ROMANCING THE WEST

Two things my brother and I had in common were writing novels and a great love of the West. Jess McCreede wrote seven wonderful westerns. This was his writing cabin in Montana on their "farmette" as he called it. It has been painted since this snowfall, but I love this picture. He was instrumental in where I am today. So honoring the West and him, I'm thrilled to let you know that my website is finally up and running. I wish he was still here to see it and brainstorm ideas with me. But somehow, I feel he already knows.

The slogan I came up with that fits my stories is "Romancing the West" because I write historicals which always have romance at the core while imparting a slice of history. So I hope you'll check out the site. http://www.maggiebrendan.com/. Let me know what you think. Since I love the Georgia dogwoods that I used for my blog, I told my designer that I needed to have the Rocky Mountains for the website. After a lot of templates and playing around with backgrounds and colors, (I hope I wasn't too hard to please), she came up with this beautiful banner and template.

I hope to keep it updated with whatever I'll be involved with that relates to my books for my readers. In March I will be able to share the goregous cover for my new book releasing in September, Deeply Devoted. Once again, Revell gave me what I asked for. It's beautiful! They are letting me keep my series title too-The Blue Willow Brides.

If you are interested in creating a website of any kind, I can highly recommend Tina Dee, the moderator for Bustles and Spurs. She's not only knowlegeable, but patient and understanding to give you the best of what you need. Her site in linked on my favorite blog lists on the right hand side toolbar called The Homestead Heart. Here's her link.
http://thehomesteadheart.blogspot.com/. You can contact her there or leave me a comment as well.

I survived the historic record breaking snowfall in Atlanta and just today the snow and ice is almost gone. New beginnings ahead as I launch into the year 2011 with a new series.

Happy Reading,

MAGGIE

INTERVIEW UP & CONTEST

Just popping in to let you know that bestselling author, Kelly Long of Sarah's Garden interview me today. Post a comment to be entered for a copy of my book, A Love of Her Own, but you must go to Kelly's blog to post your comment. She will draw a winner after Thanksgiving. Here's the link.

http://kellylongbooks.blogspot.com/

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

MAGGIE

I HAVE A WINNER!

Thanks everyone for posting for a chance to win a copy of A Love of Her Own. Congratulations to Lauralee -- your name was drawn from the list of posters!! I'll get your book out to you this week. I enjoyed reading about what's going on in all of your heads.

I've just completed edits for the first book in my new series for 2011, and I'm excited to announce that Revell will be keeping the title for the first book, Deeply Devoted and the series title that I came up with, The Blue Willow Brides. It's a rare thing when the publishers keeps boths the title and series title an author comes up with originally. I'm writing the second book, and I hope they'll keep that title too.

Since I've been so hard at work the last couple of years, I'm taking some time off to go visit my daughter and grandkids for a week this Friday and will stay until for Thanksgiving. The kids are out of school, and my daughter will be free from teaching that week too so I'm looking forward to hanging out with them.

In case I don't get a moment to blog again I'm wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving! We have soooo much to be grateful for, don't we?

Maggie

WHAT'S IN YOUR HEAD?

Ever felt like your head might explode? With our new and ever changing technical capabilities in the work place, home and capacity to connect with anyone around the world, with just a push of a button on the keyboard, it can get a bit overwhelming. Everything is instant in the ever changing world around us. Fast foot, instant coffee, or downloading your favorite tunes in a nana-second, instantly prepared meals for the microwave, or you can hop in your car at a whim and dine out even though you may have just remodeled your outdated ‘80’s kitchen to a slick high-tech one with all the gadgets. We humans satisfy our sensual craving with comfortable clothes that have nice textures to touch or vibrant color, cosmetics, fragrances, a hot bubble bath, or delicious tasting food and great tasting wine. But I can tell you what’s not instant—constructing a novel clear out of your head! Just ask me. By the way, these are my antique collectable head vases since I’m talking about what goes into our head. A couple of the vases are not antique.

So instead of “what’s in your wallet”, like the Capital One commercial, I’ve been thinking about what’s in my head and maybe yours too. By the mere fact that I’m under contract, I have to separate in my head the “real” from fiction. Sometimes that’s not so easy to do because my characters seem very real to me. In my head, a novel is going at all times, along with calculating or listing all the things I must do—like laundry that never ends, pulling weeds, shopping for groceries, cleaning the dreaded bathrooms, paying the bills, listening to the news, a favorite TV program, writing my blog and my having quiet time. The list goes on an on. Everything and everyone competes for my attention. Maybe that’s why I like to think back on the days gone by before the big “Super Hi-way” of the internet when people took time to write you a real letter instead of an email, took a meal to a sick friend, or lent a hand to help someone with a difficult task.

Here’s one my favorites thing to do to get me away from everything. Silence. Just pure and simple. No talking, no TV, no music, just pure unadulterated silence. That’s when I can go deep within myself to get to know me better or hear the voice of God. Why? Because you have to be still and listen in order to have that benefit. It does come with a premium. You have to shut out everything else which can make you appear selfish, but until you do it on a regular basis, you might even feel you’re wasting time when you could be doing all the other things I mentioned previously. No worrying about the high cost of living, your children’s home work or attitude, taxes, health care, money, or the newest political move by the government should enter into your quiet time. Just be. Just feel. Just listen.

I read a great quote somewhere by Alice Walker, “writer’s know how to perfect the art of doing nothing so beautifully”. I happen to agree with her sentiments because I’m so good at doing exactly that.

Here’s a few fun things that I do so beautifully….

I piddle around the house when I take a break, visit my local bookstore, lunch with a good friend, seeing a good movie, walking in the woods or a park, or taking a long walk. I love smelling coffee brewing while I read a devotional or a good book to submerse myself in, or treating myself to have my nails done. I enjoy attending choir and learning the beautiful music that lifts my spirits, cooking my favorite Southern comfort foods, taking a fast nap in my recliner on Sunday afternoon, and of course, spending time with my grandchildren at is always at the top of my list. They keep me young! But bottom line is—I have to have quiet time alone. It’s good for the psyche and renews my soul. I always come away refreshed and I can hear God’s voice better, without all the constant distractions. Why don’t you put aside all the gadgets that vie for your constant attention, the cell phones, the I-Pads, and TV just for a short while, or better yet take a two day fast. No catastrophe will happen if you do. I’ll bet you’ll get more things done in the process. What you put in your head on a daily basis is what comes out. Be conscious of filling it with “good stuff” and the world is a brighter place.

So to that end, what’s in your head? How do you fill it with “good stuff”? Let me know and I’ll enter your name in a drawing for a copy of my latest book, A Love of Her Own. Maybe you’d like to give it as a Christmas gift or birthday. Just write me one or two BRIEF things that are floating around in YOUR head in the comment section. Then check back here Sunday night for the winner’s name.

I can’t wait to read your responses.

P.S. I haven’t forgotten about posting about my favorite books I’ve read, but I’ve just finished a deadline for book #4 last week, but that post is coming soon--If the emails, editorial comments, marketing, phone calls, chapters to write.....I'm sure you get it.
MAGGIE

Winner of Sarah's Garden

Congratulations to Debbie!! Your name was drawn as a winner for Kelly's books. I want to thank all of you for posting comments, and I hope you'll pick up a copy of Sarah's Garden at your local Christian book store, Amazon or your favorite bookstore. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. :)

Blessings for a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

MAGGIE

Kelly Long-Radio Interview today.

I'm posting this for Kelly in conjuction with another book give-away today. It's a live radio interview. You can find out more about my dear friend. Check it out for more chance to win.

Hi Sweeet Ladies! Please join me, Kelly Long, from 4-5 central time this evening as I'm the guest of Amish Wisdom and Suzanne Woods Fisher. I'll be giving away more books and I'd love for you to listen! Here's the link. http://tinyurl.com/27csmno

Kelly

SARAH'S GARDEN-INTERVIEW WITH KELLY LONG--FREE BOOKS!

I’m so excited to introduce you to my best friend and writing partner, Kelly Long, who writes Amish Romance. Kelly’s books are flying off the shelves, but that’s no surprise to me. Here's the blurb from Sarah's Garden.

When Sarah realizes that she has fallen in love with an Englisch doctor, she must choose between loving a man and losing her family.

Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains, shy Sarah King is happiest when working in her vibrant Amish kitchen garden, but new family responsibilities lead her into the confusing world of the Englisch.

Sarah finds her life turned around when she encounters the community's new Englisch veterinarian, Grant Williams. His blue-gold eyes and his obvious concern for her people attract her immediately. Sarah seeks solace and direction from the Lord as she creates a quilt pattern which details her struggle between two worlds.

The Lord is guiding Sarah to follow His will, but will she listen?


Kelly Long is the author of Sarah’s Garden, the first in the Patch of Heaven Series, Lilly’s Wedding Quilt, Christmas Cradles from the Expanded Edition of An Amish Christmas and A Marriage of the Heart from An Amish Love. She focuses Amish fiction to represent the Amish culture of North Central Pennsylvania and the Allegheny Mountains, where she was born and raised. She previously taught both English and Latin at the high school level and holds degrees from both Penn State University and The University of New Hampshire.

***Kelly will give away autographed copies of both Sarah’s Garden and Christmas in Lancaster County The Expanded Edition*** when you post a comment to my blog. Check back next Friday evening for the drawing.

Kelly, tell us a little about your book.


Sarah’s Garden is about the transforming power of God’s love and the renewing potential He creates in our lives, as exhibited by the Amish in both their kitchen gardens and quilting patterns.

Why do you think Amish novels are so popular right now?


I truly believe that this is the emergence of a new literary subgenre, not just the hottest thing. What Stephen Crane did for the Western in A Bride Comes to Yellow Sky and Poe did for horror, writers like Beverly Lewis are doing to build the foundations of an enduring expansion in literature.

Where do you get your inspirations?

Childhood memories mostly or from overheard snippets of random conversations, but most especially from God. He is the True Artist, the Author and Finisher…

What is your favorite aspect of the writing process?

The stirrings of the initial ideas for a story…that aha moment when you can begin. Otherwise, writing is very hard work.

Who influenced your writing the most, besides God?


My sixth grade teacher, Bob Dwyer, from Lock Haven, Penn. (Still teaching—go Mr. Dwyer!) He taught about writing as process not muse driven moments of emotion.

What are you reading in your spare time?


Uhh…let’s see…The Bible on a daily basis, An Alchemy of Genres, Save the Cat, and The Moral Premise…


If you could live anywhere on earth, where would that be?


Far, far, far away…just AWAY…from the daily stresses of life.

If you could meet one famous person still alive today, who would that be?


That’s a tough one. I’d like to meet a lot of dead people…I suppose I’d like to meet a child who will someday change the world for the better. (But that could be any child---so…)

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?

Sleep. It’s vastly fun to dream and escape.

What gift did you receive that you will always treasure?


Eternal life.

What’s your favorite Bible verse?

It always changes…Right now, I’m loving the verses that make up the encounter between David and Goliath and remembering that the true giant in the story is God.

When new projects are you working on now and when will your next book release?


I’m finishing edits on Lilly’s Wedding Quilt and beginning a novella for a collection with Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller called An Amish Wedding. An Amish Love releases in late December.

Where can readers connect with you?

Kelly Long Fans at Facebook…Amishromance at Twitter…www.kellylongbooks.com (still under construction) and at Author Central on Amazon, and at AmishLiving.com. I love to hear from readers!

Thanks, Kelly for taking the time to be interviewed for my readers as well as yours. It was fun to pick your brain aside from our normal brainstorming time together. You can check out all of Kelly's books at Christianbook.com or Amazon. Don't forget to post a comment for the drawing next week for your chance to win.

Until we meet again,

WINNER OF A LOVE OF HER OWN!

Congratulations! E.J., you're the winner of an autographed copy of my new book! I want to thank all of you for entering, but don't give up--there's always another contest just around the corner. :)

I've enjoyed reading the posts of where you've been this summer and what you've been up to. Now let's look forward to fall and cooler weather--at least I am after the miserable Atlanta heat. I believe it surpassed all the other years we had on record.

I'll be doing something new very soon that I normally don't do on my blog, but I'm making an exception. I'll interview my writing partner and best friend, Kelly Long. Kelly's new book, Sarah's Garden, is out and it's a fabulous hit with readers! I was the first to read and critique it as she wrote it while we brainstormed together. It's a wonderful Amish love story and if you're a fan of that genre, then you'll want to read it! I'll see if she'll give away a copy when you post to her interview.

E.J., send me your email addy and I'll get my book out to you. Thank you all again for entering.

I'll catch up with you later... down on the trail...

Maggie

REMINDER-ONE MORE CHANCE TO WIN!

I thought I'd give y'all one more chance to win an autographed copy of A Love of Her Own. A week ago I blogged that I was still alive and gave an little update on what I've been up to this summer. At the bottom of that post, I asked if you wanted to share what you've been up to this summer and make a comment to be entered on Aug. 22nd for a copy of my book.

To date, I only have two comments back to me. There's still time to enter. If you've already read the book, maybe you'd like a copy for a gift. I'll draw a name Sunday night on the 22nd. Check back here to see if you've won.

For your enjoyment, here's picture of butterflies feeding on a trailing hydrangea hanging across the fence in my back yard. Aren't they pretty? When I snapped the picture, I was trying to get a blue and black butterfly that was in the middle of these two, but he flittered off. Most of my potted flowers are looking scraggly in the high heat we've experienced for two months, but my neighbor's tall bush, right outside my office window, is giving me delight each day.

My first book, No Place for a Lady, is a Crossings Book Club feature for their summer and August catalog. I'm so happy people are enjoying that first book!

What new delight is going on in your world? I'd love to hear from you.

Until later,

Maggie

A SLICE OF WYOMING HISTORY

Wyoming holds a special in my heart with its beauty of the Tetons. I want to go back again someday soon to visit. But if you're interested in a piece of history, check out my post on Bustles and Spurs today. Here's the link:
www.BustlesAndSpurs.com.

Maggie

WHERE YA BEEN?

I'm still alive! I could tell you that I was on a Caribbean cruise or at 5 star resorts in the Colorado Mountains, or teaching at a writer’s conference, but the truth is I’ve been holed up (not ‘hold’as in cowboy slang), in my office during the hot, humid, Atlanta weather with soaring temps hovering in the 100’s. Not very romantic, even for a romance writer.

I did meet my deadline in July for Deeply Devoted, book one in my next series. Woo Hoo! I know my agent read it in one sitting and said she loved it. Now I want to hear the same from my editor, which should be any day now. I worked really hard on it. I hope they keep the title.

Maybe you’ve noticed that I’ve been playing around the last month with my blog. I hope you like the new look. The dogwood is one of my favorite flowers and oh so Southern like me. There’s a legend about the dogwood that it was the tree the cross that they crucified Christ on was made from. I’ve blogged about it before. I’m also working on a website with help, of course, and hope to have it up and running in the near future.

I’ve read a bunch of books the last few months in between writing and still have a humongous stack that keeps growing. I’ll comment about my thoughts later on about those.

I’ve been brainstorming with my writing bud, Kelly, regularly and somehow we balance each other’s insanity! Only other writers can understand what I mean. I’m planning on interviewing her as soon as her deadline has been met.

I bought a new camera…much like what I already had, but still haven’t taken the time to read the manual. My other one just up and died. But I needed something easy for my blogging, and taking quick shots, though I’d like to have a camera like my daughter has. Then I’d be forced to learn how to use the settings. By the way, Sheri has a real talent for taking excellent and unusual pictures. A mom can brag!

The Women’s Ministry at my church, Johnson Ferry, has chosen my first book, No Place for a Lady, for their Chick-Lit book club for January! I am so thrilled about that! A Love of Her Own ranks #16 for the Kindle in Christian Romance on Amazon and #25 under bestseller books presently. In overall Christian Fiction, it ranks #23 on Kindle and #40 in books. Of course, that number changes regularly, but I’ve been holding a top spot, so I’m pleased as punch!

I’ve been researching for second book in the new series, the last couple of days, trying to get my thoughts together about the plot, etc. I want to get underway with that book next week.

We had our Sanctuary Choir at church fall kickoff again, and I like things to get back to our normal schedule. Guess I like continuity. We have a refurbished and enlarged choir loft but it’s still too small. But that’s always a good thing.

This summer also had its rough times because that’s just part of the life experience. Some were very trying days for me. One in July was the loss of our son-in-law’s father, a Viet Nam war hero, a dear friend to us as well. My niece is battling breast cancer, and my sister who has MS is hopeful about a new drug that she hopes to be able start soon. But like the butterflies flying around outside my office window, I know that God cares about every tear, every heartache, every struggle, and every joy that we experience. It’s part of His plan but don’t ask me to explain it. Only He knows.

I’d love to hear from you—what things have been happening in your life? It’s always uplifting to bear each other’s burdens because it takes your mind off your own troubles. I’ll draw a name on Aug. 22nd for a free autographed copy of my new book when you post a comment.

Hope I haven’t rambled on too much, but after all…I am a writer.

Until next time,

Maggie