Review and Interview: NOURISH AND STRENGTHEN by Maria Hoagland (Sisters Ink, 2011)

Check out the interview with Maria below my review!

From Maria Hoagland's Blog: After losing forty pounds, Chloe Taylor is finally happy with her body. What she doesn’t realize is that she’s not the one in control.

When Chloe is called as the Primary president, she discovers that managing the highs and lows of a chronic illness may be easier than the ups and downs associated with family, friends, and church callings. Consumed by her own challenges, Chloe fails to recognize the issues her friends are facing and is in danger of losing their friendship.

As Chloe strives to develop Christ-like love for herself and those around her, she learns that outer appearances are far less important than inner peace and spiritual strength. But is she strong enough to face her most difficult trial yet?

Audience: Adult (Clean)

Genre: Women's Fiction, LDS

Length: 259 pgs

Rating: ***+ (Really liked it)

Review: Great things about this book? Chloe's marriage to Nate. It was a shining star among most women's fiction books where marriages are struggling. Despite their trials together, they leaned on each other, and I really liked that! (Maria talks more about that in the interview below!) The book has a memoir style to it, events that build and change and wreak havoc on Chloe's life dropped in like real life. It took me some getting used to at the beginning of the book, but by the end it really worked. It was a little difficult for me to connect to Chloe at first. **Spoiler** And the reason is totally a "me" thing. One of Chloe's friends makes a comment about her kids being in sports (and to Chloe's credit, the friend is sort brash about it) and Chloe's internal is a little bratty about kids who are in sports...and my kids play lots of sports (among doing lots of other sorts of activities too), so it struck a nerve, I guess. And, **another spoiler** a big part of Chloe's character arc is learning not to make judgments without knowing the whole story, so she grows and I forgave her by the end. ;)

Content: Rated 1-5; 1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated

Sex - 1 ("Bedtime" routines between Chloe and Nate are mentioned in a couple instances. Very tactful & not explicit at all.)

Language - 0

Violence - 2 (Chloe and her husband both have Type 1 Diabetes, and there is a lot of discussion of the shots. Maybe I have a weak stomach, but I did get a little light-headed during the description of Chloe putting in her insulin pump the first time!)

Source: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Like LDS Women's fiction? Try BAND OF SISTERS by Annette Lyon. 

Interview with author Maria Hoagland

Me: You, your husband, and two of your three kids have Type 1 diabetes, correct? How much of NOURISH & STRENGTHEN comes from personal experiences? Just the mechanics and feelings, or the events too?

Maria: Yes, it's kind of crazy, but four out of five in my immediate family have type 1 diabetes and the diagnoses happened pretty much just as they did in the book. Almost all of the diabetes-related events in Nourish & Strengthen are based on our real-life experiences. Then a bit of trivia something not in the novel--less than one hour after I completed my final revisions before sending it off to my editor, my youngest came home from school and said he thought he might be diabetic too. We checked, and he was right. What ten-year-old diagnoses himself? As for the other parts of Nourish & Strengthen...well, it is fiction after all.

Me: What draws you to writing LDS women's fiction?

Maria: I love women's fiction--experiencing what other women go through, being uplifted by their tenacity in overcoming trials, and feeling strengthened by their faith. Being LDS is part of who I am, and so far, it has been a germane aspect of my characters are as well. I try to bring in LDS culture--less as a commentary on what we should or should not do, but more as a way to appreciate who we are, even though we're not perfect, and perhaps elicit a chuckle or two in the process.

Me: What made you decide to write this story? What is unique about NOURISH & STRENGTHEN among women's fiction books and why would a reader like it?

Maria: I decided to write Nourish & Strengthen because it's just the type of book I like to read. I like to read about women like me but who have circumstances different than my own. I like learning from them, as well as gaining some understanding of what other people might be going through. It's definitely a better way than having to experience it all, right?

One of the aspects of Nourish & Strengthen many readers have connected with is the loving, solid relationship between Chloe and her husband Nathan. Their banter is fun and playful, and a nice relief to the trials Chloe is going through in other aspects of her life.

Even though outwardly her life is pretty great, Chloe's challenges are difficult for her. And I think that's another thing that makes Nourish & Strengthen a little different than other women's fiction--the trials are not life-threatening, there's no abuse or divorce, and yet she's struggling--as we all do from time to time--and she grows through the difficulties.

Another unique aspect of my women's fiction--you might notice that I have a bit of a fascination with medical issues (despite a proneness for becoming queasy at the sight of lots of blood--good thing it's not needles, right?).

Me: I usually ask what an author's favorite ice cream is, ;) but instead I'll ask what dessert you splurge on, no questions asked?

Maria Ice cream is a good one! My favorite by far is rocky road--but only if it's with the mini marshmallows and almonds. The best ones I've found are at the BYU Creamery and Braum's.

Me: Who is your biggest writing cheerleader?

Maria It's hard to pick one cheerleader since my family has been so supportive. My husband helps with titles and a lot of encouragement. My two oldest children are fabulous writers (better than I am, I must admit) and the elder has written two novels of his own. That makes me feel like I've been a good example, which is motivating as well. My youngest asks a lot of questions, seems genuinely interested, and encourages me to keep going even when it's tough. The fact that they don't complain about dinner, or the lack thereof, helps immensely!

Thanks, Maria, for stopping by the blog and giving me the chance to read NOURISH & STRENGTHEN!

Author Interview: Melanie Jacobson

I've followed Melanie for a while on twitter, but the first book of hers I picked up, NOT MY TYPE, I actually bought because I wanted to see how to write a good LDS Romantic Comedy, since at the time I had just finished one of my own. They say that to be a good writer you should be a good reader -- especially in your chosen genre, and since I knew Melanie was funny from twitter, I figured she was a good bet. And she was!

In the two books of hers I've read so far, online dating has played a big role -- which makes sense considering that's how Melanie met her husband. And she made me curious about it. (I married my college sweetheart as soon as he got home from his mission, so obviously no experience for me there...) Especially since my little sister has recently decided to try it out. So I figured I'd pick Melanie' brain for some good advice for her and some fun for the rest of us:

* Online dating plays a role in both NOT MY TYPE and THE LIST. You met your husband online, right? Do you care to share your love story?

I met my husband when I was looking for books. I was using an LDS networking site that was more like Facebook than a dating site, and one night I found myself looking for something new to read. So I was searching other people's book lists and his came up. I was super impressed with how well read he was, but his picture was scary. He looked like a biker rock and roll dude. (It turns out he was the lead singer in a rock band but not a biker!). Anyway, the message just said, "Nice book list. Cool profile." His had said he was looking for a girl who he could take to a downtown speakeasy for bluegrass one night and a Shakespeare play the next. I thought, "Well, I'm that girl, but I don't think he's my type." When we eventually did meet, I discovered that he very, very much was. And then we got married a few months later.

Author Interview: Kate Palmer, THE GUY NEXT DOOR

Yesterday we had a fun review and a chance to win Kate Palmer's debut novel THE GUY NEXT DOOR. (You should go check that out and click on the blog tour banner to see all the other blogs participating in the tour and the contest!) Today we have a fun interview with Kate. Pay attention to the end! I'm definitely adding a few of her TBR and favorite books to my list!

Me: For the writers out there - Can you describe how THE GUY NEXT DOOR came into publishing existence? (Writing, looking for a publisher, acceptance, editing, etc.)

Kate: In the fall of 2008, I began studying how to write because I’d just read a series of books that completely immersed me in its world. I wanted to know how the author had done that. Studying led to trying it out, and suddenly I was writing this book.

From the outset, I knew I didn’t have the time or money for writing conferences so I would have to learn from the best. I determined to follow the writing advice of authors who were making a living at writing and study the books they recommended.

Using those resources, I polished my manuscript and sent it in to Deseret Book in October of 2009. In December of 2009 I sent it to Covenant. In January 2010 I received a rejection from Deseret Book. In September 2010, two weeks after my sixth baby was born, Covenant emailed an acceptance. Lots of happy tears ensued.

I read Scene and Structure by Jack M. Bickham in January 2012 and knew I could improve my manuscript. I contacted my editor and he agreed that I should edit it on my own before he looked at it. I submitted those edits in early March.

I didn’t hear back about until the last week of June. Then the serious editing deadlines hit. By the end of July THE GUY NEXT DOOR had gone to press.

Author Interview: Luisa Perkins, "Dispirited"

Another author interview! I'm so excited about this one because Luisa gave me lots of fun details and advice. Read on!


Me: I loved the details about Holly House the the history of Kashkawan. It got me to wondering all about the town, what's real and what you made up, and how you chose it in the first place.

Luisa:Kashkawan is based on the town in which I live in New York's Hudson Highlands. A lot of the details--Route 403, Cat Rock Hill, the lake--are real. The way I've put the town together is different from reality, though, and a few key things aren't located in my town at all. Cathy's new house is based on a friend's house in another town, and Holly House itself is based on a house in Ireland.

Author Interview: Krista Lynne Jensen, "Of Grace and Chocolate"

Me: This question is becoming a habit for me, but since you know so many of my favorite people in the world (My best friend, Brook Grant; my aunt, Arlene Brimhall; my cousin, Donna Banks . . . to name a few!) I feel like it' especially pertinent to you. Would you like to be my best friend? :)

Krista: I love friends. I'm flattered you asked! Brook, Arlene, and Donna are some of the best people I know. If you lived closer we could go to lunch. At Rib & Chop! Yum. {And I would also join your writing group, whether you wanted me or not. :D}

Me: Really I'm just jealous that although you live in a fairly isolated part of Wyoming, like me, you still have an in-person writing group, which I don't. How did you get involved in your group and what is it like being a member? Are your writing tastes vastly different or eerily similar?

Author Interview: Becca Wilhite, author of "My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions"

 BTW, a {resounding} thank you to Becca for being so willing to participate! Expect great things from this.


Me: Sarah has a fantastic, fun, witty voice. Is she (or her story) inspired by a real person or real events? If not, how did she come to be?
Becca Wilhite:Sarah is NOT ME. But she feels like me. I was the insecure-to-the-point-of-obnoxious girl, in high school and at the university. I got over it. (Not in such a dramatic way, though.) The British voices in her head are mine, too -- squabbling ladies reminding me that I'm not as normal as I'd like people to think I am.

Author Interview: Sarah M. Eden of "The Kiss of a Stranger"

After shamelessly stalking Sarah's blog, I knew getting to interview her was going to be a hoot. And of course she didn't disappoint!

Me: First, and I hope this isn't awkward, but I've felt for a very long time that we were meant to be best friends. Are you interested? (Do I sound like a stalker?)

Sarah: I prefer to be alone and friendless. You see that will one day make for a great "about the author" interview with Barbara Walters or Oprah or someone like that. {I'm holding out for "Live with Kelly"} "I have languished for many years alone with my art…." Are you seeing the possibilities here?!?

Author Interview: Theresa Sneed of "No Angel"

Me: There are tons of books out there right now in the "angel" category, but yours is so unique! Where did you get the inspiration for "No Angel"?

Theresa: Where did I get inspiration for No Angel? Probably from my own guardian angel who will no doubt insist on all the rights in some future day! Actually, I’ve had a few life experiences that have given me a unique perspective of the spirit world—add that to a rather active imagination, and No Angel was a cinch to create!

Author Interview: Mandi Slack, of "The Alias"

One of the coolest things about ANWA is that it's put me in the way of lots of really cool ladies who've had their work published! And they're all so nice they let me practice my blog-interviewing skills on them. After reading and posting the review for Mandi Slack's "The Alias," I emailed her and asked if she'd be willing to answer a few questions for a blog interview. Of course she was more than happy. Thanks, Mandi!

Author Interview: Jenni James, author of "Pride & Popularity"

This is my first official Author Interview and I can't let that just slide by without some hoopla!


So, drumroll ...


The first person to comment on this post with a question they want to ask in my next author interview (volunteers?) will win a $5 Amazon Gift code (which happens to be enough to buy Pride & Popularity for Kindle!)


But on to the interview:
First off, a big THANKS to Jenni James for being my author interview guinea pig. She deserves so much more. :)


Me: Yippy, I'm so excited. This is my first author interview ... I hope it doesn't show! :) Here goes: I know its so cliche, but we all want to know anyway ... when and why did you decide you wanted to write? 

Jenni: I never wanted to!  Honest!  lol!  I started writing Pride & Popularity when Taylor [Anderson, the hero of Pride & Popularity] wouldn't stop talking to me.  No joke. He kept me awake for three weeks, after that I decided I better stop fighting it and write the book.  It totally changed my life. 

Me: Where did you get the idea for "Pride & Popularity"?

Jenni: Actually, I was a few chapters into the book when I called my mom and was telling her I needed a title for it.  After a few minutes of laughing over the different silly ones we'd come up with.  I got real quiet and said "you know, this book is like Pride and Prejudice."  My mom didn't even miss a beat when she said, "Well, why don't you call it Pride & Popularity?"  I didn't even realize I was rewriting Jane Austen until that moment.  After that it was a no brainer to add the other books. 

Me: What was your favorite scene to write for "Pride & Popularity"?  

Jenni: Oh man... I loved so many of them.  But my most favorite had to have been the MORP scene.  It's just amazing.  :)

Me: You're obviously a Jane Austen lover (like me!), which is your favorite book? Favorite movie version? 

Jenni: Hands down my favorite book is Persuasion.  I soo love that book!  And I love the newer one with Rupert Penry-Jones. :)  But my favorite of all the Austen movies is the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice.  *sigh*

{Of course, who doesn't!}

Me: Equally important, are you a "pantser" (writing by the seat of your pants) or an "outliner"? Jenni: Oh, definitely a panster.  I never have any idea what's going on as I'm writing.  I swear it's my secret for writing so fast.  I have no idea what's gonna happen and I can't stop writing until I figure it out!

Me: Describe your publishing experience. (That was droll ... sorry!)

Jenni: Well... I wrote P&P in 2008 and after sending out 50 queries, I got my agent a few months later.  That November we sent P&P out to the big publishers and had some amazing interest from three of them.  On the day we were hoping to have an auction for the book, the publishing world stocks crashed.  They each asked us to come back in 6 months.  The day we were going to submit again, my agent went into premature labor and had her twins three months early.  That fall (2009) I found a new and upcoming LDS publisher, Valor Publishing.  I loved what they stood for.  After talking with my agent, I decided to sign with them.  Due to the economy, by the time they were ready to print my book, their finances had depleted and the company folded this past Spring when I walked.  I'd decided to self-publish and had put P&P up on kindle for 3 weeks, before I signed with Walnut Springs.  Even though I had several publishers approach me, I'd still planned to do the series on my own, for various reasons... but after talking it over with my awesome publisher, I decided they were the best fit.  And here I am.  P&P has been through about 21 rewrites since 2008 when I first finished it.  :)

Me: And finally, what book character would you like to meet in real life?

Jenni: Oh goodness.  I have to choose one?  I'll stick with the characters in P&P.  Since Taylor was based loosely off my friend from high school... I'm going to have to go with Blake.  I'd love to see just how charming he really is.  :)  Hehee.  I always find the bad ones intriguing. {Don't we all ... }

_______________

Again, a big thanks to Jenni for participating. Hurry and post your questions for the next interview!