What's in Your Name?

Karen Witemeyer's heroine in Short-Straw Bride is Meredith. A writing friend, also called Meredith, commented on Monday's interview to say she had never read a book with her name in it.

As I read through Karen's link with the first chapter, I noticed the heroine is also called Meri. This made me smile. I love to see how people shorten, or twist familiarity into people's names.

I've always been Dorothy, Dot or Dotti. During our courting days, a little girl in my Beloved's home church used to call me Dortha.

I like that. Dortha the Author!

She was onto something, that little chickadee.

Growing up, two brothers in my street banded together with my own dear brother, to call me Porridge. Yes, they called me gluey breakfast food, that tastes awful without sugar and berries. For no good reason, other than I hated porridge and they fell upon a 'true insult'. (Rest easy, I love porridge now.)

But how I despised being called Porridge then. And how perfectly this suited my three tormentors. The more I squirmed, the more they ran around the back yard singing, 'Porridge, Porridge.' Now I think it's funny, and I've tucked that memory away to use in a book one day for some poor girl I will place at the mercy of the boys next door.

My favourite nickname is Mama D. This is what my kids call me, as do many of their friends. It warms my heart to spread my wings over these chicks at my table as they share my food and stories.

God has many names for His loved ones. He calls us believers and saints. He calls us by name and inscribes it it in the palm of His hand. He beckons us as children and heirs.

I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine, He says of His people in Isaiah 43.

Do you have a nickname? Has someone morphed the beautiful, well-considered name your parents gave you into a quirky pet name?

Don't be shy. It couldn't be worse than Porridge.

(photo source  - the murmuring cottage)

Karen Witemeyer

It's my pleasure this week to introduce Karen Witemeyer. Karen's a two-time RITA Finalist and CBA bestselling author. She writes historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University. She is an avid cross-sticher, shower singer and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.

Short-Straw Bride

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't help bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to rescue her again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact the Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short straw bride.

Welcome to Ink Dots, Karen. It's great to have you visit. Tell us about home and what you love about it. Home for me is Abilene, TX. I grew up in Caifornia, but came to Abilene for college, met my Texas hero, married him, and never left. I miss the mountains and trees of California, but Texas has the friendliest people, the most gorgeous sky-wide sunsets, and fields of bluebonnets in the spring that take my breath away.

Of course what really makes Texas home are the three little buckaroos who always have a big hug for their mama at the end of a long day, and the warm-hearted man who has given me 20 years and counting of a story-worthy happily ever after. You sound like a true romantic. I love that. 

Why did you become an author? I've always loved books. I started reading on my own at age 4 and never looked back. Story speaks to me and captivates my imagination like nothing else can. As a young adult, I would find myself daydreaming my own characters and plots. I harboured secret dreams of someday writing my own books.  It wasn't until my husband learned he was losing his job that I got serious about writing. At first it was just a scheme to try and bring in extra income. It didn't take long to learn I wouldn't be able to make any money in writing right away, so I ended up working outside the home. But by this time the writing bug had bitten hard. It had become a calling I could no longer postpone. I had to pursue it. That was 2003. In January 2009 I signed my first three book deal with Bethany House, and in 2010 my first book hit the shelves. Short-Straw Bride is my fourth novel.

Why did you choose this period of history to set your story? Several things attracted me to 1880s Texas. First, since I live in Texas, I have the advantage of visiting areas I write about and having access to wonderful historical resources. Also, the time period is one that easily fits with my style. By the 1880s, the Civil War was far enough in the past that the country had recovered and was starting to boom thanks to the westward expansion of the railroad, and more settlers were coming west. I wanted to show a new part of the Texas landscape - the Piney Woods region. With the railroad coming, the need for lumber brought forth a bonanza era for Texas loggers. Short-Straw Bride takes place at the front end of this big lumber push, which plays a threatening role in the lives of my characters.

Have you been to Australia?  I have never been to Australia, though I have always wanted to visit. I'd love to snuggle a koala, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, hike parts of Waterfall Way in NSW and since I'm a huge tennis fan, I'd love to visit Melbourne during the Australian Open. Oh, you will love Melbourne. Let me know when you're coming and I'd love to be your host! 

If you would like a peek at Short-Straw Bride, click here to read the opening chapters. You know you want to!!  You can find Karen at www.karenwitemeyer.com as well as Petticoats and Pistols where she blogs.

Karen, thanks so much for visiting Ink Dots today! Thank you so much for your warm hospitality. I've so enjoyed being here. Now a question for you:

In Short-Straw Bride, Meredith continues in her father's footsteps and starts teaching part-time at the local school. Who was your favourite teacher, and what was it about that person that made such an impact on you?


One lucky commenter will win an e-book copy of Short-Straw Bride. Please indicate if you prefer Kindle or Nook. (If you are a US resident, you may opt for an autographed copy, should you be the winner.)


Thanks so much for your generous offer, Karen. I'm excited to hear more great publishing news from you in the days to come, and see who will be Friday's Ink Dots winner of Short Straw Bride.

Friday Smileday

Do you need a smile? Sometime by week's end, I do. Here's one I came across earlier this week on Facebook and saved to share with you today. It's by the Time Warp Wife, whose blog empowers wives to joyfully serve. She wrote:

Yesterday marked 25 years from the day 

my husband and I officially started dating.

 There's no one else I'd rather do nothing or something with. 

Me too! That made me smile, right to the deepest crevice of my heart. Because I love lazy days doing next to nothing with my Beloved more than anything else. And I love reading short sweet stuff like this on FB. Don't you?

Speaking of smiles, I loved the front cover on this week's guest author, Vickie McDonough's, End of the Trail. I'm not a great fan of covers with heros. I prefer the heroine in a long flowing dress, but this book's grinning cowboy is something different. As Alissa added to our discussion on Monday, it's refreshing to read about a smiling love interest instead of the brooding silent type.

So who else will be smiling after reading this blog post?

Michelle Dennis Evans, that's who. She's this week's Ink Dots book give-away winner, and will get to choose one of Vickie McDonough's Heartsong collection.

Congratulations, Michelle. 

Happy reading and a blessed weekend to all. 

Dotti.  

Initials of Love

During the 1800s the good women of Cornwall sent their menfolk down the mines well equipped for a day's labour. Frugal housewives took seasoned meats from last night's dinner pot and wrapped them in flaky parcels of pastry.

But what about dessert? Wouldn't a hungry miner long for something sweet after his egg and bacon or rabbit pie? In true ingenious fashion, someone came up with the idea of double fillings. One end of the pie would be savoury, while the other came filled with sugared apples, figs or jam. The original fast food combo meal!

At the beginning of each shift, the uncooked pies were tucked into a small hot oven, purpose built near the mine's entrance. To ensure each miner reached for the right lunch, mothers or wives fashioned their initials on the top with a swirl of pastry - a true sign of ownership.

Leaving no doubt as to the rightful owner, each man was free to work knowing his pie would be there for him when he surfaced. It had his name on it, and no one could dispute it.

We have the same right today as children of God. We belong to Him because He has filled us and marked us as His own. Paul wrote to the Corinthians encouraging them to remember this promise.

It is God who makes us stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His spirit in out hearts as a deposit. guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Cor 1: 21-22

When the furnace of life threatens, do you remember the seal of ownership stamped by the Heavenly Father?

The Lord Jesus has promised to return for us one day. We belong to Him, and we are His forever.

(photo source - rhubarb in the garden)

Vicki McDonough

Vickie McDonough is an award winning author of 25 books and novellas. Her novel, Long Trail Home, is a finalist in the 2012 Booksellers' Best Awards, and her books have won the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, Texas Gold, the ACFW Noble Theme contest, and she has been a multi-tear finalist in ACFW's BOTY/Carol Awards. She is the author of the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series from Barbour.

Brooks Morgan is quick on the draw, but his weapon of choice is his smile. He's smart and witty and has charmed his way through much of life, but now that he's growing older - and a bit wiser - he wants to stop drifting and settle down. He sees his chance when he wins Raven Creek Ranch in a poker game, but when he goes to claim his price, a pretty young woman with a shotgun says the ranch belongs to her. Brooks isn't leaving his one and only chance to make something of his life - but neither is she. Can they reach an agreement? Or will a greedy neighbour force a showdown, causing them both to lose what they want most in life?

Welcome to Ink Dots, Vicki. Tell us about your family. I live in Oklahoma, and I've been married for thirty-six years. I'm the mother of four grown sons and a grandma to a feisty six-year-old girl. My oldest son, a restaurant manager, is married to a sweet bank branch manager and they have the worlds smartest little girl, Hailey. My #2 son still lives at home but has a full time job. #3 son is in the Army National Guard, and my youngest son will be a senior this fall at Oral Roberts University.

How did you come to write this book? My agent approached me about writing a series with two other authors, Susan Page Davis and Darlene Franklin. We brainstormed and came up with an idea for a family saga set in Texas, which spans 50 years and several generations. The series is titled Texas Trails. I wrote the third book, Long Trail Home, and I also wrote End of the Trail, which is the sixth book and releases June 1st. One event in Texas history that has always interested me is the staged train crash at Crush, Texas. My hero and heroine in End of the Trail attend this exciting event and encounter unexpected adversity.

What's the most fascinating thing you discovered in your research for this book? My husband and I went on a research trip to Waco, Texas, when I was researching this series. We got to visit the Texas Rangers Museum, which is a fascinating place. The city is a very interesting place with lots of history, but the most interesting thing is that Waco has a suspension bridge that is a smaller replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. The Waco Suspension Bridge crosses the Brazos River in downtown Waco. It was officially opened on January 7, 1870, and at the time was one of the longest single suspension bridges in the world.

We have a famous bridge Dowunder too. Have you been to Australia?  I have not had the privilege of visiting Australia but it is in my top three list of places to visit. I've wanted to go for soooo long, and I really hope that one day I'll get to.

I hope you do too. What's on the horizon for Vicki McDonough? The first novella I wrote, which was A Stitch In Time novella collection, is being reprinted in a special anthology called A Stitched Together Romance Collection. It releases next spring. I have several proposals out with different publishers and I'm hoping to have an announcement about another book or series soon.

Here's a peek at the first chapter of End of the Trail. Vickie has generously offered one lucky Ink Dots visitor the chance to choose any book they might wish from her Heartsong collection, should they be the winner of this week's book give-away. 


Simply visit her website - Vicki McDonough -  go to the Heartsong Books link, and leave a comment back here at Ink Dots telling us which of her Heartsong books you would like to win. You have until Friday to enter and there's 11 books to choose from, so good luck and happy reading. 

End of the Trail

Central Texas 1896

               Lightening skittered across the granite sky. The boom of thunder that followed spooked Brooks Morgan's horse into a sideways crow hop so unexpectedly that Brooks had to grapple for the saddle horn to keep from losing his seat. He tightened up on the reins and guided Jester back onto the trail. He had hopped to make it to the town before the storm let loose but it looked like he was in for a soaking. He didn't mind a good washing down, but Jester hated rain.

When Words Beckon

I am bombarded by words. My own, and those penned by others. I have tons of historical research texts, more delicious to me than chocolate covered liquorice. Then there are words sent to nudge or wink. Facebook posts, designed to catch my attention for a split second the way a neighbour might as they wave from the other side of the road. Texts from my Beloved. Emails, newsletters, blogs and forums. Notes left by my children. They all blink at me.

And then there's God. He beckons each day. To cheer and encourage. To correct. And show the way forward. To bless with a cover of love.

I'm so hungry for words I often take more in than I can chew. I have so few places to hide where they can't find me. But how do you bookmark everything you want to savour? How do you allow what is profound to linger and not be swallowed by the flood which will come in it's wake?

Before I reached the ranks of motherhood, a wise woman, mother to four young boys at the time, and with one more to add to her brood, gave me sage advice I have not forgotten.

Mia told me, in the busyness of life she would leave her Bible open on the kitchen bench. It would sit there all day like a slow burning lantern. She may have only read a few verses that morning before little ones needed her, but she knew her mind would play those words over and over, if left in an obvious place. While she juggled toddlers on her hip or nursed babies in another room, her eye would catch on the open Bible, and she would meditate on the words already planted in her heart that day. When she could, she would revisit them, and read on.

Great tip, isn't it? Thank you, dear Mia. I have practised this myself over the years. Allowed God's words to touch my heart by keeping them near. Even in this age of gadgets and monitors, I leave a page open on my computer with today's scripture reading. Ready to prod my mind to consider afresh what God has for me. As I change pages on my screen to find an online thesaurus, or shift from my inbox to my own stories, there it is. Like a well loved Bible on the kitchen bench. Open. And beckoning.

How do you keep God's words close, when so much competes for our attention?

Your word is a lamp for my feet; 
a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

***

And many congratulations to Lee Franklin. You are the lucky Ink Dots winner of Michael Humphrey's All Living. I guess you will have more words to fit into your world too, now. Happy reading. I'm sure you'll love it.

Blessings for a wonderful weekend,

(photo source - rhubarb in the garden)

Once Upon A Time

My uncle was for many years, the family custodian of stories. For an immigrant family displaced from their homeland, this was a big deal for us. Ten years older than my mum, Uncle was the one we went to, to mend the holes in our family history.

One night, when I was a young teenager on holiday at Uncle's beach house, we lost electricity for a few hours. In a flurry of excitement, my aunt found candles and set them around the room, including the top of the now dead TV.

So what do you do, when you can't watch the end of the movie? When the 'lights' brighten only a corner of the room?

My uncle suggested we tell stories. And he went first. His story held us in such a grip, it was the only one we cared for that night. Against the flicker of candle light, he took us to a little Greek village, back to the 1930s when he was a little boy.

He has passed on now, and I'm thrilled to capture some of what he shared. I only wish there had been more nights where the candles cast a glow on his yesterdays.

Here's his story, retold by me.

One summer, the village rang with wedding bells for a teenage bride. Her groom had not pressed for much of a dowry, as he knew he was getting more than what he deserved; the most beautiful bride the village would ever see.


The bride's mother however, did not let the groom dictate her duties. It had taken years to amass her daughter's dowry. Demanded or not, it would serve her daughter well.

Michael Humphrey

This week's featured author brings something different to Ink Dots. More than an historical romance, this book spans the history of mankind and touches every era we know.

Michael Humphrey has a degree in theology from Ambassador University. He currently works at Purdue University in the School of Visual and Performing Arts and has a window cleaning business. He has written and performed poetry on stage and television, sung in a band and dj-ed on the local radio station. All Living is his first published novel.

"They want what they suspect I have."
"What?'
"Life."

The first born son of Adam and Eve... is still alive!

He has one week to reveal his secrets to his best friend, Lester, before he moves to the Middle East for one final divine task. But with a ruthless secret society of shadowy evil, known as the Lightmen closing in, time is in desperately short supply.

In order to succeed he is going to need Lester's help. But first, Lester needs a history lesson. With God's permission, Al finally tells of his life as it is and once was.

As Al recounts his story to his only confidant, Lester not only learns the secrets of his mysterious best friend, but the story behind the world's beginning -  and in the process he may even find faith for himself.

Welcome to Ink Dots, Michael. Tell us about yourself. Who are the most important people in your life right now? My wife and five children have always been my top priority in life. In order to succeed on one level you must sacrifice on another. I have never wanted to pursue a career that kept me away from my family for any length of time. I prefer to be home every evening; playing board games, riding bikes, telling stories and having fun together. If I had to pick one family member who daily inspires me to accomplishment, I would have to say it is my wife. She is a light when I'm in shadow, a giggle when I grumble, a buoy when I'm bailing water. It wasn't long after marrying her that the idea for this book occcurred to me. I thank her for encouraginhg me to start, nudging me to continue, and inpsiring me to finish. I have married my muse, and I am filled daily with the wonder and astonishment of her. She is my Keziah. This book is for her.

Wow, that's quite a dedication. What inspired this story? Genesis 3:20 says, "And Adam called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living." It was not until the next chapter, that I read "Now Adam knew Eve his wife and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, 'I have gotten a man from the LORD.' Reading this late one night ten years ago, it occurred to me: Why would Adam name his wife "the mother of all living" before she had a son that most assume was the first born? What if Adam and Eve had other children before Cain and Abel? What if there were a first born son named All Living? Interesting questions. I can see how this took off in your imagination. 

What happened next?  I went to the concordance and looked up the English words 'all' and 'living' in the original Hebrew. 'All' was translated from the word 'Kole' and 'living' in the Hebrew was 'Chay.' Kole Chay. There was my main character. From there the idea for this unknown older brother of Cain and Abel began to take form.

Wow, your writing has taken you on quite a journey. Have you been to Australia? I have never been to Australia, but it's on my 'bucket list.' Cost is the major obstacle, even for just my wife and I. Perhaps when our five children are older. Maybe I should write a book that takes place there and deduct the airfare as a business cost. Hmmm.....

Ok, so if it's not a trip to Australia, what's next for Michael Humphrey? As I was working on this book I realized that I would not be able to tell the entire story that I had in mind in a single work. I originally envisioned a trilogy; the Garden to the Flood, the Flood to Jesus, and Jesus to present day. However, in this first volume, I did not even make it to the flood. Thus the next stage of this series will deal with how to get my main character, Kole and his family through the flood. (Obviously he was not on the boat with Noah.) It will also detail the story of Kole and Keziah, from their burgeoning romance to their 700 year love affair.

It certainly is an intriguing premise... the story of the unknown older brother of Cain and Abel. Here's a peek at chapter one. And for one lucky reader who comments below, Michael has offered a free print copy of All Living. 

All Living 

Chapter 1

                        Al was old but not quite six thousand years old. He sat in the corner booth of a little bar only three blocks form his large Victorian-Midwest house. Next week, when he moved to the Middle East, he'd have to live in a much more utilitarian manner, but all things considered, he was looking forward to it. He had not been to Jerusalem in over 150 years and he missed the old neighbourhood, although news reports showed the area had changed considerably. He sat and stirred his drink, watching the red and white straw push the crushed ice cubes around in a clockwise direction. So much has happened, he thought, so many memories to carry around. It was time to tell his story.

                        He looked at his watch, 7:32. Lester was running late. Lester was a fifty-something -year-old kid he'd befriended over thirty years ago, his oldest living friend. During the last few centuries, Al had become a bit reclusive, content with being more of an observer than a participant. When his personal life periodically flourished he tended to neglect witnessing the rest of the world's activities. He loved so intensely that he could get carried away and forget his real job. What he was actually preparing himself to do.

                       With the entire human race as his family, Al had had many friendships during his life, many loves, so many lost to him now. Dead. Al had buried everyone he had ever cared for. He though about his wife, Keziah. Time for reminiscing later, he knew, even though he remained acutely aware that time was running short for this current existence. Not just for him though, for everyone.

I wish you every success Michael, with All Living and your future writing projects. 

Don't forget to leave a comment for you chance to win a copy of All Living. 

An Unplanned Escape

It's been a week of sleeping and reading.

I can now tick off a severe pre-winter cold and worst migraine of the year. And I shall look ahead to a new week of greater productivity, confident I've had my share of the sick-bed. That's the plan, anyway. If you have any influence, anywhere...please inform the germs they've been here and done their damage. They are free to find another home.

Thanks to my beautiful family, meals and chores have not been left undone. And thanks to Siri Mitchell's recent release, The Messenger, I've put a delicious dent in my birthday stash of books.

Reading has shortened these miserable days. Together with hot drinks and quilted covers, I've nestled more than I expected. Lost myself in a tale of secrets, faith and love. Abandoned myself to a world I will never taste for real.

And I want to go back there. As I am in the grip of a story I don't want to leave just yet.

Don't you love it when a story does that to you? Takes hold and wrestles all else from the hours until it takes you to that final page.

I'm sure the winner of this week's book giveaway will feel the same when they receive a copy of Lena Nelson Dooley's Maggie's Journey. And that lucky winner is Alissa Buda. Congratulations Alissa! May you too slip into a world you do not wish to say goodbye to, so soon.

How about you? Have you read a book you did not wish to end? What makes us want to stay in the folds of a well crafted story? I hope you have one such book tucked away for this weekend.

Be blessed, and enjoy the escape.

(photo source - the murmuring cottage)

Migraine Cure?

I have a migraine. I don't remember writing in on my to-do list, but in true headache fashion, it's bumped off more than I care to lose this week.

But I was cheered by an overnight email from a dear writing buddy, Jalana from Tennessee. She received a parcel I sent last week, and oohhed and aahhed with me over all the Australian goodies I sent her family.

In my parcel of lollies and biscuits, I added a box of loose leaf Melbourne Breakfast tea, for that Downunder flavour. Problem is, my dear friend is not so sure how to brew tea using loose leaves.

So here's a recipe I found in one of Australia's earliest cook books, on tea making according to the ancient custom of the Chinese, who invented this well loved brew. This translated version appeared sometime in the 1870s. I wonder if Jalana will try this at home...

On a slow fire set a tripod, 

Whose colour and texture show its long use.

Fill it with clear snow water.  

Boil it as long as necessary to turn fish white, and crayfish red. 

Throw it upon the delicate leaves of choice tea, in a cup of yooe ( a particular kind of porcelain).

Let it remain as long as the vapour rises to a cloud, and leaves only a thin mist floating on the surface. 

At your ease drink this precious liquor, which will chase away the causes of trouble.

Well, if they say so. I'll just find me some clear snow, then.

But for those like Miss Jalana, enjoying warmer weather with no snow, here's another set of instructions you may like to follow.
How to Brew Tea.

Tea recipes, I have. Migraine cures, I don't.

Do you? I will send someone a box of Melbourne Breakfast Tea if they suggest the remedy which brings me relief. All testing will be conducted under the scientific observations of my family, who know well enough, I have yet to win this battle. Won't you help me chase away the trouble?

(photo source - the murmuring cottage)