Tuesday, July 26, 2011

GIVE THE LADY A RIDE - Linda Yezak - Free Book

Welcome, Linda. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Most of my heroines have been wounded in the past in bad marriages or relationships, as I was, and they all receive the blessing of a second chance at love, as I did. That is the primary commonality between me and my characters. I also draw on my experiences to illustrate character emotions, but that's as far as the similarities go. My characters lead far more interesting lives than I do.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don't know how quirky this is, but the most impulsive thing I've done in recent years is to pull off the highway on the way to Mom's house, cross the cattle guard to a rodeo ranch, and request an interview with the former professional bull rider who owns it. I've always worked under that popular assumption, “It never hurts to ask,” and every time, I prove it true. The interview produced wonderful insight into the world of cowboys, bull riders, rodeo, and ranching.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I'm not sure I can remember back that far. I think I was a story-teller the moment I learned to talk. I probably started writing soon after.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Oh, goodness! I love just about everything—I'm even learning to love fantasy. I'm not too crazy about Sci-Fi, and there are some genres I simply won't touch. Otherwise I love it all, from classic to contemporary and everything in between, particularly if it's well-written.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
We're assuming that I have kept my sanity, which is still in doubt. On days when I do feel like I have a handle on things, it's because I've made to-do lists and have been able to follow it. However, when putting out brushfires usurps my list, I tiptoe along the edge of sanity.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
By their personality traits and socio-economic status, and by the setting. One lady who read my new release, Give the Lady a Ride, commented on the names of my male characters (Talon and Chance), saying they were “over the top.” Ride is set on a ranch in Texas, and bull riding plays a major part in the plot.  While “Talon” remains a unique nickname, “Chance” is fairly common in the world of riding and rodeo, and I've seen some names that were far more “over the top” than these. The names are appropriate for the setting.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Ten years of “I'll never do that again!” lapsed between my failed marriage and my new love, so the fact Billy and I will be celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary this year is my biggest honor, blessing, and pride. Of course, being published now ranks right up there!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
That's a toss-up between river otter and dolphin. I love the water, love to swim and fish, but I sunburn so easily, I'm limited to how much outdoor activity I can participate in. I'd want to be one of the water critters that has a huge personality and lots of fun in life.

What is your favorite food?
The kind that's edible. There are few things I don't like; I'm pickier about how something is prepared than I am about what it is.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
For the longest time, structure was killing me. I read James Scott Bell's book about it, and that helped, but it wasn't until I got Larry Brooks's ebook about structure that the barrier totally shattered.

Tell us about the featured book.
New York socialite Patricia Talbert has lost faith in herself, but it isn't until she comes to the Circle Bar Ranch that she learns the faith she lost in God is a far deeper problem. In Give the Lady a Ride, Patricia tries to regain that faith by riding on the back of a bull—and a handsome cowboy is intent on teaching her how.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter One

“Company’s coming!” Chance Davis’s voice rang over the stomping hooves of bawling calves in the holding pen at the Circle Bar Ranch.

Talon Carlson pulled open the head gate and freed a freshly vaccinated steer to allow in another bull calf. He looked where Chance pointed to a white dust cloud rising from the caliche ranch road.

Ears perked and tongues flapping, the border collies tore out of the pens, scattering the calves, and streaked toward a silver Mercedes pulling up the drive. The car slowed to a stop in front of the main house, and two classy-looking women climbed out, a tall brunette and a short blonde. In their high heels and dressy slacks, neither looked suited for a ranch.

Chance rode his bay closer to Talon and tipped back his Co-op Feed cap. “Reckon they’re lost?”

“Don’t know, but I guess I’d better find out.” He dusted off his jeans and strode toward the pipe-rail gate. He called back to Chance in the pen. “Soon as y’all are done here, get the guys to throw some hay in with the culls. Tide ’em over ’til the auction.”

Talon made his way through the maze of fencing and headed toward the ranch house, where the dogs jumped on the ladies as if greeting long lost friends. The two ritzy women pushed at them, shouting Down! and Get off of me! while they brushed off their fancy britches and scurried onto the front porch.

Nothing like having to shoo away enthusiastic face-lickers to shatter a woman’s snobby appearance.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I have two blogs: in 777 Peppermint Place (http://lindayezak.com) readers can learn about me and what's going on in my crazy life, but in my shared site AuthorCulture (http://authorculture.blogspot.com), they can learn writing tips and techniques from me and four other published authors. Aside from these two sites, my favorite hangout is Facebook. I'm also on LinkedIn, Goodreads, and christianwriters.com.


Thank you, Linda, for stopping by to chat with me.



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. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a good book. Please enter me in the drawing.
angela from KY

Linda Yezak said...

Lena, thanks for featuring me on your blog. I enjoyed the interview.

Angela, good luck in the drawing!

Sandra Heska King said...

Loved this interview-assuming that I have kept my sanity, which is still in doubt. ;) MVFRH is so much fun! And congratulations, friend, on 20 years!

I have Linda's book, so I'm bowing out of the drawing ring. :)

Linda Yezak said...

Sandy, thanks so much for coming by! How funny you're using Lynn's nickname for me! Folks are gonna start asking questions! :D

Love ya!

Unknown said...

yep...i am asking questions on your nickname! Thanks, Lena and Linda for the interview - i loved it all! Also thanks for a super giveaway. i'd love to win. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot] com from Peace River Country, Alberta

EJ said...

Thanks for the great interview - always love learning about an author that I haven't known before. Looking forward to reading some of Linda's books.
Elaine from Iowa

Linda Yezak said...

Marianne--my friend calls me MVFRH: "My Very Favorite Redhead." We're always getting questions about that!


Good luck in the drawing!

Linda Yezak said...

EJ--thanks for reading the interview. Good luck!

Lorna Faith said...

I love the 1st page...and your character's names, Linda:) Congrats on 20 years of wedded bliss...awesome!

I would love to be entered for a chance to win:)

Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com

Linda Yezak said...

Thanks so much, Lorna. I explain in the book where Talon got his name. Just an FYI--his "real" name is Byron Earl Carlson. I think that's even more "over the top" for a cowboy than Talon!

Good luck in the drawing!

Suzanne said...

(waves hand wildly) I'd LOVE to win a copy of this book! I live in the St. Louis area, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

Linda Yezak said...

Waving back, Suz!!! Excited for you, too. Can't wait until your debut releases. Good luck in the drawing!

scottsgal said...

A river otter - what a fun animal!
cheryl in IL

Linda Yezak said...

Cheryl--aren't they cute? I don't think I'd have a problem eating fresh-water clams and dining off my belly (it's certainly getting big enough!) :D

Anonymous said...

Lena, sounds like a good recommendation on the book. Great thought provoking questions. Linda can check with me about river otters; had a pair visit my pond in Bedias, TX last year. Blessings, Joan E.of Madison County Writers Guild.

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of a second chance at love. I too went through a bad marriage and my son and I are looking for that right person to come along. Until then I will just read really good books that give me hope, ha!

Salena
Texas

Linda Yezak said...

Joan--please tell me that river otters aren't "pests"! I'd hate to think someone would come after me with an angry shout and shotgun! :D

Salena--the Lord is so good, and His time is perfect. I pray He blesses you with a true love, just as He did me. (Meantime, enjoy my book!:D)

Bakersdozen said...

I would love to read this. Thanks to Linda and Lena for the great interview. I live in S. CA.

Linda Yezak said...

Bakersdozen, Thanks for your interest. Good luck in the drawing!

Eddie Snipes said...

Your getting a lot of good feedback on your book! Glad to see it's doing well.

Linda Yezak said...

Eddie, I've been pleased and humbled by the reviewe been getting. I've even heard from a few male readers!

I pray *I Called Him Dancer* is doing great, too. You've been getting some wonderful reviews yourself!

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this. This sounds like a great book. I would love to read this. Thanks again.

I am from Oklahoma.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Heidiwriter said...

Good interview! I've enjoyed getting to know you, Linda. And loved your book! I recommend it!

Linda Yezak said...

Rebecca-- I lived in Oklahoma for a while, Enid, to be exact. I loved it there. Beautiful state. Good luck in the drawing!

Heidi--thanks for the endorsement! I appreciate your coming by.

Judy said...

Enjoyed the interview with Linda. Her book, Give The Lady A Ride sounds like a great read!

Please enter me!

Judy K from Indiana

Linda Yezak said...

Judy, I bet you'll get a kick out of it. Good luck in the drawing!

Anonymous said...

Oohh!! This is a book I would enjoy! I love cowboys and rodeos! Thank you for the chance to win!
Blessings,
Kelly in Virginia

Coolestmommy said...

The book sounds like it will be amazing.

My son's favorite animal is a dolphin, so if the two of you ever become dolphins, I'll come swim with you.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Linda Yezak said...

Good luck, Kelly!

Robyn, It would be fun to have a dolphin friend to play with!

Courtney said...

This book sounds really great!! Loved the interview! Love that you said "it never hurts to ask". I have always been a big chicken when it comes to asking anything of people or about things for fears! My mother has told me that same thing a few times! :-) Please enter me in the drawing!

Courtney from WA state

Kristie said...

Sounds like an awesome book. I LOVE bullriding. I watch PBR events on television all the time and go to at least one live event every year. Can't wait to read this one. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Linda Yezak said...

Courtney, the worst that can happen when you ask is someone will say no. If you're old enough to be typing on a computer and reading Lena's blog, you've been told "no" a time or two and survived. But to quote another cliche, "nothing ventured, nothing gained." If you don't ask, you'll never know whether the answer would've been yes!

Good luck with the drawing!

Linda Yezak said...

Kristie, watching the PBR events was one of my primary research activities. I'd record the events on my ancient video recorder, then watch with my finger on the rewind button. Of course, talking with a former professional bull rider helped!

Good luck in the drawing!

Merry said...

Fun peek, I love the face lickers! Add me, I'd love to win Give the Lady a Ride.
Merry in TX

Krista said...

This book sounds like soooo much fun! Please enter me! :)

Krista from Gresham, OR

Rose said...

this book sounds awesome!
Rose from WA

Linda Yezak said...

Mary, Krista, and Rose--thanks for your comments! I wish you all luck in the drawing!

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

This one sounds like a great book!

I'm a follower gfc and a subscriber by email.

dancealert at aol dot com

apple blossom said...

please include me in this giveaway thanks

I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Linda Yezak said...

Brenda, Appleblossom--good luck you two!

peachykath said...

This sounds like a really cute book. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.

Katherine from Northern California

Abigail Mitchell said...

I have never read any of Linda's books but this sounds like a very interesting book,Enter me in the contest.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Linda Yezak said...

peachykath--it is a fun book. You'll get a kick out of it!

Abigail--this is my debut novel. I've been humbled and amazed at how well it's been received. I hope you like it!

Good luck, you two!

Emma said...

This books sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.Thanks for the chance!

Linda Yezak said...

Good luck, Emma!

Lourdes said...

Book sounds great. Enjoyed the interview. Please enter me.

Lourdes from Huntington NY

holdenj said...

This sounds like a great story. I think both the names Chance and Talon seem very fitting!
Thanks!
Julie in MN

Linda Yezak said...

Lourdes, Julie, good luck!

Ms. Mona said...

Would love to win this book, sounds great...I am now reading a cowboy book.....thanks, Ms. Mona in ohio.

Linda Yezak said...

Ms. Mona--western romance is so much fun. It mixes everything we love, horses, good-looking cowboys, independent women. I'm a definite fan!

Good luck in the drawing!