Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Welcome Guest Blogger - Tanya Hanson

Today, I'm thrilled to have fellow White Rose Author, Tanya Hanson as guest blogger. (Remember, all comments on today's blog will get your name entered twice in my October drawing.) Tanya, please take over the blog and tell folks a little about yourself and what you are writing.

Although I am a native California beach girl, the Western life has always appealed to me. Last spring, I had the great pleasure of attending The Wild Rose Press writers retreat at a real ranch in Bandera, Texas, where I cowgirled up great for four days. And just last month, my hubby and I traveled around the Tetons in a wagon train! Yee-haw. The Wild Rose Press publishes my Paradise Brides historical Western series, set in 1880 Nebraska.


I can’t thank God enough for my hubby’s return to health or for this amazing adventure at White Rose Publishing. When I’m not writing, I love traveling with hubby, hanging out with our three-year old grandson, reading the many books on my new Kindle, and listening to country music. Thanks so much, Carol Ann for inviting me here.

Amidst all the hectic hoopla surrounding our daughter’s August 2008 wedding, I knew I didn’t have the brains to start a new wip all on my own. Although my backlist and future releases are Western sensual historicals, I had decided during my husband’s battle with cancer the spring of 2008 to maybe think about inspirational. There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to get one’s faith pounding. When I learned about the “Hearts Crossing Contest” at White Rose Publishing, I knew I had to calm my MOB nerves and keep my brain working. Using the contest template of required elements, I wrote a novella and submitted it.

It was also my first stab at a contemporary Western.

Contestants had to use “Hearts Crossing” as the title and match H and H to an already-designed cover. (A beautiful one by Nicola Martinez, both an artist and editor.) From the template, Hero had to be an English teacher with seven siblings, Heroine a landscape architect, an only child.

Well, it didn’t take me but a second to realize Hearts Crossing was a great name for a ranch. My English teacher hero lived on the family ranch and led city slicker wagon-train tours during the summer months. Our heroine, recovering from her father’s tragic death, arrives as a guest for one of the tours. Sparks fly…and both help each other during a crisis of faith.

Well, I might have been sad when the winner of the contest was announced—the wondrous Marianne Evans who has become a close friend-- except I received an e-mail from Nicola almost immediately about her interest in acquiring my story.

God rules! I could hardly believe it.

Hearts Crossing Ranch released In June, and three weeks ago, Pike Martin’s story, Redeeming Daisy, came out. And right after that, I received a contract for six more novellas, one for each of the remaining Martin siblings. Talk about never-ending joy.

I’ve just submitted the story of Hopper Martin, who has survived testicular cancer. Since this is the illness my own personal hero has successful beaten, I knew I had to create a story about another handsome survivor.

Pike, in Redeeming Daisy, is a large-animal vet who tries to guard his heart against the lost-soul Daisy Densmore—who once broke Kenn’s heart.

Here are a couple of blurbs:

Blurb for Hearts Crossing Ranch:

A beautiful city slicker and a rugged cowboy…The perfect Wild West adventure.

Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.

On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.

Blurb for Redeeming Daisy.

Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago.

Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.

Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.

With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Hearts-Crossing-Ranch

http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/Redeeming-Daisy

24 comments:

Delia Latham said...

So nice to learn a little more about you Tanya. And both of your books sound wonderful. I've added them to my must-read list. :)

Tanya Hanson said...

hi Delia, thanks so much for your kind words, Delia. I am so happy about all of this.

And Carol Ann, thanks so much for letting me guest here. White Rose Publishing has opened doors both in writing and in new friehds! oxox

Mary Connealy said...

Hi, Tanya. Loved the blog.

JoAnn said...

You must be so excited of the six book contract. That's amazing!

It was fun learning a bit more about you, your family, and your books.

Many blessings~

Kathy Bennett said...

Great post Tanya! Very inspiring and very nice to learn how you got your start in Westerns.

Mia said...

Hi Tanya! I loved reading about how you got started with Wild Rose and in Westerns. Happy to read that your husband is healthy again.

Maria

Tanya Hanson said...

Thanks, Mary, my filly friend at Petticoats. I love your inspirationals, you're kinda my guru. oxox

Tanya Hanson said...

Thanks, JoAnn, it's terrific and a tad overwhelming LOL. But I'm so enjoying it. oxox

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Kathy, so good to see you here! Thanks for making time. oxxo

Mia, we are indeed very blessed. It was a nightmarish journey but God has been good to us. Thanks for the post.

Charlene Sands said...

Hi Tanya - great blurbs about your newest books!! Wishing you continued success!

Alison Henderson said...

Hi Tanya! These sound like such inspiring stories. I'm sorry your family had to go through such an ordeal and glad to hear the worst is behind you.
Blessings,
Alison

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Charlene, thanks some much! You helped me get started thos years ago, and your critiques have always made me better. oxoxox

Tanya Hanson said...

hi Alison, oh, thanks for your kind words. Thanks for posting today. It means a lot.

Marianne Evans said...

Tanya, you sweetie pie - love learning more about you, and of course, you know I already love your writing. Marianne = a fan. :-)

God bless you - and keep 'em coming!!! xo

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Marianne, yes, I do and your encouragment means so much! oxoxo

Paty Jager said...

Great post and blurbs.

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Hi Tanya,

Meeting you in Bandera was a real treat! I still tease Robert about bearing a "delicous resemblence to Tim McGraw" LOL!

Loved Hearts Crossing Ranch - can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Good luck and God's blessings.
PamT

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Paty, thanks so much as always for your support. I am so loving Spirit of the Mountain but my looming deadline is way cutting into reading time. But it'll happen. You'll be getting five stars from me! oxox

Tanya Hanson said...

Pam, I will miss those Bandera days forever. What a magical time it was, and it was wonderful putting your name and face together.

Ah, Robert. Yes, he's a cutie LOL. All the guys were terrific.

God bless you back!

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Tanya,

Lovely interview and excerpt. Yes, you are a lucky lady to have your own true life hero. I have a 3 year old grand child, a little girl, she is a real joy.

Regards

Margaret

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Margaret, thanks for making time to comment today. Indeed, being a gramma is beyond anything I could have imagined. I love him so, so much. Carol Ann is so great to have let me come by and babble today. Thanks for your nice words.

P.L. Parker said...

How wonderful for you. I also have a 3.5 year old grandchild, granddaughter actually who is the sweetest little darling. Love her so much. Congratulations on your successes and many sales.

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi P.L., don't I know--he's gonna be four in a couple of months and already such a dear little person. No baby at all left. Thanks for stopping by today and for leaving such nice wishes behind.

Donna B said...

Wow Tanya! Your books sound great! Thank God for His healing grace and praise God for giving you this gift with words to share your faith.

God bless!