Friday, April 30, 2010

LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN, NEW MEXICO - Lena Nelson Dooley - Free Book

This is the interview I meant to post on Wednesday, but I was in the hospital for monitoring and observation that day. Today we have a guest interviewer.

Hi everyone! Janice Thompson here. I'm filling in for Lena today because she's our featured author! I approached her with this idea when we were at a retreat together, and she agreed. I had the joy of reading LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN NEW MEXICO for endorsement and loved it. What a ride! Such great characterization and great plot twists. I can't wait for this book to release. I know that readers will love it. In the meantime, I've come up with a host of questions for Lena to answer, so let's get this show on the road!


Lena, what was it like, working with a new publisher (Summerside Press)?

I absolutely loved it. The people at Summerside Press welcomed me in so many warm ways. I’ve come to appreciate each of them. And the editor who did the actual work on my book was the easiest editor I’ve ever worked with. (Thank you, Ramona.) She encouraged me and helped make my words shine.

I’m so glad you had a great experience with Summerside. I’ve learned that working with a great editor can make the process much more enjoyable! How did you come up with the idea of setting your most recent story in Golden, New Mexico?

I needed a place that had gold mining and area nearby for ranching. Also, the name of the town needed to have meaning in the story. I did about two days of research to find the exact town that fit what I needed. I found out that the first gold strike west of the Mississippi was actually in Golden in New Mexico Territory in 1825, which preceded both the Colorado and California strikes.

I love the symbolism in your title/setting. I’m also crazy about your character descriptions in this story. They are beautifully layered. How did you go about choosing your characters and growing them into such complex men and women?

This was my first chance to write a long novel, so I’ve never been able to do it as I did in this book. I firmly believe that God gave me insight into each of the people, which helped the story become multi-layered. Of course, you and I both know that having a drama director background helps an author be able to dig deep into characters, revealing their feelings, desires, and regrets.

I hear ya! When you’re accustomed to working with characters on the stage, the transition to the page just seems to come naturally. Now let me ask you another question. Your story begins in one city and ends in another. Tell us about that progression.

It did make more work while I researched for the story. The heroine’s story arc takes her from Boston, where she grew up in a wealthy family to the Wild West town. The contrasting of the two cultures gave another level to the story.

As writers we're taught that our bad guys can't be all bad and our good guys can't be all good. How did you go about accomplishing this in your story?

Actually, in the beginning I planned for the bad guy to be all bad, but along the way, God showed me his motivation for being a villain. That changed some things in his part of the story.

And with the good guys, let’s face the fact, none of us are good all the time. I love to write realistic stories that show a character’s foibles as well.

Yes, it always comes back to goals, motivation and conflict, doesn’t it! Who is your favorite character. . .and why?

I get asked this a lot. It’s almost like asking, “Which of your children do you love the most?” I loved them all, because they each had something to add to the story, even the most minor characters. But if I have to choose, I’d have to say it’s. . . see, I just can’t do it.

Perfect answer. And I totally understand. What was the most intriguing thing you learned during your research for this book?

I had a quandary about how an orphan baby could be fed on a cross-country train ride. I found out a lot of interesting things about infant feeding. A Swiss doctor made an infant food formula that really gave babies what they needed. By 1890, it was available all across the United States, through the Nestle company. I found that interesting. And the baby bottles were so different from what are used today.

I always think it’s so much fun to discover “products” that were available. The Nestles formula was perfect! Now, let me switch gears. . . You did a great job of "showing" the reader the town of Golden, New Mexico. What surprised you most about Golden?

Golden was a thriving town and the center of mining in that area, even after the railroad chose to go through Los Cerrillos far to the north. But when the mining died out, the town dwindled to a ghost town.

Your story is a lovely romance, filled with a strong inspirational thread. Can you tell us a little about the role romance has played in your own life, both in your marriage and your relationship with the Lord?

God gave me my husband when I didn’t know that I needed him. Three months and three days later, we were married. That was almost 46 years ago. Our romance has grown stronger and deeper over the years. In the same way, my intimate love of the Lord has grown stronger and deeper. I love Jesus and James more each day.

Both of those relationships (with James and with the Lord) shine through in all you do, Lena. I love hearing your stories about your sweet hubby, and your love for the Lord is the absolutely sweetest thing about you! You are a genuinely kind and loving friend, which is why I’m so delighted this book is releasing. You deserve it! Lena, you've always done such a great job of showcasing the work of others on your blog and via other social networks (and we're eternally grateful). What is it like, to share about your own stories here? Is it harder to promote yourself. . .or others?

I love showcasing and promoting the work of others. Actually, that’s what God told me to do on my blog. It always feels awkward when I’m doing my own. I’ve answered the questions I’ve sent to other authors, but this way with you as guest interviewer is much better.

Trust me, I know! It’s always harder to promote yourself. That’s why I wanted to jump onboard with this one. Once readers have a chance to read this story, they will begin promoting for you! And speaking of promotion… If a Hollywood director called and said, "I want to turn your book into a movie!" what would you say/do? Would you have an active role in the filming of the movie? Who would star in it?

You’re kidding, right? After jumping up and down and screaming, I’d agree wholeheartedly. I do think I’d have my agent make sure there is a clause where I could have a final approval on any screenplay. I do understand the need for screenwriters to make adjustments, but I’d want to be able to say no if they changed the story in a way that is unacceptable to my principles. If we’re dreaming here, I’d love to have Sandra Bullock as Madeline and John Schneider as Jeremiah (even though his hair is the wrong color).

What other projects do you have in the works?

Right now, I’m between contracts, but my agent has several proposals with editors, and there's been some real interest in a three book series. I'm hoping it sells soon.

When you were a little girl, did you ever dream you would be a multi-published author?

It never crossed my mind.

How interesting! I pegged you to be one of those little girls who knew exactly what she wanted to be when she grew up! Is there anything you'd like to say to up-and-coming romance authors out there?

Write the stories of your heart. Network with other authors. Never stop learning about the craft. Never give up, but trust the Lord to bring about success in your writing life.

Amen, to that, sister. Those are “golden” words of advice! Thanks for letting me take on the role of emcee today, Lena! I'm tickled pink about your book. I'm sure the sales are going to be out of this world!

Janice A. Thompson
"Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!"
http://www.janiceathompson.com/
http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/
http://doublebookedjanice.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Janice, for helping me promote Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using the link when you order you'll 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.

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY - Siri Mitchell - Free Book

So glad you're back with us, Siri. God has really been moving in your writing life.

What do you see on the horizon? I see at least three more books with Bethany House Publishers. I recently signed a contract for three more historicals which will release in the spring of 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively. The first is set in 1918 Boston, the second in 1777 Philadelphia, and the third…I’m hoping early-1800s on the coast of New England. But I’m flexible and always open for the next great inspiration!


Those sound really interesing. Tell us a little about your family.

My husband is in the Air Force, so my family has been very transient. We’ve lived in France and Japan; Florida and Colorado; California and Virginia; Alabama and Washington. I’ve always enjoyed moving, but I think I’m finally coming to the point where I’d like to just sit and stay somewhere for a while.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I’m reading much more non-fiction than I used to! For pleasure, I’ll always turn to novels, but I’ve had to trade away my pleasure reading for research reading.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my spring 2011 release. I’ve already barreled through the first draft and am currently struggling with the second draft. I have characters who need more development, plot holes that need plugging, and pacing that needs a bit of kick in the get-along!

What outside interests do you have?

Not too many. My time is limited, so I try to limit my activities. I visit the gym regularly and when it’s seasonable, I try to play golf. I also enjoy taking advantage of all the museums and historic sites that the DC-metro area has to offer.

I love gong to museums, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I don’t think I do. Most of the ideas I’ve been passionate about have chosen me. I seem to write best at the places where women conflict with cultural expectations.

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

I’d like to be able to sit down with my great-grandmother Hilja Matilla. She emigrated from Finland by herself as a young woman, carrying not much more than a fiddle. Apparently, she married my great-grandfather, a professional gambler, in part because he had a car. I’d love to know why she came to America and hear about her experience as a first-generation American. I’d also like some more details about that car!

My grandparents on my father's side emigrated from Scandanavian countries, so we have some interesting stories, too. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

How difficult it is. How I’d have to stare Fear in the eyes every day before being able to write. Probably better that I didn’t know.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

That the stories are His to tell. I mess them up every single time I try to take over.

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

1. Tell the story. Just like in golf, there’s a point in time where you have to forget about all the finer points of what you’re doing. Just tell the story. Forget about the hook and MRUs; outlines and character motivations. You can let the thoughts of what you’re supposed to be doing paralyze you, or you can just keep your eye on the ball and swing that club.

2. Finish the Story. The vast majority of people who begin writing a novel never finish it. Finishing it puts you way ahead in the publishing game. Even if it turns out not be saleable, you will have learned valuable lessons as a take-away.

3. Start another Story. What? You thought you were done? You can probably write an entire second novel in the time it takes to hear back from all the agents and editors you’re going to query. And writing keeps the fear and trembling at bay. Writers write. So go ahead. Get on with it!

Tell us about the featured book?

She Walks in Beauty is set in 1890s New York City in the upper levels of society during the late-Victorian era. For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor. Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.

Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries. When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her marriage at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.

The more research I did into corsets and late-Victorian culture, the more their problems seemed to mirror ours. Women still go to dangerous lengths to "fix" the way they look. Media still creates a celebrity-focused culture. Advertising still perpetuates unreasonable standards of beauty for women that lead to anorexia-inducing behaviors, and we still grapple with our attitudes toward and treatment of the poor. Most books about debutantes focus on the glamour of the lifestyle or the cattiness of the girls themselves. This books looks at the huge spiritual, physical, and emotional costs these girls were made to pay.

But really, in true Victorian fashion, this book has a happy, heartwarming ending and I think there are scenes that will make readers laugh and others that will touch their hearts and make them cry (happy tears only, please!).

It just moved to the top of my to-be-read pile. Please give us the first page of the book.

“Get dressed, Clara. In your visiting costume. We are going out.” My aunt’s words were at once commanding and precise. As precise as her posture: a series of ninety-degree angles, seated upon one of my bedroom chairs. She was perpendicular in the extreme. I bit the inside of my lip to hide the smile that threatened to escape.

There were far more important matters to consider than geometry. We were going out! And we never went out. We never went anywhere. Not since Aunt had moved in with us the month before. Several times I had been given permission to visit my friend Lizzie Barnes, but only in the company of Miss Miller.

Aunt rose to her feet from the chair that made a pair with my own. Their plump, pansy-embroidered seats and lilac fringe corresponded with the rest of the décor in my bedroom. Her fat, fluffy Pomeranians, displaced by her sudden movement, began barking and dancing about her feet. “Was I unclear in my diction, Clara? I meant now.”

“No.”

“What? I should not have to strain my ears to hear you.”

Indeed she shouldn’t. Her ears had a habit of standing away from her head like soup ladles, as if they were longing to be freed from her relentlessly old-fashioned coiffure, parted in the middle and drawn back into a bun. “No. You were not unclear.”

“Very well then.” She clucked at her dogs and left the room accompanied by a frenzied yipping. There were three dogs which scampered after her and they were the most hateful creatures I had ever known.

At Aunt’s departure, Miss Miller moved from the shadows of a corner to part my velvet curtains and draw down the shades on my windows.

“I don’t see why she thinks she can order me around like one of her horrid dogs! I’m not some child—I’m seventeen years old.”

Miss Miller smiled and walked toward the now-vacant chair. “She’s simply used to people doing as she bids.”

“Then she ought to have stayed where she was.”
“She’s taken an interest in your upbringing and I think it’s very kind. Especially since…well…”

“Since I have no mother.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel...I didn’t mean to remind you. I’m sorry.” Miss Miller sat as I stood to let the maid help me undress.

I could never be upset with Miss Miller. And in any case, Mama had died so very long ago. “We’ve been doing just fine on our own, you and I.”

“But there’s your debut to consider now.”

“That’s months away.” More than a year. I was looking forward to it about as much as a mouse looks forward to being pounced upon by a cat.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’d be delighted if they’d visit me at http://sirimitchell.com/

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll be helping 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.

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

THE STONES - Eleanor Gufstason - Free Book

Welcome to my blog, Eleanor. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.


An interesting question. I recently reread my first novel, Appalachian Spring, published 25 years ago, and found a surprising amount of biographical material—e.g., my devotional and other reading at the time, music and poetry that meant a lot to me, my love for nature and the out-of-doors, and the inclusion of deaf signing I picked up while a young woman living with us at the time was teaching ESL. Book #2, Wild Harvest, was set on a Vermont tree farm similar to our own forest in Vermont. My son commented on how weird it was to see himself in the pages of a novel. Book #3, Middle Night, was perhaps the least biographical but picked up elements of my own spiritual life and passion. My current book, The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David, highlights David’s wife Abigail, my clone. Her strong principles often get her into trouble with her more cavalier husband, and mine create the same problem. :-)
What is one of the quirky things you have done?

While at the airport security check en route to a TV interview, I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten to remove my indispensable penknife from my jeans pocket. I had learned from multiple experiences that security folks really don’t like knives. This one was relatively new, the previous one having been confiscated at some other airport. Didn’t want to lose this neat little guy. What to do? I looked around, spotted a large, potted plant near the door. Went over, looked around surreptitiously, and “planted” the knife by one of the stems, leaving just its head above the dirt. Went through the line smiling. Returned next day, retrieved the knife—a bit damp and dirty—and left the airport—smiling. Cathy of Whitaker House said, “Thank God we didn’t get a call from the county jail having to post bail for you!”

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Long before I actually wrote anything down, I was making up stories in my head. After reading an exciting book, I sometimes felt compelled to “finish the story” and would roam woods and fields to live for a time with those particular characters. Marriage and babies formed a parenthesis in this process, but once past diapers, the old urge returned. My first efforts at writing prompted at least two people to advise me to stick to music. The drive persisted, though, and my first essay was accepted for publication in 1978. With a few more successes, I took a big breath and decided to try a novel. After reading an early draft, a friend scribbled on it, “You are a writer!” That felt very good.

Tell us the range of books you enjoy reading.

Fiction was and remains my first love. When my husband became a pastor and we moved into a parsonage, I discovered in the attic a cardboard box of classics that had belonged to a certain Ella Jane Spaulding. Many were stuffed with clippings on Dickens or Thackery from Sunday news magazines. I dove in, big time! This collection included Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, my all-time favorite novels. I have read each of those multiple times and watched whatever movie versions came along. I am most comfortable with older classics, though I do read contemporary fiction, many times just to relax. My non-fiction reading includes books on Christian apologetics, Intelligent Design, and my son-in-law’s new book, Sex and the iWorld: Rethinking Relationship beyond an Age of Individualism, which has been creating somewhat of a stir (Dale Kuehne, Baker Academics). For devotional reading, I have enjoyed two little volumes on prayer by Norman Shawchuck and Reuben P. Job. I also like anything by Eugene Peterson (who endorsed my David book), Henri Nouwen, and poets such as Francis Thompson, George Herbert, and Luci Shaw.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

1. Appalachian Spring (Zondervan)
2. Wild Harvest (Zondervan)
3. Middle Night (self-published)
4. The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David (Whitaker House)
5. Dynamo (still in the works)

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Life is way too busy, and I have fingers in too many pies. The big question is, of course, where to draw the line? Writing is a major drive, but I am equally driven relationally to welcome and interact with strangers or the “little” people in church; to maintain through email, phone, and regular mail a large network of relatives and friends, including a man in prison. I am passionate about missions and serve on the missions team at our church. That too involves much correspondence, sometimes in Spanish, which I don’t speak. My husband of nearly 55 years requires a fair amount of relational time, much of it on daily, hour-long walks. I’m trying online networking but lack the time required for useful interacting. Cooking—yes, I do it, the hard way from scratch; cleaning—just enough to get by; gardening—not as much as I’d like. Trips to Vermont and our tree farm to cut and haul several cords of firewood yearly. Writing gets squeezed in there somehow, but most of my books require years of careful writing and editing. My David book was roughly 15 years in the making. To keep sane, I eat healthy like you wouldn’t believe, exercise (walk, garden, haul tons of firewood, etc.), sleep 7 – 8 hours/night, keep a steady emotional keel and maintain a regular devotional life. And I do Sudoku, the best relaxant I can think of. :-)


How do you choose your characters’ names?

I don’t have a method; I simply cast about for a name that fits the character. No problem with the David book; the names were already carved in stone, though some readers have had difficulty with the multiplicity and pronunciation. I set Middle Night in a made-up world and country, and I concocted different-sounding names, as well, but that too was a challenge for readers.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

We raised three children who, by the grace of God, blossomed into outstanding, spiritually mature adults. They and their children have brought great joy into our lives.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Which is busiest—a bee or a beaver? :-)


What is your favorite food?

Homemade bread, fresh out of the oven.

What problem with writing was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Finding time to write is my biggest problem, and I obviously haven’t solved it. As you can tell from one of the above questions, life for me is more than just writing. I think part of the problem may be my dread of one day waking up and having NOTHING TO DO! I seem to be making sure that will never happen until God takes away the bits and pieces, either one by one or en masse.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

1. Read good literature.
2. Study why it is good—plot structure, character development, writing style, whatever touch of class is there.
3. Learn punctuation and grammar, like REALLY learn it.
4. Practice writing tight. Take a sentence or paragraph and see how few words you can pare it to without losing either sense or punch. Be ruthless with useless scenes, characters, descriptions—whatever. Make every word pull its weight. Without such chopping, The Stones would have had 800 or 900 pages, instead of 601.
5. Learn to differentiate between authentic and sappy Christian expression. Jargon or cliché-ridden stories turn me off, and probably would a non-Christian reader, as well.
6. Look for readers who know good literature to critique your writing—a fresh one for each of early draft, mid draft, near-final draft. These readers should be literarily a cut above you and not just a fellow writer who is also figuring out the art of writing. Nurture these readers. Take good care of them: they are valuable commodities. Take their critiques seriously. You don’t have to agree with every suggestion, but you should have good reason to override it.
7. Edit endlessly. I go through each of my books 50-100 times, and that’s a conservative guess. I am never totally satisfied.

Tell us about the featured book?

The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David is hot-blooded drama—a biblical novel that takes in the sweep of King David’s life from his encounter with Goliath to the deadly consequences of counting his fighting men. He’s a huge man, at once commanding, poetic, earthy, in touch with God. The book is cast as fiction with personalities plumped up but is as close to the Bible version as I could make it.

I’ve always loved the David story for its sheer drama, complex characters, romance, and tragedy. It lacks a certain dimension in the Bible, however, and I wanted to make it come alive and accessible to the average reader.

Sex and violence play a major role in the story, but how to handle such graphic material? David was a warrior, his main occupation. He was chosen by God to complete the job started by Moses and Joshua in reclaiming the Promised Land. The Stones of necessity contains a lot of blood, and readers need to fasten their seat belts right at the beginning. The opening scene of the book is a dream that Asaph the narrator experienced. Despite the word dream appearing three times in that first chapter, readers sometimes start thinking, “Well…THIS isn’t in the Bible!” But one reader noted that it makes perfect sense after reading the entire story. Hang in there! I believe the harshness and brutality inherent in the biblical story provided the necessary setting for David’s enormous passion for God.

Passion for God, yes, but also gross sinning. David clearly stepped over a well-defined line concerning sex, but how do you portray such an act without trampling readers’ sensibilities? Neither I nor Asaph the narrator feel comfortable peering into bedrooms. Sometimes, though, we need to remove our blinders to see the cause and the effect of such an act, as well as the lessons to be learned.

David was also an accomplished poet and musician, surprising, perhaps, in a man so bloody. I look on the Psalms as David’s journal, recording his thoughts and emotions in the context of events as they happened. He lays out everything from high elation and praise for God, to anger and pure vitriol. (See the Imprecatory Psalms.). A man of many passions, he knew how to be angry, he knew how to cry.

So many things that could be talked about: David’s assorted personas; David the man after God’s own heart; David’s hostile but necessary relationship with his commander-in-chief Joab; other major characters, including wives and concubines; the consequences of David’s bad parenting; David as the first national leader who truly understood Israel’s holy destiny; David’s role in God’s redemptive plan and his direct link to Jesus the Messiah. Do you wonder that the novel took only fifteen years to write?

A Stones Study Guide is available for individual or group use in looking more closely at some of these diverse issues. Included in the guide is a discussion of the fear of God and of cherem, the irrevocable giving over of things/persons to the Lord, often by totally destroying them. Why would God order the annihilation of entire populations—men, women, children, infants, livestock? David had good reason to fear God!

Please give us the first page of the book.

[Keep in mind that this is Asaph’s dream, not the Goliath story that we know.]

I dreamed of Goliath last night, strangely enough, considering it was Joab, David’s general, who died yesterday. Perhaps emotion was the link—the Israelites’ joy half a century ago when David killed the giant, and mine today when I saw Joab dead on the altar steps.

In my dream, I was trying to question Goliath as I have so many others in compiling this story of David. The picture was silly enough: I, Asaph—all one hundred and forty spineless, Levitical, musical pounds of me, standing eye to navel against this wool-bellied monster who had challenged not only the army of Israel, but the God of Israel, as well. When I talk with people, I try to engage their eyes, but Goliath’s head towered high and remote within its crested helmet. The bloated, belch-rumbling bulge of his middle forced me to bend backwards in an attempt to see around it.

Goliath was striding about, his eye on a flurry of activity across the brook. King Saul, tall against his own countrymen but a twig next to the Philistine, was talking with a young lad who had come upon the scene of the face-off. What were they saying? Why was the boy trying on Saul’s armor, walking as though to test its feel, then shaking his head and removing it? Watching this, Goliath worked his shoulders under his own scale armor and stamped his legs to settle bronze greaves in place.

“Goliath, my lord,” I called. “A few questions, if I may.” I trotted beside him, taking five steps to his one. “What are you thinking of in these minutes before your death? I know that’s pretty personal, but—”

“Whose death?” A reasonable question, but he said the words absently, his attention fixed on the knot surrounding the king and the red-haired boy.

“I see you’re watching David over there. He’s the one who will kill you, you know. I know the end of the story.”

The giant’s shaved jowls hung thick and lumpy, his teeth poked brown and rotten between inch-thick lips. His cropped mane added to the illusion of a naked, weak-eyed pimple atop a furry lump of brutishness. I began to understand that my insolent questions got no answers because Goliath’s mind was big enough only to size up an enemy. His left eye circled dangerously. Like another eye I knew.

Joab’s eye.

David headed downstream where he knelt by the brook to sort through stones, measuring their heft and smoothness. My dream’s eye saw him in simple shepherd’s garb, no armor, carrying only his staff and sling. He splashed across the thin stream and faced the giant, intentions clear.

Goliath stiffened, and when his mind caught up with the implications of what his eyes saw, he expanded another foot and turned black with rage. With a mighty whirl that sent his armor-bearers sprawling, he spit his injured pride in the direction of the Israelite king, who was watching from his vantage point upstream. “Look a’ me,” the giant roared, thumping a four-foot chest. “Some sorta dog you see? No, you see I Goliath. I gnaw warrior bones for supper, but here you serve up sticks. By the mighty power of Dagon and Asherah, I strip feathers and flesh from this stork and feed him to rats!”

“Goliath!” David shouted from below. “Never mind the king.” He stood with legs apart and arms akimbo, head cocked rakishly. The first fuzz of manhood sketched red along a face that was fresh, strong, handsome, fully alive. His voice warbled unpredictably between man and boy.

“That tree trunk of a spear,” the lad called. “I wouldn’t mind having it or the sword your armor-bearer is playing with.” His words were light, but his eyes never left the giant.

“Goliath, you’ve been a lion against sheep till now. But today I come against you in the name of Yahweh, the Lord of hosts, whom your people say is stuck in a box. The God of Israel will act, and you’ll be the one who’ll fatten rats. The world will know from this day on that Yahweh saves, not by sword and spear, not by size and fear, but by his power alone. I’ve killed lions and bears, you know. Their teeth and claws are sharper than yours.”

David’s voice cracked, provoking laughter. Under its cover David laid aside his staff and drew a stone from his pouch. The Philistine armor-bearers danced in anticipation of action at last. Goliath’s left eye began circling again. His face darkened, his arms took on the fur and claws of a bear. A snout, round, fur-flanked and vaguely familiar, poked through his facial armor. Now closer to nineteen feet tall than nine, he reared and roared and was no longer Goliath but a bear-like Joab, David’s loathsome commander-in-chief. With weapons carriers and shield bearer tight to him, he thundered down the slope toward the shepherd boy. But the lad, to my alarm, appeared to shrivel even as the giant grew. The Joab bear raised his arms, and the updraft sucked my robe until I felt myself being drawn toward the great beast’s maw. David and I both cowered before him. As those claws descended, the armor-bearer (whom I also recognized but couldn’t name) sprang from under the shield with the giant’s own sword. With a mighty, two-handed stroke he cut off the great beast’s head. Then he stuck the sword into the ground and leaned on the haft, gasping for breath.

Goliath’s armor-bearer was Benaiah.

Intriguing! How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.eleanorgustafson.com/

Poke around; buy a book; send an email bouquet or throw a “stone.” :-) You’ll find a page on the website that tells what a lot of people have said about the book. Because of its warrior connections, it has gone over very well with men. You’ll also find a page of funny things that have happened along the “write” way. Thanks for checking me out!

And thank you, Eleanor, for this interesting time with you.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll 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/

Monday, April 26, 2010

THE SUPERLATIVE STREAM - Kerry Nietz - Free Book

Wecome back, Kerry. Why do you write the kind of books you do?


I just write whatever story comes to me, regardless of what genre it fits into. Typically, the genre ends up being science fiction, but that isn’t a conscious decision on my part. I get a story idea and a few images from the place or situation and just go from there.

There is almost always a technological angle to my stories, though. That’s probably because I have a science and technology background. My major in college was Computer Science, and I spent well over a decade in that field.

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

Happy for a whole day, huh? That’s a tough one. I don’t usually think that way. I think more in moments. Happy moments: the first time I saw my children’s faces, the first time I held my printed books in my hands, the first time I noticed the wedding ring on my sleeping wife’s hand.

How has being published changed your life?

You know I really enjoy being a published author. I love meeting other authors and readers. Having people discuss my characters and my work. The feedback I’ve received. It’s exciting! Often a bit of an emotional roller coaster too, but I still really like it.

That’s the biggest change, probably. If you market your book at all (which you should!) you form connections with many, many new people.

I think you also gain a bit of stature. People look at you now as if you have the publishing biz figured out. Like you should be wearing tweed jackets with elbow patches and smoke a pipe...

What are you reading right now?

I’m still in the final stages of revising my second novel, plus spring is starting to show its face around here. Consequently I’ve found it hard to focus on reading a novel-length story. So I’ve been reading a short story collection called “Shepard Moon.” The stories are all based on the characters and situations of the 70s-era sci-fi show “Space 1999.” Fun stuff.

What is your current work in progress?

By the time this is posted, my WIP will probably be surviving a household with three children under six. (My wife is due May of ’10.) That’s OK, though. After having two books release in under a year, a bit of a family-based distraction is probably a good thing.

I’m already starting to sketch out ideas for the third book in the DarkTrench saga, however...

What would be your dream vacation?

If it were reasonably safe, I think a trip to space would be great—either in Earth orbit or maybe a spot on the moon. How cool would that be? If not space, then maybe a submarine ride.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My settings find me, meaning the situation and characters of the book sort of demand a certain setting. I don’t have near the number of books under my belt as you do though, Lena. When I get to over a dozen, I might have to put more concentrated thought into my setting. We’ll see.

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

If it is someone who is not currently a friend or family member, then this is tough, because so many of my literary heroes are long gone. Hmm…maybe Ray Bradbury or Frank Peretti? Those guys can move me with their writing.

I've met Frank Peretti once. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Probably watching movies. At this stage in my life my free time is fairly limited. The kids are young enough that someone has to be responsible for them at all times. But when my wife and I go out, usually it is to dinner and a movie. And when we have quiet time at home, often we’re watching movies then too.

It’s good practice for being a writer, though. We need to train ourselves to compose impactful movie-like scenes and compelling stories.

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

Distraction, mostly by things that seem pressing at the time, but ultimately are not. The “tyranny of the urgent” as it is sometimes called. The only way to defeat that, though, is to have your writing time carved out in stone. Tell yourself you will write during these times, and nothing—short of a family emergency—will tear you away.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Probably the answer to the last question. Designate yourself a time for writing, and stick to it.

Tell us about the featured book?

The Superlative Stream is the second book in the DarkTrench Saga series, which began with A Star Curiously Singing. At the end of that book, a couple of the characters were headed off into deep space, so this book follows their story. Near the end of A Star there was evidence to suggest that some supernatural force other than what the characters have known is out there…waiting. So, ultimately the quest of The Superlative Stream is to find the True God of the heavens. I think it is a very unique and enjoyable story, with a lot of unexpected twists. I hope it surprises people.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The first two chapters can be found here: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/The_Superlative_Stream.htm

I’m extremely happy with my opening paragraph. I think it is one of the best opening lines I’ve ever written. Check it out!

I'm anxiously awaiting my copy, so I can follow the characters on their journey. I loved A Star Curiously Singing How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.kerrynietz.com/ . I’m also on a bunch of social sites, notably: Facebook, Shoutlife, Shelfari, and Goodreads.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll be helping 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/

Sunday, April 25, 2010

THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE - Vickie McDonough - Free Book

Glad to have you back, Vickie. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write mostly historical Christian romances, although I do have two contemporary books published. I love stories set on the prairie or in the Old West and stories with cowboys. Not all of my books have these settings, but a number of them do.


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

That’s really hard. Of course, there’s the day I got married, and the days my four sons were born, then the day my granddaughter was born, and the day I got my first book contract. I guess I don’t have just one happiest day. :-)

How has being published changed your life?

The biggest change is that I now have this huge world of friends I didn’t have before. I’ve met so many people in the writing word, and a number of them are very dear friends. That’s been a perk I never expected. The other change is that I’ve gotten to travel a lot. I always wanted to travel, but when we were raising our four boys, we couldn’t afford it very often. I’ve gotten to travel to places for research, for conferences, and book festivals. I love that!

What are you reading right now?

You actually caught me in between books, which is a very rare thing. The last two books I read were Angel’s Den by Jamie Carie and A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley. Both were good books.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m currently working on the sequel to The Anonymous Bride. It’s book two in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series and is titled Second Chance Brides. It’s the story of two women who were the losers in a bride contest.

What would be your dream vacation?

Since I’m dreaming, I’ll dream big. I’d love to take a trip around the world with stops in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Ireland, Rome, Austria and Africa. Wouldn’t that be some trip!

I'd love to come along on that one. How do you choose your settings for each book?

In different ways. I tend to write a lot of books set in Texas because they’re popular, but also because I live next door to it in Oklahoma and have visited there many times. Again, it goes back to my love of prairie and Old West settings. Other settings I’ve used have been after researching and finding something that interested me about the area.

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

Ugh, that’s hard. It would have to be Harrison Ford or Tracie Peterson. Tracie would win out, though, because I have no idea what to say to Mr. Ford. I’d love to pick Tracie’s brain and learn how she researches her books and how she finds such interesting places and topics to write about. I’ve been reading her books for over twenty years, I think.

I love Tracie's books, too. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Playing with my granddaughter Hailey, watching movies and my favorite TV show(NCIS, Chuck, Numbers, & Castle), traveling, and gardening.

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

Sometimes it the actual writing process. If I’m stuck, I tend to procrastinate and do other things instead of writing. I should be writing right now, but as you can see, I’m doing this interview.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Don’t expect to have your first book published. It happens, but most of us need to write a few practice books and learn the craft of writing before we’re ready to be published. The first book I sold was actually the fourth one I’d written. I doubt the first three will ever be published. Study the craft of writing, attend writing conferences if you can, join a critique group, and keep writing, even if you get rejections. If you write Christian fiction, I highly recommend that you join ACFW. http://www.acfw.com/

Tell us about the featured book?

The Anonymous Bride is the first book in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. It’s the story of a town marshal who suddenly has three mail-order brides show up in to town, each expecting to marry him. The thing is—he didn’t order a bride. After much debate, it’s decided a contest will be held to see which bride would make the best wife. But instead of three entries, there are four—the fourth being from an anonymous bride. It’s a fun, light-hearted book that I hope readers will enjoy.

Please give us the first page of the book.

(Here it is, but since this isn’t the final version, keep in mind it could change some.)

Luke Davis reined his horse to a halt atop the ridge and gazed down at the town half a mile away. Lookout, Texas—the place where his dreams were birthed and had died. He wasn’t ready to return—to face the two people he’d tried so hard to forget. But sometimes God asked hard things of a man.

“I’d rather face a band of Sioux warriors, Lord, than to ride into that town again.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

Alamo, his black gelding, snorted, as if sensing they’d reached the end of their long journey. Luke reined his horse down the path to the small river that ran south and west of town. A healthy dose of spring rains had filled the crater dug out by past floods where the river made a sharp turn. Local kids used it for a swimming hole, and a new rope had been added for them to swing on. Memories of afternoons spent there were some of Luke’s favorite, but those carefree days were over.

He glanced heavenward at the brilliant blue sky, halfway hoping God would give him leave to ride away. When no such reprieve came, he dismounted at the water’s edge and allowed his horse to drink while he rinsed three days’ worth of dust off his face.

Alamo suddenly jerked his head up and flicked his ears forward. The horse backed away from the bank and turned, looking off to the right. Luke scooped up a handful of water and sipped it, watching to see what had stirred up his horse. Tall trees lined the life-giving river, and thigh-high grasses and shrubs made good hiding places. He knew that for a fact. How many times as a boy had he and his two cousins hidden there, watching the older kids swimming and sometimes spooning?

“Must have been some critter, ’Mo.” He stood and patted his horse, finally ready to ride into Lookout and see up close how much the town had changed. How she’d changed.

Suddenly, three heads popped up from behind a nearby bush. “Hey, mister,” a skinny kid yelled, “that’s our swimming hole, not a horse trough.”

Rocks flew toward him, and he ducked, turning his back to the kids. Alamo squealed and sidestepped into Luke, sending him flying straight into the river. Hoots of laughter rose up behind him as cool water seeped down into his boots and soaked his clothing. His boots slipped on the moss-covered rocks as he scrambled for a foothold.

“Foolish kids.” He trudged out of the river, dripping from every inch of his clothing. His socks sloshed in his water-logged boots. Dropping to the bank, he yanked them off and dumped the water and wrung out his socks. With his boots back on, he checked Alamo, making sure the horse wasn’t injured, then he mounted, determined to find those kids and teach them a lesson. Playing childish pranks was one thing, and he’d done his share of them, but throwing rocks at an animal was something else altogether.

“Heyah!” Alamo lurched forward. Luke hunkered low against the horse’s neck until he cleared the tree line then he sat up, scanning the rolling hills. He didn’t see any movement at first, but when he topped the closest hill, he found the rowdy trio racing for the edge of town. Luke hunched down and let his horse out in a full canter, quickly closing the distance between him and the kids.

All three glanced back, no longer ornery but scared. He’d never harm a child, but instilling a little fear for the law couldn’t hurt anything.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is: http://www.vickiemcdonough.com/
I’m a regular contributor on the Bustles and Spurs blog: http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/
Thank you for allowing me to be a guest on your blog and to tell you some information about The Anonymous Bride.

We are thrilled to have you, Vickie.

Readers, I've read and reviewed The Anonymous Bride. You can read my review by clicking on the Book Review link at the top of the blog.

Here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help this 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/

Saturday, April 24, 2010

6 Winners Again This Week!!

Michelle is the winner of Peace for Parents of Teens by Beth Shriver.

Misskallie2000 is the winner of Beguiled by Deeanne Gist & J. Mark Bertrand.

TNprincess is the winner of Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St. Amant.


Sidney W. Frost is the winner of Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher.


Pa-Dutch-Travel is the winner of The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher.


JudyLynn is the winner of Fifteen Years by Kendra Norman Bellamy.
 
Congratulations, everyone. Send me your mailing address:

Click the Contact Me link at the top of the page, and send me an Email.

You have 6 weeks to claim your book.

If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link when you order, you will help support this blog.

We have an exciting lineup in 2010, including my next book Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, which releases May 1. You can view the book trailer by clicking on the Books link at the top of this blog. Both print edition and Kindle edition are available on Amazon now.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

THE CAMELOT CONSPIRACY - Diane & David Munson - Free Book

Welcome to my blog, Diane and David. Tell us how much of yourselves you write into your characters.

Because we write what we call “factional fiction,” the characters often spring from cases we’ve work on, or in Diane’s case, that she prosecuted. Sometimes we write more of our own actions and motivations into the story than we intend. Besides seasoning characters with bits and pieces from our careers, we also use our wild imaginations to keep the plots and fictional folks lively.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

We’ve both ridden on an elephant. Diane rode bareback in a hometown parade and David experienced the magnificent beast in the mountains of Thailand. David’s scary encounter is actually portrayed in our February 2010 release of Hero’s Ransom.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Diane wrote award winning poetry while in college taking writing classes. Our creative sides had to take a back seat during our careers, where each of us wrote intelligence reports, legal briefs, and policy papers. It was interesting to be a part of history in Washington D.C., where many people encouraged David to write about his undercover cases, some of which were pretty dangerous. When we were studying the genealogy of Jesus, we became interested in our families’ histories. During the research Diane felt called to write historical fiction. The writing really flowed and a Christian publisher suggested that based on our exciting lives in crime that we plunge into suspense, another genre we enjoy reading. The idea for our first novel, Facing Justice was born under a palm tree on a Florida beach.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Diane stumbled onto Christian fiction in the 90’s when she found Grace Livingston Hill books (she’s read almost one hundred). Then she dug into George McDonald novels, which led to us traveling to Scotland. She also reads Jane Austin, Charles Dickens, and historical themes including Ghost Soldiers, The Epic Account of WWII’s greatest Rescue Mission by Hampton Sides; Winds of War by Herman Wouk; and John le Carre spy novels about the Cold War. David is reading Tony Dungy’s Uncommon, and is intrigued by Robert Whitlow, David Baldacci and Nelson DeMille. We both love the series by Brock and Bode Thoene: Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles.

I love the Thoene books, too. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Our first three novels, Facing Justice, Confirming Justice, and The Camelot Conspiracy, were first published by FaithWalk Publishing, then in 2009, re-published by Micah House Media. In February, 2010, Hero’s Ransom will be released by Micah House Media. Diane has written another novel, which is in the can as they say about unpublished movies. She wrote an historical novel on her legal pad, which David typed into the computer. It’s inspired by Diane’s research about her genealogy, and tells the story of how a Dutch family is persecuted for their faith after befriending Johann Gutenburg and helping him to develop the printing press. It may be published sometime in the future.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Spending as much time in the natural world is a real boost. We enjoy observing diving ducks in the wild, or stepping quietly in the woods with binoculars up to our eyes and spotting a red cardinal, bald eagle or a pine warbler. What fun we have in God’s creation. Actually, life is less hectic than when we were both working in the Justice Department. We manage to carve out time for short term mission trips, traveling and spending time with families. Writing novels and traveling the country for book signings and speaking has proven to be fascinating. We never know where the road will take us.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

It is more difficult than one might imagine. We try to match the name to the character, i.e., strong names for the heroes and heroines, and off-beat names for the antagonists. Also, we don’t want to repeat names, so the more books we write, we look for names in unusual places. Because we often pepper in international intrigue, we’ll get out the atlas, find small villages and use those for foreign characters. In Facing Justice, we gave one of the terrorists the name of the missile launched by Saddam Hussein called “El Samoud”. For fun, we sometimes name a character after someone we know, especially if they have an atypical name or spelling. In those cases, we use their names for likable characters.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

We thank God for the blessing of working together each day and want to glorify Him with our writing. After we’ve spent months (or years) writing a novel, it is such a pleasure when a reader shares how they’ve enjoyed the books. Sometimes they relate to one of the characters, or to a character’s challenge. In some cases they relax from the pressures of life and get caught up in a story that is edifying. Others tell us they find encouragement from federal agents and justice officials who love the Lord and are not afraid to live out their faith. That is awesome.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Diane would be some kind of cat, probably a cheetah, as she used to love running fast. These cats are so courageous, which is something she’d like more of. We enjoyed having a smart and funny cat for 20 years as a pet. David’s favorite creature is the eagle. He is impressed with their strength, their courtship, and their devotion to raising their young. He’d be soaring over the lakes and mountains.

What is your favorite food?

A great question. Food is such an important part of our culture, which we work into every one of our novels. Diane enjoys Lake Superior whitefish, served with lots of lemon for zest. For David, it has to be fresh Florida grouper.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

In the beginning, we found it difficult to find time to write given our challenging careers. Then, at a writer’s conference, a published author told how she wrote 350 words a day, finishing a novel in one year. We tried that formula and it worked. Completing the first manuscript gave us great joy. We keep working on our writing, taking classes, watching DVD’s, and reading books on the craft to keep honing our skills.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Never, never, never (you get the idea) give up if this is something God has put on your heart. He will make a way. We pray about our story lines, marketing, and the whole panorama of publishing, turning these details over to God. We want to be open to the moving of the Spirit.

Tell us about the featured book.

In The Camelot Conspiracy, when young television reporter, Kat Kowicki, takes on U.S. Senator Lars Zorn, she is demoted from Washington back to Chicago. Certain her life is over and while nursing her wounded pride, Kat receives a mysterious e-mail offering her never-before released evidence in President Kennedy’s assassination. Would you like to learn part of the back-story?

Our two earlier books highlight power plays in Washington and terrorism around the globe. We wanted to set the third novel in the Midwest and looked to a case in David’s past. Thousands of Americans vividly recall what they were doing on 11/22/63 when they heard about JFK’s assassination. David was in a college class and was shocked like everyone else. That night he worked at the FBI as an investigative assistant (hoping to be an FBI agent), and took an ominous phone call from FBI Dallas. The rifle that killed the President had been purchased in Chicago and FBI Dallas requested FBI Chicago to hurry over to Klein's Sporting Goods and determine who purchased the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle. David realized the momentous opportunity to be part of the nation’s history. Unfortunately, the only agent on duty insisted that David stay and answer the phones. Later, he did see the records and his experience gave us fodder to weave in true evidence in the modern-day thriller.

Once Kat Kowicki decides to run with the JFK story and she begins digging into whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, her life is rocked by a shadow government trying to keep her quiet. The back-story of this is flavored with what happened after David left government service. 9/11 stunned the nation. The U.S. government reached out to him and other former agents to help as private contractors. David did not hire on, but when he learned the mission of these former agents, it spawned an idea of how former government types could be used to do what government employees couldn’t do.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Eva Montanna slid her chair from behind a cluttered desk in the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility and stretched her cramped legs. She longed to leave the super secret office in the Capitol and start her summer vacation of kite flying, wave jumping, and building sandcastles on the beach. But her special assignment to the U.S. Senate meant she first had to attend the hearing on terrorist threats from South America.

She swiftly threaded her wheat-blond hair into a ponytail, her mind pivoting from tranquil thoughts of care-free days with her husband and  three children to getting to the Hart Building on time. In the closet-like office, she drained the last of her coffee, the lack of windows making it impossible for her to fathom that summer was only eight hours old. Eva gathered her list of questions when the receptionist buzzed her over the intercom.

“Eva, can you take this call? The guy sounds really strange, says he’s calling from Senator Hernandez’s Florida district.”

“I’m leaving for the intelligence hearing,” Eva shot back, hoping Amy would take the hint and find someone else.

Eva’s vacation started at one o’clock, and as she watched seconds tick by on the buzzing wall clock, she was in no mood to disappoint her family.

“He claims it’s urgent and says he can’t wait.”

Before Eva could decline with a firm no, she found herself caught in the mystery of who the man was and why he was calling. “I’ll do it for you, but then I’m outta here.”

Amy laughed, drowning out Eva’s sigh. Eva punched the line to connect the call and pushed the receiver to her ear.

“Hello, this is Eva Montanna. What’s so urgent?”

The caller’s Spanish accent was thick, so she paused for a moment to try processing his garbled response, then spoke crisply into the phone, “Sorry, I cannot hear you very well. Our connection is weak.”

His voice was a mere whisper, but he repeated the words, this time with force. “My life is in danger. Help free me, por favor.”

Eva absorbed his entreaty and then quickly calculated the impact of his plea. Was his call a hoax? More likely, he was some kook who had seen the same article she’d read that morning in the Washington Star about how the FBI had infiltrated a mosque near Seattle. For a newspaper to casually mention carefully guarded intelligence as if it were a mere accident report deeply concerned Eva. That leak might have come from a congressional staffer, and the idea planted suspicions in her mind about everyone she was working with on the Senate Intelligence Committee. And over the years she’d learned the leaks never stopped coming.

Sounds intriguing. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Visit our “home away from home” at http://www.dianeanddavidmunson.com/ . You’ll find some interesting photos we’ve taken, an occasional contest, a bit more about us, and where we’ll be around the country. Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter, which comes out every other month or so. We’d love to hear from you.

Diane and David, thank you for taking this time with us.
 
Readers here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you'll help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. If you leave a link to any website, your comment may be deleted.


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/

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

FINDING JEENA - Miralee Ferrell - Free Book

I love this book. I was privileged to read it and endorse it before it came out. Welcome, Miralee. How did you and your spouse meet?

Allen moved to the small town where I lived when I was a junior in high school. He started during the last term of that year, and I remember the day he walked in for the first time. Blue jeans, cowboy boots, short, neat hair cut, and a killer smile. I thought “Wow, a cute cowboy”. He didn’t really notice me until our senior year when we were in the same study hall. The teacher was new and young, and had little control over the kids. I was the only girl in a class of twelve guys, LOL! Allen chose a desk near mine and we started getting acquainted, but I turned down his attempts at a date for three months before finally saying yes (he wasn’t a Christian, but agreed to start attending church with me and later did get saved). We quickly became an item and married a year and four months later, after I attended college for one year. (Disclaimer: I will say I don’t suggest doing things backwards as far as dating a non-Christian.)

I like the ratio of guys to girl. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

It’s starting to develop and is something I’m hoping the Lord will grow as He sees fit. I’ve spoken a number of times at our church, both on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. My pastor encouraged me to get my ministerial credentials through our denomination, as he felt the Lord wants to use me in a speaking ministry as well as my writing. I did so, and have since been asked by a few women’s groups to speak at a variety of meetings, but I feel like I’m still getting my feet wet. I don’t see myself as a main speaker at a conference or women’s retreat yet, but hopefully someday that will come.

It will. What are some interesting things about you that others might not know?

There are several that I don’t typically mention in a bio that my readers might enjoy knowing.

1. My husband and I were foster parents to mostly teenage girls for a number of years, and I’d have loved to have had more than two children of our own, but as I have RH-Negative blood, that wasn’t possible.

2. We lived in Alaska for a year and while there I took a part time job driving a tourist bus. We also had the opportunity to land on a glacier in a plane equipped with skis.

3. Allen and I owned two cougars, not taken from the wild but several generations in captivity. We got the first one as a kitten and the second was a rescue from a neglectful home.

4. We owned a sawmill for fourteen years, and I worked doing everything other than running the big saw and planer. I ran the scoop mobile (similar to a forklift), did the off-bearing for the big circle saw as well as the planer, stoked the boiler (where I broke 2 fingers), ran boards through the edger, and other jobs.

5. My son, father-in-law, brother-in-law and husband are all (or have been) in the airplane industry. We owned and operated an aircraft maintenance business for four years. While there, I opened a small tack shop (horse stuff) that I ran on the side out of an empty room in the building.

6. My husband, young daughter and I were in a twin engine plane with my brother-in-law flying (over the Columbia River) when the wheels wouldn’t come down for landing. We thought we’d have to land in the water near the shore, but I started praying and interceding. We flew for quite a while, hoping they would work before we ran out of fuel. Praise God, they came down when we got low on fuel, and we were able to land safely.

7. I’ve never been musical and took private art/painting lessons in Jr. High and continued on oil painting as an adult. But the past few years I’ve had a desire to learn to play the drums. Maybe someday I’ll follow through and find someone to teach me. :-)

You have a very interesting life. People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I’ve experienced the same thing. If it’s a rather flippant statement without much meaning behind it, I typically just smile and say they should give it a try. If I sense it’s a true desire and they move on to ask questions, I encourage them to dig deep and learn everything they can about the craft. Even if they aren’t ultimately published, if someone has a desire to write, they should follow that dream. Study books on the subject, join writer’s groups, attend conferences if they’re able to, and most of all, just write.

Tell us about the featured book?

Finding Jeena is the sequel to The Other Daughter, my debut novel that released two years ago with Kregel. It follows the materialistic, driven Jeena Gregory, Susanne’s friend in the first book. We won’t see the Carson family in this one, but the readers will discover what drove Jeena, and why she was crying when Susanne bumped into her on the courthouse steps near the end of the book. She’s going to encounter some hard bumps that will test everything she’s valued, and challenge her thinking and beliefs in more than one area of her life.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Jeena Gregory chewed on her lip as she stared at the red silk dress hanging in the closet. Would it be enough? She wiped her sweaty palms down the legs of her jeans, trying to vanquish the knot in her stomach. The same feeling she’d experienced as a ten-year-old hit her. She’d walked into her new school and tried to ignore the snickers as some of the students eyed her worn-out sneakers and hand-me-down clothes.

She refused to let fear or insecurity take control. Fear couldn’t hurt her—only men could do that. And Sean loved her.

No way would she believe the rumor she’d heard from Connie, the biggest gossip in her small group of friends. Sean couldn’t be seeing someone else. He was close to proposing; she’d sensed it more than once. Jeena shook her head, trying to dislodge the disquieting thoughts. He’d have a good explanation.

Her confidence level soared after applying makeup and slipping into the dress. It had cost her two days’ salary, but it was worth every cent. Hugging her in all the right places, the dark red silk accented her long black hair and green eyes. Working out at the club kept her figure where she wanted it.

Sean’s car flashed past Jeena’s window and halted in front of her small condo. Jeena ran a hand over her trim hips. She’d be thirty later this year, and her body still looked like that of a twenty-year-old—she’d maintain it if she had to work out every day.

The doorbell chimed, but this time Jeena didn’t rush to answer. Sean Matthews needn’t think her life revolved around his arrival, even if it did. Playing a little hard to get might work in her favor.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I can be found several places. My web site is www.miraleeferrell.com 

My blog is http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/  and I have a Facebook page, as well as a reader’s group. Just do a search for Miralee Ferrell’s reader’s group and ask to join. I’d love to see you there!

Thank you, Miralee, for all the interesting tidbits about your life.
 
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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.

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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

ENJOYING TRUE PEACE - Stephanie Perry Moore - Free Book

Welcome back, Stephanie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’m keeping my heart and mind open to where the Lord takes me next. I love telling stories and I pray I continue to keep on blessing many through inspiring tales.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been blessed with a dynamic crew. My husband Derrick, former NFL player and motivational speaker has been the true anchor for our family. His belief in my writing has allowed me to focus on that and be at home with the kids. Our children are teens and a tween now. We have a son and two daughters. All three of them are different and with personalities galore there is never a dull moment in the Moore home.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Since I have just recently finished the five Yasmin Peace books and the five Beta Gamma Pi books, I’ve had some down time from my creating mode. It was a lot to write ten novels in eighteen months. Now, it’s been a wonderful time to study the word and read a ton of books by authors I love.

What are you working on right now?

I am very excited about several projects. Dear to my heart is a little girl series for early readers. Also, I’ve had many of my adult readers to ask for another title, so I am working a few things in that genre as well.

What outside interests do you have?

I am a full time community activist. Really, if it’s not being my county PTA president over nine schools and working on a PTA state committee, then I’m volunteering in the community with my sorority on the local, regional, and national level. I believe that if I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living is not in vain. Also, next time you’re in a movie theatre and you see a lady alone, it may be me. Supporting opening day films is in my blood.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Because I’m a southern girl, I love writing novels set in that part of the country. Usually, it’s a place I’ve lived or have visited. Southern towns, have charm, style, warmth and characters with flare and heart.

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

I have two I’d like to chat with. First, I’d like to spend time with Alex Haley. God has given me a strong passion for helping our younger generation appreciate their heritage. His story of Roots drives me to keep on keeping on. I know if I could sit and talk to Mr. Haley about his journey I could get that big story out of me that the Lord is waiting for. Also, I’d love to speak to Harriet Tubman. To have her courage and strength and merely tell her thanks for so much, would also help me to be the type of woman God has called me to be. Wow, just imagining the ‘tea time’ with them gives me chills.

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

I wished I would have known that the fundamentals of writing really is the main ingredient needed to make any writer great.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

The Lord is teaching me to wait on Him. If He brings me to it, then He can bring me through it. I am not to get frustrated when things don’t work out the way I want. Disappointed yes, but a quitter no. He wants me to keep trying and like Thomas Edison, maybe one day the light in my life will go on the way I want it.

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

First, write, rewrite and don’t give up. Second, learn the marketing side of the writing business. Lastly, I’ll say if you’re writing for God, be prepared that your title may not explode the way you’d like your book to at first, but as long as your book blesses someone God is pleased even when the business side of publishing may not be. Write for Him and be a light in this dark world. There is much wealth in that.

Tell us about the featured book?

Enjoying True Peace is a fun read. I am so excited about this last book in the Yasmin Peace series. This young lady has had one thing go wrong after another, but she has learned what it means to believe in God. She now has faith, hope, joy, love and as things come together in this final installment she gets the peace she’s longed for.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’d love to correspond to readers. Having people support my work is a blessing I treasure. Please visit me at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/ .

Thank you, Stephanie, for another interesting visit.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using this link when you order, you 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/