WHEN SHADOWS FALL - Tina Pinson - Free Book

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. 

I have been known to write a bit of myself. My book Touched by Mercy deals with some thing that happened in my past. When the female character is a klutz that's usually because of me. But I have four sisters and three sons and of course my hubby to draw from too.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Can't really think of anything quirky. But I did fall in an open manhole once, because if waving at a friend across the street.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I started writing in elementary school. I tell people it was good that I started writing because I had quite the imagination and got in trouble for lying a lot. Writing fiction let me use my imagination without getting in trouble.

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

I like reading a lot styles. I just finished the Hunger Games and Sequels. And a book called Divergent. Both deal with Dystopian Societies. I found them interesting, but I have read several historical and mystery and sci-fi and more. As long as the story holds my interest, I'll read.

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

Who said I kept it? LOL. Last year, in the midst of losing our business and being forced to move, along with my mother being sick and a family member having marital problems, I was certain I would go insane and never recover. But the Lord carried me through. Even when it didn't feel like it. I pray and seek God, that keeps me somewhat sane.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I choose from their meanings, from names I've heard, and sometimes from the obituaries.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Beyond being married 32+ years, raising three wonderful sons and having 5 g-kids, I would say finishing my first novel. It took me a while to get back to it after I first started it.

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

I wanted to say a horse, or an eagle majestic, free, but I would have to say a dog. Loyal, friendly, committed.

What is your favorite food?

I love cheesecake, add lemon and it's perfect.

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

Probably discouragement, getting irritated because I thought I'd never be a good enough writer for anyone. I suppose I got over it when I remembered that I'm not meant to be please everyone. I'm meant to write for the Lord.

Tell us about the featured book.

When Shadows Fall … the Shadow Series is what I lovingly call my OreGone with the Wind Series. It follows Rebekah St. James through the horrors and loss of war, and follows her as she travels on the Oregon Trail looking for New Eden. Hoping for a new life.

Please give us the first page of the book.

July 22, 1862

Washington, D.C.

Stay open. Rebekah held her eyes wide, but after a ten-day wagon trip with her friends, Harland and Martha Graves, with little rest, her mind couldn't keep them propped -- even amidst the commotion. She hoped the White House staff would call her before they found her strung out between two chairs.

A child darted past, brushing Rebekah's skirt, catching her attention. Her head lifted on a rubbery neck as her gaze trailed the boy around the room in a dizzying manner. He trotted around, weaving through the chairs and ducked beneath one.

It seemed everyone wanted to see the president. How many of the women had come for the same reason as she? She eyed the door and thought about leaving so as not to burden him. Where else could she go?

Stifling a yawn, she got up to walk. Straightening her gray skirt and her bonnet, she went to look out the window.

Paved streets and traffic-laden thoroughfares -- how different from home. She envisioned the Washington she knew as a child, remembering little. The landmarks were hazy. New buildings filled the skyline, and so many people lined the walks. Had there been so many when she was young?

They all seemed to be at the White House today -- in the East Room, waiting for an audience with the president.

She removed her bonnet and fanned herself. Were summers here always so hot? Her clothes soaked up the heat and held it. Only an idiot wore wool in the dead of summer. Idiot. Leaning against the wall, she studied the scenery outside, the opulence inside. Despite her best effort, her eyelids grew heavy.

She went in search of a chair.

“Miss. Miss.” The sound buzzed in her head, followed by a firm shake. She came to, blinking to focus and found the steward over her. He straightened. “It's time.”

She gave her grainy eyes a thorough rub.

“The president will see you.”

She covered another yawn, licked her teeth and lips, ran her knuckles along her eyes, and took the steward's hand. He pulled her from the chair. Snatching her bonnet, she pressed it on her head, fighting to get it over her loose, rebellious chignon. Forfeiting, she flopped the bonnet on the chair and concentrated on her hair. Once satisfied with the way it lay, she bent to retrieve her bag. A shock of blond curls escaped, tumbled into her face. She battled to right it in a dignified manner and realized she had an audience. At the far end of the room, a man with a full beard and hat low on his head, watched with interest.

She matched his stare. A broad grin lit his face. Their eyes locked. He looked almost familiar. Too familiar. But he couldn't be. And she didn't have time to find out why. After a couple of faltering steps, craning her head to study him, she followed the steward.

How can readers find you on the internet? 

My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/

Twitter:@Tina_Pinson

Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103

Purchase my books at:

Desert Breeze Bookstore.

Touched By Mercy - http://tiny.cc/0rgkm

In the Manor of the Ghost - http://tiny.cc/we4ul

When Shadow Fall - http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a

Amazon:

Touched By Mercy - http://tiny.cc/k5tgw

In the Manor of the Ghost - http://tiny.cc/doc8w

Barnes & Noble

Touched By Mercy - http://tinyurl.com/7ztzjno

In the Manor of the Ghost - http://tiny.cc/oh767

Christian Books Distributors

Touched By Mercy – http://tinyurl.com/72p4pml

In the Manor of the Ghost - http://tiny.cc/4u5h9



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