Category Archives: Writers and Books

Heaven’s Prey: the villain

Dressed in prison drab, Harry Silver lounges in his chair in the visiting room. His dark hair could use a trim. He pins you with mocking blue eyes. He speaks:

Understand one thing. If this were real, I wouldn’t be talking to you. Period. Some tabloid journalist came once, and I was bored enough to see him. Wanted the inside scoop on what I’d done, what it felt like … [Harry’s lip curls] Your nice little Christian blogger here wouldn’t dare print the language I used to tell him off.

[He scans the tiny room.] I was a champion race car driver, until the governing body stripped me of my title. On the track, behind the wheel, I was alive. There’s not much life in here. Just memories: of speed, and of the twisted passions that destroyed my career.

Such beautiful women … I couldn’t stop, didn’t dare ask for help. That would have ended things even faster. The last one—Susan—why did she have to be a Christian? How dare she forgive me? She paid, let me tell you. She paid. But at night, even in this miserable place … I still hear her voice. [His fingers dig into his hair as if trying to hold his head together.] I still hear those words: “Jesus loves you.”

[He spits a stream of curses we don’t need to hear. Glares.] I don’t want God’s forgiveness! And He’s not getting mine. He took everything I’ve ever loved. Except racing. I took that from myself. If you want the details, read my story.

Heaven’s Prey. [He makes air quotes.] If God is chasing me, it’s not to rescue me like Susan said. It’s for judgment, not mercy. Even I don’t think I deserve to live.

I can tell you, though, I’m in this mess because little choices add up. I didn’t wake up one morning and say “Hey, I think I’ll become a serial rapist-murderer today. Just for kicks. They’ll all be young, blond. So what if it finishes me?”

I’d give anything to go back and undo the mess I’ve made. But it’s too late. Eight lives too late.

≈≈≈

Link: Heaven’s Prey page.

Heaven’s Prey: the frantic husband

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Tony Warner is married to Ruth from Heaven’s Prey. I don’t have a picture of him to share, but he’s average height, a bit on the cuddly side weight-wise, with sandy hair and beard, and he wears glasses.

Tony quirks an eyebrow, shrugs at you and starts talking:

“Cuddly side”? I suppose that beats “chunky.” Hey, is it my fault my wife’s an amazing cook? Not that she did a lot of it after we lost Susan, our niece. We lived on takeout for months.

I thought I was going to lose Ruth, too. She was drowning in grief—and hate. And she’s the Christian. She wouldn’t see the counsellor I found for her, so when it got bad enough I made an appointment for us to see her pastor.

cover art: Heaven's Prey by Janet Sketchley The look on her face when we pulled into the church lot! You have to understand: I refused to even be married in a church. No offense, but I don’t believe in God, and I’m not going to pretend. If God were real, wouldn’t He have protected Susan and all the other innocent victims of this world?

Ruth’s pastor, John Linton, is an okay guy despite the theology. Since that night, he’s come to the house for supper off and on. He’s single, and I already mentioned that Ruth likes to cook. He never pushes his faith, and doesn’t overstay his welcome.

His advice has helped Ruth. Prayer’s a crutch, but my wife needed it for a while. It’s time to throw it away now. She’s gotten … obsessed … with Harry Silver. This is the filth that murdered our niece, and she’s praying for him, calling him by his first name. It’s ridiculous.

And sometimes when she looks at me I can tell: she prays for me, too. What am I, a reno project? She used to love me the way I am. When she got into faith I figured it was a phase, but it’s not passing. Sometimes I don’t know how much more I can take.

Silver escaped from prison a couple days ago. They’ll catch him. There’s nowhere he can go. I just hope he doesn’t take another victim first.

I was afraid this would start Ruth brooding again, but she seems okay. I bet she’ll insist on going to her prayer meeting tonight even though it’s pouring out. Going—and praying for Silver. I wonder how the others feel about that.

This has to stop. How do I make her understand?

≈≈≈

[Author’s note: If you’ve read Heaven’s Prey, Tony has more to say, in response to a reader who asked, “Have you been able to forgive your wife’s abductor?” Since this takes place after the story’s end, I don’t suggest reading it before the novel. Link: After Heaven’s Prey]

Link: Heaven’s Prey page.

Heaven’s Prey: the woman in peril

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Today I welcome a very special guest to my blog. Ruth Warner has lived in my head for almost 20 years now, and I’m excited to introduce her to the world.

Ruth is the heroine in my novel, Heaven’s Prey—that’s her picture on the cover. She and her husband, Tony, are in their mid-forties. We’re chatting with Ruth today just before the novel begins, because (whispering so she won’t hear) she’s about to be abducted by an escaped convict.

Ruth (rolling eyes): How many times have you rewritten or edited my story now? I know what’s coming. But for the sake of people who haven’t read it yet, I’ll pretend it’s my first time through the plot.

Janet: Thanks. And for the record, I’m proud of how well you’ll handle everything that happens. I hope you’ll give our readers some things to think about. So… let’s back up to the Wednesday this all begins. It’s mid-June. And it’s pouring—heavy winds and rain off the Atlantic from a storm that’s tracked upward along the eastern seaboard of the US until it hit Nova Scotia, Canada.

Ruth: I work at Harrington’s Fabric Hut, downtown. What a drive to get home! The storm drains can’t keep up with so much water. I’ve already heard of a few streets being closed. Luckily I live on high ground.

Janet: So you’re home from work and probably soaked.

Ruth: Just got changed, actually. It was so nice coming home to chili in the slow cooker. The spicy smell met me at the door. My husband, Tony, was already here. He’s a principal at one of the local high schools, and his day ends earlier than mine. It starts earlier, too.

Janet: The last few years have been brutal. Can you tell us about that?

Ruth: We’ve been through a lot. Our niece, Susan, went missing in Toronto two years ago. She was in her early 20’s, just starting a nursing career. The police were already looking for a serial rapist-murder, and Susan was … one more victim for him. For us … Tony and I have no children. Susan was like the daughter we never had. It still hurts.

On top of that, the identity of the killer, when they caught him? Harry Silver, champion racing driver. My husband’s hero.

Janet: Healing hasn’t come easily for you, I know. What’s your biggest challenge right now?

Ruth: Prayer is what kept me sane. It’s been hard, but I’ve learned to forgive Harry Silver, and to pray for him. I thought it was about healing. That’s what Pastor John said. Nobody warned me I’d start to care about the man’s soul. Tony’s an agnostic. He thinks this is all in my head, and he’s so offended that I’d pray for Harry. I don’t want to hurt him, but I can’t stop praying, either. It’s—well, God wants me to do this.

Janet: Tony’s a real sweetheart, and almost as patient as my own husband, but he just doesn’t understand your relationship with God. You’re praying for him, too, and God can use those prayers.

Ruth: I can’t convince him, so I pray. And tonight … he won’t like me going back out in the storm for our weekly prayer meeting, but Harry recently escaped from prison. They have to catch him before he hurts anyone else, and he needs to know Jesus before he runs out of time. This burden is getting heavier, and it’s too much for me to carry alone. There’s power in group prayer. I just hope Tony doesn’t get too mad.

Janet: What’ll he do while you’re out?

Ruth: He has a woodworking shop set up in the basement, and he spends a lot of time there. Faith got me through losing Susan; carving is what helped Tony.

Janet: Is there a particular Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Ruth: The Psalms and the Book of Philippians were a huge help to me in the early days of praying for Harry’s victims’ families, and eventually for Harry himself. The verse that really hit home when I started praying for him was Ezekiel 3:18. Let me grab my Bible … here it is: “When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.” That’s from the NIV.

I’ve been praying for God to prepare Harry’s heart, and to send someone to warn him. He’s done such horrible things—but God still loves him. He yearns for him. I know it from the nightmares that made me pray for him. You or I might write Harry Silver off, but God hasn’t.

Janet: To be honest, I have to admit I wish there were a limit, a point beyond which God would reject a cry for forgiveness. I struggle with the thought of people who commit crimes like Harry’s—or worse—being welcomed into the kingdom of God. But I love this magnificent God who is not willing that any should perish. His mercy is beyond understanding.

Ruth: It is, indeed.

Janet: Let’s move on to some lighter things. Coffee or tea? Cake or Pie?

Ruth: I drink both, but I’m a tea person. Earl Grey’s my favourite. As for cake or pie, it depends. If I’m baking, it’s pie. Blueberry is my specialty. If I’m ordering, cheesecake. There’s this spot in Halifax, Sweet Hereafter Cheesecakery, with over 100 varieties of cheesecake in their recipe book. You know you want to get one to celebrate the novel’s release.

Janet: I do indeed. And since Sweet Hereafter is a real place, I can indulge. So what do you like to do to recharge?

Ruth: I love working with fabrics. Quilting is my passion these days, and I’ve started a community quilting group at church. We have nine women, and one lone male, and we sell our projects to raise money for the children’s hospital. Tony said this was one church group even he could support, so he made us some wooden stands to display the finished results.

Janet: Tell us something you appreciate about where you live.

Ruth: Hmm … the ocean. Tony and I like to drive along the shore roads on lazy summer weekends. We watch the waves, stop in little shops, and just unwind. And sometimes after a storm like this one, we’ll go and watch the breakers coming in.

Janet: What’s the most surprising, fun or scary thing you’ve ever done?

Ruth: I’m pretty boring. The only unusual thing I’ve done is to forgive and pray for my niece’s killer. It’s been a quiet life, and I’m glad.

Janet: And I’m sorry for what’s about to happen, but you’ll discover that no matter where you go, Jesus will be there.

Ruth: That sounds ominous …

===

Janet Sketchley‘s novel, Heaven’s Prey, releases November 1, 2013 from Choose NOW Publishing. Feel free to tell your friends! For more information and a free sample chapter, see the Heaven’s Prey page.

Interview: Author Catherine Castle

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Catherine Castle

Catherine Castle has been writing all her life. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit under her real name, Catherine Hershberger, in the Christian and secular market. Besides writing, Catherine loves traveling with her husband, singing, and attending theatre. In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club.

Catherine’s debut book The Nun and the Narc is available as an e-book from Amazon.

Janet: Welcome, Catherine, and thanks for taking time to join us. I like that expression, UFOs (unfinished objects). That could apply to my knitting, as well as your sewing!

Catherine: Thanks for hosting me today, Janet. I’m looking forward to my visit with you and your readers.

Janet: You write in so many different areas, including co-writing with your husband… before we talk about your new novel, The Nun and the Narc, I’m curious how you juggle such similar yet different creative outlets. Do you have a favourite?

Catherine: I once read that Stephen King writes on one book in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. I haven’t been able to do that, although I can write a blog and work on a book in the same day. Mostly, however, I do one thing at a time. I think it keeps my voice consistent. When I was doing freelance on a regular basis I set aside a day for that job and another day for fiction writing. Several of the plays my husband and I wrote were done in the evenings on business trips that I tagged along on, or we set aside one whole weekend to write a play. The verse muse for poetry hits whenever she chooses and I just have to stop and write what she tells me. As for a favorite, I think it has always been fiction, although I do love writing plays with hubby.

Janet: What’s the most exciting thing for you right now?

Catherine: The whole process of being a new author is very exciting, but I must confess I get very excited every time I check Novelrank and discover I’ve sold another book.

Janet: I can imagine! What’s your biggest challenge right now?

Catherine: I think I would have to say that dealing with all the social media stuff and self marketing an author has to do is my biggest challenge. I had pretty much mastered the blogging end of that before the book came out, but I was, and still am, woefully behind on Twitter and Facebook. Actually getting into the chair and writing is hard when you marketing is overwhelming you.

Janet: Tell us a bit about The Nun and the Narc.

Catherine: The Nun and the Narc is about a novice who gets kidnapped, along with an undercover DEA agent, when she tries to break up a drug deal between a young Mexican boy she has befriended while building houses in his village in Mexico. Scheduled to take her final vows when she returns home, her time in captivity with Jed Bond, the DEA agent, turns her life, and his, upside down.

Janet: It’s an unlikely match-up of characters, and I can see lots of potential for conflict—especially once romance enters the picture. Where did the story idea come from?

Catherine: Originally, I started the story as a contest entry, with a different heroine. She was a missionary. But the story wasn’t working for me until one of my critique partners suggested I make the heroine a novice. After consideration, since I knew a nun story would be a hard sell, I changed the heroine to a novice and the story took off.

Janet: With all that you’ve written so far, do you have a favourite character or story?

Catherine: I am rather fond of The Nun and the Narc and Sister Margaret Mary. After all, who doesn’t love their first book? And the sister is full of spunk. However, I think my unpublished devotional—Lessons from Nature-A Gardener’s Devotional— might be my favorite work. That book has been described as having a lyrical quality to it, and the stories contained in the devotional book are very personal to me.

Janet: Okay, I’m going to ask a question I personally hate answering. Feel free to pass. What’s this novel’s theme?

Catherine: I don’t know about theme. Theme is hard for me to figure out, especially since I don’t go into a book thinking, “The theme is going to be…” But I hope after reading The Nun and the Narc readers will realize there are many ways to serve God, and you don’t have to be the foreign missionary who dedicates his or her entire life in order for your service to be important. Whatever good works we bring to the Lord’s service are important for furthering His kingdom.

Janet: In researching for The Nun and the Narc, what’s the weirdest bit of trivia you’ve picked up?

Catherine: I discovered there are Mexican drug dealers whose religious faith (which seems a bit oxymoronical to me considering their line of work) involves the adoration of Jesus Malverde, a 19^th-century bandit regarded by many as the special patron saint of drug dealers. Who knew drug dealers had a patron saint?

Janet: Who knew, indeed! Your freelance articles have deadlines. Do you find that easier or harder than writing fiction and poetry?

Catherine: Books have deadlines, too, just longer. I had to face short, regular deadlines at lot when writing for the newspapers. I find non-fiction much easier to write than fiction, except for the interviewing process. Making sure you ask the right questions can make or break your article. For me, non-fiction is a bit like retelling a slew of information, which I got pretty good at. Fiction is much harder to me, since there are sagging middles, plot twists and all the good stuff we have to figure out on our own.

Janet: How do you keep your muse cooperative?

Catherine: The best thing I found to keep the muse cooperative is to think about your writing all the time. That trick came in handy once when I had the wrong deadline date in my calendar and the editor called and asked where my piece was. She knew I never missed a deadline and always had things in early. The 1000 word piece, which was due that afternoon, was written quicker than anything I had ever done. Had I not been thinking about that article for a while, it would have never made such a short deadline.

Janet: What got you started writing?

Catherine: I’ve always written. I was the student who loved the essay assignments, especially the ones that needed research. The more research the better! I wrote poetry, short stories, and my first romance as a teenager. I still have the romance and the poems.

Janet: Tell us what a typical day looks like.

Catherine: I don’t have a typical day. Deadlines drive my time in the office chair. When I’m on a tight deadline, everything else stops. Just ask the dust bunnies rolling around the house. I hate being interrupted when I’m deep into a character’s head.

Janet: Are you a writer who likes to immerse herself in details of the setting while incubating the story idea?

Catherine: I think I tend to run with the idea and do my research as questions arise. By looking at details of setting, or whatever research I might have to do, at the time the issue comes up I think it stays fresher in my mind while actually writing. I have discovered that I need to print out research details (photos, historical notes, whatever) and keep them in a notebook to refer back to. I probably work this way because my first draft is often sparse, more like a play or movie script with mostly dialogue, then I go back and deepen the senses and setting.

Janet: What do you like best about the writing life?

Catherine: The actual act of creating a world, populating it with people and putting the words down on paper.

Janet: What do you like least?

Catherine: Oh, that’s easy—marketing.

Janet: What do your family think of your writing?

Catherine: For them it’s a natural part of who I am. I started freelancing regularly when my daughter was in middle school. She was the one who actually introduced me to one of my dearest friends, who was a writing teacher, by bragging that her mother was a writer. Dear hubby writes, too, so he’s all in when it comes to my career.

Janet: Is there another Nun and the Narc book in the works?

Catherine: I’ve had some readers ask if there is going to be more to Margaret and Jed’s story. I’ve been playing around with another story idea about Margaret Mary and Jed. It’s not ready for discussion yet, though.

Janet: What has reader response been like for this book?

Catherine: Readers have loved The Nun and the Narc. Most of my reviews, from readers and review sites, have been in the 4-5 range. I did have a non-Christian leave a review on the book that says :

I loved this book. To be honest, I didn’t expect to, especially because in the forward, the author mentions trying to get it published as “Christian romance.” I’m not Christian and don’t enjoy books that preach to me. However, the premise was too intriguing not to give it a try… So, does the book preach? Surprisingly – shockingly, actually – it really doesn’t. It shares Margaret’s deep faith and her hilarious need to pray and confess even when bullets are flying, but it never seems too preachy or sanctimonious, even when Jed starts turning more and more toward Margaret’s God.

This was what I set out to do—write a book that even a non-Christian would want to read. Her review was very gratifying.

Janet: That’s an amazing review, Catherine! I enjoyed the novel, too. You kept me turning pages. Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Catherine: Isa. 40:31 is my favorite verse. “But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” This verse is such a comfort knowing the Lord lifts us up. I love the imagery of soaring with His hands holding me.

Janet: I love that one too. What are some books you’ve read recently that have stood out to you?

Catherine: I read a huge amount of romance, and I’ll read most any sub-genre of romance. I like mystery, fantasy, sci fi, and paranormal books. The Lord of the Rings series is one of my favorites along with C.S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. I devoured those books as a youth. Interestingly, I also like non-fiction and have even been known to read dictionaries, especially the ones with odd words in them.

Janet: I’ve dallied in the occasional dictionary myself… What are you listening to?

Catherine: There’s nothing in the CD player now, but when I listen to music I like John Denver, Dolly Parton, Elvis, and gospel hymns.

Janet: What do you like to do to get away from it all?

Catherine: Garden, if I’m staying at home. My garden is my refuge. We like to go to Disney World for getaways.

Janet: Coffee, or tea? Morning or evening person? Plays or movies?

Catherine: Tea and coffee. Definitely an evening person, and for plays and movies, both. We have season tickets for our local college theatre group and go to the movies regularly.

Janet: Since The Nun and the Narc has elements of suspense, I’ll ask this: What’s the most scary thing you’ve ever done?

Catherine: I’m not much of a daredevil. I rode the Kings Island racer rollercoaster backwards once. It wasn’t as scary as I anticipated.

Janet: Maybe that will work its way into a novel someday. Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Catherine. God bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

===

You can find Catherine Castle at her website, blog and Amazon author page, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
The Nun and the Narc

After being on the lam with novice Sister Margaret Mary, undercover narcotics agent Jed Bond will never look at nuns the same way. May God help him.

Where novice Sister Margaret Mary goes, trouble follows. When she barges into a drug deal the local Mexican drug lord captures her. To escape she must depend on undercover DEA agent Jed Bond. Jed’s attitude toward her is exasperating, but when she finds herself inexplicable attracted to him he becomes more dangerous than the men who have captured them, because he is making her doubt her decision to take her final vows. Escape back to the nunnery is imperative, but life at the convent, if she can still take her final vows, will never be the same.

Nuns shouldn’t look, talk, act, or kiss like Sister Margaret Mary O’Connor—at least that’s what Jed Bond thinks. She hampers his escape plans with her compulsiveness and compassion and in the process makes Jed question his own beliefs. After years of walling up his emotions in an attempt to become the best agent possible, Sister Margaret is crumbling Jed’s defenses and opening his heart. To lure her away from the church would be unforgivable—to lose her unbearable.

The Nun and the Narc, a 2007 ACFW Genesis finalist and 2003 Dixie Contest second place winner, was released April 24 by Soul Mate Publishing and is currently available at Amazon. Plans to release it on Soul Mate Publishing, Amazon and Barnes and Noble later on in the year, and it will be coming out as a print book later in 2013. To read an excerpt go to Amazon.com.

Sneak Peek: Chapter 1 of Heaven’s Prey

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Heaven’s Prey releases November 1 — All Saints’ Day — but I’m allowed to let you read a sample chapter now. Click the link below to meet Ruth Warner, her husband, Tony … and champion race car driver turned serial killer, Harry Silver.

Heaven’s Prey, Chapter 1

As I said before, if you like this sort of story, I hope you’ll read it and spread the word. And if it’s not what you like, I hope you’ll tell your friends who might enjoy it.

My newsletter subscribers got the first chance to see this. They’ll see the cover first too, so if you’d like to be in on that, click here to subscribe or use the link in the sidebar to the right.

Interview: Author Valerie Comer

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Canadian author and speaker Valerie Comer has a passion for natural food, faith and fiction. In addition to her website and blog, she contributes to at least four other blogs or websites, runs the To Write a Story site (where you can get a free writing course), and writes fiction with a green twist. Her novel, Raspberries and Vinegar, released this month.

Janet: Welcome, Valerie, and congratulations on your new novel!

Valerie: Thanks so much! I’m very pleased to have Jo and Zach’s story out in the wide world, seeking its fortune.

Janet: I like Jo and Zach, and I hope they’ll make a lot of new reader friends. Tell us a bit about Raspberries and Vinegar.

Valerie: It’s a contemporary romance, first in a series called Farm Fresh Romance, in which sweet and tart Josephine Shaw is on a mission to rid the world of junk food and chemicals by promoting local foods and sustainability. Problem is, the reluctant farmer-next-door thinks city life is the simple life.

Janet: I love the series tag line: Farm Lit with sweet simplicity and a bit of zing. What’s farm lit? Is it light humour like chick lit, or more serious?

Valerie: Farm Lit is in its infancy, so only time will tell what nuances the term will come to mean. For the time being, it’s any fiction that is rooted in contemporary farming, living with the growing seasons and in sync with the land. It includes memoirs such as Ree Drummond’s The Pioneer Woman, and Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal Vegetable Miracle.

My personal take in Raspberries and Vinegar is within a romantic tale with real, local food on one side and the modern compulsion with fast junk food on the other. And because Jo Shaw is rather opinionated and (perhaps) a bit insensitive to those who disagree with her, I tried to infuse the story with a light, humorous tone—and made sure other characters called her on her attitude from time to time.

Janet: In the wrong hands, Jo could have been overbearing and obnoxious, but you made her a character I could relate to and sympathize with. I think her regrets when she sees she’s overstepped make her human. She’s like the rest of us: she gets carried away by the things she’s passionate about. Where did the story idea come from?

Valerie: It came from my passion for real food. My husband and I live on a small farm where we try to grow the majority of what we consume—vegetables, berries, nuts, meat, and honey. What we can’t grow ourselves, we seek in our valley before buying elsewhere. We’re delighted to live where we can buy local organic grains and a wide array of fruits and vegetables.

Our adult kids are raising our granddaughters on real food as well. Watching them and their peers seek ways to get involved in the growing world of local food and farmers’ markets is where this series germinated.

Janet: This is the beginning of the Farm Fresh Romance series, right? So we’ll be able to follow your characters into other stories?

Valerie: Yes! While Jo is the focus of this first book, you’ll also meet Claire, a chef, and Sierra, a naturopath, as all three young women work together to build their farm. The second story is Claire’s, while the third novel focuses on Sierra. Throughout the series, the reader will get to experience some of the challenges of contemporary farming while enjoying the romantic nature of each woman’s individual story.

Janet: Jo, Claire and Sierra name their farm Green Acres. They’re too young to know about the classic TV show, but am I the only one with the theme music running through her head?

Valerie: You’re not the only one! I had it a few times, too. I guess I never did say how the farm got its name. I’ll have to make sure that goes in a later book.

Janet: You describe yourself as a ruralist, among other things. How does that look in your life?

Valerie: I discovered the word ruralist when I sought out the antonym of the word urbanite. I was simply seeking an unbiased term that referred to someone who didn’t live in an urban setting. Something that included farmers and ranchers but also embraced folks in small rural towns. I was appalled to discover the derogatory terms pinned on those who (obviously) weren’t sophisticated enough to crave the only satisfying option—life in a city.

I’ve never been a city girl and never felt the desire to become one. I cherish elbow room, mountains, valleys, lakes, wildflowers, streams, breezes, trees, and bird calls far more than shopping, museums, operas, or international cuisine.

Ruralist is simply a respectful term for those of us who live in the country. We’re farmers, but not all ruralists are. Still, all of us value the charms of a slower pace more connected with the seasons.

Janet: I like the convenience of suburban living, but it’s things like streams, trees and wind that refresh my spirit. You’re blessed to live in the country. Your author bio says in part, “Valerie and her husband of over 30 years live on a small farm in Canada with assorted cows, chickens, pigs, and bees. They grow much of their own food and preserve vast quantities by canning, freezing, and dehydrating. They are avid supporters of their local farmers’ market, where they sell honey from 75 hives of bees.” When do you find time to write?

Valerie: It’s a challenge!

Janet: What got you started writing?

Valerie: Because farming these days isn’t particularly lucrative, my husband and I have been forced to view it as a lifestyle choice more than as a family-supporting income stream. In 2001, shortly after we bought the farm from his parents, I landed a job at a small town flooring shop. My duties included everything in the store, while my two boss guys did all the measuring, quotes, and installations. Sometimes it would take me mere hours to set up several weeks worth of work for them.

It didn’t take long for me to crave something to do during quiet hours at work, and my boss guys were totally okay with it. They knew there was only so much dusting a gal could do (though I admit I could have done a bit more…) and allowed me space and internet access to work on writing.

For eleven and a half years, the majority of my writing time took place in my carved-out space at the back of the flooring shop around customers, phone calls, salesmen, and delivery trucks. During those years I wrote 11 novels, sold a novella to Barbour, and worked hard on my skills.

In November of 2012, the flooring shop closed and I moved my “office” into a spare room in our farmhouse. It is definitely more challenging to find writing time now that I’m at home, but now I’m addicted. I start by getting up at 6:30 Monday-Saturday to devote the first few hours to my current story or, now in August, to blog-hopping and marketing.

If it’s a rainy day, or Jim is haying, or busy with the beehives, or nothing on the farm is pressing, I’ll head back upstairs, but if the garden, grandkids, or hubby are calling, my office hours may well be closed for the day by mid-morning.

Janet: It took a lot of discipline to get to this spot. Enjoy it! In your research of all things green, healthy and creation-care-oriented, what’s the weirdest bit of trivia you’ve picked up?

Valerie: I don’t know about weird. We became beekeepers four years ago. I’d never given a lot of thought to their specific challenges before, but the bee population is struggling from pesticide use and commercial monoculture. Still, a high percent (some place it at 70%) of the foods we regularly consume require bees for pollination. It’s unbelievable to me that governments aren’t doing more to protect the bees. Some say that if bees disappeared, mankind would have about four years left on the planet. (Hmm, maybe THAT is the weirdest bit of trivia I’ve picked up…)

Janet: Sounds like the plot for a science fiction novel. And it’s incredible that there’s not more talk about what the declining bee population could mean to our food supply. Another question I wanted to ask you: Is there a particular song or Scripture verse that’s made a big difference for you?

Valerie: I love I Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV): “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

Definitely some are called to visibly lead, but it reassures me to know that it’s also biblical to be an introverted ruralist.

Janet: What do you like best about the writing life?

Valerie: I love that I’m doing something creative with my curiosity. It’s a reason to ask questions, learn things, and experiment. Perfect!

Janet: What do you like least?

Valerie: Probably how long it takes to write a novel. Maybe especially how long it takes to REwrite one!

Janet: Writers are told to read widely and voraciously. I think that’s one of the perks of the deal. What are you reading these days?

Valerie: I read a lot of inspirational contemporary romance… and historical if the author’s voice catches me. I read writing and marketing “how to” books as well as farming, gardening, and simple living guides.

Janet: Thanks so much for taking time to let us get to know you a bit, Valerie. May the Lord continue to bless you and make you a blessing to others—in every area of your life.

Thank you, Janet. I love your thoughtful questions. I’m thankful for God’s many blessings, including being here with you and your friends today.

===

Sweet like Raspberries. Tart like Vinegar.

That’s Josephine Shaw for you: complex yet singleminded. Everyone in nearby Galena Landing, Idaho, has heard her opinions on simple, sustainable living, but what does she really know? After all, she and her two friends are new to farming.

Zachary Nemesek is next door only until his dad recovers enough to work his own farm again. Zach braces for the fall-out when the new neighbors find a mouse invasion but soon discovers Jo has everything under control. Is there anything she can’t handle? Surely there’s more hidden beneath all that vinegar.

Click to read a sample chapter of Raspberries and Vinegar.

A Farm Fresh Romance. This unique farm lit series follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of three college graduates who move onto a reclaimed farm where they plan to take the rural area by storm with their sustainable lifestyle and focus on local foods.

Buy Raspberries and Vinegar (includes links to various stores/versions)

Buy through Choose NOW Publishing (includes various links)

Connect with Valerie Comer via:

Heaven’s Prey Update

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Signing the publishing contract for Heaven’s Prey felt unreal. I’ve waited, worked for and dreamed of this for so long, my brain didn’t know how to handle it actually happening.

I have to say, Nicole O’Dell and the folks at Choose NOW Publishing are amazing to work with. I’m truly thankful.

I’ve been living in the world of edits and revisions for the month of July.

There’s a fine balance between excitement and anxiety, and opening the manuscript file full of editorial comments tipped it. There were 129 comments plus the highlighted phrases requiring specific work. Yes, Nicole liked the manuscript, or she wouldn’t have chosen it, but she saw lots of ways to make it stronger.

This is what I wanted: a publishing contract, and the best possible version of my manuscript.

Fear whined, “I can’t do this,” but experience said I could. I chose to listen to that second voice.

Writers need editors. It’s hard to 1) see the weak spots, 2) grasp the editorial direction, and 3) internalize that and find the best way to rewrite.

I looked at Nicole’s comments for Heaven’s Prey. Self-pity sulked, “It’s too hard,” but I believe in this story, these characters. “Hard” doesn’t matter. I’ll do what it takes to present them at their best.

So I’ve been editing.

Every once in a while I found a line that amazed me: it fit perfectly, captured the sound of a character’s voice or the cry of her heart. Most of what I found was “good but it can be better,” so that’s what I’ve been working on.

Writing, like any art, is rarely perfect. Most books have a few copy-editing errors, a few repetitions or less-than-ideal turns of phrase. If we obsessed over perfection, none of our stories would ever get out. So I’ve prayerfully done my best, as will the rest of the Choose NOW team, and we’ll release these characters to the world in November.

Best moment so far: seeing Heaven’s Prey listed on the Choose NOW Publishing website. (Those so inclined can view it here … cover art will be revealed soon, and my newsletter subscribers will see it before it even appears here on my blog.)

Heaven’s Prey: My Novel

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I’m expecting a book! Yes, I hope for grandchildren when the time’s right, but I’m excited to finally see some of my “imaginary friends” come to life in print (or e-print). Over the next few months, I’ll introduce them to you.

The novel’s called Heaven’s Prey and it’s Christian fiction. Choose NOW Publishing plans to release it in November. Here’s the tag line:

A grieving woman is abducted by a dangerous offender—and it may be the answer to her prayers.

It’s about a serial killer’s last chance at redemption—not the gentle inspirational read many associate with the Christian genre. I’ve aimed for a suspense level similar to Brandilyn Collins or Terri Blackstock. Not as intense as Ted Dekker or Steven James.

Like this sort of thing? Great! I hope you’ll read it and spread the word.

Not your cup of tea? No worries! I hope you’ll tell your friends who might enjoy it.

Sign up for my author newsletter for advance news on Heaven’s Prey. Subscribers’ contact information will be kept confidential, and I promise not to overload your in-boxes! [Sign up here or in the right-hand sidebar.]

I’m excited to be working with Choose NOW Publishing. As well as their new line of issue-driven books for adults and teens, Choose NOW Ministries has a popular radio show/podcast and a website filled with resources for parents and teens, specializing in hot button issues and empowering teens to make good choices. Stop by and check it out!

Interview: Janet Sketchley

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No, I’m not interviewing myself, although I do talk to myself at times…

But over at Where Writers and Authors Meet, I’m in the hot seat this week for a reader-directed interview: you ask the questions (deadline tonight) and I answer them. My host, Virginia Lori Jennings, will post the answers on Monday.

To join in, visit Come Ask Janet Sketchley Some Questions.

Winner of A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider

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The 5th Anniversary blog draw is now closed. Thank you to each one who visited and entered… I wish I had a book for each of you. They are available through your favourite booksellers, online or on-store, and maybe even at your public library.

Congratulations to Denise Rumble, whose name I pulled from the basket! Denise is Managing Director for The Word Guild, and she’s also a writer, speaker, and a woman on a journey. Why not pop over to her website and say hello?