In addition to writing, Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar speaks at writers’ conferences and for women’s groups. She has taught workshops at conferences such as: Write-To-Publish American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Oregon Christian Writers Conference, Mount Hermon Writers Conference, and many other writers’ conferences. Andrea is also co-founder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization. For many years she served on the advisory board and was also CEO of the ACFW.
Visit her at www.andreaboeshaar.com
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Savanna: Welcome to the blog, Andrea. I’m so honored to have you here today. Congratulations on your recent release, A Thousand Shall Fall. Everything about this story draws me in – the title, the cover, the plot. I’m so excited to read it!
Andrea:Â Hi, Savanna! Thank you for this blog opportunity.
Savanna:Â What part of this story did you enjoy researching the most?
Andrea: I’ve been interested in the Civil War era since I was in my twenties. My father was a Civil War enthusiast and evidently his love of the time period rubbed off on me. So when an editor asked me to write a love story in a romantic-sounding place, I chose the Shenandoah Valley. Unfortunately, the fiction line closed before our contract was finalized. But then I had this story whose characters I had come to care about. I asked my agent shopped it around, and it was a fit at Kregel Publications. My favorite part of researching the Shenandoah Valley was actually visiting the area. I saw the Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown and battlegrounds of Cedar Creek. I walked down the historic part of Winchester and toured a preserved home in Woodstock.
Savanna: The Civil War era captured my heart and interest years ago too, fueled by my brother’s interest in that history. 🙂 What historical places are at the top of your list to visit someday?
Andrea: I would like to return to the Shenandoah Valley and see what I didn’t get time to visit last year. Also, I’d like to visit Washington D. C. and New York. In NYC, I’d like to tour the 9-11 Museum.
Savanna:Â What has been the most memorable book you’ve read so far this year?
Andrea: Right now I’m reading To Mend a Dream, a novella by Tamera Alexander. It’s wonderful.
Savanna: Ah, I LOVE Tamera Alexander’s books. 🙂
As co-founder of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization, can you share with us a piece of writing advice that has helped you?
Andrea: Networking with editors and agents is so important—which is one of the reasons Lynn Coleman and I, along with four others, started ACFW (then ACRW, American Christian Romance Writers). At the national ACFW conferences, writers and published authors can meet each other in an atmosphere that feels like a spiritual retreat. The organization has grown so much under the present advisory board, of which I’m no longer a member. They have organized zones, and local ACFW groups, so all year long, writers can network and encourage each other and also hear professional speakers. God has certainly blessed the ACFW organization from its inception 15 years ago.
Savanna: I LOVE ACFW! I’ve been a member for a couple years now and it’s been a huge help to me in learning the craft and connecting with other writers. 😉
You’ve taught several workshops at several writing conferences and women’s retreats. What is one of your favorite topics?
Andrea: I like to discuss various interpersonal relationships, from marriage to healthy author-agent relationships. God teaches me every day about what it means to be a good, godly wife, mom, client, friend, etc. I don’t always live up to God’s expectations, but I try to learn from my failings. I feel that sharing my experiences with writers or at retreats encourages other women who might be experiencing what I did.
Savanna:Â That’s wonderful. I’m so glad you could join us today, Andrea! Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Andrea: Thanks, Savanna!! This year was a busy year for me. In July, a historical novella I wrote with author Christina Miller was published in The Convenient Bride Collection. In November, my novel A Thousand Shall Fall was released. This month, I had another release—a contemporary novella collection called Seasons of Love. The latter is 3 novellas that have correlating recipes at the end of each story.
Savanna:Â Sounds great!! I’ll be looking forward to them. Happy New Year!
GIVEAWAY!!
Andrea has graciously offered to give away 1 print copy of A Thousand Shall Fall – AND – 1 e-book of Seasons of Love to two different winners. How fun!! 🙂
Thanks for entering! Contest ends January 5, 2016. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
I’m looking forward to next year and finding out where the Lord takes us. My husband was badly injured in February of this year, so we’re not sure how our future will go now. I’m trying to remain optimistic and have faith in God’s plan for us!
Hi Karen! So sorry to hear about your husband’s injuries. Praying you both step into the New Year encouraged and full of hope. Blessings to you both!
I’m looking forward to next year and finding out where the Lord takes us. My husband was badly injured in February of this year, so we’re not sure how our future will go now. I’m trying to remain optimistic and have faith in God’s plan for us!
I am looking forward to this next year very much and hope that it will be better than this year! It’s been a rough year for our family. The end of 2015 started looking up…we have, or are going to have two new babies! Good things are on their way!!!
Thanks for joining us, Joanne. I’m sorry to hear it was a hard year for your family. I hope 2016 is a blessed time for you all. And congrats on the new babies! 🙂
I am looking forward to this next year very much and hope that it will be better than this year! It’s been a rough year for our family. The end of 2015 started looking up…we have, or are going to have two new babies! Good things are on their way!!!
2015 has been a rough year for our family as well. I am looking forward and trusting the Lord for new and exciting blessings in 2016!
Hi Alison, isn’t it wonderful to know God has our new year in His hands. I hope 2016 is a happy time for you and your family and full of the Lord’s presence. Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
2015 has been a rough year for our family as well. I am looking forward and trusting the Lord for new and exciting blessings in 2016!
As others have said, I’m looking forward to where the Lord leads me 🙂 I’m also looking forward to reading more books! =)
God bless and thank you for this give-away!
Ah, yes, Raechel! You said it perfectly. Happy New Year!
As others have said, I’m looking forward to where the Lord leads me 🙂 I’m also looking forward to reading more books! =)
God bless and thank you for this give-away!
Joanne and Alison… I pray your 2016 is better. Remember, no matter what happens, God is still on His throne. He is faithful. You can trust Him. He has plans for you, and He will provide for you. Both my husband and I have experienced the tender hand of God in the midst of troubling, even desperate times.
Raechael… thank you for entering the contest. Have a blessed New Year!
Thank you so much for chatting with us, Andrea, and for your kind words. So true and so wonderful to be reminded of them. Blessings on your New Year too!
Joanne and Alison… I pray your 2016 is better. Remember, no matter what happens, God is still on His throne. He is faithful. You can trust Him. He has plans for you, and He will provide for you. Both my husband and I have experienced the tender hand of God in the midst of troubling, even desperate times.
Raechael… thank you for entering the contest. Have a blessed New Year!
Karen… I meant to include you in my previous message. I had you in mind also when I wrote it. (((Hugs)))
Karen… I meant to include you in my previous message. I had you in mind also when I wrote it. (((Hugs)))
🙂 A new baby will arrive in January! A girl.. maybe on my birthday?? Happy New Year!
Oh how exciting, Deanna! That’s not far away!! 🙂 Enjoy that precious little one and Happy New Year!
🙂 A new baby will arrive in January! A girl.. maybe on my birthday?? Happy New Year!
Hoping that it’s better than 2015.
Hi Kim, I know that feeling. Praying you have a blessed and happy year ahead. 🙂
Hoping that it’s better than 2015.
I’m looking forward to seeing where 2016 leads. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but hopefully it will be a great year! 🙂
It’s exciting to begin again, there’s always such hope. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Amy. Happy New Year to you and yours!
I’m looking forward to seeing where 2016 leads. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but hopefully it will be a great year! 🙂
Reading! I don’t have any special plans for 2016. Just praying that I stay healthy and am used by God. I already have A Thousand Shall Fall but would love to read Season of Love. Happy New Year!
I love your outlook, Joan. What more could we hope for than to be used by God! That is wonderful. Blessings to you, my reading friend! 🙂
Reading! I don’t have any special plans for 2016. Just praying that I stay healthy and am used by God. I already have A Thousand Shall Fall but would love to read Season of Love. Happy New Year!
I’m praying there will be restored good health for me in 2016, and of course – there will be numerous wonderful new books to read!! Thanks for a wonderful post and giveaway opportunity, Andrea and Savanna – looking forward to reading Andrea’s books!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
P.S. Shared post!!
Yes, I pray the same for you too, Bonnie! 🙂 Who knows, maybe we’ll even get the chance to meet in the coming year!! 🙂 Have a great New Year, my friend. And thanks for sharing the post!
I’m praying there will be restored good health for me in 2016, and of course – there will be numerous wonderful new books to read!! Thanks for a wonderful post and giveaway opportunity, Andrea and Savanna – looking forward to reading Andrea’s books!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
P.S. Shared post!!
A new year always brings new experiences. Looking ahead positively!
mauback55 at gmail dot com
That’s the best way to move forward, Melanie. 🙂 Have a great 2016!! Good luck in the giveaway too. Maybe you’ll ring in the New Year with a new book. 😉
A new year always brings new experiences. Looking ahead positively!
mauback55 at gmail dot com
In the new year I want to spend more time in God’s word. Enjoy every day God gives me. Also read new books to share with my book club!
Those are wonderful plans, Bonnie. I hope He blesses you in His Word every day. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
In the new year I want to spend more time in God’s word. Enjoy every day God gives me. Also read new books to share with my book club!
I am praying that this is the year that doctors are able to find the right treatment that will give my husband some relief from the pain that he is in 24/7.
Oh, bless your heart, Heather. I’m going to stop right now and pray for you and your husband and the doctors. May God give you both great peace and restored health in the year to come.
I am praying that this is the year that doctors are able to find the right treatment that will give my husband some relief from the pain that he is in 24/7.
A new grandson is due in April!
Awww, congrats, Barb!!! That is so exciting. The year is going to fly by for your family, I imagine. 🙂
A new grandson is due in April!
I am looking forward to growing in Christ and studying my Bible more than ever. The upcoming Christian fiction releases are exciting too!!
Me too, Diana. I hope your study time is a blessed time of growing in Christ. Your words made me smile. Here’s to more great books too. Yay!!
I am looking forward to growing in Christ and studying my Bible more than ever. The upcoming Christian fiction releases are exciting too!!
I’m looking forward to 2016 because I have absolutely no idea what it has in store for us other than a siblings’ graduations and a sibling wedding. Will I still work the same place next year? Will we have a baby? Will we live here? I’m glad God knows!
Yes, praise the Lord that He knows the plans He has for us! Sounds like you have a full year ahead of you, Katy. 🙂 Hope it’s a happy time for you and your family. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m looking forward to 2016 because I have absolutely no idea what it has in store for us other than a siblings’ graduations and a sibling wedding. Will I still work the same place next year? Will we have a baby? Will we live here? I’m glad God knows!
I think these would be interesting books to read.
I forgot to answer the question about 2016. I hope to broaden my reading interests and include more nonfiction books in my reading list.
I think they look amazing too, Edward. 🙂 That’s a great goal, btw. I don’t read as many nonfiction books as I would like either. And there’s so many good ones out there. Happy Reading and Happy New Year to you and your wife. 🙂
I think these would be interesting books to read.
I forgot to answer the question about 2016. I hope to broaden my reading interests and include more nonfiction books in my reading list.
I am hoping to spend more time working on my photography in 2016. 🙂
Oh how fun, Amanda! Do you have a photography business? I love taking pictures, but it’s just for fun. 😉 Hope you have a great 2016!
I am hoping to spend more time working on my photography in 2016. 🙂
My son in law started pastoral work almost 2 yrs ago in a town that does not have a Pentecostal Holiness Church. My husband and I have left a well established church to go and help them in this new work. I’m so excited to see what The Lord has in store for us at this church in the new year. We have in average about 50 people attending on Sunday. I want us to double that number in the new year so more can hear the plan of salvation!
Hi Brenda! I’m stopping to pray for you – for each of you here, actually – and lift up your hopes for the coming year. May God bless the work of your hands in a mighty way. Thanks for sharing!
My son in law started pastoral work almost 2 yrs ago in a town that does not have a Pentecostal Holiness Church. My husband and I have left a well established church to go and help them in this new work. I’m so excited to see what The Lord has in store for us at this church in the new year. We have in average about 50 people attending on Sunday. I want us to double that number in the new year so more can hear the plan of salvation!
I am looking forward to teaching Vacation Bible School in the 3/4 grade class. Also seeing how God will answer prayer. Praying that my cancer numbers will be good, that my son will be accepted into a graduate nursing program and another son will start working at his company full time in Feb. (already an answer to prayer)
Hi Merry! Thanks for sharing with us. Sounds like a big year ahead of you. Praying God gives you great delight in Him in 2016 and directs you and your family. Hugs!
I am looking forward to teaching Vacation Bible School in the 3/4 grade class. Also seeing how God will answer prayer. Praying that my cancer numbers will be good, that my son will be accepted into a graduate nursing program and another son will start working at his company full time in Feb. (already an answer to prayer)
Taking some much needed time for myself. Thank you for sharing 🙂
That’s a must! Hope you get lots of time to rest and reflect in this New Year, Lori. Have a great day and good luck in the giveaway. 😉
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I’m looking forward to what the Lord has for me in this new year. I want a deeper walk with Him. Blessings to you and your family!
Hi Caryl!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope The Lord blesses your year in every way, but most of all with His presence! So glad you stopped by. 🙂
I’m so excited I won! I’m also thankful that I got to choose the paperback of “A Thousand Shall Fall” because I have the other book in paperback already. I sent a reply to your e-mail. Also I want to thank you Savanna for praying for us & the Work of God (church).
I’m excited for you too, Brenda!! 🙂 I hope you love it! Thank you for sharing your work with us. I hope God does great things this year through the work of your hands.
So excited to have won my first giveaway! I cannot wait to read Seasons of Love! Thank you so much And God bless!
Hope you enjoy it, Diana!! 😉