Tuesday, June 19, 2012

BACK TO RESOLUTION - Rose Dee - One Free Book


Welcome, Rose. I love having Aussie Christian authors on my blog. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I think there is a little bit of me in every one of my characters. It’s hard to avoid this. If you want to get into the character’s head, you have to know them inside out. Having said that; I avoid applying the characteristics of anyone I know to a character. I find the familiarity gets in the way of my storytelling. So I guess there a little bit of me, and not a lot of anyone else.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Where do I start? I am the queen of quirk. I’m Australian – a country Aussie at that. I put my characters through a lot of my own experiences; like falling down in mangrove mud, or having to swim ashore from a tinny (dingy) whilst negotiating large waves. Being chased by a bush turkey is another one. But all the crocodile scenarios – well – I’ve seen a lot of them from a boat, but never from in the water.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
When I decided to write something. I had been wrestling with the meaning of my life, and praying for my purpose. One day it fell upon my heart to try my hand at writing. That very first attempt produced Back to Resolution. If I look back now I can see that I always had this passion. It just took my request for direction to embark upon the right path.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love historic romance, contemporary romance, non-fiction with romance (see the emerging pattern?). Yes- I am a romantic. I can even get into sci-fi if it has a romance element (which many do these days). But my all time favorite books would have to be Jane Eye and Pride and Prejudice. But you would have probably guessed that without my telling you.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
When I get really stressed out I take to the sea. My escape could consist of a walk on the beach, a spin on the ocean in a boat, or a weekend away to one of the incredible islands at my doorstep. There’s something raw and honest about a salty breeze. It’s revitalizing, purifying, and reminds me of who God is and what He can do. It’s a great way to keep your sanity.

I wish I lived close enough to the ocean to do that. How do you choose your characters’ names?
Some of them just come to me. They almost name themselves. Others, I have great trouble with. I’ve become so desperate for a name that fits I’ve even scanned baby naming websites (I know – bad right?). On the odd occasion a friend will suggest a name, and I don’t always apply it immediately, but sometimes it will fit for a later character – that has been helpful. Regardless of how I find names I never use the name of someone I know. The association gets in the way of my character development.

I have also unconsciously used the same name twice for completely different characters. That was an interesting idiosyncrasy.

Many authors use baby name sites, so that’s okay. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Being a wife and mother. You never quite understand just how hard a job it is, until you are living these two roles. It’s exhausting and rewarding in equal measure. Being committed to someone else’s happiness is a lifetime endeavor. Of all the things I value – this would have to be top of the list.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I would be my dog, Noodle. He’s awesome. He sits around all day, never has to worry about where his next meal is coming from, and has devotion and love at his paw-tips. I am sure he is close to being human. He never seems to lack communication skills. We always know what Noodle wants and what he is thinking.

What is your favorite food?
Every kind of pasta and antipasta. I grew up in a large Italian community and, although I don’t share the cultural heritage in a biological sense, I certainly have adopted it by nurture.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest roadblock thus far would have to be self doubt. I still have times when I am worried that I lack qualification to be an author. But then I remember that so long as I am in the Lord’s plan, he will give me all that I need. That includes the lessons to make up for what I lack, as well as developing what I’ve got.

Tell us about the featured book.
When I sat down to write something the only advice I could recall about writing was: Write what you know – and - write what you love. I have done this in Back to Resolution. The story is about Bay, who was born in Australia, but grew up in Los Angles. After the death of her mother she embarks upon a mission to find her father “down under.”

The story showcases the region in which I live, the rugged tropical islands, ocean, and coastline. But also the Aussie larrikin personalities you will find here in North Queensland. Each colorful character brings life to the story. There are lots of twists and turns; romantic entanglements; and a mystery. My greatest hope is that the reader ends the story feeling entertained and uplifted.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Visit Rose at: www.rosedee.com


Thank you, Rose, for spending this time with us.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Back to Resolution - Amazon paperback
Back to Resolution - Kindle
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/back-to-resolution-rose-dee/1106820731?ean=9781921633607&itm=2&usri=rose+dee - Barnes & Noble


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

28 comments:

Patty said...

I would love to read this book set in Australia, written by an Australian author! The story sounds like an interesting journey...

Patty in SC

Katie said...

This sounds like a great read! Please enter me. I'm from NC. And I love looking names up on baby name websites! Don't be ashamed! haha :P

Katie G.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Patty, our group of Aussie Fiction Authors is small, but we work hard to produce great stories about our country.
Thank you for taking the time to read my interview.

Rose Dee said...

HI Katie G,

I am relieved to hear that I am not the only one who scans baby naming websites for the perfect fit for a character.
Thank you for reading and commenting.

Helen Wakefield said...

So great to see your interview here, Rose! Thanks Lena for this feature. I loved Back to Resolution, great story and fantastic setting :)

Please don't enter me, as I already have the book :)

Narelle said...

Rose and Lena, thanks for the insightful interview. Like Helen, I've already read 'Back to Resolution' and really enjoyed it :) A fun escape to an island paradise!

Please don't enter me in the drawing. I also have Rose's latest book, Beyond Resolution, in my Kindle tbr list :)

Dorothy said...

I've read both Resolution books. Rose captures the far north of our country so well! Made me want to put a tropical island holiday on my wish list. Good job Rose. and thank you Lena for the interview. :)

Mary Preston said...

I have family up on the Sunshine Coast. I visit often & get to walk along the beach. It's relaxing. I love it.

BACK TO RESOLUTION looks wonderful.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Paula Vince said...

I am yet another Aussie who has read and loved both "Resolution" books. They are really great, with lovable characters and a wonderful tropical setting. I too, am grateful for Lena's willingness to feature Aussie authors.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the great interview, I love reading about Australia and always wanted to go there for a visit but health wise I wont ever be able to so reading about it is the next best thing. Rose, your book sounds great. Thanks for the Giveaway.
Many Blessings

ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

Rose Dee said...

Helen, Narelle, Dorothy and Paula, Thank you for reading and commenting. I am so grateful for our wonderful group of Aussie authors.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Mary P,

The Sunshine Coast is such a beautiful place to visit. 'Back to Resolution' is set in North Queensland, but still on our awesome coast - sun, sea, beaches and islands.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Ingrid,

It's a shame that you cannot visit us 'Down Under'. But I have worked very hard to paint a picture of our incredible part of the world in 'Back to Resolution', so you will be able to visit in your imagination. xx

Ausjenny said...

again dont enter me i have read this book and loved it but the next book is even better.
great interview glad you haven't had an encounter with a crocodile.

Ausjenny (south Australia)

Merry said...

Rose's book sounds like an exciting vacation in Australia, I love the ocean and tropical islands. :) Please add me. Thanks!
Merry in TX

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Jenny,

No - I stay away from the crocodiles. I have had many big ones run down from the top of the creek and slide into the water under our boat. That's as close as I want to get.
Thank you for dropping by and commenting.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Merry,

Am I right in thinking that TX stands for Texas? There is a wonderful Texan character in 'Back to Resolution'. Thank you for taking the time to read my interview.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Sharon,

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Rose, Enjoyed your interview. I have always wanted to visit the land down under. Maybe one day I can but until then I will just read Back to Resolution. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us.

Brenda from Georgia

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Sandra Peut said...

Hi, Rose. It was lovely to learn more about you and your passion for writing. I also live near the beach in Queensland (although too far south for crocodiles, lol!), and would love to read a copy of your book. I hope it's the first of many. :)
Sandra (from Qld, Australia)

Liz R said...

Sounds great!

Liz R in AL

Diana Gardner said...

Looks great. Please enter me in the drawing. Portsmouth, VA

Kristie said...

I have never been to Australia but have always wanted to go. It's on my bucket list. I'm glad that you did not get overwhelmed and discuraged and "kept on swimming". Sorry, guess I have "'Finding Nemo' brain." I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Liz and Diana. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Sandra,

'Back to Resolution' is the first of a series. 'Beyond Resolution' is available now and 'A New Resolution' is due for release in October. So If you love these characters as much as I do, you can visit the island again.

Thank you for dropping by.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Brenda,

I am sure you will get to visit us 'down under' one day. But until you do 'Back to Resolution' is a great introduction to our awesome tropical North Queensland.

Rose Dee said...

Hi Kristie,

Nemo is so cute. I'm just relieved they made that movie about a little fish, and not one of the larger reef fish.I couldn't catch and eat a 'Nemo'.

Thank you for reading.