A Decade of Dreams (and FEARS) on the Writing Journey

In October 2007—ten years ago—I was an award-winning but agentless UNpublished writer venturing out with my Seeker Sisters to start a blog that we hoped would offer other aspiring writers encouragement, inspiration, and practical teaching on the craft of writing and the world of publishing. A supportive “Village” such as the one the Seekers had found with each other.

Little did I know that a year after we started Seekerville one of my contest entries would land on Senior Editor Melissa Endlich’s desk at Steeple Hill Books (the previous name of Love Inspired). Nor did I know that the following year my first published book, Dreaming of Home, would be on the shelves. Or that 10 years after we started the blog, even though still working a demanding, full-time day job, I’d have completed my fourteenth contracted book.

 But back to 2007….

During our two years pre-blog, Seekers hung out together daily in a “virtual world,” praying for each other, encouraging, brainstorming, growing as writers, and periodically celebrating as some slipped a foot inside the publishing world door. Others of us weren’t there yet.

That’s when in early autumn 2007 Seeker Tina Radcliffe initiated “Plan B” for those of us who were basically treading water (telling us she’d be sending out invitations to a meeting along with a box of Kleenex and two Hershey kisses). She said we needed to meet in a chat room, talk plans, brainstorm, discuss what had worked and what hadn’t, how we could help each other—and commit to moving forward.

That night I wrote “optimistically” (ha ha) in my writing journal: I don't know if I have the time or the energy or the inclination for this. I'm not sure if I should keep beating my head against a wall. Maybe it's just not God's timing for me to be published. Maybe it's NEVER going to be God's timing.

But join I did, and Tina kicked things off with pre-meeting homework of hard-hitting questions for which we were asked to write a “dig deep” paragraph or two, including: How badly do you want to sell? How close are you to giving up? What are your fears? Where is God in all of this?

Here’s what I wrote in my writing journal as I mulled over the questions before fleshing-out the requested response:

What are my fears? On good days when I'm rested, I have NO FEAR. On days when I'm exhausted from the day job, I have BUCKETSFUL.

Fear # 1: That I've wasted a lot of years pursuing something that isn't in God's plan for me and missed out on the things I should have been doing and am better equipped to do. (The dream started in grade school—and I spent decades off and on writing toward that dream that wouldn’t go away.)

Fear # 2: That I'm deluding myself in thinking I will ever have what it takes to be successfully published. It's one thing to win a contest with opening chapters--but am I capable of writing solidly constructed, entertaining stories throughout? If I am, can I sustain that in book after book?

Fear # 3: That being published will only add more stress to my life than I can deal with and demand more time than I'm at liberty to put toward it.

Fear # 4: That I’ll sign a book contract—and be incapable of producing a book on deadline.

Fear # 5: That I’ll disappoint my readers.

Where is God in all of this? Somewhere out there...God refuses to take “The Dream” away from me even though it's been offered up time and time again, so I must assume there are things I have to do and become first.

Our little band of “Plan B-ers” read each other’s “essays,” then met in a virtual chat room to discover that all of us had so much in common with our responses. Fear that we weren’t good enough, that we were seeking something outside God’s will, that there was something we weren’t “getting” that was holding us back. How REAL those fears felt!

Going forward we committed to praying for each other, shared daily scriptures, offered encouraging feedback, took on-line classes, and listened to a CD by a published writer on not giving up. We paired up to read and critique each other’s manuscripts, re-evaluated what we were currently writing and targeting, shared articles on the writing craft, researched publisher guidelines for “best fit” for what we wanted to write, and learned how to better utilize contests.

Throughout those intense weeks of digging deep, refocusing, and re-launching ourselves, Tina kept asking Dr. Phil-like regarding our earlier, unsuccessful efforts: So, how’s that been working for you? And always she encouraged us to pray for each other, seek God’s clear direction, and to THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX we’d found ourselves trapped in.

That beginning jump-started the straggling-behind Seekers. And the rest, as they say, is history! Today all of us are published.

Do some of those original fears STILL linger? Are some of them realities that continue to challenge us? Oh, yes. But you know what? Many of those fears were False Evidence Appearing Real—fears that I could have easily allowed to hold me back from even trying. Looking over the past decade reminds me that God is in charge. My writing is His to do with as He pleases, so I’m deeply grateful for doors He opened to share my stories with the world.

God doesn’t promise to make all our “dreams” come true, but I believe He does plant certain dreams in our heart that He wants to fulfill--if we cooperate. Different journeys for different people. But, as the saying goes, God can’t steer a parked car. I must trust Him, look to Him for guidance, listen for His answers, and prayerfully step out daily to do my part. He can’t sell a book that’s never written.

If you're a writer, please share with us today where were YOU were on your writing journey 10 years ago when Seekerville first opened its doors! What were your hopes and dreams for your writing? Your fears? How far have you come since then?

If writer OR reader, when and how did you discover Seekerville? (Some of you, I realize, may have been in grade, middle or high school when Seekerville launched!) Why do you stick around?

If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card along with a Kindle-copy of one of my books (your choice), please mention it in the comments section!

NOTE: The photos shared in today’s blog are from a late September trip on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado!

Glynna

GLYNNA KAYE treasures memories of growing up in small Midwestern towns--and vacations spent with the Texan side of the family. She traces her love of storytelling to the times a houseful of great-aunts and great-uncles gathered with her grandma to share candid, heartwarming, poignant and often humorous tales of their youth and young adulthood. Her Love Inspired books—"Pine Country Cowboy” and “High Country Holiday”—won first and second place, respectively, in the 2015 RWA Faith, Hope & Love Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards. Just out in May 2017 was “The Nanny Bargain,” out now is “Mountain Country Cowboy,” and coming in April 2018 will be “Mountain Country Courtship” (the final story in the 6-book Hearts of Hunter Ridge series).

Mountain Country Cowboy. When he’s offered a job at Hunter’s Hideaway, single dad Cash Herrera immediately accepts. It means the former bad boy can start over and gain custody of his son, Joey. Still, small-town folk have long memories—especially Cash’s pretty childhood nemesis. Rio Hunter is now a lovely, courageous woman…and Cash’s new boss. Past betrayal makes them both wary, and Rio’s secret promise will soon take her away from Hunter Ridge. Yet working with Cash and teaching Joey about her beloved horses draw her closer to both. Can she create a loving family with the man who’s claiming her future?
BUY HERE

Birthday Greetings from Seekers Sandra Leesmith and Glynna Kaye!

5 Ways to Make an Acquisitions Editor Say Yes

 with guest Raela Schoenherr, Fiction Acquisitions Editor, Bethany House Publishers. 


 While the basic job description of an acquisitions editor—acquire new books for a publishing company to publish—at first glance seems like a job where I get to regularly say “Yes!” and make authors’ days all day long, the truth is the number of aspiring authors exceeds the number of available publishing slots, and most acquisitions editors have to say no far more than we get to say yes.  And yet, despite how it may feel to pre-published authors, we LOVE when we get to say yes! We get to make you happy, you get to make us happy, and we both get to make the publishing company happy.

Since it makes my day when I get to say yes to a new author, I want to offer up five ways you can make it easier for me to say yes to your proposal, your book, and you.

1.) Great writing

Shall we get this one out of the way? Those of you who have studied the industry, attended conferences, or read publishing blogs knew this one was coming, didn’t you? 

All of us who say we are looking for great writing are well aware of how vague and indefinable this feels to a writer. In many ways, it’s a “we’ll know it when we see it” kind of thing. Which really doesn’t give you a lot to go on, does it? 

While this often boils down to the particular taste of an editor, there are some ways you can work to earn that nebulous label of great writing. And most of that involves studying the industry. 

Read widely in your genre—definitely in the CBA market, but also in the ABA market, if you can. When you’re moving books to the top of your TBR list, make sure to include those that are winning awards and receiving positive recognition from discerning sources. 

 Enter your unpublished manuscripts in contests where you will receive feedback from qualified judges even if you don’t end up placing in or winning the contest. Join a critique group, find a critique partner, or gather beta readers who have the ability to offer you constructive criticism as well as point out the areas where you shine. 

Read industry and customer reviews of the books you love and those that have received recognition to look for common themes in what is resonating with industry professionals and readers.

2.) Professional presence

In this day and age, where authors are more accessible to their readers than ever, the way you present yourself matters more than ever.

I love when I get to meet an aspiring author in person and hear directly from you about yourself and your book. A positive in-person interaction with an author suggests that you will leave similarly positive impressions of yourself and your work on future readers.

It almost goes without saying that an author’s online presentation of himself or herself makes a difference, as well. Editors and authors often don’t have the opportunity to meet in person before signing a book contract, so we’re basing most of our confidence in you on phone and email conversations as well as how you have chosen to present yourself online. 

As you go about your interactions and presence on the internet, try to act as if you already have several thousand readers following you online, and make sure you would be comfortable with any member of a publishing staff seeing what you’ve posted or commented on or liked or reviewed.

3.) Unique angle

Since there is a lot of competition for opportunities to publish your book with a traditional publisher, any way you can make yourself stand out from all the other authors and proposals an editor receives the better. 

It may be that your story or your approach to telling your story feels new and fresh and distinct from a particular house’s current list of authors or what is available in the market. (Although, of course, this comes with qualifiers since a book still has to be a reasonable fit for a publishing house’s readership.) Rather than offering a carbon copy of a specific book a company is already publishing, consider how you can craft a story in such a way that it will appeal to the same type of reader without feeling like a retread of another book. 

Or, it may be that something about you as the author is what makes this project unique. Is there anything about you that sets you apart as uniquely qualified to be telling these stories or that will particularly attract readers to your books? 

4.) Partnership potential

It’s often said that platform is not as essential in fiction as it is in nonfiction. While I believe this to be true, I would also say it’s steadily becoming more of a factor. A publishing company may not expect you to carry the brunt of the marketing and publicity for a book, or even most of it, but if two very similar authors with very similar projects are up for discussion, one author’s potential to be a stronger or more engaged partner could be one of the things to tip the scale in his or her favor. 

A huge platform may not be a realistic option for many pre-published fiction authors, but strong partnership potential might be something you can offer. Are you particularly savvy when it comes to networking with future influencers, endorsers, and/or reviewers? Are you really creative when it comes to ways to collaborate with libraries or indie bookstores or the media? Do you have an education or background in the content that makes up your story? Are you a Facebook or Pinterest or Twitter or #bookstagram fiend? 

Ultimately, as you take a close look at how you can be a desirable publishing partner, figure out what makes the most sense for you and where you feel you can be most successful and focus your efforts on your areas of strength.

5.) Knowledgeable passion

We’re all here because we are passionate about books and reading. That’s what brings us all together! So, while most aspiring authors may have passion about books in general, what stands out is an author who is informed and knowledgeable about their passion.

You can ask yourselves some questions to consider if you’re as knowledgeable in your passion as you could be. 

• Are you aware of books on the market that are comparable to yours? Have you read them?

• Have you read outside your typical genres to further your awareness of good storytelling? 

• Are you aware of industry trends and news and events? 

• Do you know the major publishing players and the authors and types of books they publish? 

• Are you particularly excited by the content/setting/hook/unique features of your book, or are you simply chasing the market? 

• Are you passionate not just about your story but can defend why it’s a good fit for the market and/or the publishing company? 

• Have you made strides to learn and study your craft?

•  Do you ask questions and make the most of the opportunities you have to network and learn from others in the industry?

•  Have you been willing to put in the amount of time it takes to truly make your manuscript the best it can be, or are you too impatient to go beyond that first rough draft?

Those are just five things that can help make an author an easier yes to an acquisitions editor. Every author and every situation is different, so these are not hard-and-fast…but they sure don’t hurt!  

What are your honest answers to the challenges Raela offered above? Leave a comment and we'll give one commenter the opportunity to win their book of choice from these Bethany House Publishing titles. Readers, say hi to our special guest and let her know which Bethany House Publishing titles you're currently enjoying or are on your TBR pile!

Raela Schoenherr is a fiction acquisitions editor and has been with Bethany House Publishers since 2008. She grew up reading Christian fiction and enjoys being able to work with the kinds of books she always loved. When she’s not reading (or listening to audiobooks!), she’s probably cheering on the Green Bay Packers, running, or spending time with her wonderful family and friends. A graduate of Bethel University, she makes her home in Minneapolis, MN and is active on Twitter at @raelaschoenherr. 

And we have more Happy Birthday videos 

as we continue our 10th Birthday Celebration!

Rachel Dylan

Ann H Gabhart

Susan Ann Mason

The Mystery of Women’s Fiction

with guest Orly Konig.

Ask five people for their definition of “Women’s Fiction,” and you’ll get varying definitions from each one. As one of the founding members of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, I’ve been through countless attempts at nailing down a definition that’s broad enough to encompass all of the subtleties of the genre without being so broad that it loses its impact. Each exercise leads us a step closer until someone raises a “but what about …” question and then we’re right back where we started. 

To me, that very head-scratching aspect of the genre is what makes it so special. Women’s fiction can be literary or commercial; it can be historical or contemporary; it can be mainstream or inspirational; it can have elements of magical realism, mystery, romance, thriller; they can be light reads or heart-wrenching dramas; but at its core, all women’s fiction is about relationships – whether between a couple, family, friends, or co-workers – and the emotional journey of the main character.

Women’s fiction is issue driven. The books address topics people deal with in their everyday lives – family dysfunction, divorce, infidelity, parenting, mid-life crisis, identity crisis, career changes, illness, mental illness, suicide, death, abandonment, to name just a few. The stories touch readers, make them feel and think, hope and dream. They’ll see parts of themselves in the characters and, hopefully, walk away feeling transformed in some way.

Women’s Fiction as a Label

There’s been an ongoing debate within the writing and publishing community about using the term “women’s fiction.” Why label “women’s” fiction when there isn’t such a thing as “men’s” fiction? If you go to a brick-and-mortar bookstore, you won’t find a section for women’s fiction. Those books are shelved within the general fiction stacks. If you shop online, you will find a women’s fiction category, although I’m always slightly amused by the books categorized under that label as well as those that don’t show up.

So why do we even need the label? As writers, we need it to know who we’re writing for and how to market our books.

I know, I know … you want to write what the muse tells you to write. Absolutely. Except that you probably also want to sell what you write. Luckily these days, there are more options for publishing and finding readers. That means books that mix-and-match-and-morph multiple genres have a platform. But for those writers who are still looking to go down the traditional path, agents and publishers will generally look for a book that fits within set genre boundaries.

When you query an agent, they’re looking at where you see your story fitting in the crowded marketplace. Those genre labels then help the agents identify the right editor to submit your work to. And those editors who buy your manuscript will be able to more effectively market your book.

Even if you’re self-publishing, you need to know how to market your book. The genre will largely dictate your cover options, the language you choose for your back-cover copy, and the places you target to reach your desired audience.

That’s not to say that genre-straddling books don’t sell. I know many authors who’ve written brilliant novels that don’t cleanly fit under one label. But there’s almost always one label that they fit under a bit more than the others.

As a writer, I don’t hesitate to tell other writers or agents or anyone in the industry that I write women’s fiction. My books address the real-life challenges all of us deal with. They mostly appeal to women, and I’m good with that. It helps me focus my stories and narrows down my target market.

The kicker is when I talk to readers. Most give me a funny look and ask what I mean – “like romance?” is their usual follow up question. For that audience, I usually add that my books are “family and friendship dramas, books about issues we deal with in everyday life.” 

Women’s Fiction as a Writing Home

When I first started writing, I struggled finding the right resources to help expand my craft. I joined several writer’s groups and associations and while each one had something helpful, none addressed how to get to the core of the conflict that my characters were dealing with. 

It wasn’t until I met a group of women’s fiction writers that I finally realized what had been missing for me – a tribe of writers who understand what I’m writing and who are facing the same challenges. 

In 2013, a handful of women’s fiction writers came together with the belief that every writer needs a tribe and every genre needs a champion. That’s the foundation that we built the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) on. It’s what keeps us questioning whether we have the clearest definition for the genre and how we can best support the writers and the books that fall under that umbrella. 

I learned a lot about the structure of a story, about story arcs, author platforms, pitching and querying, in the other groups I belonged to. But it wasn’t until I started interacting with women’s fiction authors and taking workshops with presenters who understand the nuances of this genre, that I was able to fully grasp how to mine the emotional depth of the characters and tug at the emotional heartstrings of the reader.

Four years after it was launched, WFWA is 1,000 members strong and offers resources that are uniquely tailored to this genre. It’s a fabulous community of writers who understand and appreciate the crazy ups and downs that accompany writing, rewriting, rewriting again; the querying and submission phases; and the glory and heartbreak of reviews. It’s a safe place to discuss those writerly mood swings that baffle our families and friends.

I credit the WFWA community for getting me from fledgling writer to published author. Through the process of launching the association, I learned that I can push myself out of my comfort zone and survive. Not just survive, but thrive. And through daily interaction with members, I learned that with perseverance anything is possible.

Are we any closer to a solid definition for women’s fiction? Probably not. A few months ago, I was at a conference and participated on a panel about women’s fiction. The introduction defined it as books for women. The following discussion showed how much more complex the genre actually is.

But I think the one thing all of us on that panel and within WFWA and any other women’s fiction author can agree on, is that our books are written for people like us.

I enjoy books in many different genres, but I admit to mostly reading women’s fiction. As an ambassador for the genre, I appreciate being able to de-mystify what the label means and introduce readers to new (or new to them) women’s fiction authors. And I love hearing from readers that a novel helped them get through a difficult stage in their lives. That’s why we write women’s fiction. 

Do you write or read women’s fiction? What drew you to this genre?

About Orly

Orly Konig is an escapee from the corporate world where she spent roughly sixteen (cough) years working in the space industry. Now she spends her days chatting up imaginary friends, drinking entirely too much coffee, and negotiating writing space around two over-fed cats.

She is the founding president of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, an active member of the Tall Poppy Writers, and a quarterly contributor to Thinking Through our Fingers blog and Writers In The Storm blog.

Her debut women’s fiction, The Distance Home, released from Forge, May 2, 2017. Carousel Beach will be releasing May 2018.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Happy Birthday Seekerville!

Day 19 and our 10th Birthday Celebration Rages on. 

Leave a comment today and you can win an ecopy of Orly Konig's debut release The Distance Home or our second giveaway, your choice of writerly mugs. 

Two winners will be posted in the Weekend Edition.

Looking Back Ten Years!

By Debby Giusti      

   

Happy 10^th Birthday, Seekerville!

My debut novel released in May 2007 and our Seekerville blog went live five months later. It seems like only yesterday in some ways, yet when I think of where I was then as far as my writing journey and where I am today…well, you get the idea. In ten years, an author can cover a lot of miles.

Back in 2007, I was a novice. Yes, I had penned six manuscripts that will forever gather dust under my bed, but I still had much to learn about the craft of writing and especially about time management and the way I would handle deadlines and marketing and all the other sometimes unexpected hats an author must wear following publication. 

Church of the Transfiguration

For a number of years before I got “The Call,” I freelanced, writing for various magazines. The process of putting an article together became almost second nature. After my focus turned to full-length fiction, I kept striving to reach that same sweet spot when I would intuitively know how to create a 300 to 400 page manuscript. In prayer, I frequently heard the number ten. I had hoped to feel that same confidence after publishing ten books, but God was whispering ten years. Today after publishing twenty stories for Love Inspired Suspense and two indie stories for our Seekerville collections, I’m at a better place. I know my creative process and have a good understanding of story and how the various parts fit into the whole.

Peter's House, Capernaum, where the first Christians gathered
after Christ's death.

Trying to encapsulate some of what I’ve learned over the last decade into ten pithy statements is a challenge, but here are a few ideas to ponder. I’ve included photos from my recent trip to the Holy Land to add visual interest to the post.

 

Jerusalem as seen from the Mount of Olives.

  

Work as if everything depends on you. Pray as if everything depends on God.

The quote has been attributed to both Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Augustine. In either case, it’s sage advice. God is in charge. It’s his book, and I’m his humble scribe. When I’m struggling with a particular plot point or character, I often chuckle and remind God that he should have chosen someone with more talent. Along those same lines is a quote from the Iron Nun, an 87-year-old religious who still participates in and wins Ironman triathlons. Her motto is, “I do my best. God does the rest.” Give your writing to God. Create stories for his honor and glory and he will bless your work.

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The star marks the spot of  Christ's birth.

"Perfectionism is not a quest for the best."

The quote comes from Julia Cameron. She goes on to say, “It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we do will ever be good enough, that we should try again.” Her book, The Artist’s Way, which I read and studied long before publication, is packed with wonderful insights into the creative process, such as the statement on perfectionism that, in my opinion, is spot on. Consider a writer struggling to make the beginning of her story sparkle. She writes and rewrites, she edits and revises day after day after day, searching for perfection. I’ve done that far too many times. Now, I remember to distance myself from the pages for a period of time. Usually, the problem is easy to resolve when I return to the work.

Jordan River where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist

"Kill the negative voice."

Another favorite quote from Julia Cameron. We all have a little voice that tells us we can’t do something or we can’t do it well enough. “We won’t publish, we can’t complete a story, we are stupid or unskilled or unlovable.” Don’t listen. Override the voice with positive affirmation. “I am a writer! I can and will succeed!”

The Wailing Wall

You can’t do everything.

Nor do you need to do everything. Everyone else isn’t doing everything. They’re doing certain things that fit into their lifestyle or area of interest or expertise. I don’t have to do all social media. I just need to find the right forum for me. I like Facebook. Twitter not so much. But that’s okay. I know that now. Find what works for you, not what works for others.

Garden of Gethsemane. This olive tree is thought to be
over 2000 years old and could have been in the garden
at the time of Christ.

Appreciate your editor.

I have the best editor in the whole world. Really! When she speaks, I listen. Intently. She always—always—makes my stories better. Editors know story. They know reader demographics and reader likes and dislikes. Editors are pros at what they do. At least, most of them are. Note to indie writers: find the best editor you can afford. She/he’s a gift you give yourself.

Via Dolorosa, the path Christ walked on the
way to his crucifixion.

The writing comes first.

After my debut novel published, I spent the next six weeks promoting the story and ignoring my writing. It didn’t take me long to realize my mistake. Write the next story. When you have extra time, do promotion and marketing!

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The church covers the place of Christ's crucifixion and burial.
Golgotha is located behind the large windows, upper right.

Find your groove/pace/process.

Each of us has a unique way to tackle a story. The earlier you learn your process the better. I slowly labor over the first three-chapters and synopsis. Once they’ve taken shape, I grab my AlphaSmart and write a fast first draft. I need words on the page. Then I revise and rewrite. It works for me. Find out what works for you!

Golgotha.The spot where Christ
was crucified.

Remember Aesop’s Fables? The tortoise wins the race.

I write two books a year. That gives me enough time to enjoy life, to take trips with my husband, to attend writing conferences, join in church activities and relax over the holidays with family. Maybe you’re the hare. Ruthy is. Mary is. I’m not. Embrace who you are and how you write. Don’t try to be something—or someone--you’re not.

 

Boats like the one I took to cross the Sea of Galilee.

Be Not Afraid.

The phrase is found often in scripture. Christ wanted us to take his words to heart. Get rid of fear along with the negative voice. They go hand in hand. "Easier said than done," you say? True. But when you give your writing to God, he can give you the peace that is beyond understanding. Live in that peace and you’ll be walking in accord with his Holy Will. That’s where I want to be.

The Dead Sea

Live in God’s perfect time.

This dovetails with Be Not Afraid. God lives outside of time. We need to trust that he’ll provide the time and opportunities necessary to achieve our goals. If we give it all to him, he’ll work out the schedule. Even if we’re that tortoise, we can still get to the finish line. 

Mount of Beatitudes

Speaking of achieving our goals and reaching the finish, my eldest daughter completed an Ironman triathlon on Sunday. That’s 140 miles of swimming, biking and running accomplished within a 16 ½ hour time limit. She did a half-Ironman four years ago and spent the last nine months training for the longer event. Her determination and persistence paid off. 

My daughter achieved her goal. You can achieve yours too.

As writers, we need to train to achieve our goals. The Seekerville blog this month has been packed with valuable information, tips and techniques that can help all of us no matter where we are on our writing journey.

 

Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount

Share a tip or favorite writerly advice to be entered in two drawings. Winners will receive a copy of my Publishers Weekly Bestseller, Undercover Amish, the second book in my Amish Protectors series, along with a surprise gift or two!

Debby Giusti rides Jimmy, the camel. 

To celebrate Seekerville’s 10^th birthday, I’m serving ten cakes topped with ice cream…German chocolate cake, red velvet, carrot, spice, rum, lemon, angel food, sponge cake, marble cake and apple cake. The coffee’s hot. So is the tea. Grab a cup, along with a slice of cake, and let’s talk about writing!

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

Undercover Amish

By Debby Giusti

After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah— disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Order here!