Thursday, November 01, 2012

PINEAPPLES IN PERIL - Cheryl Linn Martin - One Free Book


When I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers national Conference in September, I kept seeing people who had little handmade pineapples attached to their name tags.  I asked one lady where she got hers, and she immediately "pineappled" me. So I'm introducing this author to you today.

Welcome, Cheryl. What has drawn you to writing for children?
I was first inspired to write as a child, reading Nancy Drew. I knew at that young age that I would one day write a mystery!

Striving to do what God has placed in front of me motivates me to keep pressing forward. Sharing wholesome mysteries filled with fun, humor, mishaps and unexpected moments for kids to enjoy also motivates me to continue this amazing journey.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I do push-ups with the Oregon Duck (the U of O mascot) whenever Oregon scores—and, yes, they’re men’s push-ups! With the way Oregon often scores, I can end up doing 240 or more push-ups during one game! I figure it’s a fun way to get a work-out!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I have always enjoyed writing, but once I started writing fiction I soon discovered that writing was much more than just a desire and some aptitude—it really is a craft that takes a lot of study, trial and error, and perseverance.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I truly love mysteries! I also enjoy suspense and recently have enjoyed branching into historical romances, although, if they have a little intrigue in them, I become even more entrenched in the story! I guess I just can’t get away from my passion—mystery!

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
There will be three books (and possibly more! I’ve written a fourth and am working on a fifth) in The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. I have another series, also for Middle Readers, but a little older age within that group—about 11-14 or so. I’ve written the first and am working on the second. It’s about a fictional detective (Detective Michael Macks from novels) who helps a 16-year-old girl solve murder mysteries—that is, unless he’s totally annoying her with his silly, quirky behavior. The series is entitled The Macks and Me Murder Mysteries.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I love to sing and participate in drama team at church. I also try to get out of the house every so often—maybe check out a garage sale with my hubby, go out for a coffee, go to the gym with my son, or go shopping! I LOVE a good sale!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
Being a published author! This is a dream-come-true!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I would probably want to be a Persian cat. We have a Persian named Lilly, and she’s definitely “The Queen” around our house. Ahh, to have that status—to be served food and water everyday, to demand attention (and actually get it!) and to always have someone else cleaning up after you—what a life!

What is your favorite food?
I’ll admit it—I love cheesecake!

Is it hard to break into the children’s market?
Right now I’m hearing from parents that there just aren’t enough wholesome books available for Middle Readers. I think if you have something for that age, get it done and work toward finding an editor/publisher. Kids are hungry to read good stuff!

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
I think if you have something for that age, get it done, and work toward finding an editor/publisher. Kids are hungry to read good stuff! My books in this series are all around 50K words for ages 8-12. If I write 5K per week, I’m done in 10 weeks. You can have a book for Middle Readers done this month if you participate in NaNoWriMo, but if not, you could follow my routine and have one done by mid January!

One of the women in my critique group was a teacher’s aid in an elementary school. She started a writing club, and she finished a children’s fantasy novel during NaNoWriMo right along with her students. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
Besides being a fun and intriguing mystery, the story explores sibling and family issues as well as 13-year-old angst. In book one, Pineapples in Peril, Leilani learns some wonderful things about her annoying brother. But then there’s reality—Kimo will always be her pain-in-the-pants younger brother! So, every book in the series has the wonderful moments involving family and siblings, along with the frustrating times. Kind of like real life, huh?

How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website address is www.cheryllinnmartin.com I also have a blog all about Hawaii at www.lifeinflip-flops.blogspot.com
You can also connect with me on my facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorcheryllinnmartin
If “tweeters” would like to comment on The Hawaiian Island Detective Club, they can add the hashtag: #HIDC

Thank you, Cheryl, for introducing us to your detective stories. They would make good Christmas gifts. I always like to give books to children along with their other gifts.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hawaiian Island Detective Club: Pineapples in Peril - paperback
Pineapples in Peril (The Hawaiian Island Detective Club) - 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

42 comments:

apple blossom said...

oh sounds wonderful thanks for chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I WOULD BE BLESSED TO WIN.
ANGELA FROM KY

monica said...

I would love for my daughters to read this!

Monica, Ontario

Lyndie Blevins said...

Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville Tx

scottsgal said...

I love mysteries - got my start on Nancy Drew books too - read them all!
thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks so much for visiting and commenting, Apple Blossom! The books are fun, and I even have some faithful adult readers too!

I write "Mysteries for Kids and Kids at Heart!" Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks for the visit, Angela! If you win, I hope you find many blessings in Pineapples in Peril! It makes me re-live those angst-filled "teeny-bopper" days.

Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

So glad you dropped in and commented, Monica! I know your daughters would love all the books in The Hawaiian Island Detective Club Series! They have some amazing male characters in the story as well.

Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

So glad you visited and commented, Lyndie! Hope you'll have a chance to get the book--it's like a mini trip to the islands and a dose of amazing Hawaiian culture!

Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Oh my!! I LOVED Nancy Drew, Cheryl! I actually knew at age 10 or so that I would one day write a mystery! Thank you so much for connecting with me. Best of luck on the drawing.

Great name, BTW! Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks, Lena, for this wonderful interview and highlight of book one of The Hawaiian Island Detective Club series, Pineapples in Peril!!!

Aloha! --Cheryl

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds like a sweet juicy read!

Wendy in FL

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks, Wendy! Pineapples are sweet and juicy--and I think you and/or a Middle Reader in your life will find, so is the read!

Appreciate the visit and comment. Aloha! --Cheryl

Sparks of Ember said...

What a cute concept for a book series! I, too, loved Nancy Drew books as a kid. Trixie Belden and a few others, too!

from the black hills of SD!

karenk said...

would love to read this novel...thanks for the chance

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
(from PA)

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

What a sweet comment, Lady Saotome! I don't think I ever read Trixie Belden--or if I did, I mostly remember Nancy Drew! My goodness--I was certainly stuck on those!

One of my reviewers said "Nancy Drew is back and she's Hawaiian!" Cool huh?

Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Karen K--Hope you do have the chance to read Pineapples in Peril! Maybe even the entire series?? I've had many adults love it as much as the kids.

Thanks for visiting and commenting. Aloha! --Cheryl

sharon m. said...

I would like to win Pineapples in Peril. San Diego, CA

Mary Preston said...

I have always received and given books as gifts.

I should read more detective stories. I always enjoy them.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Linda Glaz said...

Ladies, if you don't win a book, order one for your kids. You won't be sorry. I'm one of Cheryl's critters, and I guarantee, her books are hilarious for kids and parents alike. Great interview, Lena!

cjames@claricejames.com said...

I roomed with Cheryl at the ACFW Conference. She even did her "duck" push-ups in the room! If her books for children are anything like her personality, they will be fun to read for everyone!

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.

holdenj said...

I always like to find good books for kids as well. Thanks for the intro to these stories and thanks for the chance to win!
Julie in MN

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks so much for being interested in winning a copy of Pineapples in Peril!! Best of luck, and don't forget to spread the word to all the parents and grandparents you know! Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Good for you, Mary--giving books as gifts is wonderful!! I wouldn't spend money on myself when my kids were young, but I always bought books for them--through the school and from author visits.

And, yes, you really should read more mysteries--and these set in Hawaii will be fun for you and the kids in your life! Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thank you so much for giving a shout-out for my books, Linda! I know the more people that read them, the more the word will spread.

I even had an excited girl at my door on Halloween tell me she'd read the book, loved it, and then gave it to her teacher to read! Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Clarice, you're always so funny!! Everyone HAS to believe me now--that I really do the push-ups with the Ducks!! Last week about killed me!! I only made it to the 63. When they scored 70, I gave up and did 15 plus 55 crunches!

Thanks so much for the sweet comments and support! Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Hey, Sharon! Thanks for visiting and entering the competition. Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

So glad you dropped in, Julie! I love that you look for good books for kids. If you don't win this one, you can always try for book two. I believe Lena has a slot for me sometime late January/early February. Book two, Menehunes Missing, comes out on February 5.

Aloha! --Cheryl

Shopgirl said...

I love mysteries and this sounds like a fun one! I'm in MN.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win your book, "Pineapples in Peril". I have been to Hawaii and would love to go back again.
I live in the Sunshine State, FL.
Janet Estridge
von1janet@gmail.com

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Hi, Veronica! You're a woman after my own heart--not only do I write mysteries, but if you catch me reading, it will almost always be a mystery or a suspense!

Thanks so much for visiting! Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks for commenting and entering, Anonymous from Florida! You must love sunshine since you loved Hawaii and you're from the "Sunshine State!" Aloha! --Cheryl

rubynreba said...

I have a 10 year old granddaughter and I'm glad you are writing for this age group.
Beth from IA

bonnie said...

Thanks for the opportunity to become acquainted with your books!

bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks, Beth! I love writing for this age group, and I really hope your granddaughter will have a chance to read the book. If you don't win a copy--remember--Christmas is coming up!!

Aloha! --Cheryl

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks, Bonnie, for visiting and commenting! It's been a fun ride as a new author--writing in an area where I believe we need some really good, wholesome books!

Aloha! --Cheryl

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this for my daughter, she loves a good mystery.

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this for my daughter, she loves a good mystery.
A. Carpenter

faithsmom1030@hotmail.com


Had to do this twice, would not let me leave name the first time !

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

So glad you visited, A. Carpenter! And that you have a daughter who would be able to read and enjoy Pineapples in Peril. If you win, she might just get hooked on the series! Aloha! --Cheryl

Diana Gardner said...

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

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting, Diana! Hope you enjoyed reading about my publishing journey. Aloha! --Cheryl