Blog Hiatus

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to check in. 

I know my most recent posts have been sporadic in nature. Just to let you know, I haven't abandoned my blog. It's been a busy couple of months around here, and I needed to take a hiatus from my blogging. 

I'm mainly taking the break to work on a few writing projects that I plan to have completed before the summer rolls around. I work full time, which means my family time and writing time is limited and precious. It's all part of a writer's life. 

I sure hope spring shows up soon! In the meantime, I'm taking full advantage of the harsh winter we're experiencing. Here in the Great Lakes region, it's been so cold and snowy...cold and snowy, which means there is a lot of writing going on. I am so ready for some warm weather.

I do have something to ask of you. My agent, Mary Sue Seymour is facing a difficult health challenge. Please keep her in your prayers and send some good thoughts her way. Thank you!

See ya soon!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree



Loree Huebner
Writing with one foot in the past...
On Twitter @LoreeHuebner
On Instagram @lunapickles

www.facebook.com/LoreeHuebnerAuthor

Needing Advice and We Have A Winner...

Happy Monday Everyone!

This week, I will be heading to Indianapolis for the ACFW Conference. I'm excited and nervous all in the same turn. This is my first ACFW conference. I'm prepared - business cards, one sheets, proposals, sample chapters, etc.

I will be pitching my work to editors. Yep, my first time doing that too.

One thing that I'm really looking forward to is meeting Mary Sue Seymour. I'm thrilled to finally meet her in person after nearly two years of connecting mainly online through emails. She is a real gem, and this is one meeting I'm over the moon about.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Have you been to a big writer's conference? Care to share your experience? Have you been to the ACFW Conference? If so, do you have any advice for a first-timer? Any good pitching advice? 

I would love to hear from you!

AND NOW, DRAWN AT RANDOM, THE WINNER OF MELISSA TAGG'S DEBUT NOVEL, MADE TO LAST, IS....

JASMINE A!!!!

Congrats, Jasmine!
I will be getting a hold of you for your address, so Melissa can send you the book.

Have a great week!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

8 


Psalm 32: 8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.


Coming in October - Look for guest posts by Author, Brandi Boddie on Monday, October 7th

and

Author, Wendy Paine Miller on Monday, October 28th.

The Seymour Agency Blog Hop - THE CALL

Welcome to THE CALL Blog Hop!

Welcome here if you are a regular reader, visitor, or a new friend!

The Seymour Agency authors will be sharing their "call" experiences - when they got THE CALL from their literary agent!
(Which in this case is Mary Sue Seymour, Nicole Resciniti, or Marisa Cleveland.)

Participating authors will post on their blogs 
Mon Jan 7th, Wed Jan 9th, & Fri Jan 11th - Me, I'm doing just one post for all week - this one will stay up.

There may even be some GIVEAWAYS!!! - Yes, I'm doing a giveaway for one lucky commenter for the week! I'm giving away a $25 Starbucks gift card, and a special little something from me. The winner will be drawn at random on Sunday, January 13, 2013, at 9pm CDT and posted on next Monday's post. You can leave an email address to make it easier to find you, if you wish. If you have trouble leaving a comment with Blogger blogs, you can leave your comment on my
Facebook Author Page  
https://www.facebook.com/LoreeHuebnerAuthor


We've got a potpourri of talented authors. For a complete list of the participating Seymour Agency authors and their blogs, visit The Seymour Agency's, Promotion Manager, Tonya Kuper's blog. 

Press here to warp to Tonya Kuper's blog!

This is my first blog hop. I admit it, I'm a little bit excited and nervous. You see, I'm part of a wonderful and unique group - The Seymour Agency. 

When the topic of the blog hop came up on our loop, I went back into my archives to read the post that I posted about getting agent representation. I hadn't read it since it was posted on January 16, 2012. Reading the post, I relived the moment and shed a tear of joy. I was also surprised to find that it has been exactly one year to the day (today - January 7th) that the well-respected Mary Sue Seymour offered me representation. She understood the heart of my story. I couldn't have asked for more. I've learned so much in the past year! 

Remembering my "call" was invigorating for me. I felt renewed and reborn in my career as a writer. I have been so busy recently that I haven't really looked back at just how far I have come. I've been just trudging forward, eyes fixed ahead. I think it's important for writers to go back and take a look at the milestones (large or small) we've crossed on our writing journey. These victories prepare us for the goal - PUBLICATION of our work.

One thing I love to read is exciting news. I love to read writer's stories of victories, the biddy and the big - a publication in a magazine, a sagging plot fixed, or finally typing THE END. I cheer and applaud when I hear about a request for a full manuscript, the call from an agent, a contract from a publisher, an email from an editor! I rejoice with my fellow writers when I read good news.

Those who have had "the call" know that it's different for each of us, but ultimately it's the fact that someone else loves our work. It's humbling. I would love it if any of you would share something inspirational, unusual, or humorous about your "call". 

Those who are still waiting for "the call" - don't give up! It took me nearly 10 years of learning the craft - finding my voice - writing historical novel after historical novel - on a part time basis - not to mention the time taken for revisions, editing, and more revisions - for that phone to ring. Know that call is coming your way, most likely when you least expect it, maybe even right around the corner. Keep learning the craft, sharpening your skills, and most of all, love what you are writing. That call will come when the time is right. I would love to hear what you are doing to get closer to that "call". What inspires you? 

And now, the call...my call...as posted by me on January 16, 2012

Representation...

It’s been a long road on this writing journey, and I can finally say—I have an agent!

It all started last October when I began to query my project. I had a feeling about this book. I had taken the novel out, dusted it off, and polished it up. Right away, I got a request for a partial. Within a few weeks, I got a note from the agent suggesting a few revisions to the beginning. She said that once the revisions were completed, she would like to see the full manuscript. I made the requested changes and sent the full manuscript off the week before Thanksgiving.

I didn’t hear a peep until Friday, January 6th, when I received an email from the agent advising me that the book was up for a final read. Final read?

This was it. It was in her hands.

Late Saturday (the next day) afternoon, just as I was getting ready to leave for work—I got the call.

Now, I’ve heard about these calls, and I’ve read plenty of blog posts on getting the call. I believe every aspiring author has dreamed of and rehearsed that call over and over. I had. I’ve got to say, it’s everything and nothing like I thought it would be!

I was downing a cup of coffee when the phone rang. Eric and I looked at each other. I walked over to the phone. When I saw SEYMOUR on the caller ID, I smiled. I may have squealed.

Mary Sue Seymour was calling me!

I have to admit, I didn’t hear much after—“I’m printing up a contract now.”

Somehow, I managed to ask her—“What did you think of the book?”

Now I knew to listen here, and she didn’t disappoint. She liked it a lot! She sounded very excited about it. She told me personally that “I like your story telling/characterizations a whole lot! You are a very gifted author.” Mary Sue was fun, a real joyful spirit, and genuinely thrilled for me as she shared in my happiness…I heard it in her voice.

After the call, Eric had to drive me to work. He knew I wouldn’t be able to drive safely. I called my kids.

A whole new path is in front of me—I proudly signed a contract with the Seymour Agency last Wednesday. I’ve crossed a huge milestone on my writing journey. I know the road ahead will not always be easy, but I’m ready, and I have an awesome agent by my side.

With the contract, Mary Sue sent me a card with my favorite Proverb on it:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Well, there it is, the story of when I got "the call" from Mary Sue. 

I would like to add one thing that I didn't expect when I signed on with the agency. I didn't know that I would become part of a wonderful "family" of super agents and talented authors. We all write different genres, but we are a family, we support one another. I love my Seymour Sibs! Hop on over and meet a few as they share their "call". 

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

The winner of last week's drawing of Amy Lillard's debut novel Saving Gideon and a $15 Starbucks gift card is: Cheri S! Congrats Cheri! I will be getting in touch with you later this week for your address.

Loree Huebner
Writing with one foot in the past...
On Twitter @LoreeHuebner
https://www.facebook.com/LoreeHuebnerAuthor

Saving Gideon Giveaway and Guest Post by Author Amy Lillard

Welcome everyone! This week I want to introduce you to ultra-talented author of Amish Romance, and another of my Seymour Agency sisters, Amy Lillard! Amy's debut novel is titled Saving Gideon. Like me, Amy is repped by the awesome Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency. Now grab a cup of your favorite whatever, or a munch, and settle in. We're also doing a giveaway!

Author, Amy Lillard

Doesn't Amy have the prettiest blue eyes?

I going to ask Amy a few questions, so we get to know her better, then Amy has an insightful post for us.

But first:

THE GIVEAWAY - Amy has generously offered to give away a copy of Saving Gideon, and I'm throwing in a Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is answer Amy's question at the end of the post in the comment section, or my New Years question at the end of the blog post. For those who have trouble commenting on Blogger, leave your answer on my Facebook Author Page. The winner of Amy's book and the gift card will be drawn at random next Sunday, January 6, 2012, at 9pm CDT, and announced on next week’s blog post.

Introducing: 

~ Saving Gideon ~

Gideon Fisher wants only one thing out of life— to be left alone.  This is not the Amish way, but he’s devastated after the death of his wife.  He has lost his faith.  He buys a farm on the outskirts of the district and pulls away from his community.  But when a freak spring snowstorm brings a beautiful Englisher to his farm, what choice does he have but to let her in?

Dallas socialite, Avery Ann Hamilton is intrigued by the Amish farmer who pulls her out of the snow and into his austere life style.    Poor little rich girl, Avery has just gone through—–yet another—–bad breakup.  Every man she meets only wants her for her father’s money.  All she has ever wanted is to be loved for herself.  Avery soon discovers that the Oklahoma Amish country is the perfect place to hide out and heal her broken heart.

But she finds a peace in those back roads that she’s never felt before.  Now her life has purpose and meaning as she connects with God and those around her.  But it has even more as she begins to care for this man who needs both love and forgiveness.

Gideon never wanted to live again much less fall in love, but Avery finds her way into his heart, showing him the beauty of life and God’s greatness.  But as the feelings between Avery and Gideon grow, can they overcome their dissimilar lifestyles or will their sheer differences pull them apart?

available October 1, 2012

Welcome Amy! So glad you stopped in for a visit!

Thanks Loree! Glad to be here.

So Amy, how long have you been writing? Is this your first novel?

I guess you could say that I've been writing my whole life. I remember making up stories as early as the first grade. But when I got an A on a descriptive paragraph in junior high, I was hooked. I have been writing seriously for about twenty years (it almost hurts to  say that). Like every author, I suffered set backs and rejections before finding where I really belonged in the literary world.

What is the inspiration behind the book?

I have always wanted to write a story with a tortured hero, a man who loved a woman so deeply that after her death he finds it nearly impossible to put one foot in front of the other and live. Only Gideon's faith keeps him going though he feels that it's gone as well.That's where the story started. After I had Gideon developed, I had to find a heroine spunky enough to bring him out of his own world and make him start living again. 

Is there a sequel or series planned?

There is a series. Katie's Choice, the second in the Clover Ridge series is scheduled to release May 1 of 2013. Katie Rose Fisher is Gideon's sister.

They say that there is a bit of each of us in all of our characters. Which character in the book is most like you, and why?

Most like me...hmmm. I suppose, Mary Elizabeth, Gideon's niece. She's a little chubby, a little chatty and loves animals. We have those things in common, but it's Rachel Yoder, the heroine of Gabriel's Bride (working title) who's most like me. Unfortunately you'll have to wait until February of 2014 before you'll get to meet her.

What do you read for enjoyment, Amy?

Actually I read all sorts of books. Though my favorites are contemporary romance novels. I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Elizabeth Beverly and Susan Andersen. That's not to say that my mom and my sisters can't talk me into reading a women's fiction or chicklit. And of course I read Amish fiction and have a few favorite authors in the Love Inspired line from Harlequin.

Now please welcome Author, Amy Lillard, as she gives us a glimpse into her writing, Amish fiction, and Saving Gideon!

 What to Do When Your Muse Is Fixed to a Different Setting

by Amy Lillard

I have to admit that I didn’t start out writing Amish fiction. The initial idea was something of a surprise. Write an Amish book? At first, I thought the notion to be crazy, but the more I mulled it over, the more appealing it became.

Saving Gideon is a first for me in many ways. It’s my first Amish book, my first published book, and the first book that I didn’t rely exclusively on my muse to develop.

See, all authors have what we call a muse. It’s that little voice that whispers in our heads and hearts and says things like “What if…?” and “why don’t you…?”

Now my normal muse talks to me about different things than Amish fiction. I don’t live in the Amish community and see them every day to fill my thoughts with “Amish what ifs.” So she needed a bit of prodding to help me get together not only one idea, but three.

The idea started with Gideon. I had his name before I had anything else. If I was going to write an Amish book, I wanted my hero’s name to be Gideon. And I wanted him to be a loner, which is unusual for the Amish. So I made him a widower, grieving and on his last leg (spiritually speaking). Gideon has hidden himself away from the community and everyone who loves him.

Gideon with all of his hurts and scars needed to have a heroine who could stand up to him and help him—after all, the title is Saving Gideon. But everything I knew about the Amish had me deciding that Gideon’s one true love had to be English (non-Amish as they call them). An Amish woman would not stand up to an Amish man the way Avery does Gideon. A Plain woman would not push him back into life, ignoring his protests and somehow bringing him into the sun again.

Gideon isn’t the only one who makes life changes. I had some surprises in store from my never-wanted-for-anything-in-her-life heroine—God. For as she pulls Gideon back into his community, she also finds out for herself how wonderful God’s love can be. A hole that she has ignored her entire life is finally filled and all thanks to Gideon.

But no good romance is the same without sacrifice. In order for an Amish widower and a Dallas socialite to fall in love and make it work, someone has to give up their way of life, their family, friends, and everything they cherish. But is it possible for two people from such opposite worlds learn to make it one? You’ll have to read and see. My one hint is that this is a romance—in the contemporary sense of the word. But if that’s not enough for you, I’m giving away a copy of Saving Gideon to one lucky commenter this week. Just answer this question: What would you give up to have the love of your life?

Thanks so much to Loree for having me here today and thanks to everyone who stopped by. Your participation is much appreciated. Happy Reading! 

Thanks for stopping in, Amy! It's been really fun! I have one last question for you, and for everyone...

What are your hopes and dreams for the New Year?

In 2013, I'm hoping and praying for a new contract for the next three stories in the Clover Ridge series. And I also have a couple of other ideas tucked up my sleeve, but I'll have to see where the year takes me before I can say more.

You can find out more about Amy Lillard at her website: http://amywritesromance.com/

Follow her on twitter @AmyWritesRomnce

Like her on Facebook: 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Lillard-Author/177732292332322

  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

A Change of Fortune Giveaway and Interview with Author, Jen Turano

Welcome everyone! Today, I want to introduce you to a wonderfully talented author, and my Seymour Agency sister, Jen Turano! Jen's debut novel, A Change of Fortune, was recently released from Bethany House. I've got to say, once I picked up her novel, I couldn't put it down - a totally delightful read! She is an author to be watched. Like me, Jen is represented by the awesome, Mary Sue Seymour.

Author, Jen Turano

THE GIVEAWAY - Jen has generously offered to give away a copy of A Change of Fortune, and I'm throwing in a Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner. To be entered in the drawing, all you have to do is answer Jen's question at the end of the interview, or for those who have trouble commenting on Blogger, leave your answer on my Facebook Author Page. The winner of Jen's book and the gift card will be drawn at random next Sunday, December 2, 2012, at 9pm CDT, and announced on next week’s blog post. I just love the cover of A Change of Fortune! Check it out!

Before we get to the interview... I will announce the winner of last week's giveaway. The winner of Stacy Henrie's debut novel, Lady Outlaw, and a $15 Starbucks gift card is...Sarah Forgrave! Congrats to Sarah! I will contact you this week for your address. 

Now to the interview... 

Welcome Jen! So glad to have you here!

Thank you so much for having me, Loree.  It’s an honor.

Your spectacular debut novel from Bethany House is titled, A Change of Fortune. How long have you been writing novels? Is this your first?

I wish I could make the claim that A Change of Fortune was my first book, but alas, that isn’t quite the case.  I’m afraid some of my early attempts were, well, horrible.  I have six books that are languishing in my computer, and these books will never, ever, see the light of day.  They’re riddled with POV and plot problems, but I was fortunate in that agents and editors took the time to write critiques to me as they sent their rejections, some of which were rather scathing in nature.  After I got over the initial reaction of “ouch,” I forced myself to really think about the points the agents and editors were making, and I realized that if I was ever going to get published, I was going to have to up my game.

The book is a work of historical fiction. What is the inspiration behind the book?

Funny you should ask that because this particular story actually flashed to mind while I was scrubbing the shower, which really isn’t a very inspirational task in the least.  There I was, waiting for my scrubbing bubbles to do their thing and…Eliza suddenly waltzed into my thoughts.  She stayed there all day – but since my house was an absolute disaster, I couldn’t very well stop cleaning, so I grabbed a stack of post-it notes and scribbled down thoughts as I mopped and dusted.  By the time I finally turned off the vacuum cleaner, the story was set.

I love when plots come about while doing ordinary things like cleaning…fun hearing your tale. They say that there is a bit of each of us in all of our characters. Which character in the book is most like you, and why? 

I think the character most like me would have to be…probably Agatha Watson.  She gets into outlandish situations almost by accident, and that happens to me all the time.  She’s also independent and quirky, and I’ve always been a little different.

Is there a sequel or series planned?

There are four books in The Ladies of Distinction series – and that is actually sort of a tongue in cheek description of the series, because my characters, while obviously high society, are anything but typical young ladies of that time.  The second book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, will release to market in June, 2013.  That book is Miss Arabella Beckett and Mr. Theodore Wilder’s story.  The third book – currently untitled, is coming out in November, 2013 – it is Miss Felicia Murdock and Mr. Grayson Sumner’s story – and then the fourth, Miss Agatha Watson’s story, will release in 2014.

What do you read for enjoyment, Jen?

I read a wide range of genres, from romance to suspense, to thrillers, and even fantasy.  My favorite authors are Julia Quinn, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and J.K. Rowling. 

What is your favorite cure for a sweet tooth? Have to ask this one!

This is a huge bummer for me, but I can’t eat sweets.  Ever since I had my son – and that was almost seventeen years ago – candy, chocolate, and anything with too much sugar in it gives me a headache – it’s a crying shameJ  I can’t even eat cake anymore – which makes it very difficult when my birthday comes around because everyone always brings me cake – and then I have to watch while everyone else eats it.

I’m sorry to hear sugar gives you headaches. I sometimes get migraines from pop or certain sodas. Well, I must declare that you have been so “sweet” to come by for a visit. It really has been a pleasure, Jen. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit, and I hope to have you back again on the release of your next novel.

Thank you so much for having me, Loree.  It was a true pleasure.

Now, Jen has a question for you—

I’m beginning work on a new series – and I need a fabulous name for a meddling grandfather who wants nothing more than to see his grandson well-married. The story is set in 1885 New York, and this grandfather is a self-made gentleman who has a rather gruff nature.   Any suggestions?

Names are fun! Here's my two cents, Jen. I googled "gruff" boy names and came up with - LOL - are you ready for this? - GRUFF - as a name. Babycenter.com defines the name Gruff as:

GRUFF

Gender: Boy

Origin: Welsh

Meaning: Lord, prince

I'm trying to imagine my son as Gruff Huebner. LOL! There's my suggestion! ~ Loree

    

For more information on Jen and her books, you can find her at:

jenturano.com

On Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor

Stop in and "like" her page!

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

Count your blessings...

Roses - Photo by Loree Huebner

Last week, Eric and I celebrated 25 years of marriage.

25 years is quite a milestone for marriage in today’s world.

As we celebrate and continue to celebrate this Silver Anniversary—Huebners tend to allow their celebrations to go on and on—we also took inventory and counted our blessings.

Our life together has had its share of ups and downs. We waded through difficult times, and rejoiced in the beautiful moments. No matter if it was on top of the mountain, or in the valley, Eric and I did it together, Team Huebner, and the Good Lord walked us through it.

After 25 years, our love has never been stronger. My heart still turns to mush and beats at the quickstep when I’m coming home from work, or Eric is on his way home.  

Eric and I also share a passion for storytelling, writing, and history. He loves sports and I love nature—here we mingle together. It’s important to mingle in each other’s off interests. I begin where he ends…and he is strong where I am weak…and so on. We pick each other up when we fall, and dance together in the good times.

Roses - Photo by Loree Huebner

We have three beautiful, intelligent children who have chosen career paths to help others who are finding life difficult, or who can’t help themselves. My oldest daughter is an attorney, the second oldest daughter is a mental health and drug addiction counselor, and my son just started Law School. They see those who need help and are in service out there trying to make a difference. I couldn’t be prouder. That’s what the Lord would want them to do. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. I always told them as my mom told me, “Take it one day at a time. If you take the time to help just one person, you’ve done something.” Back when the kids were small, until the baby was in high school, I stayed home with the kids while Eric worked. It was both a big sacrifice and a huge blessing.

We have a home. It’s not the biggest house, and it’s not the smallest house. The house is average size and needs some work, but it’s ours. The same goes with our cars.

Our health meter would be in the good range. Of course, we all have minor issues, but nothing life altering or threatening. We are working and have health insurance.

We have wonderful family and friends we love so very much. And, we have two faithful dogs who share our lives.

As far as my writing dream, I’ve had a 10 page history article published that I co-wrote with my hubby, and I have one of the most awesome inspirational romance agents—Mary Sue Seymour—working on my side. I’ve also met some delightful authors along the way.

The ride has been bumpy at times, but all and all a good one. It’s been a real amazing journey. True love and trust has been the key to a successful marriage. Add a dash of frequent romance and mutual interests, and you have the recipe for a long lasting relationship.

How often do you count your blessings?

If you are married—do you rejoice together as well as help each other stand on shaky ground? What are your secrets to a successful marriage?

If you are single—what is a key element in how do you see your relationships blooming?

Can you believe summer is almost over and school has started? Where did it go?

I would be thrilled to hear from you.

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree