Kathy Tyers: Interview

I recently interviewed Kathy Tyers, who is the author of several science fiction books. Her Firebird trilogy is being re-released as a one-volume special annotated edition by Marcher Lord Press in April.

CFBR: Have you always been a fan of speculative fiction?

Kathy Tyers: I first read SF as a fifth grader, browsing the junior high section of the Dana Branch Public Library in Long Beach, California. I read Ben Bova’s The Star Conquerors and was hooked! And one of my friends gave me a copy of Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time that summer. I didn’t know exactly what that book was—I didn’t think it was science fiction, since there weren’t any rocket ships—but I loved that too.

CFBR: You have a degree in microbiology. So what led you to write fiction?
Kathy Tyers: I’ve always been a reader. To me, getting carried away reading a good book was the finest of pleasures. I even wrote some little books as a young child, stapled them together along the left side and drew my own cover art. When my son was two years old and I wanted to do something “just for Kathy” during his naptimes, I started writing a Star Wars fanfiction novel … just for fun … and found myself hooked again by writing.

CFBR: When you wrote Firebird, did you always intend for it to be part of a series?
Kathy Tyers: I think I always knew she wasn’t the kind of person to peacefully “live happily ever after.” I liked her—and Brennen—well enough to want to know what adventure came next.

CFBR: You have a new edition of the Firebird trilogy coming out with Marcher Lord Press this year. For those of us who own the one published through Bethany House, what will be different about this new edition?
Kathy Tyers: The new edition will include beautiful maps, adapted by the gifted Jamie Upschulte from my hand-drawn originals. It also features annotation notes throughout: comments on word origins, bits of music that inspired me while drafting certain passages—and lots of writing-craft remarks, since I’m also a teacher (I mentor apprentices through the Christian Writers Guild). It’s second nature, for example, to point out my own struggles with the process of “how much information to reveal at what part of the story.” Crown of Fire also got a significant copy-edit. It was originally written and published almost simultaneously with my second Star Wars novel, and with two deadlines looming I simply ran out of time to give Crown a loving, careful last look. I’ve learned a bit about dancing in the last year, too—so there are some slight but satisfying changes in the choreography of Esme’s ball. Oh – and the cover art is (IMO) spectacular.

CFBR: Can you tell us a little bit about the two new novels that you will have published over the next two years?
Kathy Tyers: Wind and Shadow was written in partial fulfillment of my Master’s degree in Christianity and the Arts at Regent College in Vancouver BC. It’s more theological than the first three novels, since I was a theology student when I wrote it! WS skips ahead to the saga’s next generation, and it introduces a new cast of characters. For those who have wanted to know what Kiel and Kinnor would be like as they reach adulthood—here it is! The final Firebird novel—Daystar—will finish the series by introducing one more generation. Our Heroes have starring roles, though! I enjoy writing “older” characters, showing that the adventures in life don’t end when we hit thirty. Or even fifty.

CFBR: Marcher Lord Press is a rather unique publisher. How has it been different working with them as opposed to working with the more “traditional” publishing houses?
Kathy Tyers: I’ve enjoyed both experiences. Since MLP is an independent house, the feeling is particularly close and friendly—not just with editor/publisher Jeff Gerke, but also with other MLP authors.

CFBR: One of the challenges of writing science fiction is coming up with and keeping track of various worlds, technologies, ships, etc. How do you deal with this?
Kathy Tyers: I have a fat looseleaf notebook full of notes on topics ranging from “Sentinel Families and history” to “word derivations.” I drew on that notebook for many of the annotations, maps, and charts that will appear in The Annotated Firebird.

CFBR: Are you more of a plot-driven writer, or a character-driven writer?
Kathy Tyers: I consider myself character-driven, since I believe that strong Point of View creates a story that’s satisfying for both the writer and the reader. I plot thoroughly, though, before I write anything. The exception was Wind and Shadow. I simply sat down and started writing that at the beginning. About 1/3 of the way through, with all three main characters (Kiel, Kinnor, and a love interest for one of them [enough spoilers for now!])in mortal danger, I stopped and outlined a possible plot for the rest of the novel. Working with three main characters made it a more complex novel—and I wasn’t sure which, if any, of the three would survive.

CFBR: Do you have a specific “message” in mind for each book, or does it develop during the writing process?
Kathy Tyers: I find purely message-driven fiction (in my hands, anyway) too sermonic. My job is to tell a good story. After finishing the first draft, a book’s main theme often becomes clear. During the second draft (and successive drafts—I take much longer to self-edit a book than to write it) I make a fairly conscious effort to bring the theme forward. Never at the expense of the story, though.

CFBR: It’s been suggested that speculative fiction (fantasy, s/f, etc.) are not appropriate genres for Christians to write. What is your response?
Kathy Tyers: My studies at Regent College pretty much put that suggestion to rest. Let me recommend the fine books on the topic of Christianity and the Imagination by Dorothy L. Sayers, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Maxine Hancock, Jeremy Begbie, Madeleine L’Engle, James L. Sire and others –these people say it better than I could. Roughly quoting Sayers, my standard answer is that we are created in the image of a creative God, and so we are never more truly ourselves—nor more truly living in His image—than when we are engaged in creativity. I strongly believe that includes the big what-if questions of speculative fiction. Paraphrasing again—C.S. Lewis, this time—what we are will come through in our writing whether or not we consciously try to put it there. Lewis wrote extensively about sehnsucht, the longing for an unseen world that God put in our hearts. The true fulfillment of that longing will only happen in God’s presence—but we can explore aspects of that longing, along with other deep hopes and fears, in speculative fiction.

CFBR: What are some of the speculative fiction titles that you have enjoyed enough to read over and over?
Kathy Tyers: Lord of the Rings, of course. More times than I care to confess. Lois McMaster Bujold’s Miles Vorkosigan novels. C.S. Lewis’s deep space trilogy and Narnia Chronicles. Karen Hancock’s Guardian King series and Zenna Henderson’s stories of the People.

CFBR: What advice would you give to Christian authors who want to write science fiction?
Kathy Tyers: Respect your readers. Everything else is part of that, including good research. For example, if you’re going to write about an evolutionary biologist, then find out what they really believe, how they talk, what they do during the day, and what their personal (and research) goals truly are. Never write a character who’s a two-dimensional doof, but be fair to all viewpoints. Read as widely as you can within your field. Yes, it’s impossible to keep up with what’s being published these days—but do read some of the books your readers will be familiar with. It’ll refresh your mind, suggest new ideas, and give you something to talk about when you get together with your own readers. Finally, just as with any profession, keep your writing in perspective. Your relationships with God and your family come first.

CFBR: Do you prefer to write with music playing, or with only quiet?
Kathy Tyers: Since I’m a musician, music has a deep effect on me. The right music can help propel me through the difficult process of writing a rough draft by setting just the right mood. I need quiet when I edit, though, to make sure the emotions I’m feeling come from what’s on the page—not the background music.

CFBR: Thank-you for the interview Kathy! I’m looking forward to reading the annotated edition of the trilogy as well as the next two novels in the series!

For more information about the release of Kathy’s books visit her website or Marcher Lord Press.


Kathy Tyer books at Amazon

Chris Fabry: Mystery, Drama

CHRIS FABRY
Mystery, Drama, Supernatural, Inspirational



This fall and winter, I have been blessed to read many good books and some of them I would even put in the “great” category. In the previous months, I had slogged through quite a few books with predictable plots and lackluster characters so coming across these engaging books has renewed and refreshed my love of reading.

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry would definitely be in the “great” category. I had never read any of Mr. Fabry’s work before but after reading Almost Heaven, I quickly downloaded his books June Bug and Dogwood too.

Almost Heaven is about Billy Allman, a man with deep roots in Dogwood, West Virginia. The story starts by highlighting some very formative events in his boyhood and teen years. Interspersed throughout the story is a narrative from his guardian angel, Malachi. He begins by explaining his role in serving God and the joy and contentment he feels when engaged in a mighty battle for Him. Upon being assigned to Billy’s case, he says, “However, spotting this young boy sleeping and looking into his face, I am ashamed to say that I felt such disappointment. Letdown. I expected to see a cherubic lad, the tousled hair of aristocracy, a diamond in the rough. Instead, I found an unattractive hill child sleeping soundly, his covers askew, an old mandolin next to his head. I couldn’t help but stare at him and wonder. A bulbous nose, his eyes deep set, and an almost-Neanderthal forehead. For his age, his hands seemed large and his arms gangly. I know the humans grow in fits and spurts throughout their youth, but I couldn’t help but wonder, why this child? Why this plain and ordinary dwelling?”

As he matures, Billy discovers he has a great gift for playing the mandolin and even travels with a bluegrass, gospel group. The books then quickly moves ahead to his adulthood which leaves the reader with many unanswered questions that are answered later.

As an adult, Billy grows into a loving and faithful son, friend and servant of the Lord. Through many trials, his faith is tested but he remains faithful to Jesus. Most Christian books have characters that have lost their faith because of one trial or another and are working through bitterness toward God. One of the most endearing and refreshing aspects of this story and of Billy’s character is the horrible trials he endured only made him more humble and tender before the Lord.

Eventually, Billy decides to start his own bluegrass, gospel radio station. He uses this opportunity to encourage and minister to people in his region and many are deeply touched. One person he befriends is his mail carrier, Callie. It is soon apparent that she loves Billy but he seems strangely detached and afraid of intimacy. This storyline is intriguing and exciting.

He also meets a young listener, Natalie, affectionately called June Bug. He gives June Bug the opportunity to have her own radio show and you see how their relationship ministers to the needs of both of them.

There are many exciting twists and turns, and some heavy issues, such as suicide, sexual abuse and dementia, are explored with discretion and sensitivity. This was one of those reading experiences where I could not wait until I could sit down with my book to read more.

When Billy’s angel is assigned somewhere else, he says, “What I have witnessed in the life of Billy Allman is a humility unmatched. With all of the pushing and shoving to get to the place of honor at life’s table, to see a man so connected to his work and to the Almighty is a wondrous thing. And yet the man has flaws. He is not a saint. Some believe God chooses the best people to follow Him, ones with fewest flaws, who can do wondrous things for Him. But I have seen the truth of the words written long ago fulfilled. In this case, God did not choose the most wise or powerful or wealthy. Instead, He chose a person the world considered foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose the powerless and despised, a person counted as nothing, and used him again and again.”


Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy



Chris Fabry Books at AMAZON

Author Interview: Jessie Mae Hodsdon

CFBR: How old were you when you started writing Issym?    

JMH: I came up with the idea for Issym the summer after I turned fourteen. Almost immediately I began to draft it.    

CFBR: What inspired you to write Christian fiction for the fantasy genre?  

JMH: I enjoy reading and writing in a variety of genres. In fact, when I started writing Issym I had to put down a book I was working on in the science fiction genre. I wrote fantasy for my first book simply because that was the story I was passionate about and completed first. I hope to offer a variety of styles in the future. As far as the Christian genre, I am a Christian and it would be impossible for me to leave the biggest aspect of my life out of my writing. I think it is the most important part of all life and books are no exception.

CFBR: What was the process of trying to find a publisher for Issym like?  

JMH: I did some research through the internet and one very helpful book on what publishers expect. Then I purchased a list of all the major publishers, looked for the companies that would accept manuscripts without receiving them from an agent and searched for what types of books they were interested in. I did specific research about the companies and tried to adhere to their guidelines. I learned to write a query letter, an entirely different form of writing, and had several people look it over. Then I sent it in.

Looking for Christian publishers was very disheartening.   There were not many companies, less that would take work without an agent, and even fewer that would touch fantasy. The ones that would look at it seemed to have their open slots for the genre filled up very quickly. In my experience the market for Christian fantasy is big and the volume of authors and books is also large. It is the publishers that are in short supply.

CFBR: Why did you decide to start Rebirth Publishing?   

JMH: The concept of forming a publishing company at seventeen scared me away for a long time. As supportive as the people around me were, forming a company is a big step and is not one to be entered into lightly. I had to be sure before I asked people to invest their time, energy and money in it. That was why I first sought out a traditional publisher.

As I did the research on the publishing world, the companies and books that existed and what my market audience (pre-teens, teens and young adults) was reading I became very sad. The filth that seemed to fill the shelves of the teenage literature section was appalling and God gave me a heart to change it. He picked me to give a just-as-exciting alternative and to ask Christian families to put down the trash.

That was no easy calling. I understood the basics of just how hard it would be. It took me a while to convince myself and other people, but Rebirth Publishing was formed in October of 2009 by the grace of God. I am glad it was.

CFBR: You have a new book coming out in November. Can you tell us a little about it?    

JMH: Issym’s sequel, Asandra, Book Two of the Xsardis Chronicles, will be released next month. Issym took place on the continent of Issym. This second book will take place on Asandra so there is a fairly different cast. But Issym’s three main characters will be back. The continent of Asandra is made up of Rachel’s imagination so there will be new creatures and a new environment and, of course, a new struggle but with an old enemy—Sasha the shape shifter.

I was fourteen when I wrote Issym. I was seventeen when I wrote Asandra. I now have a better idea of writing, where I want to go and how to get there. I think this book offers the same clean fun and adventure of Issym in an even more enjoyable way!

CFBR: Did you always intend for Issym to be the beginning of a series?   

JMH: When I started writing Issym all I wanted was to pick up a cool hobby. It was never even supposed to be finished, but when I went back and added the introduction to the book I fell in love with the world I had created. As the book came to a close, my mind just kept imagining and before I knew it I had the plot for both the second and third books. I was writing the sequel before the editing had been finished on the first. My characters just wouldn’t leave me alone.

CFBR: There is sometimes debate over whether Christians should be writing fiction in the fantasy/science fiction genre. What do you think?    

JMH: One of the biggest initial struggles I faced was getting the Christian community to understand why I was writing fantasy. It does seem to have a bad connotation and I understand why. As believers we must hold ourselves to a high standard of purity and keeping away from the occult. Fantasy in people’s minds often has a link to impurity and the occult.

Paul says in 1st Corinthians 8:13, “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” In an effort not to cause my brothers to fall, I have completely removed the use of magic from my book. ‘Special powers’ such as the ability to shape shift are not ‘magical’ but just the way God made the creatures. God and His power are paramount in my novel, not man’s capabilities. Personally, I do not have a problem with non-spell-driven magic, but I am careful to keep my books clean for readers of all ages—something I have instilled in my company. I hope this allows a broader audience to enjoy and feel comfortable with the content of my books.

CFBR: What advice would you give to young aspiring authors?    

JMH: Write! Don’t be afraid of how the sentence sounds or letting people read it. Just write. Write everyday if you can, because it helps build yours skills.  If you read something you like, stop and think about why you like it and see if you can plug it into your writing. Watch your friends. What things about them make them special?

Anything is possible! You are never too young to pursue your dreams!

Visit the website to order Issym and to keep up with latest news about the upcoming release of Asandra.

Interviewer: Teisha Priest

Brenda Novak Giveaway

Hi everyone,

2011 is shaping up to be a great year, and we're going to start it off with a bang! Brenda Novak will be with us through the month of February, and at the end of the month, we will hold a drawing for her Heat trilogy-- plus a tote bag! All you need to do to enter, is leave a comment on this article.

We will also be having more book reviews, free book listings on Kindle, and more. Stay tuned.

Grace and Peace

John Hileman

Managing Editor

ChristianFictionBookReviews.com

C.S Lakin: Fantasy

The Map Across Time is the second book in the Gates of Heaven Series. When I received this book, I was a little hesitant about it since I have never been very interested in the fairy tale genre. But any misgivings I had quickly gave way to pure enjoyment as I began reading.

The book begins with Reya, the nursemaid, leading Adin and Aletha, young twins-- and the Prince and Princess of the Kingdom of Sherbourne-- to their mother’s deathbed. While Aletha is strong and confident, Adin has some congenital deformities and is physically weak. Evil has been steadily encroaching on this kingdom and family.

After being told of their mother’s death, a stranger meets them in their grief and reassures them that she is not truly dead but lives and they will see her again. Several years later, when they are young adults and their kingdom and family is deteriorating under the curse, Adin is lead to a map that will take him back in time to discover when and how this curse originated against the kingdom and to stop it.

There are so many delightful aspects to this book, I’ve decided to list them:

1) The characters were well-developed and likeable. While some of them were mysterious, none of them turned out to be duplicitous-- which was refreshing.

2) Lakin’s descriptive style sparked my imagination making sounds, smells and sights come alive.

3) The plot moved along nicely and hooked me immediately. The implications of time travel were compelling and thought-provoking, and the classic depiction of good vs. evil, with good winning in the end, is comfortingly inspirational. Though it is not overtly Christian, an experienced reader of the Bible will recognize themes and proverbs.

4) While there are appropriate times for nebulous endings, I am thankful this wasn’t one of them-- since the author tied up all the loose ends nicely.

At the risk of sounding too simplistic, this was an extremely fun reading experience. I know I am not the only one to have shied away from fantasy, and if that is you, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new!


Reviewer: Lisa Norsworthy



Check out books by C.S. Lakin at Amazon:

Day two of the CSFF blog tour

I mentioned in my last post, that I don't like Fairy Tales. I meant to say Fables. I don't mind fairies, goblins, trolls, and such, it's just the far fetched "moon and sun being people" thing I don't care for so much.

The basic story is this. Joran is a young man growing up in an out of the way village, where nothing out of the ordinary happens- except Joran speaks with animals. It is a peculiar gift, mostly responsible for why he works as a blacksmith. Hearing complaints while shoeing an irritable horse now and then is preferable to hearing fish beg for their lives. The detail Lakin uses to describe this gift and its effects on Joran is just one of many ways she brings her world to life. Lakin makes it easy for the reader to feel what Joran feels, like for instance, his lonliness. Though he was raised by a loving family, and is surrounded by kind people, Joran still feels out of place. Lakin informs the reader that all of Joran's brothers were strong and burly, and he is thin and lean, with long spindly fingers. These physical differences make it easy to see how Joran, though loved, feels like an outsider.

Joran lives a simple life as a blacksmith, and is married to a beautiful weaver named Charris. From the start of the story Charris is absent from Joran's life, except in his dreams. And, as the puzzle comes together, we find that Charris betrayed her husband, and he sent her away secretly. It is all basically cut and dry-- save for the messy matter of the local witch, who claims Joran locked Charris away in his dreams, and the only way he can save her is to travel to the end of the world and speak to the moon-- yup ... that's where I yawned a little bit.

Joran heads off into the wild and picks up a faithful wolf companion named Ruyah, in a sort of "mouse pulls the thorn from the lion's paw" kind of way. Together they travel on a twisting adventure full of philosophy and whimsy, and deep emotional turmoil. I would give more detail, but I'm afraid anything I say would ruin the story.

There are many Christian elements throughout, including a nice story of redemption. If you enjoy Fables, you won't be disappointed with this one.

Day one CSFF Blog Tour

I'm going to be honest right out of the gate-- I don't like fairy tales. I know that coming from a guy who reads only fiction, this may come as a shock, but I'm not big on the moon being a person one moment, and a celestial body the next. That being said, I absolutely adore C.S. Lakin's writing style. She could write a Wendys menu, and I would be enthralled.

While this story is not my cup of tea, Lakin keeps me hungering for each line, like a starving chiwawa on a pig bone. Her use of the English language is nothing less then magical. She clearly loves what she does, and it shows with each masterfully constructed sentence.

Tune in tomorrow, and I'll give you my take on the story.

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Here are some other websites you can visit to hear about The Wolf of Tebron.

Noah Arsenault
Amy Bissell
Red Bissell
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
D. G. D. Davidson
April Erwin
Andrea Graham
Nikole Hahn
Katie Hart
Ryan Heart
Bruce Hennigan
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Dawn King
Shannon McDermott
Matt Mikalatos
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
John W. Otte
Chawna Schroeder
Tammy Shelnut
Kathleen Smith
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler

This weeks winner!

This week's amazing book giveaway video ... I mean it this time ... Amazing ... CLICK HERE!

We'll see you after the New Year for a three book giveaway from Jan Karon plus a Tote Bag.


Happy Reading!

John Hileman
Managing Editor
CFBR

CSFF Blog Tour: Day Three

Being that this is the third and final day of the blog tour for The Charlatan's Boy, by Jonathan Rogers, I'd like to finish by talking about the writing. It is not a coincidence that this novel captures the imagination from the first paragraph. Jonathan Rogers understands the principles of good writing.

Narrative voice is the bedrock on which all other elements sit. With a good narrator, you can describe the insides of a Driver Motor Vehicles building, and still keep the readers attention. A good narrator has a distinct speech pattern, and a unique perspective. In the Charlatan's Boy, the narrator is Grady. His simple southern charm and unique outlook on life, captures the reader's attention from line one. But, Jonathan Rogers doesn't stop at just having a great narrator; he makes sure to put a hook on the first page. The young orphan Grady wants to know where he came from, but the only person who can tell him is a man who makes his living lying to people. This wonderfully interesting hook is made more interesting by the introspection of the narrator, who rightly points out that no one truly knows where they were born. We have no choice but to trust someone else to tell us. And, this insight is what launches the story.

With the narrative voice and hook taken care of, Jonathan Rogers proceeds to develop the main characters. Floyd is a traveling con-man who doesn't really have any qualities of value, but seen through the eyes of the young orphan, Grady, who doesn't have any other father figure to measure Floyd against, we manage to see a glimpse of something special. There are a host of other characters, from rowdy cowboys, to assorted side show entertainers. Jonathan Rogers is a master craftsman who never loses focus of the narrative voice, as he describes one interesting character after the next-- all through the unique perspective of young Grady.

The Charlatan's Boy begins strong, and end strong, with a wonderfully entertaining, and sometimes touching string of events. I highly recommend this for all ages. If you're looking for a book to read with your family, you will love this book.

 

CSFF Blog Tour: Day Two

You're probably wondering what a Feechie is. Okay ... maybe you're not. I'm sure the only reason you never once thought about what a Feechie is, is because-- quite frankly-- you've never heard of one. But if you had heard of one, you'd definitely be wondering-- that is, of course, if no one told you what they were when they first told you they existed at all.

Feechies are the mythical residents of the Feechiefen Swamp, sort of like marionettes without strings, climbing from treetop to treetop draped in animal skin furs, and armed with spears and bows. They are a fierce, wild, ugly group of rail thin midgets-- not the kind of creature any civilizer would won't to be like, or look like-- except one civilizer that is.

Grady is a wonderfully ugly orphan with one blue eye and one green, and a chin so weak you can't rightly tell where his lip ends and his neck begins. And for Grady, there is nothing more right in the world than playing the part of a crazed Feechie boy. He likes thinking he's a Feechie, because being a Feechie is a whole lot more exciting than being an ugly boy whose parents didn't want him.

For the longest time, Grady has played the part of the Wild Feechie Boy of Feechiefen Swamp, but folks has stopped believing in Feechies. And now Floyd's forced to try other trickery to make a living. Unfortunately, this new trickery doesn't set well with Grady. He doesn't like tricking people. He liked it best when he was giving the crowds something of value: a real magical event like nothing they'd ever seen before.


Tune in tomorrow for the last installment of this months blog tour.

CSFF blog tour: Day One

If you like to read ... this book is for you. Seriously. This book is for everyone. I received a copy of The Charlatan's Boy, as part of the Christian Science Fiction Fantasy Blog Tour, and after reading the first four paragraphs, I knew I had to read this book to my family. The colorful language and clear narrative style, captured my imagination from the first line.

Each night-- as we were able-- my wife and two children (ages 11 and 14), found a comfy place to relax, and I read two chapters from this wonderful book. It was a quirky, fun fill adventure we will cherish for some time.

The best way to introduce you to the The Charlatan's Boy is through the words of Jonathan Rogers. Here is how it begins ...

"I don't remember one thing about the day I was born. It hasn't been for lack of trying either. I've set for hours trying to go back as far as I could, but the earliest thing I remember is riding in the back of Floyd's wagon and looking at myself in a looking glass.


I've run across folks claim they know everything about their birthday--where it happened, who they was with, what day it was. But if you really press them on it, turns out they don't remember no more about it than I do. They only know what somebody told them.


I don't care who you are-- when it comes to knowing where you come from, you got to take somebody else's word for it. That's where things has always got ticklish for me. I only know one man who might be able to tell me where I come from, and that man is a liar and a fraud."

You're hooked, aren't you!! Now go buy the book! I'll write more about it tomorrow.


Regards,

John Hileman

Lyn Cote: Historical Romance

CFBR: Thanks for joining us Lyn. Tell us a little about "Her Healing Ways".


It's a Love Inspired Historical, the final in Gabriel Sisters series about three Quaker sisters who fight injustice and find true love in the wake of the Civil War.


ISBN-13: 978-0373828494
Back cover:
Unconventional. Unafraid. Unwelcome. A female physician with an adopted black daughter? The townsfolk of Idaho Bend will never accept Dr. Mercy Gabriel—even when faced with a deadly cholera epidemic. But all Mercy needs is one man willing to listen…and to trust.
Four years of war command turned Lon Mackey into a footloose gambler who can't abide attachments. Yet he can't help getting riled by the threats Mercy keeps receiving. Her trailblazing courage could reignite his faith and humanity. And his loyalty could make her dream—for the first time—of a family of her own….


CFBR: Do you use real people to model your characters?


Not really. Each character becomes a person in their own right. I might use a trait or quirk I've noticed in someone but just that not anything else from that person.


CFBR: How does your walk with Christ influence your writing?


I think the two are so intertwined that they are inseparable. Writing is my gift of service. I like the fact that my books go over the world. I'm a worldwide missionary from my desk!


CFBR: Does being published by Love Inspired help you in your promotional efforts?


Harlequin is THE NAME in romance and they promote our books worldwide. Also they have excellent distribution. Their books always get into Walmart. And that's important since nearly ½ of all paperbacks in the US are sold in Walmart!


CFBR: Aside from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My family. I love my husband and children. Oh, and our cats!

CFBR: What is coming up next, Lyn?

Right now I'm finishing up the final book in my "New Friends Street" series for Love Inspired romance. The series is set in my home state of Wisconsin and features three stories about three Habitat for Humanity houses being built on New Friends Street for three families in the making! The first in the series, Shelter of Hope, was released this September and the next two, Daddy in the Making and Building a Family will be released in 2011. Drop by my website http://www.LynCote.net for a printable book list and information about all my books.
I'm also going to be doing something special on my blog http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com in January. I'm going to be posting my very first manuscript, LaBelle Christiane, in serial form weekly in the new year. Drop by my blog this coming Tuesday December 7th to learn more about it!