Teen Finds WWII Mortar

Hello Readers,

A fourteen year old boy named Tyler, found a mortar while he was doing yard work at his family's home. He took a picture of the object and called his mom. Mom went to the local authorities and showed the picture to them. The police sent out the bomb squad and they dealt with the situation. They decided it was inert and took it away to give to the right authorities for disposal.

My guess is that this will be a summer story Tyler will talk about for the rest of his life. Click here to find out more about it.

For you history buffs, this was a fun find.

Donna

Fashion Friday, 1880's

Hello Readers,

Today I'm featuring gentlemen's fashions from the 1880's. Today's link shows what the fella's wore during that time period which included:jackets, vests, ties, hats, trousers.

One dapper fella even buttoned his coat with only the top button to show off his watch and chain.

Oh, check out the bankers on the stagecoaches. One has a super long pipe. See if you can find him.

Click here to view the pictures and read all about it.

Donna

Writing Magazine Articles

Good day to you readers,

Cec Murphy has a lot of good ideas on writing. Right now he is running a series on writing magazine articles. The excerpt from today is part six of twenty-one. I would recommend scrolling back to the first post in the series and reading everything he has written on the subject.



How do I move from idea to polished manuscript?

1. You start with an idea—one about which you're passionate. Don't try to write an article just because you think it will sell. You need enthusiasm to stay with it.

2. Decide if there is an audience large enough for your article.

3. Do the research. We all work differently, but be sure you know your topic. If it's a personal-experience piece, be as clear on the facts as possible. Ask others who were involved. Research means you gather information and you also figure out illustrations or anecdotes to make your ideas significant. Click here to read more.

Cec Murphy's site has a lot of writing tips for writers. It is worth a visit.

Donna

Boycott 1880

Hello Readers,

Every wonder where the word "boycott" came from?

The word boycott entered the English language during the Irish "Land War" and is derived from the name of Captain Charles Boycott, the land agent of an absentee landlord, Lord Erne, who lived in Lough Mask House, near Ballinrobe in County Mayo, Ireland, who was subject to social ostracism organized by the Irish Land League in 1880. As harvests had been poor that year, Lord Erne offered his tenants a ten percent reduction in their rents. In September of that year, protesting tenants demanded a twenty five percent reduction, which Lord Erne refused. Boycott then attempted to evict eleven tenants from the land.

Click here to read more.

It is fascinating to me how history and the people involved at the time of said events, gives us words common to our own time period. I often wonder if Mr. Boycott realized how far reaching his actions would be and that present day people would use his name as a common household word.

Interesting history,

Donna

Gideon Travel Blog

My dear readers,

I am on a trip with my husband. This link provides details of what we are doing and the lessons we are learning along the way.

"One stop was the re-enacted cattle drive in the stockyards. I know I’ve seen way too many cowboy movies, but I had a picture in my mind of the running of the bulls on Exchange Street. Steers thundering, cowboys shouting, horses snorting, people screaming.
Didn’t happen like that...."

Click here to find out what happened.









Donna

An Amazing Story

Hello,

In the midst of the horribleness of the Aurora, Colorado theatre massacre, the stories of courage and miracles are being told as the days pass.

This link provides a glimpse into one family's tragedy and miracle.
The only way to describe it is with the word "amazing".

Click here to read more.

Donna

Fashion Friday-Historical Lingerae

Of course you readers know that I'm a history buff.

I love to research. I found this link today from an archaeological site.

In 2008 a team of archaeologists found a lot of material under a floor in a castle. They dug excavated and filled more than 17 boxes.

They were surprised to find ladies undergarments. The link that I'm featuring today discusses this story and even has links to learn how to do the stitching that was found on the garments made 600 years ago.

Click here to read more.

Donna

Guest Authors Paula Moldenhauer and Kathleen Kovach

Hello Readers,

The final installment of our interview with Paula Moldenhauer and Kathleen Kovach is today's post.
I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I did.

Questions about the Writing Process

1.                  What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

a.       Be patient. I’ve worked with a lot of “newbies” and with rare exception what I find is a God-given talent that has not yet been coupled with an understanding of craft. The average amount of time it takes for a novelist to traditionally publish a first book is ten years from the time they start writing toward publication. (This was right on for me! I thought I’d beat the odds, but nope. Ten years.) Those who make it are those who are willing to persevere. It’s not always the most talented.

2. Put your time in. Work hard to learn craft. Attend conferences and workshops, read craft books, join a critique group, WRITE. Then, don’t give up. (BTW, the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference (http://www.writehisanswer.com/colorado/ happens in May in Estes Park, CO. It’s great place for someone just starting out. The atmosphere is encouraging and casual while the workshops are packed with important information.)
3. Don’t try to do it alone. The American Christian Fiction Writers professional organization (ACFW.com) has been invaluable to me. Kathy and I both believe in it so much we’ve poured countless hours into serving writers through that group. She is the Rocky Mountain Zone Director, and I’m the Colorado Coordinator. If you’re in our area, check out all ACFW Colorado has to offer through our website and blog (www.acfwcolorado.com) 
4. Build face-to-face (or at least email to email) relationships. Besides the national support, writers need the support of other writers FACE TO FACE. Smaller groups like a local ACFW chapter, a critique group, or a prayer group of writers can make all the difference. I actually have all three! Pray about these people. You'll need trustworthy friends who will celebrate and support you--and you'll need to offer that back to them. If you don’t know anyone in your area, develop a more vulnerable relationship with a writer-friend on-line.
5. Embrace the truth that God directs your writing journey. Years ago He told me, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, NLT) In 2007 I finally got the encouragement of having an agent. Right after that, stuff started crumbling in my family. My husband almost died of heart blockage. Things happened with the kids. Family members had 5 surgeries in less than two years, 2 broken bones, a mysterious illness, and we eventually almost lost everything we owned. I had to stop seeking publication to focus on the needs of my family. But God used those years to continue to develop me as a person and a writer. Coming out of the difficult season in 2011, I got my first book contract. He knew best.

Tell us how you really feel, Paula. lol All I can add to that is don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun with it. Learn at your own pace, (I’m still learning!) and don’t expect to churn out a best seller on your first or second or fiftieth try. Just give it all to God and see where He takes it.

2.                  Where do you find your inspiration?

Real life. I love people watching. Today at church a woman made a point to leave an open seat next to her, right by the aisle. We go to a huge church with several thousand attendees, so you can come and go without seeing anyone you know. Next thing I knew I was writing a romance based on that empty seat. I had to turn off the author brain and refocus on worship!

I also have taken from real life. I watched a show once where a man who had been abandoned by his mother had allowed cameras to follow him when he saw her again for the first time since he was a child. It was heart wrenching. This adult turned into that little boy and sobbed on his mother’s shoulder. That scene would not leave my memory. I eventually wrote about a man who meets his mother for the first time since he was little in “God Gave the Song,” a story in the three book anthology Oregon Weddings. Unfortunately for my character, she is in a coma, but has made an odd request of him that he must fulfill. I must admit, however, that often my ideas simply come from those pesky voices in my head.

3.                  What kept you writing during times of disappointment or interruption?

After I wrote my first (unpublished) novel, I kept asking the Lord what was next. Would the book sell? Would ministry come out of it? All I received back was the same verse over and over. “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (NLT). Looking back I’m glad I didn’t know how long and difficult the journey would be. There was a four year period the Lord didn’t allow me to even write fiction. There were lots of wonderful unexpected things, like a four-year period of devotional writing ministry and another period where I wrote children’s Sunday School curriculum. I remember looking at the stars one night and thinking that if I died, I would be content to know I’d done something with eternal significance. I trust the Holy Spirit that children will know the Lord because of things He poured through me into that curriculum. I haven’t always liked the pathway I’ve walked on this writing journey. There was a lot of disappointment, but I do believe fully that HE is leading me on the BEST pathway, so it will all be RIGHT in the end.

To be honest, I don’t handle those things very well. I went through a very hard season not too long ago where my muse packed her bags and moved to Tahiti until things settled down around me. I could not write. God, in his infinite mercy, withheld any contracts at that time so I wouldn’t have to be on deadline.

4.                  How did you know you were called to be a writer?

For me the calling came in stages. I remember being convinced years ago while doing Marlene Bagnull’s Bible Study for writers, “Write His Answer.” I got it at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference before she was even directing it. I made it only part-way through the study the first attempt, then laid it aside and had two more babies! Later, I did finish the study. God confirmed my calling over and over in many ways, often through Marlene and the conference she later directed here in Colorado. But you knew, when you can’t not write, you kind-a get a clue.

It’s amazing how Paula’s and my journeys parallel. I, also was called to be a writer, or maybe I should say released to write professionally, at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in 2002. I never felt a conscious calling, but story telling has been a part of who I am for as long as I remember. I joke that I had a pen clutched in my tiny fist when I was born. It was purple with sparkles. I self-published my first piece as a child when I wrote a poem about a fat cat in a black hat. I made copies by hand and sold them to my friends for a nickel. I made twenty-five cents.

www.paulamoldenhauer.com

http://www.kathleenekovach.com/

http://www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com/

Also, here are the links to purchase the book: Amazonpaperback:

Kindle:

Nook:

May your day be blessed,

Donna 

The Dust Bowl

Hello readers,

I found this link very interesting. It depicts what life was life for a farmer's family who stayed on their farm during the great Dust Bowl.

As I looked at the photos I saw worn clothing and shoes. The house had newspapers on the walls to keep out the cold. Yet the family exhibited a quiet strength and dignity.

Click here to see more. It's worth the trip.

Donna

Guest Authors, Paula Moldenhauer and Kathy Kovach

Hello Readers,

Here is part three of the author interview with Paula Moldenhauer and Kathy Kovach.

Questions to get to know the authors

1.                  What are you reading right now?

I’m constantly reading! Every Friday on my blog I post about a new novel I’ve read. I think the last one I posted was Brandilyn Collin’s Gone to Ground, but I’m very eclectic. Right before that was Christmas Belles of Georgia, a romance anthology which included my pals Rose McCauley and Debra Ullrick, and before that I wrote about a couple of novels with a literary feel and a couple of historicals! I also read non-fiction. Right now I’m reading One Thousand Gifts and just finished a book of devotionals based on the works of Charles Dickens.

 

Paula exhausts me. LOL I’ve been reading The Help for the past couple of weeks now. I think I just passed the halfway mark. I read very little non-fiction, but a friend just gave us both one on spiritual sensitivity. I’ve barely cracked it, but like it so far.

I loved the Help!

2.                  When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I have told stories all my life, even before I knew how to write. My mother would ask, “Now, Kathy, is this a real story or a made up story?” Once I learned how to put words on paper, I wrote a poem about a fat cat in a black hat. I sold hand-written copies of that poem to my friends, complete with a drawing of a fat cat in a black top hat that looked more like a dusty snowman with whiskers. I charged a nickel and I made 25 cents. This, in my mind, made me a published author. After that, I wrote poems, short stories, I even became an award-winning author when I won the 9th grade writing contest with my entry, “I Was A Female Dog, An Autobiography By George.” It was a true story—about my female dog named George.

In third grade. My teacher, Mrs. Duncan, told us to write a personification story. I wrote about a pencil and an eraser. They fought all the time. The pencil though he was best because he could write and the eraser couldn’t The eraser said he was best because he fixed all of pencil’s mistakes. Of course there was a crisis—a robber! Then pencil and eraser had to work together to save the classroom, discovering that each of their talents was important and necessary. After writing that story, I was hooked. I decided I would be a writer after I was a teacher and a mommy. I’ve taught in public, private, and homeschool venues, and my four children are almost raised. I’m thrilled to be pursuing that writing dream now!

3.                  Favorite turn of phrase or word picture, in literature or movie.

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but this one from Jane Austen’s, Persuasion, is one I treasure, “I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.” I see myself in it, especially in my spiritual walk. A while back I was in a difficult season and felt angry with God. Then I struggled with the guilt of those emotions, which hurt just as much. As I wrote out my struggles, the Holy Spirit helped me process. Suddenly those words spilled upon the page, “weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.” It was like the Lord showed me my heart. Sure, I was human. I’d been weak and resentful, but I’d never stopped loving Him, and He knew it. It was very comforting.

4.                  What makes you feel alive?

The Colorado Rocky Mountains. My husband and I love to camp and fish, and I feel energized when I smell a crackling fire, or cast a line into a mirrored lake. Odd that I love the mountains when so far the books I’ve published are set in Florida, San Francisco, and Southern Oregon. My first book was set in Colorado, but it hasn’t been published. I cut my teeth on that piece, and it shows. lol

Beauty, people, and great stories! I especially find beauty in nature. Flowers, trees, and gurgling streams make me happy. I enjoy leisurely hikes in the mountains and wish I could visit the ocean at least once a year. I love people. Good conversation over a cuppa something is priceless. And I can stay awake most of the night with a good story, not just reading it, but thinking about it over and over as I lie in bed when the book is closed.

5.                  How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m not sure I do, but this seems a very important question! Besides writing and serving as ACFW CO coordinator, I’m mom to four, ages 14 – 20, two of which we still homeschool. Right now they are all living at home. What keeps me sane is Jesus, Jerry, and my prayer group!

I also crave quiet time and the beauty of nature. It shows when I don’t take enough quiet hours to curl up in a soft chair and prayer journal or read with a cup of hot tea close by (lady grey in the morning, white pear in the afternoon, chamomile in the evening). If it’s a cloudy day or dark, I light candles. Sometimes I listen to classical or worship music—something without words. I need to smell the flowers—literally. I do better when I take time to walk in the sunshine with my husband. (I need to get back to that. He’s worked up to walking/jogging 3 or 4 miles a day while I’ve sat at the computer eating dark chocolate. *sigh*) The jokes of my teenage boys, the delight of my daughter, and the hugs of the whole family also ground me. Two months ago I started a gratitude wall. So far I’ve recorded 116 blessings in colored sharpie. I try to write three a day. It’s too easy to focus on the problems or the stresses instead of the moments of joy and beauty we’re always surrounded with.

My kids are grown so I’m not part of the run, run world anymore. However, I can lose my sanity on occasion. I’m afraid I tend to fold into myself when life wants to go too fast. I’ll watch a movie or go shopping by myself. Have some quality “me” time at Starbucks (Chai latte, thank you very much!)

6.                  What Scripture or part of the Bible is most meaningful to you right now?

For some time I’ve clung to this simple statement from Jesus, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” I do believe in the long run God works things for my good, that He has hope and a future for me. But in the middle of difficult seasons, when I have a hard time seeing that hopeful future, what I cling to is the promise that my Lord is there. He loves me and won’t leave me. I can trust Him. My pastor says it this way, “Lean your life on Jesus.”

Through tough times, I continue to get the instruction to “keep my eyes on Jesus.” That reminds me of when Peter walked on water and succeeded as long as he focused on Jesus. But when the boisterous wind frightened him, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-30.) It can get pretty gusty in my life, and when the waves threaten to overtake me, I try to remember to do as the song says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

7.                  What is your favorite book?

That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child. I never could. I love many books. I suppose one of my favorite experiences with a book was with Donita Paul’s Dragon Spell. I’d just come through an amazing experience with the Lord, discovering grace at a whole new, beautiful, freeing level. I was stepping outside of a lot of insecurity and inadequacy. Donita’s book came into my world at that time, and I read it aloud to my four children, then elementary age. We finished up the book while on a winter vacation in the mountains. I’ll never forget weeping through the story, telling my children, “He’s really like this. Jesus is really like this.”

I’m a chain-reader, often having two fiction and a non-fiction going all at the same time. Rather than remembering a favorite book, I’d rather tell my favorite genre. Pretty much anything that makes me laugh, even if it’s a dramedy. If I read historical, my favorite is romantic western or at least late 1800s, but contemporary romantic comedy or romantic mystery are my favorites. Hm . . . can you find the keyword in this paragraph? Could it be romantic?

8.                  What’s your favorite movie?

It’s a toss-up for movies. I’ve coined my own phrase, “literary movies.” Top three? All BBC productions: Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, based on Jane Austen novels, and North and South, based on an Elizabeth Gaskell novel. I love the slow, deep character development. On my lighter days I love classic chick flicks like You’ve Got Mail or While You Were Sleeping, or even oldies like Pillow Talk or An Affair to Remember.

My very favorite is Ever After with Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott. I love the twist that this is the “real” story of Cinderella without the bippity-boppity-boo. Of course, the romance doesn’t hurt! I have a blog, Craft Cinema, where I discuss movies through the craft of writing, and I analyzed this one http://craftcinema.blogspot.com/search/label/EVER%20AFTER. As a romance writer, I thought it a great study on how to write 50/50 romance (giving both main characters equal arcs.)

www.paulamoldenhauer.com

http://www.kathleenekovach.com/

http://www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com/

Also, here are the links to purchase the book: Amazonpaperback:

Kindle:

Nook:

Best wishes for a great weekend readers,

Donna 

Guest Authors Mrs. Moldenhauer and Mrs. Kovach

Hello Readers,

Here is part two of the interview with Kathy Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer.  I hope you enjoy it.

Questions that go behind the scenes in the book

1.                  How did you choose your characters’ names?

Ember was the most fun to choose. We felt she had this tiny flicker inside of her that needed to flame for her to become all she was meant to be and to enjoy life, so the name just fit her. Plus, her mom was a flower-child, and so she’d have chosen an unusual, earthy kind of name for her.

I think we came up with name for Jeff because it sounded like a 30 year old name. We went through several, discounting each because 1) we knew a kid by that name and couldn’t get past the fact that he annoyed us, 2) we knew an actor by that name, so his face would always be there when this character didn’t look like that all. And the historical names just popped out of Paula’s mouth. Apparently, that’s what they wanted to be called and nothing else would do. We did have problems with Olive Stanford’s last name. She’s the matriarch of a wealthy family who traveled on the Titanic with her grandson, Charles Malcolm Stanford III. She started out as a Stanton, but Paula had given another character in a different book that name. So we changed it to Stanford. Ever since then, we have to think before we write or speak that name. I even had trouble with it in this paragraph. LOL

2.                  Explain the process of research for this book.

I did most of the historical research, and found that I loved it. I don’t know why that surprised me. I’ve always loved history. At first it was sort-of overwhelming. I wanted to write sooner than I did, but finally came to understand that to write with accuracy and authenticity I had to spend a fair amount of time immersed in the era. I read two book pretty much cover to cover, both first-hand accounts of Titanic survivors, Loss of the S. S. Titanic, by Lawrence Beesley: and, The Truth about the Titanic: A Survivor’s Story, by Colonel Archibald Gracie to get the big picture. Once I started writing the story I found myself researching more deeply a week or so ahead of where I was writing. At first I thought I was wasting time getting lost in research. Later I realized that as I understood what happened next in the historical timeline, my subconscious worked on what would happen next in our story about a week ahead of where I was actually writing

3.                  Did anything surprise you or particularly capture you interest as you did the research?

Every little thing delighted me, from tidbits like the fact that the RMS Titanic was fully electric in a time when most of London was not, to details about the lives of historical figures. There were two highlights for me. The first was finding a passage written by Elizabeth Shutes, included in Archibald Gracie’s book. I was overcome by the power of the description of the ice floe viewed as the sun rose the morning after the sinking. I knew I had to include it in my story, and so it is quoted, word-for-word, in Olive’s voice in the scene where the Carpathia is sighted. (I was careful to credit her in the end notes.) The second was learning about Robert Bateman. He was a well-know evangelist who perished on the RMS Titanic. I still don’t know if parts of his story are accurate history or family lore passed down by his loved ones, but I found a newspaper clipping that answered my question as to how to show redemption in the historical portion of the book. I truly felt God just placed this little golden find into my hands just when I needed it.

I put historical notes at the back of our book, both to show where I used creative license and where I stuck to historical accuracy, as well as to give more information on the historical foundation for much of what I wrote. It’s all fascinating! I hope readers take time to browse that section. I also have an on-going page on our Titanic website (www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com) called Titanic Tidbits where I share historical notes on the Titanic.

4.                  What do you want to tell us about the book?

We’re super excited about the story. It feels like a high-concept idea with lots of intrigue and a strong romance thread. We’re also excited about writing a story that is a little outside the traditional Christian publishing market. We wanted to tell a story that might help someone who doesn’t know Jesus consider who He is. While we hope our Christian readers follow us, we tried to write in such a way that someone without faith will find it believable—and maybe even wrestle with God’s place in his or her life. Much of it explores the idea of generational bondage—how the choices of those who’ve gone before us affect how we think about life.

A secret. A key. Much was buried when the Titanic went down, but now it’s time for resurrection. Portland real estate agent, Ember Keaton-Jones distrusts men, with good reason. Ever since her great-great-grandfather, Thomas, deserted the family after the fateful sinking of the Titanic, every Keaton male has disappointed. Ember is on the brink of a huge sale that will propel her career upward, when a lawyer calls telling her he is in possession of a key that opens a 100 year old safety deposit box in New York City. Ember risks her career to fly to New York and protect whatever is in the box from her flighty mother who is about to breeze into town. Jeff Dawson is a computer techie plummeting from a failed business venture. His father, who owns an antique shop, is sucking him into the past. Old things don't appeal, that is until Ember walks into the shop requesting help with a century-old secret. Together they unlock the past, but can they undo the legacy of Thomas Keaton's betrayal?

5.                  What truth or spiritual theme does your book convey?

When Kathy and I started writing Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal, we knew we were called to write real, to share our hearts without Christian verbiage. In the novels I’d written before Titanic I knew the spiritual thread even before the plot. This time all I knew was that I wanted readers to think about God by the end of the book. As I got deeper into the project I felt God whisper, “Do you see what we’re doing now?”

He wanted us to show we don’t have to live under the bondages of the past, the junk passed down by those who came before us. Our heroine, Ember, distrusted men—for good reason. Her journey requires her to step outside her walls and prejudices. She had to see her life through a different lens.

When Jesus stood up in the Hebrew synagogue and declared Himself the Savior, “the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17-19; 21, NIV)

Some of us are in a prison of pain, blinded by our past, or even the past of our ancestors. We’re oppressed by things that were set in motion before we were old enough to make choices for ourselves. But these generational strongholds can be broken. We don’t have to live in the same dysfunction and patterns of our past or the past of our parents or grandparents.

Jesus came to give freedom. (“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1, NIV) He wants us to live a full, satisfying life. (“My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT)

There are far-reaching consequences of sin. It can affect us and those who come after us. But we are not without hope, thanks to Jesus and His willingness to take our sins upon Himself at the cross. We can live free.

www.paulamoldenhauer.com

http://www.kathleenekovach.com/

http://www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com/

Also, here are the links to purchase the book: Amazonpaperback:

Kindle:

Nook:

Hope you all have a great day,

Donna

Flash Fiction Writing Contest

Hello Readers,

Today I'm featuring a flash fiction writing contest. It is open to any writer and the winner will have their story featured in the magazine Splickety.

Entering contests is a great way for writers to hone their writing craft skills. This contest also includes the judges score sheet if you wish to include it.

Click here for more details.

Donna

Guest Authors Paula Moldenhauer and Kathleen Kovach

Good Evening Readers,

I'm featuring an interview with my good friends Paula Moldenhauer and Kathy Kovach. They wrote a book together and talk about their writing process in today's interview.

1.                  I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Kathy and I discovered we shared a fascination with the RMS Titanic. We kicked around some ideas and shared them with our critique group. Everyone was so enthusiastic, and we loved the story idea so much we decided we had to write it. We actually hid out at a writer’s conference, skipped a few sessions, and birthed it.

We originally released this as an e-book. The e-book thing came about when the manager of the Barnes & Noble spoke at one of our local chapter ACFW meetings. He talked about the Nook and how their brick and mortar stores were dealing with this new way of buying books. Since the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic was coming up pretty quickly, we knew e-book would have to be the only way to go, and his talk gave us the encouragement we needed. Eventually we did release the book in paperback.

2.                  Did you find it easy to work together on it?

The story brought out our strengths. Kathy loves to plot while I tend to do a really rough skeleton and fly by the seat of my pants. We plotted carefully at first. I learned a lot, though I kept teasing Kathy saying, “Can we start writing now?” But our writing styles and personalities blend very well. We’re both pretty easy going and have similar passions, so most of the time we found collaboration only strengthened our original thoughts.

I wouldn’t write with just anybody. But Paula exudes so much grace that I knew if we had any misunderstandings they would be resolved quickly. Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal is a contemporary story with a historical frame. She started writing the contemporary heroine’s point of view and developed her while I worked on the hero. But she was also researching the historical. When that storyline started to become more than we had originally planned, she asked me to take over the contemporary so she could concentrate on the historical. We essentially wrote two different stories, and I like that better.

3.                  How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I think it strengthened my understanding of story structure and plotting. It also gave me some good “friend” time with someone I already adored.

And I could say the same thing. (Hugs to Paula!)

4.                  What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

I think there were two issues that were hard. Waiting on the other person to write the scenes they were responsible for sometimes interrupted the creative flow. Also, at first we each took a character from the romance thread. I felt it stymied romantic tension and eventually Kathy took both the hero and heroine in our contemporary thread—so when you read Ember’s story you’re actually reading a character written by two people. I was pleased with how seamless this was. I’d interject here and there on little things to keep Ember true to the way she was first written, but Kathy picked her up and made her blossom.

I agree with Paula. When you’re used to just sitting down and writing, it’s hard to realize that you can’t go on until your partner writes about such and such. But, when life gets in the way, that’s to be expected. Once we started writing two different stories, it was much easier.

5.                  How was the collaborative writing experience for you?

The story brought out our strengths. Kathy loves to plot while I tend to do a really rough skeleton and fly by the seat of my pants. We plotted carefully at first. I learned a lot, though I kept teasing Kathy saying, “Can we start writing now?” But our writing styles and personalities blend very well. We’re both pretty easy going and have similar passions, so most of the time we found collaboration only strengthened our original thoughts. I think it strengthened my understanding of story structure and plotting. It also gave me some good “friend” time with someone I already adored.

And I could say the same thing. (Hugs to Paula!) I wouldn’t write with just anybody. But Paula exudes so much grace that I knew if we had any misunderstandings they would be resolved quickly. Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal is a contemporary story with a historical frame. She started writing the contemporary heroine’s point of view and developed her while I worked on the hero. But she was also researching the historical. When that storyline started to become more than we had originally planned, she asked me to take over the contemporary so she could concentrate on the historical. We essentially wrote two different stories, and I like that better.

6.                  Would you want to work on another book together?

We’re already talking about it! Charles, one of our historical characters who was on the Titanic, won Kathy’s heart, and we can’t help but dream of giving him his own book.

Oh, Charles. How I love the bad boys. I don’t know why, but he came alive to me through a photo I found of a young man of that era.

www.paulamoldenhauer.com

http://www.kathleenekovach.com/

http://www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com/

The Amazon paperback version can be purchased here.

Kindle Version:

Nook Version:

Enjoy,
Donna

Archibald Gracie and Lawrence Beesley 1912

Dear Readers,

This week I am featuring history that happened in 1912-1914. It has been an interesting week for novel research. The following is from a website by an author who wrote a recent book about the Titanic.

"For years I avoided writing a historical novel because of fear of research, but when Kathleen E. Kovach and I decided to write a contemporary novel with a historical frame about the Titanic, I discovered I could get lost in historical research. As I've worked the last many months on Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal, a passion has grown within me to offer accurate and interesting historical detail. I've read a few of the Titanic novels that have already begun surfacing. While I love many of the stories, I've been disappointed in most of their historical accounting.

Most of us know the big picture stuff about the Titanic, but it's the little known facts or more complete descriptions I want to share. The trick is to plant them seamlessly into a story riveting enough to move the reader forward. I want my readers to come away feeling they've learned something about Titanic without being bored by too much history."  Click here to read more.

(If the link does not take you directly to the piece, scroll down unti you find it. I've been having problems getting the links to work correctly this week.)

Enjoy,
Donna

The Presidential Election of 1912

Hello,

The presidential election of 1912 was an interesting one. The four men who were at the top of their partys were Willian Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Eugene V. Debs.

As with all political elections, there was controversy and changes within the election.
The winner of the popular and Electoral College votes was Woodrow Wilson.

 Some of the men listed were for limiting employment for women and children. Some were for higher tariffs for imported goods and having judges appointed by the President or govenors.

This is a very interesting read. There are pictures of many of the canidates, maps of voting across the country, and even political cartoons. Remember this was during a time when most women did not have the right to vote.

Click here to read more.

Donna

Overview of the World in 1912

Good day to you readers,

The world in 1912 had its ups and downs. Political figures rose to power. New Mexico became the 47th state in the Union.

Explorer Robert F Scott, from England, reached the South Pole a month after Roald Amundsen and his team.
The Olympic games opened at Stockholm, Sweden. The Titanic sunk off Newfoundland.

Then there were the young women who worked for Curtis Publishing. The danced the "Turkey Trot" during their lunch break and were promptly fired.

Click here to read more.

Donna

Hats Worn in 1912

Readers,

This week I'm featuring posts about the Titanic. I love the hats from this post.

This information is taken from my online pal's site.

"It was also a great age for hats for women, as this picture from La Couturiere Parisienne shows. This site has period costumes from the middle ages to the early 20th century.

According to The Vintage Dancer, Edwardian fashion era is often remember by large over sized hats stacked with plums of feathers, bows, flowers, birds, lace and tulle. Advice from The Vintage Dancers for the Titanic: Depending on the time of day and class you want to dress as will determine the type of hat. Hats that were worn on the Titanic by first class women would have been the very large picture hats for day wear. They would match or compliment the outfit in color. Evening wear didn’t normally include hats. However a nightly stroll around the deck would require a warm fur hat or wool scarf wrapped around your head."

Read more here.

Enjoy,

Donna

Cowboy Artist in 1912

For you art fans today's post is for you,

Cowboy artist, Charlie Russell, painted scenes of the Old West and focused on the life of the cowboy. He also painted scenes from the  Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Native Americans, and scenery of Montana, and Western Canada.

He was born in Missouri in 1864 and dreamed of being a cowboy when he was a teenager.

His work was exhibited in the 1912 Calgary Stampede. For the 2012 Calgary Stampede, decided to have an art exhibition as well.

This article is an interesting read. Click here to read more.

Donna

Fashion in 1912

This is a fun post today readers.

Fashion in 1912 was a bit different than what we wear in 2012.  One hundred years ago, women wore long skirts, big hats, and gloves. Men wore button down shirts, vests, long trousers, and a coat jacket.

This link talks more about it and shows a picture of a crowd of people enjoying the beach.
Click here to read more.

Donna

The Titanic

Hello Readers,

For the next week or so, I'll be featuring His Story Thru The Ages, with a 1912 theme.

One of the most famous events in history for 1912 was the Titanic. The ship was constructed with the best of everything for its time. The interior was beautiful.

This video shows the Titanic in its glory and the horrific tragedy that happened when it sunk.

So many people lost their lives. Click here to see more.

Donna

Overcomers All

Readers,

We have had a number of fires this summer in our very dry state. Trials and hard times come. Yet they are for a season. Then we have seasons of rest.

Click here to read my post on The Inkwell.

Donna

The New Yorker 1925

Good day readers,

The New Yorker was published in 1925. As an author doing historical research for my novel, I am learning as much about 1925 as I possibly can.

This link provides pictures of what the covers looked like on the New Yorker Magazine in 1925.

Click here to view.

Donna

July 4, 1925

Happy 4th of July readers,

I found this newspaper page as part of my research for my novel writing. There is mention of the farmers and current events in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.

There is even a section about a number of people being poisoned by eating biscuits. Interesting read. The biscuits were being sent to a lab in New Orleans for testing.

I hope your holiday is restful and let us always be mindful of those who serve and served to give us this freedom we hold so dear.

Donna

Antique Quilts

Dear Readers,

I love old quilts. I have fond memories of snuggling under a mound of quilts as a child. The wind and snow could howl outside but I was toasty warm under my home made quilts.

In my research for quilting for my books, I ran across this site. It has many antique quilts. I really enjoyed looking through the pictures and reading the stories that were scattered in between the pictures.

Click here to enjoy the eye candy.

Donna