Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Author Joanne Bischof ~ And a Six Author Giveaway

I've been waiting a long time to share this post with all of you! Joanne Bischof emailed it to me weeks ago in preparation for this series! It's a wonderful example of how an author uses Pinterest for her writing--and how a reader can experience a deeper connection with a story. Joanne is also here today to celebrate the release of her novel, My Hope is Found, the third and final book in the Cadence of Grace series. (By the way, if you haven't read this series, you are missing a magnificent tale! Joanne's debut novel, Be Still My Soul, the first in the Cadence of Grace series, was nominated for the prestigious Christy Award.)

Joanne's guest post is the fifth in a six week author spotlight series I'm doing here. Week one I hosted author Jody Hedlund, week two I hosted author Laura Frantz, week three I hosted author Wendy Paine Miller, and week four I hosted author Melissa Tagg. Check back here next Wednesday for the last author in this series. At the bottom of this post I'll tell you how you can win a fun gift basket from these six authors!
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As a writer, I love Pinterest. As a mom, I love Pinterest. As a fan of double-fudge peanut butter brownies…well you get the pattern! Pinterest has only been around for a few years, but it’s a great resource. Handy for life, and as a writer, handy in the world of story building. For readers and writers alike, this online pin board has been bridging the gap between words on the page, and the visuals that can often inspire them.

Characters
 
For characters, I pin to a board called that magic something. I don’t entirely know what that means, but it’s just that: that thing we can’t quite put our finger on, those quirks and appeals that make someone an intriguing character for a book.

All character boards are different, mainly depending on the setting and time period and the author’s preferences. As a writer of Appalachian romance, I’m often drawn to people who aren’t buttoned too high and tight and have a bit of rustic edge to them. It fits well with my genre and the people of the mountains I love to write about. One of the great things about character boards is following those of other writers! There are a ton of great ones out there and one of my favorites is that by Laura Frantz, called novel faces. Positively delightful! She captures a great human emotion and intrigue in a way that we can see deeper into the stories she has written, all the while yearning for more. 
Dress
I confess, as an Appalachian writer, I don’t have a dress board, mainly because with my period and region, dress was usually pretty simple. Homespun, affordable and frugal, dresses and shirts were rarely fashionable and often used until they were too threadbare to make it another day, then cut up for a quilt or curtains. But there are writers out there with genres that have exquisite history dress. Whether it’s the Civil War era or Edwardian England, there are some phenomenal boards that capture the costumes and dress of a time period.
 
Some of these pin boards are Gabrielle’s very own! Her 1850’s board is chockfull of stunning gowns and accessories that would not only help her pay close attention to the fashions in her writing, but must be incredibly inspiring for her as she’s in the decision stage of what a character would wear for a particular scene or event. I’m always amazed by boards like these and the rich attention to detail that they represent.
 
Setting
Not only with spotting characters, Pinterest is incredibly helpful for settings. Scenery, homes, tools, fabrics… the list goes on and on. For a glimpse into the 1950’s, Carla Stewart’s, Nostalgia and Vintage is a great one. There are so many fantastic boards that writing this post is like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream! Impossible. J


My main setting board is called the spirit of Appalachia. I’ve been pinning there for nearly two years and it’s really just a gathering of inspirational images that remind me of Appalachia: the mountains, the people, animals, farms and on. Images that either remind me of actual scenes from my books, or could serve as potential inspiration for future scenes.
 
In addition, setting boards are great for writer’s block! When I was working on Though My Heart is Torn, the second book in the Cadence of Grace series, I knew the story needed something. My editing deadline was coming to an end, and I just couldn’t put my finger on what was missing within the story. I may have panicked and whipped up a batch of brownies (for moral support, of course). Then… knowing that the writer’s block had to be conquered, I poked around in my setting board for a while and stumbled upon a picture of an old white church on a foggy day. It sparked something in my mind, the root of a scene that ended up being the entire chapter 56 from the book. Surprisingly, it became one of my favorite scenes in the entire story. If you’ve read the scene of Gideon in the churchyard, you’ll probably recognize that picture!
While I think that many of us writers still enjoy shredding magazines to pieces, hunting inspiring faces as we walk through a crowded courtyard, or being captivated by a piece of scenery in an old postcard, being able to catalog so much of that online… and share it with readers…has been a phenomenal new tool in the last few years! Let’s chat:

QUESTIONS FOR MY BLOG READERS: As a reader, do Pinterest boards give you a richer experience of the story? As a writer, in what ways do you use Pinterest for your story building?

Gabrielle here: Joanne, thank you for this lovely blog post! I love how Pinterest has enriched our writing, and reading, experience.

Joanne has graciously agreed to give away a free copy of her new release, My Hope is Found, to one of the blog readers who comments on this post between now and Tuesday, October 29th at 11:59 p.m. CST. Please leave your email address under your comment!

Last weeks winner of Made to Last by author Melissa Tagg is:
Susan Johnson!
Congratulations, Susan. I'll be contacting you soon! 
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After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. But his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.

Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is her growing fondness for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care for deeply. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son.

Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.
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Married to her first sweetheart, Joanne Bischof lives in the mountains of Southern California where she keeps busy making messes with their home-schooled children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, writing, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. My Hope is Found is the third novel in her Cadence of Grace series.
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Six Authors, One Grand Prize!
The Grand Prize:
A $25 Amazon eGift Card (not pictured) from Gabrielle Meyer
A stationary and notepad set from Jody Hedlund
A handmade jewel bookmark from Laura Frantz
A multi-colored peacock necklace from Wendy Paine Miller
A copy of the movie Christmas in Connecticut from Melissa Tagg
Book one in the Cadence of Grace Series & a worship CD from Joanne Bischof
A black & brown scarf from Heather Day Gilbert
Over the course of six weeks I will be hosting six authors on my blog. Each author has agreed to offer a free copy of their newest release, as well as an item for a grand prize drawing at the end of the six weeks! To be entered to win a free copy of each book, all you need to do is visit my blog weekly (beginning September 25th) and comment on each author's post. A random winner will be chosen each week. To be entered to win the grand prize, visit my Rafflecopter below and follow the instructions. If you do each thing listed you'll earn 45 chances to win the grand prize! Don't forget to visit here each Wednesday to earn more chances!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

62 comments:

  1. Gabrielle and Joanne, what a delightful post. I love the glimpses into Pinterest boards and how they can help writers and readers.

    I vowed that when I completed my current rough draft I would explore Pinterest. I'm not on it yet (I know, don't faint away from shock). I'm going to check it out in the next week or so and see if I can figure out how to begin pinning on boards. :)

    Joanne, I especially love the ideas for setting inspirations. My story doesn't have a lot of fashion needs, but I love the pics from Gabe's board. :) My mind is definitely beginning to ping with the ways Pinterest can help a writer.

    Oh, please don't put me in the drawing for your third book—I already have it. :)

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    1. Jeanne, I discovered Pinterest a while ago when my (interior designer) sister told me about it! At the time, I didn't see why an un-crafty person, such as myself, would want to get on board. Now I see it differently! I love using it as a way to collect images and online research for my writing. Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Good morning, Jeanne! It really is so neat to use as writers, but on the flip side it is time spent away from those WIP's so the way you are buckling down and focusing is so great. Happy writing! (And it made me smile to know you've got My Hope is Found. I do hope you enjoy it!) :)

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  2. I had never though about using Pinterest in the way you use it, but I can see it would be very helpful if I were an author. I love it for the recipes and entertaining ideas.

    Joanne, I love the fact that you write about the Appalachian Mountains. I am currently living in the mountains of North Carolina and there are some unique things relating to the Appalachian mountains.

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    1. Wilani, isn't it fun to discover a new purpose for something we already love?!?! If you haven't read Joanne's novels, you're missing a real treat! She captures the essence of the Appalachians so beautifully. Enjoy!

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    2. Wilani, I just love hearing about your home. I bet you have the most beautiful views! So fun chatting Pinterest with you and OH yes, those recipes! :)

      Thanks so much, Gabrielle!

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  3. Lovely pics, Joanne! I love the Spirit of Appalachia one. So pretty.

    I recently created a Pinterest board for my novel, The Song Inside. It was really fun and inspiring for sure. Since I visited San Diego, where the book was set, I was able to take a few pics of my own and upload them to my board! :)

    Thanks for hosting Joanne, Gabe! Waving at you both.

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    1. Waving back, Lindsay! Aren't Joanne's boards pretty (and inspiring)?!?! I was so excited to share this post. :)

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    2. Thanks Lindsay! I can't wait to check out your board for your book. That's so neat that you were able to get those real life inspirations on your trip!

      And thank you, Gabrielle! It's fun to do, isn't it? :)

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  4. I love pinterest! I use it for myself, to keep photos of characters, setting, dress, etc. And I love to share it with my readers! I've really enjoyed visiting author boards and getting a feel for their stories. Thanks for this great giveaway! I will share it!

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    1. Thank you for sharing, Carrie! I can't wait to check out your boards now. :)

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    2. Carrie,

      I always enjoy seeing your Edwardian inspirations. You have some beautiful boards. Thanks for popping in amidst your busy launch and for sharing!

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  5. I love your boards, Joanne (and yes, I have swiped some of your bearded men and morphed them into Viking characters...mwhahaha). I love the Appalachian one, as well. Great example of that church inspiring your writing...I know often a pic can really capture "that certain something" about a character or locale that I need to visualize it better. Great post! I'm already blessed to be reading MY HOPE IS FOUND, so don't enter me to win, Gabrielle!

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    1. Heather, I love discovering other author's character boards and finding new inspiration...I might have a few of yours too! I hope you enjoy My Hope is Found! It was so beautiful and heart-wrenching! I felt every drop of emotion possible as I read it.

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    2. oh yes, those bearded men! They make a good hero, don't they ;) It's so fun to find those little snippets that make us think of our stories, isn't it? I keep finding myself sending pins to my writing friends when they make me think of their books. Gabrielle, thanks so much for your sweet words on My Hope is Found. You've been such an encouragement.

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  6. Thanks for the shout-out, Joanne! When I discovered the marvels of Pinterest it was a magical moment - finally, one place where I could collect everything I love. For an author, it's a treasure! Love your Appalachia board!

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    1. Carla, I couldn't agree more! I've loved using Pinterest to deepen my stories and help me organize my research. It's a great resource.

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    2. Hi Carla! So great to see you here! I remember I got the pinterest but when I began watching all the great things you were pinning. It's such a great resource for collecting all those wonderful things!

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  7. Love the blog.I still need this book. love your books.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. Diana, thank you for stopping by and offering such kind comments. Good luck in the drawing!

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    2. Good morning, Diana! Waving to you!

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  8. As a reader, I do enjoy looking at authors' boards. the pinned impressions do add a richness to the story.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It's so good to hear from a reader who has enjoyed an author's Pinterest board! Thank you for your thoughts, Kay!

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    2. That's so great to hear, Kay. It's one of my favorite parts of building those boards, thinking of readers. :)

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  9. Wonderful to see Joanne here! Thx for the Pinterest shout out, my gracious friend! It's truly a wondrous source of inspiration over there and I use it like dessert on long work days.

    I am especially fond of my secret boards which are stories I am currently working on. I kind of feel like a little kid sneaking cookies with those and can't wait to share:)

    Your boards are among my favorites along with Gabrielle and Carla and others here. I'd love to follow anyone here if they can wave at me over there!

    Please don't enter me in the drawing, lol;) Though a wonderful one it is!
    Laura

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    1. Oh, Laura, you tease us with mentioning your secret boards! Can't wait to see them. You are one of my favorite pinners on Pinterest. You have a way of capturing the very essense of your writing with the images you pin--I'm always in awe! Thank you for stopping in to say hi. :)

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    2. Hi Laura!

      Oh those secret boards. They are the BEST. I wish they gave us more than three. ;) and yes, it really does feel like sneaking cookies. I find I pin character inspirations and songs for my writing mix that I hesitate to pin elsewhere. ;)

      What fun it is to follow you on Pinterest and see all those amazing visuals you collect. And I'm quite fond of your new hero board!

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    3. Isn't she a tease, Gabrielle? Now I want to see these boards, LOL. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next for us to read!

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  10. Hi, Joanne & Gabrielle!

    I don't know much about using Pinterest yet, but enjoy looking at the pictures, & DO think they leave a visual image in the mind that enhances the story when reading the book they refer to.

    Thanks for the interesting post, Joanne, & thanks to both of you for the giveaway opportunity! Love Joanne & her books!

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    1. Bonnie, I confess to being overwhelmed by Pinterest in the early days, but I'm enjoying it over there now that I can use my boards for writing. I'm not too crafty, but I enjoy seeing what others can do! Good luck in the giveaway drawing!

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    2. It's lovely to see you here Bonnie. Thanks for popping in and entering. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and those visuals. :)

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  11. I would love to have a final copy of this fantastic series! I have an ARC copy but would love to read again in the final! Loved this series so much. Thank you, Joanne. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net Also, I haven't gotten out of my books long enough to be a Pinterest searcher! I do so love Laura Frantz's castles! Anne Payne sent me over there ~ especially the Irish ones!

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    1. Kathleen, I will be sure to include you in the drawing! And I love Laura's castles (and all her other pins)! Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Thanks, Gabrielle, Have a blessed day! Kathleen

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    3. Kathleen- It's meant so much by how you've loved this series. Thank you!

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  12. Pinterest is not something I have gotten into, at least not yet! Would love a copy of your book.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Beware, Patty! Pinterest can be addicting!! :) I've lost much time there already!

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    2. Hi, Patty! So glad to have you entered. :)


      (oh yes... it's addicting! LOL)

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  13. Joanne,
    I have read your first two books, and I thoroughly enjoyed them!!! I can't wait to read your third one! I have little ones, so I don't have a lot of time to read, but I made sure I made time to read your books! I had a very hard time putting them down. I really hope I win!!
    Ladonna dot mohler at hotmail dot com

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    1. Ladonna, I know how you feel! I made time for Joanne's books too. :) I don't know how you're being patient not knowing how Lonnie, Gideon, and Toby's story ends!!!! I couldn't wait to find out...and I was completely satisfied. :)

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    2. Ladonna- It's so great to know you've enjoyed Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart is Torn! I know just what you mean bout those little ones and time to read---all the more why I'm so blessed by you finding that time. :)

      Gabrielle- Thanks so much <3

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  14. Hey Joanne , I love Pinterest . I love to connect with authors and friends . It is really fun .
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by! I love connecting with authors and friends on Pinterest too.

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    2. Hi Elizabeth! Thanks for your constant encouragement. It's always a blessing.

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  15. I've yet to read Be Still My Soul, but it's on my to-read list. I love Pinterest, but haven't checked out a lot of boards regarding books/series.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Melanie, I hope you get a chance to read Be Still my Soul soon! And you won't have to wait to read each book as it's being published! You can read them all at the same time!!

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    2. It's so neat to know it's on your TBR, Melanie. I do hope you enjoy it!

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  16. Joanne, I've enjoyed your first two books and looking forward to reading "My Hope Is Found". You're a great author.
    Gabrielle, I love Pinterest. I believe it helps me when reading novels, especially historical books. I love the dresses and the settings. Enjoyed the post.
    Thank you for the chance of this giveaway and please enter my name.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Barbara, I will be sure to enter you in the drawing!! I hope you get a chance to read this final book in the series soon. It's a beautiful love story.

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    2. That is so wonderful to hear, Barbara! I so hope you enjoy the end of the story. :) Thrilled that you enjoyed the post and I'm keeping note of all you ladies so I can come find you on Pinterest.

      Not to sound like a broken record, but thanks Gabrielle! Your comments truly warm my heart!

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  17. Oh I love pinterest... I love both your boards, so much eye candy for instilling such feeling there for the stories we read and I believe that seeing if not in person but even photos can so enrich our lives. Looking forward to this giveaway and seeing who wins. I try to save all things that pertain to books and life...I have two pinterest boards.... faithfulacres7 linda finn and faithfulacresbk faithful acres books Linda Finn
    aboutme.faithfulacres

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    1. So happy to meet you here Linda! I'll be sure to check out your Pinterest boards. Good luck in the drawing. :)

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    2. It truly is eye candy, isn't it, Linda!? That's a beautiful way of putting it. Photos truly can enrich our lives. Happy to see you here on Gabrielle's beautiful blog!

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  18. Hello Ladies
    I have not done pinterest but can see where it would be very helpful for a writer.
    I love to read and have read the first book in Joanne's series and hope to get the others.
    thanks for sharing
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    1. So happy you've had a chance to read some of Joanne's writing, Paula. Good luck in the drawing!

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    2. Pol,

      I'm so glad that you've read Be Still My Soul and are looking forward to the others. I do hope they're an encouragement to you. So glad you are entered!

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  19. As a reader, I enjoy looking through an author's Pinterest boards..it brings the story to life even more than the historically accurate details woven throughout the book.

    As an author, I love being able to look into the face of one of my characters, see that sparkle or sadness or 'shroud of mystery' with which they surround themselves(you know, before their back-story comes to the fore). I love looking at a setting and being able to see my characters in it--walking, talking, etc. For me, Pinterest bring my story to life in my own mind! I can also pin research items to the story pin-board with which it belongs. As a writer, Pinterest was one of the best discoveries I've ever made!! :)

    Would love to be entered in the giveaway; my email is bookworm9404@gmail.com

    God bless!
    ~Micaela :)
    www.micaela419.wordpress.com

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    1. By the way, I LOVE your boards, Joanne!!!

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    2. Isn't Pinterest so great, Micaela!? I love hearing all the ways you use it both as a reader AND a writer. And I'm so glad you enjoyed my boards. That's always great to hear! I agree with you-- one of the greatest discoveries. It's such a neat tool and so, so fun! :)

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  20. Love the pinterest boards! I really enjoy looking through author's boards when I'm reading their book!

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  21. It's really cool to look through an author's board's when you are reading their book and be able to see some of the things that inspired the author!
    gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

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Your comments are my favorite part of blogging!