Posts Tagged ‘guideposts’

Author Interview – Senior Living Magazine

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Another one of those good/not so good days.

Secret Path

Secret Path

Received a positive rejection from one of the agents who was giving the first twenty pages of my feel-good inspirational series, The Sisterhood of Shepherds, a look see. Though she praised my writing and suggested that I submit to her in future, she isn’t a fan of the cozy (at least, not my cozy!).

Yeah, it’s a bummer. I don’t have anything else to submit so it’s like receiving a kiss from your brother (no offense, guys). Now waiting on three other agents who are still reviewing (soooo slowly!) the entire manuscript.

But while indulging in some chocolate fudge, I received a congratulatory email from a local bookseller regarding an article I had been expecting in Senior Living magazine.

Judee Fong, a lovely and talented writer and attendee of my mystery writing course, has kindly penned a few words about moi.

So, thanks Judee for an excellent and entertaining article. Now get back to finishing your whodunit starring the fabulously-named detective, Newton Figgsbee.

I wanna know why the killer shoots twice!

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The Challenge of Writing Inspirational Fiction, Part 3

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

As I mentioned in previous posts, I’m in the throes of developing a new series of feel-good, inspirational fiction for women.

Originally created to pitch to Guideposts, for whom I have written six novels in the Church Choir Mysteries series, the series focuses on family, fun, friendship and forgiveness.

Sisterhood of Shepherds

Sisterhood of Shepherds

Everyone has regrets; sometimes we wish we had the chance and the courage to make amends.

These “cold cases of the heart” are at the centre of the SISTERHOOD OF SHEPHERDS, a cozy feel-good inspirational series starring three adult sisters, Faith, Hope and Charly Shepherd, who hesitantly answer a personal calling to assist others in atoning for past wrongs.

Their ongoing journey, told in third person from Charly’s POV, is one of discovery, heartache, humor and redemption.

I’ve finished the first volume, HEARTSONG, and have submitted it to two interested agents. Now we wait for a response…probably for two to three months.

That’s a lot of chocolate fudge eating time…in the interim, why not read the first few chaps?

One recent reader commented: I like what I read so far of “Heartsong” …The excerpt merely whets the appetite for more.

Love to hear what you think!

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The Nervous Nephew – Large Print

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Please forgive this burst of self-congratulatory promo but I’m really chuffed to announce that the first of my novels in Guideposts’ Church Choir Mysteries series has been published in trade paperback.

Nervous Nephew - Original

The Nervous Nephew, one of six that I wrote in the series, is now available in large print sporting a terrific new cover, available through Guideposts and from Amazon.com.

The Church Choir Mysteries series offers enjoyable and inspiring feel good stories starring sixty-something sleuth, Gracie Parks, along with a cast of entertaining characters.

The Nervous Nephew by Nicola Furlong

Nervous Nephew - New


In The Nervous Nephew, Clayton Williams arrives in town, claiming to be the sole relative of Anna Searfoss, an elderly children’s book author. A funny coincidence, given Hollywood’s sudden interest in Anna’s stories. Gracie’s suspicions of the young pretender heighten and she sets out to learn his true identity.

I really enjoyed this book ! It is seldom you will find a mystery that is wonderful for all ages! (Jennifer Smith, Amazon.com review.)

Now that you’ve seen the two covers, lemme know which one you prefer. I bet it’s the same as my choice.

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The Challenge of Writing Inspirational Fiction, Part 1

Friday, April 16th, 2010

As mentioned in a previous post, I’m on a journey to develop and finish volume one in my new inspirational cozy fiction series, the Sisterhood of Shepherds, by June 30th.

Thought some of you might be interested in coming along for the roller coast ride.

If you’ve read the earlier post, you’ll know I pitched the series concept to Guideposts and got the thumbs down. Ouch!

After a couple of days (well, a week really, but who’s counting?) consuming chocolate, I made the same pitch to some agents, (more…)

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Finding a Literary Agent/Getting Published Using a Partial Submission…Not

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

I was recently asked to pitch novel/series ideas to Guideposts.

I’d been very fortunate to have participated in writing six novels in their cozy series, the Church Choir Mysteries, now available again, in large print.

The Angel's Secret cover

After some serious contemplation, I developed a concept that I thought would sing to them. Initially, my pitch for a cozy inspirational series, called the Sisterhood of Shepherds, went well and I was asked to submit the usual 50 pages plus an outline.

Took a few weeks but I finally finished it, ran it by a couple of independent readers who loved it, and then sent it off to the managing editor. More weeks dragged by until I received a nice but negative email. Ugh.

I was crushed and disappointed; I thought my concept suited them to a tee. After a few days kicking myself and them, I decided, what the hay? I’ll submit it directly to some publishers.

(more…)

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Guideposts Publishes Large Print Version of Church Choir Mysteries

Monday, November 23rd, 2009
Church Choir Mysteries: the Angel's Secret

Church Choir Mysteries: the Angel's Secret

This is terrific news.

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to work with Elizabeth Kramer Gold and Guideposts as part of their first original fiction continuity series, Church Choir Mysteries.

I loved Guideposts’ idea of publishing entertaining and inspiring fiction and greatly enjoyed creating amusing and mysterious stories for Gracie Parks and her friends.

In the end, I wrote 6 of the 24 volumes; it was my “divine gig”.

Church Choir Mysteries: the Unsuitable Suitor

Church Choir Mysteries: the Unsuitable Suitor

And now, Eizabeth has just announced, on the Guideposts Blog, a relaunch of the entire series in large print. An excellent idea.

I hope you’ll give the CCM series a try; perhaps for yourself or as a gift for someone who would appreciate the larger typeface.

For more info and how to order from Guideposts, click here.

So far, you may purchase the large print version of The Nervous Nephew from Amazon.com and The Angel’s Secret from Amazon.com.

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