Incredible Clare Revell...

   Well, my dears... I don't know how, but she has done it, again. 

   Our incredible Ms. Clare has come out with yet another story to keep people like me up at night. And, oh, how it effected me! 

   I suddenly found myself in the kitchen trying my hand at "cheese salad" and "cream tea," not to mention wondering what on earth happened to...

   Well, you will just have to paddle over to LILLY'S BOOK CLUB (in its new location) to find out more. My very first spotlight in the new digs. Comments problem solved, so feel free to speak your mind. And I hear there might be a possibility for English pasties if we ask nicely, so, let's head on over...

A TITANIC IDEA...

This year marks the 100th year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. It occurred in the waning hours of April 14, 1912, and carried over into the early hours of the fifteenth, as well. Disasters on such a grand scale seem to hold a lot of fascination for the entertainment industry. Between museums, books, and even a cruise ship that will be undertaking the same route at the same time, with exactly the same amount of people on it, there will be a lot going on. So, why am I telling you all this?

The truth is, I've been getting wrapped up in one of those projects, myself. It all started when Janice Hanna Thompson, who is writing a Titanic novel titled QUEEN OF THE WAVES which will be released through Summerside Press, later this year, came up with one of the best ideas, yet. A "virtual voyage" that will begin April 10, and run all the way through the fateful days of the disaster. People are already choosing someone to represent from the original passenger lists, or a famous character out of a novel that was written about it. I have even heard that the person representing the captain, is an actual descendent. But more about all that later, dear readers, because I will be covering the event over the coming weeks, and bringing you interviews and stories of all that's happening.

Meanwhile, I thought I should open the festivities by interviewing Janice Hanna Thompson, herself, so we can find out more about this idea... 

So, hello, Janice, and welcome! First thing I just had to ask: what is it about the TITANIC that made you want to write a book against that backdrop?

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Well, I love stories that are set at the turn-of-the-century. That time period is very special to me. My book HURRICANE (about the Galveston hurricane of 1900) was one of my favorites, and it’s (in part) because of the time period. I’m also fascinated with disaster stories. When I pitched my HURRICANE story back in ’03, I wanted to do a whole series of stories built around disasters. When the offer came to write a book about the Titanic, it met my criteria for the ideal historical: a romantic story set in my favorite time period, focused on a disaster! Voila! 

A perfect match, for sure. You must have been interested in that era for a long time to have written so much about it, already.

Yes. Some might be surprised to learn that all of the historical romances I’ve written take place between 1900 and 1920. I’m just nuts about the Edwardian period. I love the clothing, the surge of industrialism, the manner of speech. I love the independent spirit that gripped America during this season. And I’m crazy about the fact that the old world and the new world merged during this era. What better time and setting to place a story? 

I agree… and you definitely won't be running out of research material any time soon. Speaking of which, have you come across any particular facts or unusual survivor stories that stand out to you more than others during your research?

A couple stand out. When I went to the Titanic museum in Branson Missouri a couple of weeks ago, I was given the boarding pass for a little girl who actually traveled on the Titanic. Her name was Manca Karun (from Slovenia) and she boarded the ship with her father and her uncle. There’s an amazing tale of her survival (climbing down the ship to the lifeboat). Miraculously, her father survived, too. 

I enjoy hearing survivor stories, especially if they have miracles attached. Just out of curiosity, do you like boats in your "real" life, too?

I love to go on cruises. Does that count? 

Definitely.

Well, I’ve always been fascinated with large ships, going back to the original Poseidon Adventure movie. There’s something about a floating palace/hotel that just gets me excited. I’ve been on multiple Caribbean cruises. My favorite was aboard the Voyager on the Royal Caribbean line. Talk about luxurious! I loved every minute, including my excursions in the various ports. I’ve also been on a Norwegian cruise liner, as well as a Princess ship. I’d love to take my whole family on a Disney cruise someday, too! 

I should also mention that my dad owned a yacht several years ago and we traveled from Dana Point to Catalina Island, in California. Had a blast! Oh, and I have a funny story about a 90-pound tuna that my dad caught aboard a fishing boat in the Bahamas when I was seventeen. Spent most of that trip battling sea-sickness!

I would love to hear those stories. I've spent a lot of time between Dana Point and Catalina, myself, and I know there's a lot that can happen in that twenty-six miles of ocean between those two points. And there's nothing like a good fish story, too. 

Janice, I know you've explained how you came up with the idea of the Titanic virtual voyage over on your blog, but I was wondering what your goal for it is, and what you would like participants to take away from it.

My primary purpose is to raise awareness about the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic (April 15^th, 2012). I want to make my readers feel that they’re actually traveling aboard the real Titanic. That’s why I asked everyone to choose a passenger name and a first, second or third-class boarding pass. 

What exactly will people be doing during the virtual voyage? Are there activities and events online that people can interact with?

Already the 135 passengers who’ve signed up are choosing their dinner attire (and bathing suits for the pool). We’re chatting about our upcoming trip non-stop! Starting April 1^st I will begin a day-by-day program of sharing with passengers where the real Titanic was on that day, what the workers were doing, where the ship was headed, etc. On the morning of April 10^th, we will all “set sail” together. I will “blow the bugle” to let people know when they can go to dinner, etc. It’s going to be great fun! We’ll talk about the menus aboard the ship, what people did for fun each day, even what the dogs were doing! Then, as we approach that fateful day when the ship struck the iceberg, we will talk through the adventure in “real” time. It should be quite an experience. (And how adventurous!)

I couldn't agree with you more, and I don't mind saying this will be my very first "virtual voyage" ever, and I will look forward to talking more with you over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, can you tell us a bit about QUEEN OF THE WAVES?

Sure! QUEEN OF THE WAVES, is my novel about the Titanic that I am currently writing. It’s a twisted tale about a young woman (Jacquie Abingdon) who, without her parents’ knowledge, convinces a friend (Tessa Bowen) to board the Titanic in her place. The story is really mostly about Tessa (pretending to be Jacquie). While onboard the Titanic she meets and falls in love with a young man who has a few secrets of his own. 

That’s all I’m willing to share at this point, but I will say that this story is quite different from my usual light-hearted romantic comedies. No funny business here! (Not much, anyway.) I think readers will really appreciate the amount of research that has gone into this story and into the details of the clothing, food and so on. I can’t wait to see the book in print!

And neither can I. It's been great visiting with you, today, Janice, and here's wishing you all the best with this exciting interactive adventure you've dreamed up to go along with it. Since I am an advocate of "armchair traveling," myself, I think it's a fabulous idea. 

There you have it, dear readers. If you would like to "sign on" for this passage, yourself, I hear there are still some names on the list that haven't been taken, yet. You can get involved by visiting:  The Queen of the Waves Group. Next Monday, I will begin interviewing passengers who already have "their tickets," so be sure to stop back by and meet them!

About Janice Hanna Thompson...

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym, Janice Hanna. She has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. In addition, she enjoys public speaking and mentoring young writers. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life. You can find out more about her by visiting

 her website.

The Courage of Linda Wood Rondeau...

Today, I'm visiting with Linda Wood Rondeau, author of: 

THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS

(see Lilly's Book Club page for my review) 

and what a woman of adventure she is, as you will shortly find out. So glad to have you here, Linda… welcome! 

Happy to be here, Lilly.

Well, let's see. One of the first things I noticed about your writing is that it was rich. Multi-layered, well-crafted, and well thought out. How did you get to this point? Have you done a lot of writing in your life? And how long have you been writing fiction?

I have been writing my whole life in some form or another. As a hobbyist I wrote newsletters, stories, and plays for our church.  On June 21, 2000, I received an unmistakable call from God to write professionally. I composed a poem called The Song of Peace* that includes a line, "there is light on the other side of darkness."

I managed to publish in anthologies, periodicals, and church papers, as well as a regular newspaper column. I received notice of my first contract on June 21, 2011 on my manuscript with the working title, Dawn's Hope. The editor, unaware of the poem I wrote eleven years before, changed the title to THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS. 

My goodness, if that wasn't a sign from heaven, I don't know what is. What made you want to write this particular story?  

I have always been intrigued with the Southern Adirondack area for it's beauty and historical importance. I also wanted to write a story about overcoming childhood trauma. 

Why is that? Are there experiences in your own childhood that contributed to this desire, maybe had some effect on who you are today? 

Well, my mother suffered from depressive symptoms...never diagnosed and never treated until late in life. She expected things from me I could not comprehend or provide. We had a troubled relationship, and I suffered from severe poor self esteem. But as I have grown in my faith, I believe God has used those childhood experiences to make me more sensitive toward others while He has affirmed me in His grace, a child He loves. I think that is why God has called me to encourage. 

Interesting that you use the word encourage, as personally, I believe one must first have a certain amount of courage before they can pass any on to others. Which you do! And I find it so interesting that THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS deals with this very theme in so many ways. How did you come up with the character Samantha Knowles, and her own particular situation?

I imagined a citified professional who becomes stranded in a secluded town, and who must confront their childhood nightmares.  Then when a friend of mine showed me pictures of her daughter's accident involving a collision with a moose, the story took shape. I wrote an outline and first chapter for the 2008 Genesis contest. After the book was listed as a finalist, I completed the manuscript, hired a professional editor, and the rest is history.

Yes, and a great example of how you seem to take such giant, courageous steps toward whatever you decide to tackle! Wonderful the way so many doors opened up for you after that. I really enjoyed reading THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS, and can see why it was a finalist in the Genesis contest. Which makes me wonder if you've ever been to any writer's conferences along the way. 

I have a fortune invested in writer's conferences. I've attended at least fifteen over the years, such as, The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, ACFW conferences, and Montrose… just to name a few. 

Do you feel they were beneficial? 

Absolutely. With each conference I gained in the knowledge of the craft, made valuable connections, and even some life-long friendships. Yes, they are worth the investment. I have never come away wishing I'd never gone. 

Well, however it came about, you sure have developed a wonderful knack for creating vivid scenes. Is that something you work especially hard at, or is it just sort of a gift? 

Thank you for the compliment. I think I am a visual person by nature. For instance, when I produce a play, I see my characters moving from place to place. I think I bring that to my writing, as well. It is as if I see a snapshot in my mind and want to recreate that scene. 

When you produce a play… good heavens, Linda, that's something I find incredibly fascinating, and would love to talk about in depth. Especially the characterization aspect. Will you come back tomorrow, so we can really enjoy ourselves, with it?

Love to Lilly, that would be a pleasure. Maybe I'll even bring a few of my favorite props with me...

The Truth About Michael Duncan...

The Truth About Michael Duncan...

This week, I'm visiting with Michael Duncan, author of: 

SHADOWS: Book of Aleth Part One 

(see Lilly's Book Club page for my review) 

He is also a man who is very dedicated to the truth. No doubt why finding the truth is the main focus of his fantastic adventure. I happen to think it's a topic we all find most important at some time, or other in our lives. So, Michael… 

How did this theme come to be so important to you, and why did you write this particular book?

Well, during a time of great suffering I was forced to the very edge of despair. To keep from going over the edge, I turned to my childhood desire to create stories and found a great catharsis in the process.  

I wrote, Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One to express through allegory the need to passionately pursue the truth. I like to write about the need for and restoration of truth.  I find that our world is filled with lies and in each strata of life, truth must be made known.

How interesting that so much of who we are in our adult years can be traced back to childhood. Can you think of any specific experience in your youth that you feel most contributed to who you are today?

On a log, bleached white by the sun, I once sat and watched a storm slowly progress through the islands until it began to approach my location.  I was amazed at the simple grandeur and awesome power of the storm as a wall of rain approached.  I knew then, there was a God.

You were on an island when that happened?

I grew up on an island. Probably why I love to visit the islands of Puget Sound in Washington State. It brings me a sense of being “home.”

So, it sounds like you've been a writer "with a calling" for a very long time then. What do you like most about that?

I love the ability to express God’s gifts of creativity and imagination.  God is not a static, sterile Creator.  To look at the wonders of the world and the universe, and the micro-universe of cellular biology and the intricacies of life itself, you must conclude that God is the God of creativity and imagination.

I agree, and it is so true. That being said, exactly what kind of readers do you write for?

I write for the hungry heart.  My readers are young and old, men and women, professional as well as the “blue-collar.”  If a person is looking for nothing more than an escapist story, they will find what they need.  But for those who seek to go deeper and find meaning in what I write, they will discover that there is a message in the midst of the story.

There definitely is, and I liked that part best. Now, just for my own curiosity, have you ever had what you would consider a divine appointment?

I’ve had many “divine appointments.”  Meeting the woman who would become my wife, connecting with the church I currently pastor, and finding my writing accepted by Harbourlight Books I would consider all divine appointments.  The most current, I believe, is connecting with Tony Marino of Alive in Christ radio network (www.aliveinchristradio.com).  We met through a social network (LinkedIn) and through an author interview he did with me, we’ve become friends and co-laborers in Christ, leading to the probability of hosting my own weekly radio program.

That is so exciting, Michael. A Definite imprint of God's "footsteps" if you ask me. And as long as we're talking about future plans, can you tell us a little about the  manuscript you're working on right now?

I’m working on three manuscripts right now—two fiction novels and one non-fiction biblical look at the church.  One of the novels is the third in my “Aleth” series.  The first book is already out and the second comes out in the summer of 2012.  The other novel is a closely guarded secret.  The third, the biblical look at the church, explores a question that I have often heard: “How do I know a good church?”

Those all sound very interesting, I'll look forward to them. I have to admit I'm especially drawn to the "closely guarded secret."  Then, again, I guess that's just human nature. Which is probably why I'm curious about something else, too. If it were possible to take a "time-travel" trip, where would you most like to go?

Evan Roberts in 1905

I would take a trip back to 1905, to the country of Wales, to listen to the preaching of Evan Roberts during the Welsh revival.

Ahh… signs of your calling, again. Considering that, I wonder what the best adventure you ever had was.

Well, after leaving the Air Force, I took two months and traveled through the western states preaching and teaching God’s word, spending time in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and a host of small towns and villages until I arrived back home in Washington. 

Truly the adventure of a lifetime. And I'm sure one that gave you a first-hand look at an amazing variety of people. So,having seen things on such a wide spectrum, what one thing would you change in the world, if you had the power to do so?

I think I would change the hatred that people have for others.

What a wonderful world that would be, too. I have to say I have really enjoyed this little opportunity to get to know you better, Michael, and I especially want to thank you for talking about so many of the things that are really important to you. What would you say to sharing a bit of a story that's close to your heart, tomorrow?

I'd love to do that, Lilly.

Wonderful. I'll look forward to it, then.

The Illusive Eddie Jones...

He is not an easy man to catch up with. In fact, I never did. However, Sonny Cay, that easy-going, one-of-a-kind, hero of

BAHAMA BREEZE 

(see Lilly's Book Club page for my review) 

agreed to share a few secrets with us that he personally knows about Eddie. Welcome, Sonny! I really appreciate you doing this. It isn't going to cause any problems for you, is it?

Well, the love of my life, Anna Fortune, once said, "Guilt is God's way of nudging us into life's guard rails so we can find our way back onto the right road." But I'm not feeling any guilt right now, so, let's go with it.

That sounds like a great way to stay out of trouble, anyway. How did you meet Eddie Jones in the first place?

Me? I always wanted to write a novel. But my English teacher suggested I peruse an alternative line of work: one that didn't involve pronouns, prepositions, or dangling participles ⎯ which at the time, I thought was a small organ attached to a frog’s intestines. Happens, I heard Eddie wrote a few books about how to write and even teaches at some well-known writers conferences. So, I made an appointment with him. And I'd have to say he's a pretty upfront guy.

I've heard that. You feel he helped you out with your novel, then?

He said, to be honest, he had to agree with my English teacher. But he was willing to work with me, which is how I got the other job.

Are you telling me even characters for novels are desperate for work these days?

You have no idea how competitive it is to get a gig during tough times. Writers aren't the easiest people to work for during good times, either. But have you looked at the unemployment numbers lately? Shameful what’s happened to the middle class. Only I’m not here to discuss our government’s economic policies, or how messed up our electoral process is: though I defiantly have some strong opinions on those issues. I thought we were here to talk about Edie Jones.

And we are. So. That's why you agreed to star in Bahama Breeze. Very interesting. Had you ever had any experience working with authors or screenwriters before?

No, but I figured it would be a great way to learn the business. Never pass up an opportunity to work with professionals, I always say. But honestly? Yeah, I needed the work. Not that I’ve made a dime off this project. But Eddie assures me the royalties will begin arriving any day. Of course, this is the same guy who earns his living by making up stuff, so I’m not holding my breath. Except when he’s hovering over my shoulder because, as it turns out, he has a really bad case of halitosis.

A little more information than we needed, there. But moving right along, when did you first discover he was going to cast you as a toilet paper salesman? Did you have any aversions to that, considering it was your debut performance?

Maybe he was looking for some common element everyone can relate to, I don't know. He doesn't tell me everything. But like I said to Anna (she's the pretty, smart one in the story, did I mention that, yet?) Hey, I got to hand it to Eddie for creating someone like her for a guy like me. She's way above my pay grade, if you know what I mean. Still, being a toilet paper salesman may not be as exciting as working for a government spy agency, like she does, but at least I’m good at what I do. Besides that, everybody needs my product. Right?

You do have a point there, Sonny, that's a different way of looking at things. 

Yeah, I'm good at that. It's the only way I could survive all the stuff Mr. Eddie Jones put me through.

Sort of ran you through a ringer, did he?

You can say that, again. Eddie Jones, like the Author of Life, put me in tough circumstances. Said it would create tension in the story and force me to mature. Well, about three quarters of the way into the book, I had a heart-to-heart with ol' Eddie, and asked if he could back off on the trials. But he just said...

Goodness, we've run out of time, already. Especially if we want to leave a bit to read the review. Will you come back tomorrow, Sonny? We haven't even talked about Eddie Jones' real secrets, yet.

That's just what I was leading up to. But I guess I could save it for tomorrow.

Wonderful. Tomorrow for part two of "The Illusive Eddie Jones," then. I should think we have enough time to chat a bit about boats, though.

Off the record?

But of course... 

The Unexpected Jayne Self (part two)...

We're back, again, with the mysteriously unexpected, Jayne Self...

(author of MURDER IN HUM HARBOR) 

ready to pick up where we left off, yesterday, when we ran out of time. Let's see, I believe we were discussing the nuances of creating characters. And I was wondering if you think up characters to fit into your plots, Jayne, or think up plots to fit your characters...

I suspect my initial ideas are plot related, although thoughts of character jump in almost immediately. I toy with both, trying to decide if they’re a good fit for each other. Sometimes they are, and the writing flows quickly. At other times I must rework and readjust. It then depends on which I’m more enamored with, the plot or the character, when I choose which stays and which moves on.

There seems to be so many more decisions involved in writing mysteries! But you must like that. What do you enjoy most about writing them?

What I enjoy most about writing mysteries is writing characters. And, it's true, I love exploring the nuances of each personality. I know this is not unique to writing mysteries, all stories are driven by character. But this genre allows me to explore people’s hurts and foibles in a way I don’t think that I would do, if I didn’t write mystery.

Hmm… more evidence that being involved with so many different people is an asset to your craft. That and having a lot of life experiences of your own. Which I'm sure you have, because I've heard you've lived in many different places, and done a lot of traveling. Looking back, which was your favorite?

Being a Canadian is an immense privilege. Canada is a wonderful country, vast, wild, beautiful. I’ve lived from Victoria, on the west coast, to our Nova Scotian cottage on the east, loving every place for its uniqueness. I feel most privileged to have lived in Labrador. That's the expansive, thinly populated region bordering north-eastern Quebec. I remain passionate about every aspect of our time there, from the isolation and natural splendor, to the cultural and life-style differences Labradorians take for granted. And outsiders would never imagine. 

Things like morning sky so pale it’s yellow. The green northern lights dancing across the night. Summer roads, and winter roads, and roads that end while the land goes on and on. Moose, wolves, and caribou… ravens, eagles, and little white ptarmigan with feathered feet. Grocery stores without milk, towns without fresh produce. Buckets of salt pork, and racks of sun dried fish. It was spectacular.

Ah, it sounds like you have the heart of an adventurer, too. A lot of those things would scare the socks off most people. And so would performing in public, which I understand you are also very good at. Especially music. What kind of music are you involved in?

 Whether I’m awake or asleep, there is always music running through my head. I listen to and enjoy almost all styles, but as I grow older, I admit loud, rambunctious music has less appeal. Music is an integral part of my worship. It is a gift I give back to the Lord. Because of that I have been involved in choirs, choral groups and solo vocals for –yikes!—fifty years.

Don't worry, we won't go there. How about telling what manuscript you're working on right now?

 I have just finished Death of Highland Heavyweight, my next Seaglass Mystery for Harbourlight Books. I’m not sure what comes next. I have a few unfinished projects on my computer right now. Any suggestions?

Personally, I favor the fisher-folk, as their children are absolutely amazing, and they are always being stretched to their limits. Whether by the economy, or the weather, or all the crazy regulations they have to abide by. But I'm sure whatever characters you come up with will be as intriguing as the others, simply because you are such a character, yourself. Which brings me to the subject of that video about yourself that I so enjoyed. 

Yes, I enjoy that every time I see it. It's where I first realized how pleasantly unexpected you are, Jayne, and immediately wanted to get to know you better. Which I'm sure others will, too. So, do you happen to have a newsletter? If so, how often do you send it out and what do you write about?

Do I have a newsletter? Oh, the guilt, the guilt! I know I should. And I’m working on it, really I am. But right now blogging over at www.JayneSelf.com is the best I’ve managed. People can definitely catch up with me there.

Well, I will be looking in on you over there, for sure, because it's been a real pleasure visiting with you, this week, Jayne, and I hope you'll come back often.

Thank you, Lilly,  and God Bless!