Hope holds a Master’s degree and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her novels include Irish Encounter and Mars…With Venus Rising. A member of ACFW, RWA, SinC, she writes for SeriousWriter.com. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons.
How do you connect with your characters? Hope: Several years ago, I took a class with Ramona Richards. She gave a character development chart with almost 200 questions relating to a character’s physical appearance, favorite things, background, occupation, attitude, and goals. The chart ends with several interview questions for the character. I try to complete those questions with as much detail as I can. I don’t use all the answers in a story, but the answers help me know my character. A kaleidoscope may not be mentioned in a scene, but I know one is resting on the character’s end table. I also use free writing as a get-to-know-you exercise, but I pretend to be the character writing to me, the author. I used this technique with Brett Daniels in Rescued Hearts. His free writing entry began with something like, “I don’t really want to tell you anything. I don’t trust you with my secrets.” He was a tough nut to crack at the beginning of the writing process.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Hope: Plots come to me in different ways. Irish Encounter began as a daydream. For Rescued Hearts, the first scene began germinating during a bike ride. I live out in the country and ride on two-lane roads. One afternoon, I took a short cut down a dirt path. I know the area, but for just a few minutes I couldn’t see any roads or my house. It was a little creepy. I started thinking what if a bike rider on an old path saw an abandoned house. What if she noticed a little kitten tangled up in vines near the front porch? What if while the bike rider tried to free the kitten, a man dragged her into the house? Those questions wouldn’t leave me alone, and I started writing the story.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? Hope: I try to have a good presence on social media outlets. Facebook is fun, but my favorite way to connect with readers is through speaking engagements, author events and book clubs. Whether I’m the featured speaker or I’m chatting with one person at a book fair booth, I love to talk about the writing process, the inspiration behind my stories, God’s leading in my writing journey, or anything book related. I’m a former English teacher-turned author. I love sharing about books!
Current book: Rescued Hearts An innocent bike ride leads to a hostage situation, jeopardizing an undercover mission and two stubborn hearts.
“Gotcha.” David said as he read Mary’s words. He had methodically directed the conversation toward this moment from the moment he’d typed “I love you.” Wildcat would be pleased she had gone for the big one right away.
“Is the fish on the hook?” Sylvia spoke from the doorway.
David didn’t bother to turn around, his eyes still on the computer screen. “Yes, she’s going to sell the Eakins.”
“I’m sorry I doubted you.” Sylvia draped her arms over his shoulders as he continued the online chat.
“You know I’m the best you’ve got.” He hoped she’d leaned in to read the text on the screen. If so, she’d really discover how good he was at this game.
Sylvia pressed a kiss on his neck and straightened up. “Just don’t do anything to screw it up. We don’t have the money yet.”
“You worry too much.”
“That’s my job, and I do it well. It’s yours to keep the fish on the line until we reel her in.” She trailed her fingers across his shoulders. “How’s lonelygirl coming along? Any mention of emeralds yet?”
David looked over his shoulder at her. “I complimented her on her green eyes yesterday and said she was one of those women who should wear emeralds. Tonight, I’ll do the wine-and-dine routine. We’ll have her jewels by the end of the week.”
“Don’t get too cocky.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know that’s what you love about me.”
“Love? I don’t know about that. Lust, definitely.” She purred something in his ear that was undecipherable, but knowing her, X-rated.
Smiling up at her, he shook his finger. “Are you being a naughty girl?”
Sylvia smirked and tossed her hair. “Someone needs to relieve all that tension built up by chatting with those poor, lonely women.”
He waved a hand at her. “Scat, so I can woo my fiancées.”
“How many are you engaged to now?”
“Two so far, but the night is young.”
Sylvia laughed and walked out of the room.
David shook his head. Sylvia was entertaining and she certainly knew how to run the business, but he needed to refocus on the task at hand to avoid making any crucial mistakes. Sylvia might like to think she was in charge, but they both knew who called the shots.
One error in judgment, and months of trawling could result in an empty haul. Sylvia would be furious if he let Mary wiggle off the hook, and he didn’t want to think about what would happen if Wildcat found out one of the lines had snapped.
Wildcat’s moniker might bring to mind a tame housecat, but he was someone you didn’t want to cross. Ever.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Phantom Love is copyrighted and cannot be used in any form without permission from Sarah Hamaker.
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. Gail’s a former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association and a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. She’s published books, poems, short stories and articles.
How do you connect with your characters? Gail: I visualize the characters in my mind. Then I write brief character sketches, which includes the physical descriptions and some basic personality traits. As I write and the book grows, the characters grow too.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? Gail: I have several, all important. One is my husband, who will tell me I have characters stuck in my head, and I have to let them out. Another is my daughter who will tell me the world needs my book, LOL. The third, writer friends are invaluable for a pick-me-up because most of them understand. I’m fortunate to have several who will encourage me.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true?) Gail: I wanted to be a private detective. I ended up with a major in English, but I’m a detective in my books.
Current Book: Breaking Barriers Ann Jones defends the faith she loves. James Crawford wants to protect her.
David: Have I told you lately that I love u?
Mary: Not in the last five minutes.
David: I love you.
Mary: I love you, too.
David: You have made me the happiest man in the world. If u were closer, I’d give you a X.
Mary: X.
David: Ah, sweet Mary. My lips are tingling now.
Mary: Mine, too J.
David: Sigh. Wish I were there.
Mary: Me, too. Have you checked your calendar for a date?
David: It has to be before I leave for Peru on 8/31. I can’t travel halfway across the world without you at my side. And we have to have time for a proper honeymoon.
Mary: Me, blushing J.
David: How does 8/15 sound?
Mary: Perfect. When can you come out here?
David: Not sure. Maybe 3 days before the 15th.
Mary: I was hoping for some more time w/you before the wedding.
David: Me, too. Sigh. But right now, I’m not sure I can squeeze in everything to make it by late August.
Mary: Let me know how I can help. Maybe we can find some more time somehow.
David: Planning the wedding is a huge help.
Mary: I’m not sure how big a wedding we can have with only six weeks to plan.
David: As long as you’re there, that’s all that matters to me.
Mary: What about your family?
David: There’s only me and my sister, Sylvia.
Mary: What about your parents?
David: They died a few years go.
Mary: Together?
David: Yes. Drunk driver.
Mary: How awful.
David: It was a long time ago. What about your folks?
Mary hesitated before hitting the send button. Telling David that her “parents” were really distant cousins would take too much explaining. Better to wait until she saw him in person and he could read the letter for himself.
Mary: They live oversees.
David: Really? Where?
Mary: This is going to sound strange, but in Peru.
David: Now I know we’re meant to be together. That can’t be a coincidence.
Mary: Weird, huh? And u won’t believe this.
David: What???
Mary: They’re missionaries to some Amazonian tribe. Perhaps you’ve heard of them? Louisa and Ed Divers.
David: The names don’t ring a bell. I’ll ask Brenda at the office if she knows them. Anyway, perhaps we can visit them after we’re settled!
Mary: Perhaps.
David: Have you told them about us?
Mary: No, I haven’t spoken to them in years.
David: No Internet access where they are?
Mary: I’m lucky to get a Christmas card by Valentine’s Day, the mail’s so slow. I think my mom wrote it had to go out by boat down the river.
David: Then we’ll have to surprise them.
Mary: We can talk about that later. Will Sylvia come with you to the wedding?
David: Yes. Now all we need is a preacher, some witnesses and you in a gorgeous white dress and veil.
Mary: Veil, huh?
David: I know girls dream about the perfect wedding, but as a guy, I’ve always had a fantasy about my bride walking down the aisle with a long flowing veil. When she joins me at the altar, we hold hands, exchange vows, and then I slowly lift the veil and kiss my wife.
Mary: Wow. You sound like a hero in a romance novel.
David: Ah, my lady sees me as heroic. All is going according to plan. Cue slightly sinister laughter…
Mary: You’re in a romantic mood tonight.
David: It’s all this talk about marriage and weddings.
Mary: I think I’ve blushed enough tonight. Maybe we should change the subject.
David: Since I can’t be there to see you blushing—I’m sure you look adorable—I’ll acquiesce. I’ll follow your lead, milady.
Mary: How’s the fund raising going?
David: Groan.
Mary: SorryL.
David: It’s okay. It’s not going as well as I had hoped b/c I’ll need double the initial amount. I can’t possibly leave you behind!
Mary drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Time to share about the painting. If he knew he wouldn’t have to worry about money, then they could have more time together before the wedding. She typed in the words that would tell David of her decision.
Mary: I’ve decided to sell a painting my aunt left me.
David: I wasn’t hinting that you should help out like that. I’m not a freeloader.
Mary: I know. But it’s my future, too. I want to help and I realize that I stink at fund raising.
David: That makes two of us. I’m very clumsy about asking people for money, so if you really want to help….
Mary: I do.
David: Then what can I do but accept graciously? What kind of painting?
Mary: An old family portrait.
David: How old?
Mary: 1880s.
David: Who painted it?
Mary: Thomas Eakins.
David: Never heard of him. How are you going to sell it?
Mary: At an auction house.
David: How much do you think it will bring?
Mary: Are you sitting down?
David: Yes.
Mary: Probably a million dollars.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Phantom Love is copyrighted and cannot be used in any form without permission from Sarah Hamaker.
Planting Hope by Brenda S. Anderson — Jess Beaumont is trying to get her separated parents together again by restoring the family cabin gardens that helped them fall in love. Luke Harrison inherited his Gran’s candy store, but would rather have a Vice President position in his family’s land development business—a sure sign of his father’s approval. To get the promotion, he must acquire the land on both sides of his store within five months, including the Beaumont cabin. As Luke gets to know Jess, he realizes buying the Beaumont cabin and land will nip their blossoming romance in the bud. Even worse, it could end her parents’ marriage. But if he doesn’t succeed, he could be trading his corner office for the candy store counter…for good. Is their romance doomed? Or could the classic combination of chocolate and flowers solve everything? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
An Amish Christmas Love by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Ruth Reid, and Beth Wiseman — Fall in love this Christmas to the gentle pace of Amish courtship. In Winter Kisses by Beth Wiseman, six lonely hearts find healing in the Stoltzfus homestead basement while waiting out a Christmas Eve storm. In The Christmas Cat by Amy Clipston, a group of young people and a forbidden house cat bring reminders of love and hope to a grieving widow at Christmas. In Snow Angels by Kelly Irvin, A young woman’s prayer for a Christmas proposal is delayed by the appearance of her potential groom’s first love, whom me met on his rumspringa. In Home for Christmas by Ruth Reid, an Englisch woman thinks she’s breaking into the house her aenti left to her, only to discover she’s trespassing upon an Amish widower and his young daughter, whose quiet way of life tempts her to stay. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Magnolia Storms by Janet W. Ferguson –Maggie Marovich lost her father to Hurricane Katrina, so she’s dedicated her life to meteorology and plans never to return to the Mississippi Coast or the ship pilot she once loved—until a family crisis sends her running headlong into a storm. (Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Christmas Admirer by Laura V. Hilton — Susanna’s left with three options: one, go with Daed to his new home with a new mom; two, stay in Jamesport, Missouri, as an old maid; or, three, the best yet, flush out her mysterious secret admirer. But how could she be with anyone else when her heart is still with Benaiah? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House)
Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington by Annette Irby — Professor Mikaela Rhoades has a plan: she’ll encourage her students’ marine biology research through an exclusive program while helping an old family friend’s whale touring business stay afloat. The challenge is the tour captain is her first love and ex-fiancé. Mikaela longs to help his family in the wake of his father’s death, but she’s keeping secrets. Captain Hunter Cahill has taken over the family touring business after his father’s death. Unfortunately, he’s drowning in grief and accumulated debt. To make matters more difficult, he’d promised his father to pursue Mikaela if she ever returned to the island single. But what will it cost him to spend the summer romancing Mikaela? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
Returning Home by Toni Shiloh — Jo Ellen Baker is shocked to find out that the boy who teased her mercilessly throughout high school, has returned to their hometown of Freedom Lake, and he’s missing a leg. When his mother asks her to renovate their carriage house to give him a place to gain his independence back, she wants to say no. But one look at him brings a rush of forgotten feelings. Evan Carter can’t believe he has to return home and live with his parents. Every hope and dream he ever had dissipated in a car crash that cost him his leg. Stuck in a wheelchair, he’s forced to reexamine his relationship with God and the local carpenter, Jo Ellen Baker. Will renovating his home open the door for a mended relationship, or are some wounds too deep to heal from? (Contemporary, Independently Published)
All This Time by Melissa Tagg — Ten years ago, Bear McKinley gave up everything—his freedom and his reputation—for his mess of a family. But after years of distance and too many attempts at starting over, he finally has a new life doing noble work in Brazil . . . until his past catches up to him. Raegan Walker is happy working a slew of part-time jobs, still living in her childhood bedroom and rarely venturing from her hometown. At least, that’s what she tells everyone . . . and herself. But she can’t help wondering what might’ve happened if she hadn’t abandoned her art so many years ago—and if Bear McKinley had never left. When Bear returns and she’s commissioned for a painting that just might revive her artistic ambition all in one week, it’s time to finally reach for more. But doing so means facing the fears that have held her back all this time, including admitting the secret she’s kept from Bear and her family. With her dream and her heart on the line, how much will Raegan have to risk to finally chase her happy ending? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Home All Along by Beth Wiseman — Charlotte has made a home for herself in Amish Country with Daniel. But unforeseen events rock their fragile world and may move them even further away from the life they long for. Charlotte, an Englisher, is living in Amish Country, and fallen in love with an Amish man. But just when she is considering a permanent conversion to the Amish way of life, her world crashes around her. An unexpected death and a mysterious visitor unsettle Charlotte, and she begins to question her faith and her choices. Will Charlotte and Daniel’s relationship succumb to the many pressures around them, or will their faith and community help them become strong enough to build a life together? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
General Contemporary:
Mercy Triumphs by Jana Kelley — Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God’s mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don’t deserve it. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. (General from New Hope Publishers)
Life in Chapel Springs by Ane Mulligan — Is it a midlife pregnancy or … cancer? Claire will keep her secret until she’s sure but it isn’t easy. Neither is trying to buy a home pregnancy test without anyone finding out. Between her twins double wedding, the caterer cancelling, a looming nationwide art tour and her health, Claire s life is upside down. Meanwhile, shy Lacey Dawson faces the emotional effects of traumatic injuries requiring facial reconstruction, and rumors of gold in Chapel Springs have greedy investors clamoring to buy all the homes in town and mine the gold. Will life in Chapel Springs ever be the same? (General from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
Historical:
A Conspiracy of Breath by Latayne C. Scott — What would it have been like to be a woman, a Gentile, and someone onto whom the Holy Breath moved – to produce what became the mysterious Epistle to the Hebrews in the Bible? (Historical from TSU Press [Trinity Southwest University])
Queen of Sheba by Jill Eileen Smith — King Solomon meets his equal in the Queen of Sheba and does his best to give her everything she seeks to find, but will he be able to give her the deepest longing of her heart? (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing)
Historical Romance:
These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart — When life takes an unexpected turn, Francine Howard finds work in the mountains as a midwife where healing and love await her. (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing)
12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep — Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation and is promised a sum of five hundred pounds if she will remain a guest at Bleakly Manor for the duration of a twelve-day Christmas celebration. Then she learns Benjamin Lane, who left her at the altar, is also in attendance. Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whomever stole his honor. Torn between money, revenge, and love, will Clara and Ben last the full twelve days at Bleakly Manor and learn what matters most at Christmas? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Mystery:
When the Bishop Needs an Alibi by Vannetta Chapman — Amish bishop Henry Lapp eagerly awaits the annual arrival of 20,000 sandhill cranes to the San Luis Valley of Colorado. But his visit to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge reveals more than just a miracle of God’s creation. Hidden among the bulrushes and cattails is the deceased body of a young woman. As the local authorities attempt to unravel the mystery, Henry feels God’s calling to use his extraordinary talent to aid in the investigation. His ability to draw from memory in photographic detail could help solve this puzzling case. Henry’s closest friend, Emma Fisher, has always urged him to embrace his gift. As their relationship deepens, Henry realizes his involvement could put him and those he loves in the direct path of a killer, one who is willing to do anything to cover up a brutal crime, including framing the bishop. (Mystery from Harvest House)
The House Next Door by Susan Page Davis — As Jennifer’s due date approaches, Harvey decides to invest in real estate, unaware of the terror this will cause his family. A hidden cupboard isn’t so bad—in fact, it’s almost fun to try to solve the little mystery inside it. But will any of their loved ones want to live next door after they learn what’s in the basement? (Mystery, Independently Published)
Solve by Christmas by Amber Schamel — Detective Jasper Hollock thought he wanted nothing more than a real case. But when the man who raised him stands on the brink of suicide and mysterious incidents sabotage the factory, Jasper has 24 days to unravel the malicious plot and convince his employer that life is worth living. (Mystery, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley — A security specialist is accused of murder and must clear her name or her career is over, but her investigation draws her into the path of a killer, and she finds herself fighting for her life. When a man from her past is called in to investigate, she may find that he’s the biggest security threat yet . . . to her heart. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing)
Rescued Hearts by Hope Toler Dougherty — An innocent bike ride leads to a hostage situation, jeopardizing an undercover mission and two stubborn hearts. (Romantic Suspense from Mantle Rock Publishing)
Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan — A female attorney hires a former Army Ranger turned private investigator to help research an alleged pharmaceutical cover-up. As the case deepens, both hearts and lives become endangered. It appears someone is willing to risk everything–even murder–to keep the case from going to trial. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
Uncharted Hope by Keely Brooke Keith —
Sophia Ashton must prove herself in her new job while researching the gray leaf medicine and dealing with her toxic family. (Romantic Suspense from Edenbrooke Press)
Thriller/Suspense:
Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig — Perhaps the only person as skilled as Cole “Tox” Russell is Alec King, a rogue Special Forces operator who vanished months ago. Now he’s back, and he’s out for justice. Furious with orders that got his men killed, he intends to make those responsible pay. And he insists Tox join him, believing they are the same breed of soldier. Afraid his old friend could be right, Tox battles a growing darkness within himself as he and his team are forced into another deadly encounter with antiquity. It appears Alec is harnessing the power of a mysterious artifact, a crown that history has linked to some of the worst slaughters in humanity. Racing to stop Alec before his vengeance is unleashed, Tox must fight the monster without becoming one. (Military Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
Witness Protection by Carol Kinsey — After four years in witness protection, Ty Westgate’s identity has been exposed – with the help of a struggling nurse, the ex-lawyer with a new faith must work to unravel the truth behind his adversaries before he’s silenced permanently. (Thriller/Suspense, Independently Published)
Hope holds a Master’s degree and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her novels include Irish Encounter and Mars…With Venus Rising. A member of ACFW, RWA, SinC, she writes for SeriousWriter.com. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons.
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. Gail’s a former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association and a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. She’s published books, poems, short stories and articles.
