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Catch Us If You CAN: Spring Scavenger Hunt, Stop #14

Posted by on March 20, 2014 in Christian Authors Network, Uncategorized, WRITE | 105 comments

 CANHuntSpringLogo 04

 

UPDATE: The Spring Scavenger Hunt has ended, but feel free to follow the links (some will disappear after a while, but you can go to the Resources page to find the next one) and read about your favorite authors and their work! The winner on my blog for the drawing of Escape the Lie and a bonus book is PAM D., and she has been notified. CONGRATULATIONS! 

WELCOME to the CATCH US IF YOU CAN: SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT sponsored by the Christian Authors Network. I’m delighted to welcome you to Stop #14, Marti Pieper’s blog.     CAN Logo_small

Here are the CAN Hunt’s official guidelines:

We hope you enjoy meeting Christian Author Network members as you chase down clues for the chance to win our grand prize: $200 in gift cards from CBD, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon, plus 30 free books, one from each participating CAN author!

  •   2nd & 3rd Prizes: $50 Amazon, B&N, or CBD gift certificate!
  • Catch us on this hunt beginning at Noon on Friday, 03/21/14 and ending at Midnight on Thursday, 03/27/14. No need to hurry as you search for clues—you have almost an entire week! If you need help at any time during the hunt, check in at our SCAVENGER HUNT RESOURCE PAGE.
  • Enjoy 30 stops, each featuring a different CAN author!
  • Gather the clues from each post, beginning at STOP # 1 and ending at Stop #30. Follow the directions and fill out the Rafflecopter form. Be ready to provide the complete clue in sentence form, gathered from all 30 stops, within 2 days of email notification or another winner will be randomly drawn. There is no need to email/submit the clue, unless you are notified by 03/29/14.

Sorry, due to international regulations and postage costs, prizes will be awarded to US Residents only. Individual contests within the hunt may vary, so please read rules presented with each giveaway. (Note: I have an individual contest at the end of this post, so be sure to check it out!)

WG photoMEET AUTHOR WINNIE GRIGGS

Welcome, hunters! I’m pleased to introduce my new friend, author Winnie Griggs, at this stop. Winnie is not only an award-winning author, but she’s also a sought-after teacher at writers conferences. Her 2012 release, The Handpicked Husband, won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Here’s a bit more about Winnie:

Winnie grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond.  She and her two younger siblings spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.   She filled notebooks with scribblings about the imaginary friends she met there, and somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full-length stories.

Now a wife, mother of four grown children (including a set of twins), and a multi-published, award-winning author, Winnie feels blessed to be able to share her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired Historical books.  You can learn more about Winnie at her website and connect with her on Facebook, too. 

An extra tidbit about Winnie is that she designed the beautiful spring logo at the top of this page. Great job, my friend! Since I provided our Catch Us If You CAN designation, I’ve decided we’re sisters of the creative kind.

Now, let’s hear from Winnie herself: 

From time to time folks have asked me where the tagline on my website, Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace, came from.    The short answer is that it’s a concise picture of what my stories and I are all about.

The Small Towns part speaks not only to the settings for my stories, but also to who I am.  I’ve never been a country girl but neither am I a big city girl.  I grew up in a community that perched on the very edge of my hometown in the bayou country of southeast Louisiana.  We were the last house on the school bus route and there were plenty of overgrown lots in the area for us kids to play in and feed our imaginations.  I attended a college located in a picturesque small town steeped in history located near the center of the state.  When I married and moved with my husband to the northeast corner of the state, we again settled in a small town, population 1100.  There’s just something about the closeness of a town where most everyone knows each other and the majority of the businesses are family owned that can’t be found in big cities.

The Big Hearts part, of course, is a nod to the fact that I write Romances.  But Texas Groommore than that, it is a promise I make to my readers and to myself that I will always do my best to provide a deep emotional experience that will resonate with whoever reads it.  If the book doesn’t touch me at a very deep level, then I go back through it, sometimes rewriting whole sections, until I’m satisfied that I’ve dug deep enough to wring out the emotions the story deserves.

The Amazing Grace part is, of course, a nod to the fact that I write for a line whose focus is wholesome stories told from a Christian worldview.  But more than that, I try to weave into my stories my own overwhelming awe at the continual discovery of God’s grace, that when we are at our lowest point, that is when God can most clearly show us His power and love for us.

The fellowship of small towns, the emotion of Big Hearts, and the Amazing Grace of God: that’s the picture I strive to paint in all my books.

Thank you so much, Winnie. I know our readers are glad to learn more of the story behind your stories! And thank you, Readers/Hunters. Ready to continue? 

THE SCAVENGER HUNT CAN-DOs:

Before you go, write down this STOP #14 CLUE: BOOKS

But wait, there’s more! Check out the following extra Catch Us if you CAN Giveaway:  Please leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of my May 20 release, Escape the Lie, featured at the previous stop.  Once the Scavenger Hunt concludes, I’ll use random.org to draw a winner. You’ll have to wait until late May to receive your book, but I’ll make sure to send it along with a bonus surprise book (US mailing addresses only, please).  And if you subscribe to my blog here, I’ll give you a bonus entry!

Comment Starters: What interests you about Winnie’s post? Have you read any of her books? If so, which one(s)? If not, what kind of books do you enjoy? Winnie and I are readers as well as writers, so we’d love to hear your thoughts. 

Now, proceed to stop #15 at Winnie Griggs’ website

 

 

105 Comments

  1. I would love to read Escape The Lie. Congratulations on it being published.
    I signed up to follow your blog.
    I have read Winnie’s book A Family For Christmas and enjoyed it very much.
    What I liked about the interview was learning about her tagline for her website.
    I love what they each represent. And that she only writes Christian novels.
    Thank you

    • Thank you, Jackie! Congrats on being so quick to work through the Hunt. I agree–it was fun to learn about Winnie’s tagline. You receive TWO entries to win ESCAPE THE LIE and a bonus book. Blessings!

    • Hi Jackie! Thanks so much for the very kind words about A Family For Christmas, and glad you liked the piece on my tagline!

  2. I can’t wait to read your book! I found out about this hunt through a former student, Jocelyn Greene. It has been a blessing to find out about so many wonderful Christian women who are dedicated to writing inspirational literature. My summer reading list is full of exciting new titles!

    • Lora, I wrote back to you several days ago and didn’t realize my response had disappeared. How fun that Jocelyn was your student! And I agree, there are some wonderful authors who write inspirational literature. Thank you for blessing us with your words. You’re entered in the drawing. Blessings!

  3. I can’t wait to check out all the new authors. I love these hunts.

    • I agree. This is the first one I’ve been involved in as an author, but I’m loving it, too. Thanks, Pamela! You’ve received an entry!

    • They ARE fun aren’t they! I always get so excited when I hear from readers I’ve never met before!

  4. Would love to read your book! It’s great to find Christian authors! Are your books for adults, or would they be okay for a high-schooler?

    • Thanks, Angie! I’m going to let Winnie answer that for sure, but I can tell you that none of our work contains any problematic language or compromising situations. We’re all family-friendly! And you’ve received an entry for my contest. Blessings!

    • Angie, my books are romances, but they are ‘sweet’ and would be perfectly find for a teenager.

  5. I am finding out so much about different authors. I love to read more contemporary fiction and mysteries, but my mom prefers anything historical and light. We switch books around and read virtually everything between us!

    I subscribed to your blog!

    • Great! Thank you, Andrea. My teenage daughters and I also share many books! You receive two entries for my drawing. Blessings!

    • Hi Andrea! I’ve only written one contemporary romance, the rest are historicals. But if you wind my drawing you can get one of each for you and your mom to share. 🙂

  6. Hi, Marti! I enjoyed this post and learning the story behind Winnie’s stories. I recently read A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS and loved it! Thank you for sharing this scavenger hunt and the opportunity to be a winner! It is such fun to learn more about the authors I love, as well meet new authors to love!

    I have subscribed to your blog.
    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

    • I love it that you’re already a fan of Winnie’s work, Britney. Thanks for subscribing and commenting. You receive two entries for my drawing. Blessings!

    • Hi Britney. Glad you enjoyed my post, and thanks soooo much for the kind words about A Family For Christmas!

  7. I love to read just about anything but historical fiction is my favorite.

    • Historical fiction is a favorite of mine, too, Amy. Thanks for commenting! You’re entered in my drawing. Blessings!

    • Glad to hear that Amy! Thanks for joining in the hunt!

  8. Louisiana has always interested me. So finding an author from there is really cool to me. And the fact that you write about small towns intrigues me as well. I live in a small town where most of the neighbors know what you are up to before you are even up to it. So I really enjoy reading stories like that as I can relate to them so easily.

    • Thanks for your comment, Angie. Winnie and I appreciate it–and you’re entered into my drawing! Blessings!

    • Hi Angie! So what about Louisiana has intrigued you? And where are you from? I think small towns have a lot of things in common no matter what part of the country they are located in.

  9. Marti, I would love to read your book. I subscribed to your blog. I’m interested in Winnie Griggs living in Louisiana, because I live in Louisiana. I’ve heard great reviews about her books. Thank you for participating in the scavenger hunt and for the opportunity of the giveaway.

    • Thanks much, Barbara. I was glad to learn more about Winnie and her books, too! You’re welcome, and you’ve received TWO entries into my drawing. Blessings!

    • Hi Barbara – so cool that you’re from Louisiana too. What part of the state if you don’t mind my asking?

      • I live in West Monroe, Louisiana. It’s in the middle of the north part of the state. Do you still live in Louisiana?

  10. I love Winnie’s novels…and I would love to read your book, too Marti. It sounds great!

    • Thanks so much, Marianne. Winnie and I both appreciate the kind words. You’re entered into the drawing. Blessings!

    • Hi Marianne. Thanks soooooo much for those kind words about my books! And thanks for participating in the hunt.

  11. I’m always ready for another book!

    • Me, too! Thanks, and you’ve received an entry, Joan!

    • Hi Joan – always good to hear from an enthusiastic reader! 🙂

  12. Thanks for joining the hunt! I subscribed to your blog. Ninjaspy13(at)gmail(dot)com

    • Oh, my pleasure, Megan. Thank YOU, and you’ve received TWO entries. Blessings!

  13. I subscribed to your blog .I enjoy reading WINNIE GRIGGS’s books.I am looking forward to reading Escape The Lie.Thank you for the opportunity to win.Have a wonderful weekend.

    • Thank you so much, Emma. I’m so glad you’re a fan of Winnie’s books. You’ve received two entries. And you have a great weekend, too!

    • Hi Emma. So glad to hear you enjoy my books – Thanks so much for those very kind words.

  14. I too live un a rural small town. Has its pluses and miuses.
    God Bless,
    Anne

    • Thank you, Anne, for the comment. And I agree! You’ve received an entry for my drawing. Blessings!

    • Hi Anne – I’ve always loved the small towns I’ve lived in, but they do have their down side when it comes to some of life’s little conveniences 🙂

  15. I don’t remember which book I’ve read by Winnie Griggs but i believe i have read some of her books because they sound so familiar! 🙂 I love any good christian book, i love historical, suspense, and a little romance is always good too!

    • Thanks, Hannah! Winnie and I are THRILLED that you like good Christian books–sounds like hers are a great fit for you. You’ve received an entry into my drawing. Blessings!

    • Hi Hannah! Thanks for picking up some of my books to read. And having a varied taste in reading material is a good thing – mine is pretty eclectic as well.

  16. I enjoy learning about what motivated you to write. I have never read any of Winnow ‘s books but I certainly would like to.

    • Thank you very much, Polly.I hope you will look for her books, soon (and maybe win one!). You’re entered into my drawing now. Blessings!

    • Hi Polly. Glad you enjoyed the post. And I hope you took the time to enter the drawing on my page – I’ll be giving away several copies of my book to multiple readers

  17. Haven’t read her books; they sound interesting

    • I agree; they do! Thanks for commenting, and you’ve received one entry for my drawing. Blessings!

  18. Wow this is the first time I have heard of Winnie and her books. I love the covers , they draw me to them. I would so love to win her books.
    I subscribed to your newsletters and I can’t wait to hear more about you and your books Marti.
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    http://www.faithfulacres.net
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

    • Thank you so much for the kind words, Linda, and thanks for subscribing, too. You’ve received TWO entries into my drawing. Blessings!

  19. I adore historical fiction. I’m a huge fan of the love inspired books….easy reads that I know I can trust the content to be wholesome. 🙂 Thank you both for what you do…I enjoy getting lost in a good book!

    • Thank you so much, Marilyn! Readers like you help us do what we do. You’ve received an entry in my drawing, and blessings to you!

  20. Hi Winnie and Marti, Winnie I can’t wait to meet you in April! I have your book The Hand-Me-Down Family and Hand Picked Husband that I really liked!
    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

    • That’s great, Jennifer! I’m glad you’ll be able to meet Winnie in person. Thanks so much for your commment, and you’ve received an entry in my drawing. Blessings!

  21. Thanks for being n the hunt and a chance to win. Sharma Darby

    • Our pleasure, Sharma (Winnie’s and mine, that is). Thank you for the comment, and you’re entered in the drawing. Sunday blessings!

  22. I love being introduced to wholesome Christian romances, and the special care she takes to give her readers a deeply emotional experience sounds like a guarantee of a truly enjoyable read – especially for a lover of historical fiction!
    (I also subscribed to your blog.)

    • I agree, Kayla. Thank you for the comment and the subscription. You’ve received two entries for my drawing. Sunday Blessings!

  23. I keep stalking my library hoping I can find some of Winnie’s books, but so far no luck. I might have to just give in and buy my own copies.

    • I’m sure Winnie would approve, Amy! But you can also ask your librarian to order her books. That will give her even more readers! Thanks for the comment. You’ve received one entry into my drawing. Blessings!

  24. Wow I think it’s awesome that you go back over your stories and even rewrite scenes if it doesn’t have that depth your looking for! I love that in books! Thank you for the giveaway!
    sylvesternator (at) yahoo (dot) com

    • You’re right, Laura. Isn’t it fun to find out what writers do to make their books even better? Thanks for the comment, and you’re entered into my drawing.

  25. I enjoyed reading a little more about Winnie and her growing up years. I have read her book The Handpicked Husband and enjoyed it very much. I love historical fiction and a little romance thrown in makes it more fun.
    I subscribed to your blog as well, Marti.

    • Thank you, Betti! I know Winnie will appreciate hearing from a fan. I love the title of that book in particular! Thanks for the comment and subscription. You’ve received TWO entries in my drawing. Blessings!

  26. Your books all sound so interesting, especially as you write from a Christian’s point of view. Keep up the good work! ^^

    i c a e s t h e r (at) g m a i l (dot) c o m

    • Winnie’s books do sound wonderful, don’t they? Thanks for your comment, Esther. You’ve received an entry into my drawing. Blessings!

  27. I would love to win a copy of Escape The Lie.

    • Thanks, LInda! And I would love to share one with you if you win the drawing. You’ve received one entry. Blessings!

  28. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy learning about new books and authors. I subscribed.

    • I’ve enjoyed reading through this Scavenger Hunt because it has soo much of that kind of information, doesn’t it, Carol? Thank you so much. You’re received TWO entries in my drawing. Blessings!

  29. I sure enjoyed reading about your books Winnie. I too love small towns. Your right most people know everyone else. Where I’m at I hardly know any of my neighbors and they don’t speak English. Only 2 near me do. But, I grew up in Small towns and lived in other towns also small town. And, I love the small town settings. Of course we always need some of GOD’s grace included. I sure would love to win one of your books. I’ve not read any of yours but have one in my TBR pile. I’m sure I will love it. I love Christian Romance, Historical Fiction books, Westerns, And Amish. So many I love.
    Maxie ( mac262(at)me(dot)com )

    • Maxie, my husband’s first pastorate was in a small town of only 4 x 5 blocks. It didn’t even have street names! I’ve always thought it would make an interesting setting for a book. I’ve entered you into the drawing and am glad you enjoyed reading about Winnie’s books. Blessings!

  30. I signed up for your nesletter also I have a few of winnie’s books. My favorite by her is the Hand-me-down family.
    my email is businesschef08@gmail.com

    • I also subscribed to your blog.

      • That’s great–thank you! And you’ve received TWO entries in the contest. Blessings!

    • Thank you, Litany (what a beautiful name!). I am glad to “meet” one of Winnie’s fans and hope you enjoyed reading about her. Thanks for the comment and for the subscription. Blessings!

  31. Thank you

    • You’re welcome, Ann. And thanks for your comment! You’ve received one entry in the drawing. Blessings!

  32. I have not read any of Winnie’s books but would love to. Thank you for doing this giveaway

    • You are welcome, Pam, and thank you for the comment. I hope you have the opportunity to read her books soon! You’ve received one entry in my drawing. Blessings!

      • Pam, I noticed you subscribed to my blog, so you’ve actually received TWO entries. Thanks so much!

  33. I definitely know Winnie, but I am afraid I have never read one of her books! I love to read Ronie Kendig’s books – the military series and war dog ones.
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

    • Well, Susan, you need to change that ASAP! Ronie is a great writer, too. Thanks for the comment, and you’ve received an entry into my drawing. Blessings!

  34. Thanks! I haven’t read your books (yet!) but do plan to! I did subscribe to your blog…

    –Connie
    chendryx (at) nctv (dot) com

    • Thanks to you, Connie! I appreciate both. You have two entries to the drawing. Blessings!

  35. Hi Marti & Winnie! Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt! I love what Winnie called where she lived when she was younger: the back of beyond! I definitely got a clear picture of that place with that short description! I signed up for your newsletter, Marti!
    kam110476(at)gmail(dot)com

    • Hi back, Kristen! Winnie and I have had lots of fun with this hunt. And I agree, those few words let us know a lot about the place of her upbringing, don’t they? Thanks for your comment and for signing up on my mailing list. You have TWO entries in my drawing. Blessings!

  36. I haven’t read any of Winnie’s books yet, but I’ve loved getting to know more about each of the CAN authors. I generally enjoy historical fiction, especially those books that clearly show the author has done the research to make the setting right. I also enjoy a good non-fiction book now and then, so am excited about this giveaway!

    • Thank you, Joy. I agree; the CAN Scavenger Hunt has been a wonderful way to showcase the participating authors (there are lots more who weren’t able to take part this time). I do hope you’ll check out Winnie’s books. And I’ve entered you in the drawing for mine–I believe it’s a very good nonfiction book, of course. Blessings!

  37. I signed up for the newsletter, and I am excited to read Winnie’s books. I haven’t read any of them before.

    • Thanks, Meagan! You’ve received two entries in my drawing. And I do hope you’ll check out Winnie’s books soon!

  38. I enjoyed Winnie’s explanation of what small towns, big hearts, and amazing grace means to her and her writings. I can’t remember if I have read her books or not as I am an avid reader but they look very interesting. This scavenger hunt has been fun!

    • I agree, Sherry. I found her explanation of her tagline interesting as well. I hope you’ll check out her books very soon. And I agree. We’ve all enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt! You’ve received one entry in my drawing. Blessings!

      • Sherry, I also noticed that you subscribed to my blog, so you’ve received TWO entries rather than one. Thanks again!

  39. the hunt’ is a great way to learn about new-to-me authors. (Marti-a graduate from The Ohio State University-I am also-1978), loved hearing how she and siblings explored the area they grew up in!!

    • I agree, Connie, and GO BUCKS! We were there at the same time–I graduated in 1980. Thanks so much for joining our Scavenger Hunt, and you’ve received one entry in my drawing. Blessings!

  40. I have The Bride Next Door and loved the opening! and have A Family for Christmas ~ great stories! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

    I subscribed to your newsletter and sent you an e-mail re like on Facebook

    • Thanks so much, Kathleen. I appreciate your interest, and I know Winnie will, too. I’ve entered your name in my drawing. Blessings!

  41. The book sounds great! Thanks for having this contest, it is really fun!

    • Thanks, Darlene! The contest has definitely been lots of fun. You’ve received one entry in my drawing. Blessings!

  42. Enjoying the scavenger Hunt. Thanks for a chance for your book.

    • Thank you, Nancy. I agree–it’s fun, isn’t it! You have an entry in my drawing, and you’re welcome!

  43. I would love to win your new book!

    • Thanks, Donna! You’ve received an entry, so maybe you will. Blessings!

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