Winner of In His Dreams

Cathy S will be receiving a copy of Gail Gaymer Martin's Steeple Hill romance, In His Dreams. (and I'll probably stick a bonus surprise book in, as well.) Thanks for the comment, Cathy!

When I Was Just a Kid...Gail Gaymer Martin

Gail Gaymer Martin is an award-winning novelist for Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing with over one million books in print and forty fiction novels or novellas.That alone is impressive. But that is not all Gail is. She's helpful to other writers, has been a top counselor in Michigan, helping countless people,plays handbells/handchimes, sings and she loves her family and her home state of Michigan.

In 2000 author Lynn Coleman interviewed Gail, where Gail compared the Steeple Hill and Barbour (also including Heartsong) publishing lines that she writes for. Gail knows romance, and she definitely knows the Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing lines. If you are a writer and are interested in writing romance for either of these companies, then it is well worth your time to check out Gail's web site,full of useful information (free!) Also, in December be sure to pick up her Writer's Digest book, Writing The Christian Romance.

If you are a reader who loves a good romance, then pick up one of Gail's many books. (I'm looking forward to reading the Mackinac Island Anthology in my TBR pile that came out this spring from Barbour--loved Mackinac.)

Mackinac Island Anthology
Barbour Publishing
May 2006

Gail says on her web site: Now as an award-winning author of over forty novels and a million books in print, I realize I was a slow starter. When I was in the third grade, my teacher wrote a prophetic message on my report card, "Gail is an excellent writer." It took nearly 50 years for me to realize she’d spoken a truth. Now a published novelist and freelance writer, I look back on my early writing and chuckle. As a pre-teen, I wrote a series of Nancy Drew-type mysteries, and in my teen years, I wrote romances --- but not knowing romance needed a happy ending, I often did things like kill the heroine off at the end. Needless to say, my first attempts at romance failed.

Discover with me what Gail was like as a child and teen:

Childhood Ambition: To be a movie star, a novelist (and when people let me know that was impossible) to be a librarian. I ended up a high school English and public speaking teacher until I received my master is counseling. Then I worked as a counselor for many years.

Fondest Memory (then): How can I narrow it down? Having a large role in my high school play was probably one. The worst memory was performing in a tap dance routine at the state fair and being so nervous I did the movements backward.

Proudest Moment (now or then): Selling my first book which was not a novel, but a book of Christmas worship services, but as powerful was selling my first novel.

Biggest Challenge as a Child or Teen: Having confidence in myself. People don't believe me who know me now, but I had low self-esteem as a child and teenager.

My First Job: Babysitting. But in a commercial setting, I was a gift wrapper and put out stock at a dress shop over the Christmas holidays.

Childhood Indulgence: Reading. I was a voracious reader. In the summer, I went to the library and brought home a huge stack of books. Then I would lay on a blanket in my front yard under a huge elm tree and read the summer away.

Favorite Outfit as a Child: I remember one Easter I had a pastel aqua skirt and jacket with a pink blouse and a hat of the same two colors. I also had new white shoes and handbag.

Favorite Childhood Movie: Snow White and The Wizard of Oz. Later it was a movie called Best Foot Forward, which was an old musical.

Favorite Childhood Book: Pollyanna, but most of all the Nancy Drew series

Childhood Hero: Roy Rodgers.

Any other life-changing events that you'd like to include here for your readers?:

Too many that come to mind. Learning that I was a good speaker and writer. Winning a dramatic reading speaking competition in college. Losing my dad when he was only 49. Being named one of the top counselors in Michigan. Selling my first books and realizing it was a new career.

If you leave a comment, I will enter your name in a drawing to win Gail's latest Steeple Hill book, In His Dreams, to be chosen on Monday, October 15!

In His Dreams

Escape to beautiful Beaver Island could be the answer to Marsha Sullivan's need for a fresh start. Since her husband's death four years ago, Marsha had lost her way, but on Beaver Island, she had good memories to help guide her. Running into Jeff, her brother-in-law, in this paradise turned out to be a blessing. Not only did they share grief in losing their spouses, but also a warm bond began to form between them. Did God want her to love again? The only thing she knew for sure was that being with Jeff and his daughter felt like family.

What is being said about In His Dreams: Top Pick! (4-1/2 stars) In His Dreams touches on sensitive issues, including the problems of an emotionally handicapped child. But Gail Gaymer Martin outdoes herself with the romance she threads throughout.

Gail's AWARDS WON:
With Christmas In His Heart, 2007 National Readers' Choice Award
Finding Christmas, 2006 Booksellers Best Award
Adam's Promise, 2005 Booksellers Best Award

Loving Treasures, 2003 - Holt Medallion Award
A Love for Safekeeping - Romantic Times Best Love Inspired of 2002
A Love for Safekeeping, ACFW Book of the Year Award for short inspirational
Upon A Midnight Clear, 2001 Holt Medallion Award
"The Mahogany Rocking Chair," 1st place - American Christian Writers, 1997
1996 Writer of the Year, Detroit Conference of The American Christian Writers
FINALIST HONORS:
With Christmas In His Heart, 2007, Award of Excellence, Colorado RWA Finalist
With Christmas In His Heart, 2007, Holt Medallion, Virginia RWA Finalist
Finding Christmas, 2006 Colorado Writers Award Of Excellence Finalist
Finding Christmas, 2006 Gayle Wilson Award Of Excellence Finalist
Finding Christmas, 2006 Desert Rose Golden Quill Finalist
Loving Feeelings, 2006 Desert Rose Golden Quill Finalist
Christmas Moon in That Christmas Feeling, 2005 Inspirational Readers Choice Award Finalist
Adam's Promise, 2005 Holt Medallion Finalist
Loving Hearts, 2004 Inspirational Readers Choice Finalist
The Christmas Kite, 2004 Holt Medallion Finalist
Loving Ways, 2004 - Golden Quill Finalist
Loving Treasures - 2003 Blue Boa Award Finalist
A Love for Safekeeping 2003 -1st place Winter Rose for short inspirational
Her Secret Longing, 2002 National Booksellers Best Award for traditional romance
Upon A Midnight Clear, 2001 Finalist National Readers Choice Award
Dreaming of Castles - 5th place - "Touched By Love Contest" FHL Chapter, RWA, 1997
"A Dark and Stormy Knight Contest," - 3rd place, Iowa Romance Writers, RWA, 1997

Other soon-to-be releases:

And Baby Makes Five
Barbour Heartsong Presents
November 2007

Writing The Christian Romance
Writers Digest
December 2007

Family In His Heart
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
January 2008

Garlic and Roses
Barbour Publishing
March 2008

Butterfly Trees
Barbour Publishing
August 2008

The Christmas Kite
Steeple Hill Mass Market (reissue)
October 2008

Gail's backlist of books:

With Christmas In His Heart
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
November 2006

Upon a Midnight Clear/Secrets of the Heart
Steeple Hill Classic
A reissue duet
October 2006

In His Eyes
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
August 2006

"Christmas Moon"
in That Christmas Feeling
a two author with Catherine Palmer
Released in paperback
November 2005

Loving Tenderness
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
November 2005

Finding Christmas
Steeple Hill Readers Choice
(single title)
October 2005

Loving Feelings
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
June 2005

Loving Promises
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
March 2005
ISBN 0-373-87301-8
(also in large print)

Loving Care
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
4th in the Loving Series
ISBN 0-373-87249-6
February 2004

"An Open Door"
in From Italy With Love
Barbour Anthology
ISBN 1-59310-081-7
February 2004

Out On A Limb
Barbour Heartsong Presents
ISBN 1-59310-117-1
May 2004

Adam’s Promise
The Front Line Series Book
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
ISBN 0-373-87269-0
July 2004

Michigan
Four reprinted novels set in Michigan from the Heartsong Presents Book Club
Stories of love and faith:
ISBN 1-59310-434-0
August 2004

"Then Came Darkness"
in Hidden Motives
Barbour Anthology
ISBN 1-59310-257-7
October 2004

"Christmas Moon"
in That Christmas Feeling
a two author hardcover gift book with Catherine Palmer
ISBN 0-373-78528-3
November 2004

Loving Hearts
Steeple Hill
2nd in the Loving Series
ISBN 0-373-87206-2
Feb 2003

"The Butterfly Garden"
in EASTER BLESSINGS
Steeple Hill Two-in-One
with Lenora Worth
ISBN 0-373-87209-7
March 2003

The Harvest
Two-in-one Steeple Hill
with Cynthia Rutledge
ISBN 0-373-87230-5
October 2003

The Christmas Kite
Steeple Hill
Single Title
NOVEMBER 2003
Holt Medallion Finalist
Discussion Questions

Loving Ways
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
3rd in the Loving Series
ISBN 0-373-87241-0
December 2003

A Love For Safekeeping
Steeple Hill
January 2002

Over Her Head
Barbour Heartsong Presents
ISBN 1-58660-603-4
June 2002

Loving Treasures
Steeple Hill
ISBN 0-373-87184-8
June 2002

"Once A Stranger"
in GERMAN ENCHANTMENT
ISBN 1-58660-396-5
February 2002 - Barbour

Let's Pretend. . .
Silhouette Romance
July 2002

Secrets Of The Heart
Steeple Hill
ISBN 0-373-87154-6
August 2001

Her Secret Longing
Silhouette Romance
September 2001

Secrets Within
Barbour Heartsong Presents
December 2001

"Apple Of His Eye"
in The English Garden
Barbour
ISBN 1-58660-389-2
December 2001

"To Keep Me Warm"
in Home For Christmas
Barbour
ISBN 1-58660-242-X
August 2001
Yuletide Treasures
in CHRISTMAS THREAD
Barbour historical anthology
ISBN 1-57748-811-3
September 2000

Upon A Midnight Clear
Steeple Hill
October 2000
Better To See You
in Once Upon A Time
Barbour contemporary fairytale anthology
ISBN 1-57748-975-6
December 2000
Also available as Fairy-Tale Brides
Wal-Mart release

Dreaming Of Castles
Heartsong Presents
ISBN 1-57748-555-6
May 1999
Seasons
Heartsong Presents
Nov. 1998

*Heartsong Presents and Barbour books may be ordered by calling
1-800 847-8270
Most books may be ordered from bookstores, the publisher or Amazon.com

When I Was Just a Kid...Deborah Raney

When I Was Just a Kid...

Deb Raney

First grade was where Deb Raney learned to read, and "Tip and Mitten" stands out in her mind as the book that launched, well, quite a few books! As a farm girl in Kansas, she got inspiration from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie series and at 12 decided to try this writing thing for herself. At that point all history seemed to be the same, and she had accidently put an airplane in a story set in the 1700s. It was then that Deb vowed never to write historical fiction again. Thank goodness for us she broke that vow.

[Crystal Editor's note: Do you suppose she missed her calling as a fantasy/sci fi author? Naah. She writes contemporary women's fiction very well!]

Let's take a look at Deb's past and see how that influences the writer that she is today:


Childhood Ambition: I read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books when I was 11 or 12 and from that point on, I dreamed of someday writing a book. But my love for kids kicked in before my writing took off and I also dreamed of raising 12 children. The Lord blessed us with four (which most days seemed like 12) and I’d be hard-pressed to say which “career” I’ve enjoyed the most.




Deb's Family today





Fondest Memory (then): My grandparents were all very special to me and lived nearby for many of my growing up years. I have lots of happy memories involving them. Also, I grew up on a farm and that is a rich resource for great memories, too. The first one that comes to mind is having my Dad storm into the house one day acting like me and my younger siblings were in BIG trouble. In a crabby voice that held the hint of a smile, he demanded, “You kids get out here with a box right now and...take care of the new baby kittens I just found.” We were thrilled! Baby kittens were a highlight of many summers! (I’m sure that memory is close to the surface because our sweet kitty, Biscuit, who wandered onto our property several months ago and never left, just gave birth to four adorable kittens! My sixteen-year-old daughter and I are already sad for the day we’ll have to find them new homes.)

Biscuit and babies (Want a kitten??)

Proudest Moment ( then): I was a terrible klutz—not an athletic bone in my body! But one spring at the country school I attended, I was the hero of the co-ed baseball game. They had me out in right field where I could do the least damage, but a pop fly came staight at me. I put my glove over my head (mostly for protection) and the ball plopped right smack into it to win the game! I was carried away on the shoulders of the older boys, smiling so hard it’s a wonder I didn’t turn inside out. : )

Biggest Challenge as a child or teen:My biggest challenge was asthma. Wheat and hay seemed to be the triggers for my asthma attacks—NOT good things to have to avoid when you’re a little Kansas farm girl! But as I look back on all the things I missed out on because I was stuck in the house trying to breathe, I realize that my mom was always there—reading to me. I think it’s fair to say that I probably wouldn’t have discovered this wonderful career were it not for having asthma, and a mom who shared her love of reading with me.

My First Job:De-tasseling corn! Oh, did I ever hate it! Hot, windy, sweaty, bugs everywhere, scratchy corn leaves. I’m breaking out in hives just thinking about it! But I worked with a fun group of girls, and we each made $100 for a few days of work.

Childhood indulgence:Dairy Queen! One of our favorite things was when Daddy would come in from the field and tell us all to load up in the car because we were going for a drive. We all knew—even though he’d drive for miles in the wrong direction first, just to keep us guessing––that we’d wind up at the local Dairy Queen. We had a 10-cent limit, which would buy a nice-sized cone. Once in a while he’d let us spend 15-cents each and get a malt or a chocolate dipped cone. It was such a secure feeling being locked in the station wagon with my whole family.

Favorite Outfit as a child:Oh, man! Talk about memory lane! I saved my allowance for weeks for a pair of white go-go boots. I wore them with a blue double-knit mini-skirted shift and boy did I think I was hot stuff. LOL!

Favorite Childhood Movie:We didn’t go to the movies very often, and at home we only watched TV on occasional winter Sunday nights. I remember Ed Sullivan and Bonanza in particular. And the smell of fresh-popped popcorn my mom always made for us on those special TV nights.

Favorite Childhood Book:Well, it’s not politically correct to say so now, but my great grandmother used to sit us on her lap and read Little Black Sambo to us over and over again. I’m certain she had NO idea that this fanciful, delightful tale would one day be judged to have racial overtones. We just loved the story of a little boy and his family and some scary tigers who turned into butter for the 169 pancakes Sambo would eat at the end of the book.

Childhood hero:I think my parents have always been my heroes. My mother made being a wife and mom look like the most joyful job in the universe and my dad has always been a man of integrity—someone I could always trust and look up to. They are still my heroes.

From Deb's biography:
After spending two happy decades as an at-home mom to two sons and two daughters, Deborah finally began work on her first novel––a contemporary story––after an intriguing discussion about Alzheimer's disease with her husband, Ken, and their young teenagers. Drawing on her experiences working in a New York nursing home early in her marriage, she crafted a fictional account of one family's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. A VOW TO CHERISH was published by Bethany House Publishers in 1996 and won an Angel Award from Excellence in Media. It has been translated into the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian languages, and is also available in a hardcover large-print edition from Thorndike Press. Steeple Hill Books recently released an update and expanded version of the book.

Here is a list of fiction books Deb has written:

• Remember to Forget-February 2007
  • A Nest of Sparrows - June 2004
  • A Scarlet Cord - June 2003
  • Playing by Heart - August 2003
  
  • After the Rains - September 2002
  • Currier and Ives Christmas - Christmas 2002
  • Beneath a Southern Sky - June 2001
  • A Vow to Cherish:
  August 1999 2nd Release
  January 1996 1st Release (Out of Print)
  • Kindred Bond - May 1998
  • In the Still of Night - February 1997
  
  Storytellers Series
  •The Storytellers Collection - September 2000
  •The Storytellers Collection: Tales From Home - Summer 2001
  
  
  Teatime Stories Series
  • Teatime Stories for Women - Honor Books 2000
  • Teatime Stories for Mothers - River Oak 2001
  But Deb doesn't just write fiction. Here are some of the books she wrote in the nonfiction realm:
  

MORE CHILDREN'S SERMONS TO GO (Abingdon Press 2001)
CHILDREN'S SERMONS TO GO (Abingdon Press 1998)
both written with Deb's sister, Vicky Miller

Contributor to:
INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD (Honor Books 2003)
THE STORYTELLERS' COLLECTION-Tales from Home (Multnomah 2001)
THE STORYTELLERS' COLLECTION-Tales of Faraway Places (Multnomah 2000)
TEATIME STORIES FOR MOTHERS (Honor/River Oak 2001)
TEATIME STORIES FOR WOMEN (Honor Books 2000)

Featured in:
LET GOD SURPRISE YOU by Heather Whitestone McCallum (Zondervan 2003)
BEHIND THE STORIES by Diane Eble (Bethany House 2002)


Also, she blogs regularly with about two dozen other multi-published authors on The Charis Connection as well as at her own blogspot.

She is now at work on her seventeenth novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award and the Silver Angel from Excellence in Media. Deborah's first novel, A VOW TO CHERISH, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title.

A Vow to Cherish will be released again as a new Steeple Hill version in mass market in October, with a sequel to follow in November, also in mass market. Upcoming books include aforementioned sequel, Within This Circle, Steeple Hill, November 2007 (mass market) and a novella, “Finally Home” in the anthology, Missouri Memories, from Barbour to release in December 2007. The next Clayburn novel, Leaving November, (Howard) will come out early in 2008.

In Deb's own words:

My married daughter ––the one who made me a “Mimi” a year ago!––writes a monthly column with me for Crosswalk.com., a great Web magazine devoted to faith, family and community. My husband and I share an August anniversary with Tobi and her husband, Ryan Layton. Each month, Marriage Perspectives explores various aspects of marriage as viewed from the perspectives of a young married woman (Tobi) and an old...er, I mean long married woman (me). We've had such fun writing together, though I'm not sure our husbands are quite so thrilled, since they are featured prominently every month. : )

[Crystal Editor's note: I will be featuring Deb's daughter, Tobi, in this same column, so look for that soon! One of those article titles is Should In-laws be outlawed? ]


Remember to Forget (just released Feb. with Howard Publishing) Deb at ICRS Advance in Indianapolis

[Crystal editor's note: I just reviewed this book for Church Libraries magazine (not yet published.) All I can say at this point is that I give it "two thumbs up!" And I've gotten a little picky after over 500 published book reviews here and there.

Some of Deb's many awards:
• 2003 American Christian Romance Writers Book of the Year
• First Place Blue Boa Award Inspirational Fiction
• A Book of the Year for American Christian Romance Writers
• 2002 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice nominee
• Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence finalist
• Also named one of the Top 20 Fiction books of 2002
in christianbook.com's Fiction Newsletter, Dec. 27, 2002

Go here to see the When I Was Just a Kid interview with her daughter, Tobi Layton.

Deb also serves on the advisory board of American Christian Fiction Writers.