Look for me (still random as ever!) at MyraJohnsonAuthor.blogspot.com Continue reading

Continue reading

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Fired Up (Bethany House March 1, byMary Connealy Mary is a great friend and one of my favorite authors! Just got my copy of her latest book and can't wait to dive in. If you enjoy inspirational romance with cowboys and a huge helping of comedy, pick up one of Mary's books. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist. The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist. The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats. She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days. ABOUT THE BOOK Rollicking Wild West Adventure and Romance from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but... Continue reading

To announce that my novel A Horseman's Hope is a finalist for the 2013 ACFW Carol Awards! Continue reading

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wings of Glass Tyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Gina Holmes MYRA'S NOTE: I only recently obtained Gina's new book and haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I well remember how much I loved her debut novel, Crossing Oceans. Gina has a gift for creating endearing characters and evoking rich layers of emotion, and I can't wait to delve into her next story! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire. Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose. ABOUT THE BOOK : From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though... Continue reading

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Memory of Murder Love-Inspired Suspense by Ramona Richards MYRA'S REVIEW: Since Ramona is my new editor at Abingdon Press, I was excited to have a chance to read her latest release. She's a skilled writer and storyteller, and definitely has a flair for suspense! The romance develops with sweet subtlety as Deputy Jeff Gage does everything in his power to protect petite cafe owner Lindsey Presley from the man from her past who wants her dead. But Lindsey is no wimpy heroine, and the solution to this mystery/suspense does not disappoint. An enjoyable read from a fine author (and a really nice editor, too!). ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A word from Ramona: The hardest biographical sketch to write is always your own, whether or not you’re a writer by profession. You can’t decide what to throw in, what to leave out, and whether or not you should list strengths and flaws, or just strengths. I like writing and telling stories so much that I once tried to live out a few. After getting a master’s in English, I went on to be the seneschale of my local Society for Creative Anachronism. I had a rocky start, but I did get better. (Robin Hood, eat your heart out.) People often ask members of the SCA, “Are you in a play?” so I thought it would be fun to do that, too. For seven years, I produced and performed in shows staged by Nashville’s... Continue reading

Swept Away by Mary Connealy This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Swept Away from Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Mary Connealy MYRA'S REVIEW: Another wild and entertaining Western romance from one of my favorite authors! If you enjoy a charming cowboy love story with lots of shoot-'em-up excitement and the perfect blend of humor, thoughtful character development, and spiritual truths woven in, this book is for you. Readers of Mary Connealy's Kincaid Brides series will recognize a few names, as the hero is the brother of Callie from Over the Edge. Fun to learn what's happening with Luke and friends back in Texas! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist. The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy. The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist. Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist. The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats. She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection... Continue reading

For so me time now, I've noticed a small callus at the base of my right ring finger. The cause has really puzzled me since: 1. I don't wear a ring on that finger. 2. I don't spend enough time behind the steering wheel to have gotten it from driving. 3. I'm not athletic and don't lift weights. 4. I don't grip a pen or pencil in such a way to cause a callus on that part of my hand. So, through process of elimination, here's what I have deteremined: The only other repetitious activity that could possibly make a callus there is . . . MY COMPUTER MOUSE! Haven't figured out yet what to do about this phenomenon. But I guess it says a lot about how much time I spend at my computer. Continue reading

It's Speedbo Month in Seekerville! My personal goal for the month is to add at least 20K to my work-in-progress. So far, I'm staying on track! If you're a writer who needs a little challenge and motivation, it's not too late to sign up. Come on over to Seekerville and join the fun! Continue reading

I did it again--went a little crazy at my hair appointment. Every few years I get the bug for short-short hair, even though I come home from the stylist, look in the mirror, and want to run screaming into the abyss. See, it looks so cute on Anne Hathaway! I mean, did you see her Oscar photos? Très chic! The problem is I am twice her age. Plus she is just naturally gorgeous. And has better hair. Someday . . . when I'm finally comfortable with the "new me," I might post a photo. Until then, you'll have to settle for a picture of Anne. Continue reading

Not offering any excuses this time, but, yes, I realize this blog is currently a dead zone. How does that saying go . . . The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy! That's a quote from Robert Burns's "To a Mouse." Might as well title it "To an Absent Blogger." I would promise to do better, but I wouldn't want to raise false hopes. Continue reading

Though my blog posts seem to be fewer and farther between, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish my friends, family, and faithful readers the happiest of Christmases and a prosperous New Year! Continue reading

Last week I completed the “first” draft of my work-in-progress. This week I feel at loose ends. Taking a short breather between projects can’t hurt, though. Besides, I’m not really wasting my time. So far this week I’ve updated my Web site, responded to two blog interview requests, got an early start on my next Seekerville blog post, and pretended to clean off my desk. Oh, and I also ran the vacuum cleaner, brought house plants in for the winter, and worked out with Wii Fit. And look--here I am posting to my own blog! Will wonders never cease! Sometimes doing something different is good for the creative brain. Even as I go about other tasks, my brain is still quietly (or not so quietly) working on the details of my next book. So when the time comes to sit down and write again, the ideas will flow and I’ll whip through that story in nothing flat! . . . Okay, maybe I’ve been daydreaming a teensy bit too much. What do you do when you need a break from a lengthy, brain-sapping project? What activities help you re-energize so you can tackle the next round? Continue reading

My Fall 2012 quarterly newsletter went out last week. Included in this issue is a chance to name a character in my next book, simply by sharing your thoughts on series novels versus standalones. In case you missed this and other news, including the latest on my Horsemen of Cross Roads Farm series for Heartsong Presents, you can access the online version here. Fill out the subscription form at right to make sure you don't miss the winter edition and the announcement of the contest winner! A Horseman's Hope, coming January 2013 Continue reading

Once again, thanks to everyone who participated in the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt last weekend! Today I'm happy to announce the winner of my personal contest! And the winner is . . . Jane Squires Jane, please contact me privately (email link in lefthand column) with your postal mailing address, and I'll send you an autographed copy of my recent release, A Horseman's Gift, along with the first book in the series, A Horseman's Heart. To find out who won the Scavenger Hunt grand prize, watch for the announcement at http://www.christianfictionscavengerhunt.com/ Continue reading