Write What You Know (And Love)

Have you ever wondered what to write about? You have a million ideas for your next fiction work in  progress, but it's so hard to pin one of them down. None of them feel right... or maybe all of them do. Or maybe you're out of ideas and not sure where to start.

Thanks to my wonderful crit partner Karen Schravemade, join me at The Writer's Alley, a great writing blog with tips and ideas of all sorts! I'm blogging about exactly that--writing what you know. And why it's so important to write about not only what you know, but what you know well--and what you love. There's Steinbeck and cake decorating and a posited idea that worked for me, and all of your comments and suggestions.

Thanks for taking the time to meet me there!

ACFW Featured Author Interview!

I'm the featured author on American Christian Fiction Writers website! Yay! And thanks, Anita Draper, for pulling this together! Read the interview here - it's fairly short.


I've been a member of ACFW for about two years now, and it's been worth every penny. If I can get the extra cash together this fall (and am not too huge) I'd really like to go to the annual writer's conference.


Thanks for reading!

"Sweet Potato Pie" Photo Contest!

Introducing the official SWEET POTATO PIE PHOTO CONTEST! Many of you sent creative photos with the cover of "Southern Fried Sushi," and I absolutely loved your pics! Because I had so many great photos, I'd like to do it again - but this time with a prize. I'd like to award the MOST CREATIVE PHOTO with "Like Sweet Potato Pie" an actual, yes, DEEP DISH SWEET POTATO PIE from Tee-Eva's (www.tee-evapralines.com) - just like the one on the back cover. Mailed straight to your house!

The rules: 1) the book cover has to be displayed in the photo; 2) you can enter as many photos as you like; and 3) please leave an Amazon review about the book as your only entrance requirement. It does NOT have to be a positive review!

I will NOT be judging these since I know all of you - but I'm going to ask a panel of judges who do NOT know the entrants to select the most creative photo. The contest starts NOW (February 15, 2012) and will officially close April 30, 2012 - giving a month and a half to get those photos/reviews in.

THANK YOU for being part of the fun with me! :)

Wanted: Amazon Reviews

If you've read "Sushi" and especially if you've received a complimentary copy, I'd love your Amazon reviews! I've been up late doing some marketing stuff (it's too late to write anything meaningful :) and am seeing that reviews on Amazon, even negative ones, do really help sell books. If you haven't reviewed for me, would you please consider writing even a short one? I'd appreciate it so much. Thanks!

I'll even save you the click-work and post the link right here.

Thanks so much to Melmac Macdonald for this fabulous review! This totally made my day! :)

---
I was delighted to get an early release read of this book. After reading Southern Fried Sushi I was immediately hooked on Spinola. This second books does not disappoint.

Shiloh P. Jacobs has a new life in Virginia and a new life with Jesus as her Savior. Life should be going splendidly for her...right? Not quite. Her finances are a mess, the IRS has a hold of her checking account, her half-sister is fighting her for her mom's house, and the house is weeks away from being taken away. Not to mention she's working non-stop and her dear friend Becky has given her a puppy. Life continues on in hilarity in Virginia where mullets are king and deep friend food soothes all woes. Insert a surprise visit from her best friend from Tokyo and her handsome ex-fiance and this book will keep you hopping.

In the midst of all the craziness Shiloh finds her new relationship with Jesus to be both fulfilling and difficult and somehow exactly what she needs. She sorts through real life problems with the new filter of "what would Jesus do?". God continues to woo her away and her delight at knowing Jesus will give you fresh eyes at what it means to walk with Christ.

We certainly can not forget the not so handsome Adam who has done absolutely nothing to charm Shiloh and yet she finds herself drawn to him. They hit setback after setback as they try to "court" and you'll find yourself frustrated at the lack of communication these two have! I'd keep going but I'm not going to give it all away.

Spinola continues to write with the light and color that makes reading her novels seem like a vacation. Her descriptions are just the right amount of spice and make the book the gem it is. Her character development is thorough and these characters are ones you'll find yourself wanting to hop in your car to Virginia to hang out with. Another delightful read that I highly recommend! Kuddos once again to Spinola for writing with transparency and honesty.

Releasing in March you can pre-order Like Sweet Potato Pie here.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for providing me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
unlike 1 like flag follow reviews

Family Fiction Interview

Click here to read the latest interview by Family Fiction!

And... an Interview/Giveaway with Valerie Comer at International Christian Fiction Writers

Here's another interview with friend Valerie Comer at International Christian Fiction Writers... AND she's giving away a free "Sushi" book! Stop by and leave your name and an experience you've had with either Japanese or Southern food to enter to win! Oh, and this giveaway is ONLY OPEN TO ENTRANTS LIVING OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.!

Valerie's life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughter. She's also published a novella with Barbour.

Interview at Kathy Harris' blog "Divine Detour"!

Like to read about food, books, and life abroad? Click here to read the interview by Kathy Harris!

Kathy is an author by way of a Divine Detour into the Nashville entertainment industry. She has contributed to several inspirational non-fiction books. Thanks, Kathy, for doing this interview!

Third of three!

Click here to read the last (and final) segment of Shannon Vannatter's interview - and comment by 11:59 p.m. to enter to win a free "Sushi" book!

Part Two of Shannon's Romantic Interview

Here's Part Two of Shannon's romantic interview on her writing blog! If you're curious how two people could come to the marriage altar without having locked lips even once, then this post is for you!

Leave your name and a comment and register to win a free "Sushi" book!

"Sushi" Drawing at Shannon Vannatter's Blog!

Hey, there's another drawing for a free "Sushi" book - if you're not sick of seeing it everywhere! :) Check out author Shannon Taylor Vannatter's blog and leave a comment by October 8, 11:59 p.m. Central Time to enter the drawing!

Today's the day!

October 1 means the release of "Southern Fried Sushi"! If you're out and about and can find it in the bookstores, would you mind terribly snapping a picture for me so I can enjoy it from Brazil? Thanks so much for your prayers and helping to make this wonderful day happen!

Southern Fried Mayhem!