Tuesday, December 08, 2009

SEEING THINGS - Patti Hill - Free book

I'm happy to welcome Patti Hill back to the blog. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write the kind of books I love to read—relational, winsome, and authentic. When I read a great book, I’m left with questions to ponder and friends to remember.

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

Marrying my husband, Dennis, followed closely by giving birth to Geoff and Matt. I’m blessed to have wonderful men around me. I also have a lovey-pie dog named Tillie.

How has being published changed your life?

Oh boy! I’ve gained relationships with amazingly creative people all over the world; I’ve wrestled with ideas and beliefs that may have gone unattended had I not been forced to face them in the writing process; and best of all, the circle between writer and reader has become more intimate. I love hearing from readers. I consider their e-mails replies to my books. What an honor to meet so many wonderful people.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Sharon Souza’s Lying on Sunday, a truly wonderful book. Now, it’s on to Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas for my fiction read. In the nonfiction category, I’m reading The PAPA Prayer by Larry Crabb. This is NOT just another book on prayer. I’m back in prayer kindergarten and loving it. I also keep a writing related book percolating. I’m reading Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle, a true classic and quite inspirational.

What would be your dream vacation?

Early February. Southern hemisphere. Tahiti. Snorkeling. Eating. Napping. And more napping.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I make the setting of each book a character, so I must immerse myself in the climate, geography, culture, and history of a place. That usually means I pick a place within driving distance that will provide subplots for my story. The Queen of Sleepy Eye is set in the North Fork Valley of Colorado, just over an hour from where I live. Traditionally an orchard and ranching community, the mid-seventies brought new players to the valley—back-to-the-land types or hippies. Along with the coalminers, the place literally sparked interesting possibilities, besides being a beautiful place to visit. The people there are lovely, so eager to share their stories. I loved spending time there. I’m trying to convince my husband that my next story must take place in Ireland, which would mean an extended stay on the Emerald Isle. And just think, no snakes!

Seriously, I just penned a dream list—a bucket list of sorts—and I want to do some short mission trips. Our pastor just got back from Thailand and Japan. I’m game. Here I am, Lord, send me!

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

This is a tough question because there’s not a smarter man or better companion than my husband, so I would have to say: Give me a lonely child to bathe and clothe and feed and cuddle.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

My husband and I love to try out new recipes and invite folks over to share the outcome. So far, we haven’t made anyone sick. I love hiking in the high country in aspen and spruce forests during the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. Travel to almost anywhere is on my list as long as I’m not rushed. I want to meet people and spend time with the locals. Also, I have lots of flowers in my garden, so I enjoy early-morning puttering to weed and tidy. Mostly, I spend non-writing time maintaining relationships with people God has graciously gifted me as friend and family.

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


Writing is definitely brain work, and when my brain gets taxed, it’s likely to wander. I check the mail, clean out a drawer, round up dust bunnies, bake a loaf of bread, call a friend…anything but write! If I give myself a reasonable daily goal, then I’m more likely to meet that goal, so I can go play. There’s nothing like sorting through an underwear drawer! Remember: Writers need recess, too.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Be prepared! Take the time to learn the basics of stellar storytelling. Don’t hurry. You’re writing for the King. If he’s given you the gift, you owe it to him to wield it to his glory. Also, pray a lot and dive into Scripture. Get to know the heart of God. You’ll be representing him in your stories to one extent or the other.

Tell us about the featured book.

Birdie Wainwright isn’t concerned about seeing things others can’t. As a woman with macular degeneration, she considers the clarity and color of her visions a gift from God.


A splash of purple flowers on the sidewalk or mountainsides of edelweiss are welcomed diversions from the fog that covers her central vision. Besides, she has mountains to climb and tangos to dance—until a tumble down the stairs breaks her ankle.

Anxious to reconnect with her son and grandson, she accepts her son’s invitation to convalesce in Denver, miles and worlds away from her mountain home. And then, Huckleberry Finn comes to call. The line between reality and whimsy turns brittle. Faith is tested. And hope is reborn.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Yes, come and visit me! I love hearing from readers.

Web site: http://www.pattihillauthor.com/
e-mail: patti@pattihillauthor.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/home
And my newest and grandest presence yet: http://novelmatters.blogspot.com/

I will be blogging with seven other amazing writers with powerful and gentle voices. We’ll blog on a rotating basis on all things that make books irresistible. Writers can hone their crafts. Readers will gain an inside look. This blog went live on January 1, 2009. Come see Jennifer Valent (starred PW review for her first novel), Sharon K. Souza, Latayne Scott, Debbie Fuller Thomas, Bonnie Grove, eh?, Kathleen Popa, and little ol’ me. From our conference calls, we can guarantee no dull moments.

Lena, thanks for your hospitality. It’s been an absolute honor to spend time with your readers.

He reigns,
Patti

Patty, my readers and I thank you for spending this time with us.
Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. If you use this link, it will help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

36 comments:

Patti Lacy said...

Patti, loved getting to know you better! I'm right there in an orphanage or an overcrowded nursery, cuddling that child!

143 million orphans in OUR WORLD.

Thanks, Lena, for a poignant post about a great-sounding new book!
Patti Lacy
www.pattilacy.comm/blog

Patti Hill said...

Hi, Patti! Thanks for stopping by. When we give our hearts to orphans, we share the heart of Christ. Cuddling is a blessed ministry.

collettakay said...

Loved reading your interview. I love finding good books and authors!

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks. wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)coom

Casey said...

I would enjoy a chance to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

AB said...

Great post, sounds like an interesting book! Check out my blog
http://transformedromans12.blogspot.com/
~AB

Sharon Kirk Clifton said...

Patti,

What a nice interview! I'm eager to read your work. When you said that you'd like to spend time with a lonely child, I found that especially touching.

Your WIP sounds fascinating, also. I like stories of strong older women.

Because of Christ,
Sharon Kirk Clifton

Patti Hill said...

Thanks for all of your lovely comments. Seeing Things IS the story of an older woman with a tender heart for God's will but by no means a weakling. You'll love Birdie! This is the book we're giving away on Saturday. Good luck!

Sarah R said...

Great interview. Sounds like a great book. Please enter me in the drawing.

Lady Araujo said...

I'd love to read this book.
Thanks for the opportunity.
God's blessings

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book. Please enter me. Thanks!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Katherine said...

This book looks very good. Please enter me.

kefarley89(@)gmail(.)com

sharon54220 said...

WOW!! What a great review. I love the sound of the book. I would love to be entered to win this book.

Thanks for the chance

sharon54220@gmail.com

The Herd said...

jnkbull at gmail dot com.
Thanks Lena!

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

apple blossom said...

Oh, sounds like a fun book. Count me in please. I'd love to win

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Sandee61 said...

Wonderful interview, Lena and look forward to reading Patti Hill's new book. It looks like a great read. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you!

Many Blessings,
Sandee

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

JJ said...

Merry Christmas.

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

Wendy said...

I really enjoy Patti's books. Thanks for the chance.

hippmom said...

Sounds lovely. Please enter my name. Thanks.

Linda said...

I love to read books that relate to an issue I am not familiar with, macular degeneration in this case. It sounds like a great book. Please enter me. Thank you.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Patti Hill said...

Thanks for the great response. It's a cold day in Colorado, a great day for reading. Merry Christmas.

Michelle V said...

I loved the interview and can't wait to read the book!

Blessings
Michelle V

Kristen said...

Please enter me!! Thanks

Carla said...

Please enter me in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to read this fabulous book...enjoyed the interview...Merry Christmas.

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

Carole said...

I really enjoyed one of Patti's earlier books, Like a Watered Garden. She writes my kind of fiction and I would love to win a copy of Seeing Things.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Jo said...

Loved your interview Patti and getting to know about you. I have read a few of your books and enjoyed them and would love to read this one as well.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Megan said...

When you go to Tahiti, take me with you! haha

Thanks for the interview Lena.

Deborah M said...

I'm interested in seeing the blog Patti was telling us about!
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com
deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com

Rosalie Patience said...

Please enter me in the drawing. It sounds really good. ~Abby

abster dot rose at yahoo dot com

Carla said...

Please enter me in this drawing.

Nancye said...

I would like to win this book. Thanks for the chance!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Marla said...

I would love to read this book. Plesae enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy reading books by Patti Hill...loved the Garden Gate series. Please count me in...thanks.

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Esther.
faith4u7(at)gmail(dot)com