Hope to publish posts soon.

Dear husband has been critically ill for weeks, and my place is with him. I pray that he recovers quickly, and I hope to publish some posts soon.

What if the British had won the American Revolutionary War?

You have until noon next Friday, January 3 to answer the question "What if the British had won the American Revolutionary War?"

 

Your answer can be serious, clever, or funny. The top three best answers each will win a copy of my novel, The Chamomile, a Revolutionary War romantic suspense set in Charleston, SC, during the two years the British occupied the city.

I’ll start you off.

For instance, here’s a serious answer – there wouldn’t have been a Civil War because the British abolished the slave trade in the British Empire in 1807 and the practice of slavery in 1833.

Funny answers – the Indianapolis 500 would be the Indianapolis 805 (500 miles = 805 kilometers) or, we wouldn't be driving on "the wrong side of the road."

A clever answer – My novel, The Chamomile, might have been written from the perspective of a Loyalist woman who spies for the British, not a woman who spies for the Patriots, and it certainly would have ended differently.

History of Nativity Scenes

Nativity scene on my home mantel.

        St. Francis of Assisi created the first nativity scene in 1223 in Greccio, Italy. A live nativity scene staged in a cave, it had humans and animals cast in the Biblical roles and was an effort on his part to emphasize the worship of Christ rather than upon gift giving. Some say he created the manger scene as an alternative for pilgrims wanting to go to Bethlehem, which was then occupied by the Turks.
        Nativity scenes, or crèches (the French word for manger), became so popular that within a hundred years almost every church in Italy had one, though eventually statues replaced the human and animal participants.         

Nativity scene by St. Francis at Greccio,
painting by Giotto

        During early colonial times in New England, the Puritans didn’t approve of celebrating Christmas and outlawed it in Boston from 1659 to 1681. (Presbyterians weren't keen on celebrating Christmas either, as it was considered an Anglican tradition.)
        During that time, an English tradition of baking a mince pie in the shape of a manger to hold the Christ child was also banned by specific legislation. The outlaw pies were referred to as “Idolaterie in crust.” The ban was revoked by Governor Edmund Andros.
        Also in America, the tradition of decorative Christmas villages was rooted in the holiday traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. The construction of a nativity scene, also called a putz, were made at the base of a tree. These scenes, sometimes inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark, could include several hundred carved animals on their way to the ark.

Finding Beth by author Linnette R. Mullin

LINNETTE R. MULLIN is an author of life-changing romance. She has been married to her sweetheart – Johnathan, for more than twenty-one years. They've been blessed with four amazing sons: Christopher, Andrew, Matthew, and Garrison. Some of her writing credits include Charles Stanley's “In Touch” magazine, “101 Facets of Faith” devotional book, Guidepost's “Extraordinary Answers to Prayer”, and “Public Health Alert” - a nationally distributed newspaper for the chronically ill. She is the founder and coordinator of Palmetto Christian Writer's Network in Lexington, SC; she runs the “We Are Writers” group on Facebook; and she is an advocate for sufferers of Lyme's Disease. Her favorite things in life are her family, her church, reading and writing, and her Savior most of all.

 

Is Finding Beth your first novel or have there been others?

Finding Beth is not my first novel. My first woven works to find its way to the page started with what was familiar to me. I renamed my hometown and created a story of struggling families and individuals who find their way home – not in spite of their circumstances, but because of them. Coming Home is safely tucked away until I have the time and fortitude to pull it out and rewrite it.

What is Finding Beth about?

A run-away-bride-to-be and a southern-boy-next-door. Trapped by the reality of past choices... lost in confusion and pain, Beth Gallagher must fight her way back to God. Just when she makes a new friend in Adam Blythe and finds peace with God, tragedy strikes. Beth faces new demons that steal her new-found peace and threaten to steal her future. Could she possibly find true love with Adam Blythe? Or will this crisis tear them apart? Will she ever find her way home amidst the emotional mine-field? Read Finding Beth to find out!

What was the hardest thing about writing this book?

The hardest thing in regards to the process or the story itself? If you mean the writing process, I would have to say it was learning to have a tough skin and actually learn to enjoy the editing and rewriting process – learning what it means to write well. If you’re referring to the story itself, I would have to say the hardest thing has been allowing myself to delve deep into my characters’ POVs. Delving deep means allowing myself to be sucked in emotionally, to feel what my characters feel. It means opening up and pouring my raw, bleeding heart onto the page - being vulnerable on the page. I attended a Ted Dekker writer’s symposium two years ago in which he encouraged us to be vulnerable, to bleed on the page. When I told him I struggle with letting go, that when the pain comes I automatically pull back, he looked me in the eye with compassion and told me I could do it. He said to just go for it. Don’t hold back. Force myself to dive in deep and allow the words to flow through the pain. If I need to cry, then cry, but don’t hold back.

What led to writing Finding Beth?

In November 2007, I attended the annual HACWN writer’s conference in Kansas City, MO and my first classes on blogging. My husband was going through a lay-off and I had to start working outside the home for the first time ever in our marriage. I didn’t want to lose everything I’d learned at the conference, and I’d been encouraged to write, write, write in order to continue honing my skills. I’d also been convinced that blogs were the latest and greatest thing, and every writer should have one. So I started “An Odyssey in Prose” in January 2008 and posted a short chapter once or twice a month. The purpose was to keep myself accountable to readers who wanted to know what happened next. It would force me to post consistently and learn to self-edit all at the same time. It was an experiment intended to be a short story. I didn’t worry overly much with the dream weaving. To keep me going, I asked “what if” questions as I wrote. After a year or so, I realized that Beth’s story wasn’t a short, but a full-fledged novel. And my readers let me know they expected me to finish the book as well as write the story of Beth’s best friend, Tiffany.

How did you become interested in writing?

Most writers will tell you they began writing at a very young age. I did not. At least not on paper. My friend, Kelsey Keating, calls me a Dreamweaver. Characters, scenes, plots, locations… they take shape in my imagination – my daydreams. Scenes play in my head like movies with sound and color and movement and emotion. In fact, one particular scene in my novel lived in my imagination for years before it found its home with Beth. Following the birth of my third son in 1997, I became confined to my bed with a chronic illness. It was then I started putting stories on paper, allowing the intangible to become tangible. Writing kept me sane.

How do you get into creative mode? How do you begin the writing process?

Let me answer those one at a time. First, creative mode: For me, it varies depending on what’s going on in my busy mom schedule, as well as in my spiritual life. If I’m running on empty, I have to fill up. Attending my church every Sunday and many Wednesdays gives me the shot in the arm I need. I’m always reminded that my life is to be Gospel centered, that my relationship with Jesus is a personal one and I need to daily, moment by moment, work on that relationship. This also helps my creative process, along with reading, dream weaving, decluttering my house, fellowshipping with other writers, and listening to music. A lot of writers listen to music while they write. I’m a musician, so I can’t do that. It distracts me and becomes my focus. Other things that help fill me or keep me from stagnating are critique sessions, writer’s workshops, and conferences. Second, the writing process: Dream weaving usually comes first. Sometimes for a writing exercise I'll use a word prompt. That's how my short story “Green Beans and Puppy Love” came about. Other than that, I sit at the computer, open my document, shut out all noise and activity around me, and type. I just do it. There’s no better way to get it done.

You mentioned Tiffany’s story earlier. Are you working on her book next?

Yes. Loving Tiffany is another heart rending, heart bleeding, heart mending story. Probably more so than Beth’s. It clenches my gut and puts me on my knees. Only God’s grace will get me through to the end, but I will get to the end.

When will these books release?

Finding Beth is scheduled to release December 20th. Loving Tiffany is not yet under contract, but I’m hoping for a release one year from Beth’s release.

Where will we be able to find your books?

CrossRiver Media website, Amazon, and we're working toward getting it into Books-A-Million for my launch. Eventually, you will be able to find my books where ever books are sold. There will be a print version and an e-version.

What are some of the most helpful tips you’ve received along the path to publication?

That’s a loaded question! There are so many, but here are the ones that have stuck with me and carried me through.

• Write, write, write.
• Develop a tough skin.
• Be active - show, don’t tell.
• Jump in late, get out early.
• Avoid purple prose.
• Write so your reader is reaching for more rather than being pulled along.
• Learn to hack my baby up with edits and self-edits. It’ll only make it better.
• If you don’t like it and don’t feel it, neither will your reader.
• Scream on the page so your reader can hear you whisper.

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

What do I enjoy doing or what do I do? LOL We’ll go with what I enjoy doing. I love to read and fellowship with fellow writers. I love to play piano. I dream of the day I’ll have time to scrapbook again. I also love spending time with my hubby and mothering my four boys. They're my heart.

Share one thing you want us to know about you.

I love hearing from and getting to know my readers. As a bonus - I also love sweet drinks more than chocolate. What’s your favorite treat? ONE of my favorite treats is a spot of British Breakfast tea and shortbread cookies.

 

How to get in touch with Linnette:

Website: www.LinnetteRMullin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Linnette-R-Mullin-Writer/23510882491

Blog: http://odysseyinprose.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LinnetteRMullin

Email: LinnetteRMullin@live.com

 

Thank God from whom all blessings flow.

Meet Author Elaine Marie Cooper

       It's been my pleasure to become friends with author Elaine Marie Cooper over the past two years. She's a delightful, dear Christian woman and a talented writer. I thought you'd like to get to know her too. Her newest book, Fields of the Fatherless, published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, was released October 22.

Are experiences in your novel based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
        The seeds for Fields of the Fatherless were planted in my mind when I was a young girl. The house up the street from our home was a historical site and my older brother liked to scare me by telling me there was blood on the floor in that old dwelling.
        I never forgot the Jason Russell House but I never actually visited it nor understood the full story until 2012. I was deeply moved by what had happened there during the first day of the American Revolution and the tale beckoned to be told. I feel so privileged to be the storyteller.

Did you have to travel much concerning your books? If so, what’s the most interesting place you traveled?
        I’ve traveled to Massachusetts a few times for book research. Although I grew up there, I now live in the Midwest and there have been many areas in my home state that I’ve not seen. As an author, I feel there is nothing like experiencing the actual settings to inspire me. I’d have to say the most interesting place I visited was the site of my 4th great grandparents cabin in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. It was built in 1782 and there is a large granite stone called the Prince Monument that marks the location. It was very stirring to my heart to be there. You can read about that visit at http://www.elainemariecooper.com/rocks-of-remembrance/

Which of your characters is most/least like you, and in what ways?
        I’d say the character of Sarah (Thomsen) Stearns from the Deer Run Saga is the most like me. She is the youngest in her family, fiercely loyal to those she loves, and often puts her foot in her mouth! LOL!

Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
        I definitely read reviews of my books. I like to know what readers like because they are my audience and I want to please them. Of course, if what they want might be offensive to my Christian beliefs, I do not cater to those whims or wishes. But reviewers definitely help me know what is working and what is not.

What book are you reading now?
        I am currently reading Newspaper Code by Lisa J. Lickel. It is a cozy murder mystery, Book 3 in the Buried Treasure Mystery series. I love these books! It’s like reading an adult Nancy Drew and I feel like taking my flashlight and reading it under my covers at bedtime! Actually, I think I’ve done that, only not with the covers to hide me since I don’t have to worry about Mom telling me to go to sleep. ;-)

What are your current projects?
        My current manuscript that I’m working on is a far cry from my historical fiction. A couple of years ago, I felt the Lord prompting me to write a memoir of my daughter who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002. I resisted even thinking about undertaking such a painful project for several years, but the Lord had other plans for me. I pray that this story of my journey with my daughter will help other families going through a serious illness with a loved one. It is tentatively entitled, Bethany’s Calendar.

If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
        Wow, I guess I would have to say it would be Daniel Lowe from the Deer Run Saga. What would it be like to be an enemy soldier in a hostile land and how did he adapt to his new home? I would pick his brain for details! Besides, he is so handsome… ;-)

Do you have any upcoming events?
       I am speaking at Johnston Public Library, Johnston, Iowa on October 27th at 3 p.m. at the Barn. I’ll be chatting about events that led to the American Revolution, as well as my new novel, Fields of the Fatherless, which releases five days prior to this event.
        I’m also doing a book signing at Coldwater Creek in the Jordan Creek Mall, West Des Moines, Iowa on October 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I’ll be selling all four of my books there, including Fields of the Fatherless. I’ll be posting other upcoming venues on my website: www.elainemariecooper.com. The longterm plan is to attend Patriot’s Day activities at the Jason Russell House in Arlington, Massachusetts next April.

Can you tell us about some of the milestones you’ve reached as a writer?
        I feel like just becoming a writer at all is a milestone! I honestly never thought I would be an author of historical fiction. You just never know the journeys the Lord will take you on. Getting my latest contract for Fields of the Fatherless from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas last December was definitely a milestone in my writing journey. Looking back at how it all came about makes me stand in awe of God’s strength, despite my human frailty.

What motivates you to write, and where do you get ideas?
        I always pray that the Lord will be my Motivator in all that I write, so when I feel passionate about a story or a cause, I sense Him moving me towards a blog, an article, or a new book idea. I desire that everything I write will be God-directed.

Do you have a life verse?
        Yes, Proverbs 31:8-9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Those verses speak to my heart every time I read them. They whisper to me that God cares for the poor and the underdogs in our world. Love them and do not be silent when others demean them.

Who is your greatest encourager?
        Without a doubt, my husband Steve. I also have to say that my three dear friends from my coffee club (Sheila, Kris and Cindy) are my best encouraging friends—always faithful, ever caring and ever praying.

Tell me about one of your personality traits.
        Perhaps you picked up on this from my favorite Bible verse but I am always championing the underdog.

Where can people get a copy of your book?
Fields of the Fatherless is available at Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499921/

Thank you, Susan, for welcoming me to your blog. It has been a pleasure and a blessing!

Novelist Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of The Road to Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run and The Legacy of Deer Run. Her passions are her family, her faith in Christ and the history of the American Revolution, a frequent subject of her historical fiction. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her novels. Fields of the Fatherless will release October 2013. Visit her website at: http://www.elainemariecooper.com

 

Macaronis and Yankee Doodles

This week's A to Z blog hop letter is M.

Yankee Doodle went to town A-riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap And called it macaroni.

        Macaroni was the name given in the 1770s to an extravagantly dressed man, who wore bizarre and over-the-top fashions such as narrow breeches and short, tight waistcoats, usually decorated with large buttons and lace. Macaronis also wore high heeled shoes and small hats. They would often carry a posey of flowers in their hands or pinned to their waistcoats.


Clerical Macaroni

        The name came from people who had been on The Grand Tour of European countries who liked all things foreign, especially food and who referred to something that was Italian in style as very Macaroni. Macaronis, or fops as they came to be known, frequented the fashionable places of London and won and lost vast fortunes gambling.
        The newspapers of the day often made fun of them. For example, The Oxford Magazine published this account: “There is indeed a kind of animal, neither male, nor female, a thing of neuter gender, lately started up among us. It is called a Macaroni. It talks without meaning, it smiles without pleasure, it eats without appetite...”
        The British employed the song as a dig at people from the American colonies who they thought were trying to give themselves airs and graces but looking ridiculous. During the Revolutionary War, the colonists reclaimed the song and made it their own patriotic song.
        Speaking of macaroni as a food, macaroni and cheese was a favorite dish of colonists, especially Thomas Jefferson. In 1787, upon his return to America from his tour as minister to France, Jefferson brought back a pasta machine he had bought in Italy. He improved on the design of the machine and also came up with recipes that included not only American or English cheddar cheese, but also goat cheese and truffle cheese.

Thomas Jefferson's pasta machine design.