FALL GREETINGS!

I must apologize for not posting on my blog more frequently but usually, what that means is I'm  a  hard at work writing novels for you, dear reader, and researching. :) Of course, I took time to plant my fall pansies that will cheer me all winter long. Looks like it was done just in time as Georgia is looking for our first really cold weather.

A couple of things occurred since I wrote you in July. I enjoyed teaching at the Catch the Wave Conference and not long afterward, my mother-in-law passed away. We were able to be with her when she passed, which was special. But that meant trips to Mississippi this summer.Those two events put me behind on the current book I'm writing, and page proofs for my new book y were waiting for me. But I'm back on track with good news! I was delighted to be told that I won first place for Book Buyers Best for inspirational in the Orange County, CA/ RWA! I'm very pleased because this award is chosen by judges from across the US. :) A nice feather in my bonnet indeed!

Speaking of bonnets...I love researching and looking at historical bonnets and hat for my stories. I wish we could bring hat wearing back into fashion. I quit wearing hats to church when I sang in the choir, but now hardly no one wears them. Therefore, I intend to add them more in my books.

Speaking of books...The Trouble with Patience is releasing soon. February to be exact. I hope you've ordered your copy or put it on your Christmas wish list. I'm very excited about Patience's story! The endorsements for this book has been wonderful thing for me because they are all very fine and best-selling authors. Here's the endorsements which I hope will pique your interest in the book:

“Maggie Brendan pens an entertaining romance set in my home state of Montana. She takes the reader on a delightful tale of love, betrayal, and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages. If you’re looking for a good book to curl up with, The Trouble with Patience will fit the bill nicely.”

—Tracie Peterson, bestselling, award-winning author of over one hundred novels, including A Moment in Time

“The Trouble with Patience is a gentle, engaging romance set in the rugged wilds of gold rush Montana. When Patience Cavanaugh inherits her grandmother’s Nevada City boardinghouse, she soon butts heads with the town marshal, Jedediah Jones. Between the challenges of restoring the dilapidated boardinghouse, dealing with murdering cattle rustlers, and some dark secrets in Jed’s past, Patience and Jedediah face many obstacles in their budding romance. Maggie Brendan deftly captures the flavor of the Old West in a sweet love story filled with suspense and well-developed, interesting characters that will surely capture the hearts of readers.”

—Kathleen Morgan, author of the Brides of Culdee Creek series, A Heart Divided, and A Love Forbidden

“Maggie Brendan has created a wealth of memorable characters in this heartwarming story about a determined boardinghouse owner and an equally stubborn deputy marshal. Romance, mystery, and an intriguing plot all add up to a winning combination that’s sure to delight readers.”

—Margaret Brownley, bestselling author of Gunpowder Tea and Petticoat Detective

“Yes, patience is a virtue, but The Trouble with Patience is virtually wonderful! Maggie Brendan is a master at tender love stories that tug at your heart while touching the soul, providing rich historical detail and tension that races the pulse. Which means the only trouble with this ‘patience’ is that it’s over too soon!”

—Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and The Heart of San Francisco series

I couldn't have asked for better endorsements! Hope your fall is spectacular! Don't eat too much candy on Halloween. Thanks for stopping by.

MAGGIE

CATCH THE WAVE WRITING CONFERENCE

Have you every wanted to write a book or desire to try your hand at writing? Well, if you live in the greater Atlanta area, I have news for you--I'll be teaching a beginning writer's workshop at the Catch the Wave Writing Conference hosted by The Christian Authors Guild (CAG) August 15-16, a top-notched conference at a great value.

I'll cover plot, character development and setting, etc. to help you understand story structure which is the backbone of writing. Another workshop I'll teach is Deep Point of View, all to help your reader get into the head and heart of your characters.

This conference attendees may make 15 minutes appointments (free of charge) from industry leaders, acquisition agents, publishers and authors. All the details are listed on their websites so check it out, it's not to late to register. Here's the link. http://www.christianauthorsguild.org/2014-writers-conference/

If you have a deep desire to write and have been putting it off, hop on over to the conference link where you can read about it. At the top tool bar, you can also click on conference for the schedule and more details.

I'd love to meet some of you there.

MAGGIE 

The Book Lover's Journal

Dear Readers,

Please forgive me for not posting the winner of the Book Lover's Journal sooner. My husband's mother has been very ill and we made a trip to MS to see her in the nursing home. Afterward, I had company from MT and Nashville which was so wonderful to see my brother's grandson who's 2 that I've never met. My brother passed away in 2004 but if he were here he would be delighted with that sweet little boy! It was a great time with family since professor niece will be moving to Scotland to teach at Edinburg University. What an honor and career she's already had teaching at Harvard and Vanderbilt. I'm very proud of her if you couldn't tell.

So without further adieu, the winner of the writer's journal is Amber Perry! Congratulations Amber! I'll do my best to get this in the mail to you this week as soon as I write and get your address.

I want to thank you for taking the time to post me a comment. I appreciate you all so much. :)

Now that my company and Memorial Day is past, I'm getting deep into my second book of Virtues and Vices of the Old West. I'll be getting galleys for book one in the new series mid-June and it should be released mid-January to February. I enjoyed writing The Trouble with Patience and I think you're going to love her story too. I can't wait to get the cover and when I do, I'll share with you.

If any of you are thinking about writing but don't know how to get started, I'll be teaching a Beginning Writer's Workshop in August at the Catch the Wave Conference in Marietta, GA. This is a small conference with a variety of workshops and lots of encouragement and inspiration. If you live in Atlanta area, check  here for details. http://www.christianauthorsguild.org/2014-writers-conference/ . Scroll down to see the conference speakers and teacher's and you'll see me listed.

Hope your June is a fun-filled one. Check back soon for a blog about girlfriends that I experienced.
 
Maggie