Author with a Day Job Survival Guide: tips to maintain sanity

People ask me all the time how I sustain two full time jobs: one as a writer and one as a librarian. Usually, I say, “I have no idea.” However with further thought, I realized I have a set of guidelines I *try* to follow to keep me from going around the bend. Here they …

Sweet and Sassy Giveaway

The Seymour Agency's Facebook Page is hosting a giveaway of author gifts to celebrate the release of Marisa Cleveland's novella, The Valentine Challenge and my novel, A Plain Scandal!  This giveaway features Amish potholders I bought in in Holmes County pictured here. Marisa Cleveland contributed cupcake-themed gifts. Who doesn't love cupcakes? To enter click on …

My writing process in bullet points

Check calendar and realize a new novel is due in 4-5 months. Panic ensues. Sit down to start writing with nothing: no outline, no idea. Try not to cry. Check calendar, book due date looks suspiciously closer. With shaking hands, begin to write, write, and write. Know most of the words are no good but …

Amish Spotlight: Who are the Englisch?

As an Ohio girl, I’ve always been aware of the Amish. Every year during my childhood, my family would make an annual trip to Holmes County around Easter. We went to enjoy the scenery, eat, and shop. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories. I can see my dad now loading his plate at the …

Winners from the Seymour Agency Blog Hop

Thank you to everyone who entered the Three Book Giveaway for the Seymour Agency Blog Hop Last Week! And the winners are: Maid of Murder -- Nancee Murder in a Basket-- Joeym11 A Plain Death-- Shirley Blanchard Winners please email me at authoramandaflower@gmail.com to claim your prizes. You have one week to claim your books. …

Seymour Agency “THE CALL” Blog Hop- After the Call

After signing me, Nicole Resciniti gave me a hug good-bye, and I stumbled through the mall in a confused haze. What just happened? By the time, I reached my car I was skipping and proceeded to call my mom and my closest friends. I think every conversation started with, “Holy cow! I got an agent!! …

Seymour Agency “THE CALL” Blog Hop- The Call

In January 2011, I had a new book to submit to agents, and I contacted my friend Vannetta Chapman and told her I was ready for that referral. This was almost two years after her original offer. She told me it was no problem and that Mary Sue Seymour had just added a new agent, …

Seymour Agency “THE CALL” Blog Hop- Before the Call

My road to THE CALL was nine years long… After I finished graduate school, I was finally ready to find an agent, and I found one quickly. It was not a good experience. I was a little too naïve, a little too trusting, a little timid to fight for what I deserved. After some time, …

A Christmas gift from B&H Publishing: A Plain Scandal!!

As a special Christmas gift, my publisher is giving away free copies of Appleseed Creek #2, A Plain Scandal, before its release date on February 15, 2013! Everyone who signs up at the link below will receive a free electronic copy of A Plain Scandal!  The offer ends Christmas Day. Don't miss out! Thank you …

Amish Spotlight: Amish Christmas Facts & Amish Gift Giveaway

Happy Advent! Christmas is almost here, and if you're like me, you're excited. I have a three-year-old niece and a one-year-old nephew, and it's so much fun to experience Christmas through the eyes of a child again. My niece especially is looking forward to opening her Christmas presents and has already tricked me into telling …