Sunday, September 05, 2010

WHERE HEARTS ARE FREE - Golden Keyes Parsons - Free Book

Glad to have you back, Golden. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?


I have walked with the Lord long enough to know that He continually surprises us, so to try to guess what is around the corner? Goodness, I haven’t a clue! I feel so blessed thus far with the doors that He has opened. To get fan letters from readers who have been blessed and brought closer to the Lord – well, it’s mind boggling. And my books are being printed in German, Dutch and Hungarian. I never would have predicted that.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married 48 years to my college sweetheart. We have three grown daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. But, of course, I’m much too young to have great-grandchildren :-)

I have a great grandson, too. They are a blessing. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Oh, absolutely. I read with a much more critical eye. And I read much more fiction than I used to. I read a lot of fiction when I was young, but then up until about ten years ago, was reading mainly non-fiction. When I started writing fiction, I decided that maybe I’d better see what is on the market, and I started reading novels again. When I go into a bookstore, I am overwhelmed every time at how many books are out there. So many books, so little time!

But that's so much better than it was when we had to really search for a book without objectional content. What are you working on right now?

My fourth book, which is a stand-alone novel, set in Texas during the Civil War.

I can hardly wait. We must feature it here. What outside interests do you have?

I am also a classically trained pianist, so I love music. We have two grandsons and two great-grandsons playing baseball, so going to their games keeps us busy. And we are huge Baylor University football and basketball fans. I also love the theatre and attend as many plays as I possibly can, which is easy here in Waco with all that Baylor has to offer. Our junior college here also has an excellent theatre program which we support as well.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The first series was based on my family genealogy, so that setting chose itself. I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about the setting for the next book. I wanted something completely different. Being from Texas and loving the Civil War era, I decided to research what went on here during that war and what I found was interesting. There were more skirmishes in the state than I formerly realized, and the Gulf Coast was strategic to the war. That’s where the story is set.

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

As I’ve been doing the research on the Civil War book, I have been astounded at the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln. It almost seems as if he had a supernatural discernment as to what the nation needed when at the same time being viciously opposed from both sides. No one thought he would win even one state in his re-election bid, and he carried them all, except New Jersey, Vermont, and a couple of other New England states. I think the hand of God was all over him. I believe he will be in heaven when we get there, so I guess I’ll get to do that for real, eh?

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

It is much more difficult than I ever dreamed it would be. I’m very task oriented, so meeting deadlines is not a problem, but the continual learning of the craft that never stops is amazing. I just read Deb Raney’s post on the ACFW loop comparing learning music to writing, and it is so true. The deep learning comes in the doing—not in the reading about it, but in the doing. Practice, practice, practice.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Psalm 138:8 is the Scripture I am claiming these days: “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever-forsake not the works of your own hands.”

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

That’s simple:
• Write
• Pray
• Rewrite

And as instruction with all three of those points: never, never give up. I have a quote over my computer that says, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

That's very good. Tell us about the featured book.

Where Hearts Are Free is the conclusion to the “Darkness to Light Series.” It is the story of when my ancestors came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. Parts of the book are true, but the storyline is fiction.

Please give us the first page of the book.

PROLOGUE
A plantation on the outskirts of Philadelphia, 1681

The familiar trembling slid its slippery fingers through Bridget’s stomach and into her throat. Philippe galloped ahead into the meadow beyond the cornfield. She struggled to catch her breath. “D-don’t go into the meadow. It is not part of Whisper Wood. It’s dangerous!”

Ignoring her warning, Philippe urged the black gelding over the low wooden fence and plunged ahead. “The sow is probably down in the hollow by the river. Follow me.”

Twelve-year-old Bridget halted her horse, and the mare reared as the girl slipped off. Her heart churned, and the heaving threatened to surface once again. “No, Philippe. Come back! It’s . . . it’s sc-scary down there.” She bent over and waited for the sensation to stop.

She could hear him thrashing through the brush on the riverbank as he searched for the sow and her piglets. Then he emerged from the oak trees that lined the Schuylkill River, a wide grin spreading over his face.

“I was right. The sow has found a place for her piglets down on the riverbank and is burrowed in. I’ll need to get the wagon and bring it back to—” He reined his horse in beside her. “What’s wrong, mistress? Are you ill?” He dismounted and held the reins in his hands, staring at her.

“I don’t like this place.”

Philippe looked around. “I see nothing to cause you this kind of extreme alarm.”

Tears formed in Bridget’s eyes, and she brushed them away with the back of her gloved hand.

I can hardly wait for my copy to come. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.goldenkeyesparsons.com/
http://www.classeminars.org/

Thank you for dropping by, Golden.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


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.

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54 comments:

holdenj said...

I think it's neat Golden based her Darkness to Light series on her ancestors. Thanks for all the info on the new book and series.

Patsy said...

So thankful for Christian writers. This book sound great. Thanks for giving away a copy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Deborah said...

i LOVE Golden's books. I normally don't like reading European historial fiction but her books are my one exception.

Mozi Esme said...

I also love that this is based on the author's ancestors!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

scottsgal said...

It's great she supports her local community and university arts programs! This sounds like a nice story
msboatgal at aol.com

Jan Cline said...

The Civil War period is always so fascinating. This sounds like a good read. I like what you said about how God continually surprises us - so true. And grandchildren are the greatest!
Blessings.

Unknown said...

This book sounds great! The cover is amazing! :)
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

Please include me.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Casey said...

Love the cover of this book!

Sue said...

Thank you for the chance to read this book.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Lena, for featuring "Where Hearts Are Free" on your blog. It should start showing up in stores this week or the next. And thanks for those of you who left comments. I appreciate your interest!

Barbara said...

Lena, I enjoyed your interview with Golden Keyes Parsons today. Your book, Golden, sounds wonderful! The first page drew me in, and I wanted to turn the page to read more.

Thank you for entering my name in your drawing for the book "Where Hearts Are Free."

grannyvon said...

After reading the page from the book, I am hooked. I would love to win this book. Parsons is a new author for me and I must get her books to read. Thanks for the chance to win this one. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Unknown said...

Thanks for a chance to win, this book sounds wonderful!
~Lauri
http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
l_meinahardt@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Ah! That's exactly what an author loves to hear from her readers -- that they are hooked from the the first page! Thanks for your kind comments.

Anne Payne said...

This sounds like a book I would love to read. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.

homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

Michelle said...

Such an interesting and unusual time period. I would love to read this!

mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net

Bakersdozen said...

Not only do I want to read this book, but I also want to read the series. Thanls for the interview. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

tambraleigh said...

I love Christian fiction and I am so excited because Golden is now my new favorite author! I love the Darkness to Light Series and have told all my friends who love to read about it.

apple blossom said...

Oh, love the cover. Please include me in this giveaway. thanks


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Cindy W. said...

Okay, the Prologue definitely hooked me. It goes on my MUST read list. I do love the cover art as well. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Golden, I think basing your series on your ancestors was inspirational. I think it is great that you live in an area with great theater and other activities that you can enjoy. I enjoy our little theater productions here and we also have off broadway shows that I enjoy attending. Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts and to let us know about your newest release. Your books sound like my kind of book.

Thanks Lena, for hosting this great giveaway and the opportunity to enter.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Debra E. Marvin said...

Two of the sweetest people I met a year ago in Denver have books coming out this month, Golden and Melanie. And I'm pleased to say I so anticipated these releases because of the fellowship of a writer's loop. I've gotten to hear about Golden's book over the last couple of years.

I'd love to finish out this series by winning Golden's book. Please put my name in the drawing. Thanks Lena!

debraemarvin (at) yahoo

Unknown said...

Wow! What great comments! I am truly honored and humbled. I hope the book lives up to your expectations!

Nancye said...

Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Julia M. Reffner said...

I love that this is based on Golden's family. Makes a book extra interesting to me when there is that personal connection.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Merry said...

The early American setting of Where Hearts Are Free captures my attention. Please add my name!

Anonymous said...

My ancesters were in Pennsylvania for a few generations too. Would to read this book.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Lena, thank you so much for this beautiful interview of Golden Keyes Parsons and her book, Where Hearts Are Free.

Edwina said...

Lena,
This was a great interview!

Please enter me in the drawing.

edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kristen said...

What a great cover.
Please enter me!

Claire Koenig said...

Sounds wonderful. Would really appreciate a free copy, too!

Wendy said...

I am looking forward to reading this one.

Katrina said...

I just love historical fiction!!!

Coolestmommy said...

Love historicals. Sounds like this one will be a wonderful read.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I think this book sounds great, especially as this authors ancestors.

dancealert at aol dot com

rbooth43 said...

A plantation on the outskirts of Philadelphia, 1681. That sentence hooked me!

Theresa N. said...

Having read Golden Keyes Parsons books before I can say they're a real treat.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

Michelle V said...

I love her and this series! Please enter me!

Jo said...

I love reading historical fiction and to base the book on your own ancestry is really intriguing.

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

Ann Lee Miller said...

Please put my name into the hat.
Thanks,
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

wmmahaney said...

This book sounds great. I would love to be entered to win this.

Anonymous said...

Love the book title. It's been a long writing journey for Golden and I'm so proud of her literary accomplishments.

Edna said...

looks and sounds like a good book
please enter me


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Unknown said...

What a wonderful scripture that Golden lives her life around. To have that blessed assurance that God is a partner in authoring would be amazing. I love historical novels about the civil way and look forward to a very good read with a great title. Thanks for the giveaway and the opportunity to win it. I hope I will.

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Jennifer said...

I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for the chance to win it.

MaureenT said...

You come from interesting relatives!
How fun to be able to use them!
Please include me!
Maureen

ladybug101 said...

Please include me! I have the first two in this series and I've been looking forward to this.

ladybug101 said...

Please include me! I have the first two in this series and I've been looking forward to this.

Carole said...

I have enjoyed each of Golden's previous books, found them very inspirational and deeper than what I normally read. I hope Golden has many more books for us. Thank you for the interview and chance to win Where Hearts Are Free.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Carolynn said...

Sounds great! Please enter me, thanks!

Anonymous said...

I would love this thanks
trishbazin(at)yahoo.com

Judylynn said...

I'd love to win this book. Please enter me!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com