Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Ramona Richards - THE TAKING OF CARLY BRADFORD - Free Book

Welcome, Ramona. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I crave a good seat-of-the-pants adventure, and I want to keep the story moving while the hero and heroine come together, which is why I write romantic suspense. I’m basically a sappy romantic at heart, no matter how “intellectual” I like to pretend to be sometimes. And I write inspirationals because I quickly discovered it was easier to write from my own Christian worldview than take it out. It’s just who I am.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I’ve been blessed with a lot of happy days. God has been awesome in my life. No one day stands out over the others.

How has being published changed your life?

Networking! Being published is a great high, but it has put me in touch with so many amazing readers and writers.

What are you reading right now?

I read a lot of books. Anything Brandilyn Collins writes. Dark Pursuit made the hair stand up on my neck. I’ve also been working my way through Alexander McCall Smith’s series about the “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” And I always pick up the latest Love Inspired Suspense books.
What is your current work in progress?

I have two in the works, both about cold case detectives. One, Reclaiming Daisy Doe, is about a private detective who specializes in small town cases, starting with the murder of her own grandmother and father. The other, The Bones of Gregory Miller, centers on a police detective investigating the discovery of a child’s skeleton in the basement of a hotel.

What would be your dream vacation?

I LOVE to scuba dive, but I haven’t been able to go in several years. My dream vacation would be about a month in Dominica: diving, hiking, and stretching out on the beach with my AlphaSmart and a few good books.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I usually chose settings that intrigue me, that I’m familiar with, or that fit the story. In the three “Jackson’s Retreat” books, including The Taking of Carly Bradford, I set them in New Hampshire because I love the state and they seemed to “fit” there. I have some great friends in NH, and I spent a lot of time with them, exploring NH small towns, including the one they live in. They own a café in Portsmouth, and I used the café in The Taking of Carly Bradford. I’ll also be running a contest on my site, featuring the café.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

That’s tough. I guess my dearest wish would be able to talk to my daughter for an evening. Rachel is severely disabled. She’s a happy kid most of the time, but she can’t speak or do anything for herself, and I’d love to be able to know what she’s thinking, what she really feels about life. After that, speaking with most normal folks kinda pales….although I wouldn’t exactly turn down an invitation from Keanu Reeves or Trevor Eve. (I do have my more shallow side….)

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Scuba diving! I also cross-stitch (although I don’t get to do it enough) and I love to hike and explore the wilderness.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I often fight episodes of depression, which crunch my creativity. I overcome it by taking the conquering steps I’ve learned over the past 50 years, including making changes in my life, spending time with friends and God, staying in the sun (light therapy), and occasionally seeking out counseling.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Don’t write about what you know. Write about what you love – or want to love. Knowledge is easy to come by these days – whereas it’ll take passion to get you past the rough times, either with your writing life or with rejections. Listen to your heart and to God.

Tell us about the featured book.

Three years ago, Dee Kelley lost her family. Three months ago, eight-year-old Carly Bradford disappeared. When Dee finds crucial evidence in a case rapidly growing cold, she becomes determined not to let another mother suffer the way she did. She will help police chief Tyler Madison find Carly, whether he wants her assistance or not. But Tyler isn’t the only one determined to keep Dee off the case. And evidence isn’t all that she’ll find waiting for her in the woods.

I'm hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website and blog. I LOVE visitors. I also have Facebook and MySpace pages.
http://www.ramonarichards.com/
www.ramonarichards.com/rr/blog

Thank you, Ramona, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order The Taking of Carly Bradford:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. The only notification will be the Winners announcement on this blog. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, please come to this blog to leave the comment:

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13 comments:

Merry said...

Ramona's new book sounds great, I always enjoy romantic suspense. Please include me in the drawing, thanks for a chance!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Sheila Deeth said...

Brandilyn Collins, McCall Smith... We seem to have a few tastes in common. (I only just read my first of Brandilyn's books, but I loved it.) I will hope to read your books soon too. Thanks for the introduction.

CarlybirdH said...

Please enter my name in the drawing. Thank you.
carlyberd[at]yahoo[dot]com

Emma said...

Hi Ramona Great interview .I read the excerpt of THE TAKING Of Carly Bradford and it sounded wonderful.Have a good week.

apple blossom said...

I love the love inspired suspense books. I'd love to be entered in this drawing. Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

windycindy said...

I can identify with Ramona's depression! I pretty well follow all of the methods to help myself that she does. Her book sounds wonderful
Please add me in your drawing.
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Linda said...

More mysteries--Yes! Please enter my name in your drawing.
You really touched my heart when you spoke about your daughter. It would be so awesome to be able to reach in and touch her, knowing how she feels and thinks. It's been a desire of mine to 'reach inside' someone unable to communicate. (Sounds like a novel ready to be written! I don't mean this glibly.)
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Megan said...

OOoh her books sounds so interesting! Sign me up please! and great interview!

megan.nadalet at gmail dot com

Norma said...

I don't normally go for suspense but this one has me hooked. Please enter me.

Marla said...

I love suspense novels. This is definitely one I would love to read. Thank you for that great interview with Ramona. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

peachykath said...

Please enter me in the drawing for this book. I love mystery suspence books that have a little romance in them.
Thanks,
Katherine

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

Ausjenny said...

please enter me this looks good.
I am with out the internet at home at present so am way behind in everything.

sharon54220 said...

Book sounds great. Please enter me.

sharon54220@gmail.com