Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Guest Blogger - Vickie McDonough



Writing “the end” on a three-book series is always a bit bittersweet. I’ve lived with the characters for over two years and have gotten to know them almost as well as my own children. But each trilogy must come to an end, and such is the case with my Pioneer Promises series.

Some authors plot out a whole book before writing a page, while others are seat-of-the-pants authors, writing it as they think up the story. I fall somewhere in between. I like to have the skeleton of the story prepared in advance, but I flesh it out as I write. When I wrote Ethan Harper’s story, Whispers on the Prairie, the first book in the series, I had no idea who his brothers would end up marrying in their books. I didn’t know that Sophie, the heroine of Call of the Prairie would have asthma or that Janie, heroine of Song of the Prairie would let go of her long-held dream to save her cousins newborn son.

I really can’t explain how story ideas come. Sometimes it’s from brainstorming with other writers, other times an idea might pop into my head when I’m in the shower or preparing supper, and others come from praying for God to give me just the right idea. For me, writing is a ministry. I believe Christian fiction can touch the heart of readers, and it has the potential to changes lives. I also believe that God inspires authors to pen a story that someone in the world needs to read.

I’ve waved good-bye to the Harper family and am already finished with the first book in a new series set in Oklahoma called Land Rush Dreams. The first book is titled Gabriel’s Atonement and is the story of a gambler who kills a man in self-defense. Riddled with guilt, he tracks down the dead man’s wife and son, who are living in poverty, and tries to help them, but the stubborn woman refuses his help. But Gabe is just as stubborn. He soon learns that only Christ can take away his guilt and give a jaded gambler a new life and chance at love. You can pre-buy the book on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kop7dv

So here’s a question for you. Have you read a Christian fiction novel that had a strong impact on your life? What was the title of the book? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Song of the Prairie, book three in my Pioneer Promises series.

20 comments:

  1. The Thief was a book I will not soon forget. I first read it when I checked it out from the library. After I finished, I knew I had to own a copy. I usually don't read the same book over and over. I will this one.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  2. Can I pick three books??!! Francine River's Mark of the Lion trilogy has had a major impact on my life. I just finished reading it AGAIN! My husband and I have given the series away to numerous friends and family since reading it for the first time nearly 20 years ago.

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  3. The first Christian series that moved me was Janette Oke's first series. It began with a different marriage of convenience, but what grabbed my attention, it was a different type of romance and hero. I'd been used to the alpha hero of romance, but here was a man who gave the heroine Christian love before romantic love, the way it should be.

    Prairie Promises looks like a great series.

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    1. Janette Oke was the first Christian author I remember reading too. Those are great stories for all ages. :)

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  4. The first Christian series I read was Elaine L Schulte's California Pioneer Series. These books were the first exposure I had to Christian fiction and the beginning of my love for the genre. I've read those books multiple times!
    Thank you, Vickie, for a great post and I'll be checking out your new novel.

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  5. "For me, writing is a ministry. I believe Christian fiction can touch the heart of readers, and it has the potential to changes lives. I also believe that God inspires authors to pen a story that someone in the world needs to read. "

    What a resounding statement, Vickie! And one I relate to wholeheartedly.

    This might seem kinda funny, but it was actually reading historical Christian fiction that changed my stance on the American Civil War. Up til I read the Refiner's Fire series by Lynn Austen, I only knew the limited amount of history and opinion I'd read in certain history books, but those books showed me a glimpse of something more, and I dove in deep.

    I'm also with you, Linda. Francine River's books always leave an impression on me.

    Amber Schamel
    Bringing HIStory to Life
    www.AmberSchamel.com

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  6. One of the many reasons I love reading Christian fiction is because of the encouragement, inspiration, entertainment, education and so much more that can be enjoyed in its pages. The Thief by Stephanie Landsem is a story that has lingered in my mind.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  7. Cyberspace seems to have eaten my other comment which was longer. Short and sweet--I like Christian fiction because it's just plain good.!

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  8. I've read Lori Wick's The Princess at least a dozen times (no fooling). It seems every time I come away with a different message. Guess that's when you know it's a good book. :) I love Christian fiction that touches the soul and spirit both.

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  9. Lauraine Snelling's Red River of the North Series really got my attention. It talked about depression (couched in other terms). It showed me that this affliction has been around since the beginning of time, and it can be fought and tamed.

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  10. For me, one recent novel would be Stacy Henrie's HOPE AT DAWN.. powerful WWI realities impacted me - a highly recommended read!
    faithhopecherrytea at [gmail.] com

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  11. This book sounds like a good book to read. I love Janette Oke, but only in movie form, when I saw the very first movie I fell in love with the series. I know that there are Janette books but when I read here books, I get lost and it's very slow. But watching it being played out in movie form it's the best. oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. I enjoyed the Janette Oke movies too, Danie. Did you have a favorite?

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    2. Oh I like them all but my most favorite one would be Love Comes softly, where Missy is getting on the wagon train to go home with here baby but at the beginning I like how she is finally starting to find Love again after missy lost her first husband. And she writes a not saying that she doesn't wasn't to go and that she wanted to stay there and make a home and she says that in her letter that she leaves in her husbands bible. But the letter gets dropped and pushed under the bed. Just love how The Lord shows his love too us in so many small ways but in many stiles
      I still have to get the 3 newest movies that are out. Have you seen all of them?
      oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    3. My favorite was the second movie with Missy and Willie. I haven't seen all of them though, only up to the 3rd or 4th. It seemed like they were starting to get repetitive to me.

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    4. I've seen them all. Even the Christmas one. I think my favorite might have to be with the gal who become a doctor. She's got some gumption. :)

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    5. Amber,
      I know I love willy and missy they are so cute together. Oh I don't think that the movies are repetitive, I've got all of them even the Christmas one but I plan on getting the 3 newest ones that are out.
      And Chrystal, you are right about the lady doctor she was funny. Can't wait to see the 3newest ones.

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    6. Danie,
      When you say the "newest ones", are you talking about the ones with the Canadian Mountie and the school teacher? I saw those when they came out on Hallmark (or whatever channel that was). Had 'em taped too until the DVR went haywire. :-P
      You'll like 'em.

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  12. Jeanette Oke's books that I read as a teenager were influential as well as uplifting. I love reading Christian fiction! I'm looking forward to reading this series- thanks for the giveaway!

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi Heidi,
      Have you seen the Love comes Softly movies???

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