Liz Tolsma: The Way To Face Fear

Everyone's Story welcomes best-selling author Liz Tolsma. It's been my pleasure to know Liz for several years now, but what's really exciting is watching her sparkle. She lights up upon the subject of her children and her love for storytelling. Previously on Everyone's Story Liz has shared about both of these subjects, but this week she's here to spread the buzz on her 3-book historical Women Of Courage series. One of the themes  of the series centers around how we all face fear. Please join us for Liz's insights. We'd love to know your thoughts!

Book Giveaway:
Liz is offering to one randomly chosen commenter (US only) a print edition of her novel SNOW ON THE TULIPS, the first of the Women Of Courage Series. The winner will be announced here on Friday, July 19th, between 4-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!

Questions for Liz Tolsma:

Before your upcoming breakout novel, SNOW ON THE TULIPS, released on July 24th, you were already a contributing author of the NY Times’ Best Seller A LOG CABIN CHRISTMAS, as well as had 2 short stories published. Plus, you already are a client of a well-respected agency. To many pre-published authors, you have it made. However, were you tripped by any unexpected publishing speed bumps?

Not by too many speed bumps. What surprised me was how long it took to get published. I started writing in 2001 and my agents have sent out many, many of my stories. I didn’t produce much from 2007-2010 because we were homeschooling at that time, but that time away helped me learn and grow as a writer. Three weeks after we sent all of the kids to school, I got the contract for A Log Cabin Christmas.

SNOW ON THE TULIPS, the first book of the Women Of Courage Series, is set in the WW II era. Why do you believe we as writers, and readers, cannot let go of this time period? Did you/your agent have difficult selling a story from this time?

We can’t let go of this time period because we have so much to learn from that generation – and we don’t have much time to hear these stories direct from the sources. My life has been pretty comfortable so far. We in the U.S. don’t understand suffering. The stories these survivors have to tell have some very important lessons for my generation and my children’s generation – lessons about courage, faith, and fortitude.

I got my share of rejections on this novel, but WWII is becoming more popular. This time period is really taking off and we found a publisher willing to take the risk on a WWII novel from a rookie author.

What makes your novel different from other WW II set stories?

Basically this story isn’t about troops and doesn’t take place on a battlefield. This is a story of an ordinary woman caught in extraordinary circumstances. Snow on the Tulips is set in the Netherlands in the final weeks of the war. The hero is a member of the Dutch Resistance movement, one of the most active resistance groups in the war. This sleepy, rural province becomes a hot bed for underground work.

Did SNOW ON THE TULIPS originally present itself to you as a series or did either your agent or publisher encourage it? Would you say its more fun or more intimidating to write a series?

I had two family stories I wanted to tell, so it was natural that there would be at least two books. Since publishers like three book series, my son helped me to come up with the idea for the third. I’m enjoying writing this series. Each book could stand on it’s own, but a similar theme runs through them all.

What message would you like your readers to carry away from this novel? From this series?

The heroine of Snow on the Tulips is a frightened young woman. When trouble arrives on her doorstep in the form of a Dutch resistance worker, she can’t turn him away. Her decision forces her to face her fear and put her trust fully in the Lord. Fear is an emotion we all can relate to, and if this woman can overcome her fear in a situation like this, we can face ours.

The series is about courage in the most difficult of circumstances and trust in God to see you through trying times. No matter how bad things are, God is our ever-present help.

From the knowledge gained from your previous publications, how similar or differently are you marketing your work now?

With A Log Cabin Christmas, there were nine authors in total, so we were able to reach a very wide audience. I did some book signings and a blog tour. Now that I’m the lone author, the marketing falls squarely on my shoulders. I’m speaking and doing book signings. I found that signing at a bookstore doesn’t usually go too well. I do much better at craft fairs, so I already have two lined up for the next few months. I’m Facebooking and tweeting, gathering influencers, and using Pinterest. I have quite a following on my WWII board and I’m using that to my advantage to talk up my novel.

Are you a woman of courage?

I didn’t used to be. I’m timid and shy and easily frightened. With marketing, I’ve had to face my fears head-on. The Lord has helped me and I’m becoming more comfortable in public.

I’m also afraid of heights and I don’t care to drive too much. It’s a necessity in this day and age, but I’d rather not if I don’t have to. I wanted to attend my cousin’s wedding in Pennsylvania, but airline tickets were cost prohibitive. I thought that if the women I was writing about could do the things they did, I should be able to drive to Pennsylvania – over a high bridge in Chicago and through the mountains further east. I conquered my fear and we made it to the wedding. As I become more and more mature in my faith, my fears are easing. The Lord is near.

Liz's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Meet best-seller author, Liz Tolsma, on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)

SNOW ON THE TULIPS by Liz Tolsma: No matter how bad things are, God is our ever-present help. (Tweet This)

Win Liz Tolsma’s WWII-set novel SNOW ON THE TULIPS, Book 1 of the Women of Courage series. (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:

New York Times best-selling author Liz Tolsma is currently a stay-at-home mom and part-time church secretary. Her novella Under His Wings released in September 2011, in Barbour Publishing’s novella collection A Log Cabin Christmas. Daisies Last Forever is the second in the three book series Women of Courage. When not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, gardening and snowshoeing. She makes her home next to a cornfield in Wisconsin with her husband, Doug, and their three children, all adopted internationally.

Patricia Bradley: God's Take On Quitting

Everyone's Story is excited to welcome upcoming debut author, Patricia Bradley. Why the extra enthusiasm? Because it's been a pleasure to watch Pat blossom from  a frequent visitor and commenter to this blog to becoming a published author. I feel like I'm cheering along a true sister! And, when you think about it, aren't we all sisters and brothers, united by the heart of God? Please join us this week as we not only share how Pat became an overnight sensation via 33 years with a 3-book deal, but why you may just not want to give up on a God who doesn't give up on you ♡

WHEN DO YOU QUIT? By Patricia Bradley

I want to thank Elaine for having me on her blog, especially since I don’t yet have a book that I can promote—Shadows of the Past won’t be released until February 1, 2014. I’m hoping Elaine will ask me back then. (Blog note: Done and did. Patricia will be back on Everyone's Story January 31, 2014!)

As I considered the topics to write about, the Genesis finalists were announced, reminding me of all the years I had entered it. And that reminded me of how many years I have been writing. You really don’t want to know the answer to the question that I’m sure just popped into your mind.

You do want to know how long?

Oh. Well, let’s see. I’m not one of those writers who began writing as a child. I was too busy reading. In the eighth grade I remember staying up all night to read Exodus by Leon Uris. That same year I read Hawaii by James Michener and To Kill a Mockingbird. It didn’t enter my mind that I could write a book. No, that came later, much later, when I was thirty-five.

And since I am now 68, that means I’ve been writing off and on for 33 years. Thirty-two of those years were spent submitting manuscripts and receiving them back with an I’m sorry, but this doesn’t meet our needs. Or This isn’t quite right for us. Or…you get the picture.

On top of that I entered contests— the Genesis at least six times, the first time not even being in the top half, afterwards inching closer to the finalist list. Every year it hurt to not final. Judges comments were helpful, but in essence they were saying: Your baby is ugly!

So, why did I keep writing? Or maybe the better question is, how did I keep writing?

I had a story I believed in.

With every revision, I saw that my writing and the story were getting better.

I got help.

The last one is the most important. After I won the Maggie in 2008, I thought the book was a shoo-in for publication. I promptly sent it off to a couple of publishers and promptly received it back with a form rejection. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. This was a great manuscript. It won a contest, for Pete’s sake.

A year later I met Susan May Warren and invested in a critique. It changed my writing life. I learned how to write actively, not passively. A couple of months later, Rachel Hauck and Susie worked with me at their Deep Thinker’s Retreat and told me when she read my story, she felt as though she was on the outside of a window looking in. I learned how to bring my character to life, to get into his or her head and to understand why they did what they did—the lie they believed about themselves.

After three years of honing my craft, I finaled in the Genesis and got an agent—the great Mary Sue Seymour. And, I thanked God every day that Shadows of the Past wasn’t published right after I won the Maggie. It.Wasn’t.Ready.

Neither was I. God was refining me as well as my writing. I learned how to enjoy the journey and to depend on Him. As I sat at the table waiting for the Genesis winner in the Romantic Suspense Category to be revealed, God whispered in my ear, “This isn’t in my plan for you.”

Winning the Genesis was His plan for Arlene Coulter, not me. I was truly glad for her because I knew God had a plan for me like Jeremiah said, and on October 26, 2012, God revealed that plan—a three-book deal with Revell.

3 Questions for Pat:

Your signature is "I asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write." From what you've shared with us, believe me, I can relate! Has your years of striving to become published taught you any other Life Lessons?

Another Life Lesson I’ve learned is that if I’ll wait on God, He’ll give me more than I could imagine or think. I would have been happy with one book published, but He gave me three.

What is the significance of the haunted house photo?

The old house in the photo is the Martin family home and plays an important part in the story. It was what I always pictured on the cover of the book, but Revell went in a different direction. And that’s a blog post in its own right.

Looking back in hindsight at the years that shaped you as an author, do you have any regrets about the time factor?

I think we always wish for something to happen sooner. If I could have a do-over, I would take on-line courses earlier, and I would get in a critique group earlier. Of course, I still would have had to wait for the Internet.

Patricia's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Great Writing Encouragement: Meet Romantic Suspense author Patricia Bradley. (Tweet This)

Should you quit writing? Patricia Bradley is thankful she didn’t! See why. (Tweet This)

See how Patricia Bradley became overnight hit via 33 years with a 3-book deal. (Tweet This)

Patricia Bradley: I asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write. (Tweet This)

Author’s Bio:

Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi and is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum and workbook. But her heart is tuned to murder and suspense. Patricia’s mini-mysteries have been published in Woman’s World, and her debut novel, Shadows of the Past, will release February 1, 2014. Until then check out her last short story in WW, “Blood Kin”.

When she’s not writing or speaking, she likes to make jewelry or throw mud on a wheel and create odd and unique pottery.

Places to connect with Patricia:

www.ptbradley.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Bradley-Author/310231559090148?ref=hl

Twitter: @ptbradley1

Susan Diane Johnson: WE'RE ALL BEAUTIFUL!

Everyone's Story is pleased to host author Suzie Johnson this week. Ever feel as if you don't fit into a certain social circle because you're different from the rest? Or perhaps you are plagued with self-doubts? Do you know of someone like this that can use an uplifting word, but don't know how to help? Suzie blesses us this week with this special, lovely message. She starts off the segment with the public sharing of Mercy Me's Beautiful, followed by her special message. Plus, check out Suzie's Book Giveaway offer of NO SUBSTITUTE. How do you handle self-esteem issues? How do you offer a shoulder to lean on? We both look forward to hearing from you.

BookGiveaway:

Suzie is offering to one randomly chosen commenter a print or ebook edition of her novel NO SUBSTITUE. The winner will be announced here on Friday, July 5th, between 4-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!

You’re Beautiful by Suzie Johnson

There’s someone I know who is hurting in almost every area of her life. She’s so deep in the pit of poor self-esteem, that my heart is deeply troubled for her. God puts her on my heart almost daily and I pray for her. I think about her often and I’ve tried to be a mentor to her. I’ve never met her in person, but I’ve talked with her and texted with her and I see her Facebook posts.

Those posts trouble me.

All she’s ever wanted during her young life is love; the freedom to be herself and be loved unconditionally for who she really is. But does she really know who she is? I think she’s still finding her way.

And now she’s dealing with her broken heart.

My own heart breaks every time I encounter someone experiencing self-doubt, low self-esteem, self-dislike, heartbreak. I’m shy, and I have a tendency toward social anxiety, but dear friends and my faith in Jesus have combined to help me through the worst of it. Sadly, not everyone is as blessed as I have been in the friend department. But everyone can be blessed with Jesus and the promises he brings.

Sometimes I struggle with sharing God and the love of Christ with people like my young friend who are so troubled. My struggle isn’t that I’m ashamed to own my Lord, my struggle is that they won’t want to hear it. That they’ll think I’m offering them pat answers and spouting platitudes.

How then can we reach out to those who are hurting? The first step, of course, is prayer. And I think it’s okay to let them know that we’re praying for them. I think if we speak with a genuine heart, they’ll know we’re sincere.

To everyone struggling with self-doubt and self-esteem issues, you’re beautiful. He loves you.

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” ~~ 1 Timothy 4:4

This is you. This is me. This is all of us. We are created by God. We are good. We are consecrated by Him.

When you feel alone, like no one cares, don’t lose hope.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.” ~~ Isaiah 53: 3

“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.” ~~ Isaiah 53:4

I’m praying that each of you who are suffering will remember these truths and take them into your heart.

Suzie's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Meet author Susan Diane Johnson on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)

Win Susan Diane Johnson’s novel, NO SUBSTITUTE. (Tweet This)

Susan Diane Johnson: you too can be blessed with Jesus and the promises he brings. (Tweet This)

Author Bio:

True North is Suzie Johnson’s second novel. Her first novel, No Substitute, a contemporary inspirational novel, is out now from White Rose Press of The Pelican Book Group. She is a regular contributor to the Inkwell Inspirations blog, a member of ACFW, RWA, and is the cancer registrar at her local hospital. Suzie and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest with their naughty little cat on an island that is definitely not tropical. Together, they are the parents of a wonderful grown son who makes them proud every day – even though he lives way too far away.

You can visit Suzie at the following places:

http://www.susandianejohnson.com

http://inkwellinspirations.com

http://www.facebook.com/suziejohnsonauthor

http://www.pinterest.com/suziejohnson1