Joining East to West: Readers with Authors in Growing Christian Market

More Christians in India than ever before have their heads bowed low these days. Praying? Maybe, but also reading on their smart phones and tablets. The popularity of E-readers and apps for enjoying books on smart phones and tablets has substantially increased readership in India, especially in larger cities and among college students. 

After researching and speaking with Christian pastors in India, authors, and a barrage of voracious book lovers, it crystallized the truth that excellent Christian literature and clean fiction are in demand in the East.

"People from India want to read and learn about the Western world," says Shilpa Joshi, a Christian from Bangalore. "We want to explore places like Texas and reading about these places in novels takes us there, but I rarely come across such books."

Holly Michael reported, “During a visit to India last year, browsing large Christian bookstores, I found mostly self-help and spiritual non-fiction books written mainly by Indian authors. I did come across a few nonfiction titles by Joyce Meyer and Joel Olsteen, but found almost zero Christian novels.”

Renjit Varghese, a Christian from Kerala, India lives in Kansas City now. He says that readership is growing among Indians due to the lower cost of eBooks. "But Christian books are difficult to find in India," says Varghese. "Even more rare is fiction written by American authors." When I go back home to Kerala, I take books back with me for my family."  

Seeing the need to connect Christian authors in the West with readers in the East, Holly, author of the soon to be released CROOKED LINES and I began a website: www.indiascrown.com. The full name of the premier site is India's Crown in Christian Literature Excellence or ICICLE. The website will feature American Christian authors with books marketed in India through Amazon and other sources. Each author featured will have also give away one copy of their book.

India's Crown In Christian Literature Excellence (ICILE)

India’s Crown is a place where the authors and readers can also connect. It surprised me to discover a few years ago that people all over the world love Texas. My historical Christian romance—reviewers have told me I should add western adventure to my genre—Vow Unbroken is set in 1832 Texas, so I am excited about the untapped market in India. And while it’s nice to sell more books, I’m more excited with the aspect of meeting Indian Christians and making friends across the ocean. With Christ in common, we can minister to one another and see that God is doing wonderful things in other places.

So, Holly and I are off and running on a massive campaign to bring awareness of http://www.indiascrown.com/ to India, and fill this niche, with literary minded Christians working on both sides of the ocean. It is time now to welcome authors to contact us about promoting their book. We are filling our calendars now. We’re thrilled to be wide open to Indy titles, but do want to read them ahead of time to ensure the excellence in Christian Literature we advertise. It is this assurance that will catapult India’s Crown into the organization we believe God wants it to be. Visit the site and contact us with any questions.  

Get ready Christian authors in the US! Indian readers want your books! And what a platform God has given us  to spread the Gospel through our Christian Fiction.

Caryl McAdoo 
Looking forward to hearing from you!

Daddy's Home from the War

The first of several 'Prequelettes'; Letters exchanged from 18 year old Levi and his little sister-cousin Rebecca (characters you met in VOW UNBROKEN, four years have passed) The missives will give readers an idea of what's been going on from VOW UNBROKEN's 1832 setting and HEARTS STOLEN, book two, set in 1844.  In May, 1836, his Uncle Henry returns home from the Battle of San Jacinto carrying Levi's letter. He arrives on May 26, 1836...   

After the tears and shouts, the celebration and heartbreak of Levi not returning home but being alive, Rebecca Ruth Baylor Buckmeyer snuggled her two oldest little sisters up close. Instead of a bedtime story though, she unfolded her brother’s letter Daddy brought home to her.

May 8, 1836

My dearest little sisters, Bitty Beck, Mary Rachael, and Gwendolyn Claire…I’m sure Baby Ce Ce could care less only eight weeks old. Or has it been nine now?

The four-year-old popped up. “That’s me! It said Mary Rachael.”

“That’s right. It’s from Levi. He didn’t come home from the war with Daddy, so he sent us a letter.” She turned to the two –year-old on her left. “You remember Levi, don’t you Gwen?”

The little one shook her head against Rebecca’s chest. “No!”

She didn’t chide her baby sister for the bad attitude in her tone. Mama never should have let her start sleeping with her and Baby Cecelia while Daddy was away.

Well, we did it! We’re all Texians now! Don’t know rightly what I expected, but it was unbelievable. Everyone charged shouting, “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” It was like one huge roar, and before I could imagine, the battle ended. The Mexicans fired a few shots, but they all turned tail and ran.

You’d never guess it, but you are the real hero of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Her? What in the world could he be talking about?

Yes, you. Remember that morning we left and Blue Dog was torn between staying home with you and going? You convinced him to go. Remember?

Blue Dog hunted down Santa Anna!

“Do you, Becca? I don’t remember.” Mary Rachael stopped twirling Rebecca’s hair and looked up. She loved her little sisters, and the little girl’s beauty almost took her breath away looking so much like her Daddy.

“I do as a matter of fact. I told Old Blue that he needed to go help win Texas’ independence and make sure Daddy and Levi got home safe.”

Gwen sat up, pulled her thumb out of her mouth, then wrinkled her nose and stuck out her tongue at her slightly older sister.

“Now, that wasn’t very nice, was it? You two shush and be good, let me read the letter. I want to see how I was the hero, don’t you?” She started the new sentence over.

Well, Blue is the very one who tracked Santa Anna and found him the next day! No telling what might have happened if the general got away. We might still be fighting. But the defeated cockroach signed the treaty, and Texas is now a Republic! Independent, free from Mexico’s rule! Isn’t it wonderful?

President Lamar is forming a rangering company. Wallace Rusk and I joined up, so now I’m a ranger. How about that, Bitty Beck? Don’t be upset with me for not coming home. I’m sure I’ll be back before you know it, and bring my new friend with me.

Did Uncle Henry tell you about Wallace yet? We found him walking along just outside of Nacogdoches. First said he was eighteen, but I found out he’s only big for a sixteen year old. He had to lie again to get in the rangers with me. He’s had a sad life. Never knew his father like me, but his mother left him an orphan last February. Said she was a sporting lady.

Rebecca gasped. “Oh my.”

“What’s a sporting lady, Becca?”

“Oh, uh, you know. Like marbles… Or racing horses.” How brilliant, Levi Baylor! A little warning might have been nice. Hadn’t the thought entered his mind that she may be reading his letter aloud? Well, at least it wasn’t in front of Mama or Daddy. Surely the little sisters wouldn’t say anything. “Be quiet, now, and let me read the rest.” She read silently until she got past the part about his friend’s mother. Just like him to put the keep it quiet after the bad part. What a clown.

Don’t say anything about that, it should be just between you and me – or about his real age, either.

I know Uncle Henry and Aunt Sue planted all that extra cotton and hate it that I won’t be there to help. This is something I feel I must do. As a man. Lamar is sending all the rangers to Comanche Springs so we can teach the Comanche and Kiowa a lesson for joining up with the Mexicans to fight against us. It’s pretty far west, not far from the Rio Grande is what I heard. Some of the older rangers think we’ll be done by Thanksgiving, maybe sooner.

Can you believe Wallace has never even had a proper Turkey Dinner with all the fixin’s before? Or even celebrated the holiday at all. Maybe I can bring him with me in the fall. I can’t wait for you to meet him. He’s like a brother to me already.

Kiss all my little Buckmeyer ladies for me and give Aunt Sue a real big hug. May be a chance we can come late September and help with the pickin’. I’ll write again next chance I get.

I love you, 

your brother-cousin,
Levi Bartholomew Baylor

“Long live the Republic, Bitty Beck!”

My Writing Process BLOG HOP

Good Monday Morning! Preslaysa Williams at www.preslaysa.com asked me to participate in the "My Writing Process" blog hop.

Even if it is Tuesday morning! This was scheduled for yesterday June 2nd, but I found myself still away from home (visited the weekend with my daddy who lives with my sister so she could take a break)and didn't have my information with me, so I'm posting it this morning instead.

So, I have been working on HOPE REBORN, book three after VOW UNBROKEN (March 2014 release from Simon and Schuster’s Howard Books) and HEART STOLEN (September 2014 release), scheduled for a March 2015 debut. All three are historical Christian romances, VOW takes place in 1832 when my state was known as Tejas and a part of Mexico, then HEART comes six years later, 1844, when we were a Republic. HOPE REBORN, set in 1850 after Texas has come into the Union as the twenty-eighth state, explore the romances of the wild west and have plenty of adventure for their characters.

I absolutely love writing for this genre, my all time favorite! The research is fascinating. I love digging into the early history of the Lone Star State and writing for readers who love the Lord. Being able to extol His greatness and never ending love for us is such a blessing. He gives me the sweetest stories and lets me get to know my characters as real friends, making them so easy to write about.

Though many authors write historicals set in the nineteenth century, no where in the world was like Texas – not then, not now! I’m thrilled to find many men enjoy my historical romance novels and say in their five star reviews that I should add western adventure to the genre explanation. J

I started writing historical Christian romance because I met Mary Sue McAdoo Seymour, my agent, at an East Texas Writers’ Conference. Yes, her maiden name was McAdoo. What a fun God thing, right? She told me this was her favorite genre and is I would write one, she would sell it. So I did, and so did she. I started writing in the 80's and have often wondered why God had me writing as my success seemed minimal. I see now that all those years and studying and learning my craft was for such a time as this – such a genre that would advance His Kingdom. And that’s why I write what I do.

I get up every morning and have my first cup of coffee at the computer. I check my social media accounts and love reaching out to those who take the time to get in touch, then I pull up Word and got to my work in progress HOPE REBORN. One thing that might interest you, I've written two novellas - my first! They're about half the size as VOW UNBROKEN at a little over forty thousand words each: SING A NEW SONG and THE PREACHER'S FAITH that are at the publisher's now. They're both contemporary Christian romances. Be watching for those titles!

Now I encourage you to hop on over to a sweet friend of mine who God gave to me, Holly Michaels. Her "My Writing Process" will go up next Monday morning, June 9. (unless she finds herself away from home without her information) Click on over and see what she has to say about her writing experiences. http://www.writingstraight.com

I want to thank you for visiting my blog today. I’d love to hear from you. Ask any questions by commenting below or tell me why you like to read historical Christian romance. What do you look for in such a story?

BLESSED BOOK LAUNCH

With Paul and Tonya Weathers, the last shall be
first :) They hosted an awesome party (live music
and Mexican dinner) at their new home in Garland. 

My, My, My! How Time Does Fly!

I can hardly believe that it's been since JANUARY that I have not spoken to y'all here! WHAT A WHIRLWIND THIS YEAR HAS BEEN! Storms and sunshine, stress and blessings galore. I love how Nahum reported it (first chapter, verse three). The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

 Last June, almost a full year ago, knowing that the debut of my gist ever historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN from Simon and Schuster's Howard Books--what and honor and blessing that is--would be in March 2014, agreed to be the director for my writers' group's twenty-eighth annual Writers' Round-up Conference hosted by the Northeast Texas Writers' Organization scheduled the last weekend in April. I stated clearly I'd have to get it planned and organized well before the start of the new year (six months away at the time) because of planning and executing a fantastic book launch month! But things didn't go as planned. That ever happen to you?

Without dwelling on things that are not worthy of a good report, suffice it to say that my life became a whirlwind of conference planning against constant attacks and book launch planning with God's favor going always before me. By January, I spun in the middle of the whirling wind until March when the highly successful March through Texas Tour began. All the 'work' was over and the time to enjoy the fruit of my efforts had arrived. Twenty-six events in twenty-two cities in thirty days! Whoopie!

Debut Day, Italian Bistro, Clarksville with
friends, Patricia and Louise, my Luncheon Ladies!

It started in my new home town of Clarksville in Red River County where Susannah (VOW's heroine) lived and scratched a living for herself and two children on the Tejas prairie from 1822-1832. The Italian Bistro welcomed me on that wonderful Tuesday March 4th, 2014, Debut Day!

At the Bistro with Berta, who opens her
home for Prayer Group every Thursday. 

 Friends from my Ladies group, Prayer Group, and Book Club showed up with their friends and family to help celebrate VOW's release and support me. I couldn't be more grateful!

Brown Bag Book Club
member Melanie came!

Four generations from Prayer Group. Matriarch Sherry, her
daughter Shannan, her Abigail and Baby Ashur (a future fan).

The next day I was off to DeKalb where I'd lived five years prior to moving to Clarksville - in Red River County but being on the county line, we had a DeKalb address. At the Launch Party, held at the Williams Historical House Museum, the hostesses pulled out all the stops and it was a huge success.

 

All the food was from 1830 recipes and types.Carolyn,
Joanie and Dana overwhelmed me with their efforts!

Can you believe I'm here with Dan Blocker
Hoss of 'Ponderosa' fame was from DeKalb!
The museum has this life-sized poster :)

About fifty great folks attended the
Launch Party and we all had a great time thanks to cracker jack hostesses! Words aren't enough to say thank you!




SO, I must admit, after that the order of the events become
foggy, We had in-store book signings, home parties, parties
in restaurants, and at a great church in West Tawakani ~            
that one hosted by a dear friend Margaret Endicott who I      
went to church with in the 70's and it'd been about that long
since we'd seen each other. Of course we forgot pictures
there! :( Too much fun I suppose! But here she is in one I
copied from her facebook.
                It was a beautiful month I'll never forget! Here
are photos from all those great events! I hope you enjoy!
Would have been grand if you all could have come to one,
but still, I pray we get to see each other soon!

At 'A Novel Idea' hosted by the Franklin
County Arts Alliance, held at their Cultural
Arts Center in Mt. Vernon! Much fun with
 Joe and Paul Parisdd caption

At Hastings Bookstore in Mt. Pleasant with Pattie Ball (left a.k.a. Ann Everett, her pseudonym) and the Simmons family on the right. Lisa Simmons (a.k.a. Lisa Brannon by pseudonym) and Pattie both go to the Northeast Texas Writers' Organization where my husband Ron and I have been members three years.

To the left, at Barnes & Noble, Southlake with my sister and husband Cathy & Kevin Barnett. Sold that big stack of books down to the nub!

    

Got to hold my new great nephew Rowan at Barnes & Noble as well as see two of my favorite nieces Jessica and Joanna. Also got to meet with a Facebook friend I've been visiting with for at least five years, but never met face-to-face, Margo (below right/right)o  Carmichael in the blue shirt and in the stripes, a dear friend God gave me through our River Bottom Ranch Stables in Grand Prairie, Sandra Archer. Sweet times celebrating VOW UNBROKEN with new and old friends and family, too!

I

 In Grand Prairie, I had a party at The Brass Bean where my best sister-friend of almost 40 years Elaine was hostess, and my friend and mentor Don Whittington blessed me by coming!Of course I missed getting a photo!
        Then the next morning, I met some new and old friends at the Grand Prairie Library! On the right here is Helen, the best midwife in Texas! And below left is with long time friend Joyce.

 My youngest son Russell (left) not only hosted a great Launch Party in Lewisville at LaMadeline's, but created me posters (like this and smaller), bookmarks, and the big surprise was the pull up 8' tall banner you see in many of these photos! Debbe France, the Barnes & Noble manager at my very 1st booksigning in 1999 attended, no picture!

At the Pizza Pro, see the stalk of cotton and wonderful
open book with folded pages? My friend Margaret in
West Tawakani decorated her party with those then gave
them to me, which I've loved using at all the rest!

My #14 grandsugar Atticus came to my
Party in Denton and Zera's. His daddy, bro
Wesley and sister Joi came, too! FUN!                 

Back in DeKalb, good
friend Robin hosted a
party for me at her Pizza
Pro! She's on the left here, and on the right is her daughter Melody and friend Kassie. What a good time! My grandsons attended this one, no way were they going to miss out on that scrumdillyumptious Pizza Pro pizza!

I'd be crazy if I told you the hectic schedule didn't wear me out.
I laughingly say that I'd forgotten how old I was, but it's true. At the end of the month I was exhausted, but during it, day by day, as I saw old friends like Phil and Connie Briscoe who we went to church with back in 1975, I was so blessed. They came to the book signing at Mardel's in Hurst (no pictures!) where I also met many of my daddy's church friends. He was there to host that Launch Party! Daddy's 85 and an avid voracious reader. When he finished VOW UNBROKEN he called me sounding quite surprised that he really enjoyed it! I love my daddy. Below, here he is on a recent visit! Right is me reading at the Clarksville Public Library, the 2nd party on Debut Day.


At Roots in North
Richland Hills, with '80s church friends (below) Mark and Paula Leeper, like thirty years since we've seen each other. Sweet reunion at this party hosted by my sister Cathy who did a fantabulous job I so appreciate! Can't tell you why we didn't get our picture together! Me too busy signing, her too busy visitin'? Having too much fun!

Here's all the group at the Roots including a daughter I hadn't got to see in a while, my sweet Janis - lower right corner of photo to left.
       And you never know who God has listening. I was sharing with a friend buying a book how I always say that I'm blessed and highly favored when people ask, "How are you?" How once back when I answered the proverbial "Fine." and was immediately convicted that was a lie. So, twenty years ago, I started the habit of saying, "I'm blessed and highly favored" which is ALWAYS true because I belong to God! A lady sitting at a nearby table told me how blessed she was by that testimony. And of course, even more so than just being His, I have spoken those words into the universe thousands of times by now. And the scripture that says He will create the fruit of our lips... Has brought it to be His best blessings and constant favor are with me always.

At Panera Bread in Cedar Hill with a new friend Brandy, a CFNI (Christ For The Nations) student who sat at the table right next to us a stranger and became a friend! Another precious lady overheard us talking about the 'harvest' and joined our conversation. They both got a book, and before it was over, we stood in the middle of Panera Bread holding hands in a circle and praying! The presence of God was awesome!

On the left, I'm with Angela, hostess for my parties in Tyler. This one is at the Scroll Christian Bookstore where I met some lovely people and was prophesied over by a precious lady who prayed for me! The evening before I was at Fireside Books and I'll have to add a photo taken there!
     
 All in all I so enjoyed my trip to Tyler! It was the first place I drove my BEAUTIFUL brand new Corolla to that God provided miraculously! He loves me SO! See? What did I tell you, blessed and highly favored!

So the rest are all from my Irving Launch Party at Taco Cabana! Left of my car there is my baby brother Norm, and directly left are FIVE cousins. We three middle ones grew up together of course, and I'd say we're more like sisters. Left to right: Ruth Ann (from Oklahoma), Jimmie Lynn, Mary Jo, me and Gayla Gwen (Norm's wife, my sister-in-love).
       Directly below is the hostess of this party, my dear sister-friend Glenda. She is a sweet sister in the Lord and made the party so special! Lower left, my sweetheart-n-me! And lowest left, high school girlfriend Peggy Panell Chrusciaki and husband! 4 more years til our 50 year reunion!!! Been that long since we've seen each other, but we're FB friends!



From the beginning - if you remember that far back :) - you remember that the day after the last Launch Party, I had to jump in over my head into Conference and all the last minute details. It was not easy, but I pulled it off and even got many compliments! So praise the Lord for helping me. Praise Him for opening doors and keeping His favor all around me. Definitely could not have accomplished these things without Him! To God be the glory!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing all the fun and pray that God will bless you with all His best! 

Meet Anita Higman, author of A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY

Can you pinpoint one decision, one moment, one action that changed your life forever? We all have definable moments that shape who we are and the path we follow, but sometimes other people make that decision for us. In A Marriage in Middlebury (Abingdon Press/November 5, 2013/ISBN: 978-1-4267-3387-1/$14.99), Anita Higman weaves a heartwarming tale of how one choice takes a woman down an unexpected path to forgiveness. 

Best Selling author; over 30 Books!

Thank you, Anita, for visiting with us today, and congratulations on your new release! I'm sure all your fans can't wait to get their copy! And I'm just honored to have you. Give us some insight to your inspiration for A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY.

The idea for this book came from my absolute love of tearooms in Texas. More than a decade ago I met a woman named Linda Becker who opened a tearoom in the Houston burbs called Tea for Two. Her eatery and gift shop did so well she opened a second shop. Throughout the years I’ve enjoyed her wonderful tearoom fare as well as the quaint ambiance. Linda’s tearoom isn’t just a café — it’s a gathering place for friends, a place to eat home-cooked food and a place so cozy you don’t want to leave. As a writer I thought it might be fun to create a heroine who owns a tearoom similar to Linda’s and set her shop in a small town on the gulf coast of Texas. So, that’s how the novel A Marriage in Middlebury was born. Even though the story, the characters and the town are fictional, Linda’s tearooms are real places you can visit and enjoy.

So everything was going smoothly for the main character when suddenly it all changes when her first love returns. What advice do you have when life throws us a curve ball?

Isn’t that just like life? I get curve balls thrown at me daily! Sometimes little ones. Sometimes big ones. As Christians we should trust in the One who made us, the One who’s known us from the first day when we were knit together in our mother’s womb, the One who loves us best. Trusting in Him when everything goes wrong  is the only answer, and it’s more than enough.

Amen, and it's true, we all get pitches hard to hit. I think that goes back to..."in this world you will have tribulations" but Praise God, we CAN be of good cheer because He HAS overcome the world! In your story, Sam’s father pressured Charlotte into breaking off her relationship with his son. How do you think we should react to people who threaten our dreams, wrong us in some way, or are just deliberately hurtful?

Bathe the situation in prayer and then talk things through no matter how painful. But once the air is clear, forgive and move on. Don’t keep going back over and over. Forgiveness is not easy, but it’s the only way to live free. It helps to remember that forgiveness is what God offered us when we sinned against Him.

Honestly, I’m not able to forgive on my own. This fallen world is filled with people who can at times be unkind and unjust. I can only give these people to God and let him transform their hearts and my attitude toward them. Does it sound unbelievable—too mystic? It might sound that way, but Jesus is the only supernatural glue that will ever be able to mend this broken world. Through Christ I am able to forgive what is unforgiveable and love those people who seem unlovable. After all, that is exactly what Christ did for me.

That is some good advice, Anita. Is there a certain Bible passage or verse that goes along with the theme of A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY? 

Don't miss this one!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

I love that verse and quote it often. I know when I'm writing, I use a lot of incidents from my life. How about you? Are any of the characters or events in A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY based on your own experiences?

All my characters are a mixture of many different people. Perhaps a hand gesture will come from someone at the grocery store. Or perhaps the idea of a uniquely shaped beauty mark will come from a woman I know at church. Or maybe that obnoxious habit of always needing to be right comes from the clerk at the local coffee shop. See how that works? It’s a safer way to design characters than taking all the attributes from one person, especially if you’re creating a villain!

I get it and understand after THIRTY books, you'd have to start using strangers! So do you find yourself returning to similar themes in your novels (i.e. forgiveness, trust, etc.), or do you have a new message with each release?

Yes, I tend to go back to the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, because these are the same themes that have dramatically impacted my life. If we can’t forgive and reconcile with our friends and family and our fellow man, we will be very lonely people. Even if we long to be an island, that’s not how God created us. We were created for fellowship. So, these themes are not only good for a story, but they are paramount in living the Christian life.

Like several of your books, A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY is set in our home state of Texas. Mine, too! I mean, really, don't you just love it? What are some of your favorite things about the Lone Star State?

Texas has a unique array of scenery—mountains, beaches, deserts, hills, bayous, canyons, big cities, quaint towns, all spread out under a big open sky that embraces it all. Also, Texas is an inexpensive place to live, it’s a great place to raise a family and it’s one of the friendliest places on earth. I’ve lived here for about 30 years, and I’m proud to call Texas my home.

Me, too, Anita. You left out the gianormous Texas trees; I live in the Piney East Texas woods and love it. I've been here sixty-three years, since before my first birthday, and only talked about being born in California when the Beach Boys came out with "I Wish They All Could Be California Girls" :)  Tell us what do you hope readers will walk away with after they turn the last page of your new book.

Ultimately, I hope readers see that with God all things are possible!

My goal with A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY is to entertain, challenge and inspire women. I hope each reader will come to the end of the novel with a smile on her face, excited to tell a friend about the story she’s just read and the characters she’s just met.

Every author's dream, right? Why is it do you suppose that novels set in Mayberry-esque towns in America becoming so popular?

I think women want to escape from the harshness of real life—and maybe for a little while enjoy things the way they used to be. And these kinder, gentler stories can encourage the reader to bring those small-town values back into the real world.

From your lips to God's ears, dear one. As a Baby Boomer, I can tell you that is true, at least for my generation. The changes in my lifetime have been astonishing! Before becoming a writer, you had a number of interesting jobs. What was it about writing that drew you in?

I had an incredible need to tell stories. I guess God made me that way.

Yes, ma'am, I comprehend! What are you working on next?

A novel entitled A Question of Destiny. I’ll leave the plot as a surprise, but I will say it’s a romantic comedy. That novel will be released in 2014.

Anita, it's been a pleasure, and thank you again so much.

Y'all can learn more about Anita Higman and her books at anitahigman.com. Readers can also become a fan on Facebook (Author Anita Higman) or follow her on Twitter (@anitahigman).

MARY SUE SEYMOUR, a Very Special AGENT's POV

I’ll credit my Father in Heaven for the wonderful idea to interview my literary agent, Mary Sue Seymour. She divinely stepped into my life at the end of April, 2012. I’ll never forget her getting off the elevator and coming to hug my neck. She said, “You’re the first McAdoo I’ve ever met who isn’t family!” As though God tapped us on the head with His velvet hammer—Pay attention here, ladies, I have a plan! I could hardly believe her maiden name was McAdoo, she grew up one, I married one! But then we serve an able and awesome God!

 

Mary Sue McAdoo Seymour, The Seymour Agency, New York

ON BEING AN AGENT

Mary Sue, knowing how busy you are, I want to thank you right off for giving me this time to get to know you a little better. I know you’ve been an art teacher and taught piano, too, but I’m curious as to that first book you sold, beginning this career you’ve so excelled at. What and when was your first ever sell?

A four book deal to Bantam back in the early 90’s.

And how did it all come about?

She had some pretty serious violence in the book’s beginning toward women, so I did a line-to-line edit on the work and edited that out. Her name was Tammy Schmanski, but since it was a medieval series, she used the aka of Tamara Leigh.

Have there been any near misses? Someone you passed on that made it big?

Not that I know of.

Well that’s good, but not surprising. I know from following you on Facebook that you are one traveling woman! How many writers’ conferences do you typically go to in a year?

About 12 or so – then last September, I did ACFW, The Baltimore Book Festival, and CT Fiction Fest, so it really varies. I try to go wherever I’m invited. Last spring, went to Wisconsin RWA and to a conference at Shreveport, LA. Was crushed when my flight was canceled do to heavy thunder storms and missed ICRS. Had to cancel 30 appointments with editors but they all said how bad the storms were.

Wow, yes, I didn’t even think of agents and editors during that terrible storm, but no doubt! You probably spend more than your fair share in airports during bad weather. There are so many conferences all over the US, which one or two do you remember as being the most fun and why?

Speaking honestly, the conferences that are the most fun are the ones where I do the least amount of work. ‘Meet the Agent’ in Philadelphia, PA is pretty easy. We do speed dating pitches one day there, but they put us up for two nights in a Marriott in downtown Philly. Lots of shopping/restaurants, and it’s beautiful. But again, it’s always great to see my clients at conferences. I have the most clients at ACFW and RWA. So in the end, even though much work is involved, I guess those would be the two.

You seem to have a sixth sense as to who should write what. I know you told me very specifically to write you a historical Christian romance set in the 1800s. And another one of your authors—Jen Beckstrand or Mary Ellis?—told me you told them to write an Amish book. How do you do that? Know what we should write? Because now, I can’t imagine not writing the genre you suggested for me!

God is my guide in everything, but I keep in close touch with editors. I maintain extremely positive relationships with editors to find out who is buying what. I appreciate them! Respect the time they put into their job. They are all overworked as far as I’m concerned.

Sometimes, I send them little Christmas gifts to let them know I’m thinking of them. When the Thomas Nelson team took me out for breakfast at ACFW, I gave them each a sterling silver bracelet with a cross on it. A dear friend of mine who is an editor at Harvest House was having surgery, loves cats, so I gave her a cat prayer book at ACFW. I love the editors I work with and try to show that in all things. I appreciate them buying my clients’ books.

I know you have several Texas authors, do we represent the most in any one state, and if not what’s #1? (be it known I cannot even THINK of Texas coming behind any state J)

Mary Sue took all her authors attending ACFW Conference to dinner at P. F. Changs! My first time to meet all these wonderful Seymour ladies. What a treat!

I do believe I have more clients in Texas than any other state. But Ohio is a close second.

Yea, I’m so glad to hear Texas is #1!! I can’t begin to imagine how many manuscripts you must have read. Have you kept a count?Care to make an educated guess if not?

1,000’s and 1,000’s

Have you ever been involved in a floor bid?

Yes, I have had auctions.

Who do you read for pleasure?

My clients’ works, they are my favorites!

PERSONAL & FAMILY

Were you born and reared in New York State? Ever live anywhere else?

Yes, father was a dairy farmer, and we were very poor. I was one of 8 children, and I remember my brothers not always having socks in the cold Northern New York winters. When I was young, my mother became ill, my father couldn’t afford a sitter so my 3 sisters and I were placed in different foster homes.

Since I was the oldest, I tried to raise my younger sisters from afar. Having said that, I didn’t do a very good job of it, but I was there for them. I looked at this experience in a positive way. If this hadn’t happened, I would have missed knowing my foster family who has meant a lot to me over the years.

Where in the wide world would you like to go that you haven’t been yet?

Scotland because my ancestors migrated from Scotland to Ireland.

How did you meet your husband?

Michael and Mary Sue

A friend flew back from NYC reading a bridal magazine. She was engaged, but when she returned home, her fiancée broke it up with her. She was so sad, she asked me to go to a dance with her and socialize. My hair was dirty and going out was the last thing I felt like doing, but I did, and was introduced to my husband of 35 years, Michael.

What’s your absolutely favorite family memory?

Rocking my two sons Matthew and Luke when they were babies. Sometimes I’d sing to them when they could put up with it.

When you put the literary world behind you, what do you enjoy doing?

With Kelly Irvin at the Seymour Retreat in Florida! Jan. '14

I love Disney and Mickey Mouse and the whole childish set up! I love watching The Voice and watching the contestants grow with their God-given abilities. I love walking on the beach and appreciating everything God has put here for us.

What about a special memory with another loved one?

My oldest foster sister Barbara called me after I received my diagnosis to tell me she wished she could take it for me. I was very touched by this.

No greater blessing than a new wee family member!

Last but never least (the first will be last…) I know you to be a woman of faith, Mary Sue. I want to offer you the chance to give God glory. Will you share your testimony with us?

Ah, God! Who is responsible for my wildly successful literary agency, who gave me my husband who has loved me for over 35 years and my sons and daughter-in-law Nicky, and now a new grandbaby Grayson? It’s Him. 

He has given me clients that pray for my current health challenge, and I love being a part of the wonderful Seymour Agency family. He has given me Nicole –my co-agent –who is the daughter I always wanted but never had. 

Mary Sue and Nicole Resciniti

And all the people I’ve met in the last 20 plus years, I’ve met from agenting. Editors, publishers, clients, interns and even especially the authors who have queried me, pitched to me, or wanted to become clients, but aren’t quite ready. God has placed all these wonderful people in my life and it has caused me much joy! I will be eternally thankful to HIM!

Well, what a great note to end on, Mary Sue. Your faith certainly drew me to you, and I’m very thankful that God brought you into my life, not just because you sold VOW UNBROKEN either! J Just to know you has added a sweetness to it, and now that I know you even better, you occupy a little more of my heart. Thanks so much for sharing!