The Top of the Mark ~ Snow Melts in Spring

A while back I shared a favorite opening scene from Snow Melts in Spring with you. Another favorite scene occurs midway through the book when my hero, Gil McCray, returns to San Francisco for his retirement party.

My favorite part of that scene is when Mattie appears at the party at the Top of the Mark. Gil asked her to attend, but they'd gotten into a fight about it--you know, silly stuff. Then her best friend, Clara, convinces her to fly out there, knowing how much it will mean to Gil to share this moment with Mattie. She even borrows a fancy black dress from Clara. 

She surprises him at the party, they have a romantic moment on the trolley car, and the next day Gil shows her the estate he intends to buy in Sonoma County. Can we say "rich?" Things don't go quite the way Gil hopes in this scene, but I love it just the same.

My research for San Francisco was a lot of fun, and with the Internet, it was easy to find information I needed for these scenes. The retirement party was held at the Top of the Mark, so I researched the Mark Hopkins Hotel, asked questions about the restaurant, and also learned about the nearby trolley cars. Researching homes for sale near Healdsburg was also great fun! I actually used one of the floor plans as my guide when Gil and Mattie toured the home.


So, if you've read Snow Melts in Spring, what was your favorite scene from California? Do you have a favorite scene from the book that you'd like to know more about? I'd love to share with you here.

Favorite Scenes - Snow Melts in Spring

I'm guessing that every author has a favorite book he's written, and within that book, a favorite scene or two. This week, I thought I'd share one of my favorite scenes when writing Snow Melts in Spring. 

 As you probably know, I adore the Flint Hills of Kansas, and because this book sets the tone for the entire series, I wanted to give my readers a chance to see and fall in love with the hills themselves. 

My first opportunity to do so occurred at the Lighting M Ranch when Mattie visits John McCray to discuss the injuries of his son's horse. While there, he invites her to ride out in the pasture and look at a sick heifer. She rides one of his mares and enjoys the scenery on her return to the ranch. Meanwhile, Gil is flying over the ranch in a private Cessna and lands on the neighbor's airstrip. 

In these two scenes I allow readers to see the hills from horseback but also give them an areal view of the rock embedded pastures. If you haven't done so already, you may READ THE FIRST FEW CHAPTERS HERE. Next time, I'll share another favorite scene about Gil's real estate search in California. 

Snow Melts in Spring as a Movie

As an author, I'm frequently asked if Snow Melts in Spring will be made into a movie. The answer: not likely. 

I've also been asked who I might cast as my characters for the movie. This is a fun question and one I now use when I'm creating my characters--forming a "Hollywood" image for the hero and heroine. I also gather pictures of my "actor" and pin them to my story board--a bulletin board that I use as my visual aid, full of my characters, their home, horses, pets, children, etc.

My current Story Board 

 

So with the help of my darling daughters (who are much more educated on popular actors and actresses) here are my choices for Gil and Mattie. By the way, this is harder than it might seem, so if you don't agree with my character choices, please feel free to voice your opinion in the comment section below. I've been known to change my mind . . .

 Gil McCray =  Bradley Cooper 

(Curly brown hair, blue eyes, built like a quarterback.)

 Mattie Evans = Amy Adams 

(Long, red hair; blue eyes; freckles; sweet but full of spunk. 

And somewhat short in stature.)

Click here to view the book trailer we made for Snow Melts in Spring.

Fictional Character Interview with Gil McCray

Last week, I shared with you an interview with one of my main characters in Snow Melts in Spring. Today, I wanted to offer some insight into the hero, Gil McCray. Mattie and Gil have been incredibly interesting to get to know--and I'm delighted to be able to share more about them here and in my next book. I hope you will enjoy the following interview.

Interview with Gil McCray:

What do you do for a living? – I’m a retired NFL quarterback and part owner of the Lightning M, a 7000+ acre ranch set in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills. I hope to one day leave the ranch as a legacy to my children and grandchildren.

Tell us about your parents. How well did you get along with them? – Funny you should ask. My dad and I haven't always gotten along very well. In fact, you could say we were barely on speaking terms a few years ago. I have Mattie (now my wife) to thank for putting things right between us. She recognized the pain we were both harboring and made us face it and talk things out. My mom passed away several years ago, back when I played ball for the 49’ers. 

How many siblings do you have? – One older brother, Frank. He died in a drunk-driving accident when I was in high school. It took me a long time to deal with his death—but it’s getting better.

What were three things you liked to do when you were a boy? – Ride horses, ride horses, ride horses. That’s three, right?

Speaking of horses, how is Dusty doing? - That old boy is enjoying his last days on our ranch. I like putting him in with the new colts and letting him show them who's boss. He still has a few tricks and isn't afraid to try them.

What makes you happy now? – Every morning when I wake up and see my darling bride by my side sleeping, with her wild red hair strung out all over the pillow. I can’t imagine life without Mattie.

What about children? Mattie hinted in her interview last week that the two of you might be having difficulty in that area of our life. – Yeah. We’ve been trying to have kids from the moment we got married. God just hasn’t blessed us with children yet. And he may not—much to my dad’s displeasure. But hey, there are a lot of children out there who need a good home. And we happen to have a great big house.

Tell us about the day you married Mattie. – Oh, man, you should have asked Mattie that question. She would have done a better job describing all the details. It was a sunny day in June. (Notice we didn’t wait very long to tie the knot after I proposed to her.) It was nothing fancy and kinda small. We exchanged vows in our church at New Redeemer and then had a reception out at our ranch with family and friends. A little music and dancing and lots of food. I’ll never forget how pretty Mattie looked in her mom's wedding gown and veil with her hair all tied up in curls. That woman has the prettiest curls. I love to wrap them around my big clunky fingers and pull her in for a kiss. But that’s probably more than you want to know . . . 

Where were you born? – I was born and raised in Charris County, Kansas. If it hadn’t been for Mattie, I would probably be living in California now. Thank goodness she brought me to my senses and showed me where my true home was. With her. Here.

What makes you laugh out loud? – When I see Dad or our ranch hand, Jake, try to carry on as though they were half their age. Those two are getting too old for this work. But I can’t tell them that. I’ll probably be the same if I live that long.

What is your favorite food? – Steak and fried potatoes. And biscuits. And Mattie’s apple pie. Oh, and homemade ice cream. 

I understand Mattie has been doing some spring cleaning. Care to say anything about that? – When that little gal has a mind to do something, there ain’t no stopping her. Right now she’s made up her mind to clean out our closet. Clothes are flying everywhere. My favorite shirts and jeans—all because of a little rip or tear in them or maybe a stain. She doesn't understand how good a worn shirt feels when you're out working in the hot sun . . . or lounging on the porch on a Sunday afternoon. 

What is one strong memory that has stuck with you from childhood? – Of my mama hauling Frank and me to Sunday school every week-whether we wanted to go or not. I look forward to helping Mattie round up our kids and filling a pew at our church. 

What is your greatest regret? – That I missed so much time with my mom and dad because I was too stupid to accept past wrongs and forgive people in my life—including myself. 

Which living person do you most admire? – My dad. I can say that now. 

  

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

If you have a question for Gil, please leave it in the comments below. I look forward to sharing more about Gil and Mattie's life with you in my third book. Next week, I'll post another "Behind the Scenes" look on the making of Snow Melts in Spring. Read Mattie McCray's interview here. 

Character Interview with Mattie (Evans) McCray

Interviewing characters is a practice I always go through when I begin a story. I'll interview my main characters, asking them all sorts of questions to get to the nitty-gritty details of their life. You've heard it said that a person is like an onion and that you have to peel away the layers to get to its core. The same applies to fictional characters. 

Below is a short interview with Mattie (Evans) McCray, the heroine in Snow Melts in Spring. I thought you might enjoy learning about Mattie, as well as read about what she has been up to in the last few years.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. - I'm 32 years old, married to my soul mate, Gil, and live on the Lightning M Ranch with Gil's dad, John. I'm also a country veterinarian for small and large animals and run a clinic in Diamond Falls.   

2. Tell us about your parents. - My parents are Owen and Margaret Evans. They used to own a ranch in the Flint Hills, but after bankruptcy moved to the suburbs of Kansas City. I get along well with them—now that they’ve stopped treating me like their little baby.

3. What was your birth order? - I’m the youngest of three daughters. Bridgett lives near mom and dad and Jenna lives in Texas. Let’s just say Jenna has always been the black sheep in the family. I love her, but I spend a lot of time on my knees praying for her.

4. What was your favorite pastime as a girl? - My favorite thing was to ride my horse across the prairie pastures—and I did so often whenever I could get away from my chores at home. But I also liked to help dad with ranch work. 

5. What makes you happy now? - In one word—Gil. I honestly believed I’d never marry, but I found my soul mate when Gil returned to Diamond Falls several years ago. Who would have thought I'd fall in love with a retired NFL quarterback? I don't even like football. 

6. What is your greatest fear? – Losing someone I love.

7. What are your hobbies and interests? – Now that I’m married, I enjoy more baking and cooking, although Gil isn’t a stranger in the kitchen. I also like to knit when I have time.

8. What was your first date like? – That would be the night Gil took me out for dinner at Charlie’s Steakhouse. Afterwards we walked down to the Cottonwood River and talked. That was the night it snowed. I thought Gil was going to kiss me, but he didn’t.  

9. How did you and Gil meet? - We first met in his father’s pasture. I saw him crawling over the fence and mistook him for a trespasser, and I believe he thought I was his father’s girlfriend. Ridiculous story there, but that’s for another time.

10. What is in your refrigerator right now? – Lots of things, but a few items are a partial jug of milk, some orange juice, two pieces of chocolate cake (mine), a huge bottle of hot sauce (for Gil), and leftover roast beef with potatoes and carrots.

11. I understand you’re in the middle of spring-cleaning. What is easy for you to throw out? What is difficult for you to part with? – I’m going through Gil’s old clothes. He hates getting rid of anything. For me, I’ve been looking at some baby items I purchased in hopes of that special day when Gil and I will have our first baby. I’m thinking about getting rid of them. 

12. What is your idea of perfect happiness? –Living out the rest of my days with Gil here on the Lightning M Ranch, and watching our children grow up—if God ever blesses us with them. 

13. What do you most value in your friends? – Honesty and knowing that they’ll tell me when I'm being an idiot. Clara Lambert is my best friend and never fails to tell me what’s on her mind. My father-in-law, John, is a good friend too. He’s never been one to keep his thoughts to himself, either. 

14. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I’d like to be taller. It’s hard to be taken seriously as a large animal veterinarian when you’re only 5’1”. Ranchers have a tendency to look at me as a child or a frail woman. Trust me, I’m neither.

15. What is your favorite Bible verse? – Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

If you'd like to read more about Mattie, you can read the first few chapters of Snow Melts in Spring HERE. For fun, if you have a question you'd like to ask Mattie, please do so in the comments below. I'll be sure she gets back to you with an answer. 

Researching Snow Melts in Spring

Continuing on with my endeavor to offer you a few Behind the Scene moments from Snow Melts in Spring, I wanted to share some more research for this story. 


Researching Football and Old Houses

My hero, Gil McCray, is an NFL quarterback, so I needed to know something about football.  I must admit to you that I am not a huge football fan, nor do I know a lot about the game. But much of that changed as I delved deeper into my research. 


I began with a visit to our local library, where I checked out an armload of books--mostly from the children's section, as they are full of pictures, are easy to read, and are chock-full of valuable information. Fortunately, we were in the midst of football season when I was working on this part of my research, so I also watched a lot of games on television--much to the disdain of my three daughters, but which greatly pleased my hubby. 


So, I read, I watched, and I asked my football-loving friends and family hundreds of questions--all so I could write two or three scenes with authenticity! I also bought a football so I could hold it in my hands and pretend to be "Gil." An author has to get into the character's head, after all. 


Another fun aspect of research came with discovering the "setting" for the McCray Ranch.

On one of my many road trips into the Flint Hills, my husband and I stayed at the Clover Cliff Ranch, a Bed and Breakfast owned by Jim Donahue. Unfortunately, this place has since changed owners and is now closed--which makes me very sad.  

But no matter, the Clover Cliff became the basis for John McCray's Lightning M Ranch. Built in 1860, near Elmdale, KS, this charming home became my characters' home--with just a few changes. The Donahues were very helpful, answering many questions I had about ranch life in the Flint Hills, and allowing us to roam the house and pastures.


At the back of this house is a small stone cabin where the original owner lived while building the main home for his family. This cabin became the basis for Mattie's cabin when her home burns down in Diamond Falls. Small details such as the renovated wood stove that Mattie cooked on, or the table and rocker in her room were actual items in the original cabin. 

Research such as this never ends, but taking the time to do this for your stories might mean the difference between someone loving your book or tossing it against the wall because it wasn't accurate. Sure, you'll never please everyone, but by doing the necessary groundwork, you'll at least know you did everything within your means to bring accuracy to the story. Hopefully, your readers will thank you for it.


Next time, I'll offer a one-on-one interview with our lady veterinarian, Mattie Evans. I hope you'll enjoy it! 

Behind the Scene Moments ~ Snow Melts in Spring

As I continue writing Blades of Autumn, I thought it might be fun to offer a few Behind The Scene moments from my first book. For the next two months, I plan to share my research for Snow Melts in Spring, do a few character interviews, and even offer an inside look at some of my favorite scenes. I hope it will be fun--for you and for me!   

Let's Begin With Research - The Horse Injury and Dusty's Healing Process 


Every novelist must "jump" into their characters' skins, and that often means we must learn things we don't already know. How do we do this? The Internet is an invaluable tool, as is our local library or bookstore. Sometimes, though, our questions can't be answered and we have to go to our "source." Often that means interviewing someone by email, by phone, or in person. For an introvert writer who spends the majority of her time in front of a computer, this can be terrifying.

The opening scene from Snow Melts in Spring begins with a horse that is terribly injured in a vehicle accident. Right off, I needed to know technical terminology, but not only that, I had to create an accident scene that was accurate and believable, not just something that looked good on paper. I needed to injure Dusty--not kill him. Plus, the injury needed to be intense enough to cause dire concern . . . and yet allow healing within a 4-5 month time period. I'm not asking for much, right! 

To get it right, I contacted a handful of veterinarians, asked them a bunch of detailed questions all the way down to possible accident scenarios, which would create the type of injuries needed for the story. What type of vehicle hit the horse, where did it hit him, how fast was the car going, what vision impairments where involved, etc. Then came the care and treatment of the injured horse. 


This was not an easy process. We looked at past case scenarios, most of them resulting in putting the animals down. But there were a few instances where the horses lived, so we worked to build on those premises. Once I finished writing the horse scenes, I asked one of the veterinarians to read over the material to check for accuracy, wanting to cover all the bases. I even shadowed one small animal vet for a day in order to get a feel for what a "day in the life" might look like for my character who was also a vet.

Next time, I'll write about some other research involving football and the McCray ranch. 

Question for you: When you’re reading a book, do you notice the amount of research the author has done? If you are a writer, do you have any tips you’d like to share for getting research facts? 

Country Magazine

This past fall, Country Magazine interviewed me about my writing and my Seasons of the Tallgrass book series. I am happy to announce that the article will appear in their April/May issue in a lovely 2-page spread with pictures of my husband and me and one of our horses, Joe! Being featured in this magazine is an incredible honor, as I've been a huge fan of Reiman publications for years! And could there be a more perfect fit to my Country at Heart themed books?? I think not!

I'm not sure if you can find this magazine on store racks, but you can order it from their website. Plus, my publisher Zondervan, is helping out with an amazing book drawing on the Country Magazine site. Enter your chance to win either Snow Melts in Spring or Seeds of Summer between now and May 31 by following the magazine directions. Twenty chances to win!

Other News: Author Event - Please join us.

Multi-author book signing at the Town Crier Bookstore in Emporia, KS - Saturday, April 3, from 11:00 - 1:00. If you're in the area, I'd love to visit with you.

My Visit to Phoenix

I really enjoyed my recent trip to see my oldest daughter in Phoenix, but it is good to be back in Kansas and back to a somewhat normal routine. This week I'm hoping to finish up edits for my second book Seeds of Summer, and then on Saturday, I'm looking forward to meeting a group of readers in Cottonwood Falls, the lovely little town that I've loosely based my fictional community of Diamond Falls. I always enjoy my day trips into the Flint Hills and plan on taking a bunch of pictures to share with you.

Until then, here are a few snapshots from last week as well as two new blog sitings for Snow Melts in Spring.

• A church library review by Brenda Anderson at Spire Reviews
• Interview at Blog Talk Radio - Sisters on Assignment

I rode to Phoenix with my folks in their RV.

My parents at a scenic roadside stop in Arizona.

I really liked the cactus. Pictured here the Saguaro Cactus

My son-in-law and daughter at her graduation from the University of Phoenix

Snow Melts in Spring Blog Sitings

I'm writing to you from sunny Phoenix, Arizona where I've been visiting my oldest daughter, who graduated from University of Phoenix this past weekend. When I get home, I'll be sure to post some pictures from our time together. For now, here are a few blog sitings for Snow Melts in Spring. (And if you care to, please pray for my safe travel, as I'll be flying home tomorrow, and flying makes me really nervous. Thanks so much!)

• Author interview at My Book Addictions and More
• Book review at Raindrops & Rainbows
• Book review by Bethany at Are You Really Reading Another Book?

Reviews & Book Signing in Topeka

For anyone in the Topeka, KS area, I will be joining fellow Christian author, Judith Miller, at the Lifeway Store - Fairlawn Plaza, on Saturday, October 10, from 1-3:00 PM for their National Fiction Day promotion. If you're able, please stop by and say hello. It sounds like they're going to have some great sales that day!

Here are two new reviews of Snow Melts in Spring. Be sure to stop by and leave a comment for the blogger.

Review by Sharon at Horse Book Reviews
Review & Author Interview at Aus Jenny
Review by Merrie Hanson at On My Favorite's List
Review by Carmon at A Sequence of Continuous Delights

Newsletter Gift Drawing

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Country at Heart Newsletter Book Giveaway. It was fun reading where everyone spotted Snow Melts in Spring. The winner of 3 new autographed fiction titles (of her choice) is Carolyn Dewey! Congratulations, Carolyn. You may chose any three books from the following list:

The End is Now by Rob Stennett

Exposure by Brandilyn Collins

Single Sashimi by Camy Tang

Coming Attractions by Robin Jones Gunn

Love Finds You in Valentine Nebraska by Irene Brand

Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray

Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts

If you'd like to be included in future gift drawings such as this, please join my newsletter list found in the sidebar of this blog or on my author Web site.

Posts on the web:

We CAN promote our books - The Little Engine that Could ~ Web Presence

The Topeka Capitol Journal Online - Writer Sets Books in Flint Hills

The Hays Daily News - First Book Keeps Author Busy

Relz Reviews - My Grandma's Chocolate Applesauce Cake Recipe

Book Review at Sips 'n Cups Cafe

Tallgrass Prairie in America the Beautiful Quarters Program

I learned yesterday (9/9/09) that the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is to be featured in the United States Mint-America the Beautiful quarters program. The Tallgrass Prairie design is to be the 55th coin and issued in the year 2020. While that seems like a LONG time to wait, it's really cool that this little "place of my heart" is going to be on a coin! Read more about this coin program here.

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located in my favorite part of the Flint Hills near Strong City, KS--the heart of the Flint Hills. To learn more about the preserve, please visit their web site.

Here are two more places on the web you might be interested in visiting:

• Ten Writing Tips at Seriously Write (A Blog for Christian Writers)
• Snow Melts in Spring receives 4 1/2 star review by Laura at A Romance Review
• Review by Lori at Some of my Favorite Books

On Julia Child and another book giveaway

Happy Labor Day, everyone. Last night our family went to the theatre to see Julie & Julia. We had been waiting for the movie to make it to our area, and it finally did! Much to our pleasure. My daughters and I love to cook, so watching this film was a special delight for us, and made us want to do more with our cooking. I searched Amazon.com as soon as I returned home to see how much Julia Child's cookbook was and was amazed to find it in my price range--of course, the original cookbooks, published in the 1960's sold for over $100, but I don't need an antique. LOL

I am interested in knowing if any of you out there have read her cookbook(s) and whether you use them very often. I've always been intimidated by recipes that use uncommon ingredients or that take me out of my comfort zone (deboning ducks???) Good grief! Please leave a comment below if you have anything to say on this.

Now for the book giveaway. Lynda Schab is giving away a copy of Snow Melts in Spring on her blog - On the Write Track. Go check it out!

Also check out this interview at Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner - Fiction Author Fun Facts

And here a lovely reader review from a lady in Kansas

Author Visits, Facebook & More

This past week, I visited Bethany Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS. I was honored to speak to the ladies group there, but also to have one of my dear friends from high school join us. (Hi, Leah!) It was a lovely evening, and I managed to use my PowerPoint presentation--a first for me. I think it went well. Plus, they treated me with a lovely basket of chocolate--who could ask for more!

Next week, I have a Book-Sandwiched-In event at the Girard Public Library. Click here for more information.

For those of you on Facebook, I recently formed a Readers Group where we can chat about my books & characters. Right now, I'm offering readers a chance to win a free $15 Barnes & Noble gift card. Visit here for details. (Scroll down to the appropriate discussion board.)

Here is a book review for Snow Melts in Spring by Crystal Miller - Chat "n" Chew Cafe

Radio Interview and more

I am excited to announce a radio interview I had with American Family Radio (91.1 FM KCFN) out of Wichita, KS. It airs LIVE today at 4:05 PM Central. You can also listen in on their web site. I believe he'll be giving away a copy of Snow Melts in Spring.

• Radio interview with Tom at 91.1 FM KCFN (out of Wichita) Airs live at 4:05 PM Central

Here are a few more places on the web offering interviews and/or reviews for Snow Melts in Spring. Please check them out when you have a moment.

• Fun "childhood" author interview with Crystal Lane Miller at When I Was Just a Kid. - (Crystal is giving away a copy of Snow Melts in Spring)
• Book review by Mary Bell Foster at A Writer's Spiritual Journey
• Book review by Martha Artyomenko at Our Family's Adventures

And for those writers out there, I've posted on the Christian Authors Network blog on My Marketing Journey - The Little Engine that Could. I'll continue my posts there on the last Thursday of each month. This is a great blog to follow if you want to learn about the publishing business, especially marketing & promoting your books.

Snow Melts in Spring Blog Sightings

Here are a few more reviews to share with you.

• Endearing post from Beth Goddard on her blog The Write Message
• Fun book review by Renee at Steeler Girl's Blog (BTW, I'm glad you won my book, Renee, and took the chance to read it--and enjoy it!)
• Book review by Jane Squires at The Celebrity Cafe
• Book review by Jean Teller at The Open Book, Grit Magazine Blog

If you've spotted Snow Melts in Spring at a bookstore recently, I'd love to know where you saw it, and whether the cover or spine was displayed. This past week, I received another shipment of author books and learned that Snow Melts had gone into its third printing. Woo-hoo! Plus, the books now have author endorsements in them. So cool!

Thanks for visiting and have a great week!

Snow Melts in Spring Blog Sightings

Here are a couple of interviews/reviews for Snow Melts in Spring

• Fun Interview by Mimi Baker at Woven by Words
• Review by Donna Moore at Write by Faith
• Quick interview with Tracy Ruckman for the National Christian Writing Examiner

Snow Melts in Spring Blog Sightings

Here are a few more blog sightings for Snow Melts in Spring. At least one of them is offering a book giveaway, so be sure to visit if you'd like a chance to win Snow Melts.

• Lovely book review by Mary Lenaburg - Passonate Perseverance
• Fun interview with Tabitha Bird on her Books, Bubs and Writing Blabber
• Nice review by Martha Rogers - Martha Writes - Post a comment on Martha's post to enter a chance to win Snow Melts in Spring.

And for any writers out there, here is a great marketing tool - Christian Authors Network

TV Interview and More

Happy Friday to you! This morning I had my first television interview on a local station - KOAM TV-7 - in Pittsburg, KS/Joplin, MO. I must admit that I was terribly nervous, though I'd prepared answers for possible questions that might be asked. But no matter how well you prepare for things, some times (most times it seems for me) your nerves can get the best of you.

Like this morning, I'd prepared for the interview--worked up my answers, ironed my clothes, was having a great hair day--everything was good, despite that I had to get up at 4:00 A.M. So after an hour drive to the station, I'm eventually escorted into the newsroom, asked to sit down, and they clip a microphone onto my lapel without any kind of direction or instruction. Tawnya Bach, the Morning Show Host, was a peach and gave a quick run-through of the format--and then 3-2-1, we're on and she's asking me a question...but wait . . . I'd planned to open with what Ms. Bach said. So, now what???

I froze! Literally, in mid-sentence. LOL

Then I looked toward the camera--but whoa, there's two or three of them--so which one do I look at? And then the camera guy holds up his fingers and starts counting down. What? Do I even have time to finish what I'm saying??? All of this is going through my mind.

Needless to say, the interview didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but Ms. Bach saved the day with her prompts--oh how I wish I could have been as cool and collected as she! I did manage to sputter a few details about the book and series, and the station graciously added my web site to the show to drive some readers my way, so I guess it wasn't a total loss.

Here are two more sightings for Snow Melts in Spring:

• Review by Deb Bryan at Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
• Lovely Review by Susan Mires