Thursday, May 03, 2012

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? 
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
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 Mercyhttp://tinyurl.com/72p4pml
In the Manor of the Ghost - http://tiny.cc/4u5h9



Readers, 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

32 comments:

Patty said...

Sounds very interesting, sign me up!

Patty in SC

Anonymous said...

Great interview.

JoyAnne in TN

rubynreba said...

That must have been scary to fall in a manhole! When Shadows Fall looks like a wonderful book.
Beth from Iowa

misskallie2000 said...

I love historical stories about our great America and look forward to reading "When Shadows Fall" and I have on my wish list. Enjoyed the interview Tina and Lena.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

Brenda in Georgia

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

i don't usually comment about a cover of a book - but this one fits the story. Thank you for a great interview and giveaway. Also for the opportunity to win your novel.

Marianne from Northern Alberta
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com

Tina Pinson said...

You are certainly signed up, Patty. And thank you so much for coming by.


Tina in AZ

Tina Pinson said...

Hello, JoyAnne from TN, glad you stopped by. What lovely and interesting name. Thank you for coming by.

Tina Pinson said...

Beth

It was scary to fall in... but really more embarrassing, as once I got myself out, I got to walk home with squishy sewer water shoes and several of my friends were there to see my fall from my gracefulness...

Tina Pinson said...

Brenda in Georgia,

My husband hails from Georgia. I visited a few times. Managed to get to Andersonville to some research for another book about the prison. Thank you for coming by and sharing.

Tina Pinson said...

Marianne,

Hello, and I love this cover. It comes directly from a scene in the story, but you're right, the overall aspect of the cover lends well to the story and the time. Thank you.

Diana Gardner said...

Looks like a great book. Portsmouth, VA ladydianajg@yahoo.com

Tina Pinson said...

Diane, from VA,

How fun to meet people from all over if only for a moment. Thank you for coming by.

Nancee said...

Sounds like a gripping book. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
Nancee in Western Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

Linda Kish said...

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

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

PurlingPenny said...

Alrighty, I'm hooked, who is that familiar man, and why is she having a meeting with the president? Inquiring minds have to know! I'd love to win, and if I don't, why I'll just purchase a copy.

Lourdes said...

When Shadows Fall looks like it's going to be a great book to read.

Lourdes in Huntington NY

Tina Pinson said...

Hello, Nancee,

and thank you for coming by and entering for it.

Tina Pinson said...

Hi, Linda,

Appreciate your visiting with us here. I would love for everyone to have a chance to read my story

Tina Pinson said...

Penny, those are excellent questions. I could tell you that she finds him familiar because
a. could be familiar
b. he might not be familiar
c. he could be a masher.

I can guarantee that it's not C.

......... and she's meeting the president for something or someone very important.

sorry, that probably wasn't very helpful... :-)

Tina Pinson said...

Hello, Lourdes,

More company from across the country. Isn't the internet wonderful? Nice of you to stop in.

Mary Preston said...

WHEN SHADOWS FALL looks like an amazing read. I enjoyed the first page thank you.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Melissa Finnegan said...

Hi Tina, your books sound great, I can't wait to read them.

I live in Michigan.

mafinnegan(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.

Tina Pinson said...

Mary, from Australia,

I just have to say Australia is on my bucket list of places to visit. I'm so glad the internet allows us to visit. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Sounds interesting! Please enter me in the drawing!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Tina Pinson said...

Hello, Melissa,

company from another state. Yay. I hope you get to read all my books soon.

Tina Pinson said...

Sharon,
consider yourself entered. thanks for coming by

Tina Pinson said...

Abigail,

thanks for commenting. You are in the drawing.

Mama Cat said...

This sounds like a great book! It is a period of American history that I appreciate reading about, as well as the "manifest destiny" of the westward travel. Please enter me in the drawing. Blessings to you! PS I appreciate being a klutz - since I was a little kid! One of my common responses is "this can only happen to me...." and I am so thankful when I learn that I am not the only one! And so very thankful to the Lord when things work properly!
I live in Phoenix, Arizona

Coolestmommy said...

I love a klutz...because I am one, too. I enjoyed the opening of the book. And any book with a main character of Rebekah (with a KAH) always catches my eye as that is my daughter's name. (She is also with a KAH.)

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Liz R said...

Sound good! Thanks for the giveaway!

Liz R in Al

Pat Cochran said...

Looks like a most interesting
book! thanks so much!

Pat Cochran
p-cochran@juno.com