Janice Thompson's Blog
November 12, 2015
Hang on for the Ride (A Guest Post by Crystal L. Barnes)
Click to Pre-Order Win, Love, or Draw
“Why did this have to happen now? I knew I should’ve waited until next week to come to town for supplies.” Catherine set her fists on her hips and kicked a clod of dirt rather than the separated wagon wheel she longed to vent her frustrations on. No sense in making a bad situation worse.
“Mama, someone’s comin’.”
Her hands dropped from her hips. “What?”
Benin pointed back up the road.
A familiar paint cantered toward her with a rancher on board. Joe Matthews. Well, good. At least she wouldn’t have to figure out how to fix this on her own.
A second horse, a buckskin, came alongside the first, a broad-shouldered man in a black duster on board, riding tall in the saddle.
Her pulse quickened. “Breathe, Catherine, just breathe. That might not even be him.” But even as she tried to convince herself otherwise, she had no doubt who rode the second horse. Only one man ever sat a saddle like that. What should she do? Call out a greeting? Pretend she didn’t recognize him? Grab her son and run for the hills? That last one held merit. Then the general couldn’t hurt them. Her boots, however, had other ideas. They wouldn’t budge.
— Excerpt from Win, Love, or Draw
Howdy y’all! Crystal L Barnes here, and I’m super excited to announce that as of Saturday, November 14th, 2015 (a day that shall go down in my tally books, feel free to mark yours too) my first full-length novel Win, Love, or Draw is available for readers everywhere. This inspirational western romance is about…oh, but don’t let me tell you. Here’s what Janice Thompson said about this action-packed tale.
“Love lost, love regained, forgiveness, regrets, second chances…these are all themes in Win, Love, or Draw, a solid debut novel from Texas native Crystal Barnes. Throw in a few villains, heroes, and even a feisty gun-totin’ female, and you’ve got the perfect setup for a heart-pounding adventure balanced with beautifully timed moments of comedic relief. This delightful historical offers readers an exciting read and more than enough romantic tension to keep ’em hangin’ on for the ride. Highly recommended!”
—Janice Thompson, author of Mismatched in Texas
Want to join in the celebration (and maybe win a goodie or two)? Monday, November 16th, 2015 at 7pm Central, I’m hosting a party on Facebook. Click here to be included in the festivities.
Don’t want to wait to read Catherine and Sam’s story? Order your copy today. Here’s a little more about Win, Love, or Draw Blurb:
Click to Pre-Order
Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.
Now he’s back.
Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.
Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?
Crystal L Barnes is an award-winning author, who also happens to be a born-n-raised Texan and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She has a degree in Computing Science because she loves putting things into their proper place, and she enjoys writing because she gets to share her love of old-fashioned things and the Lord. When she’s not writing or reading, Crystal enjoys knitting, sewing, or crocheting while watching old movies/sitcoms. I Love Lucy is one of her favorites. You can connect with Crystal here at her website, on her blog, her Amazon Author page, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+, or on her Facebook author page. Want to be notified of her latest releases and other fun tidbits? Subscribe to her newsletter.
October 28, 2015
.99 Books
The following books have been discounted on #kindle. They’re all selling for .99, except Picture Perfect, which is a #kindlefreebie!
ROMANCE
MYSTERY
WOMEN’S FICTION
CHILDREN’S
Zaney Muldaney: On the Road to Kingdom Come
Zaney Muldaney: Farther Along the Road
NON-FICTION
SHORT STORIES
Home for the Holidays (Christmas short stories)
COLLECTIONS WITH OTHER AUTHORS
My FREE books:
October 26, 2015
An Interview with Vickie Phelps
Friends, I’m so excited to share this sweet interview with my writing buddy, Vickie Phelps. She’s celebrating the release of a new book. Let’s all join in the fun!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a native Texan who has never had a desire to live anywhere else. I love books and spent eighteen years working in bookselling. I live with my husband and one very spoiled schnauzer.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing for publication in the 80s. I sold my first short magazine piece in 1989.
What do you enjoy most about writing?
The chance to express my thoughts through words that will touch others where they live. Writing is hard work, but when someone tells you that your story or article met a need in their life, it’s all worth it.
Do you have a set schedule for writing?
I do my best to show up at my desk every morning at least five days a week. I don’t have a certain word count to meet each day, but I do write and revise or work on marketing for at least three to four hours.
Tell us about your novel, Postmark from the Past.
It’s the story of Emily Patterson, a thirty-nine-year old single woman who is doesn’t believe in miracles. It’s the Christmas season and she’s lonely. But then a strange envelope shows up in her mailbox. She thinks it’s just her first Christmas card of the season, but it’s much more than that. A man named Mark expresses his love for her. The only problem is that she doesn’t know who Mark is. And the envelope has no return address. From that point on, life as Emily knows it is changed forever.
Where can readers find your novel?
Postmark from the Past is available at www.crossrivermedia.com, www.amazon.com/author/vickiephelps, or can be ordered from your favorite bookstore.
Are you working on a new book?
I’m in the process of revising another novel. I also hope to turn the Postmark story into a series.
Bio
Vickie Phelps writes fiction and nonfiction to encourage, inspire, and influence. She has published 200 articles in both regional and national magazines. Vickie is the author of five gift books with Barbour Publishing and co-author with Jo Huddleston of How to Write for the Christian Marketplace and Simply Christmas. Her newest book is the novel, Postmark from the Past.
Visit http://www.vickiephelps.com to learn more about Vickie as an author, writer, and booklover. You can also connect with her on social media at www.facebook.com/VickieSPhelps, on Twitter at www.twitter@VickieSPhelps, www.linkedin.com/in/VickieSPhelps and www.pinterest.com/Vicphel.
October 8, 2015
Free. . .and Nearly Free!
Happy October, friends. Just stopping by to let you know that I have a ton of books free on kindle today. Here’s the list:
Matchmaker, Matchmaker (two matchmaker stories)
Picture Perfect
The Wedding Caper
Don’t Rock the Boat
Also, several of my boxed sets that ordinarily sell for 4.99 are temporarily selling (for one week) for .99. That’s a $4 savings. Those books include:
Red, White and Blue Weddings
The Happy Homeschooler
Bridal Mayhem Mysteries (4-6)
On top of all of that, if you join me in my Dream Team you can get one free book per week (either .mobi or .pdf, your choice). This week I’m featuring Salt Water Taffie. . .absolutely free.
Lots of good things stirring. Enjoy!
September 14, 2015
Sold Out! (An Interview With Carla McDougal)
Friends, I want to introduce you to an amazing friend and sold out woman of God, Carla McDougal. I’ve known her for years and can’t say enough about her ministry to women.
Enjoy this interview with Carla about her latest book, SOLD OUT Live for Jesus.
Where did you get the idea for your new book, SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?
Carla McDougal––In October of 2014, Philippians 1:21 lingered in my heart, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” I couldn’t get it off my mind. Over and over I asked God, “What does it mean to live is Christ, to die is gain?” In the stillness, I heard, “Live sold out to Me. Let every action, thought, and conversation reflect an attitude that says, “I’m sold out to Jesus.” Suddenly, the cover of the book popped into my head. A woman with a sign covering her face that reads, “SOLD OUT Live for Jesus.” A message embedded deeper still, “It’s not about me, but all about Jesus.” Without a doubt, God embedded in my heart, “This is your new writing project!” I praise God for the unique ways He works, for it’s all about Him.
What inspired you to write SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?
Carla McDougal––At age 40, I heard a phrase that rocked my world. Changed my perspective. Moved me to tears. These nine words opened my eyes to view God’s purpose for me in a whole new way… “Life is not about me, but all about Him.” Under the umbrella of God’s Word, my focus changed from what I can do for Jesus to surrendering it all to Him. Over the past 12 years, God has used this statement to shape and mold my writing. The front cover of SOLD OUT is symbolic of what I want my life to be. Just like the sign covers the woman’s face, I desire for others to see Jesus working in my life. SOLD OUT focuses on living out God’s Truths in every conversation, action, and thought.
Is SOLD OUT Live for Jesus a devotional or an individual read? Can it be used as a Bible study for groups or individuals?
Carla McDougal––SOLD OUT Live for Jesus is unique because it serves as a devotional and Bible study in one. This format caters to those craving to dive deep into God’s Word and is just right for those without much time on their hands. SOLD OUT is designed both for group studies as well as an individual read. Either way, the reader will be molded to look more like Jesus by the end of the book. I am in the process of writing the SOLD OUT Leader’s Guide, which will aide the leader in facilitating an in-depth group study. The guide scheduled to release January 2016 as a free PDF download from the Reflective Life Ministries website which is www.reflectivelifeministries.org.
God desires for us to live each day with purpose. From the moment we
wake up, God waits for us to connect with Him. His voice calls, but do we listen? SOLD
OUT encourages readers to find purpose in life by drawing nearer to Jesus in real and
practical ways. The heartfelt messages and analogies bring laughter, tears and
understanding to God’s Word. Be inspired to live in victory and sold out to Jesus
through your thoughts, words, and actions. SOLD OUT not only nourishes the soul but
also ignites a purpose for living!
Share with us your favorite entry from SOLD OUT Live for Jesus.
Carla McDougal––Wow, this is a tough question. But, the entry PRAY 911,
from Chapter 1, pops into my mind. In the midst of an oppressive time, or should I say
a spiritual attack from the enemy, I was scheduled to speak at a women’s retreat. The oppression was so heavy and burdensome. Doubt plagued my mind. The morning of the event, I was sitting in my prayer chair and opened my Bible to Psalm 91. The first verse seemed to jump off the page, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Peace washed over me. God’s Word strengthened me for the event that evening. The next day I shared my experience with a close friend who said, “Next time text me to pray for you.” Her words continued to linger in my heart and mind. Later in the day, I read Psalm 91:1 again, and this is what I saw––911. My heart pounded with excitement! Immediately, I decided when oppression comes my way I will text PRAY 911 to my prayer team. I jumped up and started praising God. A smile emerges when I think of how God used this real life situation to teach me His
spiritual life lesson.
Besides SOLD OUT Live for Jesus, have you written any other books?
Carla McDougal––SOLD OUT is my 3rd book. The 1st book I wrote is a 10-week Bible study called Reflecting Him. Like Jesus’ parables, Reflecting Him uses familiar objects to identify the connection between our physical and spiritual lives. God wants to be part of everything we do, and this study is designed to help you become aware of His life lessons twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. My 2nd book is called My Prayer Chair, which focuses on encouraging the reader to engage in ongoing conversations with God – 24/7. My grandmamma is the inspiration behind My Prayer Chair. Her love, trust, and ongoing communication with Jesus played an important role in molding my prayer life. My Prayer Chair won multiple awards in 2013 and is now available in Spanish and as an audiobook through Audible, ITunes, and the RLM website, www.reflectivelifeministries.org/shop. All of my books are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lifeway, and other online bookstores.
Just for fun… How do you deal with writer’s block?
Carla McDougal––
Prayer. Waiting. Listening. For me, prayer is the key to writer’s block.
Communicating with God opens the door to the waiting room. In the stillness, I listen
and anticipate His voice behind me saying, Whether you turn to the right or the left, your
ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:20
Thanks for visiting, Carla! Friends, why not head over to her website to learn more about Carla’s great book?
August 30, 2015
Linking Arms with Other Authors
Oh, how I love my writing buddies. They mentor, encourage, uplift, train and pray. Lately I’ve linked arms with several of them, putting together collections on Amazon for really, really low prices. We do this to introduce our readers to other authors, (of course) and to support one another. If you haven’t done so already, please check out these multi-author collections below.
Something for everyone! This deal cannot be beat. Ten stories, across genres.
From page-turning cozy mysteries, sigh-worthy contemporary romance, and wholesome historical romance, readers are bound to find something to curl up in this multi-author collection. Grab your favorite drink, sit in your most comfortable chair, and escape in a great story.
Five authors, five inspirational cozy mysteries at one low price!
Four stories, four authors, four chance encounters.
Grab a glass of sweet tea and meander down to the edge of the Texas coast to meet three of the South’s most unlikely brides. Loaded with southern hospitality and charm, Texas Sweethearts will leave hankerin’ for fried catfish, pecan pie, and a fishing pole. It will also make you want to snuggle up close to the southern gentleman of your dreams. (Previously published as Sugar and Grits and Biloxi Brides.)
A Christmas story for every taste from clean to Christian, from short to full length, from historical to contemporary, you’re bound to find a story to suit your taste. Come celebrate the season with us and have your heart touched by romance.
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Enjoy seven cozy mysteries from seven great authors for one low price!
A Time to Laugh (Romance Collection)
Get set for five lighthearted adventures in romance from three leading authors. Lois rebounds into the arms of a clown. Shy Tabby takes a ventriloquism class. Distrustful Shannon has a secret admirer. Carolyn is pursued by man who is opposite of her dreams. Tangie puts a Broadway career on hold. Enjoy a few laughs as the brokenhearted learn that a little bit of playful romance can turn life’s disappointments around.
August 24, 2015
Free to Good Home!
No, I’m not giving away kittens. Or puppies. (Though, my mischievous dachshund, Copper, has me rethinking that possibility.) This week I have a special offering, one I couldn’t wait to tell you about. Salt Water Taffie, (book one in the Boardwalk Brides series) is absolutely free! Yep, free! And, unlike a kitten or puppy, you don’t have to feed it. You just have to download it, read it, smile and sigh.
Here’s a little blurb about the book: Taffie Carini enjoys working in her family’s candy store on the Atlantic City boardwalk. But when her parents begin planning their retirement, Taffie’s not sure she has the moxie or the know-how to manage Carini’s Confections on her own. When repairman Ryan Antonelli makes a service call at Carini’s, he’s irresistibly drawn to more than just the candy. Although his marketing degree has hardly prepared him to fix a taffy-making machine, Ryan will do anything to help Taffie, with the hopes of winning her heart. When a business mogul wants to buy Carini’s property to build a new casino, Taffie’s family’s future is threatened. Can Ryan help Taffie save Carini’s Confections? Will they find sweet love together in the process?
Hurry on over to get your free copy of Salt Water Taffie. And, if you feel inclined, please share the following on your Facebook page so that others can enjoy it, too!
PLEASE SHARE: Free on Kindle from Christian author, Janice Thompson: Salt Water Taffie, book one in the Boardwalk Brides series. Enjoy this “sweet” love story about a girl whose family owns a candy shop on the Atlantic City boardwalk. http://amzn.to/1Jg8JSR
By the way, if you enjoy Taffie’s story, you’re sure to love the other two books in the series, which are reasonably priced on kindle. Book two (Cotton Candy Clouds) is sister Candy’s story. Book three (Sweet Harmony) is youngest sister Tangie’s comedic tale. If you prefer to read all three at once, you’ll find them in the Boardwalk Brides boxed set.
Thanks again. Now, go hug your puppies and kittens and give them a kiss from me. That’s an order!
August 22, 2015
A Month of Firsts: Chapter Twenty-Two
Howdy, friends! For the month of September I’m going to be sharing chapter openings from my book Every Bride Needs a Groom. Enjoy this opening from Chapter Three.
Every Bride Needs a Groom
CHAPTER THREE (sample)
I made it through the meal without overeating, something that rarely happened at Sam’s. My thoughts were elsewhere this evening, firmly fixed on the essay I needed to write when I arrived home. My distraction must’ve raised a red flag with family members. Several times Mama glanced my way as if to ask, “What’s up with you, girl?” I just smiled and opened my bridal magazine, scouring the pictures of dress designs. Oh, the dreaming a girl could do with so many options at her disposal!
About halfway into the dessert round, Jasper tossed a chunk at bread at me. It hit me on the forehead. “You okay over there, Katie?”
I picked up the piece of bread and popped it into my mouth. “Hmm?”
“Readin’ that magazine again?” Dewey rolled his eyes.
“Mm-hmm.” I didn’t look up for long because a shabby chic gown on page sixty-seven had caught my eye. Lovely. I could almost picture myself wearing something similar on my wedding day. Simple. Small-town. Country-ish, even. Add a nice pair of cowgirl boots and the ensemble would be complete. If I opted to go that route, anyway. I’d have to ask Casey’s opinion on the whole shabby chic thing. He might not be keen on it.
Thanks for reading! To enjoy the whole book, follow this link to Every Bride Needs a Groom.
August 21, 2015
A Month of Firsts: Chapter Twenty-One
Howdy, friends! For the month of September I’m going to be sharing chapter openings from my book Every Bride Needs a Groom. Enjoy this opening from Chapter Three.
Every Bride Needs a Groom
CHAPTER THREE (sample)
I made it through the meal without overeating, something that rarely happened at Sam’s. My thoughts were elsewhere this evening, firmly fixed on the essay I needed to write when I arrived home. My distraction must’ve raised a red flag with family members. Several times Mama glanced my way as if to ask, “What’s up with you, girl?” I just smiled and opened my bridal magazine, scouring the pictures of dress designs. Oh, the dreaming a girl could do with so many options at her disposal!
About halfway into the dessert round, Jasper tossed a chunk at bread at me. It hit me on the forehead. “You okay over there, Katie?”
I picked up the piece of bread and popped it into my mouth. “Hmm?”
“Readin’ that magazine again?” Dewey rolled his eyes.
“Mm-hmm.” I didn’t look up for long because a shabby chic gown on page sixty-seven had caught my eye. Lovely. I could almost picture myself wearing something similar on my wedding day. Simple. Small-town. Country-ish, even. Add a nice pair of cowgirl boots and the ensemble would be complete. If I opted to go that route, anyway. I’d have to ask Casey’s opinion on the whole shabby chic thing. He might not be keen on it.
Thanks for reading! To enjoy the whole book, follow this link to Every Bride Needs a Groom.
August 17, 2015
Well? What DOES She Need?
Every Bride Needs a Groom
What does every bride need? Why, a groom, of course! Oh, and a dress. And the perfect shoes. And a venue. And a great cake. And bridesmaids. And groomsmen. And on and on and on! Truth is, every bride needs a lot of things on or before her big day. Most of all, she needs a fella who will love and cherish her, no matter what.
I gave this “What does a bride need?” question a lot of thought when my book, Every Bride Needs a Groom, (the kick-off story in a new series, Brides with Style) released a couple of months back.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn’t managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town–the very same day Katie wins her dream dress–her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop–yeah, you read that right–catch on to her humiliation if she does?
