Sunday, April 08, 2012

THE DISCOVERY - Dan Walsh - Free Book


Tell us about your salvation experience.
I’d love to. I’m almost 55 and came to Christ in a radical way when I was 17 years old (a senior in high school). I was as lost as I could be. A long-haired beach bum with no ambition except to surf and goof off. I got drunk several times a week, went to parties and dated girls. But inside, I was dying and often depressed. There was a popular Smoky Robinson song on the radio back then, called “Tears of a Clown.” That was me, only my sadness wasn’t about losing the girl.

After getting thoroughly smashed at a keg party one night, I drove home and got pulled over by a cop for swerving. I didn’t get a DUI (it was before breathalyzers, and with my surfing I somehow passed the balance tests). I still had to take a DUI traffic course with my ticket. God used that to begin to open my eyes. I saw all these people messed up from drugs and alcohol and realized this was the path I was on. Then some high school acquaintances were killed in a DUI accident. Around that time my parents came to Christ and, over a period of time, I saw them dramatically change. Also, God kept sending different people to witness to me. That Christmas, my parents gave me a New Testament, which I began to read constantly (but I had to sneak it, because I was “too cool.”).

As I read, the Lord opened my eyes to see Jesus for who He really is, and I understood for the first time why He died on cross. I gave Him my life in the spring of that year and haven’t looked back since.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?
Leif Enger (author of Peace Like a River), Nicholas Sparks (mega-bestselling love story author), Richard Paul Evans (bestselling Christmas book author) and Jim Rubart (bestselling speculative fiction author). The first three because they are amazing male authors who write in a similar genre and style that I do. Reading their books provokes me to become a better writer. I’d love to learn from them up close. Jim is also a great writer, but we write in different genres. But I really respect him, love being around him, and he’s a good friend. But the guy is crazy-busy, and he needs a retreat. So if I’m doing a fantasy retreat, Jim’s gotta be there.

You guys would have a great time. Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.
No so much just yet. But I’m slowly beginning to do this more. It’s something I want to do more, because I love public speaking (was a pastor for 25 years until 2010). It’s just I’ve been so busy writing (just finished my 8th novel in 3 years).

But now I’m settling into a 2-book/year schedule, learning how to juggle things a little better. I could definitely start to accept more speaking invitations. I’ll be teaching a fiction track in November at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico. And I hope that my partnership with Dr. Gary Smalley might open up some doors to speak in the future. I’d love to do marriage retreats or men’s events, as well as speak to writing groups.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?
I had to ask my wife. Apparently I don’t do many embarrassing things anymore. She reminded me of an incident years ago when I was preaching. I had visited some of the children’s classrooms and somehow had gotten glitter on my nose. I preached the entire message with my schnoz glimmering under the bright lights. I probably worked 2 full days on that sermon. Do you think anyone said a single thing about it after?

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’d probably ask whether they intended (or hoped) to have this dream book published or were just doing it for fun. If they hoped to get published, I’d ask some questions to see if they had any idea how difficult the road ahead will be, and seek to tactfully adjust their expectations. If that didn’t spook them, and they were really set on pursuing this, I’d suggest a number of must-read craft books and recommend they join ACFW and Word Weavers, so they can begin to get mentored.

Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s what the back cover says:

When aspiring writer Michael Warner inherits his grandfather’s venerable Charleston estate, he settles in to write his first novel. But within the confines of the stately home, he discovers an unpublished manuscript that his grandfather, a literary giant whose novels sold in the millions, had kept hidden from everyone—but clearly intended Michael to find. As he delves deeper into the exciting tale about spies and sabotage, Michael discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.

Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime. Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with readers long after they turn the last page.

You know that your first book placed you on my favorite author list, and you haven’t you’re your place. Please give us the first page of this book.

I remember…I was supposed to be sad that day.
Everyone was sad. It is always sad when a legend dies. Our family gathered in Charleston to read his will.
Gerard Warner’s novels sold in the millions. He’d won the Pulitzer Prize. Past presidents quoted his words in speeches. Several of his books had become blockbuster movies. I remember reading interviews with some of the celebrities who’d starred in those movies. Talked as if they were friends with my grandfather.
I knew instantly they were lying.
They didn’t know him. None of them did. He wouldn’t have let them.
To his adoring fans, Gerard Warner remained an enigmatic, elusive figure his entire career. He wouldn’t even allow his picture on his own book covers. Every time a new novel came out, TV producers and talk show hosts made their appeals―again―wanting to be the first to interview him. He only said yes to print interviews. Even then, no pictures. And absolutely no questions about his personal life allowed.
Still, Gerard Warner’s books flew off the shelves. They were that good.
I called him Gramps.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love interacting with folks on the Internet. I have a blog, an author page on Facebook and I Tweet on Twitter. Probably the easiest way to connect is to visit my website homepage. There are buttons there to link to the other places I hang out on the internet. They can reach me at www.danwalshbooks.com .


Thank you, Dan, for another wonderful interview.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Discovery, The: A Novel - paperback
Discovery, The - Kindle


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

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your conversion experience. It always makes reading the novel more profound. Thank you for the great giveaway and opportunity to win.

marianne from Arizona

mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win/read this book. It sounds terrific.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Pam K. said...

I read Dan's book The Deepest Waters and enjoyed it very much. The Discovery has such a lovely cover and sounds like a book I'd also like to read. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win a copy.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

Lorna Faith said...

I love the 1st page already...definitely reminiscent of Nicholas Sparks' books...which I love:). Please enter my name for a chance to win!

Lorna from Alberta

lornafaith at gmail dot com

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Mary Preston said...

Thank you for sharing today. I know I will enjoy reading THE DISCOVERY.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

REBECCA STEPHEN said...

Rebecca from Indiana rstephen8103@sbcglobal.net

liz collard said...

Loved learning more of your story here, Dan. I've been following your publishing journey since reading "The Homecoming" and meeting you at a Word Weavers of Orlando event. You are a great inspiration to me to work harder at my writing. I look forward to reading "The Discovery."
Liz from Florida

Anonymous said...

I love Dan Walsh's books but haven't got to read the discovery yet!Would love to win it!

Becky said...

I still love to hear your conversion story. And I hate to tell you that I remember that glitter. I don't remember what the sermon was about, but I remember the glitter (fondly I might add).

Becky tresringcircus at yahoo dot com
Atlanta

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Tara R. Alemany said...

Hey, Dan.

It's great to read about the successes of a fellow Word Weaver. I haven't read any of your books yet, but hope to in future.

Thanks for helping us all keep our sights on what's possible when we honor God with our writing.

Keep writing!
Tara

Coolestmommy said...

Wow--the first page is already drawing me into the story!!

coolestommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Please enter me in the drawing!
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

cmr_laura said...

I'd like to win! :)

Laura Chambers
Mississauga, Ontario

lauralyric [at] hotmail [dot] com

Judy said...

Sounds like a great read! Enter me!

Blessings!
Judy from Indiana

EJ said...

Thanks for the interview - loved reading your testimony.

Elaine from Iowa
rejordan79@msn.com

scottsgal said...

what a beautiful cover - I'd pick this book up based on the cover alone
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

apple blossom said...

please enter me thanks

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Sharon said...

Dan - Thank you for interacting with readers and book clubs! Our book club loved "The Unfinished Gift", and I enjoyed "The Homecoming", "Deepest Water" and "Remembering Christmas". Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "The Discovery"
Sharon
smoore at tcq dot net

Katie said...

This sounds AMAZING! I love stories like this! Please enter me. I'm from NC.


Katie G.

rubynreba said...

Great interview. I would enjoy this book.
Beth from Iowa

Lisa Nelson said...

I enjoy reading your books!!
Thank you for the interview and an opportunity to win this book!!
I am from Arkansas!
Lisa Nelson
storyreader617(at)gmail(dot)com

Sandysc527 said...

I would "love" to read Discovery!! Sounds great. Please enter me.
Sandy Hayes
Sandysc527@msn.com

Sandysc527 said...

Sorry forgot-----I live out in the country in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina :)

Jo said...

This is a different type of book for me but one that I think I would really enjoy reading. Thank you for the opportunity

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

Nancee said...

I've not read anything by this author, but it sounds like a good read. Thank you for offering it.
Nancee from Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

Joanna Adicks Wallace said...

Wonderful interview w/Dan Walsh. I read "Deepest Waters" & "The Unfinished Gift" after Dan visited our CWG Word Weavers conference. My favorite author. Thx for the opportunity to win his latest book.

Merry said...

The Discovery sounds unique and wonderful. Please add me to the drawing, I'd love to win it!
Merry in TX