Welcome Jo Huddleston: Caney Creek Series

Today we welcome Jo Huddleston to “Write Pathway.” She’s sponsoring a blog tour this week as she promotes her second book in the Caney Creek series. I read That Summer and enjoyed it so much that I asked Jo to let me know when her next book came out. I wanted to read more about the Callaway family I met in the first Caney Creek book.

Ann: Good morning, Jo. We are very happy to have you join us here at “Write Pathway.” Tell us a little about yourself .

Jo:  Hello, Ann. Thank you for inviting me to be a guest on your blog today. I hold a B. A. degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN) and I’m a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. I also earned a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. My debut novel, That Summer, released in December 2012 as the first in The Caney Creek Series. Beyond the Past is Book 2 in the series. In the beginning I thought it would just be one book, but I couldn’t leave the characters in the situations they were in at the end of That Summer, I continued the saga of the Callaway family with Beyond the Past. Now I am writing the third book, Finding Peace, to be released in September 2013.

Ann: Jo, how did you come to write this series? Is there a story behind the stories?

Jo:  Oh yes, there is a story behind the Caney Creek series, some of it is quite painful, but the ending is what’s happening now and that’s a blessing. The Caney Creek Series is set in the Southern Appalachians of East Tennessee where my ancestors and I were raised. I’ve listened to older generations tell stories at family reunions about time before telephones and automobiles. Their stories caused me to want to write about a time before I was born. While this idea rumbled around in my mind, in 2001 I received a life-altering health diagnosis with a negative prognosis. My first symptom was the loss of penmanship. Nobody, not even I,  could read what I tried to write. Then I began to have involuntary muscle spasms that prevented me from holding my fingers on the home keys of a keyboard. I couldn’t write or type—this was before speak-to-type. My mind was still intact but my body wouldn’t do what it was told. My balance while walking diminished and I stopped going to writing conferences. My doctor advised me not to drive. In 2008, I began to improve. My hands grew steadier and I could get my story started.

 I’ve outlived my doctor’s prognosis by two years. A relative marvels that I never questioned, “God, why me?” I did not become bitter because of the health issues. I think God just gave me time to understand many things when I was inactive. I’m a more peaceful, patient, and faithful me now.

Book 1 in this series, That Summer, hibernated for those miserable seven years and then became a story on paper. When I finished That Summer, I thought I had accomplished my goal. However, I found I couldn’t leave my characters in some of their situations. I had to write at least one more book about them. Book 2, Beyond the Past, came to be. I’m now writing Book 3, in the Caney Creek Series, Claiming Peace, scheduled to release in September 2013.

Ann: That’s very interesting, Jo. I’m certainly glad that you overcame that negative prognosis and had a chance to achieve your dream of writing.

          Now Jo will introduce you to one of the characters in Beyond the Past as she interviews Art Gray.

CHARACTER  INTERVIEW

BEYOND THE PAST, BOOK 2, CANEY CREEK SERIES

This interview of Art, teenage son of Callie and Arthur Gray, takes place in 1951. He lives in Newton, Tennessee with his family.

JO: Art, can you stop and talk with me for a minute?

ART: I’m supposed to be working, but maybe I can talk to you for a minute.

JO: Thanks. What are you working at?

ART: I’m doing community service and today I’m picking up trash around the school grounds.

JO: Why are you doing community service?

ART: I got into some trouble and the judge ordered me to do this.

JO: You must have been in some big trouble to get ordered to do this.

ART: Yeah, I guess. I don’t like school and only go if I have to. I wrecked my car one day when I skipped school.

JO: Were you hurt when you wrecked your car?

ART: Not much. A broken arm and they took out my spleen. But the worse thing was when I wrecked my car I’d been drinking some beer. That’s what got me in trouble with the judge. I’m supposed to go to an Alcohol Anonymous meeting every week. I went once and found out the people there were just a bunch of losers. I’m not going back.

JO: Art, if you don’t go to those meetings won’t you be in trouble with the judge again? Have you thought about that?

ART: Not much. What else can he do to me? He’s already taken away my driver’s license for two months. The way I see it, the judge can’t make it any worse than it already is.

Visit Jo at these sites:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Shoutlife

   

BEYOND THE PAST,  BOOK 2,  CANEY CREEK SERIES

Jim Callaway looks forward to 1951 but he’s sidetracked when his sister and his best friend need his help. His baby sister, Emmajean, skids into jail on drug charges in Atlanta. She struggles to recover physically and spiritually with her lawyer’s help as he champions her inside and outside the courtroom. Jim’s nephew, Art, is one step ahead of the truant officer, wrecks his car, and officials suspect alcohol is involved. Art awaits his fate at the hands of the juvenile court judge. Jim’s twin brothers end their military careers and return home. Jim and Caroline continue their bumpy journey as they seek realization of their dreams.

PURCHASE COPIES OF BEYOND THE PAST:

Signed copies of Beyond the Past available in sidebar at my website.

Paperback copies available from my publisher.

Paperback and eBook copies available at Amazon.                                       

WIN A COPY OF BEYOND THE PAST  by Jo Huddleston. Leave a comment and tell us the name of the family around which Jo has built her Caney Creek stories. If you are a follower, you will get another entry in the contest.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT BRMCWC
by Ann Knowles 



               The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is held at Ridgecrest, NC on the side of a mountain that defies simple words like beautiful, serene, and majestic. Busy people bustle and fro to help those who are coming in to attend one of the many retreats or conferences throughout the year. What many people do not know is the story “behind the scenes.”

            Ridgecrest welcomes 400 volunteers every year, most of whom are Seniors who have retired and are seeking a place of continued service. There are paid staff members in every department, but volunteers provide the broad base support system. They clean, repair, paint, garden, landscape, cook, and stand by to help in any way they can. Some shuttle staff members back and forth to the airport. As busy as they are, they are never too busy to offer a helping hand, directing you to the right building or class, sometimes walking beside you to show the way.

            Forty years later he returned again to volunteer and has been volunteering at Ridgecrest April through October for the past twenty-nine years, a fete which has earned him the title of “Mr. Ridgecrest.” At ninety-one, this former pastor drives up from Tallahassee, Florida every summer to take his place on the volunteer staff. Although they offer him free accommodations just to come as an inspiration, he insists that he must earn his keep. He continues to walk the mountain, keeping the grounds spotless and appealing to the eye of every visitor..

            During Jack’s lifetime, he served as a pastor and worked with the Florida Baptist State Convention. He also served in the Navy and Merchant Marine and worked at the shipyard during World War II—a productive and colorful life. Once he retired he wanted to continue to serve the Lord and it was natural to return to Ridgecrest, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina where he began his in-depth spiritual journey as a college student.

            Many mountain stories are hidden behind the kind eyes and gentle smile of this devoted servant of God. Participants at the writers’ conferences count it a blessing to meet him and hear just one of those stories.

            Since it is a well-known fact that there are bears round about the campus, I asked Mr. Epps  if he had ever seen a bear at Ridgecrest. He said he had never seen a brown bear at Ridgecrest, but knew for sure there are bears around. He did encounter a bear at another location. Here’s his story about the bear:

            “I was coming down the mountain when I saw a bear coming up the mountain. The path was narrow and there was no way we could pass. The bear walked slowly up the mountain path and didn’t seem to be upset at my appearance. He didn’t appear dangerous, but I had been warned about the bears and didn’t want to take a chance. I turned around and started back up the mountain with the brown bear about five steps behind me. As soon as I came to a place where there was room to pass, I stepped aside and let the bear continue on his way up the mountain. He didn’t make any move toward me, but my heart pounded as I watched him pass by. He went on up the mountain and I continued my trek down. I guess the bear wasn’t hungry that day. Thank the good Lord.”

            Thank you, Mr. Ridgecrest! And God bless!

Book Giveaway: The Promise of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper

This is a delightful historical novel set in the late 1700s after the Revolutionary War. A Continental soldier still awaits the return of his missing father, years after the last battle. Haunted by the memories of war and scarred from betrayal in love, the young man turns away from his faith. Then he discovers his hope is shared by a young woman, who understands loss and the longing for a father. As they encounter this unexpected connection, their hearts are drawn together. But jealousy, slander, and misunderstandings ignite a fire of doubt and mistrust--destroying their relationship. Can two souls longing for healing and trust learn to love again? Can faith and family be restored?

Enter the contest by leaving a comment below about this post. If you are a follower or become a follower, your name will be entered twice.Please send me an e-mail to let me know if you become a follower or tell me in your comment.  Please tell your friends about the post and encourage them to enter the contest. Thank you for visitng  "Write Pathway" and "Patches of Light" and helping me rejuvenate my blogs.

AND THE WINNER IS....

THE WINNER IS...Jenny Thornton of Seven Springs, NC.

Congratulations, Jenny! I know you will love Susan's book Inside Story. She is a great writer!

Thanks to all of you who read the interview and commented. A special thanks to those who followed me and commented.

Please come back soon to see what’s up at Write Pathway.

Interview with Susan Page Davis

Good morning Susan, and welcome to Write Pathway, a place for writers and editors to meet. We are so pleased to have you with us this morning. So let's get started with our interview.

What would you do with your life if you didn't write?

I would probably hold some 9 to 5 job, as I have two teenagers heading off to college in the fall. Before I wrote fiction, I was a news correspondent, so it’s hard to imagine not writing in some form.

How many rejections did you get before you published a book?

I can’t even remember. The first book I ever wrote was rejected about fourteen times. It’s never been published. But I wrote several more books before I was published. I’m guessing a total of at least thirty rejections.

How many books have you published? Are all of them published by Traditional publishers?

So far 32 novels and two novellas (not counting anthologies), and yes, all published traditionally. I have five more under contract and somewhere in the process between contract and publication, and one story collection I posted myself as an e-book that has never been a paper book, though the title story was published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. (Mailbox Mayhem).

Tell us a bit about Inside Story, the book we’re giving away next week.


Claudia Gillette is a high-powered magazine writer who wants to forget her small town roots as a Franco-American girl from Maine. She’ll take almost any risk to get a good story. Most people find her a bit overpowering, but Lt. Bill White is fascinated by her. Bill is part of a Navy special operations team supervised by Claudia’s brother-in-law. When she learns the unit includes a woman, Claudia knows she has to get that woman’s story for her magazine. She pulls some strings, and to Bill’s horror, she drops into his unit’s top secret mission at a critical moment.

What gave you the idea for the Frasier Island Series?

This is actually the third book in the Frasier Island series, but it can be read as a standalone. The series is about Navy personnel in unusual situations. Book 1 has three people guarding a secret on an island outpost (Frasier Island). Book 2 has Claudia’s sister, Marie Belanger, running for her life after witnessing a murder (Finding Marie). The idea for Frasier Island came first.
My son and I were discussing science fiction, and he said he wanted to write a SF book. One thing led to another, which was a challenge—who could complete a SF book first? Well, my book turned out to be romantic suspense, not SF. The only thing remotely Sci-Fi about it is the mysterious substance found in the water near Frasier Island. And my son’s book? He didn’t finish it, so I think I won.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

I used to be a panster, but I reformed. Now I outline in detail before I ever begin writing.


Where do you find your story ideas?

The idea for Inside Story sprang from the earlier books in the series. Claudia appeared briefly in Finding Marie, when her sister Marie was missing. My readers loved Marie’s family (and her husband Pierre’s large French family too) and asked if I would write about the other siblings. So in this case, I had the character, Claudia, established as a journalist, the girl who left home and made good. She apparently “had it all,” but I knew she wasn’t happy with the life she’d made for herself. I wanted to tell her story and show her longing for the simple domesticity her sisters had. So I put Claudia in several intense situations and showed her unhappiness growing.Other starter ideas for books have come from lots of places. It could be something I’ve read or heard or seen on TV. It could be a nugget I discovered while researching something else, or an odd bit of trivia that caught my fancy.

Usually my story ideas start in one of two ways-—with a character I want to portray (like Claudia) or with a situation I populate with people who can best execute it (like the discovery of the mysterious “stuff” in Frasier Island).

What two or three things would you do differently if you were starting your publishing career today?

Go to conferences for fiction writers sooner (like ACFW). I would not assume some editor would read my book, love it, and publish it without changing a word.

Describe your favorite writing spot.

My desk, which is in a corner room. I can look out any time, but being in my familiar place with all my “tools” handy keeps me from being too easily distracted. I have lots of research books around me, along with files, printer, maps, and so on.

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new book?

Make a 3-ring binder containing sections for contract, timeline, synopsis, and research topics. Later I add reader mail, correspondence, and whatever pertains to that book. My Inside Story binder contains a lot of information about the Navy, mountain gorillas, Peru, and guerilla warfare, for instance. I also make cards for each character with a thumbnail sketch of their appearance, relationships, and other facts I might want to refer to again (make of car, for instance, or key dates in their lives).

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response or peer honor? Please share.

I’ve written 15 books for Heartsong Presents, and this year their readers chose me as their favorite author. That was a huge honor, and very humbling when I look at the list of authors who write for them.

Congratulations, Susan. That is quite an honor---to be chosen as your readers favorite author. What’s next?

My historical romance, Captive Trail, will release in September. It’s part of the new Texas Trails series, from Moody Publishers. I’m excited to be writing this series with authors Darlene Franklin and Vickie McDonough. You can read more about it on my Website: http://www.susanpagedavis.com/historicals.html

Tell us about your e-books.

I recently had the rights revert to me for Inside Story, and have posted it as a Kindle e-book with a new cover (made by my awesome youngest daughter, by the way). I have 12 e-books now, and I love having that many books available to people who want to read on their computer or a book reader. See Inside Story at: http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Story-Frasier-Island-ebook/dp/B004TMMZ26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1301060930&sr=1-1

Why do you keep writing?

Because I have a lot more stories to tell. If the Lord quits giving me stories, I’ll stop.

Well, Susan, I've read your Frazier Island series and loved every one. I wish you much success as you continue the journey to accomplish what God has laid on your heart. I'm sure He has many more wonderful stories for you to share with us. Again, thank you so much for sharing with us today.

CONTEST: Win a copy of Inside Story

You can be a winner today! Leave a comment for one entry or "Follow Me" for two entries. If you are already a follower, but have not posted your picture on the Follow Me site, you can add your picture for two entries.

Janice Hanna Thompson is back!


Write Pathway welcomes back Janice Hanna Thompson to talk about her latest book, LOVE ME TENDER:

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Columnist:
Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Sam: Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Debbie: Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Sam: Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

Johnny: There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Sam: Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Johnny: Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sam: Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over the years?

Sal: First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Some of my favorites are: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Sam: Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Debbie: Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Sam: Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

Johnny: I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully, my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Sam: Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

Bobby: I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sam: Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Sal: Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Sam: Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Debbie: Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Sam: Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!

***************************

Janice's book can be purchased on her site at www.janicehannathompson.com or at http://www.amazon.com/.


~ YOU CAN BE A WINNER. ENTER TODAY~

GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page(http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.