When she was seven years old, Amanda Cabot dreamed of becoming a published author, but it was only when she set the goal of selling a book by her thirtieth birthday that the dream came true.

A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages. Her Texas Dreams trilogy received critical acclaim. The first book in Amanda’s Westward Winds series, Summer of Promise, released earlier this month.

Now a full time writer of Christian historical romances, she resides with her husband in Wyoming.

You’ve said that it’s only a small step from being an avid reader to wanting to be an author. What was the catalyst for you to take that step?

For almost as long as I can remember, books have been a major part of my life. I love the fact that in addition to teaching me things, they can transport me to a different time and place. As a child, I decided that the most wonderful thing in the world would be to be a writer and give others the pleasure that I found in books. Of course, even then I somehow knew that it would be a difficult way to earn an living, so I took a “real” job, and writing became my second job. I used to describe it as a case of “for love or money.” Writing was what I did for love; the day job helped pay the mortgage.

How does your faith play into your writing?

It’s part of who I am, and so it colors my characters and the stories I tell. That was true even when I wrote for the secular market, but now that I’m writing Christian novels, I don’t have to censor myself. What a relief!

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Several, but let’s talk about the first. When I was a teenager, I desperately wanted to be part of a year-abroad study program. You see, I was convinced that living in Europe would make my life perfect. When my application was rejected, I was heartbroken as only a teenager can be. And yet a week later, I met the man who became my sweetheart, the same man who’s now my husband. God’s plan was definitely better than mine.

Let’s talk about your new book Summer of Promise (Revell, January 2012). Please tell us about it.

Summer of Promise is the first of my Westward Winds trilogy, featuring the lives and loves of three sisters who come to Wyoming at the end of the territorial period, right before Wyoming became a state. As for the story . . .

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte’s letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

When circumstances—and perhaps a bit of matchmaking—put Abigail and Ethan together, there’s certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself?

You are a speaker and also teach author workshops with some very interesting titles: “Of Oysters and Authors,” “Like Fine Champagne: The Art of Sparkling Dialogue,” and “Butterflies in Formation: Techniques to Tame the Fear of Public Speaking.”

In regard to the latter topic, how can we learn to exchange fear for finesse when speaking publicly? (I’d also love to know how authors are like oysters but suppose I’d better leave that one for your workshop.)

Two techniques I recommend are videotaping and practice. If you have someone videotape your presentation, you can see your strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing both helps you emphasize the good points and eliminate the not-so-good ones. Practice—lots of practice—is the key to gaining the confidence you need to appear assured, even when those butterflies are fluttering around your stomach. As for authors and oysters, what we have in common is that we both produce pearls, but only with the proper irritation.

What’s coming up next for you? Any New Year’s writing resolutions?

No New Year’s resolutions, but I do have a lot planned for 2012. Right now I’m waiting for copy edits on Christmas Roses, a standalone story that will be released in September. That will be followed by the first edits for Waiting for Spring, the second Westward Winds book. And then I need to finish writing the third of the trilogy, With Autumn’s Return. After that . . . we’ll see.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Hot chocolate. I suppose I should cite all the research that says that chocolate is a health food, but I won’t. The simple fact is, there’s something very comforting about a cup of cocoa with mini marshmallows melting on top.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

I could say that I’m a pianist, but that would be stretching the truth a bit. The fact is, I play the piano. It’s something I enjoy immensely, but my playing is definitely not concert-hall quality.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A Chopin waltz.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Without a doubt, major.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Of course I’d like to say that I’m the super heroine, but the reality is that I’m more likely to be the strong, female lead, as long as that lead doesn’t have to do anything that involves running, jumping or climbing over fences. Those are definitely not my strengths.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

How wonderful that you love dogs! I hope you’ll enjoy Puddles the Puppy’s role in Summer of Promise. He was inspired by the shelter dog that one of my sisters brought home when I was a teenager. I can still remember my mother looking at the puppy’s feet and wondering why they were so large. Later she learned that he was mostly Belgian shepherd, not the little beagle she thought. He was such a loveable, intelligent dog that I couldn’t resist including him in this book.

Thanks, Amanda. It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour!

Thanks so much for inviting me. I’ve enjoyed our chat.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Amanda, her books, and/or her availability for speaking engagements and workshops, visit her website at www.AmandaCabot.com.

To purchase Summer of Promise logon to:

by Linda Cox

Aaawwww!!!!! Their expressions were adorable. My dogs, affectionately known as the Bone Mafia, were both staring lovingly at me. Or so I thought. But then I looked more closely and I could see a difference.

Miss Chrissie was gazing directly at my face. As I handed her the morning doggie snack, she opened her mouth and allowed me to place it in her mouth, her eyes never losing contact with mine.

Mr. Nellie also appeared to be gazing directly at my face—at first. But I realized his eyes were not fixed on my eyes, but on my hand, more specifically the doggie snack. As I reached out to him, he grabbed the snack but kept staring at my hand, looking for more food.

Hmmm….. You know what. We human beings are a lot like Mr. Nellie. How often do we focus on the gifts God gives to us and NOT on the Giver of those gifts? We praise Him for what He does for us, but do we remember to just simply praise Him for Who He is? We ask for things, as He tells us to. But how many times do we just meditate on God’s attributes, or simply sit in silence before Him, soaking up the warmth of His presence?

Since the New Year is still young, this may be a good time for us to pause and reflect on what we focus on in our prayers and our praise.

The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Psalm 145:15-16

Lord, open our eyes to see YOU first and foremost. Sharpen our focus so we see beyond Your amazing gifts, worshipping and praising You, our amazing Lord and Savior. May we rest in the assurance that You will open Your hand to provide for our needs in Your perfect way and time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

It’s no surprise that Mary Ellis writes Amish fiction. She grew up in Eastern Ohio, close to the second largest Amish community in the U.S. She and her husband now live near the largest population of Amish in the country—a four-county area in Central Ohio.

A former middle school teacher and saleswoman for Hershey’s Chocolate, Mary has written for both ABA and CBA. All three books in her Miller Family Series made the CBA and CBD bestseller lists. Abigale’s New Hope made the ECPA bestseller list, and her novel A Widow’s Hope was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards and a runner-up in the Holt Medallion Awards in 2010.

What was the catalyst that turned your love and appreciation for the Amish lifestyle into writing about it?

When I switched from reading/writing ABA fiction to Christian fiction, I began reading Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall. I fell in love and was hooked.

How does your faith play into your writing?

It would be impossible to separate one from the other. My writing, spreading the message of Christ’s love for us, is my mission. I love to glorify His name through my stories.

Let’s talk about your new book An Amish Family Reunion (Harvest House, February 1, 2012). Please tell us about it.

Julia Miller misses her children. They are grown and have families of their own now, but her mother’s heart yearns for a houseful of laughter and joy once again. She plans to gather her chicks together in a summer celebration to remember.

At the farm next door, Julia’s niece, Phoebe, meets Eli Riehl, a young man who charms her—and everyone else—with his exceptional storytelling ability on a rumschpringe trip to Niagara Falls. When Phoebe sketches scenes to illustrate one of his tales, Eli encourages her incredible talent, and together they embark on a lofty and unlikely business venture for two young Amish people—writing and illustrating a children’s book.

Eli’s kindness and appeal extend beyond his knack for words to reach inside Phoebe’s shy heart. But he is an only son with five sisters, and when tragedy strikes at home, Eli gives up his writing to assume responsibility on the farm. Though willing to abandon his dream of becoming an author, he won’t give up his beloved Phoebe. Can their love for a good story develop into something that lasts forever, or will memories of the past stand in their way?

Besides entertainment, what do you hope readers will take away from it?

I hope my readers will learn that the Amish aren’t much different from other Christian denominations. We all struggle to balance our daily lives with our walks of faith. Life isn’t easy; it’s not supposed to be. There is only One who can lighten our load.

Detours in life can be frustrating—kind of like plot twists in the stories we write—but the outcome is often more intriguing than our original plan. Can you tell us about a recent “detour” in your life—or in one of your character’s lives—that taught you something?

I had been recently rewriting/editing a book that had a January 1st deadline. I thought I would have an easy time of it, but then my dog got very sick and lingered for days before she finally died. Preparing for Christmas, my favorite holiday, also crept up unannounced. But I realized that my family, friends, and time spent with the Lord were more important than work-work-working. The book was turned in only one week late. And I had a lovely (albeit jam-packed) Christmas to remember.

What’s next for you? Any New Year’s writing resolutions?

I am putting the finishing touches on the first of my New Beginnings series, Living in Harmony, and then starting book two, Living in Paradise, right afterward. With three books due within the year, I won’t need a resolution to keep me in the chair in front of my computer.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Popcorn. I eat it every day. I can’t get enough. Good luck to any friend or loved one who shares a bucket with me in front of a movie. They had better have quick hands…

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary talent?

Goodness, no. I wish! My mother wasted her money on my piano lessons, and I sing like a screech owl. But I do sing, however, loudly in church. Pity my fellow parishioners.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A hand-clapping, foot-stomping Gospel song. If we’re going to raise our voices in praise, let’s not be meek about it!

Are you a major or a minor chord?

I suppose minor, due to my aforementioned lack of musical talent.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Are we talking fiction or non?? Because if it’s fiction, I’m the mysterious woman behind dark glasses. If it’s non-fiction, I’m the (boring) girl next door with mousy hair.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Oh goodness, bad timing to ask this. My favorite dog of my life (and I’ve taken in strays for many, many years and have been fond of them all) just died. She was a springer spaniel named Miss Daisy who loved to flip on her back to get her belly rubbed. If someone broke into the house, Daisy would demand the robbers rub her belly before they carried out the TV.

Thanks, Mary. Sincere condolences on the loss of Miss Daisy. It’s nice to have you a guest as DivineDetour.

Thanks so much for having me. It’s been a pleasure.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Mary, visit her new website at www.maryellis.net or her blog at www.maryeellis.wordpress.com, or her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236.

To purchase An Amish Family Reunion logon to:

Today is Celebration of Life Day.

If you haven’t already, take time to give thanks to your parents—and to your Creator—for the greatest gift of all.

…there is beauty and value to be found in all our lives, for I truly believe that life is a celebration. ~ Alfred Tibor, Holocaust Survivor and Sculptor

I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made… ~ Psalm 139:14

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’ ~ Erma Bombeck

Each child is sent into this world by God with a unique message to deliver, a new song to sing, a personal act of love to bestow. ~ John Powell

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… ~ Jeremiah 1:5

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of four novels and six novellas from Barbour Publishing. Her book Joie de Vivre won the 2007 ACFW Book of the Year award for Historical Novella. All That Glitters and Reuben’s Atonement were ACFW Carol and Book of the Year finalists. Lynette was also voted by Heartsong Presents book club readers as a “favorite new author.”

Born in Massachusetts and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Lynette now resides with her husband in Texas.

What sparked your journey as a writer. How does your faith play into your work?

I’ve been an avid reader since childhood, and even then I dabbled in writing. It wasn’t until after college and after I’d been married a few years that I decided to write my first book. It wasn’t ever published, but I had a great rejection.

My faith does play a part in my work, although I never start out thinking about what kind of “message” I want in my story. Usually that comes about as I write it.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

Yes, I find that He has been faithful to guide me in spite of myself. There are a number of decisions that I’ve made in the past that weren’t always the best. Looking back, though, I can see how God has always been there, nudging me to be exactly where I ought to be—pursuing a relationship with Him. I’d like to think I’m older, and wiser, now. Those detours were necessary to get me on the right path.

You have contributed to a number of anthologies. How do you typically go about coordinating these with your co-authors?

With the anthologies, setting is key, so that usually comes first. Right from the beginning, we decide how closely our stories will intertwine. If the set is generational, we work out a timeline or geneology, if you will, for the book. That’s what my coauthors and I did for an upcoming anthology (Sundays in Fredericksburg, Barbour 2013). We also decide if there’s a common thread in each book. For example, in A Riverwalk Christmas, my heroine’s Mexican restaurant ended up as part of the setting in each novella. I made sure my coauthors knew the floor plan, menu items, and décor.

Let’s talk about Cherry Blossom Capers (Barbour, January 1, 2012). Please tell us about the book and, specifically, about your story.

The book surrounds four neighbors who live and work in the Washington, D.C. area. All four women encounter mystery with a dash of suspense in their journeys to love. My story, State Secrets, involves a White House chef who encounters an old flame who’s investigating a threat to the White House, specifically at the upcoming State Dinner. It was fun to research and write.

What’s next for you?

Currently I’m writing a novel called Tempest’s Course, a contemporary romance with Gothic undertones set in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It’s part of the “Quilts of Love” series from Abingdon Press. Titles will release beginning fall of 2012. My book releases fall 2013 and involves a textile conservator who works to restore an old quilt and uncovers some long-buried secrets.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Chocolate is always a favorite. One particularly dismal afternoon the only chocolate to be found was a packet of hot cocoa mix. That worked!

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

I do sing. It’s been a while, but I enjoy singing alto or second soprano (depending on the song/arrangement) in small groups. I also play acoustic guitar, although I’m a tad rusty.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Definitely a song with a great acoustic guitar lead, some good drums, and an occasional “bwowah” from the electric guitar, a song that makes you tap your feet.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Probably a major seventh, just a little different.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

The girl next door, definitely.

I’m a dog lover and I know you love cats. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Yes, I love cats. They fit our lifestyle very well. My husband and I happen to have five cats, and that number sort of mushroomed unexpectedly over the years. When we were first married, I had a cat that I brought to the marriage. “Pum” passed away within a month of our wedding, and then a friend literally showed up on our doorsteps with a pair of female kittens that we named Spot and Taco. Nearly seventeen years later, Taco is still around, ruling the roost as our queen kitty. We also have Jean-Luc (twelve years old, named after Captain Picard), Schatze (eleven years old, and who was only supposed to stay one night), Kris Kringle (age eight, and there is no such thing as a ‘free’ kitten from a pet shop), and Holly-Berry (my little four-year-old shadow, a timid chunk of part Siamese sweetness).

Thanks, Lynette! It’s nice to have you at DivineDetour!

~ ~ ~

For more information about Lynette, visit her website at www.lynettesowell.com or visit her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor

To purchase Cherry Blossom Capers and other books by Lynette, logon to:

By Linda Cox

If there is anything I can do…

How many times have we said this to another person, probably receiving the same answer, “Just pray for me.”

While we readily admit praying IS something we can do, many of us want to do more. “Just praying” doesn’t seem enough. However, thanks to health problems the last part of 2011, I found out that “just praying” IS enough.

When the doctor told me I needed a brain MRI—words that make even the strongest heart tremble—I knew it was time to activate my prayer warrior friends. What I needed was to be surrounded with a “wall of prayer,” like the one in Wall of Prayer, a song written by Kyla Rowland and sung by the McKamey’s.

As my prayer warriors surrounded me with prayer (and reminded me of that via e-mails, phone calls, visits, and cards), my wall of prayer became a wall of peace. While there was an anxiousness about what the results might be, I also felt an overwhelming sense of peace surrounding me as I awaited them. I knew God had heard our cries.

I read recently that prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders. My burden had been lifted to the Lord’s shoulders by the prayers of my friends. How much harder those days would have been if their prayers had not built that wall of prayer around me.

So now when someone tells me the best thing I can do for them is “just pray,” I know it is.

May we all do our best to pray for others and help lift their burdens to the shoulders of our prayer-hearing God.

[The Lord says] Before they call, I will answer;

while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

And BTW—I not only have a brain (much to the surprise of my husband) but it’s “normal” too. Thank you, Lord!

Ann Shorey is a collector of stories.

In the process of researching her family history, she discovered that all of the memoirs—memories of the American Revolution, the Mexican and Civil Wars, and the westward migration—had been written by men. That started her to wondering, what had life been like for the women in her family? Soon, she was on the road to research—and writing about “yesterday’s women and today’s issues.”

Ann is also a contributor to several non-fiction anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Adam’s Media Cup of Comfort, and The Garden Gates Cookbook.

She and her husband Richard share their home in Oregon with a loveable Belgian Shepherd named Amber.

Your writing journey began with a trip to the “past.” Please tell us about that.

I inherited written family memoirs, dating back as far as the American Revolution, from my mother. It seems there have been writers in my family for many generations!

After publishing a nonfiction family history, I wondered what the women’s lives were like, since all the memoirs were written by men. That led me to writing historical fiction series, which focus on women’s lives. My tagline is “Yesterday’s Women—Today’s Issues.” Women’s issues haven’t really changed through the years, we just have resources now that weren’t available to women in the mid-1800’s.

How does your faith play into your writing?

My books are written from a Christian worldview. As a Christian, I couldn’t write stories that didn’t honor my faith. That said, the novels I write don’t have the salvation message spelled out. Rather, my characters live their faith in ways that show God’s watchful care of his children.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life—or in one of your character’s lives—that taught you something?

In my life, the detour God provided was the death of my husband from cancer some twenty-plus years ago. He died in December, and that year I learned one of the best lessons I’ve ever had:

I did absolutely nothing for Christmas that December—no cards, tree, gifts, etc. As it happened (but there are no coincidences, are there?), Christmas Day fell on a Sunday. When I walked into church, I felt surrounded by God’s love and overwhelmed with gratitude for His perfect gift of His Son. I knew my husband was in heaven, and I’d join him someday. It was the most perfect Christmas I’d ever experienced.

What I learned was this: Christmas comes anyway, whether we run ragged shopping and decorating, or just bask in God’s presence.

This month you’re debuting a new series with Where Wildflowers Bloom (Revell, January 2012). Please tell us about the book.

Here’s the back cover copy:

The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg—as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family’s mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?

Where did you get the idea for the Sisters at Heart Series?

The inspiration for the series came from my long term friendships. I wanted to write a series emphasizing the importance of friendship in women’s lives. We need each other!

The second part of my idea came from my great-grandmother’s life. I set the series in Missouri immediately after the War Between the States, because my great-grandparents settled there in 1867. I wondered what it would be like to try to get back to “normal” life after such a devastating war.

You have another creative talent, one that has won you several awards! Please tell us how you got started entering culinary contests and writing for cookbooks.

My mother was a good cook, and she taught us well! I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, and thought that some of our family recipes were good enough to share. So I started small, with local events, then submitted a few things to Taste of Home. Not everything was selected, of course, but it was fun to enter just to see how I’d do. Subscribers to my email newsletter normally get a recipe along with my news!

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

I’m like most women—chocolate is my favorite comfort snack. Specifically, chocolate chip cookies. Or Dove dark chocolates.

For a comfort meal, I love pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and gravy. That was one of my favorite dinners when I was growing up, and I still love it. Oh, yes, chicken and dumplings is another comfort meal that I enjoy. I guess I return to childhood for comfort when I’m stressed, or celebrating.

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

Unfortunately, no. I can’t carry a tune. : ) I always wanted to play the piano, but lacked the discipline to stick with lessons. Then I discovered writing (after my “detour” above), and never looked back!

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

A waltz. I love the flowing rhythms of waltz music, and try to live my life in a way that flows, rather than frantically jumping around.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

Major. I’m normally upbeat and cheerful.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

What a great question! I’d say I’m the strong female lead. I’m the oldest child in my family, so you know what they say about first-born children. High achievers. (Or we try to be, anyway.)

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Oh, I love dogs too! I’ve had a dog as a pet almost throughout my entire life, and I’ve loved them all. Our current dog is a Belgian Malinois named Amber. She was rescued from the pound, and is so beautiful, smart, and loving. Best dog we ever had—but I say that every time. : )

I’ve had golden retrievers, a black lab, a Springer spaniel, a toy poodle, and several mutts. With only a couple of exceptions, all have been rescue dogs.

Thanks, Ann! It’s nice to have you at DivineDetour!

Thank you, Kathy! I’ve enjoyed this interview.

~ ~ ~

For more information about Ann, visit her website at www.annshorey.com.

To purchase Where Wildflowers Bloom logon to:

Writing her first song as a get-well gift to a friend was a turning point for Laura Kaczor. She was ten years old at the time, and her friend’s response was an affirmation to Laura that her music could impact people.

Laura is still inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting others through her music. Her song “Alive in You” recently peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard charts—an unheard of feat for an independent artist. The song and her latest album, Love Enough, were produced by Don Koch, well-known producer of Christian Contemporary Music acts Newsong, 4Him, and Phillips, Craig & Dean.

Laura’s obedience to God’s calling has also led her to pursue a second passion—ministering to teenage girls. Lift Up U-niversity events are an offshoot of LifeThirst conferences and concert events, founded by Laura and her husband Kelly.

When did you know that music was to become an important part of your life?

After I sang my very first solo at church, I knew it would be a part of my life in some way forever. And that was even before I wrote my first song. As a child, I was always singing and learning instruments and writing songs, so I  suppose I knew all along.

How does your faith play into your work?

I write primarily Christian music, so my faith in Christ is the central element to most of my songs.

Please tell us about your latest CD, Love Enough (LifeThirst/IE/Universal MCG). Who produced it? Did you write the songs?

Love Enough was produced by Don Koch, and I co-wrote nine out of the ten songs with him and other writers. Chad Cates, Carl Cartee, & Brian White were other collaborators on the album.

What was the catalyst for LifeThirst Ministries and Lift Up U? Please tell us about them.

I seem to attract young people and I have a natural audience with them. I see their struggles and my heart longs to share the love of Christ with them, to help them see their identity in Him and not through the world. So, LifeThirst and Lift Up U are ministries I started to give me a platform to minister to young people around the country and share my heart and the heart of God with them. It has to be relevant, fresh, fun, and uncompromising in its message.

A few fun questions:

What’s your favorite comfort food and why?

My husband makes the most amazing green beans. And they’re only prepared around holiday time—so it reminds me of family and great memories.

Any New Year’s resolutions?

Not really.  I resolve to do things every day!

This website features authors as well as musicians. What kind of books do you read?

I read like it’s going out of style! I think I may have been one of the first people in the world to have an electronic reader, because I was going to the bookstore so often my husband wanted to save me time and give me a way to download them!

I love great fiction. I just finished Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Saffron Foer, and loved it. I love series like The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones. I love Joyce Meyer, Beth More, Paula White, and Beverly Lewis. I also love Malcolm Gladwell and books like Outliers and Tipping Point. If a book gets a strong recommendation, it’s going to be read!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

In a way, I suppose I’m the little girl trying to walk in high heels. I have a great vision for my life and ministry, and now I’m walking in faith and waiting for God to open bigger and bigger doors. So—I’m growing into my shoes, so to speak. And there’s something so hopeful and inspiring about that image. I see great women of God, doing great things for the kingdom, and I know I am that woman and I’m being prepared by Him to do even greater things!

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets and/or a favorite pet from the past.

My husband and I have a 9 lb. Toy Fox Terrier named Zeke. We love him like a little baby! He wears clothes, he sleeps with us, we take him everywhere we go. He was on a plane at twelve weeks old! My parents have a 120 lb. yellow Lab named Rocky, who I also love. He’s old and neurotic when he’s left alone, but he’s the sweetest, smartest dog and is seriously my dad’s best friend.

Thank you, Laura. It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

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For more information about Laura, visit www.laurakaczor.com or www.facebook.com/laurakaczormusic.

For more information about LifeThirst Ministries and Lift Up U, logon to www.lifethirst.org.

To purchase Laura’s music, logon to:

A self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat Simmons is passionate about digging up the dirt on her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is also a passionate Christian.

Pat earned a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, subsequently working in various media positions—in radio, television, and print—for more than twenty years. She currently oversees media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

An award-winning author, Pat is best known for her “Guilty” series: Guilty of Love, Not Guilty of Love, and Still Guilty, voted the Best Inspirational Romance for 2010.

Pat and her husband live in Missouri and have a son and a daughter.

Which came first, your pursuit of mass communications or the desire to write fiction? Was one a catalyst for the other?

I majored in mass communication because I’m a nosy person by nature.

I am not the typical “I knew I wanted to write since Mrs. Parks’ third grade class…” Nope, that is not me. During grade school, I did develop a thirst for reading, so when my local libraries sponsored the “Read 100 Days” challenge in the summers, I was on it.

BECAUSE of my degree, I landed a spot as a radio talk show host. That venue gave me a wonderful opportunity to interview new and veteran authors, including greats such as Nikki Giovanni.

At the time, I didn’t know the difference between a self-published and traditionally published author. To me, a good book is a good book whoever publishes it. Hearing their stories of motivation and perseverance sparked a challenge in me to see if I could do this.

It wasn’t the best time, but I tested the waters as a storyteller during a sad occasion. A father-like figured passed away. After his funeral, I returned to the family home to help prepare food while others went to the cemetery. Some family and friends came back with me. As we waited, I shared this tall tale about a story I had in my head. Soon, I had captured more people’s attention. It didn’t take long for my tale to get taller. When some discovered that nothing I said was true, an aspiring author was born.

You are a self-proclaimed “genealogy sleuth.” Are there other writers in your family history?

Nope. I’m the lone ranger from a line of school teachers.

How does your faith play into your writing?

My faith means everything, including in my writing. One day, I had a horrible book signing where everyone seemed to pass by me, regardless of what angle I used to promote my book: local, African-American, Christian—nothing worked.

I was so upset and heartbroken. When I got home from that signing that lasted five long hours, instead of the normal two, the Lord chastened me and told me, “It’s not about you, it’s about me.”

I gave Jesus the Lord, a mock salute and said, “Yes, Sir.” After that I view my signings differently. I still want to out sell my books, but I’m mindful of the fact that it’s “about Him and not me.”

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

It happened before my first published book. I had written two manuscripts and was about to start on a third one. None of them were published. I didn’t have a deal or an agent. Then God directed me to write Guilty of Love. Instantly, I was opposed to it because of the controversial subject matter. BUT GOD…He blessed me more than exceedingly above all that I could ever hope for with record sales and glowing reviews. Wow.

Ephesians 3:20-21: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Let’s talk about your new book, Guilty by Association (Lift Every Voice, January 1, 2012). Please tell us about it.

Because of my news background, I’m topic/subject driven. I enjoy reading quick, light-hearted stories, but when I write, I want to tackle subject matters that give readers a Selah moment. (Stop and think about it.)

Guilty by Association is no different.

Because my Jamieson Legacy series have African-American genealogy tidbits incorporated into the storyline, I wanted to tie that into “the angry black man” syndrome.

However, the term is not limited to one ethnic group. It happens among any culture. What that term means is the anger that rises up in our youth that they become skinheads, join gangs, or become violent offenders like the teenage shooters at Columbine, etc.

It is my belief that the black young men’s anger can be traced through the generations back to the mistreatment during slavery era. SO in Guilty by Association, I used a wise old woman to weave together scriptures and slavery atrocities to heal my character’s angry soul. So far, the feedback has been amazing. Oh, I guess I should say that ALL my books have a happy ending. It’s a love story that overpowers Kidd Jamieson’s anger.

What do you hope readers will take away from these stories?

In Guilty by Association, my goal is to encourage parents, girlfriends, wives, and families to hang in there with our youths. We need to pray for patience as God deals with the lost sheep. Amen. The other novels in the series will focus on hard issues: the single pregnant woman and the man who deserts them (The Guilt Trip, June 2012); the intellect who over analyzes God’s simplistic approach toward salvation (Free from Guilt, October 2012); and there are others. But my stories always have a happy ending. In all my stories, the black men are the head of strong, positive God-fearing families and that’s important to me because I don’t think the good guys ever get the attention they deserve.

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Candy, cookies, and cake. It’s that surge of energy, which is a bad habit that I’m trying to break. But it works.

This website features writers as well as musicians. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

To the human ear, no. To the angels of the Most High God, I have been known to make a joyful NOISE unto the Lord. Off key, mind you.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

“How Great is Our God.” I like LaRue Howard’s rendition. That is a worship song. I hope your readers will take the time and listen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0bKSvCUrn0.

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I would be the little girl trying to walk in heels of other great people who accomplished things before and during my time.

I’m a dog lover and I love canine characters. You have one—with the ominous name of Silent Killer—in Guilty by Association. Is he patterned after a family pet?

LOL. Actually, Silent Killer was based on a true story about an injured police dog that thwarts a would-be robber in the apartment of a former police officer. Stupid, huh? The man broke in and didn’t hear or see the dog coming until it was too late. Can we say he left a trail of blood? The suspect didn’t die, but maybe he’ll think twice about “breaking and entering.”

What’s the saying, “A dog’s bark is worse than his bite” hadn’t met Silent Killer.

Thank you, Pat! It’s a pleasure to have you at DivineDetour this week—the first of the new year.

Kathy, thank you for this wonderful opportunity to get to know you and your guests. And to talk about my passion: genealogy and the handsome Jamieson men. God bless you!

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For more information about Pat and her books, logon to her website at www.patsimmons.net.

If you’re interesting in purchasing an autographed copy of Guilty by Association and/or other books by Pat, logon to http://shop.patsimmons.net/.

Or purchase the book at traditional and online retail outlets, including: