Interview: Delia Latham, Author of Destiny's Dream

Joining us today is Christian author Delia Latham. A former newsppaer staff writer, her first book, Goldeneyes, was released in 2008 by Vinspire Publishing. In 2010, White Rose Publishing released Yesterday’s Promise and Destiny's Dream, Book One of the Solomon’s Gate series. We'll talk to Delia about her work, her inspiration, and what she's working on next.

Welcome to my blog, Delia. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Weedpatch, a tiny agricultural community near Bakersfield, in California’s San Joaquin Valley. My husband Johnny and I recently transplanted to Okmulgee County, Oklahoma. I am a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. While I consider each of these roles important ones, I treasure most of all my role as a child of the King and an heir to the throne.

I promised myself a novel for years, while raising my four children, working at various jobs and writing the occasional article, poem, or song. Vinspire Publishing released Goldeneyes in 2008. A Christian historical romance with a touch of the divine, Goldeneyes is set in the farm country of my childhood. In 2010, White Rose Publishing released Yesterday’s Promise (ebook) and Destiny’s Dream, Book One in the Solomon’s Gate series. Kylie’s Kiss and Gypsy’s Game will follow in 2011, along with a children’s picture book, Mine!

When did you begin writing?

I truly don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something. Even as a child, I always loved words—and devoured them, reading anything I could get my hands on, including the dictionary and the backs of cleaning product containers.  But I seriously knew I wanted to be a writer after winning a third-grade essay contest. That little victory did something magical in my young mind. I could rarely be found without a notebook and pen (and/or a book) after that time.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write whenever and wherever I can find time, but I’m most comfortable—and, I think, most productive—late at night and in the wee hours, when the rest of the world is asleep. I’m not one of those people who can write with distractions (including music), so it’s simply to my benefit to work when the phones aren’t ringing, no one’s knocking on the door, my sweet grandchildren aren’t pitty-pattering in and out of the house, and my (very supportive) hubby isn’t popping in and out with comments, questions, and ideas about going somewhere.

What is this book about?

Destiny’s Dream is Book One in the Solomon’s Gate Series, which is based around a Christian dating agency of the same name. In the first book, Destiny May not only founds Solomon’s Gate in a very conservative California mountain town, but finds her own true love in the process. Here’s a blurb:

Is a little respect too much to ask at the funeral of a beloved parent?

Apparently it is for Destiny May. Her mother’s “going away party” is crashed by an unfamiliar and totally irreverent guest. Difficult to ignore, Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting for the occasion. When it turns out the annoying stranger is not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day’s dreary proceedings.

From the beginning, their relationship has some kinks – starting with Destiny’s determination to found a Christian dating service in their conservative town of Castle Creek. A highly esteemed investment broker, Clay has little respect or patience for such a frivolous profession. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm’s way.

Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses … and Cupid’s arrows are known to fly straight to the heart.




What inspired you to write it?

Over a decade ago, I read A Match Made in Heaven by Shari MacDonald. I loved the premise of a young woman operating a dating agency—I guess at that time it hadn’t become quite such a trend as it has since. In particular, I loved the idea of a Christian matchmaking service. The idea stayed with me through the years. I mulled it over while doing dishes and making beds; chomped on it when I was alone in my car on quiet stretches of road; worked on a scene or two while vaccuuming floors and cleaning toilets. (I often made mention in interviews that I was working on a book based around a Christian dating agency, and I was—but only in my mind.) One morning, I woke up and it was as if God poked His finger at my chest and said, “It’s time, girl! Do it!” Well, what’s a girl to do under those circumstance? I did it. By that time, it had become more than just a book…it had turned into a series, and I have truly enjoyed writing it.

Who is your biggest supporter?

I’m incredibly blessed to have a number of staunch supporters. My children are proud of me, although I’m not sure exactly why… lol Hubby is amazing—he’s the cook in our house, so I don’t have to worry about planning and preparing meals. Plus, he sees to my well-being by placing vitamins and liquids in my hands and giving me the command to swallow when I’m so caught up in a story that the real world becomes a bit hazy. My aunt markets for me all the time in the good, old-fashioned word-of-mouth way…she’s sold a lot of my books by talking about them. And I have a wonderful friend whom I “met” when she reviewed Goldeneyes through an online review site. She loved it, and still maintains that Goldeneyes is her all-time favorite book, ever. I’m so very grateful to have an amazing support system.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

I’m not a member of a critique group, per se, but I do have a few individual critique partners whose opinions I value. A couple of them are authors themselves, and I have one treasure of a reader who is also a transcriptionist/word processor, and possesses a keen eye for editing. She reads my work and tells me about anything that slows her down, doesn’t flow smoothly, or jars her out of the storyline. She’s also great about picking up on those uncooperative characters (ha) who like to change eye color, hair color, name…whatever…from chapter to chapter. She’s a jewel, as are all of my wonderful writing pals. I wouldn’t even think of sending in a manuscript without their input.

Who is your favorite author?

I have too many favorites to even begin mentioning them! It might surprise readers to know that, in spite of my love for inspirational romance, my all-time favorite books were written by Stephen King (The Stand)and Robert R. McCammon (Swan Song). Neither of these books could in any way be considered “inspirational,” and yet they’re amazing, epic tales of good vs. evil.

The Stand is my favorite book of all time. Seems we share something in common.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I’m looking, I’m looking! Do you have one stashed way somewhere?

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Destiny’s Dream can be purchased through White Rose Publishing, as well as on Amazon, Christian Book Distributors, and a number of other online booksellers.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Website - http://www.delialatham.net/

Blog - http://my-book-bag.blogspot.com/

Facebook Reader Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delia-Latham/203040125487?ref=ts

Newsletter - http://bookshelfnewsletter.blogspot.com/

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Write, write, write. It’s so important to make writing a habit. I suggest finding a space you can call your own—whether it’s a confiscated walk-in closet, the end of a dining room table, a corner of your bedroom, or a fully equipped office with a view. The important thing is to have that space and go to it every day, preferably at the same time every day, and do what writer’s do…WRITE. It’s also important to never, NEVER give up! You will get rejections. You will almost certainly receive a review or two that hurts so badly you can’t help crying. You will think, at times, that you’ll never see your name in print. And if you give up, you won’t—you can count on it.

What is up next for you?

I’m currently finishing Gypsy’s Game, Book Three in the Solomon’s Gate Series; I have a couple of children’s books contracted (one of them will definitely release in 2011); and my goal is to pull out a manuscript I started several years ago and give those characters a chance to live and breathe. Readers who enjoyed Goldeneyes and/or Yesterday’s Promise will be particularly interested in this one…

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you so much, Cheryl, for inviting me to your blog! I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, and hope your readers find something in our interview that makes them smile, encourages, inspires, and brings a ray of sunshine into their day.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Delia. We wish you continued success.

James Patterson's Cross Fire Audio Book Giveaway at Libby's Library

Over at Libby's Library there is a giveaway going on for an audio copy of James Patterson's Alex Cross novel, Cross Fire.

Description from Amazon:

Detective Alex Cross and Bree's wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.'s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and a scheming lobbyist. Next, the elusive marksman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories--is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?

The case explodes and FBI agent Max Siegel battles Alex for jurisdiction. As Alex struggles with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross--and his family--for good. With a supercharged blend of suspense, action, and deception, CROSS FIRE is James Patterson's most exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

Visit Libby's Library at http://libslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/01/giveaway-cross-fire-audio.html for details on how you can enter.

This giveaway runs until noon Central on 1/28/11 and is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

Help! I'm Addicated to Free Books for my Kindle!

I think having a bit of time off is dangerous to my health. I've got tons of books to review for The Book Connection and The Children's and Teens' Book Connection, but here I am spending my late evenings browsing through the free books available for Kindle and picking up more books than I should.

Since I began my journey, I have picked up 15 titles. My TBR pile is already 81 books long before adding these to my device. When do I think I am going to have time to read all these books?

Some of them are classic books I never would have bought:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Aruthr Conan Doyle.

Other books I felt would be good for research:

Woman's Life in Colonial Days by Carl Holliday

Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs.

Tonight I found some titles whose blurbs caught my eye:

Danger in the Shadows by Dee Henderson

The Justice Game by Randy Singer

Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren

Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B. J. Daniels ( I wanted this one because cowboy stories are cool).

Do you have any free eBooks on your eReader? What makes you decide to add them even when your TBR pile is falling all over the floor?

Book Review: Tell Me About That Horse by Vaughn Wilson

In this beautiful book, compiled, illustrated, and photographed by portrait photographer and artist Vaughn Wilson, the author has created a book horse enthusiasts and equestrians will want to call their own.

Wilson interviewed numerous people to share their stories of their favorite horses. From seven time All-Around Cowboy Champion Trevor Brazile to music legend Charlie Daniels, from syndicated radio icon Bob Kingsley to "Cutting's First Lady" Lindy Burch, and from trick horse trainer Allen Pogue to Hall of Fame rodeo clown Lecille Harris, and more, Tell Me About That Horse shares numerous touching and memorable stories of why one horse stands out from the rest.

This book will take you from Texas to Kansas, from Nevada to California, from Tennessee to Oklahoma, and even into Australia to give you an inside peek into the loving relationship between man or woman and beast.

Tell Me About That Horse by Vaughn Wilson would make the perfect gift for anyone who loves horses, but even though I've never had the desire to ride much, I found so much to enjoy in this book. These stories will touch your heart. They will let you experience what it is like when a truly meaningful relationship exists between two of God's creatures.

I highly recommend this book. I hope Wilson is hard at work on another book for us to enjoy soon!

Title: Tell Me About That Horse
Author/Artist: Vaughn Wilson
Publisher: Hawk Crest Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9828120-1-3
SRP: $44.95

Available at Amazon.com and www.tellmeaboutthathorse.com!

Author Spotlight: Mike O'Mary and Julie Rember, Editors of Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye: to the people, places, and things in our lives is a collection of true stories about saying goodbye to the people, places and things in our lives. This is a powerful book that includes a number of sad stories, as well as some very funny ones. Taken together, the stories serve as amazing examples of people saying heartfelt goodbyes with grace, dignity, and good humor.

Saying Goodbye includes stories contributed by thirty-one authors from the United States, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. These stories show that there is sadness in goodbyes, but there is also irony and humor. It s perfect for book groups that want stimulating conversations about saying goodbye a topic that touches us all in one way or another.

Saying Goodbye is the first anthology from book publisher Dream of Things in a new series intended to fill the gap between popular anthologies of stories that are “short and sweet” (sometimes so saccharine-sweet they are hard to swallow) and the Best American Essays series, which are much longer. Instead of short and sweet, Dream of Things anthologies are intended to be short and deep.

Read the excerpt!

Foreword from Saying Goodbye

When my daughter was five, her great-grandfather died. At the funeral, I read a story about him, and his two sons-in-law each said a few heartfelt words.

After the last person spoke, my daughter, who was sitting in the front row next to her grandmother, stood up in her chair, turned around to face the room full of mourners, and said, “Is that it?”

That moment sticks with me because it shows that in the midst of the most solemn of goodbyes, there is sadness, yes. But there is also irony and humor and in some strange way, a sense of continuity. So it is, I believe, with all goodbyes.

Years later, Stephen Parrish, author of The Tavernier Stones, sent me a story called “Bridget.” I had just launched Dream of Things with the intent of publishing anthologies of creative nonfiction that will fill the gap between popular anthologies that publish stories I regard as “short and sweet” (sometimes so saccharin-sweet they are hard to swallow), and the Best American Essays series, which I love, but which are longer-form and more challenging to digest. So the goal for Dream of Things anthologies is to be not short and sweet, but short and deep. With depth comes authenticity. The result is stories that are easier to swallow because they are authentic, and easier to digest because they average 1,250 words in length.

Stephen Parrish’s story fit the bill…short and deep…but it didn’t fit neatly into any of the anthology topics that were in the works. So we created a new anthology—a collection of stories about saying goodbye. The topic struck a chord, and the stories came pouring in from around the world…from the United States, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere. The result is this book—a remarkable collection of stories, and the first of what I hope will be many anthologies from Dream of Things.

I say these stories are remarkable not just because of the quality of the writing and the subject matter, but also because a remarkable thing happened as I read them. I cried at sad stories and laughed at funny ones…that was no surprise. But I also learned valuable lessons about how people say goodbye—sometimes under the most difficult of circumstances. I learned because the authors who contributed to this collection were unflinchingly open and honest when it came to sharing very personal stories about how they and their loved ones say goodbye. It was a lesson that has better prepared me for whatever the future may hold. Thanks to the authors and their beautiful stories about saying goodbye to family members, relationships, jobs, pets, old homes, couches, jogging suits, the past, and other things, I will be better at saying goodbye in my life whenever the time comes. You will be, too.

I hope you enjoy these stories. Goodbye—for now.

Mike O’Mary, Series Editor

Read the reviews!

"Tender perspectives helping readers with their own goodbyes. If you have ever had to deal with loss, read this book. It will make you feel better." --Christina Johns, Midwest Book Review

"The stories are about love, really, not sadness. Despite all the sadness and grief that come with saying goodbye, there is love and joy and comedy on the Other Side."

--Gretchen Little, squidoo.com

"Couches, marriages, loyal dogs, husbands, fathers, and more. Saying Goodbye is put together well, for a freshman anthology effort from Julie Rember and Mike O'Mary."

--Book Nook Club

"This powerful book includes a number of sad stories, some very funny ones, and others that mix joy with sorrow. Taken together,they serve as amazing examples of people saying heartfelt goodbyes with grace, dignity, and good humor.”

--Bright Ideas




Mike O’Mary is series editor of the Dream of Things anthologies including Saying Goodbye, an anthology of true stories about people saying goodbye to the people, places and things in our lives with grace, dignity and good humor. He is founder of Dream of Things, a book publisher and online retailer. He is also author of The Note, a book about the power of appreciation, and Wise Men and Other Stories, a collection of holiday-related essays.

Julie Rember is editor of the Saying Goodbye anthology from Dream of Things. She has been a newspaper reporter and editor, front desk manager at an Idaho resort, high school drama teacher, and, for the past six years, a freelance technical writer and editor. She also teaches workshops for writers on giving successful readings.

For more information, visit http://www.goodbyebook.com/.

Book Spotlight: Daniella by JoAnn Carter

When Harrison Beckman meets his father’s secretary, Daniella Duncan, she’s shy and self-conscious. Harrison, however, is determined to get to know her better. Before he gets to do that a rival comes along to steal Dani’s heart as quickly and thoroughly as the company’s contracts, which have been disappearing.

As the mystery unfolds, Harrison has to fight for the woman he loves, even though this means crossing swords with his father and his determined adversary. Will Harrison be able to find the love that could await them or will it be too late?

Author's note:  While in the middle of writing this story, I heard the song MIRROR MIRROR by Barlow Girl on the radio. As I listened to the lyrics, it hit me how many women like Dani, (the heroine in DANIELLA) struggles with self-image.


As the plot develops, and Dani comes to the realization God loves her the way he made her. I had to be honest and ask myself, "Do I believe that?" It’s easy for me to nod my head while I’m writing this, but it’s another story when I’m standing in one of those dinky changing rooms try to find a bathing suit for the summer!

Accepting myself is sometimes is a daily struggle. In the same way this story has challenged me, as you experience Dani growth reading this book, it’s my prayer that it will draw you closer to God as well. (If you’d like to hear Mirror Mirror, click onto this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgq8pA-ipY&feature=related )

Read the excerpt!

Harrison took the folder from her extended hand. Her hand seemed so small, and he had the strangest desire to protect her from whatever inner battle she was fighting. "I’m sorry. I know you’ve been with our advertising firm for quite a while now, but until today, I’ve never met you." He added with a smile, "Forgive me, I’m horrible with names. What’s yours again?"

Her eyes grew wide. With a nervous catch, she said, "Daniella Duncan."

"I like that name. May I call you Daniella?"

She shrugged. "Everybody calls me Dani."

"I think I prefer Daniella." Still studying her face, Harrison added, "Somehow, Dani doesn’t seem to fit you."

"Oh, Dani fits me all right. It sounds short and fat." Her hand clamped over her mouth, and her eyes grew even wider. Harrison’s heart nearly broke when she asked, "Did I really say that out loud?"

It had been drilled into his head since he was a boy never to talk to women about two things: their age and their weight. Now, what should he do with this hanging hot potato? Ignore it. "I didn’t hear anything if you didn’t." He tried to continue with the previous introductions. "Everyone calls my father Mr. Beckman, so I go by Harrison."

"Okay. I’ll try to remember that." Daniella seemed to have reached her limit; she looked like a cat being chased by a mouse, desperate for escape.
"Um, I really need to get back now, so..."

"Sure. Thanks again." Harrison didn’t even know if she heard him as she turned and left with quick steps.

He stood quietly by his door and listened to the clickety-clack sound Daniella’s shoes made on the linoleum fade into a soft pitter-patter as she retreated down the hallway. He shut his door while contemplating the strange woman who was just in his office. Pretty but strange...yes, definitely strange. Finally, he shrugged his shoulders and went back to the tasks at hand.

Free discussion questions here: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/discussion_Q/DQ_Daniella.pdf

Price: $3.50 (Special sale for 25% off of this price if you purchase Smuggler of the Heart. See purchase link below for details.)


Purchase link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Daniella

Visit JoAnn's Web site at http://home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Connect with JoAnn on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JoAnnDavisCarter

JoAnn Carter lives in Vermont with her wonderful husband of 18 years, four children and Ginger, the best dog in the world. She enjoys being with her family & friends, writing, reading, and cooking.


In the past JoAnn has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, an apple orchard guide and as a substitute teacher. She is available for speaking engagements to book clubs, reader groups, library groups, women's ministry events, school events and church retreats.


Her next book, The Floating Palace, will be released July 15th through Desert Breeze Publishing. You can access the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDcuTF8v9bg.

JoAnn Carter...Encouraging faith through fiction

The Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family by Arthur Bradley Giveaway at Linda Weaver Clarke's Blog

It's the first week of January and Linda Weaver Clarke is already busy bringing you new interviews and new giveaways.

The topic of this book is scary, but the truth is that we live in a dangerous world and we need to be prepared in the case of a disaster. I have several friends who have emergency kits ready. It's something I've been meaning to do myself. While where we live there is a low chance of us having to deal with a disaster, I sure wouldn't want to be unprepared if something happened.

Arthur T. Bradley is a homeschooling father, Army veteran, and a NASA engineer. Deeply affected by 9/11, Bradley began reading books on disaster preparedness. When he didn't find one that met his family's needs, he sat down and wrote this 540-page handbook to help ensure others are prepared for any type of disaster.

The Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family is clear and easy to read with dozens of photos, illustrations, and worksheets. It focuses on practical steps that you and your family can take to become better prepared.

The book has received some excellent reviews, which you'll find on the author's website at http://disasterpreparer.com/handbook/book-details

You can visit Linda Weaver Clarke's blog at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-arthur-bradley-and-book.html to leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of the book. This giveaway runs through January 10, 2011 and is open to residents of the United States and Canada.

Stop by Linda's blog now before you forget!