 Author Heather Norman Smith's Latest BookI am pleased to feature my fellow author Heather Smith’s latest novel, Songs for a Sunday, soon-to-be-released on 2/7/23 by Iron Stream Fiction. Not only is it a dual storyline novel with local color and heart, but it's set in the state where I will soon be a resident: North Carolina! Here are a few questions Heather was willing to take on before her novel is published. Let's find out what it takes to get a story out into the world—one that treasures life in all its forms. Songs for a SundayHow did you come up with the idea for Songs for a Sunday? This book came to me first as a title. I was in the shower when the words popped into my brain, and I had no idea what they meant. It sounds a little strange, but along with the title, I had an image of a couple out for a drive in an older model convertible. That image later became part of the first scene in the 1960s storyline. Most of the book was written in 2020, and I actually don’t remember anything else about how I came up with the plot of the book. Give us a short synopsis of the storyline. . . Here’s the back cover copy: 1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and of marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister with special needs gets pregnant, Annie is forced to set her dreams aside for the sake of family. Present Day: Missy Robbins has always lived in her younger sister’s shadow. When given the opportunity, Missy steps out of her comfort zone as stay-at-home mom of four to prove she’s as good a singer as Erica. Missy’s new pursuit puts her on a path to self-discovery and reclaiming her discarded faith. Until she discovers her grandmother has a sixty-year-old secret. Will Missy conceal Grandma Annie’s deception or will she be forced to reveal the hidden truth? Which part of your story was the most difficult to develop? One plot point that proved difficult is when a character delivers a fantastic vocal performance of Amazing Grace, yet she doesn’t fully believe the words of the song. At this point in the book, singing the song is just an act for her. It was hard for me to imagine and capture someone not being moved by the lyrics and the Spirit of the song. Also, one of my characters in the 1960s timeline would be considered “neurodivergent” today. It was a little challenging to keep that character’s unique traits consistent throughout the story. Who was your favorite character to develop in the novel, and why? The main character, Missy, is autobiographical in several ways, so I think I had the most fun inserting my experiences as a mother of four into her fictional life. Did you unearth a particularly interesting tidbit, fun character or spiritual truth you just knew had to be included in your novel? The story is set in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I loved including lots of real locations and some great historical details in the story—things like the formation of North Carolina School of the Arts, the first public arts conservatory in the country. Many of the “real” settings are within a fifteen-minute drive of my home, and it was a lot of fun to incorporate those places. What would you like your reader to understand or come away with after she finishes Songs for a Sunday? God has a plan and a purpose, and He can use anything and anybody to accomplish it. How has God prepared you to be a writer? I think He gave me a love for words, in general. My husband says I’m too analytical because I place a lot of importance on “saying what you mean and meaning what you say.” But I think it’s part of the appreciation God gave me for language and the power it has. What sparks your creativity when you’re feeling drained? When I hit a slump, I have to remind myself that my writing is more than entertainment. There is a higher purpose to the kinds of stories I want to tell. When I go back to the ministry aspect of writing, I’m always motived to keep going. What is your secret to getting your word count in with many distractions? I’m obsessive about the story. Once a story idea starts with me, I have to tell it. And, I stay up very late at night most of the time. Where would be your ideal writing space? Why? Describe your present ‘office.’ What--if anything--would you change? I write with my laptop on my lap, sitting on one end of my couch. That’s where all my books have been written, so I can’t really imagine writing anywhere else. Favorite books as a child? Adult? Ever since I first read it in high school, I’ve always loved To Kill a Mockingbird. Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you . . . My day job is as a Business Analyst for a Software Development company. Sometimes, when my characters start talking to me, it’s hard to focus on my work, but I’m very thankful for my job. Thank you, Heather, for being willing to share a bit about yourself and your upcoming novel. Preorder "Songs for a Sunday" today!I hope you have been enticed to check out Heather's upcoming release on February 7th! It is a cozy read that draws you right in like savory smells in a grandma's kitchen. The characters will feel like your friends after only a few pages. The dual storyline is easy to follow, but doesn't give away secrets until half way through the book. You will return to the story with anticipation each time you put it down (if you are able). 
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 I am honored today to interview a fellow author at Ambassador International. Her soon-to-be-released picture book, “Guess How Much God Loves You?” is sure to warm the hearts of young readers. Below, you will find heart and hope in her author’s journey, and discover insights into the process and plan behind her new publication. Lots of research and understanding of young children’s character and development goes into writing a picture book. Did you unearth a particularly interesting tidbit, fun character or spiritual truth you just knew had to be included in the story? As a mom, and now grandmom, with a background in K-8 education I’ve had enough experience with children to know three things that would be important for this book. I knew it had to be simple enough for kids to understand and relate to, creative enough to capture and hold their attention, and I knew it had to address two of the greatest needs common to us all, and especially important to a child’s development: the need to be loved and to belong. Describe your ideal young reader for your story. . . Guess How Much God Loves You is a picture book that will appeal to kids ages 4-8. Although it's intended to capture the attention of Christian parents looking for biblical (and fun) resources to disciple their children, my hope is that it will get into the hands of many, many children who do not come from Christian homes. I want every child to know that they have been created by God on purpose and for a purpose, which means their life matters. This book is the first in a series (I have 5 other books in mind :-) that will focus on teaching key Bible accounts that are foundational to understanding the Word of God and growing a solid faith in God. The Birth of a Faith-based Picture BookHow did you come up with the idea for ‘Guess How Much God Loves You”? One of my favorite books to read to my girls when they were very young was Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, and I got to thinking that while it’s important for children to know that the special adults in their lives love them, how much more important for them to know that God loves them. So, this is where the title twist came in. But I knew this book would have to be longer and more complex to cover the deep truths of the Bible, presented in a simple way. Something young readers could grow with, both spiritually and in their reading skills. My mission was to teach Biblical principles in a creative, dynamic way, because I was disappointed with a lot of what I was seeing on bookshelves and frustrated with what seemed to be a rise in anti-Christian content. Since this book is the beginning of a series, I figured I’d start at the beginning and cover the Creation account. What spiritual truths do you want your young readers to understand after reading your picture book? Three simple but powerful truths: God is the Creator of the world, God created them in His image, and God loves them. These are essential truths that will help carry children through the ups and downs, and twists and turns, of life as they grow into young adults. And I believe it’s what will strengthen their resolve to resist the worldly messages that so often present truth as relative and life meaningless. I’ve also included a page at the end that introduces young readers to Jesus, which will be covered in more depth in another book.  Which part of your story was the most difficult to develop? Building the characters and their backstory. Being a picture book, I could only use so many words, and I wanted this book to be more than a regurgitation of the Creation account. I wanted to introduce the reader to this new, colorful main character, Lucy Lu; and I wanted to provide a snippet of her backstory that readers could relate to, and that would explain why this topic of God’s love was so important for her. You can read all about it when it’s released. ;-) How has God prepared you to be a writer? Through years and years of reading and writing. I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I learned how to read on my own at a very young age. But writing was another story. While I had a secret desire to be an official “writer” since middle school, I struggled with insecurity until college. I just didn’t think I had what it took to be a real writer. In college my mindset changed, fortunately, in large part due to the positive feedback and generous encouragement I received from my professors. I’ve been writing in many forms ever since, both professionally and for pleasure. It’s how I process life, and I really can’t think of anything else I’d rather do. An Author’s Journey BeginsWhen did you first realize you wanted to be an author? In 2010 when I had what you might call a career crisis. I had a diverse professional background, working in several different industries, but had grown burnt out from the traditional 9-5 scene. After being laid off from my job due to the recession, I went deep with God to see if there was another path He had for me. Something that would be a better fit. Something that I would find more fulfilling. And I kept coming back to writing. It’s a long story that you can read more about on my BLOG, but basically, I put out the fleece and God answered in a big way. It was then I knew that I wanted to be a published author. In fact, I believed it was a calling from Him. Quite a few years passed before this came to pass when I self-published my first book, a 21-day wellness devotional, and now I’m signed on with Ambassador International for my first children’s book, which is to be released in July. What sparks your creativity when you’re feeling drained? Music. Worship music, primarily. Also getting outside to take a walk. There is something rejuvenating about getting out into greenspace and fresh air that is so good for my brain and body. It clears the clutter in my head and silences that inner critic that can distract and discourage. Add worship music into the mix, and my heart and mind are ready for new ideas.  What is your secret to getting your word count in with many distractions? This has always been a challenge for me. The main reason why I’m not as far as I would like to be in my writing career is that I tend to put it last. Whenever I start to wonder how some writers can be so prolific, I remind myself that it’s all about commitment and consistency. It’s about getting those words onto the page, something I haven’t always been great about doing. For me, I tend to go through seasons where I write more consistently. There have been some legitimate reasons why I’ve written much less in some seasons - work and family responsibilities take up a lot of time and energy - and I want to keep my priorities straight as best I can. I want to put people over personal projects. I’m also protective of my time after struggling with some health issues caused by stress, so I try not to overdo it. But I also realize it can be too easy to let legitimate reasons turn into excuses. I’m working on that. Where would be your ideal writing space? Why? Describe your present ‘office.’ What—if anything—would you change? A beach house in Hawaii, with floor to ceiling windows and a view of the ocean. I love the sun and sand, and I love watching the waves. I find it both peaceful and powerful, and when I watch those waves ebb and flow, I’m reminded of God’s greatness, which inspires me. I don’t have an office right now. We recently moved from Washington State to Tennessee, into a smaller house. With more family members living with us until they find a house of their own, I don’t have my own space, so I set up camp in a small corner of our bedroom. It’s not ideal, but it works. What would I change? I’d like an office of my own, with a built-in library and a window seat book nook.  The Writer’s ProcessFavorite books as a child? Adult? I remember pouring over Archie Comics and Charlie Brown books after school when I was young, with perhaps my favorite book at that time being Charlotte’s Web. As an adult, it’s hard to choose. Honestly, I’ve read so many over the years, they all start to meld together. But I will say my favorite Christian author for the last 10 years has been Ted Dekker. I love reading suspense, and the way he writes really keeps me on the edge of my seat. Some of his books have dark themes, touching on heavy subjects, but it’s done in a tasteful way, always with the light of Christ shining through in some way. One of his more recent works that I consider a favorite is Eyes Wide Open. The plot is a real brain bender. I stayed up into the early hours of the morning with this one, which is unusual for me, because I like my sleep. ;-) Any tips for writing faith-based picture books? Do you plan ahead, or let the story take you where it will? This is my first picture book, so I’ve been on a learning curve this whole process. I will say when it comes to adult fiction and non-fiction, I’ve considered myself more of a ‘pantser’ than a ‘plotter.’ Meaning I would get an idea and just start writing to see where it ends. In some ways, I believed this was the more ‘creative’ approach, not liking to be hemmed in too early in the story. But I’ve noticed a shift over the last year, as I crave more organization in my writing. Perhaps it’s my age. ;-) I started a novel this past year and planned ahead for the first time, starting with an outline and mapping out scenes in an Excel spreadsheet. What a world of difference! Now I recommend this approach to any writer, as it makes for a lot less clean up during that first edit. For Guess How Much God Loves You, it went like this: • I had a vision for the theme of the book: God’s love for people as shown in the Creation account. • I bounced the idea off friends and family for feedback. • I went to a writer’s conference and shared my ideas with a fantastic group of writers. I walked away with an outline and the idea for an entire series. • I researched the children’s book market to see what was already out there on the topic of Creation. • I read many best-selling children’s books to get an idea for the type of writing that works for young children. • I further developed my characters and created the backstory that would make this more than a book of facts, but a real story kids can relate to. • I sent in my manuscript and signed on with Ambassador International! • I requested feedback from a biologist and apologist to make sure the final draft was the best it could be and, most importantly, that it stayed in line with Scripture. The Word of God Meets the Martial ArtsTell us one thing most people don’t know about you . . . Hmmmmm, perhaps that I used to study martial arts. Passionately! It was a Christian martial arts school that was grounded in the Word of God, while focused on traditional self-defense techniques. Our whole family was enrolled at one point, which made the experience extra special. Although my life priorities changed, and I’m no longer a part of the school, I will always have fond memories of those years. It was a time when I went deeper into God’s Word more than I ever had up to that point. I learned to stand on His Word as a true weapon of offense, like the Bible talks about in Ephesians 6. In addition, my physical fitness improved, my mental focus increased, and I developed a lot of courage as I stepped out of my comfort zone just about every week on the dojo floor. At the time, not everyone in my life understood how a martial arts school could be ‘Christian,’ but so long as something does not contradict God’s Word, I find it interesting how God can use anything and anyone to grow us up in Him, when we seek Him with a sincere heart. Thanks so much, Karen, for bringing us along on your publishing journey. We pray your book touches many young lives and leads them to Christ. . .  Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and small business owner with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom, she loves words and the Word of God and is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, while teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them. She wants every child to know their life matters.
The first book in the Guess How Much God Loves You picture book series is scheduled for release in July. You can connect with her on her website or on social media at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon.  For those of you looking for a short, nostalgic Christmas read before the busyness of the holidays begins, I have a treat for you. Especially if you love Lynn Austin’s historical fiction, and in particular, “If I Were You” set in World War II. Her latest, a Christmas novella, is a charming continuation of Audrey and Eve’s saga, now to include their sons, who have the ‘gimmes’ after pouring over the Christmas Wish Book, reminiscent of the Sears Christmas Catalogue from years past. Well, settle in and enjoy this interview, compliments of Austin’s publisher, Tyndale. What prompted you to write a Christmas novella? I love Christmas stories, and the Christmas movies that our family watches year after year. (My favorite is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”) I have always wanted to write a Christmas-themed book but never had time—until the pandemic struck and all of our travel plans, family get-togethers, church events and other fun activities were cancelled, giving me plenty of extra time. My idea was to write a Christmas novella that was a mini-sequel to one of my full-length novels, giving readers an enjoyable update on some of their favorite characters. “The Wish Book Christmas” brings readers back to the people and setting they first met in my novel “If I Were You.” In “The Wish Book Christmas,” what message do you hope to convey about Christmas? Christmas is about the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ, given to us in love by our Heavenly Father. He should be the focus of all that we do to celebrate. Christmas shouldn’t be just a spending spree with long lists of all the presents we need to buy and the gifts we hope to receive. Instead, it’s a time to return God’s love by freely giving ourselves, our time, and our talents to others, expecting nothing in return. This is the best way to glorify God and celebrate His Son’s birth at Christmas. Please tell us a bit about the setting of your novella. “The Wish Book Christmas” takes place in a small Connecticut town in December of 1951. Christmas is one month away, World War II is in the rearview mirror, and Americans are enjoying renewed prosperity along with a “baby boom.” The main characters, Eve Dawson and Audrey Barrett, are British war brides who are struggling to raise their fatherless sons in the post-war bungalow they share. Readers first met Eve and Audrey and their five-year-old sons, Robbie and Harry, in my novel “If I Were You,” but this novella also reads very well as a stand-alone story.  Can you provide a brief backstory of your characters? Eve Dawson and Audrey Clarkson Barrett were childhood friends in England, where they grew up. Audrey and her wealthy family owned Wellingford Hall, a huge estate where Eve and her mother worked as servants. Their friendship flourishes in spite of their differences, and when World War II begins, the women enlist in the British Army together, driving ambulances. They each fall in love with an American soldier and give birth to a son. But Audrey marries her son’s father and Eve does not. Audrey prepares to join her husband in America but her plans end in tragedy when her husband dies suddenly. She decides to remain in England. Eve, who has no way to support her son and herself, decides to steal Audrey’s identity and move to America in her place. Eve’s deception is uncovered four years later when Audrey and her son arrive in America unannounced. Unscrambling the mess and restoring the friendship provides the plot for “If I Were You.” Your novella is set in 1951. Why do you feel the themes of this story are so relevant, both then and now? I think 1951 and 2021 are both times of great change and also prosperity. In both eras, the values and traditions of the past are being questioned and, in many cases, discarded for something new and modern. This is especially true of biblical values. As suburban life becomes busier and more secular in both time periods, the true meaning of Christmas as Christ’s birth is lost as the holiday becomes commercialized. In both 1951 and 2021, we long to recover the simple beauty and meaning of the holiday. This story is a nostalgic harkening back to the iconic Sears Wish Book catalogue. Was this catalogue part of your childhood Christmases? Please explain. Oh, yes! The Sears Wish Book was something my two sisters and I looked forward to every season. I remember the three of us poring over it together the way the two boys in my novella do, choosing among page after page of toys and dreaming of finding them all beneath the tree on Christmas morning. Like the mothers in the novella, our mother also made us limit our choices—which was often difficult to do! The catalogue would be limp and dog-eared by the time we gave Santa our final lists. When I was researching this novella, I was surprised and pleased to find back issues of the original Sears Wish Book online, dating back to the 1940’s and 50’s. It was great fun to be reminded of all the toys from my childhood. And although the prices seemed ridiculously cheap by today’s standards, parents probably found them costly at the time.  If someone is standing in a bookstore considering your novella, what might you say to them to encourage them to read it? We all need a reminder now and then that Christmas isn’t about creating the perfect “Hallmark Christmas” with all the trappings and trimmings—and exhausting ourselves and our credit card limits in the process. “The Wish Book Christmas” offers inspiration for keeping the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront as we celebrate Christ’s birth. Readers with children and grandchildren will find some ideas for managing their kids’ expectations and teaching them to give. What is your hope for this novella? My hope is that “The Wish Book Christmas” will rekindle the joy of giving and inspire creativity in shaping our Christmas traditions. The beauty of Jesus’s birth can be celebrated in simplicity and should be shared with neighbors who don’t know Him. I think most children are naturally generous, and I hope the story inspires parents to teach their children new ways to give at Christmas. What lessons from this story do you hope will resonate with your readers? One of the characters in the novella, Eve Dawson, has a difficult time accepting God’s forgiveness for her past mistakes, feeling that she has to do something to earn it. I hope the message is clear that Jesus is God’s gift of grace to us so that our past can be forgiven. Like Eve, we can have a new life and a new beginning in Christ.  How did writing this story change you and your own perspective of Christmas? I love to lavish presents on my children and grandchildren, but writing this story reminded me that it’s more important to teach them, by my example, how to give generously to others. I want to reach out to my neighbors in new ways this Christmas, and pare down all the expectations of what makes a “perfect” holiday. I hope you have enjoyed this peek into the creation of “The Wish Book Christmas” which will make a nice little stocking stuffer for your favorite reader. For other interviews with Lynn, click Legacy of Mercy. Speaking of readership, if you know of a middle grader who is looking for a new historical fiction, consider The Heart Changer. May the Lord bless you and fill your hearts with hope this Christmas season!   Candice renders her own drawings for inspiration using ClipStudioPaint software I often interview authors who have published books similar to my genre—historical/Biblical fiction. But today, I'm not only interviewing a debut author whose novel is soon-to-be-published, but she writes YA Fantasy. It is probably the fastest growing and sought after genre, by readers and publishers alike!
 I am a Chicago girl - born and raised. And I love history, which is why I am a middle-grade historical fiction author. But I know that sometimes history is not so kind. In fact, it can be cruel. Chicago has some great events - The World Columbian Exposition for one; but I'm not proud of the corruption or racial tragedies in our past.
Today, I'm featuring a Q & A with Bibi Belford, a fellow #SCBWI_IL and #ReadLocalIllinois author who brings one of these unfortunate events to life in her novel, Crossing the Line.  Having just returned from Raleigh, North Carolina, the home of Shaw University, the first historically black university in the Southern United States, and considering the cultural, political and social climate of 2020, Patrica Powell’s picture book is timely!
She is a member of our SCBWI-IL (Illinois Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) organization, and Read Local Illinois, a service for teachers and librarians that connects authors and their books with young readers. I love the title of her latest book, Lift as You Climb. Good leaders help others on the way up — they never steal the power or limelight for themselves. They also look for non-violent ways to solve problems and make their voices heard. Below are a few questions I asked Patrica Powell about her newest release. . .  I am thrilled today to share a new cozy design book by Victoria Duerstock curiously titled, Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians. In fact, it is so new, it was out of stock until this week! My copy is on its way and should arrive Saturday -- and I can't wait.
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Good News!My MG Biblical fiction "The Heart Changer" debuted in 2019 with Ambassador International. Categories
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