Be My Guest - Carrie Turansky

This week starts my once-monthly guest spot on the third Monday of the month. I'm pleased to have the talented Carrie Turansky as my guest this week. If you haven't yet read The Governess of Highland Hall, I hope this article will inspire you to pick up a copy and give it a read. It's quite good and reminds me of Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Tyntesfield ~ Inspiration for the Setting for The Governess of Highland Hall

By Carrie Turansky

When I started working on ideas for The Governess of Highland Hall, I wanted to find an English country estate for my setting. I am a visual person, so finding images for my characters and setting brings the story to life for me. I loved visiting Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed, and I wanted to find an estate that gave a similar impression but was unique. After a short search online, I discovered Tyntesfield, and I was delighted when I followed several more links to other images and articles. It was the perfect inspiration for the Ramsey family's Highland Hall.

Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield is a beautiful Victorian Gothic Revival house and estate near Wraxall, North Somerset, England. The house is a Grade I listed building and now is owned by the National Trust of England. The house is named after the Tynte baronets, who had owned estates in the area since about 1500. The location was formerly a 16th-century hunting lodge, which was used as a farmhouse until the early 19th century. In the 1830s a Georgian mansion was built on the site, and it was bought by William Gibbs, an English businessman, who made his fortune by importing guano (bird droppings) from South America that was used to make fertilizer. Gibbs became the wealthiest non-noble in England for a time. Gibbs had a beautiful chapel added to Tyntesfield in the 1870s. The Gibbs family owned the house until the death of Richard Gibbs in 2001.

Tyntesfield was acquired by the National Trust in June 2002 after a fundraising campaign to prevent it being sold to private interests and to ensure it would be open to the public. The house was opened to visitors for the first time just 10 weeks after the acquisition, and over 189,000 people visited Tyntesfield in 2012. I am planning to visit Tyntesfield in May, and I’m very excited to see it all for myself!

Several scenes in The Governess of Highland Hall are set in the great hall, the gallery, and the nursery. So I thought you would like a peek at those areas of the house.

Would you like to see more photos of Tyntesfield? Come over to my Pinterest board and step back in time to 1912 and get to know The Governess of Highland Hall!

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She is winner of the ACFW Carol Award and the International Digital Award. For more information visit: http://carrieturansky.com.

Carrie has a new book that released last week (April 15). It's actually a two-in-one, so you get more for your money. Here's the book blurb from Carrie's website.

Where Two Hearts Meet

Two Sisters, Two Heartwarming Romance novellas

There's no better place for romance, forgiveness, and new beginnings than the Sweet Something Teashop.

Tea For Two

Allison Bennett, co-owner of a financially strapped teashop in Princeton, New Jersey, receives a large anonymous check that saves her business. But she has no idea who sent it. Could it be from Peter Hillinger, the wealthy businessman who owns the shop next door and wants to win Allison's heart? Or is it from Tyler Lawrence, Allison't old boyfriend, who returns to town claiming a renewed faith and a changed life? Allison doesn't know whom to trust. Should she follow her head or heart, or is there Someone else who can guide her toward the best path for her future?

Wherever Love Takes Us

After twenty-five years of marriage, Matt and Tessa Malone are struggling to recover financially and rebuild trust following a business failure. Then Matt inherits property in Oregon, and he wants to move the family there to make a fresh start. But Tessa can't imagine giving up the cozy teashop she co-owns with her sister, or leaving her friends and family in Princeton. Whose dream will they follow, and how much will it cost their family? Can they resolve their differences and rebuild a love that seems lost?


Tea for Two was originally published in Wedded Bliss, and Wherever Love Takes Us was originally published in Kiss the Bride. These two novellas have been expanded and updated and put together in one book. I hope you enjoy them!



Thank you for being my guest today, Carrie! I enjoyed learning more about Tyntesfield, the inspiration for The Governess of Highland Hall. Enjoy your trip! I look forward to seeing pictures from your adventure.

Readers, have you ever visited a castle? If you could go anywhere on your next vacation, where would you choose to go and why?


Would you like to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Do you need a proofreader? Here are the services I offer.

A Stillness of Chimes

By Andrea Renee Cox

A book I recently read has stayed with me these past few weeks. Meg Moseley’s A Stillness of Chimes held my interest from the very beginning as I wondered what troubled the lead male character, Sean Halloran. As that mystery, and many others, was revealed over the course of this novel, the characters wiggled into my heart. Laura, Sean, and Cassie each had their own problems to face, but I particularly connected with Laura Gantt.

Her battle to believe or disprove the rumors that her dad, who was thought to be lost to the lake, has been seen wandering around town reminds me of the story I’m writing right now. Though there isn't any hope for my character's loved one to return, the rumors surrounding Laura Gantt’s father cause her to doubt everything she knew to be true. As Laura says, “This news about my dad… It changes everything.” Who knew one little whisper could change the entire dynamics of a lifetime of memories?

The one thing I don’t like about this story was the inclusion of affairs. I realize it’s a part of real life, but it isn’t something I’m drawn to in the fictional books I read. I’d rather read about loyalty in marriage as it’s the way I believe God created marriage to be between a husband and wife. However, I believe this book may provide guidance to God’s saving grace for those who have made similar decisions in their lives.

I especially enjoyed Meg’s style of writing. The reason? Because I never noticed I was reading a fictional story. It all seemed so real, so vivid. I was immersed in the characters’ lives as if I were living among them. It’s obvious a novel is well written when you don’t notice the author. Sometimes pet words or habits in sentence structure cause me to lose focus on the story and notice the author’s presence more. I’ve read two Meg Moseley books so far, and I never had that problem through any of the chapters in either novel. My hat’s off to her, and I look forward to discovering more of her creative storylines.

Thank you so much to WaterBrook Multnomah for a complimentary copy of A Stillness of Chimes in exchange for this honest review.

What pet peeves do you have about fiction books? What are your favorite aspects of reading fiction?

Need a proofreader? Read about my services.

Want to be my guest? Submit an article.

Through the Deep Waters - A Story of Healing

By Andrea Renee Cox

Sin.

Sin is something we don’t often talk about. Why is that? It’s bleak, uncomfortable, intrusive, suffocating… The list could go on forever. To me, sin is an obstacle, a stumbling block in my path to righteousness. It’s something to cast off, to be forgiven for by God.

To Dinah Hubley, the lead character in Kim Vogel Sawyer’s latest novel Through the Deep Waters, sin is her haunting reality and nightly terror. Born to a prostitute and raised in a brothel, Dinah escapes to Florence, Kansas, where she intends to become a Harvey girl. The esteemed position of server in Mr. Harvey’s hotel dining room might be Dinah’s dream job, but her past might prove too strong to overcome. Will Dinah succumb to the black cloud her sin has created? Or will her new friends show her God’s healing love, extending an invitation she can’t refuse?

My heart shattered for Dinah as she began her journey in the darkest of circumstances. As I turned each page, I yearned for redemption, hope, and faith for the young lady. Each new chapter brought fresh struggles, which made it difficult to set the books aside to sleep or work. Though heart wrenching, Through the Deep Waters is an exquisite tale that is bound to help broken people find God’s healing touch. The theme of brokenness appeared early on and was reiterated when Dinah asked another character, “What… broke you?” She wasn’t the only one hurting, nor was she the only one in need of mending.

This story of redemption shares the author’s heart for the abused people of the world. Kim offers a ray of hope with the story of a harlot’s daughter seeking more than her past says she deserves. That hope for a bright future, even with a blackened past, is what salvation is all about. It’s why Jesus Christ came to Earth, lived a pure life, and died on the cross. It’s why He rose from the tomb and ascended into Heaven. He came to save the lost, heal the broken, rescue and revive the weary and downtrodden.

Are you in need of a Savior?

Consider this your invitation to the healing He offers.

In lieu of a question today, I offer this prayer:

Father in Heaven, thank You for allowing me to touch my readers’ lives today. Please bless each one in the ways You know they need. If they are brothers and sisters in the faith, I thank You and ask that You bring them ever closer to Your heart. If they have not yet discovered the freedom and healing You offer, I thank You for the opportunity to be Your witness. Please will You touch my readers’ hearts today? Will You draw them near to Your heart and plant that seed of faith? In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Kim, thank you for the complimentary copy of Through the Deep Waters. It’s a joy to be a member of your street team, Hope Harbingers. I appreciate the tenderness you poured upon the pages of Dinah’s story. Thank you for reaching out to the broken. Thank you for being one of God’s vessels.

Readers, if you would like to be a member of Kim Vogel Sawyer's street team for her next three books, please visit this page for more details on how you may request to join. Kim will be choosing her influencers soon, so don't delay!

Need a proofreader? Here's how to request my services.

Want to be my guest? Here's how to submit an article.

Influencer Time!

By Andrea Renee Cox

Hi Friends! While my own books are still tucked away in my computer—trust me, I’m working hard on them!—a friend of mine has some she’d like to share with you. Kim Vogel Sawyer is searching now for people just like you to join her street team. These newest novels will be contemporary fiction instead of her usual historical fiction. If I know Kim, they're sure to be wonderful tales of hope that will lift your spirits.

Do you enjoy reading fiction?

Do you like to share your latest book with all your friends?

Do you spend time on social media sites or write a blog?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I encourage you to fill out the brief application at Kim Sawyer’s website. She’ll be choosing her street team soon. Hurry! You won’t want to miss this opportunity.

I’ve been a member of Kim’s influencer team through three novels now. It’s been quite a blessing. Not only have I gotten an early copy of three of Kim’s books (and a few little extra surprises), but I’ve also built great friendships with the other folks in the group. When tough times come around, we share our concerns with the group and everyone prays through the problem. Good news is shared, too, and the excitement bubbles around the group so quickly you can’t help but feel good about whatever situation you find yourself in! Good days or bad, we support each other with prayer and kind comments. And a bit of humor, too.

Wouldn’t you like to come join the fun?

Visit Kim Vogel Sawyer’s Street Team page for more details.

Have you ever been part of an influencer or street team for an author? What did you like about it? Anything you would improve, if given the chance?

Please share your stories in the comments section. They may help someone else decided if influencing is a good fit for them.

Need a proofreader? Take a look at the services I offer.

Want to be my guest? Here’s how to submit an article.

Music Makes a Difference

Have you ever had a gloomy day turn to sunshine just by hearing a song on the radio? Music is a mood changer. So many times I’ve had a rough day, then put on a CD of one of my favorite singers. By the end of the group of songs, I’d be belting out the lyrics, pouring my frustrations and sadness out at God’s feet. If you’ve done the same, you know that freeing feeling that follows. You’ll recognize that God uses music to change your attitude, your perception about the circumstances you’re in at that moment.

One song that’s helped me a lot lately is “Help Me Find It” by Sidewalk Prophets. Take a listen.

The part that really hit me this weekend is the part of the chorus that says, "If I need to be still, give me peace for the moment. Whatever Your will, whatever Your will, can You help me find it? Can You help me find it?” I'm in a season of being still, waiting patiently (and not so patiently, at times). That's hard on me, especially when I feel like the instructions I've been given haven't been updated in a while. My prayer is becoming, "If I need to be still, please give me peace for this moment."

When I set aside that song to work on my writing, I’ve put music to work in a different way. I’ve built soundtracks, using Windows Media Player, for the two main characters in the novel I’m working on. In doing so, I’m hoping the personal music loops will help me when the inevitable brain freeze called writer’s block decides to rear its ugly head. The songs I chose describe who the characters are, the circumstances they’re going through, or the spiritual journey they’ll be taking through the story. This is the first time I’ve used soundtracks to accompany my writing. Hopefully I’ll find it a helpful tool instead of a detrimental distraction.

Here’s a glimpse of the soundtracks I created for each character. For a couple of the songs, I found YouTube videos to share with you. Feel free to spend some time searching for the others. They're not that difficult to find on youtube.com, and I'm sure you'll enjoy them.

Colton:

"Under Fire" by Abandon

"The Motions" by Matthew West

Caution: This video has scenes in a hospital. If you can't handle needles, you might want to look up a different video for this one.

"Blink" by Revive

"Don’t Give Up the Fight" by Revive

"What I Live For" by Luminate

"Breathe In Breathe Out" by The Afters

Abigail:

"Busted Heart" by For King and Country

"Let Go" by Abandon

"Worn" by Tenth Avenue North

"Where Life Will Never Die" by Tenth Avenue North

"Save a Place For Me" by Matthew West

"Broken Hallelujah" by The Afters

What songs have meant a lot to you lately? How has music changed things for you? Did a certain song touch your heart over the weekend?

Need a proofreader? Take a look at the services I offer.

Want to be my guest? Here’s how to submit an article.

Calling All Authors!

Starting next month, the third Monday of every month will be available for guest bloggers. This is your invitation to be one of my guests.

Are you able to write an article about something that inspires your writing, or something else about the theme of inspiration?

Do you have a book releasing soon and would like a place to shout it out?

Would you like to be a one-time guest or have a recurring role here at Writing to Inspire?

Are you looking to expand your readership by guest appearing on numerous blogs?

Courtesy of Simon Howden and freedigitalphotos.net

If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, please consider yourself invited to send me an article for review. I’d be happy to host you here at Writing to Inspire.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

Articles about the theme of inspiration. Feel free to play with the theme and think outside the box. Please keep your articles up to 600 words, written in Microsoft Word.

Please include a bio up to 30 words, a headshot, and any pictures pertaining to your article that you’d like me to include.

Provide any information (including a brief blurb) about any upcoming or current releases (not to be counted against the article’s word count).

Please include the links to your website, blog, etc. that you’d like me to include with your article.

Submit all articles to Andrea Cox at the following email address: andrearenee2004 at yahoo dot com. Please put “guest article” in the subject line of your email.

You may request a certain month for your article to appear. If that month is already assigned to another article, you may choose another open slot or leave it to my discretion. If you have no preference, scheduling will be first come, first served.

This information will also be located on the new “Be My Guest” page for future reference.

Thank you so much for your participation! I look forward to having you here at Writing to Inspire!



Need a proofreader? Visit this page for details.

Want to be my guest? View details here.

March 2014 Movie Wrap-Up

I enjoy movies. Watching them, collecting them, writing them… What more can I say? I really enjoy movies. Movies from this generation and generations past. Romantic comedies, dramas, action flicks. Silent films and talkies. Documentaries, shorts, and epics. I love movies.

Because of this appreciation for movies, this week I’m highlighting a few films I’ve seen lately that you might like to view. Warning! You may want to grab a box of tissues before you settle in for these.

In theaters now:

POMPEII

Based on a true story about a city that was swallowed up by a sudden and violent volcanic eruption, this film captured my interest with its poignancy and romance, even amidst the life of gladiators. I was afraid it would contain gruesome scenes with said warriors or the volcanic explosion, but it was filmed with sensitivity and beauty that you have to see to fully understand and appreciate. I’m (hopefully) seeing this one again soon; that’s how much I treasured it.

 

Available to rent or own:

33 POSTCARDS

Guy Pearce has played so many fantastic characters over the years (think Count of Monte Cristo or Iron Man 3), but none I found as heart gripping as Mr. Randall, a man who sponsors a girl in China for years. When Mei Mei travels to Australia with the orphanage choir, will she discover the man she’s gotten to know via postcards isn’t really who he always claimed to be?

Zhu Lin

Guy intrigued me with mesmerizing raw emotions—this one scene stands out: when he witnessed an attack, he froze up, staying rooted to the floor, but you could read in his face that he wanted to do something to help the guy, take a swing at the attacker, or just crumple up and cry. That restraint and conflicting emotions reflected in his eyes and other facial features had me holding my breath. In addition to Mr. Pearce’s tried-and-true talent, there was quite a nice surprise with the up-and-coming talent of the lead actress. Zhu Lin, the girl who portrayed Mei Mei, enraptured me with her innocence and ability to express her feelings so easily, so freely. This young lady is surely one to watch. I’m sure we’ll see more from her in the years to come.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

This movie tells the story of a child who must handle several major disappointments in his young life. As he’s on a journey of self-discovery, the audience quickly discovers that he’s quite the child prodigy when it comes to playing the piano. As you’re viewing this one, pay close attention to the songs on the soundtrack. The final credits hold a surprise for you about those songs played throughout the movie.

This one had me crying, laughing, applauding and giggling, and crying again. It’s a gentle story of hope and faith that is safe for the entire family. I hope you’ll check it out and pass it along. Because anything is possible. (Okay, so I couldn’t resist playing on the title of this one.)

That’s my movie wrap-up for this week. When you get a chance to see them, please drop back by and let me know what you think about them. I’d love to hear from you!

What movies have you seen lately that you’d recommend? Any family friendly ones? Ones that made you laugh out loud or cry tears of joy (or agony)?

What do you like to see in a good movie: Great characters? Intriguing plot lines? Action-packed? Emotional journeys?