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Cheryl Wyatt
Featured Books:
Cheryl's interview is very enlightening! Read on:
novelinspirations: What is your favorite part of writing a novel? Why?
CW: My favorite part is research, getting to know my characters and all the layering that happens after the mess draft is down. That part is like torture for me. LOL!
I love how each new layer improves the story as well as the challenge of finding plot-specific imagery, and working toward making the story be something readers can experience, not just read.
novelinspirations: I know you have a special process for creating your novels called Plotstorming. How did you come up with it?
CW: You know, I'm not sure. It isn't original as I've since heard other novelists use the term. I usually do not know the plot until after I know my characters inside and out. Once I get to know characters, then comes brainstorming the plot elements.
Plotting+Brainstorming=Plotstorm.
It's just an easier word for brainstorming the plot. Plus these guys I'm currently writing about are stormtroopers in a sense. So Plotstorm just made sense in my mind and that's how I blogged it.
novelinspirations: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your writing career?
CW: It is hard to pin down one person because SO many authors and people have influenced and mentored me. I do know that romances from Steeple Hill first caught my eye. People like Margaret Daley, Dana Corbit, Brenda Coulter, Janet Tronstad, Mae Nunn, Lenora Worth, Merrilee Whren, Debra Clopton, Shirlee McCoy, Marta Perry, Allie Plieter, and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. When I was unpublished and trying to learn how to write, these wonderful ladies on the message boards were so helpful and encouraging. So I'd have to say that they were my inspiration as well as Robin Lee Hatcher since hers was the first Christian romance I'd ever read.
novelinspirations: What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
CW: I have so many favorites, but since I love Jesus with all my heart and have a strong sense of him rescuing me, I'd have to say I try to live my life by Galatians 2:20 (I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. NIV)
novelinspirations: Tell us about your first novel, A Soldier's Promise. What is the story about?
CW: A Soldier's Promise is book one in my Wings of Refuge series which is about a team of USAF pararescue jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts. Book one is about the team's leader, Joel. He faces a hard past and returns to his childhood home of Refuge, IL, to pledge allegiance to a promise he made to a little boy with cancer. He meets the boy's teacher and they fall in love despite hurdles. It received a Jan. '08 Top Pick! from Romantic Times BOOKclub. YAY!
novelinspirations: How did you come up with this story?
CW: I'd heard the story of pararescue jumper, Jason Cunningham, who was killed while trying to rescue some other soldiers. Hearing his story touched my heart and sparked the idea for this series. I see a lot of military romance authors writing series about SEALs but not a lot writing about PJs, who are also Special Forces soldiers. I have a great respect for our military and wanted to honor those who serve.
novelinspirations: Do you have any special words of inspiration for those of us who are still working to get published?
CW: Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Stay as revisable as your stories. Constantly work toward perfecting your craft. Write each chapter as if it were your first, but don't let editing keep you from finishing the story. Persist. Persevere. Pray. Write as worship. Trust God.
Order A Soldier's Promise
or read an excerpt.
A LITTLE ABOUT CHERYL
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned -SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance.
Prior to publication is romance fiction, Cheryl was published in non-fiction and had six different manuscripts place in twelve RWA contests. Two different manuscripts also took First Place in ACFW's Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), and First Place in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category in ACFW's 2006 Genesis Contest. Visit her on the Web at www.CherylWyatt.com. Sign up for her newsletter for updates on news and new releases, chances to enter contests with great prizes, and hang with her on the web at http://Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com. You can also find her skittering around Steeple Hill's message boards as "Squirl" at www.SteepleHill.com.
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novelinspirations.com review of A Soldier's Promise
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Romance, adventure and humor collide in this memorable debut novel from author Cheryl Wyatt.
Special ed teacher Amber Stanton has a special place in her heart for a student, Bradley, who is battling leukemia. When a visit from non-profit organization Dream Corps brings a Special Forces soldier into both of their lives, Amber takes a leap of faith and opens the lines of communication, and her heart.
Little did pararescue jumper Joel Montgomery know that diving out of a plane in spite of his dislike for his hometown would land him in a relationship with the sweet and funny Amber. There’s a reason Joel hasn’t visited Refuge in years – being there dredges up painful memories best left buried in his past.
Can Joel reconcile his past or will he lose his future with Amber? Will Amber find love again?
This book packs a doozy of humor and romance into a small package. Cheryl has a way with witty repartee and it shows in almost every line of dialogue.
Favorite things about this book:
Humor. Cheryl has a great sense of humor (see her blog) that shines through almost every scene in this book. Her quirky heroine gets the brunt of Cheryl’s humor, which results in funny situations that will keep you in stitches.
Dialogue. Cheryl does a great job of making the dialogue lively, fun, and snappy. Not to mention funny. You will definitely be entertained with this book.
Inspirational message. Cheryl brings home the idea of forgiving those who’ve wronged you and overcoming your fears to attain something that will bring you so much joy. She really handles the inspirational message with a gentle touch and it works.
Other things to love about this book:
Supporting characters
Romance
Did I mention the humor?
Unique background for Joel
Highly recommended!
--------------------------------------------------
Follow Cheryl's blog tour during the month of January:
Dec-31 http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Jan-1 http://www.vadersmom.com/
Jan-3 http://www.danicafavorite.blogspot.com/
Jan-4 http://crimefictionandfaith.blogspot.com/
Jan-5 http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
Jan-6 http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com
Jan-7 http://www.xanga.com/booklover1983
Jan-6, 7 and 8 http://www.suspensewithatwist.blogspot.com/ and http://www.shoutlife.com/lynetteeason
Jan-8 http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger. shtml
Jan-9 http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/
Jan-10 http://jenniferswriting.blogspot.com/ and http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com/
Jan-11 http://www.janetdean.blogspot.com
Jan-12 http://leannaellis.com
Jan-13 http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
Jan-14 http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/ Jan-15 http://wheniwasjustakid.blogspot.com/
Jan-16 http://pammer.blogspot.com/ and http://writingsuspense.blogspot.com/
Jan-16 http://cballan.wordpress.com/
Jan-17 http://heatherdianetipton.blogspot.com/
Jan-17 http://hopechastain.blogspot.com/ and http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog- t_57rOg5dLaOwWv03hs4B85WqEru
Jan-18 http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
Jan-18 http://www.mindyobenhaus.blogspot.com/
Jan-19 http://www.lindarondeau.com/guestauthor.html
Jan-20 http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Jan-21 http://www.syndihawkins.blogspot.com/
Jan-21 http://www.lifewithmissy.blogspot.com/
Jan-22 http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/
Jan-22 http://www.peggyblannphifer.blogspot.com/
Jan-23 http://www.ambermiller.com/
Jan-23 http://www.sallybradley.com/
Jan-24 http://www.xanga.com/pattierwr/630940187/a-soldiers-promise.html and http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/
Jan-25 http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com
Jan-26 http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com/
Jan-27 http://www.dineenmiller.blogspot.com/
Jan-28 http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com/
Jan-29 http://www.donnafleisher.typepad.com/
Jan-30 http://www.michelleswritingspace.blogspot.com/ and http://www.shoutlife.com/MichelleDRodgers
Feb-29 http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
novelinspirations: What is your favorite part of writing a novel? Why?
CW: My favorite part is research, getting to know my characters and all the layering that happens after the mess draft is down. That part is like torture for me. LOL!
I love how each new layer improves the story as well as the challenge of finding plot-specific imagery, and working toward making the story be something readers can experience, not just read.
novelinspirations: I know you have a special process for creating your novels called Plotstorming. How did you come up with it?
CW: You know, I'm not sure. It isn't original as I've since heard other novelists use the term. I usually do not know the plot until after I know my characters inside and out. Once I get to know characters, then comes brainstorming the plot elements.
Plotting+Brainstorming=Plotstorm.
It's just an easier word for brainstorming the plot. Plus these guys I'm currently writing about are stormtroopers in a sense. So Plotstorm just made sense in my mind and that's how I blogged it.
novelinspirations: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your writing career?
CW: It is hard to pin down one person because SO many authors and people have influenced and mentored me. I do know that romances from Steeple Hill first caught my eye. People like Margaret Daley, Dana Corbit, Brenda Coulter, Janet Tronstad, Mae Nunn, Lenora Worth, Merrilee Whren, Debra Clopton, Shirlee McCoy, Marta Perry, Allie Plieter, and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone. When I was unpublished and trying to learn how to write, these wonderful ladies on the message boards were so helpful and encouraging. So I'd have to say that they were my inspiration as well as Robin Lee Hatcher since hers was the first Christian romance I'd ever read.
novelinspirations: What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
CW: I have so many favorites, but since I love Jesus with all my heart and have a strong sense of him rescuing me, I'd have to say I try to live my life by Galatians 2:20 (I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. NIV)
novelinspirations: Tell us about your first novel, A Soldier's Promise. What is the story about?
CW: A Soldier's Promise is book one in my Wings of Refuge series which is about a team of USAF pararescue jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts. Book one is about the team's leader, Joel. He faces a hard past and returns to his childhood home of Refuge, IL, to pledge allegiance to a promise he made to a little boy with cancer. He meets the boy's teacher and they fall in love despite hurdles. It received a Jan. '08 Top Pick! from Romantic Times BOOKclub. YAY!
novelinspirations: How did you come up with this story?
CW: I'd heard the story of pararescue jumper, Jason Cunningham, who was killed while trying to rescue some other soldiers. Hearing his story touched my heart and sparked the idea for this series. I see a lot of military romance authors writing series about SEALs but not a lot writing about PJs, who are also Special Forces soldiers. I have a great respect for our military and wanted to honor those who serve.
novelinspirations: Do you have any special words of inspiration for those of us who are still working to get published?
CW: Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Stay as revisable as your stories. Constantly work toward perfecting your craft. Write each chapter as if it were your first, but don't let editing keep you from finishing the story. Persist. Persevere. Pray. Write as worship. Trust God.
Order A Soldier's Promise
or read an excerpt.
A LITTLE ABOUT CHERYL
Cheryl Wyatt's closest friends would never dream the mayhem she plots during announcements at church. An RN-turned -SAHM, joyful chaos rules her home and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She's convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentine's Day destined her to write military romance.
Prior to publication is romance fiction, Cheryl was published in non-fiction and had six different manuscripts place in twelve RWA contests. Two different manuscripts also took First Place in ACFW's Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), and First Place in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category in ACFW's 2006 Genesis Contest. Visit her on the Web at www.CherylWyatt.com. Sign up for her newsletter for updates on news and new releases, chances to enter contests with great prizes, and hang with her on the web at http://Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com. You can also find her skittering around Steeple Hill's message boards as "Squirl" at www.SteepleHill.com.
--------------------------------------------------
novelinspirations.com review of A Soldier's Promise
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Romance, adventure and humor collide in this memorable debut novel from author Cheryl Wyatt.
Special ed teacher Amber Stanton has a special place in her heart for a student, Bradley, who is battling leukemia. When a visit from non-profit organization Dream Corps brings a Special Forces soldier into both of their lives, Amber takes a leap of faith and opens the lines of communication, and her heart.
Little did pararescue jumper Joel Montgomery know that diving out of a plane in spite of his dislike for his hometown would land him in a relationship with the sweet and funny Amber. There’s a reason Joel hasn’t visited Refuge in years – being there dredges up painful memories best left buried in his past.
Can Joel reconcile his past or will he lose his future with Amber? Will Amber find love again?
This book packs a doozy of humor and romance into a small package. Cheryl has a way with witty repartee and it shows in almost every line of dialogue.
Favorite things about this book:
Humor. Cheryl has a great sense of humor (see her blog) that shines through almost every scene in this book. Her quirky heroine gets the brunt of Cheryl’s humor, which results in funny situations that will keep you in stitches.
Dialogue. Cheryl does a great job of making the dialogue lively, fun, and snappy. Not to mention funny. You will definitely be entertained with this book.
Inspirational message. Cheryl brings home the idea of forgiving those who’ve wronged you and overcoming your fears to attain something that will bring you so much joy. She really handles the inspirational message with a gentle touch and it works.
Other things to love about this book:
Supporting characters
Romance
Did I mention the humor?
Unique background for Joel
Highly recommended!
--------------------------------------------------
Follow Cheryl's blog tour during the month of January:
Dec-31 http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Jan-1 http://www.vadersmom.com/
Jan-3 http://www.danicafavorite.blogspot.com/
Jan-4 http://crimefictionandfaith.blogspot.com/
Jan-5 http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
Jan-6 http://www.abookloverforever.blogspot.com
Jan-7 http://www.xanga.com/booklover1983
Jan-6, 7 and 8 http://www.suspensewithatwist.blogspot.com/ and http://www.shoutlife.com/lynetteeason
Jan-8 http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger. shtml
Jan-9 http://readinnwritin.blogspot.com/
Jan-10 http://jenniferswriting.blogspot.com/ and http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com/
Jan-11 http://www.janetdean.blogspot.com
Jan-12 http://leannaellis.com
Jan-13 http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
Jan-14 http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/ Jan-15 http://wheniwasjustakid.blogspot.com/
Jan-16 http://pammer.blogspot.com/ and http://writingsuspense.blogspot.com/
Jan-16 http://cballan.wordpress.com/
Jan-17 http://heatherdianetipton.blogspot.com/
Jan-17 http://hopechastain.blogspot.com/ and http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog- t_57rOg5dLaOwWv03hs4B85WqEru
Jan-18 http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
Jan-18 http://www.mindyobenhaus.blogspot.com/
Jan-19 http://www.lindarondeau.com/guestauthor.html
Jan-20 http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/
Jan-21 http://www.syndihawkins.blogspot.com/
Jan-21 http://www.lifewithmissy.blogspot.com/
Jan-22 http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/
Jan-22 http://www.peggyblannphifer.blogspot.com/
Jan-23 http://www.ambermiller.com/
Jan-23 http://www.sallybradley.com/
Jan-24 http://www.xanga.com/pattierwr/630940187/a-soldiers-promise.html and http://freshbrewedwriter.blogspot.com/
Jan-25 http://deenasbooks.blogspot.com
Jan-26 http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com/
Jan-27 http://www.dineenmiller.blogspot.com/
Jan-28 http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com/
Jan-29 http://www.donnafleisher.typepad.com/
Jan-30 http://www.michelleswritingspace.blogspot.com/ and http://www.shoutlife.com/MichelleDRodgers
Feb-29 http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/
We are giving away three copies of A Soldier's Promise during the month of January.
HOW TO ENTER:
- join the novelinspirations newsletter list, or
- email Lacy
Drawing winners will be drawn on or around January 31.
COMING SOON from Cheryl Wyatt: