LiteraryScape

Liz Tolsma is an author, editor, podcaster, mother, and wife. She loves editing and helping new authors hone their skills and start their author journey.

In this conversation, Liz Tolsma discusses the concept of Deep Point of View (DPoV) and provides tips and tricks for writers to achieve it in their writing. DPoV is about immersing the reader in the story and allowing them to experience it through the eyes and emotions of the point of view character. The conversation covers the definition of DPoV, examples of regular point of view versus deep POV, and the importance of vivid language. It also explores tips for writing in deep POV, such as getting rid of italics, avoiding signal words, and using beats. The conversation concludes with information on how to connect with Liz Tolzma for further guidance on DPoV and editing services.

Takeaways:

·      Deep Point of View (DPoV) is about immersing the reader in the story and allowing them to experience it through the eyes and emotions of the point of view character.

·      Examples of regular point of view versus deep POV include removing italics, using third person past tense, and showing emotions instead of naming them.

·      Tips for writing in deep POV include getting rid of italics, avoiding signal words, using beats, and avoiding naming emotions.

·      Describing scenes in deep POV involves having the characters interact with the setting and react to it.

https://liztolsma.com/

Abbey Downey is our guest author for this bonus episode. Abbey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. She previously published two books with Love Inspired Historical under the pen name Mollie Campbell. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.
 
A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband.

I am so excited to have Abbey with us today as we celebrate her newest book An Uncertain Road, which launches today.

Abbey discusses her inspiration for her book An Uncertain Road, and shares fun facts she discovered during her research. She also talks about the upcoming books in the series and where readers can purchase her book. Abbey provides ways for listeners to connect with her and discusses the book launch.

Takeaways:

·      Women played significant roles in history, including in sports and racing.

·      Writing male characters can be challenging for female authors.

·      Researching historical events and locations adds depth and authenticity to a story.

·      Abbey's personal experiences and relationships can influence character development.

·      The ending of a race in the book was inspired by a real event.

·      Abbey includes fun facts and details from her research in her stories.

·      Abbey has two more books planned in the series, featuring female baseball umpires and an explorer's club.

·      Readers can purchase An Uncertain Road online and connect with Abbey through her website and social media.

The launch of An Uncertain Road happens today. Be among the first to get this amazing book that LiteraryScape highly recommends!

In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa, discuss With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander. This is the first novel in her Carnton series. You will want to read her novella first titled, Christmas at Carnton.

Our discussion of this book was fun. The fact that this novel is based on real people and real events makes it so much more intriguing.

Topics we share our thoughts on:

·      How we handle medical emergencies scenes as readers.

·      Good men and evil men fought on both sides of the Civil War.

·      When we have Christ, we know the best is yet to come.

·      Men who laid down their lives on the battlefield for our freedom lost two lives.

·      God’s love and peace are like salve on a wound when we lose loved ones.

·      We have nothing to fear because we are God’s children.

In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss Tamera Alexander’s novella Christmas at Carnton. This is a lively discussion in which we touch on some hot topics of today that were present during the Civil war.

We talk about:

·      Women in the military

·      Southern viewpoints of the Civil War

·      How women fight the war on the home front

·      Visiting Franklin Tennessee where the entire Carnton series takes place

LiteraryScape gives the following ratings to each of the story elements.

(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

a.     Romance = Espresso

b.     Suspense = Espresso

c.     Action = Espresso

d.     Mystery = Espresso

e.     Drama = Espresso

f.      Inspiration = Espresso

LiteraryScape gives Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander 2 lassos. You will be hooked by this sweet romance.

(1 lasso = a throw and a miss, 2 lassos = hooked, 3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied)

https://www.literaryscape.com/podcast/104

This week’s Writers Wednesday episode brings back one of our favorite authors here at LiteraryScape, Julie Lessman. Julie is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets.

In this conversation, Julie Lessman reflects on her transition from traditionally published to indie published and the freedom it provides in cover design and storytelling. Julie discusses various aspects of the writing and publishing industry. She shares surprising statistics about book sales and the challenges authors face in the market.

Julie also highlights the dangers of making writing a career idol and the importance of finding balance. She advises aspiring authors to join writing organizations and connect with like-minded individuals. Julie recommends using resources like prayer partners, the One Look Thesaurus, and alternative search engines.

Takeaways

·      Transitioning from traditionally published to indie published provides more control over cover design and storytelling.

·      Book sales statistics show that the average professionally published book sells around 3,000 copies over its lifetime.

·      Writing can become an idol in an author's life, leading to a constant pursuit of sales, rankings, and recognition.

·      Book signings are not as effective in selling books as they once were, and authors should consider alternative marketing strategies.

·      Having an agent is crucial for getting published in the Christian market and many other publishing houses.

·      Joining writing organizations and networking with like-minded authors can provide valuable support and opportunities.

·      Prayer partners, the One Look Thesaurus, and alternative search engines are helpful resources for writers.

In this episode, I am flying solo as I bring you a review of Abbey Downey’s newest release, An Uncertain Road. This is the first book of three in her series and it is releasing on February 27th. You can pre-order this adventurous novel now with the link in the blog post of this episode.

Let’s dive in!

We meet our heroine Flora on the first page as she prays her Decauville will get her to her brother’s engagement party. She is kind, caring, and lives an adventurous life because of her free spirit. Flora knows who she is, what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it.

Don’t let her outward confidence fool you. She has her own demons. Unfortunately, fairy tale love has never existed for her, that is until she meets Jensen, who, by the way, hates racing.

Well, let’s say Jensen puts on that he hates racing and for a good reason. However, a passion for racing lives within him. All he needs is for Flora to help him overcome his fears and embrace the world of racing again.

You can imagine how well Flora and Jensen hit it off when they first meet. Her enthusiasm for racing clashes with his fear and hatred of the sport.

Abbey takes Flora and Jensen on an adventure packed love journey as they race together. One of the most nerve-wracking scenes is when they race up a mountain. The road is gravel and predominantly one car width wide. They experience heart-pounding moments as they cling to the edge of the mountain during their drive to the top.

Jensen is a kind, quiet man, but his desire to protect the ones he loves makes him a man to be reckoned with. This, of course, causes tension between him and Flora. However, his gentle touch will have you swooning. Jensen knows how to love and cherish the woman of his dreams.

One of the most inspirational moments in this book comes when they go head-to-head with their racing nemesis. I cannot say much, as I do not want to give anything away. However, the sacrifice they make reminds of how Jesus left His thrown in Heaven to save us. Readers will not only enjoy but also be inspired by this incredible story of redemption and reconciliation.

Here are a few of my favorite lines.

“You can’t keep anything bad from happening to us by will alone. No one can control what happens during a race. And not one of us is invincible.”

He nearly lost his composure right there, the longing to pull her into his arms almost more than he could resist.

“Who hurt you Flora? Who did something wrong toward you?”

And he was impulsively kissing a woman he was coming to care far too much about.

He must have read the question on her face because he leaned closer as he walked her to her side of the car. “Yes, I dreamed about that kiss all night. About you. Every night since.”

Everything he’d done in his life had revolved around self-preservation. He’d doubted that he could trust God with his life. And where had that gotten him?

The sentiment “absence makes the heart grow fonder” was all too true. He’d missed her. He’d thought of her every waking moment and dreamed of her at night. It had been madness.

“God is the only one who can control anything, anyway. There’s nothing but freedom in loving a good man like you.”

LiteraryScape gives An Uncertain Road 3 out of 3 lassos, as we are sure it will have you hooked and hog-tied from beginning to end!

I gave the following ratings to each of the elements below.

Romance – Espresso to Mocha

Suspense – Mocha

Action – Mocha

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Espresso

Inspiration – Mocha

(Rating Scale: Espresso = an expression, Mocha = medium amount, Latte = a lot)

Abbey is off to the races with her newest book An Uncertain Road. Be sure to pre-order your copy today!

In this episode of the Literary Scape podcast, host Melissa interviews author Robin Lee Hatcher about her Boulder Creek romance series and her writing career. Robin shares her hope for readers to be entertained and inspired by her books and discusses her favorite characters and scenes in the series. She also hints at the possibility of future books in the series. Robin then talks about her upcoming books, including a historical series called The British Are Coming and a biblical novel for Guidepost.

Connect with Robin further by visiting her website and signing up for her newsletter.

https://robinleehatcher.com/newsletter-sign-up/

In this episode, Jamie and Melissa discuss All She Ever Dreamed by Robin Lee Hatcher. This is the second book in her Boulder Creek Romance series.

This is a fiancé switch-a-roo love story. When we first meet Sarah, she is engaged to Warren. His older brother, Jeremiah, comes home and Sara soon finds she is engaged to the wrong brother.

Sarah’s family provides a strong moral compass throughout this story. They are a tight-knit family that shows God’s grace, love, and kindness to those around them.

Jeremiah and Sarah’s love story is sweet and endearing. However, they both must prove their courage in order to pursue each other. One of our favorite moments in the story is Jeremiah’s aha moment. It is when he finally releases Sarah’s safety to God and fully trusts God to protect her. Trust is a theme throughout the story, and we enjoyed how Robin wove this in for her readers.

We gave the following ratings for each of the elements below.

We gave the following ratings to each of the elements below.

Romance – Espresso

Suspense – Espresso

Action – Espresso

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Mocha

Inspiration – Mocha

(Rating Scale: Espresso = an expression, Mocha = medium amount, Latte = a lot)

LiteraryScape gives All She Ever Dreamed by Robin Lee Hatcher 2.5 lassos. This love story will have you hooked from beginning to end.

(Rating Scale: 1 Lasso = a throw and a miss, 2 Lassos = hooked, 3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied)

In this episode Jamie and Melissa discuss Even Forever by Robin Lee Hatcher. This is the first book in her Boulder Creek Romance series.

Let’s start off by just saying Rosalie comes from a very dysfunctional family. She seems to be the only normal one and the one with a relationship with Christ. Her father returns home from prison and brings a cell mate with him who is creepy. Rosalie’s brother is the town drunk and steals from Rosalie and their mother. Both her father and brother abuse her. Then her mother showers Rosalie’s brother with affection while dismissing Rosalie. Who, by the way, is the only one who helps provide for the family. It is a bit of a mess in their household.

Then our hero comes in renting a room in Rosalie’s mother’s boarding house. Michael’s family has a small degree of dysfunction, but they definitely get along better than Rosalie’s family. He thrust into Rosalie’s family issues and just when he tries to walk away, he’s forced to marry her.

Their love grows throughout the story as they face many trials together. This is truly a damsel in distress story as Michael rescues Rosalie more than once from her dark and dismal future.

We love the way Michael and Rosalie’s story mirrors that of our relationship with Jesus. We are the damsels in distress and Jesus comes to our rescue over and over again. Lauren Daigle’s song Rescue captures this relationship well.

We gave the following ratings to each of the elements below.

Romance – Espresso

Suspense – Mocha

Action – Mocha

Mystery – Espresso

Drama – Latte

Inspiration – Mocha

(Rating Scale: Espresso = an expression, Mocha = medium amount, Latte = a lot)

LiteraryScape gives Even Forever by Robin Lee Hatcher 2.5 lassos. This love story will have you hooked from beginning to end.

(Rating Scale: 1 Lasso = a throw and a miss, 2 Lassos = hooked, 3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied)

In this episode, Tiffanie, Jamie and Melissa reveal the 2024 reading list, along with their predictions on which books and series will be their favorite.

We are so excited to share with our listeners and fellow readers that we will feature two series outside the historical Christian romance genre this year. And that genre is . . . Contemporary Christian suspense romance!

Yes, we are breaking the mold a bit to include historical Christian romance’s cousin, Contemporary Christian suspense romance. This actually comes at the request of one of our book club members . . . Jessica.

We hope that enjoy this addition. Below you will find our reading list and inside the podcast episode you will discover which books we predict will be our favorites in 2024.

LiteraryScape’s 2024 Book Club Reading List

January: Boulder Creek Romance by Robin Lee Hatcher

·      Even Forever

·      All She Ever Dreamed

February: Carnton Series by Tamera Alexander

·      Christmas at Carnton

·      With This Pledge

·      Colors of Truth

·      Title TBD – Third and final book in the series.

March: Dive Team Investigations by Lynn H. Blackburn

·      Beneath the Surface

·      In Too Deep

·      One Final Breath

April: Daughtry House by Beth White

·      A Rebel Heart

·      Reluctant Belle

·      A Reckless Love

May: The Town of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

·      The Sheriffs of Savage Wells

·      Healing Hearts

·      Wyoming Wilde

July: Sunrise at Normandy by Sarah Sundin

·      The Sea Before Us

·      The Sky Above Us

·      The Land Beneath Us

August: Heart of San Francisco by Julie Lessman

·      Love at Any Cost

·      Dare to Love Again

·      Surprised by Love

·      Grace Like Rain

September: Triumph Over Adversity by Lynn Shannon

·      Calculated Risk

·      Critical Error

·      Necessary Peril

·      Strategic Plan

·      Covert Mission

·      Tactical Force

October: Wyoming Sunrise by Mary Connealy

·      Forged in Love

·      The Laws of Attraction

·      Marshaling Her Heart

November: Various Christmas Novellas 

·      Christmas Danger by Lynn Shannon

·      A Whisper of Hope by Julie Lessman

·      Christmas Threat by Lynn Shannon

·      Where Treetops Glisten: I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin

·      A Christmas Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

·      The Best Gift of All by Julie Lessman