Friday, September 16, 2011

LOVE'S SECOND VERSE - Lee Carver - Free Book


I'm always thrilled to feature one of the people I've mentored with their book releases. Welcome, Lee. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
My spiritual foundation, optimism, and high energy come through in the heroines, but few physical characteristics.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
When I was sixteen, I pretended to be French and got interviewed on a TV show for teens. Mother found out before I got home.

That's priceless, Lee. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I recorded funny true stories that happened among the American expats in various foreign countries. That became my first book, self-published in Brazil. I’m re-writing it now, and plan to e-publish it this month as The Most Excellent Adventure.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read a vast assortment: modern and historical fiction, medical mysteries, health and biochemisty, Bible studies and devotional books, biographies, novels with foreign settings, and almost anything authored by my friends.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Start the day with prayer and never say “amen.” I try to keep the dialog with God open while I run.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
The name must be appropriate to the geographical setting, gender, age, and time setting. But if I have a negative personal association with a name, I won’t choose it. Not even for a “bad guy.”

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Other than our long, happy marriage and wonderful daughter, son, and grandchildren, all gifts from God, I suppose I’m proudest of the fact that I can learn and do any task before me: languages, musical instruments, computer language, academic subjects. And since this is also a gift, I think “satisfaction” is better than “pride.” I’ve done a lot of servant jobs, like six years as a missionary in Brazil, church music, teaching high school biology and chemistry, and work with homeless women in Fort Worth. I’m pleased to have these opportunities, but I’m more grateful than proud of them.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I can’t imagine being an animal. We don’t have pets because we travel so much. Maybe I would choose to be a sheep dog that lives outside, works hard, is dedicated to protecting the flock, and gets petted by her owner at night.

What is your favorite food?
Peaches. Haven’t they been super this summer? And fresh cherries, ripe cheeses, and seafood. You meant one favorite? Chocolate mints.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest roadblock is thinking into the future and wondering if anyone will read my book, publish it, buy it. ACFW’s challenge to tie myself in the chair and write hard for a month—just get the rough draft on the page—helped so much. Like Mrs. Reagan’s slogan, “Just do it.” Sometimes I still wonder if this is God’s idea or mine, but I’ve come to love the wordsmithing so much. It’s a never-ending puzzle of infinite solutions.

Tell us about the featured book.
When adversity destroys everything but her family and her hope, Julia must redefine herself: from wife to widow, music teacher to corporate geek. Sustaining joy through faith is the hard part.

Julia Morgan, a forty-something Army widow and debt-challenged mother of two teenage sons, stands on the brink of restarting her life. She lands a prize job as a roving geek for multinational InterBank in Atlanta, so she can maintain her independence and a meaningful, productive life.

Paul Braddock, InterBank’s senior VP in Atlanta, an embittered widower, smothers the pain with work. He puts his spiritual life on a long, skeptical hold. Paul becomes as interested in Julia’s single-parenting abilities as her IT work. He seeks answers to deep questions about faith, living through loss, and teaching a teenager to love a God who has let them both down.

Love’s Second Verse is a story of the courage to wage life and hold out for the joy that comes in the morning, and just maybe a second chance at romance.

Please give us the first page of the book.
I always start with an action scene. You’re not going to get the sense of humor from this clip, but here goes:

Gripped by the desperate need of a mid-life restart, Julia Foster stood at an intersection in downtown Atlanta. Straightening her shoulders, she determined to swim through the southern spring humidity as if it were a sea of confidence.  All she had to do was walk into the InterBank building and nail the interview. Today I’ll claim a new job, a whole new level of existence.

An employment clipping radiated hope from her tightly clutched purse. The light turned green. Chin raised, she stepped off the curb.

Screeching tires and a blaring honk got her attention. Too late. The sedan bumped her, knocking her down.  The back of her head bonked on the asphalt, sending pain exploding in white blobs that distorted her vision. Dirty water splashed her hair and face.

Ear-ringing seconds passed. Aware that she viewed a car from the tire level, she struggled to lift her spinning head.

A man hurried to her feet from the silver car that hit her. “Are you all right? Can you get up?”

Adrenaline pounded through her veins. Julia fought off white-hot anger that this could occur. Today of all days! She raised her gaze to the well-dressed man in suit and tie. No appropriate words came to mind. A soft answer turns away wrath, but what does dead airtime do?

He squatted in front of her. “Should I call an ambulance?”

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.LeeCarverWriter.com
www.blogspot.leecarverwriter.com

Readers can use this code to save $3.00 on the print edition on Amazon.com - CCFMXDZS

Thank you, Lee, for this wonderful visit with you.


Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

Love's Second Verse


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

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ms. Carver, this books sounds great! "...what does dead airtime do?" I think the sense of humor is peeking through here...and I'm sure it'll only get better. It's nice to see a story written with older folks. I see so many written with twenty-somethings. I look forward to reading it! Thank you for the chance to win.
Blessings,
Kelly Y in Virginia
kelly*at*dkcountryarts*dot*com

Coolestmommy said...

I have a friend who had to make the transition to widow and has now remarried a widower. Seeing her go through some of these same struggles really peaks my interest in reading your story. Thanks for sharing!!!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Patsy said...

Lee, this book sounds really good. Would love to read it.

I bet your Mother was fit to be tied when she found out you pretended to be French! haha

from South Mississippi

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Sylvia said...

I'm from NC and this book sounds great! It's been awhile since I've read a book where the lady has teenagers and is in her forties. Most widow/widower books I have read are about people in their twenties.

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Judy said...

Thank you for the interview with Lee. She is a new author to me. She is one talented lady! God has most certainly blessed her.

"Love's Second Verse" sounds like such a good read. I would love to win a copy.

I lost a husband to brain cancer and wondered how I would pay all the bills on my meager salary. God provided! He loves us so!

God Bless!

Judy B from Indiana

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds like a great read, would really like to win it. Thank you for the interview and the giveaway.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Rebecca said...

Thanks so much for the chance to win this. This book looks great. I would love to win this. Thanks again.

I am from Oklahoma

Lorna Faith said...

Love your metaphors and word images, Lee. You are definitely a wordsmith! I would love to read your book:)
Please enter me for a chance to win!

Lorna from Alberta, Canada

lornafaith at gmail dot com

Lee Carver said...

Kelly, when the cover creator looked for "sweet" illustrations (no passionate clenches or bared bodies) she only found young couples! Can you believe that? My protagonists are definitely in their 40's and still attractive. Let's hear it for love for "older folks."

Lee Carver said...

Robin, a lady I'd never met bought "Love's Second Verse" yesterday. She told me she had lost her husband to cancer 3 years ago, and was buying the book to give her hope for her future. May she find a love as fulfilling as Julia's.

Lee Carver said...

Hi, Patsy. My mother was from the little town of Houston, MS. Her reaction surprised me, in that she didn't punish me at all for pretending to be French. It was a Saturday morning teen program in Mobile, AL. She said she had been getting calls all day. I just blushed and hid in my room.

Lee Carver said...

Sylvia, I went to UNC Chapel Hill, where I met and married Darrel, my Texan husband of 43 years. I love those rolling hills, and we go back every few years.

Lee Carver said...

Judy, with your faith in a loving God, you'll do well whether you choose to remarry or not. God does provide our needs, though not necessarily all our wants. I sometimes wonder if I would remarry if I were widowed. The next guy would have a huge role to fill. I got a real keeper.

Lee Carver said...

wfnren, I wish I could give everyone a free copy. Remember that the digital download is only $2.99, and you can download a free e-book reader if you don't have one. Need an address? You can write me at LeeCarver2@aol.com. I feel safe giving that out on Lena's blog.

Lee Carver said...

Rebecca, you can take a peek at the beginning of the book on Amazon and Smashwords. Hope you like what you see.

Lee Carver said...

Thanks, Lorna, for the complements on metaphors and word images. I do try for fresh expressions. Sometimes I put a sort of spacer phrase in, mark it red, then come back to insert a better image. It may come while I'm cleaning house, driving, or even during the night. Amazing how the brain works while we sleep.

scottsgal said...

I would pick this book up at a store based on the cover and name - sounds wonderful
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Lee Carver said...

Hi, Cheryl. "Love's Second Chance" is only on Amazon and Smashwords at the moment. It's self-published, and I'm still working on the marketing to major stores. For a $3 discount on Amazon's print version, type in this code:CCFMXDZS.

Carsie said...

Love's Second Verse was a truly neat book for light (commuting,beach) reading. Lee's command of word pictures is surprising in such a early writer. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to escape into a well told story without fear of running into unwelcome words or scenes.

Lee Carver said...

Thanks, Carsie. Since you've already bought and read this one, thank you very much, if you win the draw I'll send you a free copy of the next book if you prefer.

Lynne Gentry said...

Sounds like a great story, Lee.

Lee Carver said...

Thanks, Lynne. For fresh images, you are my inspiration!

Mary said...

Lee, congratulations!! We here in Brazil are all proud of you and eager to read your book too! Even if I don't win, I will somehow get a copy or download it:-) We miss you all and are grateful to the Lord for giving you such a wonderful opportunity. Mary and Pr. Bill

Patty said...

Along with the other commentors, I agree that it's nice to read a book where the main characters are a bit older!

Patty in SC

Lee Carver said...

Mary and Pastor Bill, it's so good to hear from you. It's my fondest hope that this novel and the next one will be available for English readers in other countries by the magic of e-books. I know it's tedious to read a book from a computer, but that's one inexpensive way if you don't have a Kindle, Nook, or other reader. You have my e-mail address if you need to know more. Muitos beijos para todos, Lee

Lee Carver said...

More to Mary and Bill--We used to load our suitcases with good books in English when we returned to Brazil. We would share the books, passing them through the whole missionary group and/or church. Pls look into the e-book option. I'd be happy to point out some good ones from Christian writers. Sua irma em Cristo, Lee

Lee Carver said...

Patty in SC, I so agree! Not that "love is wasted on the young" as the old song says, but love is different in your 40's, 50's, and higher. Very strong, powerful, and different. We need more novels that portray that phase of life.

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

i luved getting to know you Lee ~ thx for being interviewed!
liked your tips for writing =)
i'm frm CA and totally can relate to this storyline... thx for writing!

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

apple blossom said...

this is a new author to me. love to win this book thanks for the chance
I live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Jo said...

This book sounds great! I have added it to my wish list. Please enter me.

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

Lee Carver said...

Faith Hope Cherrytea, I loved living in CA. Our daughter was born there. Thanks for leaving a comment.

Lee Carver said...

Apple Blossom, feel free to leave me comments about the book on my blog or Amazon.com . They help me develop as a writer.

Lee Carver said...

Thanks, Jo. I'd like to get your reactions after you've read it. My blog address is with the original post.

Ms. Mona said...

Love what you said Lee about starting your day with a prayer and never say Amen......that is a great saying that I am going to start doing.....also would love to win this book, sounds great....Ms. Mona/Ohio

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds very interesting, I love reading and would love to win this book, Thanks and God bless!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Ingrid said...

Mrs. Carver, I loved the Interview and laughed when you told about pretending to be french, so funny.
I'm going to read your new Book one way or another but would love to win it in this contest.
Happy weekend :)

I live in Southern Illinois

ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ingrid said...

cowneses

Unknown said...

This book sounds very interesting and I hope I never have to go through that.

So Ms Carver, how is your French accent now days? lol

Tammy from Ohio.

Angela - Bookaunt said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book. I live in St. Cloud, FL my email is griperang at embarqmail dot com

Abigail Mitchell said...

Sounds very interesting.I haven't read anything by Mrs. Carver but I can already tell that I am going to like her. Please enter me in the Drawing. Thanks!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
God Bless!

Judy Cooper said...

I am now a widow and it is certainly a new and scary turn in the road. This book will certainly give me some insight and maybe a laugh or two. I could surely use one right now. Please enter my name. Thank you, Judy C. in Louisiana.

Joanna Richmond said...

this book sounds very interesting I look forward to reading this book! Thank You for the chance to win. God Bless. Joanna Richmond,
Blanch NC.

Lee Carver said...

Mona, praying in the morning and never saying "amen" is a way to keep me thinking straight. It makes God a party to whatever I'm thinking and doing all day. So it's partly a mind game, but it works.

Lee Carver said...

Sharon, thanks for tossing your hat in the ring. I need all the blessings I can get.

Lee Carver said...

Ingrid, I have enjoyed a very happy weekend. It was my birthday, and I got an invitation from a publisher to send in the full manuscript of a book already finished.

Lee Carver said...

Tammy (Lovemy2dogs), I've come close enough to widowhood at the age of my main character, Julia. Praise God he lived against all odds, and that experience changed our lives. It led to his taking early retirement and becoming missionaries in Brazil.

Lee Carver said...

Tammy, another comment--my French is terrible, though I taught it one year in high school in Saudi Arabia and have been to France several times. But now it's under Spanish and Portuguese, and I can't get to it!

Lee Carver said...

Angela, greetings from Texas. You're in the drawing.

Lee Carver said...

Abigail, relatively few people have read my books, compared to Lena's. I'm a newbie, but have several more books in the oven. Glad you enjoyed the tidbit.

Lee Carver said...

Judy C in LA, may God bless you and supply you with lots of good friends to get you through this time. I hope the book helps you keep your sense of humor through the dark days.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It looks and sounds interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond,
Blanch,N.C.