An Imagination Circle by Ann H. Gabhart
I’ve been writing for a long time. My first historical novel was published in 1978. I’ve typed a lot of words on paper or computer screen since then with These Healing Hills my thirty-third book that came out in September. Some of those books were long, over 100,000 words. Others, mostly my young adult books, came in at approximately 50,000 or less. Even so, without a doubt I’m way over two million words and counting. Well, I’m not actually counting. Computers do that for you these days. Of course, the word count does include all those short little words like the, a, an, but, and just. I stuck just in there because it’s a pesky word that pops up in my stories way too often. So often that I have to weed it out with my delete key while editing.
Having all those words slide under my writing bridge doesn’t change the excitement of a new book out for readers. Number thirty-three, These Healing Hills, is every bit as fun to see between its beautiful cover and ready for readers as my second published book way back in 1980. I said second book because it’s hard to beat the excitement of that very first published book.
But the fun of a new book is made even better when readers start sending messages telling me they’ve read my story. I’ve especially enjoyed hearing from readers about These Healing Hills since many of them have expressed how much they enjoyed following my characters’ story path up into the Appalachian Mountains.
I often say it takes two imaginations to truly make a story come to life. First the writer’s imagination as he or she comes up with the story. But then that writer needs readers to complete the circle by reading the writer’s words and making those words leap to life in their imagination. That imagination circle starts glowing each time a reader opens a new book and starts reading.
I am blessed to be able to do what I have wanted to do and have been trying to do since I was around ten–write stories. I am doubly blessed when a reader makes that circle of imagination glow by reading one of my stories. If you are a reader, thank you.
Have you ever thought about a writer and reader making a circle of imagination?
These Healing Hills Story Blurb
When Francine’s plans for her future fall apart at the close of World War II, she discovers new purpose as a nurse midwife in the beautiful Kentucky Appalachian Mountains. Will she also find healing and perhaps discover the birth of new love? RT Book Reviews says, “Gabhart’s latest historical novel intrigues, inspires and entertains. . .Humor, grace and, of course, romance give the characters life and breath, and the message of faith is gently organic and sincere.” These Healing Hills is available at bookstores or online book sites. For more information about the story and to find buy links, check out http://www.annhgabhart.com/books/these-healing-hills/
Ann H. Gabhart bio
ANN H. GABHART, the bestselling author of over thirty novels, has been called a storyteller, not a bad thing for somebody who grew up dreaming of being a writer. In addition to her popular Harmony Hill Shaker novels, Ann writes about family life in novels like Angel Sister and Love Comes Home as well as her cozy Hidden Springs Mysteries (as A.H. Gabhart) set in small towns like the Kentucky town where she grew up. These Healing Hills is her first historical novel set in the Appalachian Mountains. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren and enjoy country life in Kentucky. For more about Ann and her books, check out www.annhgabhart.com. You can also join the conversation on Ann’s Facebook Author Page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart or Twitter, https://twitter.com/AnnHGabhart
And Ann is offering a Giveaway to one of her commenters so please leave her a message below, and you might win.
I so loved These Healing Hills, Ann. So many good quotes to be gleaned and pondered over in this one. Your writing is so poetic! Thanks for writing this story and taking us to the Appalachian Hills for a wonderful story.
Thanks so much, Paula. I’ve appreciated your shout-outs about the book. Glad you were one of my readers to complete my imagination circle.
I agree, Paula, about Ann’s writing being poetic!
Thank you for the chance, as I love Ann’s books. On my wish list.
I love her books, too, Lucy which is why I love hosting her.
So far you’ve got a good chance to have your name picked, Lucy. Good luck.
Yes! A writer writes because she has something to say. That something said (written) needs a reader! The imaginings are then complete. I love it when a book reads me! I’m hooked on your stories, Ann. Thank you for writing each one of them.
Hi Rebecca, I agree with your comment about Ann’s books reading us! She is so down-to earth, that I feel that way, too when I read one of her books. Have you ever tried writing yourself!?
For myself. . .
Thanks so much, Rebecca. Love having you as a reader to make that imagination circle glow. Sometimes I just write to tell a story. I let the story do the saying.
Thanks Rosemary for hosting Ann. She is a special lady. I sure am hoping to win this book. Sounds so interesting. Maxie
Always fun to hear from you, Maxie. Hope things are getting better in Texas.
I hve not ad the pleasure of reading this new book. But would love to win it to be able to read it. Thank you for the chance to. God bless all reading this.
Then maybe you will win. I do hope you get a chance to read my mountain story.
God bless you too, pag36. Thanks for stopping by.
I have read A few of Ann’s Shaker books, but I don’t think I’ve read any others. Thanks for sharing!
Then you’ve got a few to choose from, Patty. Some people really enjoy my Heart of Hollyhill series and then others like the Rosey Corner books best. Then if you’re a mystery love, I even have some of those. But this new book is gettinig some good reader responses, so if you win it, you might enjoy the story.
Hope you get to read this one!
I have read several others of your books and have enjoyed them. I am really looking forward ro reading your newest book. One of my favorite historical eras to read about is World War II and post WWII. Nursing and appalachia make it that much better. I hope to win your book but if not I will definitely have to get hold of a copy.
That’s great, Carol. This book does have a neat historical background. I really enjoyed researching and learning more about the Frontier Nursing Service in the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains.
Have not read this book, but would love too. Thanks for the chance of winning. God bless
Good luck in the drawing, Sue. Hope you do get a chance to read These Healing Hills.
I’ve never really thought about a writer and a reader making a circle of imagination. It does make sense though as I think about it. The reader forms everything in their mind the the writer is talking about, what people look like, the surroundings, and how they do things. I know I always have running pictures or a movie in my mind while reading a book. I love reading Ann’s books, thank you for the giveaway!
You’ve got just what I meant, Connie. I love reading books that turn into images in my mind instead of words on the paper. Thank you so much for reading my books.
I look forward to reading “These Healing Hills”. I never thought about the reader completing the imagination circle but it makes total sense!! I really enjoyed Ann’s Shaker series books!!
I do give readers a variety of genres to choose from, don’t I, Betsy? You’re not the only one who likes my Shaker books. If I can ever get a new idea rolling, that’s what I’m writing next. I appreciate you completing my imagination circle by reading some of those Shaker books.
So love her books, Her daily posts are so very interesting. So want to get her latest, “These Healing Hills!”
This is on my TBR list. I’ve really liked reading some of the backstories you’ve shared with us. Thanks for the chance! ???
Great, Kathy. I hope you get a chance to read the book soon.
Have tried for this book before, and I am not giving up!
I love someone with persistence. So good luck in the giveaway.
I love reading your books. I am an animal lover and I love your books when you include an animal. I love novels that have a picture of any kind of animal on the front.
Thanks for dropping by and reading my post here on Rose’s blog, Pat. I like including animals in my story lines. Sometimes it works with the plot and characters and sometimes it doesn’t.
I’m currently reading These Healing Hills. I also currently live in Kentucky. This is the first book I’ve read that you’ve written and so far I’m enjoying the story.
That’s good to know, Gina. Always fun to connect with a reader who is giving one of my stories a try. Hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the story.