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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! My Thursday blog is a little early this week (it’s late Wednesday night as I type this) due to heavy cooking duties tomorrow, but I’m happy to be able to share an interview with novelist Beth Westcott. Beth’s first novel, Meadow Song, was just released this week. Continue reading to learn more about the book and its author.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions today so my readers can learn about you and your writing. Tell us a little about yourself.

Although I was born on Long Island, the youngest of seven, I grew up in Upstate New York in a farming community. My dad kept animals and planted a large garden every year. I loved going to school, I belonged to 4-H, and I became a Christian and active in a local church. I graduated from Hartwick College in 1973. I married Frank Westcott that same year, and we became parents of three children. 

Frank and I joined Child Evangelism Fellowship in 1979, after he graduated from Bible school. We lived in Northeast Pennsylvania and taught Good News Clubs, Vacation Bible Schools, and teacher training classes. After his ordination in 1984, he became an associate pastor and Christian school principal, then a full-time pastor. We worked together in church ministry for over 30 years, mostly in New York State. I taught children, held Bible studies for women, and took part in church music ministry. I began writing holiday programs for church, including poems, plays, and Scripture choir manuscripts, some of which were accepted for publication by Lillenas Drama in their Program Builders.

Five granddaughters call me “Grandma.” Our grandson passed away in 2017. Every year I have written (and illustrated) stories for my granddaughters for their birthdays. Writing for children was my first passion.

In 2014 my short story “Sadie and the Princess” was published in Heart-warming Horse Stories on Amazon. The book is still available.

You have a book that just came out this week. What is it about? (a short blurb will work here or just a general description) 

Artist Kate Greenway tries to escape the pain of losing her fiancé by leaving her home town and moving to Mill Vale. There she works in a florist shop for her friend Ellie. A year later she begins to paint again, and she meets Blythe Chambers, a motherless little girl whose enthusiasm for life rubs off on her. Then she meets Blythe’s uncle Jack. Kate and Jack are attracted to each other. Kate is ready to move on with life and love. Jack, however, plans to never marry because he feels that loving someone and losing her is not worth the pain and grief.  When Kate returns home to help care for her mother who has cancer, she doesn’t know if Jack will ever understand the importance of committed love, even if it means grief and loss.

What inspired you to write this story?

I began this story as a short story for a writing contest. I wanted a story with a child in it, and somehow Kate the artist met Blythe. The first draft felt incomplete. More of their story needed to be told, and it developed into a romance novel.

This book is Christian fiction. Why Christian fiction instead of mainstream?

I think I connect better with a Christian audience. I believe I’m following the Lord’s leading in this. I admire Christian authors who can publish mainstream and still include God’s truth.

Tell us about a typical writing day for you. Do you have a set schedule?

I prefer to set aside mornings to write, but often write during the afternoon or evening, depending on what has to be done. We recently moved, and my office is not yet set up. I find that a disadvantage.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing?

My greatest challenge is not to allow interruptions when I’m writing.

What advice would you have for others wanting to write fiction?

Learn how to write well. Read books and blogs about writing, and read books in the same genre in which you want to write. Attend writers’ conferences, where you will be inspired by other aspiring writers, and you will meet published authors, editors, agents, and publishers. And write every day. 

My blog followers are all over the United States and even some in the U.K. Have you traveled to any places that made an impression on you? If not, where would you most like to go?

My parents came from Rhode Island, so we spent vacations there. As a college student I spent a term in Brighton, England. While in England I met my great uncle, who lived in Cornwall. I’ve been to Colorado and Texas by automobile. Each state we passed through is different, but they are all a part of the United States. I became emotional when I saw places like the Rocky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. I’ve enjoyed learning about Texas, where my daughter and her family live.

I would like to visit Israel, and I would enjoy a cruise to Alaska or Australia.

Any future books in the works?

Yes, I have a series called The Three Sisters, about three childhood “best friends” who split up as teens. Each girl’s story picks up during college or soon after, and includes romance and renewal of friendship. I also have a fiction book involving foster care and adoption, probably for a preteen/young teen audience. I’m considering a novel about a pastor’s wife.

Just for fun, tell us your favorite:

Author: Jane Austen

Music genre: Classical

Television show: We don’t have television right now.

Animal: Dog, or maybe cat.

Food or restaurant: chocolate cake

Holiday: Christmas

Vacation spot: Montrose Bible Conference

Do you have a favorite Bible verse or Scripture? 

My life verses are Proverbs 3:5,6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he shall direct your paths.” NKJV

Please give us information on how readers can purchase your book.

My book is available on Amazon.

Last Thursday, I featured Christian historical fiction writer Michelle De Bruin on my blog. She graciously agreed to share one of her favorite recipes. When I saw the word “bacon,” that’s all I needed to know! I can’t wait to try this. Thanks, Michelle!

Bacon Cheese Topped Chicken

A recipe from Michelle De Bruin

½ cup Dijon mustard

½ cup honey

4 ½ teaspoons vegetable oil, divided

½ tsp lemon juice

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1 cup shredded co-jack cheese

8 bacon slices, cooked

Sal, pepper, paprika

In a bowl, combine the mustard, honey, 1 ½ teaspoons of oil, and lemon juice. Pour ½ cup into a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken. Seal the bag and turn to coat the chicken. Refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours. Refrigerate the remaining marinade. Drain and discard the marinade from the chicken. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken on all sides. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Transfer to a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with cheese. Cut bacon strips in half and place in a crisscross pattern over the chicken. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Michelle De Bruin is.a writer of Christian historical fiction. She has graciously agreed to answer my questions about her book and writing. Set in 1910 in a farming community, a young pastor returns home to help his mother and sister with the family’s dairy farm following his father’s unexpected death. As he deals with his family’s financial difficulties, his own internal struggles, and the hardships of daily life on the farm, he meets a young teacher from Chicago whose own life has taken an unexpected turn. The attraction is strong, but they have obstacles in their relationship. I have read this book and enjoyed it very much. To learn more about Michelle, her writing process, and her book, read on!

Tell us a little about yourself. I am Michelle De Bruin. I lead worship on Sundays, and am the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. I’m married to my husband Tom, and we have two teenage sons.

When did you first become interested in writing? I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, going to writer’s conferences for grade schoolers and keeping journals.

Was there a particular author who influenced you? Yes. Fiction writers: Janette Oke and Karen Wittemeyer. Non-fiction writers include Anne Graham Lotz, Timothy Keller, and Dallas Willard. 

What genres do you write? Historical fiction

What book(s) have you written? One book so far, with the title Hope for Tomorrow.

Describe your writing process. First, I make a basic outline with everything that I would like to have happen in the story. This helps me get a sense of the motivations, the goals, and the conflicts of the characters. Next, I decide the spiritual truths the story will communicate and further develop the characters. Third, I construct a timeline and solidify the story structure. Next, I write everything out in pencil on lined 5 ½ by 8 ½ paper scene by scene, until I’ve completed an entire chapter. Then I type it into my ongoing manuscript on Microsoft word. I self-edit as I go and then will do a complete read through before submitting it to the publisher.

What personal interests or hobbies do you have that find their way into your writing?

I enjoy studying Scripture as part of my spiritual services position. I also play piano and provide music for Sunday morning services. I like flowers, garden produce, and good cooking even though I’m not that great at any of those things.

What resources to you use when researching for a project? Books about vintage clothing, memoirs of people who lived on farms in the early 20^th century, and local history books.

Which of your books do you want us to know more about? Tell us about it. Since I only have one book published to date, I will tell you about that one. It is the one I mentioned earlier, Hope for Tomorrow. It is set in 1910 in a farming community. My own family history inspired me to choose the era and develop the characters. Whispers of my Dutch heritage are present in the book through the names I chose for some of the characters, and in the hero’s occupations, theology, and values. Hope for Tomorrow is the first in a series, so the following books go deeper into the hero’s background, bringing more of that heritage into the story.

We’d like to know more about you. Tell us your favorites in movies, music, vacation spots, food, books, etc. Anything you’d like.

My favorite movies are the three in the Despicable Me series. Hilarious! The little yellow minions are charming, and I love the idea of a bad guy who is too much of a softy to be a true villain. 

Music: Jim Brickman piano music

Vacation spot: Michigan Great Lakes

Food: Pumpkin pie, cinnamon rolls, and anything lemon flavored

Books: Historical fiction and non-fiction books on leadership

Life is very busy for most of us. How do you handle all the “busy-ness” in today’s society? Or is it an issue for you? I rely on resources like Ruth Haley Barton’s Sacred Rhythms book, and Richard Foster’s Celebration of the Disciplines to help me. I’ve found that if I have some spiritual practices in place, I can better pay attention to my need for rest and stay aware of who and what I love most. I set my priorities from there.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in becoming a writer? Know who you are. Your voice comes out of that to give integrity to your writing. Do the work of discovering your own unique identity in Jesus and the calling he has given you. Then when the days of silent waiting and rejection come, you’ll look in the right place for affirmation.

How can we find you and your books on social media and the internet?

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hope-for-tomorrow-michelle-de-bruin/1129589055?ean=9781945094583

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Tomorrow-Michelle-Bruin/dp/1945094583?keywords=Michelle+De+Bruin&qid=1539824352&sr=8-1-fkmrnull&ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1

Michelle’s website: https://michelledebruin.com/

Michelle on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDeBruinsAuthorPage/

Michelle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDAuthor

Thank you for participating in my blog! Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks for having me, Pam!

 

 

My family isn’t crazy about turkey, but they do like the dressing (stuffing to those of you not in the South) that goes with it. Years ago, while working in Dresden, Tennessee, a co-worker and friend told me about crockpot chicken and dressing. The recipe is in The Iris Festival cookbook (the Iris Festival is an annual spring event in Dresden, and it is a week packed with activities!). Thank you, David and Amy, for the cookbook, I love it! In 2000, my husband’s grandmother, who lived to be 100 and passed away in 2016, compiled some of her favorite recipes in a cookbook for Christmas presents for her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of my favorites of hers is a squash casserole recipe. Interested? Here they are.

Crockpot chicken and dressing: (submitted by M. Bowers of Martin, Tennessee, some directions are my words, not hers)

1 large cornbread (use 3 cups of cornmeal to make the cornbread–if you need a cornbread recipe email me at authorpamharris@gmail.com–and don’t use Jiffy cornbread mix, makes it too sweet in my opinion)

1 tablespoon sage

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large onion, chopped

6 ribs celery, chopped (I omit this because my family doesn’t like celery)

4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 stick butter or margarine

1 can condensed cream of celery soup

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

2 14.5 oz. cans of chicken broth

3 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

 

Cook chopped onion and celery in butter, covered, in a microwave for 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes. (I use the stove top, just cook on medium heat until onion is clear, stirring frequently) Crumble cornbread in a large bowl and add all ingredients and mix gently. Pour into greased 4 1/2 quart crockpot and cook on high for one hour. Stir after 30 minutes. After one hour on high, reduce heat to low for three hours. Serve moist. No gravy needed. Serves a large crowd.

Squash casserole:

4 or 5 yellow squash, cooked with one cut-up onion (not chopped, larger pieces). Cook until tender and drain. You can use fresh or a large frozen package of squash. I have never used zucchini, but I think that would work too.

1 cup of crumbled cornbread

1 can cream of mushroom soup (her recipe calls for one cup, but I always use one can)

1 egg

1 cup grated cheese (I always use Velveeta, and I don’t grate it. I just cut up small chunks of it, 1/2 pound.)

1 tablespoon butter

Mix all ingredients except the cheese. Pour half the mixture in a small casserole dish coated with cooking spray. Add layer of the cheese. Add rest of the mixture. Top with more cheese if desired. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes (I usually bake for 30 minutes, but make sure the top doesn’t burn.)

More about Mawmaw’s cookbook in a future post. What a great Christmas gift, a part of her that is always with us!

No, this isn’t the timeshare. This is the breakfast serving area at the hotel where we stayed for four nights for very little money.

All paid for (mostly) by Bluegreen Vacations.

Let me backtrack. In May, 2016, I was in Bass Pro Shop (The Pyramid) in Memphis. A man at a counter called out to me, offering a free cruise. Curious but skeptical, I let him talk me into paying $199 for which I would receive a $75 gift card to Bass Pro plus four nights in a destination of my choice (from the list provided), and a free cruise. And what did I have to pay in addition to the $199? Nothing except the hotel taxes and be willing to listen to a presentation about a timeshare.

But we had so much going on, we didn’t schedule our presentation and almost-free lodging until this past summer. Our destination was Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, an area we know well and love.

Our hotel? Country Cascades, sitting up the hill within walking distance of the parkway between traffic lights 3 and 4.

We wanted to go to the Smokies, but we dreaded the timeshare presentation and meeting with a representative. We had heard horror stories about high pressure and lengthy tie-ups with sales reps.

But, in this case, the naysayers were wrong. Bluegreen Vacations reps were courteous, friendly, and not high pressure at all. The presentation was entertaining (the main speaker, really funny) and our sales rep was a friendly young man from California who chose to make the Smokies his permanent home.

True to their promise, we were there just over two hours. We didn’t buy anything, although I admit I was tempted. Their plan doesn’t work like most timeshares. And their resorts — wow! If I traveled to very nice places two or three times every year, it would be well worth the money. But we don’t, so we didn’t.

“We’re on the Dave Ramsy train,” I told him.

And he smiled and said he understood. Poor guy, I feel bad he didn’t make any money off us. He was so nice.

And Country Cascades? A great place to stay. I have no idea what their regular prices are, but breakfast is included. Every morning they had eggs, sausage links, gravy, biscuits, yogurt, fruit, make-your-own waffles, hash browns, cereal, pastries, and beverages. They have a huge waterpark type slide for the kids in the summer, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, and a playground.

If hotels are your thing instead of condos or cabins, you might want to check it out.

Our cost? The $124 ($199 minus the $75 Bass Pro gift card) plus $37 in taxes. Not bad for four nights in a very nice hotel.

Great stay and good experience.

Whenever I go the Smokies, I love to browse the pottery stores. Notice I said “browse.” Most pieces, however, beautiful, are pricey. Very pricey. Worth it, no doubt, but I can envision me (I’m a klutz) breaking an expensive piece or even one of my sweet grand-dogs (and maybe future grandchildren) breaking one.

So when I heard that a local young artist was opening her own studio, I was intrigued. A pottery store in our small town? That is like telling me a huge bookstore is opening downtown. (Anyone want to do that?) Great ideas, both of them.

Teddy Kay Studio has its grand opening at noon today, and I was allowed a sneak peek yesterday. I was impressed. Actually, I was beyond impressed. Beautiful pieces, reasonable prices. I’m already thinking of the Christmas and wedding presents I can buy there.

Interested? Read my interview with Teddy Kay.

Tell us about your studio.

Teddy Kay Studio is located at 503 Jackson St., Martin, Tennessee. Longtime Martin residents will remember the building as Thompson’s Grocery, across from Harmon Field. I have handmade, useful pottery, and I will be open on Thursdays and Fridays 12:00 – 5:00 and Saturdays 9:00 – 12:00 or by appointment. 

What led you to the idea of starting this business?

I started college playing basketball at High Point University in North Carolina, and there I decided to major in art with a focus in painting. Then I transferred to UTM to play basketball. At UTM, I started taking ceramic classes. I fell in love with ceramics studying under David McBeth. He encouraged me to continue my studies, and I decided to go an extra year of college for a deeper study under McBeth. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do. I knew, being so young, starting a business was going to be challenging, but my dad, Jack Vincent, said I could do it if I worked hard enough. He himself helps run the family farm.

Obviously you are interested in art. When did this begin?

I always loved art, even as a small child. My grandmother was an artist and a very talented painter. I always did crafts and painted with her at her house. My mom also encouraged me to be creative and to think differently. I am dyslexic, so school was very frustrating and hard for me. Basketball and art were my outlets. Other than my studies at UTM, I had no special training. I just worked very hard and practiced a lot. I spent many hours working and trying to get better. 

Are there any artists who have influenced you?

So many artist have influenced me. I see art and think how I can make my own in my own way. I look at potters who have been around for a really long time like Warren MacKenzie and Jack Troy. They have  very interesting styles. I also look up to David McBeth. He is an amazing and very humble potter. 

How do you view the studio five years from now? The same? Different?

No small business can make it if they don’t evolve. I plan on purchasing a Raku kiln. Raku is a Japanese form of pottery. It fires for about thirty to forty-five minutes. Then you take it straight out of the kiln and place the piece in a box full of wood chips to smoke it. 

Do you have a website?

I will after the first of the new year.

Any thoughts about how art impacts our lives?

I think pottery is very underestimated as an art form. Pottery takes a lot of time and patience. A piece is handled with care several times before it is actually finished. And there are many steps through the process. Everyone uses pottery such as plates, cups, bowls, etc. A family can gather around a table and learn from different generations while enjoying a meal.

Just for fun, share your favorites:

Artist: Warren MacKenzie 

Food: Pancakes and coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Restaurant: Any type of Chinese 

Movie: Movies are my favorite thing in the world. Hands down. I go to the movies once a week. I truly love so many movies. No way could I ever choose one as my favorite.

Music (genre): Every type of music since I listen to it all day. Epic music listener. 

Singer or group: Etta James 

Book: Too hard to choose from 

Vacation spot: The BEACH

What is your contact information?

Email: teddykaystudio@gmail.com, Facebook, or instagram: @teddykaystudio

Anything you’d like to add?

I have a room called The Gathering. Anyone can book small parties for all ages. I also offer paint parties, design your own plates, bowls, etc., and craft parties. I provide all the supplies as well as instructions and directions.

Many thanks to Teddy for allowing me a sneak peek and doing the interview. She has an impressive array of items, but don’t take my word for it. Stop by and check it out for yourself.

Last week I featured author and publisher Kathy Cretsinger on my Thursday blog. I asked her to share a favorite recipe, and she sent this one. If you love coconut cream pie but hate the time, involved, you’ll likely want to try this twist using a microwave! Thank you, Kathy, for sharing.

From Kathy:

This is my husband’s favorite, but I hate to stir and stir over the stove. Someone told my daughter about making it in the microwave, so this is how I do it now. You can use any recipe, but I use one from the red checked “Better Home and Gardens New Cook Book.” I use the same ingredients for “Vanilla Cream Pie,” but cook it differently. Here is what I do.

In a microwave proof bowl (I use a large glass bowl) mix 

¾ cup sugar

3 Tablespoons corn starch

1/8 teaspoon salt 

2 cups milk

Stir well. I use a whisk. It gets the mixture smoother. Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes. Take out and stir well. Add:

3 egg yolks, beaten well. I put a little of the milk mixture in and stir, then put a little more before I put it in the hot mixture.

2 tablespoons butter

Mix together and put back in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. It will be thick. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup shredded coconut.

Top with meringue with a little coconut sprinkled on top.

 

My Thursday blog is about western Kentucky’s author and publisher Kathy Cretsinger. I have known Kathy for several years and count her as a special friend. To find out about her path to writing and publishing (and about her publishing company if you’re trying to find someone to publish your book) as well as learn about a race of people called Melungeons, read the following interview. Thank you, Kathy, for taking the time to answer my questions!

Tell us a little about yourself. 

Benton, Kentucky is my home now. I was born and raised in the second oldest town in Tennessee. Beautiful, historic Rogersville. My husband and I moved to Kentucky nine years ago. Our family now lives in this area.

My work history has been mostly in sales, but I did work for a few years as a circulation manager for our local newspaper. They say when you get the ink under your fingernails you never leave printing. We now own Mantle Rock Publishing, a Christian fiction publishing company.

We have two grown children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The oldest grandchild lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband and three children. 

I love to travel and see great places. Our family is scattered over the globe. We have family in Scotland that we love to see.

What books have you had published?

I have published three fiction and one non-fiction. The fiction books are Callie’s Mountain, Susannah’s Hope, and Smoky Mountain Brides written with Pam Watts Harris. The non-fiction is about the history of the church we attend. The title is From Glade to Walnut Grove.

Any books in the works right now? 

Right now I’m working on Nothing Shady Ever Happens In Shady Valley. My husband grew up there, and we’ve lived there a couple of times. It’s a small community east of Bristol, Tennessee. Love the people and the location

When did you first think of becoming a writer?

I think maybe in high school. I became engrossed with the Reader’s Digest. I had no idea how to write a book or how to have one published. This was a long time before computers. Now we do everything electronically. I wanted to write a short story. I did write it and threw it away. I didn’t think of it anymore until a friend came to visit. She told me I could write a book. The first book I wrote will never be published. I went in so many different directions, rewrote it about twenty times, and finally put it away.

Tell us about your books. What makes them unique?

Callie’s Mountain and Susannah’s Hope are set in East Tennessee. When the white people came to the mountains of Upper East Tennessee, they found a different race of people. They called themselves Porteguise. I know it’s spelled wrong, but that was the way they pronounced it. Finally someone called them Melungeons. These two books are about the white world coming into the mountains of Hancock County, Tennessee and finding these people. When I did my DNA, I found out I have all the races that make a Melungeon: black, Spanish, Middle Eastern, and English. I consider myself a part-Melungeon. From family history we’ve researched, we are part Melungeon.

Nothing Shady Ever Happens In Shady Valley is a story of this beautiful mountain community. Until recently, most families were related. Our daughter was researching the family and told her dad he didn’t have a tree, he had a vine. There are certain last names that are important to the valley. I’m trying to make it humorous and keep the dignity of the people. 

What is your biggest challenge in writing?

Having enough time to write. With the publishing company, I don’t have a lot of extra time.

What inspired you to start your own publishing company?

I became discouraged when I had trouble publishing my book. I decided to do only mine, but other people began asking me to publish theirs. It’s hard for new authors to be recognized in the writing industry. My husband and I wanted to help them. 

Tell us about Mantle Rock Publishing.

Mantle Rock Publishing is a small publisher of Christian fiction. We do not do children’s books or non-fiction. We work with the author to get her/his book ready for printing, and we also work with them through marketing. We are a close-knit group of authors. We publish between 15-18 books a year, and they can be bought on Amazon or other book stores. 

What advice do you have for writers hoping to become published?

Learn the craft. Study to know more about writing and self-editing. It means so much to us when we receive a manuscript if it is written well. Write every day.

What is the funniest or oddest thing that has happened to you during your time as a writer?

A gentleman came to the house the other day and wanted me to publish his book. The more he talked, the more I knew it was a non-fiction. He asked if we had a printing press in the house. No, all printing is done by the distributor. I’ve worked for a printing company and a newspaper. I’ve seen all kinds of printing machines. We do not have a printing press in our back bedroom. 

Other than writing, what activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy reading, traveling, knitting (I can’t crochet, but my husband does), helping authors, writing conferences, spending time with our family, and people watching. We also like to visit the older people at church.

Just for fun, tell us your favorites in: music, movies, books, places to visit, and food.

Music – Celtic, I have a lot of Scottish and Irish heritage

Movies – Anything that is a love story, but my favorites are Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman. They tell so much about being as low as you can get and then turning your life around.

How can readers purchase your books and your company’s books?

You can purchase all of our books on Amazon.com. You can also go to http://mantlerockpublishingllc.com/books/ All of our books are listed there. Click on them, and you’ll be directed to Amazon.com.

Read about Kathy’s books here:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Susannahs-Hope-Katt-Anderson/dp/1500842249

At first glance, you might think my passion is reading books for young girls. Or Elvis-related stuff..

You’d be partially right. I love reading well-written books for girls in upper elementary and middle school. I love all things Elvis. It all goes back to my childhood, when I was so absorbed in whatever book I was reading, my mom had to force me to put it away at the dinner table. My childhood when I listened to my older brother’s Elvis records, and he and his girlfriend/fiancée took me to see Elvis movies. Yes, I like those movies. Well, most of them.

But my true passion is writing. From the time I learned to read, I wanted to write my own stories. I started writing and illustrating them as young as seven years old. Stories like “Lucy the Elephant.” Bless her heart, she couldn’t do anything right at the circus. “The Tale of the Bloody Bluff Brothers,” a chilling western written by a ten-year-old living in Arizona and surrounded by western lore. Let’s not forget those sappy love stories I wrote as a teen-ager, stories that usually involved boyfriends dying in a car wreck or ones like “Lilly of the Valley,” the story of an old woman (Lila)who lost her love during the war and never married, so when she died at a ripe old age, she was still thinking of him.

Teen-agers are morbid..

“The Ghosts of Graceland” is the first complete book I ever wrote. And, thanks to Mantle Rock Publishing, it is the first published book I had. It’s the story of twelve-year-old twins, Mandi and Kassi, who have been sent from San Diego to Memphis to stay with a great-aunt they barely know while their mother and her new husband are on a honeymoon in Europe. While in Memphis, they are reunited with their father, encounter mysteries, and learn to cope with their mother’s remarriage. The book is about family relationships as much as anything else. Divorce, remarriage, separation.

Stuff Nancy Drew didn’t deal with. Kids today know things at a young age that they really shouldn’t have to know. Things like sex and drugs and violence and fear. Their innocence is being robbed by our culture.

I want to write for those kids. I want to write books that entertain them, books with happy endings, books that help them see they’re not the only ones struggling with difficult issues. Or if they’re not struggling with those issues, they can better understand those who are.

Advice for beginning authors is to write what you know. And, as we’ve already established, I know about Elvis. So I wrote what I knew. Graceland and Memphis.

Then I moved to the next one. I also know Nashville. I used to live near there, and it is one of my favorite cities. The logical place, then, was Music City for Book 2 of the series.

The mystery in this book surrounds a country music singer whose romantic interest in Mandi and Kassi’s father, hired to be her bodyguard, doesn’t sit well with Mandi. Mixed in with a  mysterious woman who appears outside their guest house late at night and an accident or two, Mandi has all she can handle as a future detective.

Book 3 is in the works, “Secrets of the Smokies.” Yes, I kind of like alliteration for these titles. Set outside of Pigeon Forge, the girls are on a guest ranch, and yes, there is a mystery to be solved. Maybe two. I’m not sure yet.

I have written two adult books, “Aimee” and a novella in “Smoky Mountain Brides.” I enjoy writing for adults, really I do. “Aimee” is in 1895 Arizona (I know Arizona, I lived there) and “Smoky Mountain Brides” is set in northern Mississippi and Tennessee.

Like I said, I write what I know.

But writing for young girls is my true passion. Maybe because I am still a young kid at heart. Maybe because I want to make the world a more innocent place for kids. Or maybe the teacher in me wants to educate as well as entertain. Whatever my reasons, I write because it is what I love.

I have other passions in life. My faith and my family are the top two. Because of my years in education, I am passionate about advocating for kids. My selfish passion, though, is my writing. Life is so much richer if we find that interest, that job, that hobby that brings us joy or lifts our spirits..

Best wishes to you as you pursue or discover your passion. I hope it brings you as much enrichment as mine does for me.

 

I made up this recipe tonight, and my husband and I liked it.. Just in case you want to try creamy chicken noodle with vegetables soup by Pam, here’s the recipe:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, boiled in 3  cups of water until tender

1 large box chicken stock

2 cups water

2 chicken with herbs and spices bouillon cubes

1/2 package frozen mixed vegetables (I used mixed green beans, green peas, corn, and carrots)

1/2 package medium egg noodles

1 tablespoon chopped onion (optional)

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, any brand

1 cup of milk (I used 2%)

salt and papper to taste

In a saucepan, cook chicken until no longer pink, set aside (do not drain). In a large cooking pot, pour chicken stock, 2 cups of water, and 2 bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil. Add water used to cook chicken thighs (do not add chicken yet). Reduce heat to medium high. Add vegetables, onion, and egg noodles. Return to a boil and allow to cook until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream of chicken soup and add one cup of milk. Stir well. Cut up cooked chicken in small pieces and add to mixture. Reduce heat, and allow to simmer about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper, simmer five more minutes.