Creation of a Setting: The Place of My Dreams
Creation of a story setting is one of the most important tasks of an author, and one I enjoy. The story world lives in my mind as vividly as if I lived there myself.
Within Golden Bands
The Creation of Setting for Stonehaven Farm
Loch Garry, Scotland is the setting for Kieran’s Stonehaven Farm, in both Land of My Dreams and Within Golden Bands. The loch, located in the central Highlands of Scotland, owns a unique beauty. In reality, its main claim to fame is the unique perspective of a map of Scotland when viewed from the A87 highway. The odd shape is due to a dam built for hydroelectric power in the early 1960s. However, I spent only fifteen minutes at the overlook on our trip to Scotland in 2006.
In order to create a farm that doesn’t exist, I studied hundreds of photographs online. The location near the bridge across the loch is for purely romantic reasons. The photographs have been my screensaver for 8 years now. I dream of a return trip to Scotland and the opportunity to stay in a “holiday rental,” looking out over the place of my dreams.
Creation of a story setting is one of the most important tasks of an author... #storyworld #setting #amwriting Share on XCreation of Kieran’s Farmhouse
The MacDonell family farmhouse is the actual location of Ardochy House, where there are three self-catering cottages. Built originally as an 18th Century shooting lodge, the house is the perfect place for my Scottish sheep farmer’s home. With beautiful bay windows overlooking the loch and sheep in the fields, it settled into my heart. The descriptions of the house arose in my imagination from places we stayed or visited on our trip to Scotland.
Of course, my favorite room is the library, decorated in MacDonell tartan, and the clan crest engraved above the fireplace. Though I prefer the modern, red MacDonell tartan, I chose the ancient tartan of blue and green. Kieran is nothing if not a man of respect for ancient tradition and heritage. I also chose the older spelling of McDonnell, rather than the more common McDonnell.
The descriptions of the house arose in my imagination from a real home on the shores of Loch Garry. #setting #authorlife #WithinGoldenBands Share on XLocation of My Story World
Glengarry, the narrow valley where the loch sits, was once the home of the MacDonnell’s of Glengarry, now populated by only a few estates. The depopulation occurred during the Highland Clearances in the 1750s to 1860s. Wealthy landowners drove out the small farmers and crofters, similar to share-croppers, in order to expand their sheep herds. Today, the glen is known for brown trout fishing, deer stalking, and Munro-bagging, the climbing of mountains over 3000 feet tall.
In Within Golden Bands, the areas disputed by the miserable antagonist, Gavin Gunn are all south of the loch. To plan each scene, I spent hours on Google searches, examined maps, and lived in my imagination. I discovered pictures of the islands at the end of the loch for the place where Bonny rode her horse, Misty when upset with Kieran.
I lived in my imagination to plan each scene. #fictionauthors #Scotland #romance Share on XMy husband and I shopped in Fort William and stayed at the Highland Hotel on Loch Linnhe. It is a charming town at the foot of Ben Nevis, which we were fortunate enough to see on a clear day. Belford Hospital, where Bonny spends time is real, and she and Eilidh shop on the High Street.
Creation of Prizes Related to the Story
The Buchan Thistle pottery Bonny uses for everyday dishes is unique, hand-painted Scottish pottery. During the Book Launch Party on May 19th, one lucky member of the Team will win a small vase! The other big prize, a small Nambe ware serving bowl, comes from Bonny’s home state of New Mexico!
Obviously, readers will imagine Bonny and Kieran’s world in their own minds. However, since many of the places exist in the real world, I wanted to share some photos. Enjoy the beauty of my story world!
Thanks to:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Loch_Garry,_Lochaber
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loch_Garry
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/glengarry-viewpoint
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God
Surrender becomes sweet when we recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong.
Sweet Surrender: Learning to Trust God
A 2MefromHim Devotional
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
Surrender becomes sweet when I recognize that God’s ways are higher and better than mine. How much time I waste in worry and concern, only to discover I was wrong. God always has a better plan.
Jesus’ Surrender vs. My Failure
Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that if it was possible, the cup be removed from him. However, he said, “Yet not as I will, but as you will,” and then surrendered peacefully to his enemies—and to the will of God.
Many recent situations have sent me to my knees. However, my prayers are often based on personal desires. I shoulder the same burdens I should have left at the foot of the throne as I leave my quiet time. And I have no peace. Every aspect of my life is affected. Worries haunt me like ghosts.
Surrender from God’s Perspective
When Joseph’s brothers sold him into captivity, he didn’t worry and whine. He demonstrated acceptance and surrender, living to glorify God in one difficult circumstance after another. His story ends in blessing.
By the same token, one of the sadder accounts is that of Samson, who satisfied his own desires despite the call put on his life from before birth. We’ll never know what might have happened had he surrendered to God.
Elisabeth Elliot, widow of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot, writes, “To pray, ‘thy will be done.’ I must be willing, if the answer requires it, that my will be undone.”
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “My situation is urgent, and I cannot see how I will ever be delivered. Yet this is not my concern, for He who made the promise will find a way to keep it. My part is simply to obey His commands, not to direct His ways. I am His servant, not His advisor. I call upon Him and He will deliver me.”
What blessings might God grant if I surrendered totally to him? #surrender #blessings #self-denial Share on XAnswering the Call to Surrender
I attempt to advise God when I pray for a situation to resolve my way. In Philippians, Paul wrote from prison, “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” What might God might accomplish in me, through me, or in someone near me if I surrender my will to his?
When I pray “not as I will, but as you will,” my burden is lifted. The surrender is sweet. May I learn to surrender rather than advise.
The way to peace is complete surrender to the will of God. #trust #obedience #peace Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, May 4, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Meet Kieran MacDonell from Within Golden Bands
Meet Kieran MacDonell from Within Golden Bands, the sequel to Land of My Dreams, which releases on May 19th!
Meet Kieran McDonnell from Within Golden Bands
Character Interview
Congratulations on your recent marriage to Bonny! How are you settling into married life?
Thank you. You know, I was married for fifteen years before Bronwyn and our son died in childbirth. Therefore, I thought I had marriage figured out. Bonny’s as different from Bronwyn as night from day. She’s passionate about everything, wants to be involved in the farm, and always has an opinion. Life will be an adventure, but I knew that when I met her.
We haven’t had a chance to settle in. We discovered Bonny was pregnant on our honeymoon—such a miracle. I prayed for a child. In other words, I refused to believe the doctor’s predictions that she’d never have children. And they were wrong. To know she carried our child was the most exciting—but, in the long run, the doctors were right. I remind myself that it wasn’t my prayer for a child that endangered her life. God’s in control of it all.
But to be attacked and discover my wife almost died in my absence? Ach, I could have lost her. Since I already lost one wife, I’ll never take Bonny for granted, not for a second. Above all, each day is a gift.
Meet Kieran MacDonell from Within Golden Bands, a romantic suspense novel releasing on May 19th! #RomSus #Christfic #characterinterivew Share on XTell me about your attacker and how that’s affecting your lives?
I wish my parents hadn’t kept secrets. All my life, I was taught about ancestry, inheritance, and clan, however, I didn’t know about the people who could destroy everything we’ve built. Stonehaven Farm is known for our fine wool, mutton, and Highland cattle. Of course, it unnerved me to discover someone wants to steal all that.
Bonny wants to hide in New Mexico. I won’t run from anyone or anything. I will protect her and this farm, no matter what. I-I wanted an heir to carry this legacy into the future. But right now, we have to concentrate on the bampot in the great kilt, with feathers in his hair, who only speaks in the Gaelic.
It sounds like you’re facing huge struggles. How are the two of you handling that?
Our prayer life is strong. We start and end our days with prayer and Bible reading. You know, we’re building a chapel down near the bridge over Loch Garry. Eventually, I’ll minister to all the people on the small farms and crofts (rented farms), this area is full of people who have no church close by.
I’m blessed that Bonny supports me with the farm and chapel. She’s afraid for me and we especially don’t agree about adoption, but these things take time.
Having lost one wife, well, I’ll never take Bonny for granted, not one single minute. Kieran McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #Christrom #preorder #BYNR Share on X
This must be difficult from the standpoint of being newly married. Does that make it more challenging?
Bonny and I function well as a couple and that will only get better, owing to the fact that we share a deep commitment to our marriage and a love nothing can defeat. I’m excited about the future with her at my side.
I went through such depression after Bronwyn died. What Bonny brings to my life reminds me of the loch on a cloudless day when the water glitters like a million diamonds. We’ll come through this strong and together.
What is your biggest concern right now?
My biggest—it’s for Bonny to recover physically. She’s so tiny—but ordinarily, she’s strong. After all, the woman I fell in love with would tackle anything, no matter the difficulty. Anyone with the courage to turn her back on her entire world and begin a new life on her own is the wife I need.
The farm, well, I know we’ll prevail in court. However, catching the villain who attacked me is another matter. In the meantime, I just have to take one day and one crisis at a time.
What helps you the most in the midst of struggles against such an elusive enemy?
Ultimately, all that matters is our trust in God. He saved me on that flight back to Scotland after Bonny refused my marriage proposal. In spite of my loss, he gave me hope, purpose, and power over the enemies of doubt and depression that almost defeated me. Therefore, I know we’ll win this battle if we honor God and put him first. At the same time, God never promised freedom from trials, only to be with us as we go through them.
God never promised freedom from trials, only to be with us as we go through them. Kieran McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #amazonbooks #RomSus #MustRead Share on XIn light of all that’s happened, Kieran, what are your hopes for the future?
I dinna fash about the future. First, I can only focus on right now. I’m not ready to adopt. even though Bonny would do it today. Ach, I can’t—maybe I’ll never be ready. It takes time to adjust to a future that’s not what you imagined. For instance, when I lost Bronwyn, I thought I had no future. I was wrong, and now I trust God to guide us. All things considered, that’s as far as I can go at the moment.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
For one thing, life will be easier. We’ll settle the decision about a family, although, I’d be fine if it’s just the two of us. The chapel will be strong and growing. For the most part, I see a peaceful future, the one we dreamed about before we married. After all, with God and Bonny, how can life be anything but good?
With God and Bonny, how can life be anything but good? Kieran McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #Christfic #Suspense #Romcon Share on XIf you loved the taste of Scotland you got from Land of My Dreams, be ready for an adventure in the pages of Within Golden Bands!
Author’s note:
While I had a picture of Bonny in mind, I have no photograph that comes close to the Kieran who’s lived in my imagination since 2006. He’s all Scot, stereotypical, redhead, curly hair, six foot five inches tall, 250+ pounds of solid muscle. He competed in the Highland Games and won at Braemar, where the Queen presents the medals to the best athletes.
The closest is Stewart Finlay-McLennan in the old Christy TV series from the ’90s but he wasn’t big enough. Kieran’s an imposing man, spiritually and physically, with a wide smile and sparkling eyes, blue as the Scottish flag. He lives life large, in every way.
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
When God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me
When perfect peace eludes you, where do you turn? In these days of home quarantine, social distancing, job loss, a divided country, and general unrest, it’s easy to lose my focus on the One who promises perfect peace.
When God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me
2MefromHim Devotionals
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
When perfect peace eludes you, where do you turn? In these days of home quarantine, social distancing, job loss, a divided country, and general unrest, it’s easy to lose my focus on the One who promises perfect peace.
God Reveals Perfect Peace
I gaze out my window at the quiet mountain scenery, where birds soar on the breeze, and patches of snow linger on the tallest peaks. What a picture of perfect serenity! My heart slows after fluttering with unrest while I prayed over situations that distress me. My breathing evens. Tense muscles relax. Nature can offer a glimpse of God’s perfect peace.
Job 37:7 says, “So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor.” God never intended that we should live in stress and fear. When he is my light and salvation, the stronghold of my life, my refuge and strong tower where I can run for safety, I have nothing to fear. Therefore, when I feel a sense of unrest, it alerts me to the fact that I’m not resting in God. I need to cease my labor and concentrate on him.
When I feel a sense of unrest, I need to cease my labor and concentrate on God #stress #Quarantinelife #Godislove Share on XWhen God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me, I’m Captive to Unsettling Thoughts
In reality, perfect peace has eluded me for a long time. Perhaps like me, you’re working your way back to that place of shelter and safety. Dissension in family relationships, life-altering changes, deaths, and my own tendency to fear traps me in a place of unrest, focused on people and circumstances.
However, even though I spend time in God’s word, if I don’t let his words sink deep into the soil of my heart, they die like flowers in drought. Rather than standing steadfast, I’m captive to every unsettling thought that enters my mind. Can you identify?
Even though I spend time in God’s word, if I don’t let his words sink deep into the soil of my heart #scripture #meditation #faith Share on XWhen God’s Perfect Peace Eludes Me, I Need to Remember Who Holds Me Safe
Sometimes I feel like a sheep while a wolf stalks nearby. Yet, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Isaiah 49:16 tells me, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Jesus echoes the same thought in John 10, where he says that no one can snatch me out of the Father’s hands. Don’t you love the imagery of being held safe, like a little bird in the hands of God?
I long to abide in Jesus so deeply that nothing causes my trust to falter. Therefore, if I must return to God’s word time and again throughout the day, I will do so. My place of refuge is safe in the Father’s hands. Will you try that this week when fear threatens?
My place of refuge is safe in the Father’s hands #security #JesusChrist #hope Share on X© Norma Gail Thurston, April 25, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Meet Bonny MacDonell, Heroine of Within Golden Bands
Meet Bonny McDonell, the main character in my latest novel, Within Golden Bands, the sequel to Land of My Dreams, which releases on May 19th.
Bonny McDonnell, Heroine of Within Golden Bands
Character Interview
Congratulations on your marriage to Kieran! How are things going?
I think most people go into marriage wearing rose-colored glasses. Ours came off rather quickly. We delayed our honeymoon for six weeks to allow Kieran more time to heal from the gunshot wound in his abdomen from a poacher.
I began feeling bad just before we left for our honeymoon and got very sick on the flight from Scotland to New Mexico. Twelve hours on a plane with severe nausea. By the time we reached landed, I was so dehydrated the flight attendant insisted on getting a wheelchair. My best friends, Kari and Dan McDowell met us at the airport and took us to the emergency room at Presbyterian Hospital. I’ll never forget the look in those sky-blue eyes of Kieran’s when the doctor said I was pregnant. He looked like a kid when the Christmas tree lights go on for the first time. I was in such shock that it’s a good thing I was lying down!
Meet Bonny MacDonell from Within Golden Bands, a romantic suspense novel releasing May 19th! #Christfic #RomSus #preorder Share on XNot long after we returned home, I awakened in the emergency room in Fort William. That’s the closest town to Stonehaven Farm with a hospital. All I wanted was Kieran but he was nowhere to be found. Now, I’m not giving out any spoilers here. But you know, my first thought was that I shouldn’t have allowed myself to get excited and start thinking about baby names and a nursery. There is loss too deep for tears. If I thank God, for one thing, each day, perhaps I can begin to heal.
If I thank God, for one thing, each day, perhaps I can begin to heal. Bonny McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #Christrom #preorder #amreading Share on X
It was almost two days before they found Kieran where his Land Rover had crashed in a ravine. While he was looking for missing sheep, some maniac hit him over the head. Between losing the baby and feeling as if we’re at war with some unknown enemy, we’ve had a stressful beginning to our marriage. We thought life would be so peaceful.
What do you find most surprising about marriage?
Kieran and I had our ups and downs before we got married but we always agreed on the big things. You know, faith in God, wanting a family, and working as a team on the farm. It’s been a real surprise to discover that when things go wrong, we don’t always agree. Marriage isn’t supposed to be this hard, is it?
What is amazing is the time we spend in prayer. All our differences melt away when we’re on our knees together. One scripture we lean on is Deuteronomy 33:25 (AMPC) “Your castles and strongholds shall have bars of iron and bronze, and as your day, so shall your strength, your rest, and security be.”
It’s been a real surprise to discover that when things go wrong, we don’t always agree. Bonny McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #RomSus #BYNR #Amazonbooks Share on XWhat’s it like to go from university professor to wife to a Scottish sheep farmer?
We decided before our marriage to quit teaching and concentrate on the farm and the chapel Kieran started building after our broken engagement. However, no longer teaching is a bigger change than I imagined. I miss being around people all the time. I’m learning about the sheep slowly but having someone stalk you makes it difficult to concentrate.
You lived in Scotland for almost a year before you married. Have you had any difficulty in adjusting to a climate so different from New Mexico?
I lived in Fort William, about an hour and a half from the farm. It’s much rainier here and I long for sunny New Mexico skies, especially when it rains for a week straight. I didn’t notice when we were falling in love and planning a wedding but sometimes, I miss that dry air.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Scotland?
I lived in the mountains even in New Mexico, so I love that here. I’m still a desert rat, fascinated by large bodies of water. It’s amazing to have a loch in the front yard.
Oh, don’t forget the sheep! I love the sheep. They’re not as dumb as people tend to think. They are easily frightened though, and that gets them into trouble. I understand why Jesus used them in parables all of the time and said people were like them. I know I’m going to understand those scripture references better the longer I live here.
What are you learning through all the problems you’ve experienced?
Kieran and I have had one trial after another since before we got married. I’m really aware of how much I need to stay close to God. If it wasn’t for his help, I’d be terrified all the time. I’m closer to God than ever before, and I think Kieran would say the same thing. It’s not easy choosing to trust and never question the wisdom of God.
My most frequent prayer is still to be a mother. I’m ready. Kieran isn’t. That makes it really hard. We’ll see where God leads. God has a plan, and we need to discover it.
It’s not easy choosing to trust and never question the wisdom of God. Bonny McDonnell, Within Golden Bands #pageturner #adoption #infertility Share on XDo you have any hints for the people who haven’t read your story yet?
I’m not giving hints. However, I will say that the best decision I ever made in my life, next to asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, was to marry Kieran MacDonell. No matter what happens, he’s like this old, stone house, steady and strong through every storm. He’ll make a wonderful pastor. I can’t wait until that chapel is ready to open.
If you loved the taste of Scotland you got from Land of My Dreams, you’ll be thrilled to know that the land itself is still a huge part of our story. And, I’ve been working on my Scots-Gaelic. So be ready for an adventure in the pages of Within Golden Bands!
If you loved Land of My Dreams, be ready for an adventure in the pages of Within Golden Bands! #Scotland #RomSus #BYNR Share on XAbout the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
