A Cup of Faith

photo fun!!

2012-01-24T12:54:00.001-05:00

I met the wonderful ladies pictured here last year at a meeting of the Cyntheanne Book Club. We spent a lovely evening together talking books and publishing. They sent this photo holding my latest release An Inconvenient Match.

Standing: Jo Ann Neff, Nancy Snow, Dixie Essex, LoisVining, and Anne West
Seated are: Kat Lepper and Tina Wiseman

As you can see, they found my story riveting! :-) Thanks, gals, for your support and for your sense of humor. Readers are the best!!! Miss you!

Blessings,
Janet

For a chance to win my new book

2012-01-21T07:55:00.001-05:00

Joinme at Petticoats and Pistols today, Saturday January 21. We’re talking dating woes. J Leave a comment for a chanceto win a copy of my January release, AnInconvenient Match. Hope to see you there!

Here's the link:

http://petticoatsandpistols.com

Blessings,

Janet

2012-01-17T13:47:00.001-05:00

Wade Cummings, the hero of An Inconvenient Match is at Harlequin today. Use the following link to learn more about Wade.

http://community.harlequin.com/content/hero-interview-inconvenient-match-janet-dean

He's a great guy. My only complaint--he doesn't read fiction. Ah, don't tell him, but he is fiction. LOL

Had to share the fun photo reader Lois sent me of finding my book on the shelves while she was in Florida. She and my heroine's sister in An Inconvenient Match share the same first name. Hope you enjoy the story, Lois!

Blessings,
Janet

For a chance to win a copy of An Inconvenient Match

2012-01-09T18:44:00.002-05:00

For a chance to win my January release, An Inconvenient Match, stop in at Margaret Daley's blog this week http://www.margaretdaley.com/margarets-blog/ and leave a comment. Hope to see you there!

Please don't leave a comment here.

Blessings,
Janet

We have a winner! Congratulations Karen K!

2012-01-02T13:09:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!! Hope 2012 is a healthy, happy year for you and yours!

Do you make resolutions? I always do but I'm behind this year. That suggests one resolution. :-)

Blessings,
Janet

For a chance to win An Inconvenient Match

2011-12-12T10:52:00.004-05:00

I'm very excited that my next Love Inspired Historical, An Inconvenient Match, will release in less than a month! With deadlines, the busyness of life and preparations for Christmas, I'm late getting the word out. If you're interested in my book, leave a comment by December 16 for a chance to win an autographed copy.

Here's a peek at An Inconvenient Match:

His family destroyed hers. But Wade Cummings's job offer—to care for his recuperating father—is impossible to decline. Schoolteacher Abigail Wilson can swallow her pride for the sake of a summer paycheck that will help her sister. And when Abigail's employment ends, old loyalties will separate the feuding families once more.

If there's anyone in town stubborn enough to deal with Wade's cantankerous father, it's Abigail. It's just a business arrangement—and a temporary one, at that. Her good opinion shouldn't matter a lick to Wade. Yet their different backgrounds belie a surprising kinship. Perhaps unexpected love will be their reward for the summer's inconvenient match.

Blessings,

Janet

Love Inspired Historical Pitch contest in Seekerville

2011-10-20T09:25:00.003-05:00

If you're a writer and considering targeting Love Inspired Historical, here's a terrific opportunity to pitch your story to Assistant Editor Emily Rodmell. Visit Seekerville for the rules.

If you're a reader, leave a comment in Seekerville for a chance to win several copies of Love Inspired Historical authors, including my Wanted: A Family, as well as weekly gift card prizes and the grand monthly prize of a netbook.

Do not leave a comment here. You need to visit:

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Blessings, Janet

A fun evening at Cyntheanne Christian Church in Noblesville, IN

2011-10-13T11:02:00.011-05:00

A huge thanks to Lois Vining and Kat Lepper for inviting me to speak at Cyntheanne Christian Church! I spent a lovely evening talking about writing and my books, even signing copies for those in attendance. Nancy Snow organized a fabulous buffet of food prepared by members of Charity Circle, the ladies' group at the church.

Pictured are Nancy, Janet, Lois and Kat.

I always enjoy meeting readers. Everyone made me feel very welcome, even special like a celebrity. :-) Naturally I had a wonderful time! I hope I get an opportunity to return to share with this group again.

In the photo on the right, I'm with Lois and her sister Trish Riley.

Cyntheanne Christian Church members impressed me as a very warm, loving group. If you're in the area, visit one Sunday. They'll make you feel right at home.

Blessings, Janet

Prizes for readers, opportunties for writers!!!

2011-10-09T10:14:00.003-05:00

If you're a writer and interested in publishing with Love Inspired, click the link below for a query letter contest judged by Senior Editor Melissa Endlich.

http://seekerville.blogspot.com/p/seekerville-love-inspired-read-me-query.html

Enter your one-page query letter and the last page of an unpublished and completed manuscript targeted at Love Inspired, Love Inspired Historical or Love Inspired Suspense. Deadline is Monday October 10 at Midnight. The top five finalists will then go to Love Inspired Senior Editor Melissa Endlich for judging. The winner will be announced on December 4, 2011 in Seekerville's Weekend Edition. The winner will have an opportunity to avoid the slush pile and submit their first three chapters and synopsis to by snail mail.

And best of all this contest is kind to your budget. It's FREE!!

Also don't miss Seekerville's birthday month with prizes galore! Free books, gift cards, a huge grand prize at the end of the month. Stop each day in October and leave a comment for a chance to win daily, weekly and the grand prize!

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

The Seekers have moved from Unpubbed Island to the village of Seekerville. As curator of the Historical museum, I'll be giving a cyber tour Monday, October 10. Stop in for a chance to win all four of my titles, Courting Miss Adelaide, Courting the Doctor's Daughter, The Substitute Bride and Wanted: A Family.
Blessings, Janet

Last day for a chance to win a Kindle with 14 eBooks!

2011-09-30T09:29:00.002-05:00

My good friend and Seeker sister, Pam Hillman is giving away a Kindle loaded with 14 eBooks, one of which is my book Courting Miss Adelaide. For a chance to win visit:

www.pamhillman.blogspot.com

Click on the cover of Stealing Jake, Pam's debut for the link to enter. Today is the last day of the contest!

Blessings,
Janet

For a chance to win...

2011-08-17T13:54:00.001-05:00

I’m posting on the list of things that bug me in my manuscript, especially when they’re overdone. I try to kill those bugaboos in revisions. Stop in at Seekerville and share in the fun. Leave a comment for a chance to win Beginnings, Middles & Ends by Nancy Kress or Wanted: A Family, my March release. Winners choice.

www.seekerville.net

Thanks! Hope to see you there!

Blessings,
Janet

Two chances to win Wanted: A Family

2011-06-12T15:49:00.003-05:00

I'm at Seekerville Monday, June 13, talking about tips for writing novellas. Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win my March release, Wanted: A Family.

http://www.seekerville.net/

Also stop in Monday, June 13 at birthday bash for The Book Club Network for another chance to win Wanted: A Family and lots of other prizes, even a Kindle. Use the link below to sign up to enter.

http://www.bookfun.org/group/officialtbcnpartyspot

Hope to see you there!!

Blessings,
Janet

Party-time in Seekerville!!!!

2011-05-23T08:33:00.002-05:00

Six years ago fifteen unpublished inspirational writers banded together to support each other and to pray each other into publication. From this we formed Seekerville, a Web site devoted to helping other writers reach their dream.

Over the years, one by one the Seekers have left for the mainland. Today filled with gratitude, we're celebrating Pam Hillman's sale, the last Seeker to escape Unpubbed Island!!!

For chances to win a host of prizes, join the fun and leave a comment at:

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Blessings,
Janet

Seekerville Kindle and book giveaway at Novak Diabetes Auction

2011-04-27T07:25:00.004-05:00

I'm excited to participate in Brenda Novak's May fundraiser for diabetes. An important cause and a great opportunity to get wonderful books, gifts and tickets!

I'm part of Seekerville's giveaway that includes a Kindle and the books on the left. I donated an autographed copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter and Wanted: A Family. Some of the Seeker's books are paperbacks, some are eBooks, but all are great reads!

Here's the link to register and bid when the auction opens May 1: http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2168958

I'm also donating another autographed copy of these books for the Love Inspired Authors' donation. http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com Scroll down to find Love Inspired Authors to click to see what we're donating for the auction.

The auction runs the entire month of May. Successful bids can be paid using Paypal. Don't miss out!

Blessings,
Janet

Spring is in bloom

2011-04-25T13:35:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I missed wishing you a blessed Easter. I hope your weekend was special! We enjoyed friends, family, dyeing eggs with grandkids and meaningful church services Good Friday evening and Easter morning. Praising God for His Son and the beauty of His world! The birds are singing. The days are longer. Our spring flowers, trees and bushes are loving the rain and cool weather. Everything in our neighborhood is either green, budding or blooming. Daffodils, hyacinths, forsythia, creeping phlox, bleeding heart, ornamental fruit trees, magnolia bushes are splashes of color, eye candy for those weary of winter. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Janet

Chance to win 23 prizes!!!

2011-04-20T08:10:00.003-05:00

Come to Seekerville today, Wednesday April 20 to chat with Barbara Vey. Leave a comment for a chance to win one of 23 prizes given away throughout the day!

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

How did Barbara Vey go from a ho-hum job in the insurance industry to being Publishers Weekly’s spokesperson for romance? Read her story on Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com), Wed, April 20. Learn what readers tell Barbara about the books they love to buy and how to get your story reviewed on Barbara’s Beyond Her Book blog, where she recently attracted more than 22,000 visitors in one week.

Thanks!

Janet

For a chance to win Wanted: A Family and a marketing consultation with Cathy Shouse!

2011-04-11T08:54:00.003-05:00

Please visit Seekerville today and leave a comment. www.seekerville.com Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win Wanted: A Family visit these blogs

2011-03-05T14:00:00.003-05:00

I'm at Petticoats and Pistols today talking about old Victorian houses and postcards. Leave a comment for a chance to win my March release Wanted: A Family.

http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com

Leave a comment at Mindy Obenhaus' blog this entire week, starting March 7.

www.mindyobenhaus.blogspot.com

Try again on Monday, March 14 when I post at Seekerville. I'll be talking about using character weaknesses and strengths to plot our books.

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Blessings, Janet

My author copies arrived!

2011-01-25T22:49:00.006-05:00

I was thrilled to find my author copies on my porch Monday. I ripped open the box and held my fourth book in my hands for the first time. And that means I'm able to mail out autographed copies to winners of the book.

Love Inspired Historicals have gone to a matte finish cover and a narrower stripe across the top. Let me know how you like the new look.
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Wanted: A Family releases March 8 so be on the lookout for it in the Walmart, K-Mart or bookstore near you! It's also available online at eharlequin.com and Amazon.com on March 8.

Shelter of Hope

The ramshackle Victorian house is all that widowed mother-to-be Callie Mitchell has left. But she’s going to make that house into a true home—a home where she and her baby will be safe and happy…and where women in need can find refuge. And if that means trusting stranger Jacob Smith to help with the repairs, then so be it.

Jacob came to town with a handful of old postcards and one goal in mind—to find the mother who’d abandoned him years before. He never planned to stay…and he certainly never planned to care for Callie. Yet as they rebuild the house together, Jacob and Callie also build the family they’ve always wanted.

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win one of January's Love Inspired Historicals

2011-01-08T08:44:00.003-05:00

I'm thrilled that my editor, Tina James is coming to Seekerville Monday, January 10! She's talking about Love Inspired Historical going from two to four releases a month starting now. This is very good news for readers and more opportunities for historical writers. Check out her post and leave a comment for a chance to win one of the four January romances.

Blessings, Janet

A winner for Wanted: A Family!

2011-01-02T08:14:00.003-05:00

Joanne Sher is the winner of my March release, Wanted: A Family! Congratulations Joanne! I will mail an autographed copy as soon as I get my author copies, hopefully by the end of January.

Blessings, Janet

Wanted: A Family has a cover!!

2010-12-18T08:48:00.006-05:00

I'm so excited to have the cover of Wanted: A Family, my March 2011 release that I had to share!!! I hope you like it as much as I do!

The tag line:
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She'll stitch together a home filled with love.
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Here's a peek at the story:
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The ramshackle Victorian house is all that widowed mother-to-be Callie Mitchell has left. But she’s going to make that house into a true home—a home where she and her baby will be safe and happy…and where women in need can find refuge. And if that means trusting stranger Jacob Smith to help with the repairs, then so be it.
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Jacob came to town with a handful of old postcards and one goal in mind—to find the mother who’d abandoned him years before. He never planned to stay…and he certainly never planned to care for Callie. Yet as they rebuild the house together, Jacob and Callie also build the family they’ve always wanted.
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Leave a comment before the end of the year and I'll put your name in a drawing for a chance to win Wanted: A Family. I'll send an autographed book to the winner as soon as I receive my author copies.

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter and a Barnes & Noble $10 gift card

2010-11-07T21:18:00.005-05:00

Visit Seekerville Monday, November 8 and leave a comment on Cathy Shouse's "Show Up For Your Dreams!" post. Cathy has some savvy advice for writers or anyone pursuing their dream.

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

We'll have two winners. :)

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-10-20T09:17:00.002-05:00

Visit me at Pepper Basham's blog today, Wednesday, October 20 and leave a comment for a chance to win.

www.pepperbasham.wordpress.com

Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win a $20 Starbuck's Gift Card!

2010-10-10T20:06:00.003-05:00

Visit Seekerville Monday, October 11 and leave a comment for a chance to win a $20 Starbuck's gift card. My post is entitled: Janet's Writing Process, Warning: Not for the faint of heart. :-) So be brave and pop over to www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!

Blessings,
Janet

Steeple Hill editor Emily Rodmell in Seekerville today

2010-10-05T14:06:00.003-05:00

Seekerville is celebrating our third birthday the entire month of October!!!!!!

Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a number of prizes all month long. The grand prize at the end of the month is a Kindle with Seekers books.

Today we have Steeple Hill Editor Emily Rodmell visiting. Still time to drop by for a chance to win books! Hope to see you there!!

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Blessings, Janet

A red letter day!!!

2010-09-24T06:22:00.009-05:00

It's a red letter day when this Steeple Hill author gets her photo with her wonderful agent Karen Solem on the blog of Publisher's Weekly If you've got a minute, check it out. A huge thanks to Barbara Vey and Cathy Shouse, PW cub reporter and author of Images of America: Fairmount for sharing our picture and giving a overview of the American Christian Fiction Writers' conference held in Indianapolis last weekend where this photo was taken.

Not sure the clickable link is working. If not, copy and paste:

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/?p=2207&utm_source=Publishers+Weekly's+PW+Daily&utm_campaign=2a8071d5b0-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-09-13T03:52:00.003-05:00

Visit me in Seekerville www.seekerville.blogspot.com Monday, September 13. I'm talking about Fall Favorites and especially The Johnny Appleseed Festival. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Substitute Bride.

Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

Romance Writers of America conference pictures

2010-08-11T11:13:00.005-05:00

Romance Writers of America celebrated its 30th anniversary in Orlando, Florida July 28-31. Before the conference began some of us explored Disney's Epcot using discounted tickets for conference attendees. A great option to remember if you're planning on attending a conference on Disney property. We had a great time!

Cinderella and Mary Poppins welcome Darlene, Lindi, me, Debby and Missy. Those stylish ladies kept their smiles in the hot humid weather. We had a delicious dinner in France that evening.

The Literacy signing was held the first evening of the conference. Critique partner and friend Shirley Jump and I pose for a picture. All the proceeds of this huge signing go to literacy.

I attended several excellent workshops, met with my Steeple Hill editor and hung out with Steeple Hill Love Inspired authors and writer friends. The Harlequin party is always a highlight. Missy, Ruthy, Debby and I gather for a photo Friday night.

The Awards Ceremony Saturday evening was the grand finale of the conference. A time to celebrate Rita and Golden Heart finalists and winners and those amazing thirty years. Debby, Missy, Darlene, me, Sandra, Myra, Ruthy and Anita Mae smiling for the camera.

Hope you enjoyed a peek at RWA! I'm back to routine, working on a new book.

Blessings, Janet

Giving away all three of my books in Seekerville!

2010-08-09T05:29:00.002-05:00

I'm talking about Romance Matters in Seekerville today.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Stop in and leave a comment for a chance to win Courting Miss Adelaide, Courting the Doctor's Daughter and The Substitute Bride.

Blessings, Janet

I'm at Seekerville today!

2010-07-14T23:06:00.003-05:00

I'll be talking in Seekerville today about pitfalls of writing scene and sequel with some pointers from Jack Bickham's book Scene and Structure.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Shirley Jump's Vegas Pregnancy Surprise.

Blessings, Janet

Welcoming Myra Johnson

2010-07-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'm delighted to have my dear friend and fellow Seeker Myra Johnson at Cup of Faith today. Myra and I met in 2005 when we were finalists, along with Julie Lessman and Tina Radcliff, also special friends, in Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest for unpublished writers. I asked Myra some questions that I hope will help you get to know her better.

Myra is giving away a copy of her latest book Where the Dogwoods Bloom. I love this beautiful, romantic cover. Dogwoods are a favorite tree of mine. Leave a comment for a chance to win.

Hi Myra. Describe your typical writing day.

I usually start my day having breakfast with my husband and sipping Earl Gray while we read the morning paper and catch the news on Good Morning, America. Then I spend 30 minutes or so on devotions and journaling. Then—if I’m being really good—it’s 30-45 minutes of Wii Fit, after which I get busy on e-mail, errands, etc. After lunch with my husband (he’s semi-retired and works from home—oh, joy), I settle down with my novel-in-progress. It may be writing new pages, editing what I’ve already written, doing editor-requested revisions, drafting a proposal, or whatever. I’ll put in four or five solid hours, stopping only when my husband starts nagging me about what I have planned for supper. I’m working on getting him to be a little braver in the kitchen, but he is also a “work-in-progress”—LOL!

Any tips on productivity you care to share?

Get a routine going and try to be consistent. Set office hours and stick to them. I have a laptop computer, but I rarely work anywhere besides my desk. That helps keep me in “working writer” mode. Besides, my office is where all my reference books and notes are, and I can always close the door if things going on in other parts of the house become a distraction. (As in, hubby talking loudly on his cell phone with a client.)

I’ve also become an avid spreadsheet user. I start a new Excel workbook for each book and use it to track plot turning points, goal-motivation-conflict development, character details, daily word count, etc. During the planning stages I begin by filling in what I already know. After I start writing, I use the spreadsheets to record other details as they come to me. By the way, my Novel Planning Workbook template is available for download in the Writers Helps section of my Web site.

With two books on the shelves in 2009, One Imperfect Christmas and Autumn Rains, and two more out in 2010, Romance by the Book and Where the Dogwoods Bloom, what’s been the biggest change in your life since publication?

Learning to cope with “real” deadlines, plus so many extra demands on my time! I knew marketing and PR would become essential as my books were released, but I had no idea how much time it would take. I’m continuing to learn about and experiment with a variety of promotional venues, not all of which turn out to be successful. I could and probably should be doing much more in the way of bookstore and library visits, ferreting out speaking opportunities, etc., but I would so much rather do the actual writing.

What is the hardest aspect of being a writer? The easiest?

Probably the very hardest aspect is continuing to believe in myself as a writer. Self-doubt can be such a drain on creativity, and from what I’ve heard, there are very few writers who don’t suffer from at least occasional self-doubt. Rejection, criticism, a not-so-kind review, tough edits—they all take their toll.

The easiest? Going to work in my jammies!

How do you keep from being overwhelmed with writing, promotion, family responsibility, and still have time to smell the proverbial roses?

I’m not sure I do keep from being overwhelmed!!! It would be even harder without the support and encouragement of my number-one cheerleader, my husband. At a time in our lives when he’s cutting back on his work hours and thinking toward retirement, I’m finally living my publication dreams! It isn’t always easy for him to accept that when he has time to “play,” I need to be writing. But he’s genuinely happy and excited for me, so he’s always a good sport about giving me the time and space I need to work.

Because I respect what my husband sacrifices for me, I do whatever I can to make sure we have plenty of togetherness time. I consistently make a point of shutting down the computer by 5:00 or 6:00 every evening, and only under the strictest deadlines will I do any kind of writing-related work on weekends. Even if all we do is watch TV together or tackle household chores, those hours belong to husband and family.

Tell us about your next release.

Just out is Where the Dogwoods Bloom, the third and last novel in my series of three Heartsong Presents contemporary romances set in Missouri. The story is about an injured pro tennis player who must find a way to forgive the foster parents who robbed her of the one thing she wanted most—a “forever family.” From the back cover:

Who says you can’t go back home?

Jilly Gardner left Blossom Hills ten years ago with a broken heart, determined never to return. But the ache in her heart has never healed, and when Cam Lane calls to ask for her help…she finds she can’t say no.

Cameron doesn’t know what came between Jilly and her foster family, but whatever did, he feels it’s high time she set things straight. Her foster parents never recovered from her abrupt and permanent departure, and now—when her presence might encourage an ill woman’s return to health—she refuses to even see them? But how can Cam address the unforgiveness in his friends’ lives when his own is paralyzed with self-inflicted guilt and shame?

With all their striving focused on themselves and the events of their past, will Cam and Jilly ever realize that unconditional, forgiving, forever love comes only from God the Father, whose mercies are new each morning?

Thanks for the interesting, fun interview, Myra! And for giving away a copy of Where the Dogwoods Bloom to one of our lucky commenters.

Sizzling First Encounters

2010-06-23T08:26:00.003-05:00

I'm at Pepper Basham's blog today sharing the first encounter between Mary and Luke in Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Hope to see you there!

http://pepperbasham.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/sizzling-first-encounters-with-janet-dean/

Blessings, Janet

We have a winner of Love on a Dime!!!

2010-06-10T09:43:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Pat Jeanne Davis, the winner of Cara Lynn James' debut, Love on a Dime!!!!
Cara will be in touch, Pat. Thanks everyone for your interest in Cara's book.

Blessings, Janet

2010-06-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled fellow Seeker and good friend Cara Lynn James is visiting Cup of Faith today. Cara's sharing some of her writing process and giving those who leave a comment a chance to win a copy of her wonderful debut, Love on a Dime. I love to read and write historicals and I find the setting of Cara's novel, Newport, RI during the Gilded era, especially intriguing. On a visit to Newport a few years ago, I was blown away by the "cottages." Mix in a heroine who is a dime novelist and a fetching cover and I'm hooked!

Please describe your typical day. Do you need a jolt of caffeine to get going? Or are you up and at ‘em kind of gal?

I need one or two small lattes in the morning to get going. It’s such a great way to start the day! It puts me in a good mood which is important since I’m a night owl. The morning is a beautiful, quiet time, but I always feel groggy in the a.m. Of course I have to get up early just like everyone else. I’ve noticed the every-day world seems to follow the schedule of the early birds more than the night owls. Sigh. I work for a few hours in the morning, some in the afternoon and usually in the evening as well.

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Do you have a word count you try to fulfill each day? Any tips on productivity you care to share?

1,000 words a day is my minimum word count. My optimum word count is 1,500 words. I usually get it done or at least come close. Since I’m a rather slow writer I try to write every single day. Occasionally I take a day off, but not often. I’m also trying hard to increase my productivity and I’m making some progress. The terror of missing a deadline is a strong motivator! I can’t whip out a great book in a matter of a few months. I sure wish I could.
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How do you keep from being overwhelmed with writing, promotion, family responsibility, and still have time to smell the proverbial roses?

Sometimes I am overwhelmed. Then I take a deep breath, pray for serenity, and buckle down to work. If I let myself really think of all the things I have to do in too short a time, then I have the tendency to panic. I have to settle down and take one thing at a time. I’m sure taking a walk would be healthy and relaxing, but I’d rather read a chapter or two in a great novel than torture myself with exercise. (I do try to take a walk several times a week. But I can find excuses—it’s too hot and humid, it’s raining, we might have a thunderstorm etc.) Eating dark chocolate also improves my state of mind.
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Some writers love plotting, some like writing that first draft, and others enjoy researching or digging into the revisions. What's your favorite part about writing a book?

I enjoy researching. I can get lost in research and won’t surface for hours. I also like to plot, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. Plotting takes a lot of thought and planning. If I plot in too much detail I lose interest in the story. But I do need some sort of a road map. Getting lost or veering down rabbit trails scares me. I hate to write and toss all those wonderful words. But I’m frugal and save them for another story. Still, it’s much faster to get the story right the first time—but it’s not always easy.
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If I’m ‘in the zone’ I love to write without editing. But sometimes the words won’t come. That’s when I find writing a first draft to be frustrating and oh so slow. I also enjoy editing. At least the words are already on the screen. Finding exactly the right word is fun and satisfying, but sometimes time consuming.
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When starting a new project, do you tend to begin with a time period or event and create the characters to live it, or do you start with characters and then find their story?

I start with a time period, location, character types and a situation or hook. Then I flesh out the characters as I find their story. A story never comes to me without a lot of thought. I develop it as I start to take notes. The characters tell me their story as I write about them, but before I begin the actual manuscript. As I write the book the characters become clearer and more real to me, so I’ll have to revise and change my original plans somewhat. I outline although not in great detail.
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How much of yourself you write into your characters?

I try to keep myself out of the story. I don’t think I’d come across as sympathetic enough for a heroine. Maybe I could be the sardonic sidekick or quirky old aunt.
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How do you choose your characters’ names?

Since I write historicals I have lots of fun with names. Many turn-of-the-century names are funny sounding to our modern ears and I like to use them, but not for my heroes and heroines. I looked up baby names popular during the 1890s and 1900s and the girls’ names especially seem old fashioned now and not very appealing. But there are a few I like such as Alice, Elizabeth, Lilly, and Charlotte. I wouldn’t name my heroine Bertha, Hazel, or Edna, but they were popular back then too. I usually choose the first name first and then try to match it with a last name. I keep a chart so I don’t have more than one or two names beginning with the same letter.
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What’s your favorite way to spend leisure time?

Reading is my favorite hobby. I don’t have much time for any other hobbies, although I used to crochet and quilt and sew. If I had a lot of time and money, I’d travel. Reading is so much cheaper. I also love to try out new restaurants, go camping and lounge on the beach.
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How can readers find you on the Internet?

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www.Caralynnjames.com and www.Seekerville.blogspot.com and www.Facebook

Thanks for giving us a peek at your writing process, Cara! Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Love on a Dime.

Janet

Persistence post prizes in Seekerville

2010-05-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

My friend Ruth Kaufman is our guest in Seekerville Monday, May 10.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Ruth is talking about Persistence: Profits, Perils and Plans. From those leaving a comment, she's giving away a 20 minute "discuss your writing with confidence" session at a mutually agreed upon time during the RWA conference in Orlando. This includes pitching tips and suggestions for authors at all stages of their careers on how to best present projects to readers/friends/contacts.

I’m giving away a bag of chocolate covered turtles. What could be more fitting than that slow moving, hard-shelled icon of persistence? When we reach the finish line, we'll find it sweet indeed, just like this yummy candy.

For a chance to win either or both prizes, leave a comment with your e-mail address. Thanks!

Blessings, Janet

I have a title!

2010-04-15T21:59:00.004-05:00

I'm very excited to have a title for my upcoming Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical!!

Wanted: A Family

Pregnant widow Callie Mitchell and falsely accused ex-con Jacob “Jake” Smith, a bitter orphan searching for his birth mother, stand against the disapproving town when Callie turns her house into a home for unwed mothers.

The story will release March 15, 2011. I'll keep you posted as soon as I have a cover.

Blessings, Janet

Francine Rivers is at Seekerville March 30!!!

2010-03-30T09:26:00.003-05:00

The Seekers are thrilled to have Francine Rivers at Seekerville today!! In her inspiring, chock full of wisdom interview, Francine talks about writing for God, her life and her latest book, Her Mother's Hope. And she's giving away a copy!

To enter the drawing leave a comment at http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Blessings, Janet

Let's Celebrate with Renee Chaw!!!!!

2010-03-11T16:03:00.007-05:00

To celebrate Renee Chaw's first year of blogging, she's holding a Blogaversary celebration, March 15-19th at http://www.steelergirl83.blogspot.com/ To visit Renee's Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot, click on the blogaversary to the right of this post.

I'm one of five authors blessed to help Renee celebrate! I'm thrilled to be in the company of wonderful authors Candace Calvert, Cerella Sechrist, Laura Frantz, and fellow Seeker Julie Lessman! I'll be giving away a copy of The Subsitute Bride on Monday March 15. Each day one of these author will give away a copy of her book. Renee has other surprises in store for those visiting her site and leaving a comment. Don't miss this chance to win some wonderful books!

Here's Renee explaining her plans in her own words:

Some of my very favorite Christian fiction authors will be stopping by during the week to help me celebrate and I would love for you to stop by too! Not only will there be great posts featuring some great books but there will be giveaways as well! How awesome is that?! After all what is a party without presents? ;-) On top of all that I will also be giving a gift to one lucky person who comments during the week! Below is a list of my Blogaversary VIPs who will be guest posting throughout the week! Be sure to click on each authors name to visit their terrific websites! Trust me, they're beautiful and feature a lot of great info about each author and their books plus links to Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc!

Monday, March 15- Janet Dean

Tuesday, March 16- Candace Calvert

Wednesday, March 17- Cerella Sechrist

Thursday, March 18- Laura Frantz

Friday, March 19- Julie Lessman

Be sure to stop by March 15th for all of the details! I look forward to seeing you all!!!!!
If you would like to help spread the word you can grab my "Blogaversary" button located on the top right sidebar of this blog at http://www.http//steelergirl83.blogspot.com

Hoping to see you at the celebration!!

Blessings, Janet

SHARING MY FAVORITES

2010-03-07T13:24:00.002-05:00

Monday, March 8, I'm at Seekerville talking about my favorites.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

I'll be giving away a copy of The Substitute Bride. My critiquer partner will also give away The Other Wife. Two free books so two winners! Share your favorites for a chance to win.

Blessings, Janet

Interview at Sherry Dyke's blog on Wednesday, March 3

2010-03-02T15:02:00.004-05:00

Time flies, doesn't it? I can't believe March has slipped in under my radar. That means my deadline for Wanted: A Family, Love Inspired Historical, is one month closer. I'm making progress. And getting to know Callie and Jake. Not that you'll be surprised to hear it, but trouble is brewing in Peaceful, Indiana. :-)

If you enjoy my books, I hope you've gotten a chance to read The Substitute Bride, a mail-order bride story you won't want to miss. Ted and Elizabeth's story was such fun to write. I'm hearing from some readers that this is their favorite book so far.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 3, PST, I'm a guest at Sherry Dyke's blog. I enjoyed answering her interview questions. Stop by to see which scene in The Substitute Bride, on shelves now, was my favorite. Leave a comment on Sherry's blog along with your e-mail address for a chance to win a signed copy.

Sherry's blog:

http://web.mac.com/dkyle/Site/Blog/Blog.html

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-02-17T21:30:00.001-05:00

Visit Pepper Basham's blog Wednesday, February 17. I'm sharing a kissing scene from The Substitute Bride. Leave a comment for a chance to win.

www.pepperbasham.wordpress.com

Blessings, Janet

For another chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-02-11T20:10:00.003-05:00

For a chance to win a copy of The Substitute Bride, my mail-order bride story out now, visit Trish Perry's blog between now and February 17 and leave a comment after my interview.

http://www.trishperry.com/

Thanks for your interest in my book!

Blessings, Janet

Another chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-02-08T00:53:00.005-05:00

The Substitute Bride, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, releases tomorrow. I'm celebrating in Seekerville today.

http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

And giving away a copy of The Substitute Bride. The drawing will take place from those commenting in Seekerville, not on this blog. Hope you'll stop and share in the fun.

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win a copy of The Substitute Bride

2010-02-05T22:28:00.004-05:00

I'm a guest blogger at Petticoats and Pistols Saturday and Sunday, February 6 and 7. Stop by at www.petticoatsandpistols.com and say hello. We'll be talking about mail-order brides and weddings in general. Leave a comment to enter the drawing for a copy of my February release, The Substitute Bride. Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-01-24T10:06:00.003-05:00

I'm at a Christian Writer's World, Lena Dooley's blog this week, talking about writing and The Substitute Bride, my February 9 release. Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy.

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride

2010-01-17T20:42:00.009-05:00

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride, my February release, visit Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/2442-the-substitute-bride. I'm giving away three copies of this fun to write mail-order bride story. You may enter between now and March 1.

If you enjoy historical romances and want to hook up with others who do, visit the Love Inspired Historical Discussions at Goodreads.

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win The Substitute Bride...

2009-12-13T22:38:00.002-05:00

I'm posting at Seekerville www.Seekerville.blogspot.com Monday, December 14 on Giving--the Secret to Success. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of my February 2010 release THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDE.

Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-12-10T07:52:00.002-05:00

Today I'm at Pepper Basham's blog, Faith and Fiction on Fire, sharing an excerpt from Courting Miss Adelaide where hero Charles Graves comforts an abused child and in the process finds his way back to God. I hope you'll stop by at:

http://pepperbasham.wordpress.com/

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter.

Blessings, Janet

Gourd Christmas tree

2009-12-06T22:06:00.008-05:00

Several years ago in my pre-pubbed days, I went through a gourd painting phase, producing Santas, large and small, snowmen, even angels with netting wings. I loved painting with friends. We used hard shell gourds that last for ages and acrylic paints, then sprayed them with a topcoat that protected the paint and gave them a sheen.

I made so many I had enough to decorate a small tree in my kitchen. Here's a close up. They are a bit weird but they make me smile.

To paint Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus I looked at Christmas cards. I left the background of the gourd natural to give the look of the stable walls.

I painted the snowman from directions in a gourd painting How To book.

If you like to paint with acrylics, try painting on hard shell gourds that have been cleaned. It's fun!

Blessings, Janet

We're decorated for Christmas

2009-12-02T13:57:00.005-05:00

I love Christmas! I love celebrating the birth of our Savior through music and carols and the giving of gifts to family and those in need. The whole month of December is such a happy, hectic time that we decorate the house early so we can enjoy it all month long. I thought it would be fun to share a couple pictures from one of our trees and the significance of the ornaments hanging on it.

I call this my Victorian tree because it's loaded with ornaments of every color and style. My mother decorated the blue and silver ornament in the close up photo, just one of the many she made that are now hanging on our tree. I remember the joy she had crafting them and the beauty of her trees. She's gone now so each one holds a special place in my heart. The sand-filled ornament is a souvenir from an anniversary trip to Bermuda. The sand really is pink there. :-) If you look carefully, you'll see the holy family in the glass ornament purchased the year we had our first child. The little red Chinese lantern is a Shiny Brite, part of my collection. On the left is a sideways glimpse of the Mickey Mouse ornament from a trip to Disney World with our grandkids. The entire tree is hung with precious memories.

It looks nothing like the trees I had growing up. We hung icicles with care on each branch. When the furnace kicked on the icicles would dance. The lights had large hot bulbs and we didn't have a lot of purchased ornaments. But I loved looking at those trees, as I do now. There's something magical about a Christmas tree!

Blessings, Janet

The Substitute Bride author copies arrived today.

2009-11-30T19:02:00.006-05:00

The Monday after Thanksgiving is the day we decorate our church for Christmas. A fun, busy time stringing lights and fluffing artificial trees, garland and poinsettias as we chat and eat. Oh, yes, we enjoy a delightful high caloric lunch that does nothing to help shed those Thanksgiving pounds, but gives us energy to keep going until the job is done. And what a great feeling that is!

When I pulled into the drive this afternoon, I noticed two familiar boxes on the front porch. My author copies of The Substitute Bride had arrived! I couldn't wait to rip into the boxes. One of the most exciting moments for me is holding a new book in my hands. The Substitute Bride releases in February, but I know it won't be long before I'll get e-mails from book club readers who get the book early. My husband took a picture of the moment to share with you.

Life got hectic and I neglected to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Hope the day was a great time of fellowship and sharing your blessings with family or friends. We had a lovely day. On Friday our daughters and I fought the crowds at the Mall while my poor husband battled stomach flu. Saturday I took our grandchildren on the annual trek to select a Christmas ornament. Unlike the older grandchildren, our youngest selected a non-moving, non-musical ornament. When he got it home and the other three were showing off the action and sounds of their choices to their parents, he kept asking, "Where's the button? Where's the button?"

With my d/h feeling well again, we're back to routine, whatever that is. And squeezing in time to decorate for Christmas at home. Hoping all is well with you.

Blessing, Janet

For a chance to win Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-11-18T16:14:00.003-05:00

I'm Sherry Kyle's guest today on her blog.
http://web.mac.com/dkyle/Site/Blog/Entries/2009/11/18_Featured_Book__Courting_the_Doctor%E2%80%99s_Daughter.html

Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

Editor Tina James at Seekerville Thursday

2009-11-11T18:01:00.009-05:00

The Seekers are excited to have Steeple Hill's Love Inspired Historical and Love Inspired Suspense Senior Editor, Tina James be our guest in Seekerville Thursday, November 12!

In honor of her visit, we're giving away a Seeker book or chocolate on the hour. If you'd like to ask Ms James questions about the lines, just want to say hello or get a chance to win a free book come to http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment.

Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

If you struggle with Author Speak...

2009-11-09T10:40:00.002-05:00

I'm in Seekerville this morning, defining craft terms. Granted the definitions are only the tip of the iceberg but I hope this check list will be useful for writers.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Blessings, Janet

The Substitute Bride has a cover!

2009-11-03T15:30:00.003-05:00

I'm super excited to post the cover of The Substitute Bride, releasing February 2010! The bride is Elizabeth Manning Logan, right off the train and still holding the lily of the valley bouquet she carried at her nuptials. Ted Logan's mail-order bride carries some secrets, too, but then so does he. Guess you could say their marriage has it's stormy moments. :-) But I guarantee a happy ending!

Blessings, Janet

A Lesson in the Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-22T09:43:00.003-05:00

I wrote this essay several years ago after a precious time with our family in a pumpkin patch. I hope you enjoy reading about that day, as much as I enjoyed the lesson it taught me.

Blessings, Janet

A few years ago our family headed out on a crisp, sunny day in October for our annual visit to a pumpkin patch. We’d selected a new patch that we’d heard about from friends who promised it full of great big pumpkins. When we arrived, an attendant directed us where to park in the sea of vehicles in the open field. We bumped along the uneven ground, parked, gathered children, strollers and diaper bags—everything we might need for even a brief outing.

As it turned out, this wasn’t any ordinary pumpkin patch. There were activities galore with a giant jack-o-lantern moonwalk, a maze made of bales of straw, plaster pumpkins to paint, playground equipment to crawl over, face painting and the best of all, kettle caramel corn. We bought a huge bag and stuffed handfuls into our mouths, letting kernels drop to the ground, leaving a path behind us that would compete with Hansel and Gretel's.

Now we were ready to head out to the patch the highlight of our visit—choosing pumpkins to bring home for Halloween carving. We walked out to the dirt lane where families had cued up for the next ride out to the patch. We didn’t have long to wait before we heard the chugging of a bright green tractor, a John Deere, turning up the path and hauling a straw laden cart. Everyone, adults and children alike, perked up, smiling and chattering with excitement, as if we were heading out on a world-class tour.

Soon we were nestled in the bed of straw, bumping along the rutted dirt road that led to the patch. Frightened by the noise of the tractor, our one-year-old granddaughter clung to her mother, wailing. Our grandsons, four, and two, crawled around in the straw as far as their parents’ outstretched legs allowed, oblivious to Lauren’s howls and the old John Deere putting along in front of us, triggering memories in my farm-reared husband. We passed an Alyce Chalmer eliciting more tractor stories from my husband, on its way back with another load of pumpkin toting children and parents. We all waved like old friends.

The patch was in sight now. I saw large pumpkins dotting the field. “That one would make a good jack-o-lantern,” I told my grandsons. “Or that one.” But they were more interested in the tractor than in the grand specimens I’d spotted.

When we arrived at our destination, the boys shrieked at the sight of what appeared to be an endless field of orange and gold. We helped the three grandchildren down from the flatbed trailer and watched them scatter across the field in search of the perfect pumpkin. We trailed along behind, watching them dart here and there, enjoying their energy and enthusiasm. Lauren had forgotten her fright and toddled along, holding her mother’s hand.

Four-year-old Tyler darted from pumpkin to pumpkin, checking out a good portion of the huge field in his quest, while his sister plopped down to play in the dirt. Two-year-old Drew, his eyes on his target, not on his feet, stumbled and lurched over the bumpy ground and dying vines until he reached a tall, skinny specimen. Its flesh was more apricot than orange. It had a missing stem and a lopsided base. Anyone could tell at a glance that this pumpkin was not a good candidate for a jack-‘o-lantern.

Anyone, that is, except Drew. He dropped to his knees, wrapped his arms around that pumpkin and claimed it as his. All our efforts to dissuade him with larger, rounder, deeper colored orange pumpkins didn’t sway him one bit. We went so far as to show him that his pumpkin would topple over unless it was propped, but he only smiled and said, “Mine!”

Standing there in the patch on such a perfect fall day proclaiming the artistry of our Maker, I realized Drew’s pumpkin was a lesson from God, one of those insightful times I’ve come to cherish. This was how God sees you and me. As His. How thankful I am God, like Drew, does not love us according to our shape, or the color of our skin--or even if we need bolstering to keep our lives on an even keel. He knows us inside and out, and no matter how flawed or inadequate we might be, He loves us just as we are. And I knew why. Because he formed us; died for us. It was that simple and that complex.

His mommy took Drew’s picture beside his pumpkin and his daddy ruffled his blond curls, then with a smile as wide as the great outdoors, Drew trotted along between his parents as the three of them made their way out to the road, carrying his pumpkin. Soon Tyler and Lauren had made their selections and there were smiles and shouts as we gathered at a bale of straw for family pictures with the children’s pumpkins.

In the distance I heard the tractor returning to pick us up. I knew back at the starting point there was a scale to weigh the pumpkins and determine their cost. No matter the shape, uniformity or color all the pumpkins would be valued the same. Again as our Heavenly Father values us.

“See my pumpkin, Gramma!” Drew shouted.

“Yes, I do.”

And I did. This time through his eyes. With the unconditional love of a child.

Bald eagle sighting

2009-10-18T20:00:00.004-05:00

My husband and I were out for a leisurely drive in the country to look at the Fall leaves. Ahead of us, we saw this large shape alongside the road. About the time we spotted it, it flew. The large size and white head and tail told us we'd seen a bald eagle.

At the spot where we'd seen the eagle was a opposum. I didn't realize eagles ate dead creatures. This opposum wasn't playing dead.

We drove on past, then returned, hoping to get an even closer look. As we approached, the eagle veered and flew off. Then we spotted two large birds in the distant trees, easy to see from that distance. We didn't see any sign of a nest so I suspect they were out cruising and stopped for dinner.

I'd never seen an eagle up close before. It's a very impressive bird. A friend captured this eagle on film near his home in Florida.

Blessings, Janet

Book In A Week in Seekerville

2009-10-05T14:18:00.002-05:00

If you've ever considered the "Book in a Week" challenge, here's a chance to get in on the fun. Visit www.seekervilleblogspot.com and sign up.

Read the daily posts giving tips for writing fast. Here's the schedule:

Monday: BIAW Day 1, Camy Tang presents, Right Brain, Left Brain.

Tuesday: BIAW Day 2, Cheryl Wyatt presents, Productivity. How to get the editor off your shoulder to spit out the first draft. Cheryl will also be giving away a copy of Noah Lukeman's, The First Five Pages.

Wednesday: BIAW Day 3, Glynna Kaye presents, Writing, the Day Job and You. Glynna will also be giving away of Victoria Schmidt's Book in a Month.

Thursday: BIAW Day 4, Myra Johnson presents, Your face is familiar, but . . . Join Myra as she expands her novel planning Excel workbook into the area of characters. You learn how to keep track of character details and descriptions. She'll also be giving away of her current release from Abingdon Press, One Imperfect Christmas.

Friday: BIAW Day 5, Mary Connealy presents, Pedal to the Metal-or-Slow and Steady Wins the Race.

Saturday: BIAW Day 6, Ruth Logan Herne presents, Persistence: Tapping Your Inner Moabite Princess.

Sunday: BIAW Optional Day 7 and reporting day.

Monday: BIAW Conclusion and reporting day. Take the survey. Tina Russo presents Plan B.

Even if you're not ready for BIAW, these tips are great for productivity.

Blessings, Janet

American Christian Writers Conference and beautiful Colorado

2009-09-27T12:46:00.019-05:00

I'm back home after spending four fabulous days at the ACFW conference in Denver. I attended workshops, met with my editor and agent, and was inspired by testimonies of attendees and keynote speaker, Debbie Macomber.

I had a blast connecting with fifteen precious friends, the Seekers, and a few of the Seeker husbands. I also had dinner with many Love Inspired authors, wonderful women all. Here the Seekers squeeze together for a group photo.

The book signing and Award Ceremony on Saturday were highlights.

Missy Tippens, Debby Giusti and I
before dinner at the Award Ceremony dinner.

My book, Courting Miss Adelaide, a Book of the Year Debut finalist, didn't win, but no one deserved it more than good friend Julie Lessman's wonderful book, A Passion Most Pure. Here's Julie on stage accepting the award. Congratulations to all the Book of the Year winners!

Before the conference started, we did some sightseeing in Denver, touring the beautiful Capitol building and Margaret Brown's Victorian home of "Unsinkable Molly Brown" fame. I climbed all 90 plus steps to reach the dome's great view of Denver.

After the conference my husband and I spent time in the area with family. We visited the impressive Red Rock's amphitheater and a couple old mining towns.

In Rocky Mountain National Park, we enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, bright yellow and lime leaves of the aspen and gurgling streams while bundled in several layers to keep warm in the suddenly chilly temperatures and first snowfall that closed roads in higher elevations.

The highlights were a walk around beautiful Bear Lake with a light dusting of snow falling--if you use your imagination you'll see the flurries--and watching the bull elk posture and bugle to impress the cows and keep away other bulls. The golf course in Estes Park was also an elk hangout. I'm glad I didn't have to play though that herd.

It was a great trip, but it's good to be home on this sunny Sunday.

Blessings,

Janet

For a chance to win Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-08-27T12:22:00.003-05:00

If you haven't read the second book in the Courting series, and would like a chance to win a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter, visit Missy Tippen's blog and leave a comment at:

http://lifewithmissy.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome-janet-dean-win-copy-of-her-book.html

Thanks for your interest in my books!

Blessings, Janet

CMA is a Maggie and ACFW BOTY finalist!!

2009-08-11T21:43:00.006-05:00

I'm thrilled to report that my debut, Courting Miss Adelaide, is a finalist in two wonderful contests:

American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year in the Best Debut category.

Georgia Romance Writers Maggies in the Inspirational category.

Thanks to all the judges and coordinators!

Blessings, Janet

Harlequin's 60th Anniversary celebration at Don's Books

2009-08-07T05:40:00.003-05:00

As part of the fun during the two-day celebration of Harlequin's 60th Anniversary at Don's Books in Kokomo, IN, I'm signing Courting Miss Adelaide and Courting the Doctor's Daughter from 11:30-2:00, along with Blythe Gifford, Jade Lee, Dana Corbit, Denise Lynn and Lori Foster. Hope you can stop by!

Blessings, Janet

New winner for Deadly Intent

2009-08-03T16:00:00.002-05:00

I didn't hear from Tammy so have drawn another name. Karin is the new winner of Camy Tang's Deadly Intent. Congratulations, Karin! I'll be in touch. Thanks again to all who entered.

Blessings, Janet

Deadly Intent Winner

2009-07-31T08:02:00.002-05:00

I'm happy to announce that I drew Tammy's name as the winner of Camy Tang's recent release Deadly Intent. Congratulations, Tammy! You didn't leave an e-mail address with your comment so please contact me at janet@janetdean.net with your snail mail address.

Thanks to everyone for entering. If I don't hear from Tammy, I'll draw another name.

Blessings, Janet

FAMILY PRESSURES

2009-07-30T06:58:00.003-05:00

Hi there! This is Camy Tang, and I'm thrilled that Janet is letting me guest blog today!

I wanted to talk about something in my latest novel, Deadly Intent, that I think a lot of folks will relate to—parental pressures.

I have to admit that contrary to stereotypes, my Japanese American parents didn't pressure me about grades in my youth, nor did they nag me about getting married.

On the other hand, my husband's Chinese American family constantly harped on hubby's single state before he met me and brought me home to meet the fam. When we had just started dating, they'd ask us when we intended to get married, right in front of a huge room of people!

I am almost positive that a majority of you guys are cringing because you've had something similar happen to you. Am I right?

Even if you're Russian or Irish or Norwegian or Italian or whatever ethnicity, all families are alike. There are always a few people who think that their opinions, if voiced strongly enough and/or often enough, will sway you into doing what they want.

In Deadly Intent, my heroine's father has had a stroke. He's the owner of a very successful day spa in Sonoma, California, which caters to some very rich, elite clientele.

His oldest daughter, Rachel, is the spa's resident dermatologist researcher, who creates the unique skin care products that draw their clients to the spa. Rachel, obviously, is too valuable in her current role to take over the spa if something happens to her father.

His youngest daughter, Monica, has been a nurse in a San Francisco hospital for several years, and she and her father have always butted heads. While he admires Monica's strength of character, her contrariness makes her a bad candidate, in his mind, for taking over his beloved spa.

So he settles on his middle daughter, Naomi, who is the head massage therapist at the spa. He pressures Naomi to take over as acting manager while he recovers from his stroke, and he's grooming her to take over the spa eventually when he decides to retire.

Naomi, however, likes giving massages, not running the spa. She's always been a good daughter, and so she goes along with her father's wishes, but beneath the surface is a discontent with the direction her life is taking.

Then, one of her clients dies in her massage room. Talk about bad publicity for the spa! Her dad is not pleased, to say the least, even though he knows it's not Naomi's fault.

I hope you all read Deadly Intent to find out what happens—not just about the dead body, but also about Naomi's relationship with her father and how her life takes another turn when her crush, Devon Knightley, shows up at the spa and is a second suspect.

Thanks for having me here today, Janet!
Camy

DEADLY INTENT

SCENE OF THE CRIME

The Grant family’s exclusive Sonoma spa is a place for rest and relaxation—not murder! Then Naomi Grant finds her client Jessica Ortiz bleeding to death in her massage room, and everything falls apart. The salon’s reputation is at stake...and so is Naomi’s freedom when she discovers that she is one of the main suspects! Her only solace is found with the other suspect—Dr. Devon Knightley, the victim’s ex-husband. But Devon is hiding secrets of his own. When they come to light, where can Naomi turn...and whom can she trust?

About Camy:

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every week, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away fourteen boxes of books and 24 copies of her latest release, DEADLY INTENT.

For a chance to win Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-07-21T06:36:00.001-05:00

Margaret Daley interviewed my heroine Mary Graves. Stop in all this week and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Hope to see you there!

http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com

Blessings, Janet

Signing Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-06-15T14:01:00.009-05:00

I had a wonderful time signing copies of my second book, Courting the Doctor's Daughter a few weeks back. I want to share some photos.

All prepared and raring to go.

Dale, Andrea, Dave and Tyler and Lauren shared in my day.

I taught this fine young man in Sunday school. He shares the name of my hero in Courting the Doctor's Daughter. :-) He and his mom, Mary, also the name of my heroine, stopped in on the way to a wedding.

Friends Carol, Barb, Martha and her foreign exchange student and Val.

Mary Lynn, namesake for my heroine, Val, Nicolina and me holding a rose another friend Carol gave me.

Anchor Room is always very supportive of me and my books. A huge thanks to owners Paul and Pauline Holsopple and staff.

Blessings, Janet

Author Missy Tippens at Cup of Faith!

2009-06-11T06:35:00.006-05:00

I’m delighted to have Missy Tippens, a dear friend and fellow Seeker at “Cup of Faith” today. In 2006, Missy and I were Golden Heart finalists, Romance Writers of America’s unpublished contest. Now we both write for Steeple Hill Love Inspired and hang out in Seekerville and at American Christian Fiction Writers and RWA conferences.

Good morning, Missy!

Janet, it’s great to be on your blog today!

JD: Why do you write?

MT: Why do I write? Well, in the beginning, I guess I did it because I thought it would be fun to try. So I waited until I got my first computer and jumped right in. Then the more serious I became about it (as I started to write for publication), I found that writing was harder work than I ever imagined. The rejections were difficult, too. But the more I wrote and learned and re-wrote, the more I grew to love what I was doing—even though it can truly be hard work! It’s very rewarding, especially once you make that first sale and get your first reader letters. Nothing compares to those wonderful reader letters!

JD: Aren't Steeple Hill readers the best? If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing with your free time?

MT: Probably still teaching. And I would also want to do something creative—maybe making jewelry like I used to do for fun. I would love to paint, too, but I didn’t get the artistic gene my dad gave to my sister. :)

JD: What are you working on right now?

MT: I’m working on a new proposal for Steeple Hill. It’s so exciting to be working on something new! And I just love this story idea. I wrote the gist of the idea in my “ideas” file in 2006. :)

JD: Tell us about His Forever Love, the book you have out right now.

MT: This was a story I loved so much! I just love the hero, Bill. Here’s the back cover copy:

In Magnolia, Georgia, local legend says that a couple who holds hands around the “forever” tree will have an unending love. Even so, Bill Wellington held Lindsay Jones’s hands around that tree years ago…and then left her behind. He chose the big city, and now he wants to bring his grandmother there. But to his amazement, he finds that Granny has a boyfriend—and a vibrant life. A life that includes Lindsay, Granny’s caregiver. Bill never thought he’d want to come home, yet Magnolia clearly has its charms. As does Lindsay, who makes him long for a second chance at forever love.

JD: What themes do you like to write about?

MT: I think I’m not alone in that I seem to have my own themes that keep popping up over and over. Maybe it’s based on life experiences. But whatever the reason, I find I tend to write stories about opposites attracting, about wanting to be loved for who we really are, and reunion stories. And it always seems like my stories have some sort of secret in them. But no, I don’t have any juicy secrets in real life! :)

JD: How has your view of romance changed over the years?

MT: Interesting question! If you’re talking about real-life romance (not in books), I guess I’d have to say I’m a little more realistic after nearly 23 years of marriage. Romance is hard work! LOL It takes effort, and yes, even planning. It doesn’t just seem to happen like it did when we were students and dating. Or like it does in any new relationship. Things like bills and jobs and children make it a little more difficult to keep the flame burning. But it’s something worth working for! :)

Great questions, Janet! Thanks so much for having me today.

Thanks for coming, Missy, and sharing a look at you and His Forever Love with us today.

Readers leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of His Forever Love.

Missy Tippens will be at Cup of Faith tomorrow

2009-06-10T07:54:00.002-05:00

I hope you'll stop back tomorrow for the interview with my dear friend and wonderful published author, Missy Tippens. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of her second book, His Forever Love.

Blessings, Janet

I'm posting at Seekerville today

2009-06-08T09:51:00.002-05:00

Stop over if you'd like to know more about using setting in your writing to not only enrich your story, but to up emotion, emphasize mood, advance the plot, even as an analogy and a secondary character.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-06-04T07:38:00.003-05:00

Today, June 4, I'm Keli Gwyn's guest at "Romance Writers on the Journey" and Crystal Miller's guest at "When I was Just a Kid." Click on the links below for a chance to win a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter.

http://romancewritersonthejourney.wordpress.com

http://wheniwasjustakid.blogspot.com

Thanks!

Blessings, Janet

A "Coming Out" party for Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-06-01T14:48:00.009-05:00

I had a wonderful time at the "Coming Out" party that Val and Gene hosted for the May release of Courting the Doctor's Daughter. I thought you might like seeing some of the fun that evening. Val, Lynn and I anticipate all that wonderful food!

Here I am with the print of the cover done by artist James Griffin that's now hanging in my office.

With my critique partner and friend, Shirley Jump. Shirley has 28 books in print. She's taught me so much about craft.

A toast to Courting the Doctor's Daughter.

I wasn't the only one who had fun.

When did a cover ever look so good? :-)

Thanks to all my friends who celebrated the release of my second book and have been a wonderful support over the years.

Blessings, Janet

A huge thank you!!

2009-05-28T08:09:00.003-05:00

A huge thank you to friends and family who've helped get the word out about my second release Courting the Doctor's Daughter!

My cousin Cathy sent me a picture of her with my book in a Wal-Mart store. Love it! Thanks, Cathy. Hope you enjoy Courting the Doctor's Daughter.

So many of you have passed along bookmarks to friends and family, even sticking them in my books on store shelves. I'm waving at Judie Oberheuser in Texas for all the efforts she's made to publicize my books. And to Pam in AZ. Whether you passed out one bookmark or a 100, I'm grateful.

If you enjoy my books, tell others. That's the best way to create buzz.

God has blessed me with wonderful people in my life, but one particular person has made the biggest impact on my writing. Thanks to Shirley Jump, my dear friend, a wonderful writer and critique partner who's taught me so much about craft.

Blessings, Janet

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-24T22:18:00.005-05:00

I hope you're enjoying a lovely Memorial Day holiday with family and friends. Take a moment out of the day to remember the men and women who lost their lives serving our country. And for those serving now. Because of the sacrifices they made, we live in freedom.

Blessings, Janet

Borders Hamilton Town Center Book signing

2009-05-19T08:17:00.011-05:00

A huge thanks to everyone who came out to my signing at Borders in the Hamilton Town Center May 15. It was a wonderful evening for me, thanks to you! I hope you enjoy reading Courting the Doctor's Daughter!

This is the last book set in Noblesville, IN. A huge thanks to David Heighway, Hamilton County's Historian, for your help with my research and to Diane Nevitt of the Hamilton County Historical Society who showed me around the museum.

And a special thanks to my daughter who rallied her fabulous friends and shared this special evening with me.

Blessings, Janet

Marion Library visit

2009-05-19T08:05:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who came to hear me talk at the Marion Library May 14. I enjoyed meeting everyone and hope I left you with a nugget or two that will help you in your journey toward publication. Thanks, also, to the staff who turned out in full force. You're the best!

Blessings, Janet

Courting the Doctor's Daughter blog tour

2009-05-18T08:36:00.004-05:00

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter, go to the blogs listed below on the date I'm posting and leave a comment there. No winners will be drawn from leaving a comment here.

Thanks,

Janet

May posts:

May 21--www.camys-loft.blogspot.com/

May 21--http://www.trishperry.com/

May 26 & 27--http://www.favoritepastimes.blogspot.com/

http://pattywysong.blogspot.com/

May 28--http://myra.typepad.com/

Courting the Doctor's Daughter book signing

2009-05-15T08:02:00.001-05:00

If you're in the Noblesville, IN area, I'm signing Courting the Doctor's Daughter from 7-9:00 tonight, May 15, at Borders in the Hamilton Town Center. Hope to see you there!

Blessings, Janet

Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-05-13T12:42:00.002-05:00

I have three winners of Courting the Doctor's Daughter.

Katherine and Patricia are winners at Petticoats and Pistols.

Tonya is the winner at Running with Quills.

Congratulations to the winners. Thanks everyone for entering.

Blessings, Janet

For a chance to win Courting the Doctor's Daughter

2009-05-09T09:18:00.003-05:00

I'm a guest at Petticoats and Pistols this weekend. www.petticoatsandpistols.com Stop in and leave a comment for a chance to win either Courting the Doctor's Daughter, my May 12 release or Courting Miss Adelaide, my debut.

I'm posting at Seekerville on Monday. www.seekerville.blogspot.com and at Running with Quills. www.runningwithquills.com

Hope to see you there.

Blessings, Janet

Happy news!

2009-05-05T10:43:00.004-05:00

I'm very excited that Courting Miss Adelaide is a "Best First Book" finalist in the Desert Rose Golden Quill. It's a great contest and I just love their icon!

Blessings,

Janet

The Substitute Bride

2009-04-30T22:55:00.003-05:00

I'm smiling tonight. I sent my third book, The Substitute Bride, by express mail to my editor in New York today, meeting my May 1 deadline with a few minutes to spare. This is a mail-order bride story so sending it via the post office seemed appropriate . :-)

Now that the book's turned in, I'll try to catch up with everything from e-mails to sleep. The last week the only thing I didn't skip was eating. LOL With a broken toe I won't be able to get the exercise I need to offset all that sitting and eating. My foot is swollen. The only shoes I can wear are sandals with Velcro straps. Not a great fashion statement, but at least this didn't happen in winter. There's always a way to find the positive.

Blessings,
Janet

Courting Miss Adelaide in Thorndike hardback

2009-04-27T21:34:00.004-05:00

If you haven't seen Thorndike's large print hardback version of Courting Miss Adelaide now on Amazon, it's on the right. Nothing like the original paperback version from my publisher Steeple Hill, but sweet in it's own way.

Which cover do you prefer?

Blessings,

Janet

We have a winner!

2009-04-26T11:04:00.002-05:00

Renee won the copy of Mary Connealy's Gingham Mountain. Congratulations, Renee!!!!
Thanks to all who entered.

Blessings,

Janet

Win a copy of Mary Connealy's Gingham Mountain

2009-04-22T05:13:00.008-05:00

I’m thrilled to have a great friend and wonderful writer at Cup of Faith today, Mary Connealy. Mary’s sold a bunch of books that have garnered numerous awards. Recently Calico Canyon was named a Christy Award finalist. She’s a dynamo, managing to work fulltime and write. If you leave a comment, your name will go into the drawing for Gingham Mountain.

JD. Hi Mary! Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

MC. I’d say no. I read like always. I may read a bit more critically but if I’m editing a book while I’m reading it that’s a bad, bad sign. I like to get lost in a book and mostly I can.

JD. Tell us about the featured book Gingham Mountain.

MC. A rancher runs head-on into the new schoolmarm, who believes he’s made slave labor out of eight orphaned children.

Grant Cooper crowds too many orphans into his rickety house, just like Hannah Cartwright's cruel father. Grant's family of orphans has been mistreated too many times by judgmental school teachers. Now the new schoolmarm is being cranky just like all the others, except she isn't really bad to his children…it's Grant she can't stand. And none of that would be so bad if Grant didn’t catch himself kissing Hannah every chance he got.

JD. Gingham Mountain is a fun read! I loved it! What attracted you to western historical romances and how does the taming of the American West dovetail with themes of inspirational writing?

MC. I’d been writing for a long time before I got published and had a lot of finished books on my computer in many different genres when Petticoat Ranch, the first book in this “Lassoed in Texas” series, found a home.

The “Lassoed in Texas” series, including Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain are all suspenseful, historical western romantic comedies…which is such a specific genre I’m afraid I’m the only one writing it…at least it’s a small crowd. I have so much fun writing like this. There’s just something about a cowboy, fighting the elements, quick with a fist and slow with words. And a cowgirl, tough in her own right, not all that willing to back down. I enjoy writing romantic comedy westerns a lot.

JD. You’ve created a genre, Mary. You capture the “he’s from Mars, she’s from Venus,” male versus female conflict in a very humorous way in your stories. What do you see as the differences between the male view of the world versus the female viewpoint?

MC. My husband likes to say, “Woman talk things through and men think things true.” Of course all ‘tru-isms’ have limits. There are chatty men and quiet woman, but as a rule of thumb, when I’ve got an idea rattling around in my head, I like saying it out loud. It helps me marshal my thoughts. And my husband is more one to just out of nowhere say, “Here’s what the problem is and here’s the solution.” So, I try and capture that in my characters, talk-y women, quiet men, of course I’ve taken it to extremes in the books for the comic value.

JD. In your stories, the children play a central part in the plot and often get into the kind of trouble that will be very familiar to any mother. With four daughters, do you have any personal experiences either as a mother or a child that you’d like to share that helped inspire some of these scenes?

MC. Do you know any little boys with big and little sisters? If you watch them in action, you’ll soon see that the boys thrive on tormenting their sisters. “Yay! I made her scream! Yay! I made her cry! Yay! I embarrassed her to death in front of her friends!” My husband never learned that. Instead, when the girls cry, he can’t stand it. He’ll do almost anything to get them to stop. Bribery, yelling, sometimes he’ll run. We’re pretty used to it and there’s a lot of comedy in watching him react to the girls.

The next book I’ve written after Gingham Mountain has no children in it and I’ve had trouble with that. Children bring a kind of chaos to a scene that I enjoy working with. But I wanted to tell this story, and I think it ended up being very good. But it doesn’t have those mouthy children to liven things up so I had to find other ways.

JD. What are you working on right now?

MC. Gingham Mountain is the last of the “Lassoed in Texas” series and next up is a new series we’re calling “Married in Montana.” It’s got the same suspenseful, romantic comedy with cowboys as this series and it was really fun to write.

Montana Rose—Book #1 in the series. Left pregnant and widowed in the unforgiving west, Cassie is forced into an unwanted marriage to rancher Red Dawson. Montana Rose was actually inspired by Janette Oke’s beautiful classic novel Love Comes Softly. Of course, I’m not Janette Oke (unfortunately for me) and my novel has taken an alarming turn to romantic comedy, suspense and chaos. One of the reasons I mention that it’s inspired by Janette’s lovely book is because NO ONE would ever get it if I didn’t just say so right out loud. Kind of like Petticoat Ranch was inspired by the second Dirty Harry movie (or maybe it was the third?) and Clive Cussler. So when people ask me, where do you get your ideas, I always seriously consider just making something up because the truth is too weird.

Here’s a bit about Montana Rose.

No decent man could turn away from Cassie and leave her to the rough men in Divide, Montana. Red Dawson can’t turn his back on spoiled, snooty, beautiful Cassie. Now he’s got himself a wife he’s sure God never intended. And when he informs her there’ll be no more silk dresses and she has to do some work around the ranch he’s surprised to see her trying to help with everything. Too bad she’s a walking disaster. His ranch may not survive her efforts to pitch in.
Now, instead of a spoiled wife he’s got himself an overly obedient and badly incompetent one, Red’s so charmed by her he can’t bear to scold. He’s not much for bossing people around, anyway. Red also realizes the Cassie is so obedient he can’t really know what she wants. Which means she might allow his affections even though she doesn’t welcome then.
While Red tries to survive Cassie’s help and Cassie tries to use her own mind instead of meekly obeying for the first time in her life, an obsessed man plots to make Cassie his own, something he can’t do as long as Red lives.

JD. That overly submissive wife has to have a fascinating story of her own. Can’t wait to read it, Mary! How can readers find you on the Internet?

MC. I am too much all over, Janet.
Website: http://www.maryconnealy.com/
Blog: http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Seekerville: http://seekerville.blogspot.com/ (where I hang around with Janet every day)
Petticoats and Pistols: http://petticoatsandpistols.com/

Mary Connealy at Cup of Faith Wednesday, April 22

2009-04-20T15:04:00.002-05:00

I'm very excited to have multi-published author, Mary Connealy at Cup of Faith Wednesday, April 22. If you don't know Mary or haven't read her books, you're in for a treat. And a chance to win a copy of her latest book Gingham Mountain. All you have to do is say hello to Mary to get your name in the drawing. Yeah, how easy is that. Hope to see you then!

Blessings, Janet

Seekerville books in auction for diabetes

2009-04-17T16:11:00.003-05:00

Brenda Novak's auction for diabetes is a fun fundraiser for a great cause. Five Seekers have donated books for the auction. I hope you'll help us raise money for diabetes by putting in a bid.

To bid on these Seeker books, use the following link:

http://www.brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1382650

Blessings,

Janet

2009-04-12T13:23:00.001-05:00

Artist James Griffin created the beautiful cover for the second book in my Courting series, Courting the Doctor's Daughter, LIH May 12, 2009.
He will talk about cover art on Monday, April 13 at Seekerville. In honor of James' visit, I'm giving away a copy of Courting the Doctor's Daughter. Leave a comment on James' post along with your e-mail address to be included in the drawing. The winner will be announced in the weekend addition at Seekerville.

www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Blessings,

Janet

Courting Miss Adelaide is a finalist!!!

2009-03-16T20:25:00.005-05:00

I'm thrilled that Courting Miss Adelaide is an inspirational finalist in Southern Magic Romance Writers' Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence contest! Thanks to the judges and coordinator for all they do to make this contest so prestigious!

Blessings, Janet

A cover for Courting the Doctor's Daughter!

2009-02-03T20:52:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to reveal the cover for Courting the Doctor's Daughter, the second book in the Courting series. I love the fall foliage and meandering river, a lovely peek at the fall setting for the second book in Noblesville, Indiana. Hope you like it as much as I do.

Blessings, Janet

Courting Miss Adelaide

2009-01-19T22:50:00.002-05:00

We fiction writers tend to glamorize the past. But we know the “good ‘ole days” had their downside, like no dishwashers, carry-out food or automobiles to get us where we want to go. It’s far easier to travel into the past sitting at my computer or reading a wonderful book, than facing the rigors of the trail or the restrictions 19th Century society placed on women. But countless men and women met the challenge of their times. Their courage so impresses me that I want to tell stories that keep their sacrifices and contributions alive in our hearts and minds.

My father and grandfather were storytellers, relating anecdotes about real-life men and women and the world they lived in. My mother created beautiful quilts, using age-old patterns, piecing and quilting each by hand. Perhaps that heritage fostered my love of history and my desire to create. Whatever the reason, at twelve, I wrote and illustrated little romances. But it wasn’t until our daughters were grown that I seriously pursued my dream. It took me nine years to sell my first book, years of rejection and occasional elation. Not the Oregon Trail, but a rugged road nevertheless. The result is Courting Miss Adelaide, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical.

I’m asked where I got the idea for Courting Miss Adelaide. A newspaper clipping my father sent me triggered my interest in the orphan train. I’m amazed by the sheer numbers of immigrant children that rode these trains. Between the years of 1853 and 1929, 250,000 orphans or half orphans were sent from New York City to new homes in the Midwest and beyond. What an amazing life change for these immigrant children and for the families that took them in!
The idea to place out orphans originated with a Methodist minister, Charles Loring Brace, founder of The Children’s Aid Society, an orphanage. Brace saw as many as 30,000 abandoned children living on the streets in wretched poverty. Orphanages were overcrowded and unable to handle the number. Brace decided relocating these children to farms and small towns was their ticket to a better life. Some got good homes. Others lived like indentured servants. Still others were sent back to New York, only to ride west again. If you’re interested in reading more about their stories, visit: http://www.orphantraindepot.com/index.html

I immediately wanted to use this slice of history in a book. My “what if” moment became the kernel for Adelaide’s story in Courting Miss Adelaide—what if a lonely spinster wanted a child and saw the orphan train as her last chance for motherhood?

I set my novel in Noblesville, a real Indiana town, in 1897. A train carrying orphans stopped in Noblesville in 1859 so I saw no reason why it couldn’t stop again in 1897. Hamilton County Historian, David Heighway, was an invaluable resource. To enhance my story, I took creative liberties with the facts, but so much about Noblesville fit my plans perfectly. The town’s attractive courthouse dominates the square and is surrounded with commercial buildings matching the time frame I wanted. I visited the Noblesville’s Historical Museum that’s housed in what was the jail and sheriff’s quarters. I couldn’t believe my good fortune to find a wonderful brochure describing and dating the town’s historic buildings. I used some of those buildings in my story and created others. This is fiction, after all.

I walked the streets and selected the site for Adelaide Crum’s milliner shop Adelaide’s Hats and Sundries. And right across the street, I put The Noblesville Ledger, a newspaper that thrives today, and Editor Charles Graves, the new bachelor in town. It’s great fun creating the setting for a novel, and even more fun bringing the characters to life.

When orphan siblings Emma and William Grounds rode the train into Noblesville, they rode right into Adelaide’s heart. I hope once you read Courting Miss Adelaide they’ll find a place in your heart as well.

God bless, Janet

We have a winner

2009-01-19T22:48:00.002-05:00

Donna Rich is the winner of Crystal Miller's evaluation of her proposal. Congratulations, Donna! Thanks to all who left comments and a huge thanks to Crystal for her generous giveaway in Seekerville!

Blessings, Janet

Calling all unpublished writers!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-10T14:57:00.008-05:00

To have a chance to win an evaluation of your proposal by a professional freelance reader, visit Seekerville Monday, January 12 at http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/. All you have to do to enter the drawing is read Crystal Laine Miller's excellent post, "Dare Your Reader to Risk Reading Your Book" that's chock full of tips on getting past a publisher's reader and then leave a comment.

Check out Crystal at Chat 'n' Chew Cafe': A Taste of Nostalgia with a Hint of GingerPeachy http://www.christianbookscout.blogspot.com
When I Was Just a Kid features http://wheniwasjustakid.blogspot.com

The drawing will take place on Wednesday, January 14. Don't miss this terrific opportunity for a free evaluation of your manuscript's first three chapters and synopsis.

Blessings, Janet

For Love and Money Week in Seekerville

2009-01-04T17:18:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to report what's happening in Seekerville, my group blog, this week. Check out the schedule below.

For Love and Money Week in Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com)

Monday Jan 5: Deb Ng on professional blogging. Deborah Ng is the genius behind Freelance Writing Jobs.

Tuesday Jan 6: Cindi Myers on the working writer. If you don't know Cindi, check out her Market News Yahoo Group or her website for news on her latest release A Man To Rely On, from Super Romance.

Wednesday Jan 7: Michael Bracken on writing for the Confessions. Michael is a phenom in the confession world and we are thrilled to have him stop by and share.

Thursday Jan 8: Abingdon Press Senior Acquisitions Editor for Fiction, Barbara Scott, is back for an Encore, Encore!!

Friday Jan 9: Myra L. Johnson on the Christian nonfiction market. In addition to her multiple fiction sales in 2008 (Heartsong and Abingdon), Myra is also a nonfiction writer.

Saturday Jan 10: Tina Russo shares on writing romantic fiction for Woman's World Magazine. Keep an eye out for her latest Woman's World story, Letting Go, which is on newsstands RIGHT NOW!!

We are starting 2009 with a bang in Seekerville. Anyone who comments all six days will be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.

So come on over to Seekerville each day this week! Get into the drawing.

Blessings, Janet

The Solitary Tree

2009-01-01T13:31:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year

Time to look back at the previous year. Remember what was good. What was not so good. And figure out what we can learn from both. Then tuck those snippets of wisdom into the pocket above our hearts, looking ahead with courage at the clean slate of 2009.

I'm feeling nostalgic so on this first day of the year, I'd like to share an essay I felt moved to write. If you have some memories you like to share of another time, another way of life, please leave a comment. We can look ahead tomorrow. :-)

Blessings, Janet

THE SOLITARY TREE
by Janet Dean

Not far from our suburban home I’d pass an old farmhouse, built of brick, solid and stately, with a small porch across the front. It sat close to the street, built in a time when roads were strips of gravel, not wide thoroughfares, and land meant growing crops, not manicured lawns. Long narrow windows hid its occupants behind wavy glass. Alongside the house a solitary tree, limbs widespread, provided shade. Behind and to the left of the house an enormous red barn dominated the landscape. Each summer, corn, wheat and beans rotated in the acres of tillable ground surrounding the house. A drive circled behind the structure, bringing farm equipment to the barn and visitors to the backdoor.

Upon occasion, I’d see the owner, driving his outdated John Deere, holding up traffic. I admired that old farmer, admired him for holding out, for clinging to the land, refusing to take prime dollar for his way of life. I knew without ever meeting him that he understood work, understood sacrifice, knew what mattered.

For eleven years I drove past that house. Not long ago I noticed the paint on the barn had peeled and several boards needed repairing. Soon a large sign appeared in the yard, advertising an auction. On sale day, buyers packed the grounds, inspecting the contents of the house and outbuildings laid out on tables and strewn across the grass. I wanted to know what happened to the owners, but I didn’t stop to inquire, afraid to hear the answer. I comforted myself that someone younger would bid on the lovely old farmhouse, would raise their children here, and give the house a new lease on life.

Then the unthinkable—a huge piece of equipment appeared on the site, taking bites out of the house, spitting plaster and bricks. Soon the old farmhouse had been reduced to a pile of rubble. In a matter of days all signs of the house and barn had vanished.

When I drive past now, I look at that ancient tree, leafless in winter, splendid but alone with only the gravel drive as a reminder of the life lived here. Suddenly, I’m fighting tears. I remind myself that change is inevitable. It will come for all of us. It will come for me. Though intellectually I understand, in my heart, I mourn the passing of an era, the only reminder, that solitary tree.

In memory of a Suzanne Simmons Guntrum

2008-12-31T15:03:00.003-05:00

Suzanne Simmons Guntrum passed away December 28 following a massive heart attack. She was a dear friend. Multipublished writer. Woman of wit, warmth and wisdom.

You will be missed, Sue, by all who were blessed to know you.

Janet

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T09:44:00.003-05:00

Is your Christmas celebration like ours, spent with those you love, overeating, not getting enough sleep, cramming each minute with activity, leaving only a small amount of time to remember the greatest gift of all, that precious baby Jesus, our Saviour, born to us so long ago? My husband reads the story in Luke and Matthew. The little ones tell their version. We bake an angel food cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Some years our grandchildren put on a pageant of sorts, more hilarious than reverent. Our time together passes quickly and I'm filled with regret that we didn't spend more time focusing on the reason for this holy season. My only comfort is that Jesus is not a once-a-year Saviour. While I'm restoring order, I thank God for His plan, for His love, vowing to do a better job honoring Him next year. If you have some tips on ways to keep the focus on Jesus, please share.

Praising God for his unconditional love and wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Janet

Courting Miss Adelaide winner

2008-12-22T10:19:00.002-05:00

Melissa has won a copy of Courting Miss Adelaide for her response to the Cherry Hill newsletter article. Congratulations!

Blessings, Janet

2008-12-20T00:10:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled to have sold a third book: One Wife: Sealed and Delivered (working title) to Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical. This book will be set in fictitious New Harmony, Iowa with new characters to torture. :-)

Blessings, Janet