LiteraryScape Melissa LaShure

In this episode Tiffanie, Jamie, and Melissa revisit Sarah M. Eden’s book Sheriffs of Savage Wells.
We read this book a year or two ago and we brought it back because the final book in the series released in 2023. This was the book the drew Jamie and I into the historical romance genre. We highly recommend it.

Topics we discuss:
• This is not inspirational, but a clean historical romance.
• Sarah writes both inspirational and clean romance.
• We love how tough and flirtatious Cade is.
• Paisley is tough and witty.
• Paisley’s character arc is very enjoyable.
• The enemy is closer than you think.
• The ending is perfect for this dynamic couple.

LiteraryScape gives Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden 3 lassos. We are sure it will have you hooked and hog-tied.

In this conversation, Melissa interviews Hannah Linder, a cover design artist and author, about the importance of cover design for books. Hannah shares her background in writing and cover design and discusses the key elements of a cover design, including visual appeal, consistency with the genre, legible text, simplicity, and accurate depiction of the story or message. They also explore whether indie authors can make their own covers and the benefits of working with a cover designer. Hannah provides insights into finding stock photos for historical Christian romance and shares the services offered by Hannah Linder Designs.

Takeaways

• A good cover design is visually appealing, consistent with the genre, has legible text, is not too busy, and accurately depicts the story or message.
• While some authors may have the skills to make their own covers, it is generally recommended to work with a professional cover designer to ensure a professional and standout design.
• When looking for stock photos for historical Christian romance, sources like Shutterstock, Period Image, and Archangel can be helpful.
• Hannah Linder Designs offers a range of services, including pre-made and custom cover designs, ebook and print packages, promotional graphics, and formatting services.
• Collaborating with an interior formatter can provide the final touches to a manuscript, ensuring a professional and polished book.

Beth White discusses her inspiration for the Daughtry House series, which was a combination of personal experiences, publisher suggestions, and historical research. She wanted to explore the Reconstruction period and the complexities of racial and cultural interactions during that time. The series follows three sisters with different personalities and perspectives as they navigate the challenges of post-Civil War Mississippi. Beth based some of the characters on real historical figures and wove in elements of truth and history throughout the books. She also shares her favorite characters and her current project, a World War II series.

Takeaways

• Beth White drew inspiration for the Daughtry House series from personal experiences, publisher suggestions, and historical research.
• She wanted to explore the Reconstruction period and the complexities of racial and cultural interactions during that time.
• The series follows three sisters with different personalities and perspectives as they navigate the challenges of post-Civil War Mississippi.
• Beth based some of the characters on real historical figures and incorporated elements of truth and history throughout the books.
• She is currently working on a World War II series.

In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss Beth White’s novel A Reckless Love. This is the last book in her Daughtry House series. Mysteries that began in book one are wrapped up in an unexpected but satisfying way.

Topics we discuss:
• Clothing choices for women.
• Finding a man of God.
• We have but one reputation.
• Redemption

LiteraryScape gives the following rates for each story element.
(Espresso = an expression, Mocha = Medium amount, Latte = A lot)

• Romance - Mocha
• Suspense - Mocha
• Action - Mocha
• Mystery - Mocha
• Drama - Espresso
• Inspiration – Mocha

LiteraryScape gives A Reckless love by Beth White 3 lassos!
1 lasso = a throw and a miss, 2 lassos = hooked, 3 lassos = hooked and hog-tied)

Tune into our interview with Beth White next week!

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.


In this episode of the Literary Scape podcast, host Melissa interviews author Robin Lee Hatcher. She shares her marketing strategies, lessons learned in the writing industry, and top resources for writing. Finally, Robin offers advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of reading, writing consistently, and not rushing to publish.

Takeaways

• Authors should aim to entertain and inspire readers with their books.
• Building a connection with readers through social media and email newsletters is important for marketing.
• Editing is crucial for producing high-quality books.
• Aspiring authors should read widely, write consistently, and not rush to publish.
• Research books, writing software like Scrivener, and emotion thesauruses are valuable resources for authors.

In this episode Tiffanie and Melissa discuss the second book in Beth White’s Daughtry House series, The Reluctant Belle. Joelle and Schuyler’s love story has some very unexpected events.

Topics we discuss:
• The Golden Rule
• Grandmama is growing on us.
• We reap what we sow.
• A crazy court scene.
• God’s miraculously saves Schuyler.