Tuesday, October 16, 2012

UNCHARTED WATERS - Sara DuBose - One Free Book


Welcome, Sara. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I write inspirational fiction because I believe readers identify with a protagonist who has goals, or fears, similar to their own. As they escape into another world, readers discover new ways to cope with problems or meet needs. When the protagonist finally comes to a turning point, I think it gives the author and the reader a sense of relief, satisfaction, and hope.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
Tomorrow

I love that optimistic answer. How has being published changed your life?
It has helped me discover a great contentment in using God’s gifts for promoting His kingdom rather than my own.

What are you reading right now?
In non-fiction, I am reading The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson and The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan. My fiction read is The Prince of Frogtown by Rick Bragg.

What is your current work in progress?
At the moment, I’m writing blog posts about some of the outstanding individuals I’ve met while working on the latest novel, Uncharted Waters. Men and women in law enforcement, self defense, and even a car dealership were all eager to help. In fact, I will long remember a ride-along in a police cruiser and experiences on the Police Academy firing range.  

What would be your dream vacation?
I’ve always loved to ride the rails so a train trip through the mountains sounds ideal.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Since I know my own area better than anywhere else, all my novels are set in Alabama and surrounding areas such as Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
R.C. Sproul is a man of great depth an insight. I’d like to spend some time with him and, if possible, I’d like another evening with Elisabeth Elliot and Joni Ereckson Tada.

I’ve had a long-time interest in both of those women, too. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I like to travel and also explore areas near home.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
The most difficult obstacle is reserving time to write and then setting aside all of the negative talk about why it can’t be done. The problem can only be overcome through prayer, dedication to my calling, and two passages of Scripture. One passage is Philippians 4: 6-8, and the second is Phil. 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Don’t despise small things. Write a 500-word filler. Expand to a 1,500-word article. Ask for advice and edits. Study the work of other authors in your field of interest. Pray. Dream. Set goals. Get to work!

Tell us about the featured book. It has such a pretty cover.
Here is the pitch for Uncharted Waters.

Where do fears come from? Beth wants to know. Do they arise from the present moment, or do they lurk somewhere inside a convoluted corridor of the mind? 

My protagonist, Beth Davidson, wants love and affection but not the kind offered by her intruder or at the price she may need to pay. For sixteen years, her life has remained on hold and now a predator is at her heels. Is the abundant life simply surviving another day?  When Lt. Wilson, the officer in charge of stalking and domestic violence, interviewed Beth he spoke of power and control. Now those words sometimes roll around in Beth’s head like dice in the hands of a gambler. On other days, it feels like the gambler’s fingers are closing in for the kill. 
    
Since losing her mother at age twelve, and experiencing a fractured relationship with her dad, twenty-two-year-old Beth is finally living on her own and experiencing a life of restrained optimism. Optimism, that is, until the sudden appearance of this invader. Then, day by day, as his advancements continue, Beth’s young faith will be tested almost beyond endurance. The emotional atmosphere becomes one of panic on a leash.   
What does this stalker want, and how far will he go to get it? Beth doesn’t know but she is about to find out.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Glancing out the breakfast room window, I noticed an unfamiliar black car in front of my apartment. The male drive appeared to be staring directly at my door. My mind jumped to Donnie, but I knew this was wishful thinking. Donnie drives a truck and hardly knows I’m alive.

I took a sip of orange juice and decided the stranger must be trying to find someone. Our apartment numbers are difficult to read. Maybe he’s nearsighted like me. I stabbed at the remaining egg on my plate, but it no longer looked appealing. The driver continued to sit.

I stood, picked up the plate, and took a step toward the window. As I stooped for a closer look, the car eased forward and sped away. I made a mental note of the make (a Honda). Easy to do since I work at the Montgomery Honda dealership. I chastised myself for giving the incident any thought at all.

The cell rang so I retrieved it from my bathrobe pocket.

“Morning, Beth. How’s it going?” Shannon’s vivacious voice caught me off-guard.

“Fine.” I hoped I sounded normal. The man in the car made me more skittish than I realized.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Readers can find me at: www.saradubose.com.
They can also find me at: www.facebook.com/authorsaradubose

Thank you, Sara, for sharing your book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Uncharted Waters - paperback
Uncharted Waters - 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

21 comments:

Jo said...

Looks like I am the first to post here. Great interview from another new to me author. This book sounds like a great read and I definitely am interested in reading it. Thanks for the opportunity!

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Jo said...

Looks like I am the first to post here. Great interview from another new to me author. This book sounds like a great read and I definitely am interested in reading it. Thanks for the opportunity!

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Unknown said...

Hi Lena...another great sounding new novel and new author to me. Thanks for the chance to win!

marianneDOTwanhamATgmailDOTcom

Katie said...

Sounds very interesting!!! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Jackie Tessnair said...

Please enter me.This book sounds very interesting.Thanks...Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

Mary Preston said...

I want to know how Beth manages. A stalker sounds very worrying.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Lyndie Blevins said...

Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins

Duncanville Tx

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.

Judy said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. I want to know why Beth is being stalked!

Thanks for the giveaway.

Blessings!
Judy from Indiana

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel

karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

rubynreba said...

Very nice interview. Love to be entered!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Jackie Tessnair said...

Hi,I would love to read this book.Thanks...Jackie Tessnair from N.C.

Sara DuBose said...

Jo, thanks for your encouragement. I hope you will enjoy the novel!

Sara

Sara DuBose said...

Mary,

I hope the novel will bring enjoyment and a few surprises!

Sara

Sara DuBose said...

Thanks to all of you for the interest and kind comments.

I hope you enjoy the story!

Sara

Sara DuBose said...

Judy,

I appreciate your interest in Uncharted Waters and hope you will find the answers you seek regarding Beth's stalker!

Sara

Shopgirl said...

Sounds suspenseful! Look forward to it! I'm in MN.

Janet Kerr said...

Sara, your cover is wonderful & the story sounds most interesting.
Please enter me in your draw.
Jan from BC Canada

Diana Gardner said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA

Sara DuBose said...

Thanks for your comments about the book cover and the suspense elements!