Julie B Cosgrove is an award-winning Christian author of 15 novels and contracted for five more over the next three years. She is also a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, Where Did You Find God Today, has readership in over 50 countries.
“I would advise someone who wanted to write a book to do it—just sit down and write and get it out,” Julie said. “Don’t worry about grammar, don’t worry about spelling or any punctuation—get the English teacher out of your head!—just get it down on paper. … Get into in person or online with a good, supportive critique group.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Leaf Me Alone.
Royally Yours by Betsy St. Amant, Ashley Clark, Liz Johnson, and Melissa Tagg — Tinsel, Vermont is known for its no-paparazzi policy and Christmas decorations that are fit for a queen. This holiday season, join four royals on a stroll through town square as they each find their Christmas wishes for a happily-ever-after…tiaras optional. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Restoring Christmas by Julie Arduini — A young woman overcome by grief teams up with a special education teacher to bring joy to the community through a Christmas-themed tourist attraction. (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)
Valerie’s Verdict by Hallee Bridgeman — Broken and battered, Valerie comes home and finds a lifetime of love waiting for her. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
An Unexpected Family by June Foster — Grant Elliot leaves his father’s veterinarian dynasty and overambitious twin brother to practice in the small town of Homedale, California. When local baker Kate Klein brings her ailing dog into the office, Grants’s intrigued by the lab’s gorgeous owner. He wants to get to know her but can’t reveal his origins. What would she think if she knew his father’s clinics cater only to the wealthy who spoil and pamper their pets instead of practicing genuine medicine? Kate Kline inherits Aunt Ella’s Bake Shop when her aunt passes away and must make a success of the failing business or lose her father’s respect. Now California Plastics, her major account, has moved their plant to Sacramento. She’s faced with the possibility of closure and won’t accept Grant’s offer to bail her out. She doesn’t need a man’s help. (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romances [Winged Publications])
All is Bright by Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, and Kari Trumbo — Four of your favorite contemporary romance authors join festive forces to bring you the fourth-annual Christmas Lights Collection. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Simply Smitten by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Business brought them together but will betrayal pull them apart? Michael Pierce co-owns a start-up software development company. They are well on their way to success when Michael discovers something that changes everything. Can the beautiful economist he hired fix the mess, or are they doomed to bankruptcy? Hailey is under a lot of pressure at work. Not the least of which comes directly from her new boss. She’s dreamed of being a successful businesswoman, but now her heart wants more. Can she have love and a career, or will she have to choose? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
By All Appearances by Dawn Kinzer — An attractive special events planner from a wealthy family and a disfigured musician find their lives entangled when he is hired as a caretaker on her family’s estate. (Contemporary Romance from Mountainview Publishing)
Courting the Amish Nanny by Carrie Lighte — Embarrassed by an unrequited crush, Amish maedel Sadie Dienner needs a vacation from her life in Pennsylvania—and from romance. Until Christmas, she’s working in Maine as a nanny to Amish widower Levi Swarey’s twins. But Levi is frustratingly overprotective and they just can’t see eye to eye on anything. And the worst part? Sadie can’t seem to stop herself from losing her heart… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:
Meant For Her by Joy Avery Melville — Kidnapped, raped, brutally beaten, and left for dead, Candi Reynolds becomes a prisoner of fear. Faced also with the impact of the unexpected break-up with her fiancé, and an unwanted pregnancy resulting from the attacks, she believes God has forsaken her. Choosing to move back to the Michigan horse farm owned by her older brother, Dr. Cam Reynolds, Candi goes into seclusion. Dr. Patrick (Mack) MacKevon, long-time friend of Cam’s, watches from the sidelines at the farm where his horses are stabled, while Candi struggles to regain a sense of normalcy. His own big-brother tendencies develop into a much deeper emotion over the months he prays for her. Is it possible for Candi to put all of the pain and trauma behind her and renew her former relationship with the Lord? Will she allow her heart to open enough to discover authentic love, while making decisions of victory on her personal journey to joy? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser — A bestselling author, her daughter, and the perpetrator of her assassination attempt are brought together in a story about complicated choices, mental illness, forgiveness and grace. Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina and the peaceful shores of the Mediterranean Sea, When I Close My Eyes tells the story of two families, struggling with dysfunction and finding that love is stronger than death. (Contemporary from Bethany House [Baker])
A Beautiful Mess by Brenda S. Anderson — A single mother becomes guardian of her ex-husband’s love child. (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)
Historical:
Wounded Heart by Colleen Hall — Orphaned Della Hughes chafes at her strict Victorian upbringing and goes west with her uncle’s family in order to find adventure and freedom. (Historical from Anaiah Press)
Misleading Miss Verity by Carolyn Miller — What happens when the hoydenish youngest daughter of the Viscount Aynsley is spirited off to Scotland and meets a kindhearted gardener of the mysterious Laird of Dungally? (Historical from Kregel Publications)
The Silk Merchant of Sychar by Cindy Williams — One woman, five husbands and a weary rabbi at the well who knows ‘everything she ever did.’ From the olive groves of Samaria to the bloodied sand of a Roman stadium to the exquisite silks brought from the East, The Silk Merchant of Sychar weaves color into the biblical account of the woman at the well. (Historical from Rhiza Press)
Historical Romance:
The Highlanders by J’nell Cieselski, Janet S. Grunst, Jennifer Lamont Leo, and Naomi Musch — Never underestimate the heart of a Highlander in these four romantic novellas set across two centuries from 1715 to 1915. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Marisol by Elva Cobb Martin — Alone and with child, Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She is sold as an indentured servant at the Charles Town Harbor, but her ship is captured at sea by privateer Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, who is grieving his deceased wife. Ethan decides Marisol’s elegant manners make her a perfect governess for his young son. But when he sets out on a quest to find his captured sister, said to be in Cartagena, little does he expect his new Spanish governess to stow away on his ship with her six-month-old child. Her offer of help to free his sister, however, is too tempting to pass up. As is her beauty and strength of character—until he learns she is a wanted murderess. Once their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome their pasts and ignite a new beginning. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
In Black and White by MaryAnn Diorio — When graduate student Tori Pendola and Jebuni Kalitsi, a Ghanaian exchange student and heir to his tribe’s chieftaincy, fall deeply in love, they must face not only their own inner demons of rejection and guilt but also the demons of societal hatred bent on destroying their relationship. Will their love survive the cruel and bitter attacks against them? (Historical Romance from TopNotch Press)
Serving Up Love by Regina Jennings, Tracie Peterson, Jen Turano, and Karen Witemeyer — On the Menu for These Ladies? Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance! A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
While the Rain Whispered by Kim Williams — Clara Williams has a good life, but she would walk away from it if she could. She longs for adventure greater than both the confines her rural Texas town and the people she loves have to offer. Clara is certain the stories she writes for children contain more adventure than her reality. She cannot reconcile the internal frustration with her faith. When opportunity presents itself at last, Clara is faced with a choice between the life she’s known and the life she longs to know, and the men who each belong in one but not the other. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense:
Pocket Change by Debbie Archer — When Publisher’s Clearing House winner, Mary Clare Casteel, decides to help rejuvenate her dying town, she has no idea she’ll end up solving not one but two mysterious deaths. (Cozy Mystery from Mantle Rock Publishing)
Dead Wrong by Vannetta Chapman — When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country. She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream–an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She’s also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent. When she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3, she runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
A Cross to Kill by Andrew Huff — John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God’s calling. He’s not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past. But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf–an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to do penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again. Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John’s secrets are laid bare. Can he keep his vow–even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he’s learning to care for be caught in the cross fire? In the end, John’s life may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer. . . (Thriller/Suspense from Kregel Publications)
The Sleuth’s Conundrum by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Danger lurks and suspicions abound when a librarian, her young assistant, and a local reporter try to solve the mysteries of both a dead woman and an abandoned child. (Cozy Mystery from Mountain Brook Ink)
Deadly Harmony by Marissa Shrock — Georgia Rae Winston’s romance has broken up. But that’s the least of her problems. Georgia and Detective Cal Perkins are through. Fine. Maybe it’s an opportunity to give charmer Hamlet Miller a chance. But there’s no time for romance when Georgia hosts her stepsister and her roommate, Quincy, during a college chorale tour—and Quincy steals Georgia’s car and disappears. When her car turns up in a cemetery with a cryptic note lying on the front seat, Georgia decides to take action. As Georgia and her stepsister dig into the mystery, they uncover Quincy’s tumultuous past. A past that points to a frightening present. They dig deeper and discover a web of deception they’re determined to untangle, if they can stay alive long enough to bring the truth to light. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
One Day Gone by Luana Ehrlich — Mylas Grey, the chief investigator for Senator Davis Allen, enlists the help of a beautiful photographer when he returns to his hometown to investigate the disappearance of Lizzie Allen, the senator’s missing daughter. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Dangerous Christmas Memories by Sarah Hamaker — Hiding in witness protection is the only option for Priscilla Anderson after witnessing a murder. Then Lucas Langsdale shows up claiming to be her husband right when a hit man finds her. With partial amnesia, she has no memory of her marriage or the killer’s identity. Yet she will have to put her faith in Luc if they both want to live to see another day. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative:
What If? by Roger E. Bruner — Three teens join forces with Holyland’s outgoing president to prevent the inevitable election of a man who’s determined to wipe out the remnant of New America’s few remaining Christians. (Speculative, Independently Published)
What meal would you whip up in a cabin with only some canned
and boxed goods?
In Dangerous Christmas Memories, Luc has to come up
with something tasty from some cans of black beans, mixed veggies, barbeque sauce
packets, and elbow macaroni. Priscilla and Luc find the results quite tasty—even
the bad guy has a second helping!
I decided that to see if the dish was as delicious on paper
as it was in person. I whipped up a double batch of Luc’s Black Bean Pasta Bowl,
and boy was it a hit! Even my kids had second helpings. We added fresh parmesan
cheese and sour cream, a luxury not available to Luc and Priscilla, which made
the dish even tastier.
In the future, I would probably add some ground beef or
turkey, or perhaps kielbasa or other sausage to add a little bit more zing.
However, it’s quite good as a vegetarian dish.
Enjoy!
Luc’s Black Bean Pasta Bowl
Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
2 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can of mixed veggies, drained
¼ cup barbecue sauce
1 cup water
13 ounces elbow noodles
Mix beans, veggies, water and barbecue sauce in a sauce pan. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Cook pasta according to the directions in a separate pot. Drain the noodles, then add the noodles to the bean mixture. Stir and serve hot. Add freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and a dollop of sour cream if you’d like! Hot sauce can also spice things up.
Christmas is Mary Vee’s favorite holiday. What better time
to set a mystery or a suspense story! She loves to travel to exciting places
like New York City, Paris, the Iditarod trail and much more. Mary has been a
finalist in several writing contests and writes for her king.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on
your stories? Mary: My favorite place to reflect on my story is hiking almost
anywhere. Every oxygenated breath I take, every natural sight I see, every
earthen scent I smell, every created thing I touch, I participate in the
created world. Ideas materialize. I chat with my characters and discover what
they think will happen next, then, despite my character’s protest, I write the
opposite for tension, suspense, and a reason to turn the page.
Have you ever regretted killing off a character? Why? Mary: I have never regretted killing off a character, although I
have soaked many tissues while grieving and mourning with them.
What did you want to be as a child? Mary: At age 10, I chose my life-long career. I wanted to be a
cowgirl. I have no idea why. I had lived in the city and had never been west of
the Mississippi River. But that was my decision, and I stuck to it. The adult
translation might be this: To live an exciting life. This I have and continue
to do. I have ziplined in the California Redwoods, whitewater rafted on the
Olympic level Tennessee River, hiked in the mountains, spent time in a
communist country, served as a missionary in a drug cartel area of Honduras and
on a Montana Indian reservation, walked portions of the Iditarod trail, stood
at the top of the Eiffel and Sears towers, walked on the frozen Lake Superior,
driven the road to Hana and much more! These experiences have given me a wealth
of setting ideas for my characters.
How do you pick the location/setting? Mary: I let the story and characters choose. For example, my new
release, Sylvia’s Secret, A Christmas Story, is about a very wealthy
woman. Right away, I knew she had to live in or near a big city. Since I have
been to New York City, I set the story mostly there. On the other hand, “Christmas
With The Enemy” needed a terrible snowstorm that marooned the characters.
This story takes place in the Rocky Mountains, specifically Big Sky, Montana,
another place I have visited in the winter many times.
Current book: Sylvia’s Secret
Right before Christmas, the staff at Sylvia Duvet’s mansion discover she is
missing. Her daughter arrives to find her mom before it’s too late.
Lillian
writes
the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced romantic suspense and mystery
that demonstrates God’s love for us. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform
lives, especially God’s Word.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Lillian: From all sorts of places. Sometimes, I come
up with a premise, such as what would happen if a big city lawyer fell in love
with a farmer? (Pursued) Sometimes a scene just pops in my head from nowhere like
when a woman receives a phone call from a young girl asking for her aunt and
she knows it can’t be for her because she doesn’t have a niece. Or does she? (Deception).
Sometimes a story comes about because
of characters from another story. My Deadly Communications series happened when
my writing life crashed into my other life as a speech pathologist. The series
features a speech pathologist who gets way too involved with her clients!
So, like I said my story ideas can come from anywhere at any time. Game On is no exception. I got it from watching a TV talk show of all things. Of course, all I got from the show was a germ of an idea, the rest was up to me!
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic
suspense novels? Lillian: Since I live in Ohio, most of my stories start out in Ohio,
either in a real location like Cleveland or a fictitious one like Serenity
Springs. But my characters are usually running from someone or chasing someone
so the story usually moves to somewhere I’ve traveled before, like the Bahamas
or Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Game On is an exception. It starts out in Washington,
D.C., a place I’ve visited numerous times, and then moves on to Florida and
North Carolina. I lived in Florida for a short time when I was younger as well
as visited it several times and my husband and I were spending a month in North
Carolina as I wrote Game On.
If the character ends up in a location I’m not familiar with
such as San Francisco in Deception, I’ll do a lot of research on the
Internet as well as ask questions on my writer loops.
Current book: Trapped Nikki Kent uncovers other people’s
secrets, but lives with one of her own. When former boyfriend Lucas McMann needs,
her faith pushes her to accept.