A Writing Sister

 

I've discovered a writer who, in many ways, is like a sister to me. 

She writes historical romance, like me. She has books that take place in Oregon during the nineteenth century, like me. And she writes for the same publisher, WhiteFire Publishing, like me. I decided to interview her and introduce her to you, my readers.

Welcome Cara Grandle, fellow writer. I'm looking forward to learning a bit more about you.

1.  Has writing always been a dream of yours?

    

Now Cara's a grandmother
of this sweet little fellow.

I started dabbling in writing when my five kids were babies. I used it as the sanity escape from the land of littles. It wasn't until ten years later when I was at a women's retreat that I felt the Lord validate my dreams and encourage me to finish writing a book and go for it. It was another nine years of writing, learning, submitting, and being rejected before I signed a contract with WhiteFire Publishing.

Five children! You're incredible.

2.  When you're creating a story what is most important to you, the characters, the theme or something else?

I am a character driven writer for sure. My mind usually plays me a little snippet of a movie with a cameo of a character. Then I figure out how the character got there, who else was involved, and if they are in the middle, beginning or end of their adventure.

I like that. Very Original.

3.  If you were an animal, what would you be? And what do you think that says about you?

I don't think I've ever been asked that question before I can think of quite a few I'm glad I'm not. (Laughing.) I would probably go with Labrador ...dog. Loyal, happy, going from play time, to nap time, to meal time day in and day out. Sounds good to me.

Labradors are one of my favorite dogs. My Henry is a white lab. And he's all those things you described.

4.  Do you have a favorite genre of book or a favorite author? Why?

I write sweet romance, so of course I like that. But I'm really into cozy mysteries too. I aspire to one day write one. But they are a mite harder to write than my sweet romances. So many details to keep track of.

Mysteries are indeed a challenge, especially for linear thinkers like me. I'll be watching for your first mystery.

5.  Where would you go on your dream vacation?

I would go to Spain and immerse myself in the language and culture for a good three weeks. I'm almost bilingual and would like that experience to solidify all the years of lessons. If I had to pick inside the USA, I really want to go see the Tetons.

Both of those sound like a dream.

6.  What does your typical day look like?

Typical day? What's that? Does anyone have Typical days these days? Typically, I spend some time helping with my aging parents and in-laws. Other times I'm playing with my new grandson (only a few months old). I raise Labrador Retrievers (Which probably explains the answer to question three), chickens and rabbits, and I love to paint, draw, garden, film YouTube videos around the writing/editing schedule. So pretty much anything that fuels my creative inspiration is on the table. And it also means, I'm a little all over the place--but it's fun.

I knew you were the creative type the first time I met you on a Zoom call with WhiteFire. It's a gift to you and to others.

7.  Your books are considered Christian Fiction. Would you agree with that? Why do you write for the Christian market?

I write for the Christian market because I can't separate my heart that's in love with Jesus from my heart that loves writing and creating complicated and beautiful people. For me, to feel the heights of a great love story, I need to include the heights of our truest redemption story--the source of our best love.

Exactly! I want to give you a high five on that one.

8. Can you tell us a little about your new book? And what are you working on now?

Book three of the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series. The Rose, is coming out September 5, 2023. It is a "It takes a thief to catch a thief story." It's delightfully fast paced and has a twist or two.

I'm presently reading "The Ribbon" and look forward to "The Rose".

Here's a glimpse of what you can find inside the pages of Cara's latest novel, The Rose.

Under the thumb of her overbearing stepbrother, Rose Briggs must survive crossing the Oregon Trail before she can find the freedom and means to open a mercantile close to her sisters. Little did she know she stepped into the plans of a ring of thieves.

Worn down to skin and bones with nothing to call his own, Amos Pate a reformed outlaw, will do anything to keep his vow to never steal again. Anything except standing by and letting his loved ones die. 

They must stay one step ahead of a band of criminals, or they lose everything they are living for.

This sounds really good. I can't wait to read it!

Thank you, Cara, for taking time to visit with us. 

Cara is having a GIVEAWAY! If you sign up for her newsletter you will be entered in a drawing for book one in the Sisters of the Porcelain Doll series.

Enter a give away by subscribing to Cara’s email - click here.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy interviewing other writers. I think I'm going to do more. Make sure to stop in and check out what's up or click on the follow and never miss a posting.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

Books & Writing -- Meet Mesu Andrews

Welcome, Mesu. 

I was privileged to join Mesu Andrews for two book signings last summer. She's a real sweetheart. I know you're going to love her. 

To win a copy of her newest release read to the bottom for details.

Mesu and her husband, Roy, enjoyed fourteen years of pastoral ministry before moving to the Pacific Northwest to pursue the next step in God’s calling. They have two married daughters and live in Washington, where Mesu writes full time. The Andrews’ have a Rottweiler-pitbull named Bouzer, who keeps Mesu company while she enjoys her fireplace and hot coffee on rainy Northwest days. She loves movies, waterfalls, and travel.

Biblical fiction is her favorite genre to read and write. Her first novel Love Amid the Ashes (Revell) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year in the Debut Author Category. Love's Sacred Song (Revell) the Song of Solomon story, is available now and received a 4 1/2 star rating from RT Reviews. And Love in a Broken Vessel (Revell), the story of Hosea and Gomer, releases in March 2013. The Shadow of Jezebel is scheduled for release in March 2014. 

Mesu, as a teen you rejected Christianity. Can you tell us how you found your way back to Christ?

Though I grew up in a Christian household, my parents and grandparents were extremely diverse in their  theological convictions, so God was not my favorite topic. I turned my back on religion and gave my heart to success, friends, and Jack Daniels (whiskey). but very few people knew about the drinking.

During my sophomore year of college, a five-year romance ended and I felt my life was over. Some folks have asked about the dedication in Love in a Broken Vessel because I mention my "forever best friend" who saved my life and gave me the opportunity to meet Jesus. Joni was there the night of the break-up and somehow knew what I intended. She refused to leave me for two days and set up a double-date a week later--her with her fiance and me with a mutual high school friend of ours. That high school friend had gone to Texas and gotten "religion", but I told her I wasn't worried. I'd handled "religion" all my life . . . but Roy was different,. He talked about Jesus like they were close friends. Two months later, my soon-to-be  husband led me to a vibrant, living relationship with Jesus Christ.

I've come to recognize that my family  truly loved (and still loves) Jesus. The arguments I saw as hypocritical or embittered came from their passionate belief of God's Truth seen through differing opinions. It still makes my toes itch when folks argue doctrine. *grin* However, I now realize their arguments can, and often do, come from a sincere desire for another person's good.

Your journey was long and painful, but what 

freedom and wisdom you gained. 

And I've met Roy--He's awesome! 

You have three novels in print, all biblical  fiction. Launching a career in this genre would be intimidating to most writers. The research alone would be daunting. And in this market, it's not an easy sell to publishers. Why biblical fiction?

    Actually, I had no choice! Ha! The truth is, I never intended to be a writer. I fell in love with God's Word because it's where I met Jesus. I began teaching Bible studies and then traveling to teach at conferences and women's retreats. By 2001, I was teaching three adult classes at our home church and traveled an average of two to four times a month for larger events. In July of 2002, my body decided it had had enough, and I spent six months in bed without any medical explanation. Blood levels were screwy and my strength was nil. After a year, I had regained some strength but not enough to resume speaking. God's Word was burning a hole in me. Writing became my voice.

I don't write to tell a nice story. Hopefully, it's enjoyable and intriguing and gripping--but it must mean something. When readers turn those final pages, I hope they run directly to their Bibles. I hope they can't wait to see what God's Truth says about the novel they just read.

I'm often asked, "What's true and what's fiction?" I love that, and I try to give you some of the answers in the Author's Note of each book. But my real desire is that the reader will read God's Word to discover it for herself.

I've heard others say "I had no choice". I love how God's 

plan gets worked out in spite of us. 

  Your life is full--wife, mother, new grandmother, writer . . . How do you find balance? What is your greatest challenge? 

   Bonnie, you know as well as anyone the struggle with chronic pain. My health remains my greatest challenge to balance all the blessings of life. After the initial health "crash" of 2002, other symptoms continued to emerge, resulting in a two-week visit to the Mayo Clinic in 2003. They confirmed no life-threatening illnesses, but diagnosed several chronic issues (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, P.O.T.S., chronic migraine). In 2005 other symptoms ebbed and migraines began their daily attack. By early 2007, we found a combination of medications that allow me to function, though I'm limited on how much activity I schedule. I try not to plan a lot of evening activities since the migraines are most severe when I'm tired.

   How do I find balance? My husband is a huge help. I've just completed the rough draft of book #4 and we're still working out my schedule. I can edit existing story almost anywhere, anytime, but to write new storyline, I must have long, uninterrupted periods of time--hard to find these days. Roy has helped me organize my week into sections. He's Mr. Organized, and I' Miss Seat-Of-The-Pants. Not good, when I've got deadlines, kids, grandkids, etc. I'm learning (finally, still, again, continually) that I can't do everything I WANT to. I can't even do everything that's a great idea! Some of those great ideas will have to be left for someone else.

You have a brand new book, Love in a Broken Vessel, that has just been released. Can you tell us about it and where readers can purchase it?

    I know I'm supposed to say this, but I really mean it . . . I'm REALLY excited about this book!!!! Love in a Broken Vessel was the best and worst writing experience of my life! I was so excited to tackle  the story of Hosea and Gomer because my very favorite Christian novel is Francine River's Redeeming Love, and I couldn't wait to do the biblical story of this love story! Oh my . . . I had no idea how hard this would be. The first law of good fiction isx that the story must be believable. Impossible! How did Francine create a believable story in which a man REPEATEDLY forgave his adulteress wife? And more importantly, how could I do  it?

I cried and moped around for a few days, ready to call my editor and tell her I'd bitten off more than I could chew--when my critique partner gave me the hard talk. "If you thought you were the one writing this book, you should never have accepted the contract in the first place." (You gotta love friends like that!) She reminded me that I was telling the biblical story. It was TRUTH. Whether it was believable or not was irrelevant--considering most of God's Word is miraculous anyway, what was the big deal? "Let God work." That became my hope, my prayer, and one of my two editors said this was her favorite book so far--so I think the Lord answered!


Deserted by those who love her and betrayed by the gods she once worshiped, Gomer lives a bitter existence . . . until one day her childhood friend reappears--Hosea. But is it too late for Gomer? Is her heart too broken to capture even a drop of love? While unfaithful Israel breaks God's heart, Gomer's broken spirit tests Hosea's faith. Can the two find faith in Yahweh's power to love?

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/embed/nI5Cav_ApPI?rel=0

(Wow! I love this book trailer, Mesu. Fabulous!)

  What are you working on now?

   We just got titling confirmed on book #4--The Shadow of Jezebel, which is scheduled for March 1, 2014 release with Revell. Here's a little bit about it:

   Princess Jehosheba (Sheba) wants nothing more than to please her Baal-worshiping abba, Judah's King, and his first wife Queen Atalyah, the daughter of notorious Queen Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the king's household, Sheba realizes her dark skills as Baal's priestess reach beyond the world of earthly governments. When both light and darkness align, forcing her to marry Yahweh's high priest, Sheba enters the unknown world of Yahweh's Temple. Her husband shows her Yahweh's truth and a love beyond hope, but can Sheba overcome Jezebel's lingering torment? Can Yahweh use a fallen priestess to shine the unquenchable light of His love to faithless Judah? 

The Shadow of Jezebel--Meet the woman who saved

 a king delivered a nation, and preserved the Light of the World.

Sounds amazing!

  Is there anything more you'd like to share with your readers?

·         Please stop by my website and say hello! http://www.mesuandrews.com/

·         Or visit me on Facebook: Mesu Andrews

·         Twitter: MesuAndrews

·         Pinterest: MesuAndrews

·         Blog posts on Fridays (inside scoop on characters, plots, and new releases!): http://www.mesuandrews.com/blog/

Thanks so much, Bonnie, for giving me the chance to chat with your readers! I’ve got a question for them:  Who is your favorite Old Testament character and why?

Contact Information:

§  Website: www.MesuAndrews.com

§  E-mail: Mesu@MesuAndrews.com

§  Mailing Address: P.O. Box 873243, Vancouver, WA 98687

Information for Love In a Broken Vessel:

Thank you Mesu for joining us on Books & Writing. You are a beautiful example of what it means to be a lover of God's Word and a follower of Christ. Bless you.

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LOVE IN A BROKEN VESSEL!

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