Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Interview with Carrie Fancett Pagels plus giveaway! Ends Oct 23


Carrie Fancett Pagels writes “romantic” Christian historical fiction and is represented by Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency. ACFW MidAtlantic Zone Director. Administrator of the group blog “Colonial Quills” (http://colonialquills.blogspot.com) and international blog “Overcoming Through Time—With God’s Help” (www.carriefancettpagels.com).


Welcome, Dr. Pagels, or as I have been privileged to call you, Carrie  :D

Q: coffee, tea, soft drink, water, or home juiced vegetables?
Until recently it was coffee at breakfast, water all day long, and hot tea in the afternoon.  But I am off coffee now and drink water, tea, and juice throughout the day.

Q: When did you first know you were a writer?
When I was a little girl and finished reading Anne of Green Gables and I wrote an epilogue in the back of my book!

Q: How do your roles of mother, wife, professional, daughter of Christ, resident of Virginia etc. play into your writing? 
                 “Overcoming Through Time—With God’s Help” (www.carriefancettpagels.com) is my blog address. A little over a year ago I began to invite others to join me there. And I have been so blessed to now share this blog ministry with two wonderful American reviewers and two international reviewers!  We are trying to reach people who are dealing with some of life’s difficult blows but with Christ’s help are overcoming—and who enjoy reading Christian fiction as part of that process.  We love sharing writers’/authors’ interviews in which they share their own journeys and difficulties.  We are in the process of renaming our blog because my tagline for my fiction writing is Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help and we need to use that for my brand spanking new website, which I am very excited about! 
                Recently I realized that I was no longer anyone’s daughter (anyone living) but that I am God’s daughter.  That was a weird feeling to know I no longer have that role. A sad feeling.  As a resident of Virginia I am blessed to have so much cool historical stuff nearby, including Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, Shirley Plantation, and other great sites!  I was raised in upper Michigan and am a former Yooper, which has greatly impacted my life.  But I was raised by a Kentucky-born mother.  And although my father was Yooper born and bred (and you’d be surprised to know that most are NOT the rednecks they are sometimes portrayed as being) my father’s maternal side was from Kentucky, within a short distance of where my mother’s people lived but they didn’t know that until after they wed. 
                During some genealogical research, which I did because my mother’s side of the family wasn’t well documented, I found out I had ancestors whose nine sons participated in the American Revolution. Between that and living in the colonial triangle of Virginia, that got me started on writing a fictionalized account of these ancestors’ journey to colonial America.  That manuscript and three book proposal is out on submission.  As the administrator and contributor for the group blog “Colonial Quills” (http://colonialquills.blogspot.com) I love seeing us get out more information about this era and promoting this subgenre in Christian fiction!

Q: You love history, as do I. If you could sit down and interview any figure from any time, real or fictional, who would that be and what is the first question you would ask?
I would want to ask my ancestor, Johan Rousch, who I wrote about.  I’d like to hear why he left Germany to come to the colonies and how he felt about it.  Can I cheat and also ask to meet Susanne, his wife? I find it horribly unfair that he was recognized by the SAR but I don’t believe anything was done by the DAR for her.  And she birthed the nine sons who fought in the American Revolution!

Q: Who have been your mentors, and how did they help you most?

I had AMAZING English teachers growing up in my hometown. The high school teachers, in particular, were so good.  I took the CLEPP exam and was allowed to exempt college English (at age 17.)  However, I ended up enrolled in a freshman English class.  Day one when I arrived at class I was met by the frail and elderly professor and when he heard my name he took me aside.  Told me that my essay was the best he had read, ever, at the college. I think I blinked at him.  I hope I thanked him!  That has never left me.  God must have prompted him to say something.  Within about six weeks he had passed away.  It was rather surreal. When he had asked me my major and I told him psychology he’d seem so disappointed and had encouraged me to write.
I met my agent, Joyce Hart, at the Philadelphia conference Write His Word, four years ago.  She gave me some of the best advice about my writing that I ever could have received.  She took me on as a client in 2011 and I consider her a mentor.
Laura Frantz is someone I consider a mentor although she might scoff at that.  I met her via Rachel Hauck’s directive in an ACFW online class that we track down comparable books to our own MSes.  I found Laura’s “The Frontiersman’s Daughter” for pre-order online.  At first I was like—oh nooooo—someone has something similar to what I am doing. Is it too similar?  Then I got in touch with Laura and we began an email correspondence. I have learned a lot about the everyday life of a published author from her, especially like what it is like to transition over from a non-published writer to author. 
Lena Nelson Dooley gave me a paid critique at the ACFW conference in 2010 and I won a critique with her and did that in 2011.  She was the first person to offer me endorsement, which I will never forget.  She also spent a lot of time with me at conference last year and is such an encouraging person. 
As far as my writing, both Vickie McCollum and Lynn Squire as the leaders of the Fellowship of Christian Writers critique group were the first people to say to me “You are ready to be published.”  Their mentorship was critical in getting me to the next big steps I needed to make from a writer with a ton of unfinished manuscripts to someone who had clarity and purpose and finally moved forward to begin the process of preparing those for publication.

Q:  What do you hope your readers will take away from their time and investment in your books and blogs?
Overcoming With God blog--I hope readers will feel like they had just spent a visit with friends and shared words of encouragement as well as their love of Christian fiction!
In my MSes, which Lord willing will be published, I hope that readers will feel, really feel, what my characters are going through and see how God could deliver the characters and themselves.

Q: Since your blog is about overcoming, can you share with us here what is the biggest thing you have had to overcome and how?
Kathy, what I deal with daily is overcoming, one day at a time, the effects of multiple forms of arthritis.  Only with God’s grace do I literally put one foot in front of the other each day.  I don’t know why He hasn’t (yet!) removed this difficulty from me, but I trust Him.  We also have a child with different issues, but he is doing great—literally overcoming with God’s help, through time!  The hardest thing was when our little guy was in the throes of full blown autism and having meltdown and other unsavory issues and life was a daily horrendous battle.  And no one seemed to understand.  You are isolated and dealing with severe issues that others might have no clue about.  I thank God we are past the most severe stage and that He has enabled us to receive multiple treatments and that He has brought about much healing.
Kathy, you and others ask how I do so many things—I am the ACFW MidAtlantic zone director, have the two blogs, and a special needs child. We also travel and I go to historical sites frequently for research. And I have been completing manuscripts at the rate of about one every seven or eight months, which is getting faster for me.  But because of my physical limitations I am not as mobile as other people. God has limited my span of activities and so my butt in the chair time is likely much higher than other writers’. 
And I want to give a praise here.  Since I started writing this interview only three weeks ago, I have gone through some things that are resulting in improvement in my arthritis symptoms, praise God!  Although some has been really difficult to go through, I am seeing results from where God has taken me and moved me to.  A lot of this is in dealing with food and medication allergies.  And I am on very little medication for my Rheumatoid arthritis right now, thank you Jesus! And my mobility is greatly improving!!!

Kathy, you are such a sweetheart.  Thanks so much for having me on your blog!  Many blessings!

Carrie, you are a delight and an inspiration to me, and to many! Thank you for being so gracious with your time.

In honor of Carrie's visit, and because of our shared love for Colonial history and romance, I am offering our visitors a chance to win a gift basket. Bon bons, a coffee/tea packet and a lovely antique porcelain Colonial figurine reading couple will be mailed to one winner within the United States who leaves a comment or question for Carrie, plus your email addy. You can increase your chance of winning by following either of Carrie's blogs or both, and my blog here, and by sharing this blog post on twitter or facebook. A maximum of six entries per person possible. Winner will be drawn Tuesday Oct 23rd



I have just drawn the winner on random.org and it was #27, which when I calculated all 85 qualified entrants, turns out to be Debbie Lynne Costello! LOL  I hope no one thinks there is any collusion going on here. I truly drew her number fair and square. Congratulations, Debbie Lynne!

Thank you everybody for visiting as we had such a wonderful week with Carrie. Thank you, Carrie, for being such a wonderfully warm guest and for all the wit and wisdom you brought. Lord bless you dear lady as you connect so many in the CBA with your blogs and reviews and gracious personality. 

141 comments:

  1. Oh how cute is that figurine, begs to be put on a book shelf---though there isn't exactly room on my bookshelves......

    I love your essay story Carrie, I have a few of those from College. Once I had a literature professor ask me for a special meeting to tell me that I wrote a really well done essay, he couldn't fault it, but it didn't reflect his view on the literature piece, told me I could change it to his way of thinking for an A instead of a B. I stuck to my guns because as he said, it was on par with him and I had evidence from other scholars, and I wasn't going to fix my strong essay just because he wanted me to write it his way...I rued that choice later as I failed a quiz a few weeks afterward because I had the wrong book edition and found out on quiz day that I only had an excerpt and the new edition had the entire thing! And those 4 question quizzes were 10% of the entire grade! BUT, I loved the fact that this professor saw merit in my writing and was going to make a special case for me, I might have thought better of dieing on the hill of priniciple of what Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was all about if I'd known my textbook was lacking!!!! :)

    I already subscibe to Carrie's blog, but I do it through a third party host, I've always wondered when people ask that question if they care about how I follow exactly. I just like FeedDemon.

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    1. I actually think it is wonderful that you didn't let that professor cow you, Melissa. Good for you! But it was nice that he thought enough of your academic merit to go to bat for you. Human nature can be so dual. ;)

      I don;t care how you follow, I'm just glad you do! Thanks for coming and enriching the conversation. I have you down for two entries then?

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    2. I love that you have INTEGRITY, Melissa. And from everything I have read you write on blogs and FB I am not surprised as you seem very ethical. Thanks for your kind comments. I dk what FeedDemon is!

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  2. Well, let me be the first to say how blessed I am to have Carrie in my life! She is an amazing encourager, so profoundly generous and gracious, and has a beautiful testimony. Carrie is also the founder of the Colonial American Christian Writers group of which I am a part of. This is a special, supportive group for those who write in this sub-genre. From it she began the Colonial Quills blog and it has been such a great way to connect with those who love early American history.

    I'm tweeting and posting on facebook about this because everyone deserves to know this fantastic lady...who also makes a great tour guide around America's Historic Triangle: Willamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown as I was privy to upon my visit there last year.

    What a precious gift basket and statuette!

    Blessings, all. Thanks Kathy for hosting Carrie on your blog.

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    1. AS much as I love my Civil War peeps, I have to say I get a little twinge of jealousy at the amazing community you Colonial gals have. :D I may have to go back in my family saga and write about my twins' Colonial Ancestors. ha!
      Yes, Carrie is one of those precious people who connect and bless everywhere she goes. So pleased to have her here this week.
      Thank you for spreading the word, Carla. I have you down for all six entries, because you are already following all the blogs, right?

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    2. Oh, can we woo you to come over to the colonial period? Twins run in families so perhaps there is another twins story in there. I love 19th century, too, as many it is hard for many history buffs to choose an era. Carrie has quite an honorable family tree with all of those who fought in the Am. Rev.

      I posted it on Google+, too. Thanks for the entries, Kathy!

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    3. THANKS CARLA!!! Hey, you take one arm and I'll take the other arm and we'll pull KATHY into the stocks until she submits and joins CACW!!! We won't even make you write on CQ (yet, lol!) Hey, I think she wants us to go ahead and nominate her for membership, right--isn't that what you said to do, KATHY? Ooops, can't hear her but I feel pretty sure that was it!

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  3. Nine sons in the Revolutionary War! My goodness, can you imagine what their poor mother must have went through? Thanks for a great interview!

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    1. I know, right? That's worse than the Sullivan family during the Civil War who lost all five of their sons. That dear woman must have been the praying-est saint ever.
      Thanks for adding to the conversation, Jennifer. I have you down for two entries.

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    2. I agree with you there about that praying mother. Can't imagine!

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    3. JEN!!! I mean ohmygoodness WHY not include poor Susanne Rousch for a DAR award. First I need some folks to help me get all my paperwork so Susanne can have something nice like Johan got. I turned her into a French woman for my MS but she apparently was German (Sehler but for the longest time they wrote Schlern for her name.) Great to see you here.

      Oh my goodness, all five sons. I don't think I could survive that without relying fully upon God, KATHY. CARLA- I bet you are praying for that grandbaby for the future, too!

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  4. Wonderful interview Carrie. I think Laura has mentored a bunch of us, and maybe doesn't realize it. She's a blessing. As are you. I'm amazed at how quickly you are finishing novels these days. What is MY excuse? :)

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    1. I know I have no excuse for my s-l-o-w writing, Lori! :D Carrie needs to be a drill sergeant for me and get me going. ha!
      I glean so much from reading Laura's writing, too, so count me in on that score.
      thanks for coming, Lori. I have you down for one entry?

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    2. LORI, I have tons of people telling me that I am mentoring them, too, and I am like--what? I think Laura is like that. It is just who she is. Oh, and that is a GOD thing--I need to fully credit Him because Carrie on her own takes multiple times longer than that!

      Yes, I am the Drill Sargeant. You need to come in with Mel, Julie, Sarah and me on the accountability thing and get Ms. DL over there too!!!

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  5. Carrie, you are an inspiration! I am incredibly honored to know you and count you a friend. When I read that you found food allergies a part of the solution to your problems, I said, "Yes!" Not because having food allergies is such a good thing, but because it is something tangible and real you can work with. AND because what you are finding seems to be similar to me. Have you seen someone regarding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?

    As you know, I have numerous food allergies and some medication allergies and I want to encourage you to work hard at eliminating those foods. It is doable! If you want, email me your list of food allergies and I can share some of my recipes or at least how I tackle mine.

    As to writing, I am anxiously awaiting the publication of your work. You are an awesome writer, one of the best I've ever read. What is more, your love for God comes through.

    You go girl!

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    1. Food allergy can be so destructive. My brother is finding that a casein allergy is behind his hearing loss. Amazing. And hopeful, that maybe these conditions can be reversed.

      Thank you for coming, Lynn. I am eager to read Carrie's writing, and earnestly praying for her first contract.

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    2. LYNN, You and Vicki are the ones who moved me from redo redo redo to GETERDONEYOUREADYTOGO status! Your confidence in me propelled me forward. Thank you for your kind words. I remember reading your writing in ACFW classes and I emailed you privately--which was how I first met you, Lynn, because I loved your voice and writing. Then I saw you on MBT talk about FCW and boom, I ran over there to get with the crit group!

      Will email you about the MAST thing. Would like to hear about it.

      I pray that in my broken vessel status I can bring glory to Him who I serve. Thanks that you see that come through!

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    3. KATHY, I am allergic to milk and casein, which is part of that, is in EVERYTHING. well not everything, but.... Amazing what that can do. Is your brother doing better now?

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    4. yes, my brother has gone from 90% hearing loss in one ear and 75% in the other to actually being able to hear conversation with background noise, which is huge for him. Thank you for asking. It took a top specialist in New York city to suggest going dairy free. She was right!

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    5. ACK, I am no longer drinking coffee. I forget that DL and K together means K here, lol!

      Did your bro have frequent ear infections Kathy?

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    6. I'm not sure, Carrie. I know we have hearing loss in my family. maternal G-mother and cousins have had ear surgeries, as has my brother. It seems to be a gradual loss as the ear canals inflame and close, and steroids helped somewhat at first, but only temporarily. I am seeing a link in inflammatory conditions here--autism, hearing loss, RA, etc. What is in that milk, anyway???

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  6. God bless you for having me, Kathy! You are an inspiration to me, too! Just doing this interview blessed me in so many ways!

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    1. It is all my pleasure. This is going to be a fun week!

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  7. Carrie, I am now a member of the Fellowship of Christian Writers critique group so I know Vicki, too. Small world, huh? We also both attend the monthly FCW group meetings held in Tulsa so we get to see each other in person as well as through the online crit group. Am so thankful for fellow writers!

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting, Cheryl. We should start a new game--instead of the Kevin Bacon game, it should be five points to Carrie Pagels. LOL She is as connected as anyone I know. Her energy is just amazing!

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    2. CHERYL, Are they back allowing fiction crits again? The whole group was SO encouraging but it was VICKI and LYNN who gave me a "makeover" so to speak and helped me realize I was ready. Give Vicki a HUGE hug for me, CHERYL!!!

      What is the KEVIN BACON game KATHLEEN? HAHA--never heard of it! Realize that I am BIC as I write this not running around like an energizer bunny lol!

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    3. The Kevin Bacon game: okay, about a decade ago, everyone was playing this movie association game. You'd name an actor or actress and within 5 movies you had to connect films they'd been in by connecting co-stars. Example: Kevin Kline. Okay, Kevin K was in Sophie's Choice with Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep was in River Wild with KEVIN BACON! So I did it in two movies. Fun, eh? :D

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    4. No, lol--I STINK at those kind of games!

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  8. What can I say? I'm tearing up because I just love this lady! She is such an overcomer and always takes the time to encourage and lift up others even when she is suffering. I have learned so much from Carrie about having a servant's heart. There were some things I didn't know (just a little ;)) about Carrie that I learned while reading this interview. Thank you, gals, it's great!

    Hugs, Carrie!

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    1. Diana, you are the sweetest. It takes a dear soul to appreciate the same in others. Carrie is one special lady, and I look forward to getting to know her even better this week, too! I have you down for four entries, Diana.

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    2. I have sat here and cried over these touching comments. I feel undeserving but God must want me to read these praises for what He is doing through me! I give him all the glory cuz I sure couldn't do it on my own. I have to give my will over to Him daily and some days I wrestle with Him and he looks down at me lying on the floor and in mercy gives me a hand back up! DIANA, I agree with KATHY--you appreciate what God has given you, too. We are like kindred spirits! Kathy is one, too! Which is why our whole OTT-WGH gang loves her and Debbie Lynne!!!

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    3. Yes, we are kindred spirits and oh, how we all wrestle with Him, Carrie! It's called being human. We just love Kathy and Debbie Lynne and all that they do! Such sweetie pies, and it was such a joy having you on the blog with us recently, Kathy. The annointing was certainly on your post, and we would love to have Debbie Lynne on, too, sometime!

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    4. all I did was show up, Diana. The Glory is God's. <3

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    5. It was so fun, DIANA and KATHY!!! And DEBBIE LYNNE is coming on for our next JULIE LESSMAN week! I think we need a bookend post.

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  9. Carrie, You are incredible! I mean I knew that, but clepping out of college English at 17...awe.some.

    I enjoyed reading the history about your Kentucky family. 9 sons is impressive but all of them fighting in the war is extraordinarily cool!

    I can't wait to see your manuscript in print with your name blazoned across the front!!!

    Love to you my friend! ~Anne

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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    1. What a celebration it will be when Carrie gets the call! We'll have to light up the internet pink in her honor! :D

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    2. OHHHHHH!!!! PINK INTERNET!!! YES!!! I will let my daughter Cassandra know. Maybe she has some computer friends who can hack something to turn the whole net pink when we have the party--just kidding, lol! LOL ANNE, my daughter actually seems impressed with me sometimes, which is fun now that she is no longer a teen. I don't feel so impressive, esp. when I am spraying dirty socks and throwing them in the wash and running the umpteenth load of clothes for the week! But praise God, I have a washer and dryer!

      KATHY, I forgot to tell you I only make my husband call me Dr. Pagels. And only if I have just folded the aforementioned socks!

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    3. LOL about the hubby sock remark!

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  10. Hey Carrie and Kathy! I loved learning more about you! Kathy has some great questions. I just love them. So much fun! Carrie, I am so happy to hear you are feeling better. That is a super praise report!! I wonder how many of our ailments are food/pesticide related. Have a great week ladies. Love you both!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie Lynne! I love how your natural personalities shine through. (hey, everybody, Debbie Lynne's interview is immediately before Carrie's!) :D

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    2. Um, well, I was feeling better. Then I started eating real food again. A little set back but God is good and I will get back on track! I think a great many ailments are related to our diets. When I joined AICR American Institute of Cancer Research 30 years ago, they were considered crackpots because they thought stuff in the diet was associated with cancer risk. Now we know it is.

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  11. Hi Carrie,
    I am so glad that you have done genealogical research on your family. I have too and have found several ancestors on my mothers and father's side who fought in the American Revolution. Knowing that I think it makes history seem more real to you. Also, the more information that you find, the more it leads to.

    I follow all of the blogs Overcoming Through Time—With God’s Help, Colonial Quills History Repeats Itself with Google Friends Connect.

    Tweeted:http://t.co/zhMee7Ib

    Posted on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com




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    1. Carol, you have all six entries! Thank you so much for helping to spread the word.
      I've been interviewing my mother about my own family history. She has amazing stories of people from three generations back, and it's so true, that the more you learn the more it sparks your curiosity and imagination.Will have to try the geneology one of these days. One of my great aunts claims we were related to Robert E. Lee. As a Civil War fanatic, that is just about the coolest notion!

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    2. Carol, That is so cool! I love all that genealogical stuff. I was researching an ancestor and found a guy with the same name (William Christy) who was a scout during the French-Indian wars. His testimony inspired one of my MS and is the basis for a series I want to finish.

      KATHY, My dad told my nephew we are related to Davis (my great grandmother was a Davis) but I haven't searched that one yet too far. And Lee was my great-aunt's middle name (granddaughter of said Davis.) I haven't found the Lee connection, if there is one. But Lee was related to so many different people including the Carters of Shirley Plantation where my second MS is set. That story has garnered a ton of interest. Still praying for a contract!

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  12. Wonderful interview - Carrie has touched many lives and has such an enduring, giving spirit! Love learning even more about her here and paying tribute to a very special person!

    So glad to meet you here, Kathy! Glad we're kindred colonial spirits. Nothing quite like it!

    Pls don't enter me in the drawing as I don't want to rob someone else of the joy of this wonderful basket:) And I have quite a bit of colonial stuff to call my own. Bless you all!

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    1. It is an honor to have you visit here, Laura. Thank you for joining the conversation. Carrie is a great lady and a networker extraordinaire. So blessed to have her here this week.

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    2. It has been a privilege to have enjoyed your friendship these past several years, LAURA, and to watch your career take off. YAY! And I could not have started CACW without LAURA and the others like JOAN and RITA who gave it the stamp of approval to go forward and get started for our research questions. And I would probably still be saying I didn't have time for CQ if CARLA and PAT hadn't pressed for it to go forward. It wouldn't look like it does without CARLA's gorgeous design either.

      THANKS KATHY, I believe in those connections. God put us together to bless each other and encourage one another in our daily journeys!

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  13. It's such a joy to know you Carrie. You've become an encourager to me as well. I've been multi-blessed by our friendship.

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Lena. It is terrific to see how many writers Carrie's reach has touched.

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    2. I love that expression multi-blessed--because that is what you have done for me, too, LENA!

      KATHY, I am SO blessed to have so many authors who agreed to give me an endorsements, too--a God thing for sure. LENA was my first to offer one, which floored me, and it was for a colonial that Joyce and I are discussing pulling out from the current proposal and into its own series.

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  14. Kathleen...thank you for this incredible interview with Carrie. I learned so much I didn't know about her. I'm not even sure how we met, but one day Carrie asked me to be a part of Colonial Quills and I agreed! It's been a fun ride hanging out with all the Colonial ladies! And Carrie has always been so sweet and kind and encouraging and one of the most generous ladies I know! No other blogger has bought and given away so many of my books or helped to promote my work as much as Carrie! She is the real deal! Please don't put me down for the prize.. but I'll go tweet about it and let others knows.

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    1. Thank you, MaryLu. Like I said to Diana, you are as precious as Carrie because it takes a special lady to recognize that in others. I have enjoyed your books greatly and it is amazing to have so much talent in one community. Colonial Quills is one amazing place!

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    2. ML, I knew you wrote the colonial series and we were hanging around in some ACFW circles. Oh, and you did a critique of one of my shipboard scenes for me because you donated one for the ACFW conf drawing (I think one of DL's baskets!--lots of stuff come right back around to Kathy and Debbie Lynne!) And you told me you had a federalist era series you were working on. You came on as CACW member and then whenever I needed help, ML showed up to help with the tea parties, one I think was when I was in a hurricane. I thought MaryLu WAS on CQ so one day I figured out she wasn't a contributor yet. Thank God she is because her post are very entertaining and well researched.

      LOL--stop writing such great books like Veil of Pearl and then I won't want to keep promoting them and giving them away. That MUST be made into a movie!!!

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    3. Kathy, you are going to love it there. So glad you agreed to come on board! Colonial American Christian Writers is the main group of two dozen and CQ has a dozen who contribute. But you'd want to do CQ, too, wouldn't you?

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    4. Carrie.. you have a much better memory than I do!! I had forgotten how all that came about. Either way, I'm glad our paths crossed!! Thanks for your kind words on Veil! And what's this about Kathy joining us?? Did I hear about this? SO EXCITED to have you!!!

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    5. I would be honored. I'd better get busy and write a prequel :D

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    6. Drum roll.................

      You saw it here in WRITING!!!!

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  15. Carrie, I don't know if you realize it or not that you are such an inspiration to others. You have helped me out tremendously with some of the issues and interviews with authors that you have had on your blogsites.

    Your reviewers are amazing!

    Testimonies posted are amazing. I find myself sobbing through many of them. How can anyone say God doesn't work through others!

    I have become a better person through your sites. I truly mean this from the bottom of my heart. You have encouraged me so many times! Diana Flowers testimony touched me deeply. She is definitely a person after God's own heart. I suspect you have played a big role in her life.

    So Carrie, keep on keeping on and we will keep on reading your blogsites.

    Thank you for this great interview with Carrie. As I am sure you know Kathleen she is a real gem!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com

    I follow Carrie's Overcoming Through Time With God’s Help and Colonial Quills History Repeats Itself with Google Friends Connect under the name (Judy).


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    1. JUDY!!! We love having you as one of our faithful visitors in our online "living room" which is how we think of the blog. I am so blessed to have DIANA FLOWERS, TERESA MATHEWS, MARIAN BAAY, and now our newcomer NOELA NANCARROW. I could not do the blog without them. I should have had Kathy put their names in the post.

      At first I did not want to do interviews, JUDY, because as a psychologist for 25 years and switching over to writing fiction I did not want people looking at those as me as a psychologist doing interviews. But about a year and a half ago, God got ahold of me and shook me and told me to do it. I wanted to pull back or quit and then He led me to Diana! Then Teresa, who attends church with Diana and is an awesome gal! I love the whole team!

      Many blessings!

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    2. Judy, you are so right about Carrie--she is a jewel in the crown of CBA fiction, and she hasn't even been published yet! look out world. She's going to break in in a big way!

      I have you down for five entries, Judy. Thank you for the follows and for helping to spread the word about Carrie's interview.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  16. When I'm researching for my novels and find tidbits of information that amaze me, I call them my "treasures." Well, finding Carrie has been one of those treasures. Since Carrie asked me to be a Colonial Quills contributor, she has encouraged me me and promoted my book for which she wrote a glowing review that touched my hear. She has introduced me to some extremely talented authors. What a generous person. I pray often for her health and that God will bless her writing efforts and grant her success. She deserves it.

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    1. ...touched my heart.
      Sorry for the typo - I dinged the ring finger on my right hand with a hammer and I'm wearing a splint. It makes for some interesting typing.

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    2. SUSAN!!! I hope your bday was awesome! When I read The Chamomile, by you, I had to entitle my review with something about jewels because it was just like finding a treasure chest FULL of awesome jewels. Historical tidbits are like "gifts" to the reader and so I just treasured your book and it made my tops of 2011 list! So this really touches me that you consider me to be like those treasures! THANKS SO MUCH!!! Thank you for your prayers!!! OW! don't do that again, Susan!Aren't you glad it wasn't a tomahawk, lol?!

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    3. Owie, Susan. Please take care of your typing hands--they are vital to the operation! :D
      Thanks so much for coming by.

      Delete
    4. I agree with you about that, Susan! Carrie is a treasure, indeed!

      Delete
  17. Hi Kathleen--and Carrie-Guest of Honor!

    What a neat interview! I agree with everyone else on how you've just about done the superhuman with CQ, Carrie. Your love for historicals--and your patriotism--especially during the colonial era shines through and deserves a HUGE thank you!

    CQ, and OTT-WGH both absolutely glow with charm, and shows the love you put into both...besides your writing and everything else you've accomplished! Blessings on improved health and the very best outcome for your story, soon! And a big thank you for doing a beautiful job in presenting this, Kathleen. Hugs, ladies--XXOO

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    1. Pat, what kind words. Thank you, my friend. I have you entered for four entries.

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    2. PAT, this was so fun doing this. The team that God put together has made CQ move forward and I am grateful for every contributor. And I love my dolls, Pat, that I got last week! You are so talented, it is amazing! Can't wait to work on the serial Christmas story with you! Many thanks, Pat!

      KATHY, have you seen Pat's writing? She is wonderful! And she is an amazing artist, too!

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    3. I have heard of her lovely dolls, but have never seen a picture. And I have heard great things of her writing but never had the pleasure of reading it. A deprivation which I hope will one day soon be rectified :D

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  18. Kathy, I enjoyed this interview with Carrie. She is one busy lady it seems. My comment for Carrie is would you let us read your epilogue iof "Anne of Green Gables"? I sure want to. I'm sure you would still have it. Don't know how you are so cheerful with so many problems. What is "Yooper? And what kind of DR. are you, or is it just what you earned as a Degree? Kathy, I am a follower of your blog, and of both of Carries. That should be 4 entries. I want to share this on my Facebook, but don't see a place. How can I? Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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    1. MAXIE!!! Our 200th follower on OTT-WGH! Good to see you here! I will post on your page, okay!

      I was a psychologist for 25 years. So in my work I was called Dr. Pagels. Like I said, only my hubby has to call me that now, lol! ;)

      I do wonder if my old AoGG is down in my parents' basement, which my sister now owns and my bro lives in. Doubtful. But it basically told how they got married and had three or four children!!! Funny thing was, that was what LM wrote about in her series of Anne as an adult!

      Delete
  19. Hi, Maxie
    thanks for visiting. What a great question! Yes, Carrie we would love to see your AoGG epilogue! How fun. Thanks for the follows, and yes, that is four. If you wanted to share on FB, copy and paste this blog's URL as your status.

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  20. Just found out about your interview Carrie - so lovely to learn more about you! I know the Lord has wonderful plans for your manuscripts, and I pray He'll bring continued relief to your daily discomforts.

    Thanks Kathleen for this great interview!

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    1. Amen, Helen! The Lord surely will use her insight and compassion to touch many through her stories. It has been my pleasure to have her here. Thank you for visiting!

      Delete
    2. HELEN!!! I LOVED visiting on you and your sis's blog and talking about my fav books! That was so much fun! THANKS for your prayers!

      I pray you are right, KATHY!

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  21. I like seeing the tables turned on Carrie. She does so much to promote Christian fiction and Authors and blesses so many people with her graciousness. I had the chance to toodle around Colonial Williamsburg with the expert herself!

    Thank you Kathy for hosting her. I really enjoyed the interview.

    I'm impressed with all you accomplish Carrie. Running two such busy blogs as you do, with your co-writers, is very time-consuming but you must be thrilled with the success!

    Looking forward to your announcement of a contract, soon!

    Waving at Kathy (my almost neighbor in the world of Christian Fiction!) who's having quite the year herself!!!

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    1. Debra, I keep saying this, but we are going to have to meet up at one of New York's history events. :) And I want you to come and sit in my blog hot seat like Carrie! LOL Please say you will?
      Thank you for visiting today. I have you down for at least two entries, but if you're a follower of Carrie's blogs, which I am guessing you are, that makes four entries.

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    2. I will... keeping my fingers and eyes crossed that I will have something fun to brag about before that.

      I think I am a follower of both blogs, but you know, I tend to go by clicking on the bookmark or following one of Carrie's FB posts...

      I hope to get to Elmira next year for a reenactment, and expect to be busy with the War of 1812 along the lake, too!

      Delete
    3. Oh, that makes me so happy, Debra! Both that we will meet, and that you will be on my blog. I am sure your good news is coming. You've been at this writing thing so diligently, and your research is stellar, plus you are so gosh-darn gifted, that it is surely on its way. I hope to be one of the first to celebrate with you!

      Delete
    4. DEB is a CACW writer who we keep trying to get to write for CQ, too! I assume that research is for a blog post, right, DEB!!! Inkies will share, right! We have had several CQ/Inkies events already which has been fun. Plus DINA just got nominated by RO for membership, too, HUZZAH. We are doing HUZZAHS over at CACW today because Kathy put that she would agree to join us!!! Thanks both of you!

      Delete
  22. Great interview! I also have a child with autism. It's a lonly life at times, but God is bringing more and more people my way who are struggling, too. It's good to be able to encourage each other. Carrie has been a great encouragement to me, and we finally got to meet at the Philly conference this August!

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    1. Pam, thank you so much for coming. That's another thing Carrie and I share in common--we both have sons with Asperger's Syndrome. One of the biggest helps to me was meeting others online who have walked this challenging road. But as challenging as some moments can be with my ds, there are also times of divine visitation in his inimitable charms and insights. I wouldn't trade him for the world.

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    2. PAM, I so enjoyed getting to meet you! And I had a weird dream with you in it last night! I wonder why? I dk that I knew about your son. Maybe that was it.

      It is great when I have a bad day to pop over to Kathy and tell her what happened with sweetie boy's school or whatever--she understands!

      Delete
  23. Great interview. I am doing the genealogy thing to. Been working on it for years bavk in the 1500's on one side.
    Would love to win. Thanks

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    1. Pat, that sounds fascinating. Thanks so much for coming by! Good luck to you on the giveaway.

      Delete
    2. Wow, PAT, neat! Did you already give your follow information earlier? Blessings!

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  24. What a great interview. Hubby and I are very interested in doing the genealogy thing as well and over the summer heard from someone who was able to give me a lot of information on my grandfather's (mom's dad) side of the family.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I'm thinking genealogy research would make a fantastic blog. I for one would love to know how to get started.
      Thanks for coming by, Jo. best of luck to you!

      Delete
    2. JO!!! Haven't seen you in a little while! Great to see you here! I have my cousins to thank for most of my stuff with the genealogy.

      KATHY, I paid for a year of Ancestry.com the European part even and couldn't ever figure it out! ACK!

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  25. CARRIE and KATHLEEN -- STELLAR INTERVIEW about one of my FAVORITE people!!!

    LOL ... you wrote an epilogue for Anne of Green Gables in the back of the book??? YIKES ... talk about creative license, girl ... sure hope there are no handwritten epilogues in the back of my books ... ;)

    How VERY cool that you have relatives in the Revolutionary War, Carrie -- no wonder you are so fascinated with that time period.

    WHOO-HOO!!!!! Sooooo thrilled to hear you are finding remedies for the RA, my friend. I JUST prayed about that for you not two hours ago and will continue to keep you on my prayer hit list.

    Love you both!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. So good to have you this morning, Julie! I promise i will never write an epilogue for any of your books. :D But i can't promise Carrie won't. heehee
      love you more!

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    2. JULIE, lol! I wonder if there are? I suppose if you have some young lady up in the boonies who only has your first book, then, well.....

      I just now connected up with someone who is going to get me started with something that helped her arthritis and gut issues, too, so I am really thrilled about it!

      We love you, too, and I have a bag to prove I am your biggest fan, lol! Okay, DL just embroidered I was a fan, but...

      KATHY, VERY SMART--I won't promise!!! ;)

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  26. Carrie, so great to meet you! Thanks for the post-great questions Kathleen! I love that you have such a clear and important connection to the Revolutionary War, too, Carrie. It was fun to read about all the authors who helped you along your publishing journey too. I'm finding that this Christian fiction subculture is incredibly supportive!

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    1. JOCELYN!!! I have your book and keep trying to start it because it looks so awesome!!!

      I live right near the battlefield at Yorktown where my ancestors witnessed Cornwallis's surrender!

      Yes, there are so many great people in Christian fiction. Like Kathy and Debbie Lynne!

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  27. It is a wonderful community, isn't it? And Carrie is one of those ladies that embodies the generosity and support. Everybody, Jocelyn is the Civil War writer I want to be when I grow up. She is my new unbeknownst mentor. :D Thank you for joining the conversation, Jocelyn. blessings!

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    1. Cool beans! I am so glad you agreed to mentor you! What a blessing! will this be like the Laura subclinical mentorship where you send lots of emails back and forth and you watch what Jocelyn is doing? And she gives advice?

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    2. LOL! It is a bit like that, yes Carrie. I read her amazing work and hope that it rubs off on me. :D

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    3. Um. Yeah, well, ya see that is called reading LOL!!! Not mentoring. I guess reading Laura's emails back and forth counts as reading too though, lol!

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  28. Carrie,

    History is an amazing thing. How your family ties into it and helped create it is awesome. Uncovering our history, shows us where we come from, helps give focus to where were going. I think we forget that.

    It was good thing they had large families back when, who could imagine sending 9 sons to war? I know of an Uncle Nathaniel Grover who fought in the war. It would be great to know more.

    thanks for a great interview.

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    1. TINA, I know--and all those boys survived!!! But then almost all left the area and moved into the newly expanded area west of the mountains!

      Delete
    2. Previous generations had a strength that just defies my modern, entitled understanding. The folks even 50 years ago were so much more hale and hearty. When you consider that in one battle of the Civil War (Antietam) there were over 22,000 casualties, and I complain when I can't get the flavor of coffee I want. sheesh. I'm a sad case compared to your ancestor.

      Delete
    3. Carrie, one wonders how long they lived after that.

      Tina

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    4. Debbie, we are a bunch of weenies. Those men and women went through horrors beyond imagination. Certainly they were struck by memories, but a lot of them didn't talk about it even up til WWII they dealt with it and went on.

      Tina

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    5. Oh Tina, there is only ONE boy they couldn't account for in the book of Rousches. There is a four book anthology of Johan and Susanne's descendants. The funny thing is that my branch moved off to KY and they stopped tracking them. And one other guy was presumed to have died in Tennessee after he left VA after the Am. Rev. LOL about being weenies. I don't feel that way--I feel the young men and women who serve our country today are awesome! Brave young souls!

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  29. Kathleen, thanks for doing this interview of Carrie. Great questions!

    Carrie, I really enjoyed reading your interview. It was great to read about all of the people who have helped and encouraged you as a writer.I love history and historical fiction, and especially the history of Tidewater Virginia.

    I became a follower on Carrie's "Overcoming..." blog.

    may_dayzee(at) yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hey KAV, So glad you enjoyed this! I love living in Tidewater VA!!! Thanks for following, too!

      Delete
    2. Hi, KayM. Thank you for coming today. I have you down for two entries, then?

      Delete
    3. Thanks to you both--yes, 2 entries.

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  30. Carrie, thank you so much for doing this interview. I learned so much about you that I didn't know before. You are a true inspiration. I will keep you and your son in my prayers. I, too, felt an emptiness when I no longer had parents here on earth. Only God can take away that emptiness and fill us with the love that we need. I admire all that you do, especially with your limitations. God has truly blessed you in ways that so many people could never understand. Please keep being the person you are, blessing others by using the gifts given by our Heavenly Father.
    And thank you for the opportunity to be in yet another contest. I will share this on FB and Twitter. God bless! debsbunch5@jesusanswers.com

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    1. Chaplaindebbie, it is a pleasure having you visit. I have you down for all six entries, because I know you are following the blogs and you;re helping to spread the word. Bless you, dear lady! :)

      Delete
    2. Hey DEBBIE!!! You are my favorite person to see at our Tea parties on CQ. Shhhh!!! Don't tell anyone, but you are! Sweetie Boy's, too! I think you would be so much fun in person!

      Thank you for your kind words and yes, God has really blessed me just like you said--people may not get it, but I do.

      And like KATHY said, thanks for spreading the word!

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    3. Hey, Carrie, thanks. Mums the word. LOL I really do enjoy the tea parties whenever I can make it over to them. The problem is I never know when they end, so I keep returning to see if anyone is still there. And it's my pleasure to spread the word. I say if you can't blog or write novels, then you should read blogs and read novels, then spread the word. ;) See you at the tea parties!

      Delete
    4. They run about two days, DEBBIE, and we should make that clearer up top. We used to let them run all week but now we have been trying to say that it is Monday and Tuesday. I'd like to move them to Fridays and that way they'd end Saturday and drawings that night. Oh, I got my dolls from Pat that I ordered!!! Gorgeous!!!

      Delete
    5. I absolutely love my doll that Pat made. She is in a place of honor next to my MaryLu's Motley Crew ship The Redemption. And you should totally move the tea parties to Fridays.

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    6. Thanks for the suggestion, DEBBIE. Only problem with the dolls is that I am supposed to take one to Shirley Plantation but I don't want to. It is for the museum shop to look at out there.

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  31. Carrie & Kathy, awesome interview! It was like getting to know Carrie all over again! :)

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    1. Thanks Marian. Carrie is making this week a lot of fun :) I have you down for four entries, because I know you follow Carrie's blog (LOL-of course you do!) and mine. Blessings,
      Kathy

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    2. Hi Kathy! Don't enter me - I live all the way across the ocean. ;) Just wanted to say 'hi'. :)

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    3. oh, that's right, Marian. You're our Aussie. g'day!

      Delete

    4. Nah, KATHY, MARIAN is from the Netherlands and is a reviewer for Kok Publishing there. How we were able to have her on OTT-WGH is totally a God thing!

      MARIAN, I already have a Christmas box started for you girlfriend!!!

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    5. Are you learning anything new that scares you, MARIAN? Blessings!

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  32. Thank you Kathleen and Carrie for a great interview. I enjoyed learning more about Carrie, who I've been privileged to get to know over this past year, when she asked me to join Colonial Quills. Carrie is an inspiration, a blessing and great support to many Christian authors, and I am very grateful to have met her.

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    1. I'm so happy you came by, Lisa. I have you down for two entries, then, since I know you follow CQ.

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  33. LISA, the privilege has been all mine! You have been such a blessing! And I SO appreciate the help you gave me with my recent blurb. Oh and thanks for recommending that course--lots of great advice from Rayne about upping the tension in a story. I need to do that with this MS because my other MSes were too fraught with tension and this one I wanted to have frighening stuff but still maintain the tension for the plot. Thanks for you kind words, LISA!!!

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  34. Carrie, I think your books sound so interesting! I count it a huge privilege to know you as our ACFW zone leader and as a fellow Hartline-er. You are one of the best encouragers I know! Praying for you, that your health will continue to improve and that your stories will be available soon!

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    1. Hi, Heather. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment for Carrie. Good luck on the drawing!

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    2. Thanks so much, HEATHER! You are such a sweetheart! I am very blessed to have you as our new WV AC! Hugs! And I pray your MSes are picked up for publication, too!

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  35. Carrie - Your post was both interesting and inspiring. Best of luck with your continued improvement. I suspect food and chemical reactions are responsible for a lot more than we realize.

    Grace

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    1. thanks for visiting Grace. I have you down for two entries, since you follow my blog.

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    2. I agree, GRACE--I think a lot of bad stuff comes from that. My eye specialist thinks my pain patch messed up my eyes and the gut dr. thinks it did that to my stomach.

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  36. O' I HOPE I'M DOING THIS RIGHT! I'M TRYING TO ENTER THE FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY!

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    1. Thanks Juanita. Do you have an email addy in case I need to contact you, dear?

      Delete
    2. JUANITA, Thanks for coming by and thanks for following my FB page and being friends on FB! Blessings!

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  37. I love Carrie not only because she gives away books but because she is concerned with our mental health, as a Christian. She takes care of us!

    I am a follower of Col. Quilts blog.

    And a follower of her Overcoming blog.

    And of History Repeats itselt blog.

    4! 4 entries!

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  38. You got it, Melody. Thanks for entering! :)

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  39. I have just drawn the winner on random.org, and her name is Debbie Lynne Costello! Congratulations, Debbie Lynne! I will be emailing you shortly.

    Thank you everybody for visiting and making this week with Carrie so special. Carrie, you are a wonderfully warm and witty guest and I am so blessed that you spent the time with us. Lord bless you, dear lady!

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  40. Congrats Debbie! Hey at least a 'Debbie' won. :)

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    1. CONGRATS to Debbie Lynne! I hope you can get her to accept her gift basket, Kathy! DL is so giving and she is always reluctant to be the one receiving, so it is fitting that she was drawn this week--she gives so much to others!!!

      Blessings and thanks so much for having me this past week, Kathy! You are so sweet!!!

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    2. Carrie, you are so right about Debbie Lynne. I had to twist her arm. And tell her that her resistance is futile--the box is already in the mail! LOL But you're the same way--so giving. You're good peeps, Carrie ;)

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