Birthday and Blogoversary Bash (+ Free Books!)

Three years ago, I had recently graduated from college.

Two years ago, I revealed the cover of my debut novel.

One year ago, I was preparing to move to a new town and start a new job.

What epic life-change does Amber have to announce this year? An engagement?? That would be the logical next step, of course. ;)

But nope, there's not quite so much fanfare around this birthday. No new book releases (yet!). No big move or extremely exciting tidings.

And that's perfectly all right. Because I have all sorts of things to celebrate today...

• Family awaiting me at home for my sister's upcoming high-school graduation (woot!) and our Disneyland vacation (squee!).

• Friends and coworkers to play mini golf and eat pizza with tonight. (Can't wait!) Correction: Red Robin instead of pizza - even better!

• Blogging pals who continue to inspire and encourage and teach me what social media is really all about. (Book chats, am I right?? #BookBesties Hashtag created by the fabulous Rissi)

• Five-plus years of blogging joys. (Shame on me for missing out on a chance to party back in March... Clarification: That's when my actual blogoversary occurred - I just figured I'd lump it in with the birthday fun. :))

• Four books out in the world, including my very first audiobook, which I adore.

• A job to challenge and grow me. (And pay the bills - mustn't forget that!)

• An apartment for living and sleeping and watching movies and reading and having random one-person dance parties/karaoke sessions.

• A church and college group to pull me into community.

• A town and state to explore.

• And a Savior who blesses beyond measure and never gives up on me.

Well, there's just an awful lot to celebrate! Including the fact that I'm now the same age as my darling hero Derrick from How a Star Falls. ;) We're like twinsies!

While I don't have any new releases to offer you at this time for a giveaway, I don't want to bemoan the fact that I'm behind on where I should be and late on publishing a couple of titles that should be out by now. (Although I still apologize for the delay!)

For now, I just want to look back and say "yay" to the journey and the seasons that came before. Yay for Bleeding Heart and Forget Me Not and the short stories and How a Star Falls! Each of them helped me express my heart and explore new horizons in different seasons, and I'm grateful for the chance to have written those stories and shared them with others.

If you haven't yet read all of my already-published books, I'd love to offer you a copy of one today! You can read more about them HERE. Just fill out the form below, and I'll email you the document of your choice soon. (Offer ends when I close the form to entries.)

* * *

So tell me, dear friends, what is it you're celebrating today? What happened in seasons past that helped shape the person you are and life you have now?

All in for the Win! (Winners and Morning Glory)

Happy Sunday, everyone! Let's start this "winning" post with a winners announcement. :) For my 4th blogoversary, I gave away a signed paperback copy of Forget Me Not and an e-copy of one of my books.

The US winner (for the paperback) is...

Amy C!

The international winner (for an ebook) is...

Rochella D!

Congratulations, ladies! I've sent you both emails, so be sure to check your inboxes. :)

Thank you all so much for your interest in "The Heart's Spring" series, and for your support of "Seasons of Humility" these past four years! I'm so blessed to have the chance to share with you, interact with you, and become friends with you. I've absolutely loved my blogging experience so far, despite the time commitment. I mean, what did I even do with myself before blogging?? LOL. Thank you for joining me on this journey and for making it such a wonderful one for me!

Now, some of you follow me on The Heart's Spring series blog, so please forgive the repetitiveness - but I wanted to share with all my readers here about my progress with Morning Glory. It's been a bit of slow going, and March wasn't as productive as I wanted it to be. But I've signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo for this month, and I'm hoping I can finish the first draft of the book - or at least make a very sizable dent in my goal! - by the end of April. 

You can check out my camper profile HERE. (Camp NaNoWriMo totally brings back happy memories of Camp Humility! Any long-time followers remember that event??) Anyway, if you check out my profile and click on the tab "Novel Info," you can read my working synopsis for Morning Glory, as well as a brief, unedited excerpt from Chapter 1!

For those who don't want to venture into the wilds of camp, here's that synopsis:

***

The depths of fear. The dawning of hope.

Summer 1887

Felicity Lute's family is on the run from scandal and sorrow, but their "vacation" isn't bringing Felicity and her sister, Helen, together the way it should. Hope - or at least distraction - comes in the form of Myghal Tamblyn, a Cornish man wandering the West. When he joins them on their journey to Crater Lake, Felicity begins to believe her heart and her dreams will heal. Just as long as she and her two sisters can keep their secrets hidden.

Myghal has fallen in love - and been forced to let go of love - twice. He's intrigued by the flirtatious and flamboyant Felicity, but he's also wary of the obvious tension in her family, despite their welcome. An adventure with new friends might be just what his lonely heart needs, or it could be the path to a third and final heartbreak.

When tragedy plunges Felicity and Myghal into the very depths of their fears, will they find anything strong enough to help them rise again?

Inspirational Historical Romance

***

It's not necessarily the final version, but what do you think? Does it make you want to read the book?

I'll let you in on a few little secrets, too...

• I currently have a third POV in play for the story (beyond Myghal and Felicity). Not sure yet if I should tweak the synopsis to mention more about her - guess that will be a question to run by my editor(s)! She's going to play a very pivotal role, from what I can tell so far. 

• I've been doing a lot of my brainstorming for the story on Pinterest. It's been very fun to have ideas sort of leapfrog one another as I find new visuals to inspire me. I just hope it all makes sense when it comes together!

• And speaking of secrets and Pinterest... You might have already come across these boards or overheard me chatting about "genre hopping" on Twitter, but if you want to catch a little glimpse at what I'm brainstorming for books to work on after Morning Glory, check out Secret Future Writing Project and Secret Future Writing Project 2. I'm not really sure why I'm attempting any secrecy, LOL. The title for the first one is pretty set, and Lena's actually already designed the first cover. But I guess since I haven't written the stories yet, I kind of want to wait until the right moment to share more. ;) I will tell you that I'm contemplating trying something more contemporary. We'll see how it goes! Be on the lookout in the coming months for title announcements and cover reveals, Lord willing. "I make you no promises, I tell you no lies" - but I am very excited about these projects, so I hope to pursue them!

Anyone else participating in Camp NaNo or working on writing projects? Let's go for the win and get some stories on paper!

4th Blogoversary and Book Giveaway!

So... Maybe I should have a big blogoversary party every other year, and a fun little giveaway for the in-between years? Because that's how the blogoversaries have gone down so far. ;)

Alas, this is one of those years where I don't have a huge bash planned. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't exciting things lined up for the coming months! In fact, I've been rather preoccupied this week with upcoming publicity projects for clients that are going to be a ton of fun. We've got everything from an NA fantasy cover reveal and blog tour, to a romance tour, to a devotional book tour with a cat theme. Be sure to check out those pages and mark your calendars!

As for today, I thought I'd celebrate my 4th blogoversary by giving away some of my own books. Can't believe I can do that! I was still in the process of getting Bleeding Heart (my debut) ready for publication during my last blogoversary. It's been a crazy year!

Since Forget Me Not just released in paperback, I'm giving away a signed copy to one US resident. And for my international readers, I'm giving away an e-copy of any of my three books in "The Heart's Spring" series: Forget Me Not (Book 1), Bleeding Heart (Book 2) or Bellflower (the short-story collection). If you already have all my books, I'd be happy to gift a copy to someone for you if you win. :) You can enter using the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you all so much for your readership! I'd love to hear what you enjoy about the blog and what you might like to see more of in the next year before my 5th blogoversary. (For example, do you like having my publicity clients' blog tours hosted here? Do you miss the devotional posts or author interviews? Do you want more reviews?) Blessings and *group hugs*!

3rd Blogoversary Party ~ Winners!

Today is officially my third blogoversary, and what fun these three years have been! Thank you to all of my wonderful, sweet, encouraging, inspiring readers for making blogging such a joy for me, and for making this party a blast! And thank you to our awesome guests this week - Lena, Rachelle, and Sandra. I'm so grateful to know and work with you three, and I'm wishing you the best with your writing!

And now, here are the winners of the blog party book giveaways:

 Jill Stengl won an e-book version of Aire

 Julie Graves won The Price of Victory

 CentralEast2 won Current of Love

Congratulations, winners! I'll be sending you an e-mail, so be sure to check your inboxes! And thank you to Lena and Sandra for your generosity!

Hope you all have a great Saturday! I'll be re-posting an Easter devotional tomorrow. =)

3rd Blogoversary Party ~ Meet Me!

I've shared the three guest interviews for the 3rd Blogoversary Writers Party, and the winners of the giveaways will be announced tomorrow. (You still have until tonight to enter!) So, what do I have for you today?

Well, since this week's guests were all people who have helped me in this "season" of my editing business, and since I'm making plans to self-publish my WIP in a few months, I thought I might have a go at those questions I've been asking our guests so I can share a bit about the business and my writing. Hope you don't mind! And I hope you enjoy the Q&A between me and...me! ;)

***

Question ~ When did you start blogging? And how has your blog changed since you first created it? 

Answer ~ Well, I'm pretty sure you all can figure out that I've been blogging for three years! ;) I started blogging on March 30th, 2010. (You can read my first post HERE.) It's been such a wonderful journey so far! When I first started out I was full of energy and excitement for the new endeavor. I had a lot of fun putting together themed weeks, discovering the thrill of getting books for free in exchange for writing reviews, and, most of all, meeting new friends. Since then some blog features have come and gone, and I've settled into a less frantic blogging pace. But, also since then, the friendships I've made have only continued to deepen and expand. I'm continually blessed by the opportunities blogging has provided in terms of growing in my writing, broadening my reading horizons, making connections with like-minded people, and so much more. I love blogging!

Question ~ How would you describe the current "season" of your editing business?

Answer ~ As you can see from the wonderful guests this week, I've truly been blessed! Editing Through the Seasons was slow to get off the ground (but I suppose I should have realized that was the way of things when it comes to starting a new business!). It's still in a slow season, like I described in my guest post on Seekerville back in February. And yet, I'm actually starting to see those green shoots sprouting up out of the ground now.

This is an exciting time! I know that things might still be slow, and I know that my business might not ever become a huge success in terms of the world's standards. But I'm feeling hopeful that the word might continue to spread, and I'm going to keep fighting for the chance to do what I love in this way, Lord willing. I'm grateful for these writers who have taken a chance on me, and I'm eager to keep on working to help others in the seasons of their writing careers, while nurturing my own, so that we can share well-crafted stories to encourage and challenge and inspire others.

Question ~ You recently finished the first draft of your WIP, and you're working toward self-publishing it this summer. Can you give your readers a glimpse into the story?

Answer ~ Of course! ;) Bleeding Heart is my second manuscript, and the sequel to my first book, Forget Me Not. I don't know if I'll ever publish FMN... Maybe I can edit it to be a novella prequel someday? Not sure - it was a pretty personal story, but then, so is Bleeding Heart in its own ways.

Anyway, BH is an Inspirational Historical Romance story. It might grow (or shrink?) a tad in the editing stages over the next couple of months, but I'm guessing it will generally remain a shorter novel. Here's my current working back-cover synopsis (subject to tweaking):

***

Summer 1886 

Sally Clay’s livelihood has been snatched away – but in its place arises an opportunity to escape from her sordid past and an unrelenting, unwanted suitor. Boarding a train with a heartsick rancher and an enigmatic miner, she leaves Virginia City behind and heads to Northern California, waiting for the chance to make right what went wrong three long years before. 

When a kind-hearted Cornish miner tells Joe Clifton about potential work at a logging town in the redwoods, Joe can think of no better way to put the painful memories of a broken engagement behind him. But Sally’s schemes – and the past that trails closely behind her – might destroy the promise he made to keep his heart safe from further harm. 

A desperate soiled dove. Three men who come to care for her. One man determined to claim her. 

All on a journey that will show them what true love really involves. 

***

And here's an excerpt from Chapter 1 (first draft of BH), wherein Sally begs for help in leaving Virginia City:

Spotting a familiar face in the line at the ticket counter, she rushed to Joe’s side. “Joe,” she said softly as she touched his arm and put on her best desperate look. It wasn’t too much of a challenge at this moment. 

Recognition was quickly followed by disgust in his dirt-brown eyes as he looked down on her. “Whaddya want, Sally?” 

She countered his question with a question of her own, leaning in ever so slightly as she had been taught. “Where ya headed?” 

“I don’t see how that’s any of yer business.” 

Peering around his tall frame, she saw another familiar face. For the first time since the day she found herself begging Jacob for a job, she felt shame burn through her. It was a rare day when she blushed with embarrassment anymore. 

The red-headed, rail-thin Cornish miner didn’t say a word, but she saw suppressed anger, and perhaps a hint of pity, glaring back at her. She nodded in acknowledgement, and turned her pleading gaze back to Joe. 

“I know you don’t owe me any favors. But you and Jacob were friends for a long time. And with Jacob leavin’ and all… Well, I’m out of a job.” She swallowed, longing for some water and a moment to plan the rest of her speech. 

“So?” 

She flinched. It shouldn’t cut her anymore, these rejections. But they did. Tears welled up in her eyes – real ones, if anyone here at the train station could believe that. “Please – I’m bein’ pursued by a cruel man and I need some help to get out of this two-bit town. Just a little bit of money and some company for as far as yer headed.” 

She knew the word “company” was a mistake as soon as the word slipped past her lips. Joe’s eyes turned rock-hard and he shook his head vehemently. 

Grasping his arm tighter, she let the tears flow down her cheeks, not caring at the scene she was making. It hadn’t taken long to get over the desire to please society. They had rejected her, and so she rejected them by refusing to follow their unspoken rules. 

“I don’t mean it that way, Joe. Please! I won’t be any trouble.” 

And then he had the nerve to laugh. 

Pushing him away, she spun on her heel and marched out of the station. She still had some pride. 

But as she forced her way through the crowd and out the door, her heart sank. Rufus O’Daniel was across the street, staring right at her with eyes that promised retribution and enslavement – a frightening look that had haunted her dreams for far too long.

###

Question ~ Your favorite season?

Answer ~ Probably fall. I love summer, especially because it generally means family vacations and fun outings and the like. But as far as nature goes, I love the colors of fall...the occasional warm autumn day...the Apple Harvest Festival and trips to the pumpkin patch/corn maze...the feeling of change and release and new beginnings following the time of "letting go"...the anticipation of the holidays to come... I just love it all!

Question ~ Two quirky dreams (small or big) that you have?

Answer ~ I would love to own a Bed & Breakfast someday. Don't know how that would really work out in reality, but I dream of having a beautiful little place out in the country, where I can design historical-themed rooms and meet new people all the time who will share stories about their adventures over shared meals. This is probably a strange dream for me to have, as I don't really cook that much and I'm introverted. But still... It just seems so romantic!

Second dream? I really want to go to Prince Edward Island, Canada - preferably in the spring or fall. And yes, this has everything to do with Anne of Green Gables, along with the Road to Avonlea show!

Question ~ Three blogs you love to visit?

Answer ~ Only three? Who came up with these questions?? ;) 

Well, there are so many blogs that are fun to visit. It's especially fun comparing thoughts with fellow book bloggers on our latest reads! As for naming three blogs, though, I'll go with StoryMonster, Tours Departing Daily, and Best Reads (2010-2013). The first is by the extremely talented Heather Dixon, whose book Entwined was one of my favorite reads of 2012! Her book is amazing, her art is wonderful, and her posts are usually pretty stinkin' hilarious. You can spend hours just browsing all of her posts... The second is one I found via Heather's blog. If you love all things Disneyland and wish you could be there, their beautiful photos capture the atmosphere of Disneyland so well! And the third is by Kav, a dear blogging friend who is also super generous. It's fun to read her great reviews, and it's awesome to have so many chances to win new books to read!

Question ~ Four Twitter friends you enjoy following?

Answer ~ Again, too many to name! But I'll note that I love talking books with Rissi (@scriptsandsuch) and Rel (@Relz) and Charity (@CharityUAusten), and I love doing #1K1Hrs with Krissi (@KrissiDallas) and Gale (@GaleRWordsmith). Yes, that was 5 (I majored in English, but I can still do basic math - oh, well!).

Question ~  Five different themes for a party that would be fun to attend or host?

Answer ~

1. Murder Mystery. I've had such fun hosting these types of parties with some friends from high school! Plus, my dad has a dummy that he uses for homicide investigation scenarios at a local community college. Enough said.
2. Mardi Gras. That was actually the theme for my 10th birthday. I love the color scheme (purple, gold, and green), along with the jazz music. (Think Princess and the Frog.)
3. Old West. It would be super fun to set up a book-signing party here on the North Coast of California, or in Virginia City (Nevada), where Bleeding Heart is set. I love day-dreaming!
4. Hallmark. Hallmark-movies marathon, anyone? And we could exchange Hallmark greeting cards, LOL! Rissi, you're totally for this, right? 
5. Jane Austen. Charity, this one's for you! ;) English country dancing, dressing up, watching movies based on Jane Austen's books... Sounds good to me!

***

It was a lot of fun to answer these questions! Please feel free to answer any or all of them yourself in the comments section (or you can link to a blog post), if you'd like. It's always great to get to know one another better! =)

And don't forget to check out the interviews with Lena Goldfinch, Rachelle Rea, and Sandra Leesmith, if you haven't already! The winners of the book giveaways will be announced tomorrow!

3rd Blogoversary Party ~ Meet Sandra Leesmith!

It's my pleasure to welcome, Sandra Leesmith to the blog as our third guest this week! Sandra is a current client for Editing Through the Seasons, and I'm honored to be working with her.

Sandra contacted me the day I shared a guest post on Seekerville regarding my freelance editing business and what I've learned about spreading the word (and surviving) online. Color me thrilled! We're working on re-publishing some of her backlist titles as e-books - and it's been a great experience for me so far. I'm excited to share more about these projects with you in the near future!

Until then, read on to learn more about Sandra and today's giveaway...

*** 

Amber ~ Welcome, Sandra! Since this is a blogoversary party, could you share with us a little bit about your own blogging history? When did you start blogging for “Seekerville,” and how has that blog changed since it was created? 


Sandra ~ We started Seekerville in 2005. We had bumped into each for the past few years in writing
contests. We started emailing each other and stating that we wished each other would get published so we could win the contests. *smile* We decided that it would be easier to communicate on a loop, so we started sharing information. Then in 2005 it occurred to us that the info we were sharing should be shared with everyone. Until recently, the ins and outs of the publishing world seemed to be a big secret. We learned the hard way and wanted to share our information.

We started the blog and of course had no followers in the beginning. But word of mouth spread the news that we had valuable information for those trying to sail off "unpubbed island." We mostly shared contest information in the beginning, and then it evolved to articles on craft.

Eventually all of us ended up published, hence no more Unpubbed Island and into the village of Seekerville. Many of our friends have sailed into the publishing world and we love celebrating with them. Editors and agents find our information valuable and have supported us by guest-blogging with us. We keep on growing and have reader fans, as well, who are interested in the life of an author.

It has been a blessing to have a blog with a group because then the job doesn’t become so overwhelming. And with so much creative talent, we are always coming up with new and fresh ideas that our readers enjoy, such as the Yankee Belle Café, Speedbo, various parties, etc. Be sure and check us out. You won’t be disappointed.

 Amber ~ That's an awesome story! Seekerville is a happenin' place! ;)

How would you describe the current “season” of your writing career? (Slow? Growing? A harvest of creativity? A dry spell? Hopeful? Frustrating? However you want to describe it!)

Sandra ~ I honestly don’t know how to describe this season. I think it ties in with the season that the publishing world is in right now. A state of flux and major change. That describes me to a T at this point in the game. I pretty much knew what I wanted to accomplish and how the publishing world worked and had set my goals toward those means and ends. But I find myself smack in the middle of the changing paradigm and finding I have to reset my goals to match this new world. The exciting part is learning all of the new aspects of marketing in this new electronic age. I guess I’m learning right along with the traditional publishers.

Amber ~ I’m excited for this chance to work with you on some projects as you navigate the e-world! Can you tell us one thing you’re looking forward to sharing with your readers in the coming months?

Sandra ~ I’m really excited to get some of my out-of-print books back out there. It was a blow when they went off the shelves in six weeks. And the way the distribution went in those days, some of these books were not even in all of the stores. I had friends who could not buy the books even when they were out. Now with Amazon, the books can be purchased at a reasonable price anywhere in the country.

Amber ~ Reminds me of a line from the movie I.Q.: "What an exciting time to be alive!" 

These next questions are fun, brief-response questions. Your favorite season?

Sandra ~ Summer is my favorite season because it always means travel and time outdoors, two of my favorite things to do. When I was a teacher, summer meant travel and time to write.

Amber ~ Two quirky dreams (small or big) that you have?

Sandra ~ I want to travel to Spain to do research for a book that has been in my heart for a long time.

Amber ~ Three blogs you love to visit?

Sandra ~ Seekerville, Love Inspired Authors, and Harlequin Heartwarming

Amber ~ Four books you read recently?

Sandra ~

1. THE BIBLE - I am always reading the Bible.
2. SWEPT AWAY by Mary Connealy
3. THE GENERAL’S SECRETARY by Debby Giusti
4.  JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young

Amber ~ Five different themes for a party that would be fun to attend or host?

Sandra ~

1. I love to go to parties and celebrate an author and his/her books. 
2. I love impromptu happy hours when everyone brings an appetizer to share (our pickleball parties are great).
3. Christmas parties are always a favorite.
4. Picnic in the desert/woods (actually anywhere outdoors).
5. Bunco parties. (At least I don’t fall asleep in those, lol.) 

Amber ~ Thank you for sharing with my readers today, Sandra! I'm looking forward to all that is yet to come. :)

***

Giveaway!

I've discovered that Sandra is a very generous person. She basically told me she would go with any sort of book-giveaway I wanted to offer. ;) So today there will be two winners! One winner will receive a hardcover copy of The Price of Victory; another winner will receive a paperback copy of Current of Love. (These are Sandra's most recent novels.)

To enter, just leave a comment with your e-mail address. (If you have a preference as to which book you want to win, please note that in your comment, as well!)

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winners will be chosen via the List Randomizer on Random.org and announced on Saturday, March 30th. Good luck!

3rd Blogoversary Party ~ Meet Rachelle Rea!

The 3rd Blogoversary Writers Party continues with our second guest: Rachelle Rea!

I knew Rachelle had a lovely, lyrical writing style from following her blog, Inspiring Daring. But I found out how wonderfully that translated to fiction writing when Rachelle won my editing-package giveaway on The Writers Alley back in December.

Editing Rachelle's historical romance book was a treat - and it gave me important experience, helping me to see how long such projects might take and how the process would work when interacting with clients. On top of all that, Rachelle wrote some super sweet blog posts about our experiences ("My Editor and I" and "Polishing the Diamond"), along with my second endorsement!

Want to learn more about Rachelle? Read on!

***

Amber ~ Welcome, Rachelle! Since this is a blogoversary party, please share with us a little bit about the history of your own blog. When did you start blogging? How has your blog changed since you first created it? 

Rachelle ~ I started Inspiring Daring (before it was ID) with a Read-A-Thon. For Haiti. With a pen name. I confess, I had to check to see how long I’ve been blogging! Lo and behold, my own third blogoversary came and went without much fanfare in wintery February. (Amber: Happy belated blogoversary, Rachelle!)

I no longer go by a pen name, and I’ve definitely grown as a writer since that first post. I still write about the places and people that capture my heart, though. It seems I also write a lot about writing. :) And I am a book blogger. I enjoy writing book reviews and hosting giveaways in support of my favorite authors, whose ranks I’d love to one day join. In fact, my favorite labels are book reviews, life, and published.

Amber ~ How would you describe the current “season” of your blog? (Slow? Growing? A harvest of creativity? A dry spell? However you want to describe it!)

Rachelle ~ In a word: promise. Spring crackles at the corners, whipping wind through the hollow spaces that winter has left bare and open to possibility.

My blog recently underwent a redesign, courtesy of the lovely Hannah Beasley. I didn’t know this until just now, but the new look launched about the time my third blogoversary arrived! As far as the season of my blog goes, I’m embracing my role as a book blogger (and thanking God for the opportunity to interact with other avid readers and amazing authors I admire). Also, I’m blessed to be able to write for four other blog-ministries, which I have the pleasure of supporting at my own online haven.

Amber ~ Very cool - all of it! 

These next questions are fun, brief-response questions. Your favorite season?

Rachelle ~ Winter and summer. Sorry! I just couldn’t pick one! And I know, I know, most gals would pick spring and fall, right? I guess I’m just a girl of extremes…

Amber ~ Two quirky dreams (small or big) that you have?

Rachelle ~ To hold my diploma in my hands. To hold my published book in my hands.

Amber ~ Three blogs you love to visit?

Rachelle ~ Go Teen Writers, because it has shaped the writer I have become. Kindred Grace, because it has shaped the young woman I have become. A Holy Experience, because it has shaped my heart.

Amber ~ Four Twitter friends you enjoy following?

Rachelle ~ Lisa T. Bergren, because she’s uber-friendly. {@LisaTBergren} Sarah Elizabeth, because her heart is beautiful. {@OhRestlessBird} Chantel Brankshire, because she makes me smile. {@CBrankshire} Everly Pleasant, because I’m left thinking. {@EverlyPleasant}

Amber ~ Five different themes for a party that would be fun to attend or host?

Rachelle ~

1. English Tea Party 
2. Country Girl 
3. We-Made-It-to-the-End-of-the-Semester 
4. Italian Elegance 
5. Doctor Who! 

Amber ~ So much fun to host you, Rachelle! Love your responses. I'm inspired to see all the things God has been doing in and through you, and I'm excited to see where He'll lead you next!

***

Extras

Find Rachelle on:

~ Facebook
~ Twitter
~ Blogger

3rd Blogoversary Party ~ Meet Lena Goldfinch!

Welcome to my 3rd Blogoversary Writers Party! Our first guest is Lena Goldfinch, a super-sweet, super-talented indie author.

I was introduced to Lena and her work via Juju's blog, Tales of Whimsy. I didn't win the book giveaway Juju was hosting, but I decided to buy Lena's novella The Language of Souls, since it was only $.99 on Amazon.com... And I promptly fell in love with Lena's writing style! So when Lena was looking for beta readers for her upcoming release, Aire, I obviously volunteered. Thus began a beautiful friendship that has been a true blessing in my life.

As far as my freelance editing business, Editing Through the Seasons, goes, Lena offered some fantastic advice on making my website more author-friendly and pretty. She spiffed up my editor picture and gave me my first endorsement. And reading her stories has given me invaluable experience in providing general and proofreading feedback to authors. I've so appreciated her help, and I'm so excited for you all to meet her! Read on to learn more about Lena and today's giveaway...

***

Amber ~ Welcome, Lena! Since this is a blogoversary party, why don't you share with us a little bit about your own blogging history? When did you start blogging, and where do you see your blog heading in the future? And do tell about the “Scene 13” blog!

Lena ~ First: Hi, Amber! Thanks for having me, and Happy Blogoversary!

I’ve been a sporadic blogger for about five years. These days, I post mostly book news on my blog. I also like to do short, lighthearted interviews with other authors occasionally, under the theme "Three Things & a Cupcake," where they answer three quick questions, and I post a drool-worthy picture of a cupcake. LOL It’s been a while since I’ve done an interview, so I look forward to getting back to those after my book release.

I also participate in a couple of group blogs, which prods me into being more active. :) I’m a member of The Enchanted Inkpot (a blog for writers and readers of YA & MG fantasy), where I serve as a blog moderator/admin, and on The Scene13 Blog too (a blog for “Debut Authors, Published Authors, and Indie Authors with new book releases in 2013,” in a variety of genres).

Amber ~ Fun stuff! 

How would you describe the current “season” of your writing career? (Slow? Growing? A harvest of creativity? A dry spell? Hopeful? Frustrating? However you want to describe it!)

Lena ~ After writing seriously for about twelve years, I recently dove into indie publishing. And, I have to say, I’m having the best time! This is the most exciting part of my writing life yet. It feels like I’m reaping a harvest of my work. Autumn happens to be my favorite season too. (I love the air in New England when the temps are around 70 and there’s a crispness to the air, and the apples are in season.... :))

Amber ~ Yay for harvest-time!! 

Being a beta reader for you has been such a privilege – your stories are so fascinating and sweet! Could you share a glimpse from one of your upcoming releases with my readers? 

Lena ~ Awwww, it’s been such a privilege to have you as a beta reader, Amber! You have such wonderful insights and have helped me so much with molding my books and helping me get them ready for publication! THANK YOU!!! (Amber: *blushing* It's been a blast!)

My YA fantasy romance, Aire, is coming out soon (checks watch ;)). It was such fun to write (and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite ;)).

Aire is about a princess, Annalisia, who sees visions, and a handsome young commoner, Jovanni, who’s secretly a sentinel and can change into a falcon. My world-building research led me on paths to ancient Italy & Turkey, which I found fascinating. I was led there in part because I was curious about the era of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament, and wondered what it would have been like to be an outlier in those times, a person with a special gift when no one else had them, and, in fact, many had come to think of those times as legends or myths...

Here’s a photo from my research, which actually ended up on the new cover:

To me this captures the essence of Isalla, where the book is set. (This particular shot is of Old Port in Dubrovnik, Croatia, but the book is set in a fictionalized ancient Italy/ Mediterranean. It’s so beautiful, isn’t it? I want to go!)

Amber ~ I love the story, and that pic totally captures the setting! I want to go there, too! We should plan a trip. ;)

These next questions are fun, brief-response questions. Your favorite season?

Lena ~ I jumped the gun there, I guess. ;) Autumn. I love it!

Amber ~ Two quirky dreams (small or big) that you have?

Lena ~ I want to see my books in a library someday. I grew up hauling sacks of books away from the local library every week and devouring them (we didn’t have a ton of money growing up, so didn’t buy a lot of new books. Going to the library for books was a real treat—still is!), so it would be wonderful to see my own books on the shelf.

Another dream... I just want to connect with readers. Writing is an isolating endeavor and you spend a lot of time alone. But it’s not meant to be a one-way communication. So I get a real thrill out of hearing from someone who’s read one of my books, especially if they liked it. :)

Amber ~ Three blogs you love to visit?

Lena ~ I have a whole list of publishing blogs I follow. I rely on Google Reader for this, so when I learned they’re shutting down Google Reader (noooooo.......), I’ve been searching for a new service. Open to suggestions!

Amber ~ Four Twitter friends you enjoy following?

Lena ~ Well, I follow @SeasonsHumility of course! :-) (Amber: Aww!) I follow lots of my writer friends, and chat and share links about books & writing, and occasionally mention delicious food. ;) I also follow folks who tweet about publishing-related news, like @thecreativepenn, @PublishersWkly, @WritersDigest, @GuyKawasaki, and @PassiveVoiceBlg, among others.

Amber ~ Five different themes for a party that would be fun to attend or host?

Lena ~ Oh gosh, I am so bad with party planning, even though I love hanging out with friends. I’m so impressed by anyone who can plan a party with a theme. Perhaps your blog readers could help me come up with a cool/original/fun way to celebrate my book release? Maybe something related to ancient Italy? Help? :)

Amber ~ Fun responses, Lena! I hope you get some great suggestions for a way to celebrate Aire's release. :) Thanks so much for everything!

***

Giveaway!

I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this, and it's a great story! (And isn't that cover just beautiful? Kudos, Lena!) To enter for a chance to win an e-book version of Aire, all you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address.

This giveaway is open internationally due to the format of the book. A winner will be chosen via the List Randomizer on Random.org and announced on Saturday, March 30th. (The expected publication date is some time in April, so the winner will receive his/her book when it becomes available.)

Good luck! (And if you want another chance to win the book, check out the Goodreads link in the sidebar!)

Blogoversary Celebration on the White Island!

It came with no warning or fanfare...

But here it is - my second blogoversary! I feel like this is a surprise party, but my guests are the ones who get to be surprised. *Wink*

This isn't a week-long extravaganza like last year's party, nor do I have any author interviews for you today. However, I do have a fun post and giveaway for you!

If you aren't aware of this yet, I am a relatively new but eager fan of Krissi Dallas' YA/fantasy "Phantom Island" series. And I was recently given the opportunity to be one of the first reviewers of Watercrossing (the third book in the series, releasing in May)!! Here are some teasers from my reviews of these three awesome books:

"On the hunt for a highly imaginative, highly engaging book? Then Windchaser is an adventure you won't want to miss! The cover, the description, and a friend's praise of the book made me eager to give the book a try, and I'm so very glad I did! ....

Through all of the challenges, Whitnee and her friends learn just how difficult it can be to face the past, the future, and especially the present - and how important it is to seek the truth and truly live. If you enjoy meaningful, romantic, and enjoyable young adult/fantasy books, I highly recommend Windchaser!"

You can read the rest of my review of Windchaser HERE.

"This second installment of the 'Phantom Island' series is a fast-paced read, with the romantic tension and the stakes heating up considerably. Windchaser and Windfall are two halves of one story, so the premise of Windfall would most likely be rather disorienting if read before the first book. But put these two together and you've got one beautiful and dynamic YA/fantasy story! There's a lot to learn at Camp Fusion and on the White Island about understanding and forgiveness, as well as cooperation and camaraderie."

You can read the rest of my review of Windfall HERE.

"Water runs deep in this third installment of the 'Phantom Island' series as the characters cross over into new ground in their relationships. Trust will be tested. Romance will be rejuvenated, repressed, and rediscovered. And with a special highlight on Morgan's character, sacrifices and secrets take on a whole new dimension."

You can read the rest of my review of Watercrossing HERE.

(So excited that this excerpt from my review is featured on Krissi's website!! LOVED writing the first review for this wonderful continuation of a fabulous series!!)

Have I convinced you yet that this is a great series??

Today I hope to get someone else hooked - so I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Windchaser, the first book in the series! A winner will be chosen using Random.org and announced next Wednesday, April 4th.

Note: Here's the link you'll need to take the "tribe" quiz if you want 2 extra entries! I'd love to chat with you about your results or about the books in general in the comments section!

This form has been deleted.

 
Thank you for celebrating this day with me - and thank you all so much for reading my blog, and most of all, for your friendship! I appreciate your kind words, your support and interest, your prayers, and the opportunity to meet all of you through blogging! Have a blessed weekend, and be on the lookout for some possible minor changes around here really soon!

End of Blogoversary: Winners!

Thank you all so much for your participation this past week during my blogoversary extravaganza! I apologize for not responding to every comment, but be assured that your kindness and your time mean a lot to me, and I'm so glad that all of you could help me celebrate!

Here are the winners:

• $15 Amazon.com Gift Card: Cheryl Barker

• Courting Morrow Little: LoRee Peery

• Choice of one of Julie Lessman's books: Lady DragonKeeper

• S. Dionne Moore's 3 Historical Romances: Molly
  

• Choice of one of Leanna Ellis' books: Ann Lee Miller

Congratulations to all of the winners! Be on the lookout for my e-mails. (Except for Molly--you've already got this worked out with Sandra, I think!) If I don't hear from you by next weekend, I'll pick another winner, so please reply soon!

Also, thank you to all of the authors I interviewed this week! It was so much fun to have you all back here, and I really appreciate your generosity!

To conclude this week of reminiscing, I'd like to share a picture of me and my friend with good ol' Paul Bunyan:

This was taken a couple of years ago at the Trees of Mystery, in the redwoods about an hour-ish north of where I live. Fun times for sure! Let's imagine that Paul is waving goodbye to my past year of blogging and waving hello to a brand new year. =)

Blogging has been such a huge blessing me, and I'm so thankful for each and every one of you who reads my blog, comments, and shares your friendship with me. You all are amazing!

May God bless you all!

Blogoversary Day 5: Welcome Back Leanna Ellis!

Welcome to the fifth day of my blogoversary extravaganza! Today we're reminiscing the first author interview I posted on this blog, which was with Leanna Ellis. I had recently read Once in a Blue Moon, so Leanna was a great choice for my first interview--and her fiction is so different and fun! (Also, I highly recommend her other book I've read--Ruby's Slippers--which I loved!)

For those of you who are visiting or are new to the blog (or if you just want a blast from the past!), here is the link to my first author interview:

• First Author Interview! Welcome Leanna Ellis!

And now, Leanna Ellis is back!

Amber: It’s such a pleasure to host you here at “Seasons of Humility” again! Can you believe it’s been almost a whole year since you were first interviewed here? How time flies! Could you share with us what you’ve been up to in your writing career since April 2010?

Leanna: Thanks for having me back here, Amber! It was definitely a busy year for me personally and professionally. My two kids have been keeping me very busy with all of their activities. In between going to fencing tournaments for my son and even doing a few ‘en guardes’ myself as well as rehearsals and shows for my singing, dancing, and acting daughter, I had two books out in 2010: Once in a Blue Moon and Facelift.

Amber: What’s on the agenda for this next year? I do believe I’ve seen something about an “Amish/Vampire” series… ;)

Leanna: Well, yes, you are right! Last year I sold an Amish/vampire series idea called Plain Fear to an ABA publisher (secular), and I was busy writing it last year. It is probably my most spiritual book to date, and I am very excited about it. It’s a story of good versus evil. So often we just think of evil as being dark and scary…well, it is that but it’s also alluring and appealing and attractive. If you just saw the dark, ugly, scary side of evil, who would go there? My Amish heroine is lured to the dark side by the man she once loved and she must make a choice that will decide her eternal fate. I just finished revisions and should be starting line edits on it soon. Forsaken is scheduled to come out in August 2011.

Amber: I'm very excited to read Forsaken! It sounds very powerful and intriguing.

Your first interview here was centered on your book Once in a Blue Moon. Since then, it sounds like you’ve been keeping busy with writing other books! Do you ever go back and re-read the books you’ve already had published? Do you have a favorite?

Leanna: I don’t usually reread my own work once it is published, because then I might see something I want to change. I tend to be a perfectionist. =) Books are like children and they go through many different stages. In their infancy (at the idea stage), I’m in love with them. Then as I begin writing the book, they hit those terrible twos where they don’t behave very well. But as I get into the middle of the story, that elementary age, it’s fun and exciting. Then the teen years hit—it’s when I reach the end of that first draft and I see all the pimples and flaws and gawkiness, but I’m usually the one having a few hormonal breakdowns, doubts and insecurities. But then after revising a lot and a bit more growth, it’s off to the publisher. Eventually, my baby graduates from college (hits the bookstores). Of course, parenting never quite ends, does it? And neither does my relationship with my books. But by this stage, I’m usually knee deep in another book, which is needing my full attention. So do I have a favorite? Well, it’s not the one in the terrible twos at the moment. My favorite is usually the one I’ve just finished, which would be Forsaken. But next year, I hope it’ll be Forbidden.

Amber: That's a great analogy of the publishing process! I guess my manuscript is at the teenager stage. ;)

If we could celebrate this blogoversary in “real life” (as a tangible party and not just a cyber party) and you were asked to help come up with ideas for party games, what would you suggest?

Leanna: One game I love when we have one of our big family reunions is…drum roll…water balloons! Or if you have the facilities, then laser tag is tons of fun! I always say, “There’s nothing like ‘shooting’ a family member to bring peace and harmony.” Those are my favorite party games. I love the chaos and all the laughter that accompanies the wet.

Amber: Hahaha, very cool! Do you have a funny memory you can share with us from a party/celebration that you attended or hosted this past year?

Leanna: Honestly I’m better at making up funny stories, and the last few parties I’ve been to have been very sedate. Maybe I need to do something about that! Still, I’ll tell you about last Thanksgiving. We were at my mom’s house. She lives on a farm, and there’s a lake behind her house. I was busy in the kitchen helping to get the big meal ready when my son bursts into the house, breathless and laughing. His cheeks were red from the cold. Our crazy labradoodle named Hilo had jumped off the pier and started swimming across the lake. At least she could swim because the one time our white lab jumped in the water we had to get the row boat out to save her as she started sinking because she didn’t know how to swim. Now, you also have to know that there is always an alligator living in that lake. We don’t encourage anyone to swim there. So of course, the kids went crazy, worried Hilo would get eaten any moment. But Hilo didn’t pay any attention to their cries for her to come back. She often ignores us that way. She even ignored my husband who is the only one who can make her behave. She just kept swimming. But about half way out in the lake, (and remember it’s COLD because it’s November) she started getting tired. Finally, she turned around and headed back to the pier, but she was slowing down and beginning to struggle to keep her head above water. So, my husband had to get the row boat out and rescued her.

But that wasn’t the end of her adventures that day. First, because she was soaking wet and stinky from the smell of lake water, she was banished to the garage until she dried out. Ordinarily, I would have had to bathe her but it was COLD and I was busy helping with Thanksgiving dinner. Anyway, fast forward a couple of hours and Hilo is dry, dinner is over, and we’re busy cleaning up the kitchen. My mother had already deboned the turkey, but she made the mistake of leaving the dish on the counter. Yep, you guessed it. Hilo helped herself. Now, my mother is the biggest animal lover of all time, but I thought that might be the end of Hilo. The vet was even surprised that she had no ill effects from the turkey as it can be toxic to dogs. But still, Hilo was not satisfied with all the trouble she’d caused. She saw some birds outside my mother’s kitchen window and attacked. She ran right into the glass and broke it. Of course, Hilo was all right. She seems to be indestructible. But I’m not sure she will be invited back for Thanksgiving.

Thanks, Amber, for inviting me back! I appreciate it!

Amber: Oh my goodness--Hilo is a survivor, for sure! ;) And I'm thrilled you could come visit with us again!

The Giveaway

Leanna has generously agreed to give away one of her already-published books to one lucky commenter! (These books include: Elvis Takes a Back Seat; Lookin' Back, Texas; Ruby's Slippers; Once in a Blue Moon; and Facelift. You can check them out on her website!)

Just leave a comment for Leanna along with your e-mail address for a chance to win!

(Be sure to come on back tomorrow to see a list of the winners and help me conclude this blogoversarsy extravaganza!)

Blogoversary Day 4: Remembering Mystery Week

Welcome to the fourth day of my blogoversary extravaganza! Today we're looking back to Mystery Week (from last September). While I may not have another short mystery story for you today, author S. Dionne Moore has a very special and fun treat for ya'll!

For those of you who are visiting or are new to the blog (or if you just want a blast from the past!), here are the links to the posts from Pre-Mystery Week:

• On the Verge of a Mystery
• Finding the Clues: An Author Interview with S. Dionne Moore

And here are the links to the posts from Mystery Week, which included a short story I wrote in five installments:

• Mystery Week: Part One
• Mystery Week: Part Two
• Mystery Week: Part Three
• Mystery Week: Part Four
• My Review of Polly Dent Loses Grip
• Mystery Week: Conclusion!!!

It was so much fun glancing back at these posts and the subsequent comments when adding the links here--I might just have to include another Mystery Week in my second year of blogging! ;) Just out of curiosity, what themed weeks would you like to see make a repeat appearance on "Seasons of Humility"?

And now, the "Mysterious Mrs. S." is back with an awesome interview!

Amber: It’s such a pleasure to host you here at “Seasons of Humility” again! I guess you’re no longer the “Mysterious Mrs. S.” anymore, since we already revealed your name last time. ;)

Sandra: Nope. And I can blame the whole “S” thing on the *other* Sandra. My editor contracted her before me, so asked me if I had some other name I wanted to use to avoid confusion. Since my middle name is unique, that’s what I decided to use.

Amber: I think it makes for a very cool pen name! Could you share with us what you’ve been up to in your writing career since September 2010?

Sandra: Oh dear. Since September 2010? Let’s see. I finished up the edits of my second PA Historical Romance, Promise of Yesterday, which released in December. Finished writing the last book of the series, Promise of Time, which releases in April of 2011, and both started and finished the first book in my Wyoming Historical Romance series titled, A Sheepherder’s Song. Oy! I didn’t realized I’d accomplished so much in such a short time until I had to answer that question.

Amber: Wow! Way to go! I'm definitely looking forward to diving into some more of your work this summer. =) What’s on the agenda for this next year? Any new books we should be on the lookout for?

Sandra: In addition to the first book in my Wyoming series, I’ll be working on the second (April - July) and the third (August - November). I’ll have edits for Recipe for Deceit which allows me to return to the first character whose personality landed my first contract, LaTisha Barnhart. Promise Brides, the 3-in-1, of all the PA historicals will release in November. Recipe for Deceit releases in October.

Mystery lovers might be interested to know that Recipe for Deceit, the third and final book in the cozy mystery series, revisits the town of Maple Gap. We discover just what Mayor Taser, Hardy, and a slew of new characters have all been up to using Your Goose Is Cooked, Maple Gap’s premiere restaurant, which LaTisha now owns, as setting.

Amber: Awesome! I loved the characters from Polly Dent Loses Grip. ;)

Your first interview here was centered on mysteries: ones you’ve solved, ones you write about, and ones my readers could help you solve. Got any new mysteries for my readers to solve?

Sandra: There’s a hidden object game on my Website. For those of you who can find all eight mice, email me with the locations and I’ll enter you for a chance to win the entire collection of my PA Historical Romance (3 books!), autographed to you or the person of your choosing.

Amber: Sounds super fun! (Readers, you better head on over there as soon as you finish reading this interview!)

If we could celebrate this blogoversary in “real life” (as a tangible party and not just a cyber party) and you were asked to help come up with ideas for the party, what would you suggest?

Sandra: Armchairs with ottomans. A librarian-look-alike lady, bun and spectacles in place--her presence will maintain the quiet needed as we read quietly. Hot chocolate, teas, and mochas will be served. Reading glasses must be in place before entering the premises.

You will be handed a mystery and asked what hot drink you would like to accompany your escape into crime-solving. A tuxedoed male will keep the fire roaring in the fireplace. Every 50 minutes there will be a break from reading for a bit of sharing on the likes/dislikes of the book you’re reading.

Is this party rocking it or what?

Oh. I forgot to add an event in my description above--Naptime is a requirement and will occur at three hour intervals.

Amber: Hahaha--love it! Do you have a funny memory you can share with us from a party/celebration that you attended or hosted this past year?

Sandra: Uh. Heart-shaped balloons give a really bad impression as they deflate. I was decorating for a Bridal shower to be held at our church, in the fellowship hall. Every time I caught a glimpse of those balloons, I just wanted to crawl under the table.

Amber: Hehehe! Oh goodness, Sandra--too funny! ;) Thank you so much for joining us today and for putting together that activity for my readers!

The Giveaway

Well, if you've been observant when reading this interview (as any good sleuth would be, right?), you already know what the giveaway is! But just to remind you, here it is:

"There’s a hidden object game on my Website. For those of you who can find all eight mice, email me [Sandra] with the locations and I’ll enter you for a chance to win the entire collection of my PA Historical Romance (3 books!), autographed to you or the person of your choosing."

So head on over to Sandra's website right now! And if you're a proper detective, you should have no problem discovering Sandra's e-mail either. ;) (Hint: Check out her website!)

(The first author I ever interviewed on my blog was Leanna Ellis--and tomorrow she's visiting here again with another fun interview and giveaway! Be sure to stop by!)