and movies all the time.

OK...This is the second time you mentioned writing in books...I can NOT bring myself to mark up my books...dag ear, notes? No can do! I do have a dozen page markers and highlights (for Kindle) in almost every book I read though haha! And no library can be too large.

What writing advice do you have for pre-published authors?

Joanna: Honestly, the best advice I can offer you from my own experience is to stop trying. First, figure out how to connect with God in your daily life, then you’ll have him joining you when you write. Your book will take you on a journey with God in which he’s leading you somewhere and growing you as a person… and that amazing journey will spill onto the page without you even realizing it. Second, trying hard to write what you’re “supposed” to write won’t get you very far. Write for fun—a few practice scenes or a whole practice book. Think of every element you love in the most delicious book and include all of that. Write as if no one will ever read it but God. Forget about what’s trending, what’s expected, what makes good literature and just have a blast writing. Then you will find readers who have a blast reading it.

I LOVE THIS! Be who YOU are called to be and write what YOU are called to write. A million times YES!

Before we go can you tell us about your current WIP?

Joanna: Next up is another Victorian era novel from Revell (releasing summer of 2018) called A Rumored Fortune. It features a well-to-do heroine whose father has hidden his vast fortune somewhere on his vineyard estate—and then died suddenly without telling anyone where he put it. She and her mother are suddenly the poorest wealthy family in all of England. The heroine works together with their blunt and rugged vineyard manager to locate her father’s money while debts pile up, unpaid workers strike, and family members show up to “grieve” with the family in the house that contains the missing fortune. The love story in this book is loosely based on my own with my husband, to whom I refused a second date. Readers will also get a little inside view of cultivating vineyards and the spiritual implications of this work.

Thank you so much for joining us today Joanna! I ADORE Lady Jayne Disappears and I can not wait to get my hands on A Rumored Fortune!

Joanna: Thank you so much for having me on your blog! It was a pleasure to be here.

About the Author

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her debut novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, released October 3 from Revell. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter // Website

Giveaway

Joanna has graciously provided a print copy of Lady Jayne Disappears. Please see Policies and Disclosures for full rules. US addresses only please. Giveaway will run 10/16-10/23 12:00am Pacific Time. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Void where prohibited. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 

Christy Award Celebration - Interview with Carrie Schmidt

Sunday, October 15, 2017•

Today I am honored to have the delightful Carrie Schmidt (of Reading is My Superpower) visiting with us! Carrie is here to talk about the upcoming Art of Writing conference and Christy Awards. She and author Cynthia Ruchti are co-teaching a session for authors called “The Artful Dodger: Defense Against Discouragement” and she’s sharing with us the inside scoop on what she’s noticed while putting in (more than) many hours as a reader of Christian fiction.

Carrie is one of my very dearest friends. I am SO very glad (and beyond blessed) that the Lord brought us together when He did. Many tears, laughs, hugs (yes, in person), and books later...And I am honored to call her not only my bookish friend, but family! 💜

Picture the writer who most needs to hear what you have to say in your session…then describe that person to me.

CARRIE: After talking to authors daily for the last two years, I’ve heard so many of the same refrains of woe on repeat. The author who needs to be in our session is anyone who has ever stared at a blank page or a page full of words and questioned his/her talent, purpose, or self-worth. Discouragement is par for the course in any creative pursuit (including blogging, for that matter). As creators who are plugged in to THE Creator, we don’t have to allow our discouragement to linger or, worse, to paralyze us. Anyone who has ever Christian-appropriately cursed that cursor (I mean, let’s be real) or wondered what in the world gives them the right to write, needs to be in our session!

Any reminders that you think writers should keep taped to their desks/laptops?

CARRIE: When my husband and I first started out on our journey of teaching the Bible to local Internationals, we were trained in the art of “storying.” One phrase from that training planted a flag in my heart that I believe applies just as much to authors as it does to oral storytellers: “Trust the Story.” If I could say one thing to any Christian author, it would be exactly that. Trust the story. The one that God has put on your heart to write. The one that won’t let go of you, no matter how often you try to hush it. Trust the story and keep THE Story in mind as you write yours. Someone out there needs to read it.

What’s your favorite part about joining in a gathering of a group of Christian writers? 

CARRIE: A group of Christian writers? Yes please. These are “my people.” These are the writers who have inspired me, encouraged me, stepped on my toes, made me laugh, made me cry, made me swoon (ahem). Serving alongside them in any capacity feels like home.

We’d love to see you at the upcoming Art of Writing Conference and Christy Awards! You can find out more about the event below, or if you’re already convinced, you can register here.

About the Art of Writing Conference

The Art of Writing is designed to bring Christian creatives and publishing curators together for a half day of intensive seminars that celebrate the creative life, provide practical tips for overcoming challenges in a rapidly-changing industry, and answer questions authors are asking.

The speakers represent a wide range of roles and areas of expertise. Andrew Peterson, young adult writer and founder of the Rabbit Room, will give advice on how to create and benefit from a vibrant creative community, while Wheaton College professor Theon Hill, Ph.D. will present a survey of the obstacles and opportunities of diversity in Christian fiction. Authors will receive encouragement for the ups and downs of the writing life from blogger Carrie Schmidt and author, agent, and ACFW public relations liaison Cynthia Ruchti. Finally, a panel of representatives from major ECPA publishers will share insider information on where the genre has been, where it’s going, and the exciting changes they see in today’s market for writers. Learn more about the speakers and sessions here.

About the Christy Awards

The Christy Award™ is designed to nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. The award is named for Catherine Marshall’s enduring bestselling novel, Christy, published in 1967 and inspiring a continuing book series and a CBS television series starring Kellie Martin. The novel will be re-released in 2017 in a 50th anniversary legacy edition by Gilead Publishing in partnership with Kregel Publications.

Hosted by award-winning author and radio host Chris Fabry, this year’s celebration gala dinner will feature New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury as well as musician and writer Andrew Peterson. You can view the finalist list here.

Tour Schedule

Monday, October 9: Top Ten Writing Industry Issues at Seekerville

Tuesday, October 10: Give Us Your Best Questions at By the Book

Wednesday, October 11: Interview with Dr. Theon Hill at Reading is My Superpower

Thursday, October 12: Celebrating the Christy Awards…With a Giveaway! at Bethany House Fiction

Friday, October 13: Quiz: Pick Your Gala Dress at Dani Pettrey’s blog

Saturday, October 14: Eight Reasons to Come to The Art of Writing at The Power of Words

Sunday, October 15: Interview with Carrie Schmidt at Bookworm Mama

Monday, October 16: Interview with Cynthia Ruchti at Just Commonly

Tuesday, October 17: Christy Nominee Bingo and Giveaway at Faithfully Bookish

Wednesday, October 18: The Unofficial Readers’ Choice Cover Awards at Singing Librarian Books