Monday, May 14, 2012

AFTER ALL - Deborah Raney - Free Book


Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?
The publishers I've written for have always been very quick to use the latest technology, so my books are all available for the Kindle and other e-readers, as well as being available in several languages, including Dutch, German, Turkish, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. Of course, I'd love it if my books all followed in the footsteps of my first novel and became movies, too!                

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?
I love conferences and can't say enough about how crucial they are for anyone wanting a career in publishing. I just returned from Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in San Jose, California last month and as always, it was amazing. I usually teach at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference each May, but our daughter's wedding falls on that weekend this year, and she kind of wanted me to be there. ; ) September is a very busy conference month starting with the Kansas Book Festival in Topeka. Then I'll be teaching at ACFW in Dallas, along with doing critiques and mentoring appointments. The following weekend I'm teaching at a small writers retreat for teachers near Springfield, MO. October will find me teaching at Autumn in the Mountains Novelists Retreat, and in November I will do a library talk and co-host a small private writers retreat, both here in Kansas.

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?
I would love to hear a panel of writers talk about the challenges they've faced to fulfill their dream of becoming a writer. And especially about the sacrifices they've made. Because anyone who's successfully written knows that you simply can't have/do it all! Something must take a backseat if a writer is going to succeed. Just a few of those I'd invite to share their experiences include: Jill Eileen Smith, who wrote for twenty years before landing a contract; Stephanie Grace Whitson, who wrote while homeschooling four children; Terri Blackstock, whose recent series was informed by her own difficult experiences; Deborah Vogts, who has written through severe physical pains; and any number of my writing friend heroes who wrote while holding down full-time jobs and raising children!

How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?
Very! I am active in ACFW, including our local chapter that meets in Wichita, and over the 18 years of my career have held memberships in several writers organizations including ACFW, The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America and other smaller groups. The information I have gained just from the publications of those groups has been well worth the member fees! But when you factor in the connection to other writers and the support and guidance I've gotten from leaders and fellow members, as well as the continuing education from these groups' conferences, I can't afford not to be active in writing organizations! I highly recommend them to any writer, no matter how long they've been at it.       

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?
I began volunteering at our local homeless shelter three-and-a-half years ago when I started researching the Hanover Falls novels.    I still volunteer there several times a year, and also co-lead the Novel Chicks book club, an outreach ministry in our church. My husband and I host a small group from our church in our home twice a month, and really enjoy that.

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
My parents, because of their work ethic, their unconditional love for me, and their strong faith in God.
My husband, because he has been so supportive of my dream of being a writer, and because he makes me laugh like no one else can.
Each of my four children, because they fulfilled my strongest and longest-held dream, to be a stay-at-home mom, and because they continue to bless and amaze and inspire me every day.
Add them all together and that's 7, but I couldn't leave any of them out! : )           

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
It would be the same inscription that is on my sister's gravestone: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 Not that I've done anything to deserve sainthood (LOL!) but when you belong to the Lord, His grace automatically qualifies you! And there's great comfort knowing that our deaths come as no surprise to Him, and in fact are precious to Him.

Tell us about the featured book.
Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal. But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave—a secret that changes everything she thought about their marriage. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—for someone else’s husband. Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he could have somehow prevented the tragedy? And now it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected. 

Please share the first page with us. 
Chapter One 
Tuesday, November 6

Susan Marlowe’s three-inch heels sank into the thawing sod. The mournful keen of bagpipes wrapped around her, threatening to drag her under.

She shook the haunting notes from her head. The music wasn’t real, but a memory left over from yesterday when a parade of fire trucks had borne the bodies of her husband and four other fallen firefighters down the streets of Hanover Falls, Missouri.

But David had not been buried in the Hanover Falls Cemetery with the others. Instead, as his will had long specified, they’d brought his body here, to Springfield, where he could be lain to rest in the city of his birth, beside his parents’ graves.

With each step, a new layer of mud collected on her spikes. Stupid choice…to wear these shoes. She could barely walk, and the shoes would be ruined. But David had always loved her in heels. Said they made her legs look sexy.

She bit back a sad smile at the thought. It wouldn’t do for the crowd who’d gathered to misunderstand. Or for David Jr. and Daniel, the two strong sons who walked beside her, both called home from college for this somber occasion.––. Sometimes when she looked at her boys––men now––she had trouble believing she was the mother of grown sons. Most times she didn’t feel much older than they were now––though today she felt every one of her forty-two years.         

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
novelgarden.blogspot.com



Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?
The publishers I've written for have always been very quick to use the latest technology, so my books are all available for the Kindle and other e-readers, as well as being available in several languages, including Dutch, German, Turkish, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian. Of course, I'd love it if my books all followed in the footsteps of my first novel and became movies, too!                

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?
I love conferences and can't say enough about how crucial they are for anyone wanting a career in publishing. I just returned from Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in San Jose, California last month and as always, it was amazing. I usually teach at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference each May, but our daughter's wedding falls on that weekend this year, and she kind of wanted me to be there. ; ) September is a very busy conference month starting with the Kansas Book Festival in Topeka. Then I'll be teaching at ACFW in Dallas, along with doing critiques and mentoring appointments. The following weekend I'm teaching at a small writers retreat for teachers near Springfield, MO. October will find me teaching at Autumn in the Mountains Novelists Retreat, and in November I will do a library talk and co-host a small private writers retreat, both here in Kansas.

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?
I would love to hear a panel of writers talk about the challenges they've faced to fulfill their dream of becoming a writer. And especially about the sacrifices they've made. Because anyone who's successfully written knows that you simply can't have/do it all! Something must take a backseat if a writer is going to succeed. Just a few of those I'd invite to share their experiences include: Jill Eileen Smith, who wrote for twenty years before landing a contract; Stephanie Grace Whitson, who wrote while homeschooling four children; Terri Blackstock, whose recent series was informed by her own difficult experiences; Deborah Vogts, who has written through severe physical pains; and any number of my writing friend heroes who wrote while holding down full-time jobs and raising children!

How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?
Very! I am active in ACFW, including our local chapter that meets in Wichita, and over the 18 years of my career have held memberships in several writers organizations including ACFW, The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America and other smaller groups. The information I have gained just from the publications of those groups has been well worth the member fees! But when you factor in the connection to other writers and the support and guidance I've gotten from leaders and fellow members, as well as the continuing education from these groups' conferences, I can't afford not to be active in writing organizations! I highly recommend them to any writer, no matter how long they've been at it.       

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?
I began volunteering at our local homeless shelter three-and-a-half years ago when I started researching the Hanover Falls novels.    I still volunteer there several times a year, and also co-lead the Novel Chicks book club, an outreach ministry in our church. My husband and I host a small group from our church in our home twice a month, and really enjoy that.

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?
My parents, because of their work ethic, their unconditional love for me, and their strong faith in God.
My husband, because he has been so supportive of my dream of being a writer, and because he makes me laugh like no one else can.
Each of my four children, because they fulfilled my strongest and longest-held dream, to be a stay-at-home mom, and because they continue to bless and amaze and inspire me every day.
Add them all together and that's 7, but I couldn't leave any of them out! : )           

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?
It would be the same inscription that is on my sister's gravestone: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15 Not that I've done anything to deserve sainthood (LOL!) but when you belong to the Lord, His grace automatically qualifies you! And there's great comfort knowing that our deaths come as no surprise to Him, and in fact are precious to Him.

Tell us about the featured book.
Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal. But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave—a secret that changes everything she thought about their marriage. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?

Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—for someone else’s husband. Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he could have somehow prevented the tragedy? And now it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected. 

Please share the first page with us.

Chapter One

Tuesday, November 6

Susan Marlowe’s three-inch heels sank into the thawing sod. The mournful keen of bagpipes wrapped around her, threatening to drag her under.

She shook the haunting notes from her head. The music wasn’t real, but a memory left over from yesterday when a parade of fire trucks had borne the bodies of her husband and four other fallen firefighters down the streets of Hanover Falls, Missouri.

But David had not been buried in the Hanover Falls Cemetery with the others. Instead, as his will had long specified, they’d brought his body here, to Springfield, where he could be lain to rest in the city of his birth, beside his parents’ graves.

With each step, a new layer of mud collected on her spikes. Stupid choice…to wear these shoes. She could barely walk, and the shoes would be ruined. But David had always loved her in heels. Said they made her legs look sexy.

She bit back a sad smile at the thought. It wouldn’t do for the crowd who’d gathered to misunderstand. Or for David Jr. and Daniel, the two strong sons who walked beside her, both called home from college for this somber occasion.––. Sometimes when she looked at her boys––men now––she had trouble believing she was the mother of grown sons. Most times she didn’t feel much older than they were now––though today she felt every one of her forty-two years.         

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
novelgarden.blogspot.com


Thank you, Deb, for visiting with us today.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
After All: A Hanover Falls Novel (Hanover Falls Novels) - paperback
After All (Hanover Falls) - 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

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Deborah is an author I've been wanting to check out.

Joyce in TN

Unknown said...

Deborah Raney is an awesome writer. i would love to read and review this novel, but have not seen it in the bookstores here. Thank you for this great interview and opportunity to win, Lena and Deborah!

Marianne from Northern Alberta

mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com

Patty said...

I've read several of Deborah's books and enjoyed them all. Add my name to the drawing!

Patty in SC

Jo said...

This really sounds like a great book and one that I want to read. Thank you for the opportunity!

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Love, love LOVE Deborah Raney books! What a great interview. Thanks.

From south Florida!

Deborah Raney said...

Thanks for the comments! It's hard NOT to do a good review with Lena's fun and astute questions. Wishing you all luck in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

Would love to win.
Angela from KY

Merry said...

Ever After sounds full of emotion and drama, I'd love to be entered. Thanks!
Merry in TX

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Pam K. said...

I've read the first book in this series and liked it very much. I'd enjoy winning a copy of After All. Thanks for your interview with Deb.

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

Beth K. Vogt said...

I already have a copy of this book -- and I'm thoroughly enjoying reading it. Deb Raney is one of the friendliest authors I've ever met at ACFW.

Deborah Raney said...

Thanks again for the comments. In case anyone is wondering about the series, the titles "mimic" each other. In order, they are: Almost Forever, Forever After, and After All. This drawing is for After All, the newest title in the series.

Thank you, Lena, for ALL you do to promote Christian fiction and the authors who write it. We appreciate you!

Nancee said...

I don't believe that I've read the first book in this series, but the interview on this particular book has me ready to search for book one. Thank you very much for the contest offer.
Nancee, Western Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

Liz R said...

Sounds like a good book, can't wait to read it!

Liz R in AL

Mary Preston said...

I'm interested in the entire series.

A wonderful post thank you.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Judy said...

Can't wait to read this book! I would love to win a copy.

Great interview.

Blessings!
Judy from Indiana

Lynne said...

I love Deborah Raney's books and would love to have this one in my personal library!

lynne(dot)young(at)gmail(dot)com

Lynne in TN

apple blossom said...

thanks for chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Krista said...

This is a goood series... I'm looking forward to reading this one. Please enter me.

Krista in Oregon

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Enter me!
God Bless!
Sarah
Blanch,N.C.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

rubynreba said...

Sounds like a book I would really enjoy!
Beth from Iowa

Jackie Tessnair said...

Sounds great...would love to read it.Thanks..

Jaedyn said...

Deborah writes amazing books - I'll never forget Beneath a Southern Sky!

Lindsey
Oregon

Diana Gardner said...

Love her books. Please enter me in the drawing. Portsmouth, VA

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Janet Kerr said...

Deborah, your book sounds intriguing. I would very much like to read it as I just lost my husband. Please enter me in the draw.
Jan from Canada

janet_kerr(at)msn.com