My Texas Heritage & A Texas-themed Giveaway

Keli Gwyn here to talk about my ties to Texas.

Wow! Can you believe all the great posts published and prizes given away on the blog so far? What fun! Don’t miss my giveaway, which you’ll find at the bottom of the post.

I was honored when Erica asked if I’d like to write a story for the Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection. You might think I accepted right away, but I didn’t.

Although I loved the setup for the stories, with GW Hart’s edict—marry or you’ll lose your inheritance—it was the setting itself that stopped me. All my stories before this one had taken place here in California’s Gold Country, where I live.

Erica overcame my hesitation when she suggested creating a Hart brother hero who had spent time in California. When I heard that, ideas began dancing in my head, and I said yes.

Another reason I warmed to the idea of writing a Texas-set story is that I have ties to Texas. My mother grew up in a small town in West Texas. When my husband and I were dating, one of the surprising discoveries we made was that his father grew up in that very same town! We have ancestors buried in the same cemetery.

Writing “A Love Returned,” the story of the middle Hart brother, Houston, gave me the opportunity to stretch myself as a writer. Despite my Texas heritage, my personal experience is limited, having only visited the Lone Star State three times.

One of those trips took place when I was five, so that doesn’t really count. Another trip was for a writer’s conference where I never left the hotel complex at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. The third trip was short. We only visited the town where our parents had lived. Clearly, I need to know more about the area around our fictional Hartville before I could write the story.

I’m grateful for Google. I was able to learn a lot using their search feature, but I wanted to talk with people who’d lived in the area where the Hart family ranch is situated. Thankfully, I have a fellow author friend who spent several years there. Plus, one of my husband’s cousin grew up nearby. They were able to give me a well-rounded picture, complete with the sights, sounds and smells.

Writing a story set in Texas gave me a way to honor my Texas heritage. I also got to talk about things that would never show up in my California-set stories, such as armadillos, which was fun. I’m thankful for being one of the authors in the collection with the privilege of bringing one of the Hart brothers and his sweetheart to life.

Questions for You

Do you live in Texas or have any ties to the Lone Star State?

If you’ve visited Texas, what sights were you able to see?

If you haven’t been to Texas, what sights would you most like to see?

The E-x-p-a-n-d-i-n-g Giveaway

If you like the giveaways, you’re going to be excited about those I have planned this week. It starts with a fun prize package today that includes three items. Each day’s prize package gets BIGGER and better, ending with SEVEN items on Friday. You won’t want to miss a single post this week—or your chance to win.

 Today’s prize is three tasty Texas treats. The winner will receive a Texas Millionaire, a Texas Longhorn and a pecan praline. Talk about a tasty trio. Yum!

To enter the giveaway each day, all you have to do is leave a comment with the answer to one of the questions above by midnight EST. I’ll choose the winner using random.org and will announce the winner’s name in the following day’s post, so be sure to check back to find out who won. (I’ll ask Erica to include Friday’s winner in her Saturday post.)

We’re saving our biggest and best prize for the final post in three weeks, when Erica will announce the winner of our Kindle Fire giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a Kindle Fire loaded with other books written by the authors of the Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection. You can enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already done so.

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The Novella Newby

Yeehaw! We've sure been having fun celebrating the release of Seven Brides for Seven Texans, and I want to thank all of you for sharing in our excitement. For me as an author, writing with these six women has been a true joy, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to join them.

As a reminder, each of us seven authors will be taking turns sharing on this blog. We are appearing in the order of our stories. Since my story "The Heart of Texas" is second in the book, I get to follow the terrific Gabrielle Meyer. You can go back and read her posts if you missed them, and Erica's yesterday about the story behind the story.

Week One: Nov. 28-Dec. 2 ~ Gabrielle Meyer
Week Two:  Dec. 5-9 ~ Lorna Seilstad
Week Three:  Dec. 12-16 ~ Amanda Barratt
Week Four:  Dec. 12-23 ~Keli Gwyn
Week Five:  Dec. 26-30 ~ Susan Page Davis
Week Six:  Jan. 2-6 ~ Vickie McDonough
Week Seven:  Jan. 9-13 ~ Erica Vetsch

To many of you, I'm sure my name seemed like a new one. I've written six books for Revell (the Lake Manawa Summers series and the Gregory Sisters series) , but this is my first novella. Yep, you read that right. I'm a novella newby. When Erica asked me to join the group, I must admit a little jolt of fear shot through me. You see, my novels were each around 90,000 words. Could I write a story in only 25,000 words?

Then, I remembered that I hadn't always written book-length stories. When my creative writing juices first began flowing, I started out writing Sue Thomas, F.B.I. fan fiction. Did you ever see that show? Fan fiction, in case you aren't familiar with the term, is fiction written by a fan of a particular television series, movie, etc. The writer uses character from the series and creates original stories around them. 

I wrote stories at Romancefanfiction.net. It's gone now. Blew up one sad day in a great cyber cloud, but it was a wonderful place to hone writing skills and get encouragement from other writers. My first story there was only 9,000 words. Now that's short!

It was through writing fan fiction that I discovered I liked writing things with an element of humor in them. We had contests at the Romancefanfiction site, and I decided to try my hand at the humor category. One day, my husband asked what I was doing and I told him. He said, "Why? You're not funny."

"Well," I said, "I'm funnier on paper." 

Seven books later, he claims he didn't say that.

But I know better. 

Wives never forget.

So, after I talked to Erica, I recalled my fan fiction beginnings and remembered I'd written a lot of 25,000 word stories then. Surely, I could do it again. Right? 

I'm glad I tried something new when I started writing fan fiction. I'm glad I tried something new when I started writing humor into my stories, and I'm glad I tried something new when Erica asked me to join this wonderful novella collection. Who knew? I could still tell a story in 25,000 words.

It turns out that my fan fiction was great preparation for this collection in another way. Seven Brides for Seven Texans is like a season of favorite television show with an ensemble cast. Different characters may star in each episode, but you don't have to say good bye completely to anyone.

Now, pull up a chair and let's sit for a spell and chat! I have some warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks just perfect for sipping on a cold day. Tell me, what new things have you tried lately? What's your favorite television series with an ensemble cast? What do you enjoy about books in a series?

And if you have any questions for me, please ask away. I'm an open book. (Author pun intended.)

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Lorna Seilstad

Lorna Seilstad brings history back to life using a generous dash of humor. She is the author of the Lake Manawa Summers Series and the Gregory Sisters Series and is a Carol historical romance finalist. She and her husband are almost empty-nesters and call Iowa home. 

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Remember to sign up on Rafflecopter below for a chance to win the LOADED Kindle Fire. 

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Hays & Emma

I had a blast visiting with everyone yesterday! The winner of a print copy of Seven Brides for Seven Texans from yesterday's post is: Bonnie Roof!!!

Don't forget to comment on today's post! I'll announce another winner tomorrow.

Over the course of the next seven weeks, the authors from the Seven Brides for Seven Texans novella collection will fill this blog with fun post all about the Hart brothers from Hartville, Texas. You'll learn more about the authors, the Hart brothers and their brides, and the inspiration behind each novella. Along with all that, we'll be giving away lots and lots of prizes!!

Each author will blog for one week in the order her story falls in the collection. Here's a rundown:

Week One: Nov. 28-Dec 2 ~ Gabrielle Meyer
Week Two: Dec. 5-9 ~ Lorna Seilstad
Week Three: Dec. 12-16 ~ Amanda Barratt
Week Four Dec 19-23 ~ Keli Gwyn
Week Five Dec 26-30 ~ Susan Page Davis
Week Six Jan 2-6 ~ Vickie McDonough
Week Seven Jan 9-13 ~ Erica Vetsch

Yesterday I told you a little about my story, First Comes Love, and one of the reasons I wanted to be the first one in the collection. Today I'd love to tell you more about my hero and heroine, Hays & Emma, and share one of my favorite memories of collaborating on this collection.

It was fun to create the character of Hays Hart. As the youngest brother, I wanted him to be charming and carefree. He didn't have the misfortune of going off to war, and he doesn't carry the burden to prove anything to his pa. Instead, he spent his early years as one of the only brothers on the ranch when his mother died and when his brothers left. He quickly learned how to cover his own pain so he wouldn't add any more grief to his pa's. He loves to make people happy, and if he can shoulder someone's troubles, he will, no matter the cost. Most of his brothers had lived full lives before he was old enough to know what was happening, and he feels he has a lot of catching up to do. If he can marry first, it will make his pa proud and it will prove to the rest of his brothers that he's not a child anymore.

Since Hays is rarely serious, I wanted Emma Longley to be his complete opposite. She is the oldest child of Reverend and Mrs. Luke Longley (the hero and heroine from my first novella Four Brides and a Bachelor in The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection). She grew up in central Minnesota and has come to Hartville with her family, since her father is the new pastor in town. She has also agreed to be the school teacher, but she doesn't care for Texas and plans to head back to Minnesota as soon as she fulfills her teaching contract in two months. At first, she dislikes Hays' carefree attitude, but she soon realizes that his personality compliments hers, and they begin to fall in love.

One of the benefits of a continuity series like Seven Brides for Seven Texans is that when the novella ends you don't have to say goodbye to the characters you've come to love. Hays and Emma show up in each novella throughout the collection, and you'll see that their story continues long after they say 'I do.'

Once I created the character sketches for Hays and Emma, I posted them to our group Facebook page which allowed the other authors to use them in their stories (we each did this). So Hays shows up several times throughout the collection, and his fun, easy-going personality shines in each story. Emma is right beside him, tempering his carefree nature with a little dose of her calm demeanor.

It was a blast to write a novella for this collection because of the authors I worked with. I knew almost all of them before, but I know Erica Vetsch better than the others. Erica and I both live in Minnesota and we have a plethora of things in common (we both write historical romances, we both homeschool/homeschooled our children, we LOVE history, we write for a couple of the same group blogs, and so much more). Though we live about three hours apart, we meet once a month half way between in the Twin Cities before our monthly ACFW chapter meeting. We have so much fun laughing and visiting at these monthly get-togethers, I'm sure the other patrons wonder what we're drinking in our tea. :)

Erica and I had talked about getting together at my house for a weekend retreat, and it just so happened that we had scheduled the retreat about a month before the novellas were due to our editor. Erica had asked each author to send her their novellas early so she could read through them for continuity. I asked if she wanted help, and she said yes.

Over the course of about forty-eight hours, we took turns reading six of the seven stories out loud, in chronological order. That's about 150,000 words! By the end of the weekend, it felt as if Erica and I had lived in Hartville for those two days and all the characters in the collection had truly come to life. We stopped to get a little sleep, eat a few meals, and go to a dinner theater, but that's about it! We fell in love with each hero, oohed and aahed over their love stories, and marveled at the amazing authors we were blessed to work with. It was the most fun I've had in a long time and one of my favorite memories while collaborating for this collection.

Tomorrow is a big day! It's the official release of Seven Brides for Seven Texans. To celebrate, we'll be sharing a grand prize here on the blog and I'll let you know how you can enter to win. We're also hosting a live Facebook Party from 3:00-5:30 p.m. EST. Be sure to RSVP so you're sent updates and reminders! There will be more chances to win prizes at the party.

We want to give away as many copies of the collection as possible, so be sure to visit the Goodreads giveaway, as well!

On Friday, I'll share about some of the challenges I faced setting a story in Texas! And why I chose for Emma to originate from Minnesota...

Now I'd love to hear from you! If you're married, are you married to someone who's your complete opposite? Have you relocated from where you grew up (like Emma)? What were some of your challenges when you moved? Or did you stay in your hometown (like Hays)? What are some of the challenges of staying? Do you have a friend who you have a lot in common with (like Erica and I)? What are some of those things?

Don't forget to comment! I'll choose one winner from today's comments and announce them on the blog tomorrow (be sure to comment before midnight tonight!).

Gabrielle Meyer
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First Comes Love, by Gabrielle Meyer

Over the course of the next seven weeks, the authors from the Seven Brides for Seven Texans novella collection will fill this blog with fun post all about the Hart brothers from Hartville, Texas. You'll learn more about the authors, the Hart brothers and their brides, and the inspiration behind each novella. Along with all that, we'll be giving away lots and lots of prizes!!

Each author will blog for one week in the order her story falls in the collection. Here's a rundown:

Week One: Nov. 28-Dec 2 ~ Gabrielle Meyer
Week Two: Dec. 5-9 ~ Lorna Seilstad

Week Three: Dec. 12-16 ~ Amanda Barratt
Week Four Dec 19-23 ~ Keli Gwyn
Week Five Dec 26-30 ~ Susan Page Davis
Week Six Jan 2-6 ~ Vickie McDonough
Week Seven Jan 9-13 ~ Erica Vetsch

Since my story is the first in the Seven Brides for Seven Texans collection, I have the distinct honor of posting the first week! Each day this week, I will give away a print copy of the collection to one person who comments, so be sure to check back each day to see if you're a winner and comment on the next post for another chance to win! 

Here's a little bit about my story and my main characters.

First Comes Love, by Gabrielle Meyer

As the youngest Hart brother, Hays has never been first at anything--so he's determined to be the first to marry. He sets his sights on the new teacher, Miss Emma Longley, but soon discovers Emma wants nothing to do with marriage, ranching, or Texas and plans to leave Hartville in two short months. Will Hay's charm be enough to convince her to stay?

John Coffee Hays Hart (23) is six feet tall with blue eyes and light brown hair. He’s kind, handsome and charming. He’s known as a flirt with the local gals, but it’s all in good fun. He has an easy-going nature and he’s prone to innocent practical jokes. While he uses his humor to cover-up his pain and heartache, he’ll do whatever he can to protect the happiness of the people he loves. The only reason he hasn’t married yet is because he hasn’t fallen in love. When he does, he’ll be as loyal and passionate about her as he is about his family and the Seven Heart Ranch.

Emma Longley (18) is about five-foot-seven inches tall with dark brown hair and pretty green eyes. She is confident, loyal and determined. She’s passionate about education and she loves working with children. As a teacher, she has many goals and dreams, and she values having a purpose and cause in life. While she tends to be serious, she can also have fun and loves that Hays makes her laugh. She’s good at organizing and planning events and hopes to make a difference with her short time in Hartville. She’s never been in love, because she’s never had time to find the right man. When she falls in love, she will take joy in making a happy home.

~ ~ ~ ~

When I accepted the invitation to join this awesome collection, the lead author, Erica Vetsch, had come up with seven names of seven famous Texans and assigned the names to each member of the Hart family. John Coffee Hays Hart (known to his family as Hays) was the youngest of the brothers at the age of twenty-three. I immediately loved his name and decided then and there that as the youngest brother, he was fed up with his older brothers doing everything first! So I asked the six other authors if they would mind if Hays married first, which meant his story would come first in the collection.

Everyone agreed.

Since this is a continuity collection (each story is in chronological order), each author had unique challenges. One of mine was introducing the reader to the town of Hartville and many of the characters that would be important in everyone's stories. (On the flip side, I didn't have to worry about some of the details the others would have to deal with later on.) The first five or ten pages in a story are the most important. You want to draw the reader in and encourage them to keep reading. Since this collection reads like a full-length book, I had the pressure of keeping the reader's attention to not only finish my story, but want to read everyone else's stories, as well! 

As you'll learn in the coming weeks, the authors in this collection worked very close together. On Saturdays each week, Erica will share more details about how we kept our characters straight, how we created a timeline that would work for everyone's stories, how we developed secondary characters, how we created and used a town (and ranch) map, how we communicated, and so much more. She was our fearless leader and she did an amazing job (even if I did drive her crazy asking so many questions those first few days...). 

Above all else, this group of authors had fun! We loved creating the Hart men and I believe you'll understand why after reading the collection. 

Tomorrow, I'll tell you a little more about Hays and Emma, and why I created them the way that I did. I'll also share one of my favorite memories while collaborating with these authors, and I'll be giving away another copy of Seven Brides for Seven Texans!

Now I'd love to hear from you! Have you read a series like this before? What questions do you have for me (or the other authors) about creating this collection? Do you enjoy stories set in Texas? What's your take on handsome cowboys? :)

Don't forget to comment! I'll choose one winner from today's comments and announce them on the blog tomorrow (be sure to comment before midnight tonight!). 

Also, don't forget to RSVP for the Facebook Party on Thursday, December 1st or enter the giveaway on Goodreads for a chance to win one of seven copies of Seven Brides for Seven Texans!

Gabrielle Meyer
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Several Ways to Win!

Howdy, y'all!

It's hard to believe that Seven Brides for Seven Texans releases this week! We've been working on this collection for over a year and we're itching to introduce you to the Hart brothers of Hartville, Texas! These handsome men have stolen our hearts and we think you'll love them, too. 

To celebrate the long-awaited release, the authors of the collection are having a Facebook Party!

Please mark your calendars to join us on Thursday, December 1st from 3:00-5:30 p.m. EST (2:00-4:30 p.m. CST, 1:00-3:30 p.m. MST, and noon-2:30 p.m. PST.)

We're giving away lots of prizes, sharing behind-the-scenes fun, and introducing you to those Hart brothers.

If you haven't marked "going" on Facebook, be sure to visit here and RSVP to receive updates and reminders about the party.

Here's the party schedule. The seven authors will visit in the order in which their stories appear in the collection. Each author will offer a prize during her time slot and choose a winner from those who comment on her posts.

3:00-3:10 pm EST - Welcome
3:10-3:30 pm EST - Gabrielle Meyer
3:30-3:50 pm EST - Lorna Seilstad
3:50-4:10 pm EST - Amanda Barratt
4:10-4:30 pm EST - Keli Gwyn
4:30-4:50 pm EST - Susan Page Davis
4:50-5:10 pm EST - Vickie McDonough
5:10-5:30 pm EST - Erica Vetsch

That's not all!

We're so excited about this collection, we're giving away as many copies as we can! Be sure to visit Goodreads between November 27th and December 5th for more opportunities to win.

Go here to enter the Goodreads giveaway! It's that easy.

We have lots of exciting contests, giveaways and posts planned for this blog in the coming weeks! On Thursday we'll announce the Texas-worthy grand prize and let you know how you can enter to win. We'll also introduce you to all the authors of the Seven Brides for Seven Texans collection, as well as the colorful and lovable characters that fill the book. You'll hear about the inspiration behind our stories, how we coordinated all the details, and so much more. You won't want to miss a single post! 

Be sure to check back often and tell your friends. We're looking forward to celebrating with y'all!

Let's Chat: Are you a Goodreads user? If so, what do you like/dislike about using Goodreads? Have you connected with your favorite authors there? Have you ever attended a live Facebook party? What do you enjoy or not enjoy about Facebook parties? What would you like us to share on our Facebook party?