~ A JOYOUS RELEASE HAS ARRIVED ~

ANN SHOREY MEETS JOY'S JOYFUL~JOURNAL

THIS IS AN EXCITING DAY FOR YOU,

THE READERS OF

JOY'S JOYFUL~JOURNALING!

Setting off a two~month blog~fest of author features/new releases and a special visit from an author who's on a blog tour of her own ~ but that's later in the month. For now, let's concentrate on Week 1 and. . .

In the early fall of 2010 I had the privilege of responding to a call for influencers for an historical romance novel. I contacted the author via email and asked to be considered as an influencer and was answered shortly afterwards. I was told to expect the book to come in March or April of 2011. I put the note aside and went on about the business of creating my blog, getting involved in the E-Course loop, Prayer Loop and of course the great group I'd found in Scribes ~ all connections within my membership of ACFW and it's wonderful group of published and unpublished agents, editors and writers.

This Spring I saw an announcement about a new release coming out and the author is Ann Shorey. I immediately remembered my offer to become an influencer for the multi~published author and went to my file folders. THERE IT WAS! I emailed Ann and requested an interview to coincide as closely as possible with her new release and was graciously accepted right away.

So, dear readers and followers, it is with my pleasure and gratitude I'm able to announce the kick~off of our Spring Blog~Fest with a new release and April's first great author ~ Ann Shorey.

Join us now as we discuss the writer and the work.

Allow me to introduce Ann to you, the readers:

Ann Shorey has been a story collector for most of her life, and has been a

full~time writer for over twenty years. Her writing has appeared in,

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE GRANDMA'S SOUL

Adam's Media CUP OF COMFORT Series.

She made her fiction debut with Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove Series, which "THE EDGE OF LIGHT" released January 2009.

Book Two in the series, "THE PROMISE OF MORNING" came out in 2010 and

"THE DAWN OF A DREAM"

Third in the series, releases this month, April 2011.

Ann is tempted to thank Peet's coffee and Dove choco~

lates when she writes the acknowledgments for her books.

When Ann isn't writing, she teaches classes on historical

research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at

regional conferences. She and her husband live in southern

Oregon.

Ann may be contacted thorugh her website, www.annshorey.com which also contains her blog.

http://annshory.blogspot.com/ or find her on facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/AnnShorey.

Now, I want to give you, the readers an opportunity to learn from her own words who Ann Shorey really is and many things about her writing.

Ann, please tell us something about you, the person, Ann Shorey ~

I was widowed in the 1980's, and sometime later the Lord brought another wonderful man into my life. My husband and I have been married for twenty years this month. We're empty nesters, so we spoil our dog. :)

We live in Oregon. I grew up on the southern coast of our beautiful state and now live a couple hours inland. As an adult, I lived in northern California for a number of years. I feel blessed to live where we do -- we're a couple hours from the ocean, and an equal distance from Crater Lake National Park in the Cascade mountains.

What one thing about you would your readers be most surprised to find out?

I can wiggle my nose and my ears -- just not at the same time! My kids thought it was a great trick, but I haven't found much demand for nose-and-ear wigglers, so turned to writing fiction instead. :)

Shucks, Ann, I can't do either the nose or ear wiggling and my writing isn't near as advanced as yours.

Speaking of writing, tell us what prompted you to become a writer (other than not finding work with the ear and nose trick)?

I've always loved playing with words. My high school English teacher told me I should be a writer, but wiser heads insisted I find a career where I could earn a living wage. the writing urge wouldn't go away, however, and over the years I've taken college writing courses and private classes, in addition to attending many writer's conferences and soakin gup all of the instruction offered in the workshops.

Back to some of your personal information, do you have a special place where you like to write?

We've converted an unused bedroom into an office for me. It's painted in a restful color, and just this last month I got a new desk chair with super powers ;), and had bookshelves made to cover one wall to store all my research books and other writing paraphernalia. Just coming in here makes me happy!

I can relate to that ~ my husband helped me do the same for my 'library'. In fact, I have 'keeper' shelves where I have fiction books from many Christian authors and your "THE DAWN OF A DREAM" has a place of honor on one of them.

What genre do you write in?

I write historical fiction. I had a number of nonficiton articles published before I turned to fiction, as my bio mentioned.

What do you most look forward to writing about?

I like changing settings from one series to another. The research process is one of the highlights (for me) of writing historical fiction. It's fascinating to learn about different parts of our country.

Do you follow any specific form in your writing or are you a 'panster'?

The more books I write, the more I realize the importance of having some kind of an outline before beginning.

First, I create my main characters, then draw a story arc (yes, I literally draw it on a legal pad). After that, I write a two~page synopsis, then start chapter one. Of course, many changes happen along the way, so once I start the story, I'm more seat~of~the~pants.

What, if any, are the obstacles you find to writing?

Time is the biggest obstacle -- there's not enough of it. Of course, if I spent less time on Facebook, I might accomplish more on my manuscripts.

What message do you want most to convey in your books, Ann?

I hope each novel carries a Biblical truth, but overall God's faithfulness is the most important message in all my books.

All good things must some time come to an end, but before we finish our conversation, is there anything you'd like to add? Something I may have forgotten to ask?

Id' love to have your readers visit my website, http://annshorey.com/ , and sign up for the (very) occasional newsletter. They can follow me on Facebook at,

http://www.facebook.com/annshorey.

Ann, it's been a pleasure having you answer my 'nosey' (not wiggling) questions and for being so generous as to spend the time doing so.

Thank you for hositng me on your blog, Joy! I've enjoyed your questions.

READERS!

THE DAWN OF A DREAM HAS BEEN RELEASED ~ GET IT!

If you're like me, it's not near as fun reading the last book in a series first ~ so make sure you purchase all three of the

AT HOME IN BELDON GROVE BOOKS

(Listed above)

Next week:

My first male featured author and his book (to be released the day of our interview), Eddie Snipes

Be sure to leave your comments for Ann and this first Spring Blog~Fest Feature!

Thanks for stopping by.

~ Joy-Fully Welcoming K. Dawn Byrd ~

I want to thank K. Dawn Byrd for so generously agreeing to answer my nosey questions and for allowing us a peek into her upcoming novel,

~ KILLING TIME ~

K. Dawn, I would like, as would the readers, to know more about you, the woman, the writer, and the story you have to share.


Are you single or married?
I'm married and have been for 15 years. Our first date was to church on a Wednesday night. We're best friends and have been pretty much inseparable ever since.


Do you have children?
I have a wonderful step-daughter, Brittany. She's my pride and joy and even though she's not mine biologically, she's mine in my heart. She's grown into a beautiful, strong Christian woman who I'm proud to call my own.


When did you begin to write?
I began writing about three years ago. I love a challenge and found learning the craft and seeking publication to be a worth while one. I still buy every book I can find on writing. If I can learn one thing to make my writing stronger, it is worth the purchase.


Did you begin with Christian Fiction?
I did begin with Christian Fiction. My first book, KILLING TIME, to be released August 1st through Desert Breeze Publishing. My second book, QUEEN OF HEARTS, released in April. Even though it was my second book, it came out first.


What brought you to ACFW?
I'd already decided that I wanted to write Christian fiction and when I found ACFW, it was a dream come true. I'm amazed at the amount of talent in that organization. The members are absolutely wonderful and so helpful. It's awesome when well-known authors take the time to answer the questions of a newbie.


How long ago was that?
I've been a member for two years.

When can we expect your novel, KILLING TIME, in the bookstores, K. Dawn?
KILLING TIME is my August 1st release.

Here's the cover blurb:

Mindy McLaurin, thinks it's the end of the world

when she's incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement

charges. While in jail, she investigates the death

of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose.

Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate

dies and she learns that both women had ingested

the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including

Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t

stop thinking about. She faces many challenges,

including constant interrogation by the Major

and emotional abuse from the other inmates.

Upon release, someone is stalking her and

framing her for the murder. Can she prove to

Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all

charges before she loses him forever?

In which genre your newest novel?
KILLING TIME is a contemporary romantic suspense.


What is it about that particular genre that interests you the most?
I write what I love to read. Suspense is my favorite. Throw in a little romance and we have a deal! I especially love unpredictible books. Throw me a zinger! Because I love those books, that's what I write. Readers should expect thte unexpected when they read my work.


About that sneak-peek of the content I mentioned to our readers?
Here's the exerpt. You can also download he first few chapters for free upon release, August 1st at Amazon.com. If you dont have a KINDLE, you can learn how to download the free KINDLE app on my blog at;

http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/.

Enjoy the following from ~KILLING TIME~
Mitch was waiting for her in the visitation area. Mr. Blair, his attorney, at his side. Delacy ushered her to a glass-front cubicle. Mindy longed to touch Mitch, to draw strength from someone stronger than herself, but the glass made this impossible.

Mr. Blair smiled and nodded toward the phone. Mindy picked it up, anxiety making her a little light headed. She shivered as the cold hard plastic of the receiver came into contact with her ear.

"Hello, Mindy," the elderly attorney said. "It's good to see you again. I wish it were under better circumstances."

"Me, too." They'd come to get her. She was going home.

"I can't represent you. I'm semi-retired and handle mostly real estate transactions. This is out of my league, so I'm going to call a good friend of mine, Bill Sands, and ask him to get in touch with you. He's a good attorney."

"Thank you." Tears threatened to overflow.

"I need to ask you some questions though. Okay?"

Mindy nodded.

"What led up to your arrest?"

"A few days ago, I realized that someone had gone through my desk at work. The signature stamp I use to endorse payroll checks was missing."

Mr. Blair touched his mouth with the top of his pen. "Whose name was on the stamp?"

"My boss. His name is Mr. Warner. I kept a few personal items in my desk, like deposit slips for my own bank account. Someone used the stamp to endorse checks and then deposited them into my personal account." Embezzlement. What an ugly word.

"Any idea who did this?"

"I believe it was my boss' son, Rick. I've had a bad feeling about him from the time I met him. I don't trust him. When he moved back from out west, Mr. Warner gave him an executive position in the company and check cashing privileges."

"Why would he frame you?"

"He started writing big checks. Thousands of dollars. He was so afraid I'd tell on him that he threatened to have me fired."

Mr. Blair scribbled furiously on a yellow legal pad. "What'd he need all that money for?"

"I heard a rumor that he has a gambling problem and owes a lot of money to dangerous people."

"Anything else?" he asked.

"Do you have the money yet from selling Grandpa's house and land?"

"Any day now."

Mr. Blair had represented Mindy in the closing. She'd held back selling as long as she could, but the house was too large for her to maintain. The new roof and plumbing problems had almost drained her bank account.

Mr. Blair's eyes met hers. "I'll call Bill today with this information. He'll be in touch. Good-bye, Mindy. Take care." The sympathy therein spoke volumes. He handed the phone to Mitch.

"Hey, Baby," he said in a voice as smooth as milk chocolate.

"Hey."

Mindy's heart tugged when Mitch smiled. His good looks weren't lost on her. He could turn on enough charisma and charm to benefit him in any situation. "Mindy, honey. I'm sorry that you're in here, but I need your help. Do you remember the new case I told you about? The one where that young girl died of overdose."

Mindy's overloaded brain scrambled to keep up. She nodded.

Mitch ran his fingers through raven black hair. "Keep your eyes open, love. That client is paying me a lot of money for information about her daughter."

"I'll ask around when I go back to the pod. What time am I leaving?"

"Not today," Mitch said. "I need you. I need that information."

"You're not getting me out of here?" Mindy's voice rose to hysteria.

Mitch couldn't have slapped her in the face and hurt her more. Reality washed over her in a chilling wave. She wasn't going home. He was leaving her to work undercover.

Hot tears of anger blazed a trail down Mindy's cheeks, but she didn't care. "You're not going to leave me here," she spat, as if the demand itself had the power to force him to change his mind.

"Not for long, baby. You'll be okay. You're a strong woman. That's one of the things I love about you."

"Please don't leave me here, Mitch." Mindy's voice trembled. "You don't know what it's like back there. Please take me home. I just found my sister."

"Your sister? What are you talking about?"

"Remember? I told you I have a twin? I've got to get out of here so I can help her." Mindy placed her hand on the glass, the tears on her palm smearing her reflection. "Please, Mitch."

"It's not for long, baby. You'll be okay." His expression faltered for an instant and she thought he was about to change his mind. Just as quickly, his eyes hardened. "I've got to go now, baby. Take care of yourself."

Before Mindy had the chance to reply, Mitch replaced the receiver. She looked at Mr. Blair. Her face must have conveyed the terror and sense of abandonment she felt. His expression was one of sorrow and helplessness.

Mindy watched Mitch exit the room, his head high and step light. He never looked back.


K. Dawn, would you share your professional bio-sketch with our readers so they will have your contact information?


Bio:
K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance. QUEEN OF HEARTS, a WWII romantic suspense released in April and was Desert Breeze Publishing's bestselling novel for the month. KILLING TIME, a contemporary romantic suspense to be released August 1, also with Desert Breeze Publishing.


K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at

http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/,

most of which are signed by the authors.

She's also the moderator of the popular facebook group, Christian Fiction Gathering.

When not reading or writing, K. Dawn Byrd enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years,

walking their dogs beside a gorgeous lake near her home, and plotting the next story waiting to

be told.

Links:

Blog:
http://www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com/

Publisher:
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-103/k-dawn-byrd-killing/Detail.bok (there will be links at this site to purchase from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the Sony ebook store and others)

Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ncljBid61g

K. Dawn, is there anything I may have neglected to ask that you'd like readers to know?
Every week I interview three to five authors on my blog who give away a copy of their books to a lucky reader. Most of them signed by the authors. They can register at;

www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

I want to express my appreciation to you for joining us this week, K. Dawn.

Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog, Joy!

You are very welcome, K. Dawn.

TO READERS:

Be sure to read this e-suspense novel by writer, K. Dawn Byrd ~KILLING TIME~ to get the 'rest-of-the-story'.

Until next time~ this is Joy Avery Melville, Joyfully thanking you, the reader and our guest, K. Dawn Byrd, for spending time with us today!