Amy grew up a preacher’s kid, and has lived in seven southern states. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband and children. Amy graduated from Freed-Hardeman University and intends to glorify God by writing stories that show while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? Amy: I can read just about anywhere. I’ve even gotten to where I don’t have to have it completely quiet to read if it’s something light, thanks to a noisy family. But I tend to do most of my reflecting on my writing when I’m in bed trying to fall asleep. I think it’s the time of day when my brain finally catches up with me because I’m not doing anything else. If only I could just transfer those thoughts mentally to my computer screen so I wouldn’t have to either remember them all night long or find a piece of paper and pen in the dark!
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? Amy: Since I tend to do most of my real writing during November (National Novel Writing Month), I tend to grab a handful of candy corn to munch on. A mug of tea is never turned down, either.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? Amy: With this book having some historical events going on throughout it, I leaned heavily on my history-teaching husband. I even tried not to get frustrated when he pointed out that the original way I wrote it wouldn’t work because the timeline was off. Fortunately, he also gave me a suggestion on how to redo that section.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? Amy: Time! I work best when I have at least an hour or two to just sit and work. It’s not always feasible since I have two littles at home, but as much as possible, I try to work during the quiet moments of naptime in the afternoons.
Current book: An Unexpected Legacy Chad and Jessica begin to fall in love over a mutual love of smoothies. But secrets from their families’ past threaten their growing relationship.
Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate and reading a good book.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Tanya: I think the hardest part is writing the action scenes. I can see the scenes playing out in my mind, but telling it on paper for the reader to feel the moment is a challenge, yet very rewarding in the end.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? Tanya: Chocolate and coffee! And at times, more chocolate and coffee.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? Tanya: One of my favorite ways to connect with readers is at book signings. There’s something special about meeting people face-to-face, shaking hands and receiving hugs. It’s almost like a family reunion and the joys of being together.
Current book: To Gain a Bodyguard Undercover agent Madi Reynolds spent years infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, but when her life is threatened, she has to leave the country with her bodyguard.
Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging stories of faith, hope and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Penn., the setting for her novels. Striving for authenticity, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.
When do you find time to write? Rachel: I’ve always found the hours from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. are my most creative times. Not only is everyone asleep and the house is quiet, but something about the darkness soothes me and helps the words flow. It isn’t always easy getting up in the morning, especially when I have to take care of an active two-year-old during the day.
How do you connect with your characters? Rachel: I believe we’re all alike under the skin, so we share the same longings, needs and feelings. Everyone meets their basic human needs differently, but if I can get in touch with a time I’ve felt those feelings, even if it’s on a small scale, I can imagine how someone else might react if they’re experiencing the same feelings, but much more intensely. This emotional connection allows me to develop a deep sense of empathy for my characters. It helps me see life through their eyes, even when I disagree with their point of view or actions. That way I can put myself in the mind of any character – even one who’s a villain.
And, of course, those who aren’t readers or writers may not understand how characters come alive. But I actually live with and talk to my characters as if they’re real when I’m writing a book. There’s nothing like sharing all your meals and activities with your characters to make a strong connection. My family often gets to know them as well.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Rachel: Because I write Amish novels, my greatest inspiration is spending time with my Amish friends and researching interesting aspects of their lives and communities. When I hear their stories about things that are happening with their friends and relatives, it often sparks story ideas. I won’t ever use their stories exactly as they happen because I feel it’s an invasion of privacy, but they form the seeds of an idea.
My biggest inspiration, though, is probably my imagination. I used to get in trouble as a child for having a vivid imagination (some people called my creative inventions lying), but it’s proved to be a helpful trait for writing. Every time I see or hear about an unusual event, I immediately begin constructing an elaborate plot and backstory for why it happened. It may not end up in one of my books, but just the exercise of imagining is good practice for developing plots.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? Rachel: Although it’s great meeting readers in person at book events, I also like to connect with them on Facebook. In person, you might only get to speak to readers for a brief time, but on Facebook, we can share our lives. To me, it’s always amazing the bonds you can form on social media when you’re open about your concerns and joys. I can encourage readers, and they’ve always been a major encouragement to me. I also appreciate the fact that we often pray for each other. There’s nothing like knowing readers are praying for you when you’re struggling to meet a deadline or when you’re dealing with a crisis. And I keep them in my prayers when they have health and family concerns.
Current book: An Unlikely Hero in Plain Everyday Heroes
Blind shopkeeper, Benuel, has honed his other senses to solve mysteries, including why an Englischer is stalking Amish twins.
JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including the bestselling Lewis Legacy Series. She was voted as one of the “35 Essential Christian Romance Authors” by readers of Family Fiction magazine in 2018. A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn lives with her family in southern Indiana.
When do you find time to write? JoAnn: I was able to transition from my paralegal position into writing full-time in August 2014. I trusted the Lord to provide for my needs, and I haven’t looked back since. You might find me in my pajamas at three in the afternoon on certain days. My days and nights can get mixed up at times, but my schedule is my own—and I love that! When a book is due, I’ve been known to stay up for 36 hours straight. As I write this in mid-September, I’m sitting on a deck near Myrtle Beach, S.C. (I can see Myrtle Beach farther down the shore). I’m finishing my next book and wondering if we’ll be forced to evacuate since Hurricane Florence is strengthening and headed in our direction. However, God always knows. No matter what happens, God is on His throne, and He will sustain!
How do you connect with your characters? JoAnn: If I don’t understand my characters, then my readers most likely won’t connect with them. Among other aspects, I know their personal and professional background, relationship history, likes, dislikes, and personal quirks. I know what they look like inside and out. I know their heart condition and where they stand with the Lord. That helps me write them more realistically. To a certain degree, I call myself an armchair psychologist, which means I like to examine their underlying motivation for their decisions and actions. That helps me to develop a more well-rounded character and one the reader will hopefully want to get to know.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? JoAnn: I am a very accessible author. I love my readers and understand they’re a huge part of my success. They invest the time and money in my books, and I consider that an honor. If they write to me, I write back. I mentioned I’m at a beach house right now…at the invitation of one of my dearest readers. In fact, I’ll be meeting a number of my readers before I return home. It’s such a thrill to finally meet these wonderful people face-to-face!
How do you ensure your books are accurate? JoAnn: I do a ton of research in order to get my facts straight. There’s always the margin for error, but I do the best I can. If it’s a true life setting, I usually include a combination of real and fictional restaurants, parks, places, etc. I wrote a book about a NASA shuttle commander, Pursuit, the eighth book in my long-running signature Lewis Legacy Series. That book was in progress for several years and included trips to Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center. I asked lots of questions, then I spent days researching the history of NASA and the former shuttle missions, including the two doomed missions. I found out the fun and interesting things as well as the more factual aspects of being a shuttle commander who leads a crew to the ISS. I thrive on the research and find it incredibly energizing (and try to present it in an interesting way with humor!).
Current book: Thee Will I Honor, Treasured Vow Series, Book 2 Wounded Army veteran Matthew Martin seeks a renewed purpose. Lesley Ann Randall is on a personal mission. Will they find more than they ever imagined?
A Baby for the Minister by Laurel Blount — Jilted at the altar, Natalie Davis has no one she can turn to—until Jacob Stone steps in. The single minister’s drawn to the beautiful mommy-to-be and wants to help…even if it goes against his congregation’s wishes and could cost him his job. But when she refuses to accept charity, can he convince her she’s more than a ministry project? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Courting Her Secret Heart by Mary Davis — Deborah Miller lives a double life as an Amish woman—and a fashion model! All photography is forbidden in her Plain community, so she must keep her job a secret. But when Amos Burkholder starts helping at her family’s farm, hiding the truth from him is impossible. And soon she must choose between the Englischer world of modeling and the Amish man she’s come to love. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
12 Gifts of Christmas by Lena Nelson Dooley — Can Malcolm MacGregor, a contemporary descendant of Scottish lairds, capture the heart of Brazilian-Italian beauty, Alanza Cantalamessa, in 12 days? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House)
All Made Up by Kara Isaac — Katriona McLeod has never gotten over Caleb Murphy, the one guy she’s ever loved. When she accepts a job as a make up artist on the latest looking-for-love reality TV show, Falling for the Farmer, she discovers to her horror that Caleb is the leading man and she’s cast as one of his harem. But she hides a secret that means that even if she wanted a second chance with the guy who broke her heart she could never have it. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
An Amish Holiday Wedding by Carrie Lighte — On the brink of losing her bakery, the last thing Faith Yoder’s interested in is courting—until Hunter Schwartz returns to Willow Creek. After hiring him to deliver her treats to a Christmas festival, Faith’s determined their relationship will stay strictly professional. But despite a secret that’s kept her single, Faith can’t help but wish she and Hunter could become husband and wife. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Cozy Mystery:
Deadly Holiday by Marissa Shrock — The Christmas season greets Georgia Winston with a new boyfriend (maybe), a Christmas program to run, and a man dying at her feet. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction
From the Lake to the River by JPC Allen, Bettie Boswell, Carole Brown, Sandra Merville Hart, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Sharyn Kopf, Michelle Levigne, Cindy Thomson, and Rebecca Waters — Set in Ohio, in the past and present, these nine short stories and novellas by Ohio authors cover a wide range of genres, topics and locations. From Troy in the west to the North Coast and south-central Ohio. From Lake Erie to the Ohio River. From romance to YA adventure, with touches of mystery and humor. Dealing with historical events and situations, such as floods and the lasting effects of the Civil War. With characters involved in square dancing, theater, and music. Dealing with loss and danger, a second chance at love and taking a chance on love for the first time. Chances are good, no matter what you have a taste for reading, you’ll find something to like. Welcome to a taste of the Buckeye State! (General Contemporary from Mt Zion Ridge Press)
Place Called Home by Brenda S. Anderson — While building his graphic design company, Nate Brooks is focused on the future he’s dreamed of: traveling around the country from the comfort of his renovated school bus. But when he picks up a wounded, mysterious hitchhiker, those well-laid plans take a backseat to protecting her. Hobbled by her injury, and unable to keep running from her controlling ex, Tessa fears she’ll never find freedom. Or has she found it with the family who graciously opens their home to her? And will Nate’s protection put his family–and his heart–at risk? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)
Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson — Jillian Connors has big expectations for her teenage daughter, Gabby, an Olympic hopeful—until Gabby becomes pregnant with her boyfriend Travis’s child. Meanwhile, Margaret Owens is furious that Gabby’s condition jeopardizes her son’s baseball scholarship. In the midst of the family drama lies the fate of the unborn baby. What does the future hold for him? (General Contemporary from Kregel Publications)
Historical:
Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson — A gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted the evils of the Hitler regime in their own extraordinary way. (Historical from Tyndale House)
Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick — A Victorian woman who traveled 15,000 miles by stage between 1870-98 decides to tell the story behind her memoir believing her husband will never see it. (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Enya’s Son by Cindy Thomson — This retelling of the early life of St. Columcille and his mother will usher readers on a fateful journey through ancient Ireland’s monastic centers, her wild coastline islands, and the land Columcille believed was filled with holy angels, a place where he felt safe … yet was destined to abandon. (Historical, Independently Published)
Esther’s Temptation by Lena Nelson Dooley — Saddle weary, former deputy US Marshal Jac Andrews rides into Denton, Texas hunting a swindler-and-daughter criminal team and finally feels he’s caught up to them. Unfortunately, he becomes distracted by the lovely redhead, Esther Brians. Esther, feeling like an old maid surrounded by all her close friends who are happy married couples, is drawn to the intense gaze, blue as the Texas sky, of an unknown cowboy. But several things cause her to become wary of his intentions—and his spiritual well-being. Has this unsaved lawman captured Esther’s heart or will the Lord deliver her from the temptation of Jac’s presence? What will it take for Jac to win this lovely lady and become Esther’s husband? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler — Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver are both romantics. Seventeen-year-old Katie is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait to marry Jonas until she is eighteen, despite her parents’ insistence. So much can happen in a year. Twenty-year-old Jonas is taken in by the romance of soldiering, especially in defense of anti-slavery, even though he knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church. When his married brother’s name comes up in the draft list, he volunteers to take his brother’s place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Romantic Suspense:
Loving the Texas Negotiator by Mary Connealy — Beth Garrison is the top hostage negotiator in Rocky Ridge Texas. She’s called in to a task force to investigate a killing that is a copy cat of her first bust as a rookie cop. The Valentine Killer.
Tate McCade, with the best arrest record on the force and a reputation for steamrolling anyone who gets in his way, heads the task force. He’s had a run-in with Beth and her oversized ego. He’s got a bruise on his face to prove it. Rather than have the pleasure of busting her back to walking a beat, he has to work with her. And the clock is ticking because there’s a woman and child missing and nothing about the crime adds up. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Speculative:
Guardian of Ajalon by Joan Campbell — The poison tree path is Shara’s road home. . .if she and her companions can survive the journey. In the danger and darkness of the forest, her only respite is in the story unlocked in the Old Tongue book. In this vivid world, Shara finally discovers what she has longed for all her life: the key to the secrets of her past. Yet time is running out for Shara—and all of Tirragyl—as Lord Lucian, King Alexor, and the royal army attack the Guardian Grotto to claim the powerful Guardian Rock. Unwilling to sit idly by as her kingdom is destroyed, Queen Nyla leaves her hiding place to recruit a most unlikely army—the Charab. But how can she win over the infamous assassins who have been oppressed by her family for generations? (Speculative Allegory from Enclave Publishing)
Amy grew up a preacher’s kid, and has lived in seven southern states. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband and children. Amy graduated from Freed-Hardeman University and intends to glorify God by writing stories that show while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.
Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate and reading a good book.
Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging stories of faith, hope and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Penn., the setting for her novels. Striving for authenticity, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.
JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including the bestselling Lewis Legacy Series. She was voted as one of the “35 Essential Christian Romance Authors” by readers of Family Fiction magazine in 2018. A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn lives with her family in southern Indiana.
