Colonial Quills' Three Year Anniversary Party!!!

Welcome to Colonial Quills 3rd Anniversary Celebration!!

Please join us as our authors share updates from their quills! We have a lot to share so hold on to your tricorns and bonnets. We have some wonderful giveaways that our CQ contributors and CACW members have graciously offered to celebrate CQ and our readers!

From Susan F. Craft: My Revolutionary War romantic suspense, The Chamomile, won the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Pick in 2011. The two sequels I wrote to The Chamomile, entitled Laurel and Cassia, will be available in January 2015 and later that same year, respectively. They will be published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. I also wrote A Writer's Guide to Horses, for the Long Riders' Guild Academic Foundation, www.lrgaf.org, to assist writers to “get horses right” in their works. I admit to being a history nerd. In addition to researching, I enjoy painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on my porch watching the rabbits eat all my daylilies.

Because I named my novels after flowers, my latest fun project
is creating an “Author’s Garden” in my yard with chamomiles, mountain laurels, and cassia trees. For a garden feature, I plan to paint old bricks to look like books. 

To celebrate CQ's anniversary, I will be giving away a signed copy of The Chamomile and packets of chamomile seeds.

From Lori Benton: The past three years have been eventful. I saw my debut novel, Burning Sky, published in August 2013. My sophomore novel, The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, set in the 1780s against the backdrop of an overlooked bit of North Carolina history—the secession of the State of Franklin, in what is now eastern Tennessee--landed on store shelves last month. On the day that book released I received news that my debut novel, Burning Sky, was a double finalist in the 2014 Christy Awards (Historical and First Novel categories). Burning Sky has also made the shortlist in the Debut Fiction category for the 2014 Inspy Award, the Blogger’s Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature. And Burning Sky received a Grace Award, a reader driven award in faith-based literature. Last month (April) I signed a new contract with my publisher, WaterBrook Press, for a 2-book series set along the Mohawk River in New York, 1757—1777. April 20 was the due date for the first of those. Now I’m at work on the sequel, which should keep me busy, along with editing the first novel, for the rest of 2014.

I'm giving away a copies of Burning Sky and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn for the anniversary giveaway!

From Lisa Norato: I became a contributor to Colonial Quills shortly before the release of my first inspirational historical novel, PRIZE OF MY HEART, from Bethany House.  In the years since joining the blog, I have read some very talented authors, made lasting friendships and been inspired to continue writing of New England's federal era with a series called the Sea Heroes of Duxbury.

THE PROMISE KEEPER, to be released this summer, is a novel in which danger reunites a sea's captain's daughter with her childhood protector who is now a reclusive lighthouse keeper on an island across the bay.

I am offering a copy of Prize of My Heart as part of the anniversary giveaway.

From Joan Hochstetler: I'm truly blessed to have been a part of this amazing group of authors for the past 3 years! Since this group began, I released the new Heritage Edition of the first 3 books of my American Patriot series--Daughter of Liberty, Native Son, and Wind of the Spirit--as well as book 4, Crucible of War. In March Northill, Book 1 of the Northkill Amish Series, closely based on the inspiring true story of my Hochstetler ancestors released, authored with my cousin Bob Hostetler, a multi-published, award-winning author who's written a number of books with Josh McDowell. I'm offering a copy of Northill for the giveaway.

From Elaine Marie Cooper: It's hard to believe that Colonial Quills is celebrating its Third Anniversary! There have been so many exciting releases from our many authors and I am personally blessed to be a part of this group of Colonial American Christian Writers.

This last year has been an amazing one for me as my latest release, Fields of the Fatherless, has been given two awards: The Selah Award for Young Adult Fiction, and was also named winner in the Religious Fiction category in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. I am blessed beyond words.




The most amazing day was on May 17, 2014, when I dressed up in my Colonial period dress and spoke before an audience of nearly 50 at the Jason Russell House in Arlington, Massachusetts. It is the actual site where the events depicted in Fields of the Fatherless occurred. It was an honor that I will never forget.

To celebrate CQ's Anniversary, I will be giving away a signed copy of Fields of the Fatherless to one winner.

And a special thanks to Carrie Fancett Pagels who brought all of us writers together to do this group blog. Huzzah and big HUGS to you, Carrie!

From Carla Olson Gade: What a whirlwind! Has it really been 3 years already? It's been an honor to be part of Colonial Quills and CACW. During this time I've enjoyed the colonial camaraderie, research partners, and fellowship with our very special and unique group. During this time my debut novel released, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter (set out west in 1875),  followed by my first colonial, Carving a Future in Colonial Quills (1752, Connecticut). My second colonial, Pattern for Romance in the Quilts of Love series (1769, Boston) came out last year along with best-selling Mistletoe Memories with my novella 'Tis the Season (1821, New Jersey). It was a pleasure to be included in A Cup of Christmas Cheer with our own Carrie Fancett Pagels! I also contributed to 31 Devotions for Writers, an encouraging digital devotional. I'm currently working on two contracts (A Cup of Christmas Cheer 2 and Proving Up in the Homestead Brides Collection). Although I sometimes write in other time periods, the colonial era is always near and dear to my heart!

It's been wonderful getting to know so many of our colonial American readers! To help celebrate, I'm giving away a print copy of Colonial Courtships and Pattern for Romance. The ebook of Pattern for Romance is currently on sale for 99¢ on Amazon, so don't miss picking up a copy!



From Rebecca: It's been 11/2 years for me with CACW and Colonial Quills and I still remember how excited I was to join this wonderful group of colonial aficionados! The richness of the research and knowledge represented here is amazing to me, as are the delightful ladies themselves! So honored to be in their company. I enjoy writing about colonial life in the 17th century and my stories are inspired by my ninth great-grandparents, the Hortons. At the time I joined I had just signed a contract for a three book series, titled The Southold Chronicles, and I am truly blessed that my debut novel, A Place in His Heart, officially releases June 3rd!



To celebrate CQ's anniversary and the release of my novel, I'm thrilled to give away a print copy of  A Place in His Heart.



From MaryLu Tyndall:  Hi Everyone!  It's been a few years for me as well with Colonial Quills! I love the CQ ladies and
especially their marvelous tea parties!  But hey, what's not to love about the Colonial time period? It's definitely my favorite.  I am the best-selling author of more than 14 novels, most of them set in colonial times.  Today, to help these ladies celebrate (And boy, do they know how to throw a party!)

I'm offering a free copy of my latest release, The Ransom in either paperback (US only) or ebook form.

In Jamaica in 1692, women were not allowed to run businesses. But Juliana has no choice. To save her family and keep her secret, she allies herself with the town buffoon. Alex, the most feared pirate in Port Royal, leads a dual life to stave off his boredom, but when his infatuation with Juliana puts them is in grave danger, only a divine hand can lead them to safety as Port Royal sinks into the sea.

So Fair a Lady

From Amber Lynn Perry: Happy Anniversary Colonial Quills!! I couldn't be more honored to be a part of this amazing group of writers. I was so happy to join the group last year and already I have been so blessed by these incredibly kind and knowledgeable women.

Giveaway: A Copy of So Fair a Lady, autographed.







From Jennifer Hudson Taylor: I'm so blessed and honored to be part of Colonial Quills and very thankful for all that Carrie Fancett Pagels does in keeping us together and on track. To help celebrate our CQ anniversary, I'll be giving away a signed copies of both For Love or Loyalty & For Love or Country, books one and two in The MacGregor Legacy series.

For Love or Loyalty, Book 1, 1760
To atone for her father's evil, Lauren Campbell agrees to help Malcolm MacGregor. By the time she realizes she's the bargaining price to free Malcolm's mother from indentured servitude, it's too late. Malcolm MacGregor only wants to free his family and exact revenge against Duncan Campbell. As the pride and joy of Duncan's life, his daughter Lauren is the perfect answer, but during the voyage to America, her faith continues to witness to Malcolm. He becomes enraptured with her, and upon their arrival, discovers he's sold her into a fate worse than death. Now Malcolm has the dilemma: free his family or rescue Lauren? Time is short and with little means, he needs a miracle.

For Love or Country, Book 1, 1781
At the height of the Revolutionary War, Tyra MacGregor is successful at thwarting the British Army with her colonial spy efforts. But her sleuthing ways come to a screeching halt when Captain Donahue "Hugh" Morgan puts her under house arrest. Hugh is intrigued by this courageous spy the natives call "War Woman." She's more daring than most men and is intelligent in defending her convictions. Even more impressive to Hugh is the strength of Tyra's unshakeable faith in God. When Tyra saves his life during an attack, Hugh vows to return the favor. Before he can intervene, however, she is caught by his superior officer and imprisoned. Soon Hugh's honor, faith, country, and love are all on the line. Can he risk it all to gain everything?

A Pioneer Christmas Collection

From Shannon McNear: Happy Anniversary to Colonial Quills! I joined this amazing group in early 2013, shortly after being surprised with my first publishing contract. My novella Defending Truth is a Revolutionary War tale dealing with the aftermath of the Battle of Kings Mountain (October 1780, not 1781 as the timestamp says—long story!), and released in September 2013 as part of A Pioneer Christmas Collection. This last March I had the honor of finding out the novella finaled in Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest.

Twenty-three years ago, my husband and I were transplanted to Charleston, South Carolina, courtesy of the US Air Force, and early this year we moved yet again, after all this time, to North Dakota. What a change! I’ve enjoyed continuing to visit the Lowcountry in my posts for Colonial Quills as I highlight some of the lesser-known historic sites I’ve visited and enjoyed over the years.

In celebration of CQ’s third anniversary, I’m giving away a signed copy of A Pioneer Christmas Collection.

From Janet Grunst: A Three Year Anniversary - WOW! It's been a privilege to be part of Colonial Quills and such a great group of talented writers and kind ladies. I've so enjoyed reading and contributing to this stellar site. I've completed one Colonial period manuscript that is currently out with a couple of publishers and am nearing the completion of the sequel. I'm represented by Linda Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency. I've been serving as co-hostess of the Tidewater Area Christian Writers group with member Carrie Pagels.

Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance

From Carrie Fancett Pagels: Who would have known that prayers and meeting with Laura Frantz, Joan Hochstetler, Lori Benton at the ACFW conference and chatting with Rita Gerlach via email would result in the formation of Colonial American Christian Writers Association three and a half years ago! Some of our original founders, like Laura, have moved on as they've gotten busy in their writing careers. A few months after we got started, we formed a blog and Carla designed the gorgeous custom header that we have.

For myself, I've published my novella "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance" published by a small press in 2013. The novella is set at America's oldest still operational plantation! It was so exciting to remain on the Amazon Civil War best seller list for months and months and to remain on the top-rated Civil War list for almost a year!

As Carla mentioned, I had a short story, Snowed In, which appeared in Guidepost Books “A Cup of Christmas Cheer” (October, 2013) which sold through its first printing of 30,000 copies within weeks of release and went into a second printing. How fun is that!  During the past several years I also served as ACFW Zone Mid-Atlantic Zone Director and Virginia/West Virginia Area Coordinator (both of which I no longer do) but I continues to serve as co-hostess of the Tidewater Area Christian Writers group with member Janet Grunst.

My short story "The Quilting Contest" is one of the 200 Short Stories published online for The Story contest sponsored by Family Fiction.  Here's the link to my story.  Free to read and please vote for it if you like it! 

Selah Finalist "God's Provision in Tough Times"

I also contributed to CQ member Cynthia Howerter's Selah Award finalist "God's Provision in Tough Times" (Lighthouse of the Carolinas, 2013). Cynthia has been busy working on her colonial manuscript!

The authors who contribute to this blog are some of the smartest, sweetest, funniest, and encouraging bunch of ladies I have ever "met" (some I haven't gotten to meet in person yet but we engage in our private Facebook page and via a Yahoo group.) Their posts continue to amaze and bless me. I often shake my head at how good a post is and how blessed we are to have such godly women writing for this blog.  It is very humbling to me and I'm glad to be part of it. And they've been an amazing inspiration to me as I completed three colonial 100,000 word manuscripts and a 20,000 word novella manuscript during the past three years (just in case you thought I don't actually write in that era!) 

This is a section of the scarf from Colonial Williamsburg, unfolded.

My giveaway: A copy of the paperback of my novella and  a Colonial Williamsburg scarf.

From Roseanna M. White: Three years? Amazing! When I first joined the CQ, I had 2 biblical novels published and my first Colonial was slated for release but not out yet. Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland is what whetted my appetite for this wonderful era, and after its release in late 2011, I followed my newfound love for early American fiction with a series from Harvest House that began during the Revolution with Ring of Secrets and then skipped forward to the War of 1812 in Whispers from the Shadows. The final installment of that Culper Ring Series just released, with the Civil-War set Circle of Spies. The series also contains two free novellas, Fairchild's Lady and A Hero's Promise.

My next book out is another biblical, sequel to my first one. Though I have some other ideas for early American work that I hope to sell someday soon, for now my next project is an Edwardian trilogy with Bethany House. I'm very excited about this one, because the first book, The Lost Heiress, is a rewrite of a book I wrote at age 13--my first novel!

To celebrate the anniversary, I'll be giving away tea bricks, much like what the colonists would have used before the tea party--though we may imagine loose tea being tossed into the Boston Harbor, it was bricks!

 From Gina Welborn: The year of our Lord 2013 ushered in the release of Gina's third Barbour novella, "Mercy Mild," in the ECPA-bestselling Mistletoe Memories. Her first Harlequin LIHp novel, The Heiress's Courtship, released in January, with her second, The Marshal's Pursuit, coming out in September. Gina ends out the year with a historical romance, Masterpiece Marriage, in Abingdon Press's Quilts of Love series. While she wanted to set the story in Colonial Williamsburg, she settled on a tiny Victorian village on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Visit her new website! www.ginawelborn.com

Gina is giving away an autographed copy of Highland Crossings featuring her 1791 novella, Sugarplum Hearts and, in honor of her confectionary-owner heroine, a custom-crafted apron.

Bachelor Buttons: A Civl War Romance

From Kathleen L. Maher: Since joining CQ, Kathleen has been represented by Terry Burns of Hartline Literary and published a Civil War novella "Bachelor Buttons" which has been an Amazon top rated and best selling Civil War book. 

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Members: We have a CQ contributor page which includes information on our bloggers who haven't posted on this anniversary page (click here.) We love and value all our CQ writers!

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If you would like to post a picture of your party clothing, please feel free to put it on the Facebook party invitation page (click here.)

Please be sure to leave a comment for us. We'd love to hear more about YOU and what type of stories you enjoy reading. Have you read any of our colonial era fiction?