Meet the Author

Meet the Author: Cynthia Beach

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

I met today’s guest at an author expo at my local library. Like myself, she is a Michigan author.

Cynthia was a delight to have as my next-table neighbor. I got to know some of her life story that day, but I wanted to find out more. So today Cynthia joins me to talk about her novel: The Surface of Water.

Cynthia, it was great to meet you in person. Thank you for being my guest today. Let’s start by you telling us a little bit about yourself:

For thirty years I was a busy professor of creative writing and English. My job let me be a student of writing. Not only did I have to read a flood of writing books, but I could learn about process strategies—that is, how to do our writing—as I watched my students struggle or shine.

In the cracks, I wrote both nonfiction and fiction. With a journalism master’s, I contributed to books like Media Ethics and Zondervan’s grief bible, Hope in the Mourning.

I also drafted novels, which was my happy place. Later in life, I did a Master of Fine Arts in fiction craft. This degree gave me strong tools for story craft.

Creative Juices for Writers, second edition, is my book on writing that focuses on story power, process tools, and soul care.

Let’s take a look at your novel, The Surface of Water. What can you tell us about this story?

The only person who can uncover his secret has arrived.

Matthew Goodman is tired, and his one wish is for something he can’t have. Instead, he focuses on his work as pastor of Chicagoland’s Calvary Community, including hiring new administrative assistant, Trish Card. Trish watches him with somber, lake-clear eyes. What he doesn’t know about Trish and her real reason for appearing will dismantle his world.

The Surface of Water is about a megachurch pastor, a famous evangelist’s son, living in a world beyond his control. It’s also a story about a young woman trying to understand her complicated life. In the #ChurchToo era, this novel invites readers to see life’s shadowed edges—isolation, power, and abuse—illuminated by the light of truth.

What is the inspiration behind The Surface of Water?

When I was in high school, English teacher Mrs. Quinn taught me the E.A. Robinson poem, “Richard Cory.” This short poem shook my world. Why? Because Richard Cory was the town celebrity: handsome, rich, mannered. People envied him. They wanted to be him. And at the end of the poem—Richard Cory suicides.

I didn’t know. Someone who seemed to have it all together may not. That person who seems to have it all may have a very different internal experience. Richard Cory haunted me. Then, probably twenty years later, the question arrived: What if a megachurch pastor was a Richard Cory?

I find it’s difficult to set aside time to write. How do you find time in your day to write?

Before I left teaching this past June, I had little free time. I was grading writing after all. But what helped me complete The Surface of Water was this simple trick: small goals. I did not have blocks of time. Few of us do, right? But I could write 350 words four times a week or proofread 25 pages a week. Small specific goals energized me—I could do them. And small specific goals gave me another benefit: I knew when I was finished.

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

For sure! Celebrating our accomplishments is vital, me thinks, so, when I finished edits on Surface, I gobbled up a hot fudge peanut parfait. De-lish!

Who was your favorite character to create?

Instead of one favorite character, what was utterly fascinating to me was seeing the same events through different characters’ eyes. I loved moving from Matthew Goodman’s point of view to Trish’s. The fiction term is “viewpoint character.” A trend these days is to have multiple viewpoint characters, which is as interesting to read as it is to write.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I write where my ideas are clear—with little or no planning. This puts me squarely in the Pantser Mode. The catch? While I draft quickly, I revise long because I have such a mess. I found I needed to strengthen my Pantser Process by taking a small step toward Plotter Mode. NYT bestselling novelist Elizabeth George, a devout plotter, offers many planning tools in her writing book, Write Away. Doing scratch outlines of plot flow served a pantser like me well.

Do you experience writer’s block? What do you do to get through it?

For me, block occurs because I’m feeling unsure either from a lack of needed research or from fear. As a pantser, I postpone most research until after my first draft when I know what I need. The weakness, of course, is that I need to tweak subplots. But research always helps me find my way.

Fear desires to hamstring my writing. Thankfully, Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way helped me recognize when fear is talking. A more recent helpful habit I’ve found is to journal my fears. Writing about what I’m feeling and perhaps why diffuses the block, and I’m free to move forward. 

What’s next for you as an author?

My novel The Surface of Water ends with characters Matthew and Trish in jeopardy. What happens next? In answer, I’m happily researching and revising the sequel, A Thousand Wings of Light.

Just slightly off stage await my two Irish novels—historical fiction, a first for me. I drafted two novels for The Seaborne Series. Recent local events like Ada’s Fur-Trapper Encampment delivered very helpful research. From the descendant of the famous settler Rix Robinson, I learned how to twist rope from plants. This stirs the fire. I can’t wait to return full-throttle to this series. Of course, I’ll need to figure a way to get myself back to Castlerock, N. Ireland.

Cynthia, thanks so much for doing this interview with me. Before we go, where can readers find you online?

cynthiabeach.com

Cynthia on Facebook

CynthiaBeachAuthor on Instagram

Here is a link to buy Cynthia’s book:

The Surface of Water

Meet the Author: Susan TeBos

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

Author Susan TeBos

I recently met Susan at an author event near my hometown in Michigan. Susan, it was a pleasure to meet you and learn about your book. Thank you for joining me on my blog today.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a homegrown Michigan author with a not so common story.  This may surprise you, but becoming an author wasn’t on my bucket list.  I didn’t intend to write books. But when the need arose in our family (we adopted 3 children from Russia within 5 years) writing, researching, interviewing, and the hope to offer help to our family and others urged me forward. In the beginning, I knew very little about what was involved in writing a book, such as taking an idea to the page and then to a publisher. All this felt a bit overwhelming. I had to learn how to write creatively. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Eventually, I signed up for a writing class and then another, junior and senior level courses I could take at a local college. It was a writing game changer. I guess you can say I am persistent, if anything, and that’s a good attribute for being a writer.

What is your book about?

My recent book is for adoptive and foster families and anyone who wants to understand the heart of an adoptee.  It’s called We’ve Been There: True Stories, Surprising Insights, and Aha Moments for Adopted Teens. I believe that every adopted child reflects on their adoption and needs guidance to process and express their emotions and thoughts. If not, many feel isolated as they ponder what happened to them, their self-worth and identity.

My favorite thing about this book is the interviews. This is a collection of 34 stories told to me by teenage and young adult adoptees from around the United States. They open up about things that they rarely talk about and things they wished others would have told them. Plus, they offer encouragement and some good advice for teens on their own journey of self-discovery and healing from loss.  I learned so much from these amazing people.

What did your family think about you writing this book?

My daughter, who was adopted at 18 months, was 17 years old at the time I was researching and writing this book. Imagine a teenager hovering close by, sometimes reading over my shoulder while I was typing up the interviews. That says a lot. She longed to know what adoptees like her were experiencing and how they were handling things. One day I asked her if she’d share a story, and she leaped into the air yelling yes!! She had her own story to share about grieving her birth family that she felt others would resonate with. Two of my three kids contributed stories.

The collection is written in a journalistic style. It is written for adoptees first, but also for families and anyone who wants to understand the heart of an adoptee.

Who would like your book?

There are millions of people with adoption or foster care in their story, so many of us are connected or know someone that is adopted.  Additionally, counselors, social workers, therapists, adoption agencies, church adoption ministries, libraries, families, grandparents, and of course adopted people of all ages.   

How do you find time in your day for writing?

Set small goals. 300 words a day. I commit to 300 words each day of the week even if I don’t feel like it or have nothing to say. From my experience, if I can free write crappy copy 300 words this exercise turns into 700 words or more. Goal setting like this keeps me accountable.

Are you part of a writing group?

Not formally. Mostly, I have writer friends that like to meet for coffee and talk about everything from writing to platform to book proposals to selling books. Being in a community is helpful, even if it is informal.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

My favorite genre is historical fiction, regency period. Jane Austin and books like hers serve as a retreat for me. I get lost in the pages and time slips away. My brain cells appreciate it. I also read books like A Gentleman in Moscow.

Have you experienced writer’s block? If so, what do you do to get through it?

Yes, I do get blocked. There are a few things that help me. I free write with a prompt. Just stream of thought. No edits. Just move the pen on paper. It works. Also, I have paper and a pen next to my bed. It is common for me to have some pretty great ideas appear at 3:00 am

What’s next for you as an author?

I currently don’t have a book idea. However, I’m writing a couple of articles here and there for publication, and trying to improve my book visibility on my website.  I also am a podcast guest and speak at adoption and foster care conferences.

Susan, thank you so much for being my guest today. Before we go, where can readers find you online?

You can find me at susantebos.com and  https://www.facebook.com/SusanTeBos.Author/

https://www.amazon.com/Weve-Been-There-Surprising-Insights/dp/0825447313 

Susan’s book is also available at any bookseller and at libraries.

Meet the Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

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Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers contains Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies.

For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.

In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.

Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.

Meet the Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers.

Andrea, thank you for joining me today. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am the kind of person who always keeps busy, and writing is something I enjoy in my scarce free time. I’m a happily married mother of two, and family means everything to me. I enjoy working as a physical therapist, and I specialize in pelvic floor rehab, oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema, osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). I love serving my community by volunteering with my local EMS squad as an emergency medical technician. I’ve been volunteering since high school (over 9,700 rescue calls), and now I’m blessed to be answering calls with my twins, who are also volunteer EMT’s.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I am most definitely a morning person, which is a good thing, because I have to be at work by 6:30AM. I am high energy all day (I seriously don’t even drink caffeine), but I am ready for bed by 9:30PM. However, when I respond to  multiple nighttime emergency first aid calls with my rescue squad, I am sometimes a little sleepy the next day!

Do you reward yourself when a book is finished? If so, what is your favorite treat?

Well, to be honest, I don’t wait until my book is finished. Chocolate is my favorite treat during the writing process! In my opinion, there’s nothing like a crème filled chocolate to keep the creative juices flowing.

I agree. Chocolate is a great energy boost.

Are you part of a writing group?

I was briefly a part of a writing group in the past but had to give it up because there are simply not enough hours in the day between working, writing, caring for my family, and volunteering with my first aid squad.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My husband and sister are the first ones to read my books. They are a great support system, and I feel blessed to have their input.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

My favorite author is Jane Austen. I have read Pride & Prejudice many times, and I can never resist re-watching the 1995 BBC version.

What book or author has inspired you the most?

As a child, I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the books by James Herriott, which relate true stories from his experiences as a veterinarian. Currently, my family and I are watching the series All Creatures Great and Small, which is based on his books.

What’s next for you as an author?

Right now, I’m working on a book about healthy aging, drawing on my experience and knowledge as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I also have several  short stories being published by Guideposts.

Andrea, thank you for being my guest today. Where can readers find your book:

https://amzn.to/46U4JZs

Where can readers find you?

www.andreajorodgers.com.

https://www.facebook.com/AndreaJoRodgers/

and amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Jo-Rodgers/author/B00SAAQM18?isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true    

Author Interview: Lisa Dunn

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

My guest today is Lisa Dunn, author of the YA Fantasy series, The Chasmaria Chronicles.

Lisa, thank you for joining me today. Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I was born in Michigan, raised in Florida, reside in South Carolina, and dream of settling down in a remote cottage on a wild, windswept shore where I can soak up vast beauty and pour it into stories that move readers’ souls. A great-aunt referred to my grandmother as “a rare mix of mystic and common sense,” and I may have inherited more than my fair share of that. Even I can’t predict whether I’ll meet a tragic situation with tears, philosophy, or bizarre humor. Truthfully, it’s usually a socially awkward combination of all three.

What is your series about?

THE CHASMARIA CHRONICLES is a trilogy that follows Grit of Berth and Stone from a village that puts self above all to a kingdom where truth, goodness, and beauty reign. In the sequel to the series, HEARKEN THE SONG OF KILCARRAIG, readers journey into a monster-infested land with two of the trilogy’s supporting characters taking the lead. HEARKEN is all about holding onto hope despite our failures and devastating circumstances.

What is the inspiration behind your books?

THE CHASMARIA CHRONICLES sought to answer the questions of what a world without love would look like and what would happen if love crashed into it.

HEARKEN THE SONG OF KILCARRAIG addresses deserts of faith—the fears, regrets, guilts, and sorrows we bury deep in our hearts and that stand in the way of hope. The bulk of the book was written during the isolation and uncertainty of the early phase of the pandemic, and I think that helped me get a little deeper into the mindset of Clan Crowley, as well as to understand Slate’s frustration with them and Bard’s love for them—in short, to grasp the reality that most of us, even if we disagree, are just doing the best we can with where we are and what we have.

Now for some questions that readers want to know the answers to:

What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

I grew up surrounded by books. My father tucked my sisters and me into bed with impromptu tales peopled with characters from C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald and characters of his own imagining. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing with stories in my head. It shouldn’t have been a surprise when one actually made it onto paper, but it was a big, wonderful surprise when one, two, three, and now four made it into the hands of readers I’ve never even met.

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story? 

Always. I tend to have a relatively decent idea of where a story is headed before I start, but I never fail to discover something I hadn’t anticipated in a character, whether it be a motivation, a fear, or a facet of their background or nature that changes everything. For example, when I first conceived the plot for HEARKEN, I imagined Slate as an upbeat, ambitious young man, but when I started writing in earnest, the events of the trilogy hit hard, and I realized that Slate had a lot of baggage to deal with. The same applies to Bard. I thought he was a sweet, lighthearted poet, but the boy has some serious issues. Getting to the truth of who each of these characters is was a challenge, but one I hope paid off in the end.

How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

I get this question a lot, probably because I was very intentional in naming the characters in the trilogy. You’ll have to read the books to find out the significance of individual names, but I’ll say this much: Grit’s community waits until a baby’s first birthday to bestow a name, which the dame (mother) bases upon characteristics she’s observed in the infant. The names aren’t necessarily complimentary. In fact, some of them are downright rude. But each name winds up having a deeper meaning that offers a sense of  hope and redemption to the one carrying the name.

What does your family think of your writing?

It’s a mixed bag, actually, but I’m okay with that. I don’t expect everyone I know to read my work, and some of them haven’t. Nor do I expect everyone to enjoy my work. Most, but not all, have enjoyed my books, but I don’t take it personally if they don’t, knowing we all have our own preferences. My daughter, for example, wasn’t a fan of my Fantasy, but she is THE BIGGEST FAN of an unpublished Contemporary Young Adult story for which I’m currently seeking publication. The important thing is that every single one of my family members—husband, children, siblings, mother, in-laws, and beyond—have been supportive in different ways, granting me time to write, listening to me untangle plot and character development knots and challenging me in the process, buying books, recommending them to others, and gushing, gushing, gushing.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My sister has been the first reader of most of my books, chapter by chapter in the beginning. She has a knack for pointing out weaknesses and nudging me deeper into the heart of whatever story I’m writing. After having her at my side all the way through the Chasmaria trilogy, it was actually kind of terrifying to send HEARKEN into the world without  her feedback. I was enormously relieved when she remarked that it was the best book yet.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

That award is going to have to go to A SEPARATE PEACE. John Knowles has a gift for writing deep, complex, incredibly human characters, characters who tell us so much about the human condition, and each time I’ve read A SEPARATE PEACE, Knowles digs deeper into my heart.

Thank you for joining us today, Lisa.

What’s next for you as an author?

I am currently seeking a literary agent to represent the Contemporary YA novel that turned my daughter into a fan.  After that, I have a completed epistolary YA novel that deals with who we are and how we and others perceive ourselves. Finally, I’m working on a coming of age, twisted fairy tale that fans of ONCE UPON A TIME and INTO THE WOODS will love.

Before we go, where can readers find you online? 

https://lisadunnwrites.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/authorlisadunnImage
https://twitter.com/AuthorLisaDunn

Meet Author Laura Thomas

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

It’s Wednesday, November 9 and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. With Christmas only a few weeks away, it’s a great time to pick up a Christmas-themed book to read.

Today I’m interviewing author Laura Thomas about her newly released novella, The Christmas Cabin.

Laura, thank you for joining me today. Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a published Christian author, and I write heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in my romantic suspense, teen fiction, marriage, and children’s books. I’m a certified hope*writers writing coach, and a chocoholic mom and lala, married to my high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, we live in Kelowna, British Columbia, as audacious empty-nesters.

What is your book about?

The Christmas Cabin is a Christmas novella. It’s a stand-alone spin-off from my Christian romantic suspense “Flight to Freedom” series, published by Anaiah Press.

“When Carla James flies home for the holidays at her family’s cozy Canadian cabin, she has no idea what—or who—awaits. But after five years serving at her beloved Mexican orphanage, it’s time to work through forgiveness, face her fears, and reclaim Christmas. Up-and-coming chef, Rhys Templeton, still regrets leaving a heartbroken Carla in the past and is desperate to confess his truth and make amends. But her own shocking revelation has the potential to either send him spiraling back to his destructive lifestyle or into Carla’s arms.

However, someone else is privy to Carla’s chilling secret and they’re out there watching. Waiting. Wanting. Time is running out like melting snowflakes. And now, if Carla ever wants to see another Christmas, she needs all the grace and grit she can muster to trust the one who deserted her and the One who promised never to leave.”

What was the inspiration behind The Christmas Cabin?

When I wrote The Orphan Beach, the last book in the Flight to Freedom series, I knew there were opportunities for the story to continue—and quite honestly, I missed spending time with the characters! I’ve always wanted to write a Christmas novella, especially one set in my home province of British Columbia—after all, there is nothing quite like a Canadian white Christmas. In the last book, we briefly met Carla James as she worked at the Mexican orphanage. It just so happened that she was Canadian, and the perfect character to grow into a protagonist for The Christmas Cabin, so I flew her home for the holidays. Snow shoeing is one of my favorite winter activities, and my imagination often runs wild with suspenseful possibilities when my husband and I are out on the secluded mountain trails. Maybe not so much fun for him, but fantastic fodder for my storylines!

Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

Yes. Without giving anything away, I was surprised by something Rhys told Carla. Didn’t see that coming! Yet it added a whole other layer to the complexity of his situation and works wonderfully well. I also had no idea the solution to a specific problem would involve certain characters form a previous book. This is a stand-alone novella, but I think readers of my Flight to Freedom series will especially enjoy the ending!

The next question is one I always like to know the answers to. How did you come up with the names of your hero and/or heroine?

Carla was a secondary character in the previous book, and I chose to add the surname “James” after one of my sons. And then Rhys is named after one of my Welsh nephews—he absolutely loves Christmas and I decided it would be perfect to use his name for this book!

Let’s talk about your writing process.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

How I wish I were one or the other… but I am neither! I’ve never been able to burn the midnight oil as I enjoy my sleep too much, and I really do try to be a morning person, as much as I loathe the alarm. Weekdays, it wakes me at 6:30AM, which feels late when my “morning lark” husband has already been up all cheery and full of life for an hour, at least! Resuscitation by way of a cappuccino, time reading, and a shower help me on my way—although my best creative writing happens in the afternoon. We all have our quirks, right?

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m a plotter—but I always leave plenty of wriggle room. So, before I begin writing my manuscript, I like to have a question or theme in mind, and a decent plotline with broad strokes on where I see each chapter heading. I need the ending to be secured and I like to do a pretty deep dive with my main characters. However, I am always open to hearing from my characters as we go, and the storyline will definitely take some unexpected twists and turns… that’s when writing is so much fun!

If you didn’t write books, what would you do for a living?

This is such a good question—I have been stewing over it for a couple of days. I cannot imagine not writing. I started later in life and it’s become such a vital part of who I am. I’ve always adored books and I love story. Perhaps in another life, I would have gone the dancing or acting route to tell stories in other forms… but I am truly grateful to be doing what I was made to do: writing, coaching other writers, and reading a plethora of books!

Your novella, The Christmas Cabin, sounds like a wonderful read! Romance, suspense and Christmas, a great combination.

What’s next for you as an author?

Other than several on-going writing projects, I currently have my literary agent working to place my latest Christian romantic suspense novel, Captured in Frame. It’s a brand-new series set in the English countryside, so I’m going back to my roots!

Where can readers find you online?

My books, blog, writing coaching, monthly newsletter, and all my social media links can be found on my website:

www.laurathomasauthor.com