For most of us, Spring has truly sprung with flowers and budding trees, birds and bees. Is there a Spring that you especially remember? Or did your grandparents speak of wintering through a difficult time, only to see the spring of breakthrough? Family history is so important. That’s why I enjoy historical stories.
This month’s featured author, Gabrielle Meyer loves history. Gabrielle was introduced to me by Bethany House’s PR ladies, Karen and Anne. Gabrielle’s novel, When the Day Comes (Book 1 of the Timeless series) is her debut novel for them — her breakthrough novel that will clearly blossom into more wonderful books. But, more on that later. How about more info on the talented writer herself?
Brief BIO: Gabrielle Meyer has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.
Sneaking in a few more words.
And sometimes, she’s getting a bit of writing in before church services begin. Don’t you love it! Let’s get to know Gabrielle even more, shall we?
What did you read as a child?
My very favorite series of books is the Betsy-Tacy Series, by Maud Hart Lovelace. It’s reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie (another favorite series), in as much as the author retells her childhood in a series of books. The difference is that it’s set in Mankato, Minnesota during the turn of the twentieth-century. Having grown up in Minnesota (and sharing a birthday with Maud), I felt very connected to these books. They, more than any other, shaped me into the woman and author I have become. I have read them to my daughters and often re-read them myself.
The Betsy-Tacy Series. I had to look them up. I can see why you were so enamored by them. They look like books any young girl would love.
Who are your favorite authors to read & why?
There are so many! The three I never miss are Laura Frantz, Elizabeth Camden, and Mimi Matthews. I love the way they share history through a heart-tugging, emotional journey. Their characters and settings come alive and they are always peppered with smart heroines, strong heroes, and colorful secondary characters.
These are great authors indeed!
What is the story behind When the Day Comes?
I love time-travel stories, probably because I’ve always wanted to travel back in time. One day, I was thinking about how most time-travel stories are about a protagonist who is living their “normal” life and they fall through time, then they try to get back. As I was pondering this, the idea came to me: what if they didn’t fall through time—what if they lived two lives, simultaneously, and had to choose which one to keep? As soon as the idea sparked, my imagination went wild with ideas! I wrote up a three-book proposal, because I had so many ideas. So, When the Day Comes, is book one in a three-book series.
Well, I’m certainly glad there will be more! I loved When the Day Comes and gave it 5-Stars! By the way, readers, here’s the link to my review. https://youtu.be/xyPgmeSwwHQ
What is something God taught you while you wrote your featured book?
That His sovereignty is trustworthy. It’s a strong theme in the book as Libby tries to control her destiny. In my own life, I was dealing with Covid-19 while I wrote the bulk of the book (it only took me four weeks to write the first draft). While I had Covid, I noticed a lump at the back of my throat. I had to wait to see my doctor, and when I did, I learned it was a tumor that had more than a fifty-percent chance of being cancerous. I had to wait through the holidays to finally have it removed, and then another week for the lab results. In that time, I finished the last few chapters of the book, when Libby’s own life seems to fall apart. But God slowly weaves it back together, revealing to Libby that He is sovereign and trustworthy. God whispered those promises into my own heart, through the story. Thankfully, the pathology report showed no cancer!
Praise the LORD! I was holding my breath until that last sentence, Gabrielle. How true that we don’t have control, but also true we have a loving Father who will see us through anything.
What are you working on now?
I just finished the second book in the Timeless series and it has three time-periods! 1861, 1941, and 2001. It was a challenge, but oh so much fun! This particular book took five weeks to write the first draft, though I spent months in research and a solid week outlining and brainstorming the plot.
Can’t wait!
What is the best writing tip you ever received? How was it helpful?
Once you finish a manuscript, set it aside and start the next one! Often, we stay on the same story and revise, revise, revise, hoping to make it perfect. No story is perfect. The best way to learn how to write is to write more! Start the next story, finish that one, then start the next. I have six full-length manuscripts collecting cyber-dust in my computer. They were not a waste of time, but a learning process so that by the time I landed my first contract, I was writing like someone who had been published for years.
I love that, Gabrielle! Thank you! That can apply to any gift we are given by the LORD. Just keep writing or gardening or teaching or speaking, whatever you are passionate about.
The May’s Author Highlight Giveaway!
Gabrielle has generously offered a signed copy of When the Day Comes and a beautiful a pair of earrings like time-pieces! These beautiful gifts could be yours! How? Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to this newsletter and receive two free gifts from me.
NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?
Check out my YouTube Author Highlight interview with Gabrielle. Because, in the video interview she will answer different questions–including some insights into her debut novel. Plus you don’t want to miss one very exciting little known fact about Kelli. By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry. Sharing the video, another entry. Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.
The Deadline is May 12th!
Author Highlight with Terri & Gabrielle
That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES!
Be sure to tell your friends! See you there!
Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Gabrielle!
Next month’s Author Highlight was recently inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame, she is the bestselling and award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke!
Thanks for stopping by! God bless and KEEP READING!
