Interview with Lisa Jordan

I'm excited to welcome author Lisa Jordan to my blog today! I met Lisa a few years ago when I went to my first ACFW Conference in Dallas, Texas. Lisa is an award-winning novelist by night, an early childhood educator by day, and the coordinator of the My Book Therapy Voices. I can't wait for you to meet her!

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Lisa and me at the 2013 ACFW Conference during
our agency breakfast.

GM: Welcome to my blog, Lisa! I’m excited you stopped by to visit today and talk about your newest release, Lakeside Redemption.

LJ: Thanks for having me, Gabe. J I love talking to other readers, and such great timing to talk about my newest release. ;)

GM: I'm thrilled that you're here to talk about your fourth Love Inspired book, Lakeside Redemption. For readers meeting you here for the first time, can you tell us a little about yourself and your publication story?

LJ: I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was 16 and had just finished reading The Promise by Danielle Steel. I wanted to make readers feel that same heart-sigh I felt after reading “The End.” I set the dream aside for about a decade while I got married and started a family. In 2004, I completed my first novel during NaNoWriMo. My husband realized I was serious about this writing stuff and bought me a laptop. The next year, I joined ACFW, attended my very first writers conference and met the incredible Susan May Warren, who was so amazing to hang out with. She took me under her wing. Under her friendship and mentorship, I learned how to write a novel that would attract an agent’s attention. In 2009, I finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest. I had pitched to Rachelle Gardner, who requested the full. A week before my birthday in March 2010, she offered representation. On January 7, 2011, Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired offered a contract for what became Lakeside Reunion, the story of my heart. That novel won the 2012 Carol Award for short contemporary romance. Now I’m working on my fifth novel, and I couldn’t be happier to be living my dream.

GM: And I know so many readers who couldn't be happier that you're living your dream! Can you tell us a little about Lakeside Redemption? 

LJ: My third novel, Lakeside Sweethearts, was inspired by a local woman’s dream to open a home for women released from prison to help them readjust to society once again. In Lakeside Sweethearts, Ian and Agnes work together to restore an old house into Agape House for Ian’s sister who was going to be released from prison soon.

Lakeside Redemption is the story of Zoe, Ian’s sister, a year after her stay at Agape House. She has been given a fresh start...just like all of us have been. We serve a God of second chances. I wanted this book to show there is nothing that will destroy the love God has for each one of us. He may not approve of our negative choices, but nothing separates us from His love. We are redeemed.

GM: I love the heart behind your fiction--and behind everything else you do. I’m so impressed with how you manage your day job as a daycare provider, your work as an award-winning novelist, and all the other ways you volunteer in your community and in the publishing industry. What is your best advice for keeping yourself organized?

LJ: I’m a bit of a control freak. I thrive on lists, order and the ability to do more than one thing at a time. Some days are harder than others, especially when I’m on deadline. I believe in making S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals. I use my calendar and planner to keep track of deadlines, word counts, and appointments. I plan a menu for the month, and I do grocery shopping for a month. Our boys are in their 20s now, so I’m not caring for little ones in the evenings. That’s when I do most of my writing. Each writer needs to create a system that works best for her family and situation. Um, did I mention...and a whole lotta prayer.

GM: I love your acronym for setting goals. I'm in the process of creating my goals for 2015 and I'll have to make sure they fall under S.M.A.R.T. Since we just celebrated a new year, I’d love to know your best memory of 2014.

LJ: I’m going to be very honest and say 2014 was an incredibly hard year for my family. We were already mourning the loss of my dad. Each month brought another trial, including losing my father-in-law to cancer. The hardest battle we had to fight was when our youngest son became critically ill and nearly died the same week Lakeside Redemption was due to my editor. I spent a week begging God to spare his life. God answered that prayer with a yes. I’m so incredibly blessed by the amazing power of prayer that circled the globe on my son’s behalf. To me, that was my best memory—so many people loved us and cared for us to pray for someone they didn’t even know. I can’t even type about it without getting teary eyed.

GM: I'm sorry to hear 2014 was a tough year. Here's hoping 2015 will be a much better year for you and your family.

I have one more question, just for fun. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

LJ: I am so longing to be on a sun-kissed beach right now. Due to some life events, we haven’t had a family vacation since 2009. This week, I’ve been searching for beach vacations. I love lying on the warm sugar sand as the salty air breezes my skin while I listen to the cawing of the sea gulls as they dip and soar over the white-crested surf. Give me sand, sun, and surf, baby.

GM: Right now I could go for some sand, sun, and surf, too!!

Thank you for answering my questions, Lisa! It’s been a pleasure to have you stop by my blog.

Your Turn, Reader: What is your favorite memory of 2014?

Be sure to comment below and enter to win a copy of Lakeside Redemption!

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Fresh Start Family
Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life—and new love—together.
Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life— and new love—together.

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Meet Lisa Jordan:

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Happily married for over twenty years, she and her husband have two sons. When she isn't writing or caring for children in her family childcare, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. 

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Last Week's Winner:
 

The winner of last week's drawing for Susan May Warren's, Always on my Mind, is Melissa Mailhiot Oldaker!! Melissa, I'll be sending you an email soon.

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

One Year Blog-iversary!

The one year anniversary of my blog came and went while I was at the Deep Thinkers Retreat on February 21st, but I didn't want it to pass by without celebrating at least a little! And what better day to celebrate than on my "Way Back When-sday" post!

Without further ado, here are the top five highlights from the first year of blogging (and pursing my dream for publication):

1. Making New Friends - Without a doubt in my mind, the best part of blogging is making friendships. In one year I've added over a hundred new Facebook friends, many of which I've met through my blog, or theirs. When I started this journey, I started it on my own, not knowing what wonderful people I would discover. To my complete surprise, and delight, I was quickly joined by many other amazing writers who are all seeking the same thing I am: to glorify God with our words. One of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes is: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'”

Just a handful of the amazing women I've met this year!

2. Learning the Craft of Writing - I cannot believe how much I've learned about writing in the past year. It's mind-boggling! I chuckle at myself when I think about that first rough draft I completed a year ago. *shaking my head* But we must all start somewhere, and it's usually at the beginning. I'm so grateful for the countless people who have shared their wisdom and expertise with me, through books, blogs, seminars, retreats, conferences and in person. The Christian writing community is amazing!

3. Making Industry Connections - This one coincides with number one, but it goes beyond just making friendships. I've discovered the priceless gift of industry connections this past year. The old saying: "It isn't what you know, but who you know" may not be completely true in the publishing world (it doesn't matter how many people you know, if your writing stinks it's all for not), but it really does go a long way in this industry if you have friends who can refer you to agents and editors, offer pitch sessions at conferences (thank you Melissa and Lindsay!) and introduce you to writing veterans who offer wisdom and point you in the right direction.

With Melissa and Lindsay at ACFW!!

4. Getting Plugged Into My Book Therapy - I can't stress how important it has been for me to get plugged into a community of writing experts. My Book Therapy has offered resources, teaching, accountability and friendship. The writing retreats, seminars, blog posts, online classes and personal coaching from Susan May Warren has propelled my writing like nothing else this past year. I'm so grateful to Susie, Rachel Hauck, Beth Vogt, Melissa Tagg, Alena Tauriainen, Michelle Lim and all the other staff members of MBT. It's an amazing group of women and I feel honored to be among their friends.

Storycrafter's Retreat in October 2012

Deep Thinker's Retreat in February 2013

5. Following My Dream - If this past year has taught me anything, it's the value in following a dream. I fully believe God has given each of us creative gifts to share with the world. It might be as simple as making a meal for my family, or as complex as writing a 100,000 word novel - whatever I've been gifted with, I'm invited to share it with the people God has placed in my path. I pray that I can use this gift to glorify God in all that I do and I can please Him with my humble offering.

 

I wish all of you knew how much I appreciate your eagerness to come along on this journey with me. I've been encouraged by your emails, comments (in writing and in person) and your joy when you talk to me about this dream. I hope I've inspired you to seek your own dreams and to run after the desires of your heart. I can't wait to see what God has planned for this year!

What about you? What are some of the highlights from your past year?

Deep Thinkers Retreat 2013

I titled this post Deep Thinkers 2013, because I hope there's a Deep Thinkers 2014, 2015, 2016... I've been warned that many people who attend become repeat offenders. :)

This picture may not prove that we're deep thinkers, but
I assure you we are. :)

My heart is so full right now. Full of writing, full of friendship and full of hope. As a writer seeking publication, I can't think of a better place to learn about the craft of writing and I can't think of any other teachers I'd rather study under. Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and Beth Vogt are masterminds in this industry.

Susan, Me & Rachel

If you haven't read their stories, I'd encourage you to change that now!

Me, Beth & Lindsay

One thing I was looking forward to the most was connecting with my new craft partner, Alena. We met in person at the ACFW Conference in Dallas last fall, and then again at the Storycrafter's Retreat in Minnesota, but we were looking forward to rooming together at Deep Thinkers to get to know one another better and to work out a plan and schedule for our partnership.

 

Me & Alena

Alena is an incredible mom, writer and friend. She and I both have four children and I know that I will learn so much from her - not only about writing, but also about parenting. She'll be visiting me in June (along with Melissa Tagg and Lindsay Harrel) and I can't wait to spend more time together!

I was also really excited to reconnect with some other good writing friends. I've now been to ACFW, Storycrafter's and Deep Thinkers with Lindsay Harrel. She's so much fun! I feel blessed to have her, and Jeanne (and so many others!) in my life.

Lindsay, Me & Jeanne

We spent five days learning from the best and I can't wait to put all the knowledge to work in my novels.



But some of the best moments from Deep Thinkers 2013 were the laughs. When you put twenty-one writers together in one house, there will be some great storytelling going on!

Me, Bethany & Jeanne

What about you? Have you been to a writing retreat before? What is your fondest memory?

I'm Entering the Frasier Contest

A year ago I decided it was time to start pursuing my dream to be a published author. I didn't know the first thing about getting published, but I was excited to find out! Little did I know how much I would learn in one year.

In many ways, learning about the publishing industry us like learning a new language. Not only did I discover foreign acronyms like POV, WIP, RUE, and CP, but I also learned about Beta Readers, Dark Moments, Head Hopping and Pitching – and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Without a guide to help me along the way, I would have easily become lost in a sea of confusion.

Along comes MBT – what? Another acronym? MBT stands for My Book Therapy and it's one of the lifelines in this industry.

My Book Therapy was founded by multi-award winning author Susan May Warren. I can't speak highly enough about Susie. Not only is she an incredible author, but she's also one of my favorite writing craft teachers.

I've been fortunate enough to attend the Pitch & Promotion Seminar at ACFW (don't get me started on another acronym!), and the Storycrafter's Retreat in Otsego, Minnesota (close to my home!), plus I'll be spending a week with her at the Deep Thinker's Retreat in Destin, Florida next week.

My Book Therapy is truly one of the best organizations available to aspiring authors. Through seminars, retreats, classes, teaching books and personal one-on-one book therapy, MBT has it all – but wait – there's one more thing MBT has: The Frasier Contest for unpublished authors!

This is the first year I've entered the Frasier Contest – and I can't wait for the feedback I'll receive. One of the most valuable tools to help me learn this new language is the honest and helpful feedback from other writers. Whether the news is good, or not so good, I know I can trust MBT to deliver constructive criticism of my writing. The Frasier is a great way to have an unbiased eye look at my story and give me the truth I need to make it better.

If you’re on the fence about entering the Frasier Contest, let me assure you that your time and money will be well spent. My Book Therapy is a stellar organization and I’m proud to be a member.

What about you? Have you entered the Frasier Contest before? What advice do you have for an unpublished author thinking about entering a contest?

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Entries for the 2013 MBT Frasier Contest for unpublished novelists will be accepted through Sunday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. The contest is open to Voices members. The winner will receive a scholarship to a My Book Therapy coaching retreat ($500 value). Final round judges are award-winning author Susan May Warren; literary agent Steve Laube; and Shannon Marchese, senior fiction editor for WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. For more information, FAQs and to enter, visit www.mybooktherapy.com. 



The Next Step On My Writing Journey

In February I began this blog as a way to share my journey toward publication. In one of the first blog entries I shared an old Chinese Proverb: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

I'm finding, on this road to publication, some of those steps are more like leaps and bounds, and some are like tiny shuffles, but each one takes me closer to the goal, especially when those steps are guided and directed by God.

On Thursday I'll be taking a huge leap. I'll be submitting my manuscript, for the first time, to two large publishing houses that requested it at the ACFW Conference last month in Dallas. I'm still amazed at how these awesome opportunities were presented to me and I can see God's handiwork all over it. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I know that no matter what, I was able to watch God weave together a chain of events that made this next step possible, and I'm still in awe.

I went to the conference with few expectations. It was my first conference, so I wanted to go and learn as much as possible. The first day I attended the My Book Therapy Pitch & Promotion Seminar by Susan May Warren and I had the opportunity to practice my fifteen minute pitch with her. I loved telling her my story idea and I was thrilled when she told me she liked it and thought I could sell it. She asked me who I was pitching to and I told her I had only made Mentor Appointments and didn't have pitching appointments planned. When my amazing writing friends, Melissa Tagg and Lindsay Harrel, heard that, they both offered me one of their pitching appointments - to the top two publishing houses on my list.

Armed with support and encouragement from my friends, I went into the two appointments with confidence and practice - and I came out of both of them with a huge smile on my face, and requests to see my work. (To all my writing friends, I have to admit, I really liked the pitching experience!)

After I submit my manuscript, I don't know what the next step will be on my journey, but I'm fully confident that God already has it laid out. I just need to walk in faith.

What about you? Have you seen God's handiwork in your life? Where are you at on your writing journey?

An Arizona Girl’s Take on Minnesota: Guest Post by Lindsay Harrel

This week I'm on a deadline, so my good writing friend Lindsay Harrel agreed to do a guest blog post for my Friday Fun: Minnesota Style Series! She and I were roommates together at ACFW in Texas and then again last weekend at the MBT Storycrafter's Retreat in Otsego, Minnesota. Thanks for visiting my blog home, Lindsay!

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Lindsay and I in Minnesota

This last weekend, I visited Minnesota for the first time.

I was attending a writer’s retreat and Gabe was kind enough to drive to the airport (totally out of her way!) to come pick me up. I was afraid I’d have to rent a car and potentially get lost.

Now, I’m an Arizona girl. I live in Phoenix. Yeah, that Phoenix. The one that hits about 117 in the middle of July.

So naturally, since Minnesota was so foreign to me, I had a few…misconceptions before I came.

I didn’t freeze.

I was pretty sure I was going to freeze my rear off. I brought the warmest thing I had and was just sure it wasn’t going to be enough. Despite the picture below, it wasn’t too bad. Well, sure, the wind sliced through me a few times, but it felt much like a January evening in Phoenix.

Okay, I’ll admit it. I WAS cold, but I didn’t freeze. So there.

People don’t really go around saying “You betcha” and “Donchaknow.”

Up until I met Gabe, my only knowledge of Minnesotans came from the awesome cartoon Bobby’s World. My little brother loved that show. Anyone remember it? Anyway, the mom ALWAYS said the aforementioned phrases in this extreme accent.

Although I will say, I smiled when I heard Gabe say “beg”—and no, I don’t mean what people do on street corners. Hehe. (No offense meant to at all. I’m sure I say things “wrong” too. Don’t we all?)

A circular body of water is not necessarily a lake.

Minnesota is supposed to be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, right?

Well, apparently a round body of water does not a lake make. Er…or something like that. As Gabe drove us to the retreat hotel, we passed some water. And I said, “Oh cool, is that a lake?” Gabe laughed and said it was more like a pond, if that.

What?! Don’t judge. The only lake near me is man made. LOL. 

So yeah, my visit to Minnesota cleared up a few misconceptions I had. In all seriousness, it was a really great visit and I was sorry to see it end so quickly!

Your Turn: Have you ever been to Minnesota? Have you had any of these misconceptions or known anyone who has?

Since the age of six, when she wrote the riveting tale “How to Eat Mud Pie,” Lindsay Harrel has passionately engaged the written word as a reader, writer, and editor. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication and an M.A. in English. In her current day job as a curriculum editor for a local university, Lindsay helps others improve their work and hones her skills for her night job—writing inspirational contemporary fiction. Lindsay lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband of five years and two golden retriever puppies in serious need of training.

Blog: http://lindsayharrel.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindsayHarrel

Twitter: @Lindsay Harrel: https://twitter.com/LindsayHarrel

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

My Pitch & Promotion Buddies

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to attend my first writers conference - and it's the biggest one in the nation. The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Conference was held in Dallas, Texas with almost seven hundred people in attendance.

Some of the reasons to go to a writers conference are to connect with other writers, attend workshops/seminars and to pitch your book idea to agents and editors in person - a privilege you don't get anywhere else. If you don't attend a conference, it can take months for an agent to get around to looking at your book proposal and it's almost impossible to get your idea in front of an editor without an agent.

At a conference you are given two fifteen minute appointments with agents and editors of your choice (but you don't always get your first choice). It's your job to communicate your book idea and get the agent/editor excited about it in fifteen minutes - a daunting task, to say the least. 

When I arrived at the conference on Wednesday I signed up to attend the Pitch & Promotion Seminar presented by Susan May Warren with My Book Therapy - and I'm so happy I did. Susie spent four hours teaching us how to present our book idea to agents and editors during our conference experience and then her skilled team members help us practice that pitch until we felt confident to present it.



Susan May Warren and Jim Rubart Teaching

During the Pitch & Promotion Seminar I had the awesome privilege to work with Beth Vogt - one of my favorite authors and friends. Beth helped me craft my "hook" line - the line you start with to grab your audience's attention. Here's what we came up with for my hook:

"Can the ultimate act of love be to break someones heart?"

What do you think? I had quite a few raised eyebrows when I asked that question - and it's the question that my book explores.

Two of my friends offered me pitch sessions with editors from some really amazing publishing houses. I was nervous going into my pitching sessions, but both of them proved to be awesome experiences.

I have much to share over the coming weeks about my time at ACFW, the people I met, the lessons I learned, the doors that were opened, but, for now, I'll leave you with the greatest truth I've gleaned:

God is in the business of blessing - and He's good at it.

What about you? What blessings are you counting today? What do you think about my hook line? :)

Wings to Fly

I'm more convinced than ever that the greatest gift a person can give you is belief in your dreams. It's like having wings to fly.

When I met my husband David we were sixteen years old and I had already started to dream about writing. What I loved about him was his unwavering belief that I would some day be a publishes author. Neither of us knew what that road would look like, but we both believed it was possible.

Over the past sixteen years we dated, graduated from high school, went on to college, got married, started a business, bought a house, had our children and continued to dream together about the future.

In January of this year, my dream to finish my first novel, and dive into the publishing world, became a reality. Something clicked and I was ready to go after it. This wasn't the "perfect" time, as our twins were just turning two, but I realized that if I was going to do it, now was as good a time as any.

I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say this, but writing a book is hard work! I've had my ups and downs, but something kept lifting me higher and higher - something gave me wings to fly towards the impossible: my husband's belief in me.

There have been key moments when I know that God was using my husband as a mouth piece to proclaim life into my writing. One time was when I had my first semi-rejection. Through a compliment from a friend, there was also a criticism. That night I had tears in my eyes as I told my hubby what was said and that's when he told me: "Even if no one ever reads your words, keep writing. It was what you were born to do." The next day he bought me a writing desk. All I could do was put my arms around him and cry.

Another moment came when my one sentence hook was chosen by Randy Ingermanson as one of the best out of almost a thousand others submitted (he chose twenty-one). I squealed like crazy when I saw that email and my husband celebrated with me. If ever I've seen someone "beam" it was him that night. That's when he told me: "Your determination is inspiring."

Not only has he spoken life into my dream, he's also acted upon his belief in me. He agreed to spend the money to send me on a weekend retreat with My Book Therapy and two weeks ago he surprised me when he said I should go to ACFW, even if I wasn't ready to pitch my WIP. He told me (and I quote) "It's time to put our money where our mouth is." :)

Each time I've received a little victory on this winding road, he's been there to cheer me on. Each time I've run up against an obstacle, he's there to help me get over it. He praises me when I've done something right and he let's me cry on his shoulder when I'm feeling overwhelmed. He's never once said a word against my dream, even when I have.

So I soar to heights unknown, with the wings that my husband has given me, because he believes in my dream and tells me it was what I was born to do.

What about you? Who gives you wings to fly? What words of life has someone spoken into your dreams? What has someone done to show you they believe?