Take it away, Donna!
The Story Behind the Story of Echoes of the Heart, from The Pony Express Romance Collection
By Donna Schlachter
If you’ve ever wondered if a writer’s conference is worth the time, effort, and expense, let me assure you: it is!
My involvement in The Pony Express Romance Collection began several years ago at an ACFW Conference, where I met up with my dear friend, Mary Davis. I asked her what she was working on, and she said she was putting together a proposal for a Pony Express novella collection. I said, “I’d love to be part of that” to which she replied she already had the four authors she needed but if anything changed, she’d contact me.
The next month, hubby and I were planning a long weekend away, and I suggested we do some Pony Express research, “just in case”. So we traveled to Julesburg, Colorado and on into Wyoming, following the trail. Along the way, we stopped and talked to folks at visitor information centers, museums, and anywhere that advertised the Pony Express. People still love the romance and allure of the Pony Express, and it seemed as though everybody had a story.
Another month goes by, and Mary emailed to say an author had to drop out because of other commitments and was I still interested. You bet I was! The initial concept was four stories told in chronological order at the same station, Echo Canyon Utah, with some carryover of characters from one story to the next.
And so began my romance with the Pony Express. We went through several iterations of the proposal, and the format changed to nine authors at different stations with no overlap of characters.
If I hadn’t been at that conference, I wouldn’t have known about this opportunity. At other conferences, I’ve made contact with other editors, publishers, and book packagers and been blessed to work with them on various projects. So while classes are important, don’t forget the benefits of networking!
Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor, and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is a hybrid publisher who has published a number of books under her pen name and under her own name. Her highlighted release, Echoes of the Heart, in a 9-in-1 novella collection titled "Pony Express Romance Collection" released April 2017. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. Donna loves history and research and travels extensively for both.
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Echoes of the Heart: http://amzn.to/2lBaqcW
Donna is offering a FREE print copy of this book (US only, please,) to one reader of this blog who leaves a commnt below, with name and contact information.
Giveaway ends Monday, September 24, at Midnight, Central Time.
Thanks, Donna, for sharing this look into one of your older books. God bless!
Thanks for being my guest today, Donna, and for offering the giveaway. I think there's always something 'romantic' ... for lack of a better word ... about the Pony Express days.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Peggy, for having me!
DeleteDonna, thank you for sharing how you got involved with the Pony Express Collection. It is always a wonder how God brings things about and often in ways better than we expected. How wonderful how the Lord lead for you to be a part of this collection! Each of the novellas sounds delightful and the Pony Express is an intriguing time in history. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of this book!! ~Alison Boss
ReplyDeletenj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Allison, thanks for dropping in. Interesting how God leads us into some of the most exciting things, isn't it? You've been entered in the drawing.
DeleteThank you, Allison, for your sweet comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteI can only imagine what our ancestors who lived during the Pony Express Days would think about how we communicate today. Instead of waiting weeks or months for a letter to arrive, now, it is only seconds until you get a reply back.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving me the opportunity to win Donna's book.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
You're right, Janet. I was thinking about what came after the Pony Express when they started flying mail across the country. A shorter wait, but still took time. How this delivery system has progressed over time! You're entered in the giveaway.
DeleteHi Janet! Isn't it amazing how things have changed? Thanks for posting.
DeleteI'll have to check with Donna. She was to select the winner herself. Thanks for checking.
DeleteThanks for checking, Peggy! I'm excited to know who the winner is :)
DeleteHi Peggy and Donna! I was wondering who the winner was of 'The Pony Express Romance Collection'?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
~Alison Boss
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWinners for this drawing:
ReplyDeleteDonna will be sending both Allison and Janet a copy of this book. Congratulations! Watch your emails, ladies :)
Woo Hoo!!! Thank you so much, Donna and Peggy!! :)
Delete