Showing posts with label Luck in Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luck in Love. Show all posts
Monday, June 4, 2018
Monday, October 23, 2017
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Posts About Me 7
This is the seventh in a series of posts about me. I hope these help
you decide my books are worth the read. I also hope they help save time
for those who have no interest in my books. I know there's nothing more
disappointing than expecting one kind of book and discovering what I'm
reading isn't something I'm interested in reading. Not all books in a
single genre are the same. Authors in the same genre are as different as
football players on the same team and cupcake bakers. A lot of similarities but no two are alike.
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series. I saved this series of stories for last, except for the Holiday series. TSLS is the most difficult to talk about, for me. It's the most personal of all the series. I took major turning points in my life and wrote stories with the truths I know now but didn't know then.
The inspiration for the Silver Lockets came from the story, The Refiner's Fire, shared through emails and on FB. One of my dear friends was a part of the women's Bible study group and shared the story with me. I chose the symbolism of the silver heart locket and the photos inside. Carol Fiorillo chose beautiful lockets for each cover. I held off on my descriptions for the lockets until I saw the cover mock-up. I did have specific ideas for some of them, but mostly Carol chose what she thought fit from the information given to her on the Cover Art sheet.
Some of the events in each of the stories are true.
In Luck In Love, I worked in Yellowstone, at Lake Hotel, in 1983. I was on the second floor, the women's floor, of the Sandpiper dorm. Sara, the heroine was chased by a moose. Yes, that happened to me. No, there was no Luck for me. He was a "What if?" I had so much to learn. I didn't know anything about PTSD yet. I gave Sara and Luck the benefit of my growth and changes. I endeavored to be careful to not use anything not common knowledge in 1983.
In Mark's Grace, I brought to life a dream I'd had years ago. I dreamed the man who wanted to impress me decorated my home for Christmas. I didn't know how to accept the gift. It terrified me at first, and then charmed me. I couldn't imagine any man doing something like that for me. Writing it into the story allowed me to live the dream. The house where Mark and Grace live actually exists in Signal Hill. If I were independently wealthy, I'd live there. The dog story is mine. Mark was inspired by cover model Jimmy Thomas. The first time I met him I asked for a hug. He gives the best hugs. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to wrap his arms around me without making me feel trapped or even uncomfortable. The moment he hugged me, I knew I'd found what I wanted for Grace. By the way, Grace wasn't supposed to have her own story and then her story wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years. Characters have their own ideas. I endeavor to stay out of the way.
In Saving Lisa, I lived in Thailand, in '84 and '85. I was present at the Fourth of July celebration at the embassy in Bangkok. I expected Lisa, but I didn't expect Eric. He surprised me, pleasantly. I'm not a photographer, but my sister is, so I picked her brain frequently. I knew of the slave trade while I was there, but only peripherally. I learned more later, after I returned home. Heartbreaking. I did land myself in a precarious position on one occasion, and to this day think that but for the Grace of God... All the royalties go to Operation Underground Railroad.
In Finding Home, I flew to England for the summer of '86. The moment I landed in London, I felt like I'd come home. The joy of writing the book was re-visiting a beloved place, and more especially the people. I learned a lot about being gracious and appreciative. I had a lot to learn. I was treated with kindness by everyone. Becki worked for the airlines, and so did I. Ian lives in the flat I would have loved to have owned. It was down the road from where I stayed. I miss the people who treated me like their American princess and claimed me as their own. I did not properly appreciate it then; I didn't think I deserved it.
In Wings to Fly, Samantha and Jordan wrapped up my whirlwind life of travel. The dog and the horse were mine. Samantha gave me an opportunity to pull together so many of the things I learned through my counselors. A fun side note is that Samantha and Jordan's favorite place to eat is P.croissant, which is my favorite eatery. P.croissant kindly gave me permission to use them in my story. They've been open since 1983. What a perfect coincidence.
In many ways, The Silver Locket Sisterhood was cathartic. I was able to release a lot of painful memories as well as clarify my faith. I can't remember ever doubting Jesus as my Savior. However, learning to trust Him has been a lifelong battle. I have to remind myself that the real lack of faith has been in myself. I was able to build my faith along with my characters. My hope in writing the series and seeking publication is others will learn they aren't alone.
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series. I saved this series of stories for last, except for the Holiday series. TSLS is the most difficult to talk about, for me. It's the most personal of all the series. I took major turning points in my life and wrote stories with the truths I know now but didn't know then.
The inspiration for the Silver Lockets came from the story, The Refiner's Fire, shared through emails and on FB. One of my dear friends was a part of the women's Bible study group and shared the story with me. I chose the symbolism of the silver heart locket and the photos inside. Carol Fiorillo chose beautiful lockets for each cover. I held off on my descriptions for the lockets until I saw the cover mock-up. I did have specific ideas for some of them, but mostly Carol chose what she thought fit from the information given to her on the Cover Art sheet.
Some of the events in each of the stories are true.
In Luck In Love, I worked in Yellowstone, at Lake Hotel, in 1983. I was on the second floor, the women's floor, of the Sandpiper dorm. Sara, the heroine was chased by a moose. Yes, that happened to me. No, there was no Luck for me. He was a "What if?" I had so much to learn. I didn't know anything about PTSD yet. I gave Sara and Luck the benefit of my growth and changes. I endeavored to be careful to not use anything not common knowledge in 1983.
In Mark's Grace, I brought to life a dream I'd had years ago. I dreamed the man who wanted to impress me decorated my home for Christmas. I didn't know how to accept the gift. It terrified me at first, and then charmed me. I couldn't imagine any man doing something like that for me. Writing it into the story allowed me to live the dream. The house where Mark and Grace live actually exists in Signal Hill. If I were independently wealthy, I'd live there. The dog story is mine. Mark was inspired by cover model Jimmy Thomas. The first time I met him I asked for a hug. He gives the best hugs. I don't know how he did it, but he managed to wrap his arms around me without making me feel trapped or even uncomfortable. The moment he hugged me, I knew I'd found what I wanted for Grace. By the way, Grace wasn't supposed to have her own story and then her story wasn't supposed to happen for a few more years. Characters have their own ideas. I endeavor to stay out of the way.
In Saving Lisa, I lived in Thailand, in '84 and '85. I was present at the Fourth of July celebration at the embassy in Bangkok. I expected Lisa, but I didn't expect Eric. He surprised me, pleasantly. I'm not a photographer, but my sister is, so I picked her brain frequently. I knew of the slave trade while I was there, but only peripherally. I learned more later, after I returned home. Heartbreaking. I did land myself in a precarious position on one occasion, and to this day think that but for the Grace of God... All the royalties go to Operation Underground Railroad.
In Finding Home, I flew to England for the summer of '86. The moment I landed in London, I felt like I'd come home. The joy of writing the book was re-visiting a beloved place, and more especially the people. I learned a lot about being gracious and appreciative. I had a lot to learn. I was treated with kindness by everyone. Becki worked for the airlines, and so did I. Ian lives in the flat I would have loved to have owned. It was down the road from where I stayed. I miss the people who treated me like their American princess and claimed me as their own. I did not properly appreciate it then; I didn't think I deserved it.
In Wings to Fly, Samantha and Jordan wrapped up my whirlwind life of travel. The dog and the horse were mine. Samantha gave me an opportunity to pull together so many of the things I learned through my counselors. A fun side note is that Samantha and Jordan's favorite place to eat is P.croissant, which is my favorite eatery. P.croissant kindly gave me permission to use them in my story. They've been open since 1983. What a perfect coincidence.
In many ways, The Silver Locket Sisterhood was cathartic. I was able to release a lot of painful memories as well as clarify my faith. I can't remember ever doubting Jesus as my Savior. However, learning to trust Him has been a lifelong battle. I have to remind myself that the real lack of faith has been in myself. I was able to build my faith along with my characters. My hope in writing the series and seeking publication is others will learn they aren't alone.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Vintage series The Silver Locket Sisterhood...
The first book of the series, was published in 2012.
Available wherever ebooks are sold and at Amazon in paperback.
Luck
in Love
Step Forward
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.
Into the Darkness
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
God Lights the Way
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and carpeciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment. Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Step Forward
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.
Into the Darkness
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
God Lights the Way
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and carpeciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment. Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Available wherever ebooks are sold and at Amazon in paperback.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Luck in Love...
Book One in The Silver Locket Sisterhood series is available now, in ebook format, and will be available in paperback this August.
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel
beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer
break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest
of her life.
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistable. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and carpiciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment.
Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides gentle inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistable. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and carpiciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment.
Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides gentle inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series Book 1...
Luck in Love is now more affordable at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-Sisterhood-Book-ebook/dp/B00AAQHCEQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and capriciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment.
Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides gentle inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Locket-Sisterhood-Book-ebook/dp/B00AAQHCEQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
In 1983, housekeeping in the century-old Lake Yellowstone Hotel beckons to Sara Budge's desire to escape her abusive family. The summer break from college offers the time to determine her plans for the rest of her life.
Peace eludes Luck Williams, and the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth is irresistible. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day.
A fresh start doesn't guarantee the past stays in the past. The fragility and capriciousness of life guarantees pain and disappointment.
Choosing perfect serenity and safety over love and trust may spare dips into the valleys, but the awe-inspiring views from the peaks are also forfeit. God provides gentle inspiration and the precious gift of choice, for those willing to risk the leap of faith.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Luck in Love is a finalist...
...in the Arianna Cover Art Awards in the Romance genre. Brava, Carol Fiorillo!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The Silver Locket Sisterhood series...
The first two books are out:
Wherever ebooks are sold.
Saving Lisa will be available in December.
Wherever ebooks are sold.
Saving Lisa will be available in December.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
How I met Mark...
Mark Callaghan was not even on the horizon when Grace came into being. I knew Grace needed a special hero, but I figured I had plenty of time.
On February 4, 2012, I attended the Glendale Chocolate Affaire and met Jimmy Thomas:
http://laurelhawkes.blogspot.com/2012/02/chocolate-affaire-jimmy-thomas-and-me.html
By this time, I knew when Mark's Grace was due. I decided the curator played a far more important role than I first gave him. Mark slowly took shape. When I met Jimmy I knew how I wanted Mark to make Grace feel. He revealed himself much more quickly than Grace did once he knew he was in.
I did not expect him to become such good friends with Luck, in Luck in Love. More surprising was how he appeared in Luck in Love while Grace did not. Mark was bold and very much "what you see is what you get." Since Jimmy was the inspiration for Mark, I borrowed a little bit more. I don't usually use a specific person for my characters. I want people reading the book to be able to visualize their own hero. Mark is my exception. If you want to know what he looks like take a look at Jimmy Thomas, businessman extraordinaire. http://romancenovelconvention.com/
Mark is also uniquely his own man. My characters frequently surprise me. I think I know them, and they tell me a secret, something they've never told anyone else. Something that makes them who they are, and once I know, everything about them falls into place.
On February 4, 2012, I attended the Glendale Chocolate Affaire and met Jimmy Thomas:
http://laurelhawkes.blogspot.com/2012/02/chocolate-affaire-jimmy-thomas-and-me.html
By this time, I knew when Mark's Grace was due. I decided the curator played a far more important role than I first gave him. Mark slowly took shape. When I met Jimmy I knew how I wanted Mark to make Grace feel. He revealed himself much more quickly than Grace did once he knew he was in.
I did not expect him to become such good friends with Luck, in Luck in Love. More surprising was how he appeared in Luck in Love while Grace did not. Mark was bold and very much "what you see is what you get." Since Jimmy was the inspiration for Mark, I borrowed a little bit more. I don't usually use a specific person for my characters. I want people reading the book to be able to visualize their own hero. Mark is my exception. If you want to know what he looks like take a look at Jimmy Thomas, businessman extraordinaire. http://romancenovelconvention.com/
Mark is also uniquely his own man. My characters frequently surprise me. I think I know them, and they tell me a secret, something they've never told anyone else. Something that makes them who they are, and once I know, everything about them falls into place.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
How I met Grace...
Grace Williams appeared in Luck in Love not as an actual character but as a person of influence in her brother's life. I thought I knew Grace and her story. She was the inspiration for Luck's award-winning triptych "The Savior's Gift." I knew her story was painful. My PLAN (my BFF likes to remind me it's a four-letter word and trecherous because once you say the word your cherished plan will change without your consent) was to write Grace's story in a few years.
As Luck in Love developed, Grace's story wiggled in the back of my brain. It wasn't uncomfortable, so it was easy to brush off. I'd tackle it, later. I did know enough to know it would be a difficult story to write. The PLAN was to put it off until I was better prepared.
God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
When I wrote my proposal for the series, I already had a contract for 3 books over a year and a half. That would give me plenty of time to work on Grace's story. I figured the next series would be tacked on after the first series was finished. I blissfully sent in the proposal. I was offered the contract to publish the vintage series interspersed with the Regency series.
I signed.
Suddenly, Grace's story wasn't down the road a piece. It was NOW.
As Luck in Love developed, Grace's story wiggled in the back of my brain. It wasn't uncomfortable, so it was easy to brush off. I'd tackle it, later. I did know enough to know it would be a difficult story to write. The PLAN was to put it off until I was better prepared.
God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
When I wrote my proposal for the series, I already had a contract for 3 books over a year and a half. That would give me plenty of time to work on Grace's story. I figured the next series would be tacked on after the first series was finished. I blissfully sent in the proposal. I was offered the contract to publish the vintage series interspersed with the Regency series.
I signed.
Suddenly, Grace's story wasn't down the road a piece. It was NOW.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Luck In Love
In 1983, Yellowstone National Park beckons to Sara Budge. With no plans for the future, except her determination to escape the abusive habits of her past, housekeeping at Lake Hotel for the summer offers the possibility of a safe haven while she decides what to do with the rest of her life. All she wants or needs is a fresh start, but the past always catches up...
Luck Williams doesn't believe peace will ever be his again, but he can't resist the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day. His hard won lesson regarding the fragility and capriciousness of life leaves no room for romance...but God has other plans.
Luck Williams doesn't believe peace will ever be his again, but he can't resist the opportunity handed to him to photograph his favorite place on earth. Even caught up in the pristine beauty he is unable to escape the haunting nightmares of one horrific day. His hard won lesson regarding the fragility and capriciousness of life leaves no room for romance...but God has other plans.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Christian or not?
There's been a discussion about what qualifies as Christian romance and what does not.
The characters having faith does not qualify a book as Christian. Having redemption in a book does not qualify it as Christian. Having the characters do nothing more than hold hands and share a peck on the cheek seems to be a must for Christian.
This is why I land in trouble. I'm Christian, so I write Christian, but not Christian. The typical Christian romance usually doesn't resonate with me because I find them unbelievable. I wonder if there's something wrong with me that I can't wrap my mind around such innocence. There isn't.
I'm a survivor. I write from a survivor's perspective. My heroines are all survivors. I don't know how to write women any other way. It's what I know. My heroes, so far, are also survivors though not always in the same way as my heroines.
My heart is in what I write, which leaves me with a bit of a dilemma. I'm looking for a reviewer for Luck In Love. The reviewers I know like a steamy read. I don't write steamy. The Christian reviewers I've investigated aren't fond of my type of book. They prefer the traditional formula. In fact, I don't know anyone who writes what I do... except some of the other Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc, authors. I'm grateful I found a home.
The characters having faith does not qualify a book as Christian. Having redemption in a book does not qualify it as Christian. Having the characters do nothing more than hold hands and share a peck on the cheek seems to be a must for Christian.
This is why I land in trouble. I'm Christian, so I write Christian, but not Christian. The typical Christian romance usually doesn't resonate with me because I find them unbelievable. I wonder if there's something wrong with me that I can't wrap my mind around such innocence. There isn't.
I'm a survivor. I write from a survivor's perspective. My heroines are all survivors. I don't know how to write women any other way. It's what I know. My heroes, so far, are also survivors though not always in the same way as my heroines.
My heart is in what I write, which leaves me with a bit of a dilemma. I'm looking for a reviewer for Luck In Love. The reviewers I know like a steamy read. I don't write steamy. The Christian reviewers I've investigated aren't fond of my type of book. They prefer the traditional formula. In fact, I don't know anyone who writes what I do... except some of the other Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc, authors. I'm grateful I found a home.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Revealing a writer's secret...
Patty Froese, writer of Perfect on Paper, blogged about Dangerous Friends.
http://pattyfroese.com/?p=3629
People worry about knowing a writer because they may find themselves in the book. I don't know about all writers but the writers I know composite their characters. A person may inspire, but the writer takes the spark of inspiration and evolves it into their own creation.This is true of everything in a writer's life. Anything is subject to ending up in a story.
For example, in my upcoming release, Luck in Love, the hero is a photographer. He creates a triptych, so I had to create a triptych. I'm not a photographer. My sister is. I envisioned the three pictures and asked my sister if it was possible. Sure! Photochop! Ummm...this is 1973 and 1983. Oh. Okay, this is what you can and can't do. And so I created the triptych around those parameters.
Now, for the secret.
For those who worry about knowing a writer and having your secrets revealed know this: A writer reveals far more about themselves than they will ever reveal about you.
I leave you to mull over that bit of information. ;-D
http://pattyfroese.com/?p=3629
People worry about knowing a writer because they may find themselves in the book. I don't know about all writers but the writers I know composite their characters. A person may inspire, but the writer takes the spark of inspiration and evolves it into their own creation.This is true of everything in a writer's life. Anything is subject to ending up in a story.
For example, in my upcoming release, Luck in Love, the hero is a photographer. He creates a triptych, so I had to create a triptych. I'm not a photographer. My sister is. I envisioned the three pictures and asked my sister if it was possible. Sure! Photochop! Ummm...this is 1973 and 1983. Oh. Okay, this is what you can and can't do. And so I created the triptych around those parameters.
Now, for the secret.
For those who worry about knowing a writer and having your secrets revealed know this: A writer reveals far more about themselves than they will ever reveal about you.
I leave you to mull over that bit of information. ;-D
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