Please, No Zits! and other short stories for LDS youth – Anne Bradshaw

Anne Bradshaw has written countless articles for the New Era about phenomenal youth all over Great Britain and the United States. She is also the author of two fiction novels, “Terracotta Summer” and “Chamomile Winter,” set in England. She has just released a collection of short stories aimed at LDS youth entitled, “Please, No Zits!” There are sixteen stories in this volume, and I’d like to share some of the highlights from my favorite inclusions. First was “Rock Bottom in a Jail Cell.” Alex has made some bad decisions in his life, decisions that resulted in a drug addiction and … Continue reading

Author Interview – Sherry Ann Miller (part two) Her Books

Thank you for joining us for part two of our conversation with award-winning LDS author Sherry Ann Miller. If you missed part one, click here. Sherry Ann, when we left off yesterday, we were getting ready to talk about your books. What was your first novel? My first novel ever published was “One Last Gift.” But, it is not my first novel. I wrote many, many novels while my children were young . . . all of which never published. As I read them now, I know why they were never published. They lack continuity, they lose momentum, and the … Continue reading

Author Interview — Elodia Strain (part one) Ideas and Recommendations

Joining us for an exclusive interview with Families.com is Elodia Strain, a new author on the LDS market. Elodia, I had a great time reviewing your book “The Icing on the Cake.” How did you come up with the idea for the story? The basic idea came while I was stopped at a stoplight on University Avenue when I was living in Provo, Utah. I looked to my right and saw the Deseret Morning News building and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could write a column called something like, ‘Everyday Heroes,’ a column about the good, kind, inspiring … Continue reading

Author Interview — Carole Thayne: Pottery

Today we are continuing our interview with LDS suspense novelist Carole Thayne. Click here if you missed parts one or two. Carole, I understand that in addition to writing, you are a potter. How did you get interested in pottery and when did you start doing it? I started doing pottery in high school at Orem High. My good friend was a potter and I would watch him and think it looked fascinating. He taught me during Mr. Bird’s art class. Mr. Bird was a wonderful man, who saw that I had potential and interest in clay, so let me … Continue reading

Author Interview – Linda Paulson Adams

Our featured author today is Linda Paulson Adams. Linda, thank you so much for joining us. How many novels have you written and what are they about? I have two novels out out so far, the first two parts of a trilogy, “Prodigal Journey” and “Refining Fire.” It’s an epic story set during the final days (Last Days, or End Times) before the Second Coming of Christ. The third volume is in the works. When can we expect to see that elusive third book? It’s been a long haul, hasn’t it? I’m still working on the rough manuscript, actually, but … Continue reading

Author Interview – Rachel Ann Nunes, Part Two

Thank you for joining us for part two of our exclusive interview with best-selling LDS women’s fiction author, Rachel Ann Nunes. If you missed part one, click here. Rachel, when we left off yesterday, we were discussing the books you have published. What projects are you planning for the future? I have two books on their way. The first, “Flying Home,” is a national women’s novel, meaning that it has no LDS element, though it will be published by Deseret Book. The book follows the story of Liana Winn, adopted at age four, who has always felt like an outsider … Continue reading

Author Interview – Annette Lyon, Part Three

Thank you for joining us for our next segment in our exclusive interview with LDS novelist Annette Lyon. If you missed parts one or two, click these links to get caught up. Annette, I understand that your novels “House on the Hill” and “At the Journey’s End” mark the beginning of a series of books about the temples. How many books are in the series, and which temple comes next? I don’t know how many temple books there will be; I’ll have to play that one by ear. During research, I’ve come across many stories that I would love to … Continue reading

Author Interview – Michele Ashman Bell

Michele Ashman Bell is one of the most popular women’s fiction authors currently on the market in addition to being a genuinely wonderful woman. Despite the busyness of the holiday season, she took the time to answer some questions exclusively for Families.com. Michele, I’m so glad you could join us. Let’s start our conversation with some background on you. When did you first start writing? I started “creative” writing about 1987. But ever since 8th grade I kept a journal and have always been more comfortable writing my feelings down on paper than expressing them verbally. I found that writing … Continue reading

Author Interview – Anne Bradshaw, Part Three

Thank you for returning for the conclusion of our conversation with LDS author Anne Bradshaw. If you missed parts one or two, click on these links. Anne, do you still write magazine articles? Yes, when time permits and when an interesting subject turns up. Where can we find articles you’ve written in the past? I’ve written numerous articles both for the LDS and National markets. Some of these can be found on Mahonri.org and in Meridian Magazine. What are some of the most frustrating things you’ve found about being a writer? I find it frustrating when my English doesn’t always … Continue reading

Author Interview – Anne Bradshaw, Part Two

Thank you for joining us for part two of our conversation with LDS novelist Anne Bradshaw. If you missed yesterday, click here. Anne, can you tell us about your two novels, their titles, and give us a synopsis on each? Both novels take place in Britain in the 1960s. Most of the labor missionary incidents actually happened to my husband and friends and have been fictionalized to fit the plot. The first book is “Terracotta Summer” and its sequel is “Chamomile Winter.” In “Terracotta Summer,” feisty Ruth O’Shea sets sail for America from her English homeland thinking she’s leaving family … Continue reading