Sandra Orchard: Chatting With A Rising Romantic Suspense Author

Everyone's Story welcomes back for the 2nd time, now multi-published author, Sandra Orchard. Having met and roomed with Sandra at an ACFW conference a few years ago, I'm excited to watch this warm and sincere author publishing many novels to date, as well as releasing a 3-book series, the Port Aster Secrets, from Revell. Please join Sandra as she responds to a few questions, and check out her intriguing BookGiveaway! Sandra looks forward to seeing comments from both readers and writers, so come say a hello. And what do you think about her book covers--aren't they beautiful!

Book Giveaway:
Sandra is offering to one randomly chosen commenter a printed edition of FATAL INHERITANCE. The winner will be announced here on Friday, September 13th, between 5-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks! 

   Catching Up With Sandra Orchard

What 3 words would you use to describe Sandra Orchard, the author, to a reader, and which would you use to describe Sandra Orchard, the wife, mom, grandmom, and friend?

As an author, Sandra Orchard likes to entertain her readers with fast-paced stories, likes to keep them guessing, all wrapped around intriguing characters. It’s really about trying to provide a good read!

As far as the family-oriented Sandra, and the friend Sandra, she’s industrious, dependable, and easy-to-talk-to.

What is it about the blend of suspense and romance that appeals to you?

I love the extra challenge of weaving a mystery around my romance that will keep readers guessing and that will surprise them. 

You quote Elbert Hubbard (an American writer who was killed aboard the RMS Lusitania, sunk by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland in 1915) on your website: There is no failure except in no longer trying. How has this inspiration worked in your day-to-day struggles?

I first added that quote to my website as an unpublished writer as reminder that no matter how many rejections or unflattering critiques I received, they all served a purpose in honing my story-telling skills. They didn’t tell me I was a failure as a writer. That would only happen if I quit. Being published and having more books under contract doesn’t change the I-don’t-know-if-I-can-do-this feeling when a story isn’t coming together the way I’d hoped, or my beta readers don’t like what I’ve written. Perseverance and leaning on the Lord are my mainstays.

Have you seen a common theme develop among your novels?

Deception vs. truth seems to be a big one. It was the primary focus of my Undercover Cops series with Love Inspired Suspense, and looms large in the Port Aster Secrets series as well. 

Are there any major differences (other than length) in writing a short contemporary novel and a longer single title?

The longer novel allows for deeper character development, more rabbit trails, and more subplots. Funnily enough, I actually prefer reading shorter novels, and I’ve finally figured out why. I tend to read novels, whether long or short, within a few days, so for me, if the author keeps reminding me of things I already know about the characters or plot, I feel like the story is dragging. Of course, the reminders are probably helpful for readers who are only reading a chapter or so every couple of days. Not so much for readers racing through the book. I don’t tend to remind my readers of things, which is probably why Publisher’s Weekly said of my 90,000 word Deadly Devotion, “Fans looking for a quick read and unique mystery will surely enjoy it.” 

What’s the story about the goat on your website?

LOL, my first response was “Goat? What goat?” Then I remembered the pic of my girls and I (many years ago) taking our horse, goat and dog for a walk down the road. My eldest daughter bought the horse with her babysitting money, but it was lonely without any other horses around. Our horse expert friend told us that goats make wonderful companions for horses (and were much less expensive to upkeep), so…we bought our youngest daughter a goat for her birthday. To be honest, I think the goat is more attached to the horse than the other way around. The poor thing bleats and bleats if he’s left behind when the horse is taken out for a ride.

Sandra's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Visit with #ChristianFiction romantic suspense author Sandra Orchard on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)

Why does blend of romance & suspense appeal to author Sandra Orchard? (Tweet This)

What do fans look for in a Sandra Orchard novel? (Tweet This)

Win #BookGiveaway of Sandra Orchard’s FATAL INHERITANCE. (Tweet This)

Author Bio:
Sandra Orchard is an award-winning Canadian author of romantic suspense with Revell and Love Inspired Suspense. She is an active member of ACFW, The Word Guild, and Romance Writers of America. To find out more, and to read interesting bonus features for her novels, please visit www.sandraorchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

You can also visit with Sandra her blog www.SandraOrchard.com/blog

Sandra's 1st appearance on Everyone's Story: http://elainestock.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-one-dreams-bigdebut-author-sandra.html

A Note From Elaine:

In following professionals' advice, I've started an Author's Page on Facebook. I'd love for you to Like it at : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock

Thanks ♥

Stephanie Landsem: Illuminating History Through Fiction

Everyone's Story welcomes debut author Stephanie Landsem. Ever wonder what it would be like to slip back into the past and live one day out of thousands of years when people did not enjoy the benefits of contemporary life with our medicine, space travels, communication, and, fortunately in many countries, enjoy the right to worship? When I met Stephanie Landsem I knew I had to feature a guest who can guide us down a street from the Biblical-historic era. Visit with Stephanie this week and see how she got her start in writing. She's offering a great Giveaway of her debut novel, THE WELL (see below). Both Stephanie and I are looking forward to your comments and visiting with you.

Book Giveaway:
Stephanie is offering to one randomly chosen commenter a printed edition of THE WELL. The winner will be announced here on Friday, September 6th, between 4-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks! 

The Power Of Story by Stephanie Landsem

Since The Well was released in June, I’ve had the chance to talk to many readers and there are two questions I get the most: How did you start writing and why historical fiction? My website says “Illuminating history through fiction” but that’s just the end of the story. The beginning was another matter.

From my earliest days, I loved history and daydreamed of far-off times and places. And I loved fiction: historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries . . . anything I could get my hands on. Still, I was a pragmatist—practical, sensible—writing stories as a career was nothing more than a flight of fancy.

So I went to college ready for hours in the lab as a biology major. Instead, something happened halfway through my freshman year . . . I took my first college level history course. Pragmatism flew out the window and I spent the next four years studying ancient Greece, imperial Russia, and medieval Europe. Unfortunately—and just as I’d suspected— there weren’t paying jobs for people who could write a thesis on the differences between Spartans and Athenians.

As twenty years passed, I exchanged research papers for marketing, and marketing for the joys of motherhood. Four children, volunteering, carpooling, and answering the inevitable what’s-for-dinner had filled my days for so long that when my youngest daughter entered school, I wasn’t sure what to do.

“What would you do if you could do anything?” my oldest daughter asked me one day.

Anything? I had to think about that. My answer came harder than I expected, perhaps because it had been buried for so long—percolating in the back of my mind as I’d changed diapers and read bedtime stories. “I guess I’d write historical fiction.”

“Then why aren’t you doing it?” she asked, with all the confidence of a twelve year old who still thought her mother could do anything.

Why, indeed? Because I didn’t know where to start. Because I’d never taken a writing course in my life. Because I might not be any good.

But my daughter was right. It was time to try. And if I fell flat on my face it wouldn’t be because I didn’t’ give it everything I had. I had a story, one that had come to me one morning as I’d heard the gospel account of the Samaritan woman at the well. And so I sat down to write.

The first day, I felt like an imposter. Who did I think I was . . . Anita Diamant? Francine Rivers? I was no Biblical scholar and certainly no wordsmith. Heck, I didn’t even know what a synopsis was. But I did want to help people experience the kind of life Jesus lived—to imagine meeting the Incarnation face to face. And so I started typing.

It wasn’t easy. But with hours of research, an online thesaurus, and plenty of prayer, I finally saw a book take shape. I was so proud when I wrote ‘the end’. I couldn’t wait for someone to read it. I gave the book to my eldest girl, by that time 14, and paced the floor, waiting for her verdict. It came, quick and brutal.

“Mom, it’s boring.”

Argh! I knew it. I shoved the manuscript in the bottom drawer of my desk and vowed never to write again. But after I had my cry, my daughter suggested gently. “More action, less history.” And I tried again. And again. And again.

Every revision improved and refined the story and taught me something new about writing. By the time I entered The Well into the Genesis contest in 2011, I felt that I might even have a chance.

The Well went on to final in the Genesis and the contest helped me get an agent and a publishing contract for not one, but three Biblical fiction titles. Today, I’m a full-time writer of historical fiction with one book published, another on my editor’s desk, and a third in progress. (That eldest daughter is in college majoring in English, of course.)

My goal each day is simple: to transport my readers into the pages of the Bible; to bring the people, places, and cultures of the past alive through the power of story; and yes, to illuminate history through fiction.

Questions for Stephanie:
How do you slip out of the present and into the world of far ago yesterday to write your stories?

The more research I do in the time period the easier it is to completely immerse myself in the story and characters. The story just seems to flow when I can clearly picture the details of the time period. Sometimes, I'll hit a roadblock—some historical detail I don't know: A character is locked in a room, but did doors have locks? How did they work? What did the keys look like? I found out that I can't let those roadblocks slow me down. I use an @ sign to mark the place where I need to do some more research, and then dive back into the story.

What lessons have your Biblical time era characters taught you that you were surprised is still applicable to today's lifestyle?

The more I write about historical characters and enter into their lives, the more I realize that their motivations and struggles are fueled by the same needs that we have today — needs to belong, to be loved, and to find meaning in their lives and ultimately a need to find and know God.

Have you had to make any unexpected sacrifices in becoming a full-time professional author?

Well, I knew this year would be hard. I have one book out, one in production, and another to finish writing. So yes, I've had to give up any free time that I used to have. I try to still be available for my family, but even that is hard sometimes. Fortunately, I'm blessed with an understanding husband and kids. When I tell them I need to write, they are more than happy to head out the door and get dinner at their favorite restaurant!

Stephanie's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Meet Biblical-historical author Stephanie Landsem on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)

Everyone has a story: biology major Stephanie Landsem turns author. (Tweet This)

Daughter to mother: Why aren’t you writing a book? And, mom, Stephanie Landsem did what? (Tweet This)

Win Stephanie Landem’s #BookGiveaway of THE WELL. (Tweet This)

Author Bio:
Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she’s explored ancient ruins, medieval castles, and majestic cathedrals around the world. Stephanie is equally happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four children, and three fat cats. When she’s not writing, she’s feeding the ravenous horde, avoiding housework, and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

Connect with Stephanie at:

stephanielandsem.com
https://www.facebook.com/stephanielandsem
https://twitter.com/#!/stephlandsem
http://pinterest.com/slandsem/

A Note From Elaine:

In following professionals' advice, I've started an Author's Page on Facebook. I'd love for you to Like it at : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock

Thanks ♥

Candace Calvert: Holding Onto The Rein Of Faith

Everyone's Story is thrilled to host this week multi-published author Candace Calvert. I met Candace at the first ACFW Conference I attended and was touched by her warm greeting to me, a perfect stranger. Who would have known that we both had to overcome similar ailments and struggles? And that's one of the many reasons why I'm glad Candace is here with us because, as you will see when you read about her accident, we all fight the need to control our own lives only to find out time and painful time again that it's impossible. On a lighter note: I'd been so mesmerized by Candace's story that when typing this intro it just sunk into my mind that she's been offered a new 3-book contract on top of the 5 novels that she has published already. Congratulations, Candace! I am so very happy for you ♡ And, check out the awesome Book Giveaway Candace is offering--you're going to love it! Both Candace and I are looking forward to seeing your comments.

BookGiveaway:
Candace is offering to five randomly chosen commenters one printed edition of one of the titles seen on this segment, with each winner receiving one book . The winners will be announced here on Friday, August 30th, between 5-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks! 

A Woman of Strength by Candace Calvert

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10                                                      

I slid my boot into the stirrup that April day clueless I was about to face death, a ride that would forever change my life. I only knew spring had finally come after the most soul-bruising winters I’d ever experienced. In the previous eighteen months I’d endured the unexpected and painful end of a twenty-three year marriage followed by a flood that threatened what was left of my broken home. But on that April day I prided myself on being a survivor. I was a devoted single mother, a veteran ER nurse, an avid equestrienne and, mostly importantly, a Strong woman—capital ‘S.’ Things were under control again. I was fearless. Only weeks before, I’d proven it by strapping on a parachute and leaping from a plane at 13,000 feet. A skydiver, not a castoff wife: strong!

Wrong.

Only minutes after I settled into that saddle, my young thoroughbred spooked and then bucked, hurling me over his head and onto the ground. I heard bones shatter: eight ribs (one that bloodied my lung), my upper back, and my neck-- in three places. When I struggled to haul myself from the dirt, a shard of bone bit into my spinal cord causing my right arm to burn with searing pain. And then it went numb. Somehow I crawled through the fence, staggered back to my house and phoned for help.

Lying on a trauma gurney in my own ER, I felt anything but strong. Neck collar, oxygen, IV, urinary catheter, eighteen merciful milligrams of morphine, x-rays and a CT scan—I was on the wrong side of the stethoscope. The emergency team, my dear friends, did everything possible to help me, but before long I’d hear concerns about permanent spinal damage. My fear returned with a vengeance. I was losing control.

I had believed this to my core: A strong woman stays in control, always, and doesn’t fully trust anyone. After all, I’d trusted my husband and he left; I’d trusted the security of my home and the floodwaters came. The big question hit me as hard as that fall: Did I trust God? I prayed to Him, I worshipped Him, but did I really allow myself to depend on Him? A little card tucked onto my dresser mirror read, “Let Go and Let God,” yet I’d fought desperately to keep life’s reins in my own hands. And they were yanked away.

In the following months as I worked in physical therapy to regain full use of my arms, I had time to ponder and to pray. I wondered about my need to feel strong. Was it simply armor to ward off other unimaginable hurts? I began to set new priorities, evaluate success and survival in different ways. With great relief, I let God take the burdens from my battered shoulders. I began to feel, deep in my soul, that my life had been spared for a reason. God had a plan for me.

“By Accident,” the inspirational account of my riding accident, appears in Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul and was my first published work. Since then I’ve published five (going on six) full-length Christian fiction novels, and recently signed a contract for three more. As with most authors, each story contains a bit of my own DNA. Disaster Status is the story of a feisty ER nurse who learns the difference between being a strong woman and a woman of strength. Code Triage is the heart-tugging story of a couple headed for divorce. And in Trauma Plan, a nurse who suffered a broken neck is determined to return to the career she loves. It even has a skydiving scene!

I have no doubt that God’s plan—the miracle that saved me that spring day—was to prepare me to write stories that inspire, encourage, and offer hope. Sometimes I joke that God had to drop this stubborn woman into the dirt and break her neck to finally get her attention. He made me weak long enough to teach me the difference between being strong and having strength.

 That difference is faith.

Thank you, Elaine, for hosting me here. I love this opportunity to connect with your readers!

Candice's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Meet author and equestrienne-accident survivor Candace Calvert. (Tweet This)

Staying strong when things are out of control? Visit author Candace Calvert to see how. (Tweet This)

Candace Calvert on Everyone’s Story: when God lifts up your burden. (Tweet This)

Candace Calvert #BookGiveaway offer to 5 winners! (Tweet This)

Author Bio:

Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse who believes love, laughter and faith are the best medicines. Her Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine—along with a soul-soothing prescription for hope. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, she makes her home in northern California. 

Link up with Candace at:

Website
FaceBook
Twitter
Authors’ Galley Blog

A Note From Elaine:

In following professionals' advice, I've started an Author's Page on Facebook. I'd love for you to Like it at : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock

Thanks ♥