Tuesday, December 11, 2012

STRANDS OF FATE - Linda Kozar - One Free Book


Linda Kozar is the co-author of Babes With A Beatitude—Devotions For Smart, Savvy Women of Faith (Hardcover/Ebook, Howard/Simon & Schuster 2009) and author of Misfortune Cookies (Print, Barbour Publishing 2008), Misfortune Cookies, A Tisket, A Casket, and Dead As A Doornail, (“When The Fat Ladies Sing Series,” eBooks, Spyglass Lane Mysteries, 2012). Her latest novel Strands of Fate released October 2012 (Hardcover/Ebook, Creative Woman Mysteries). She received the ACFW Mentor of the Year Award in 2007, founded and served as president of Writers On The Storm, The Woodlands, Texas ACFW chapter for three years. In 2003, she co-founded, co-directed and later served as Southwest Texas Director of Words For The Journey Christian Writers Guild. She and her husband Michael, married 24 years, have two lovely daughters, Katie and Lauren and a Rat Terrier princess named Patches.

Represented by: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Agency

Member of: CAN (Christian Authors Network), RWA (Romance Writers of American), WHRWA (West Houston Romance Writers of America), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), Writers On The Storm, The Woodlands, Texas Chapter of ACFW, Toastmasters (Area 56) The Woodlands, Texas. WoodsEdge Community Church, The Woodlands, TX.

Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Though I started out writing short stories, the first book I pitched was a nonfiction. But I soon found out how tremendously difficult it is to get a nonfic book published as a newbie writer, so I shelved the book. (BTW—I received permission from my agent to self-pub it and plan on doing so in 2013)

I started writing mysteries and found I had a knack for that. The first mysteries were more RomCom type cozies—lots of fun. But now I’m writing historicals and even have a contemporary I’m editing.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I married my husband. I asked God to send me the perfect husband for me and the perfect wife for him—and he did!

How has being published changed your life?
I decided in second grade that I wanted to someday be an author, so for me, being published was the culmination of a lifelong dream. Seeing a dream fulfilled is definitely a life-changing event. I have so many stories on my heart that I want to share and to have the opportunity to do is a great blessing.

What are you reading right now?
Though I’ve read a slew of book, my favorite book (recently) is The Lantern, by Deborah Lawrenson—an homage to the gothic romance, Rebecca. After going to see Lincoln last night at the movie theater, I plan on buying the book on which this fabulous movie was based, called, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

What is your current work in progress?
A book set in Texas during the 1800s! I’m really excited about this project. Historicals hold a real fascination for me. I like to imagine what life would have been like for the characters, the difficulties, hardships, even advantages of living in a different time.

What would be your dream vacation?
I would love to go to Australia or New Zealand. The natural beauty of those places is stunning.

I’ll just have to go with you. That’s my dream, too. How do you choose your settings for each book?
Once the character comes to life in my head, I imagine where that character would live. I’m very much character-driven.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Condoleeza Rice. She such an interesting woman, brilliant and multi-talented. She played an integral part in our nation’s history, yet inexplicably, seems to have faded into the background. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to just sit and chat with her over tea or coffee? Of course we’d talk about politics, but I’d imagine she would have lots of other interesting things to talk about as well. And I’d be sure to ask her to play something on the piano too!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Oil painting and beading. Painting in oils is so calming. My mind goes to a different place when I have a brush in my hand. I’ve painted and given away or sold more canvases than I’ve kept. Beading is different. I can do that when watching television or talking on the phone. It’s creative, but not so demanding.

I don’t have time to do much of either of those crafts these days. All I seem to do is write, and that’s a choice I’ve made. Time is so precious, we must portion it out to develop those gifts, but sometimes the choice is difficult.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Social networking. While it is important for writers to engage in social networking, it can also suck you in quite easily. It is a constant battle I fight. Time and focus are important to success.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Trust the call of God on your life. If God called you to write—write! He will make sure your work gets published. It’s not important to know how this will happen, just that it will. If you trust Him for the call, trust him for the rest. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

That is such good advice. I’m awaiting a contract that God set up so unexpectedly for me this month. Tell us about the featured book.
Strands of Fate is the first in a new cozy mystery series, each written by different authors. Set in Scotland and Oregon, the story follows Shannon McClain and the members of the Purls of Hope knitting circle as they unravel the mysteries that touch their lives and the lives of those they care about in their quaint coastal town.

Please give us the first page of the book.
A sharp rap at the door started Sannon McClain in mid-stitch, causing her to prick her index finger with her embroidery needle. She winced and brought her finger to her mouth.“One moment, please.”

She rose from her chair and made her way to the front door. When she opened it, she found the stoop empty. Perplexed, she glanced to the right and to the left but saw only rows and rows of flowerpots overflowing with blooms. How odd.

She closed the door and went back to her handwork, a delicate pillowcase edging. She hoped her quick reaction had kept blood from soiling the cloth. Though close to finishing this particular project, she’d decided to add an extra row of seed pearls to the hummingbird’s wing to highlight the tip.

Shannon had gained a name for herself, beading necklaces with precious and semiprecious stones, Italian glass and antique findings. Recently she’d begun incorporating her beading designs into embroidered handwork, along with knitted caps and sweaters. And she was finding it hard to keep up with the new orders.

Perhaps, as her best friend Coleen said, she was too much of a perfectionist. But Shannon never regretted going the extra mile for a client. The client who’d ordered the pillowcases for a wedding gift was sure to be content.

Rap-rap-rap. Aggravation rising, she put down her work and opened the door again.

I don’t bead, but I do knit. I can’t wait to read this story. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Right now, Strands of Fate is only offered through a book club:
www.creativewomanmysteries.com Readers may join the book club and receive the first book half price ($6.99) and thereafter receive other books in the series each month.

The quality of these books is amazing. They are what I describe as “Boutique Books.” Done in top-of-the-line fashion, with a book jacket, they even include satin bookmarks.

My website is: www.lindakozar.com and I have a blog called Bookish Desires: www.bookishdesires.blgospot.com

30 comments:

Unknown said...

What a fun sounding series...i have a doily that has beads in it...an heirloom. Thanks for the great interview, Linda and Lena and the chance to win Strands of Fate.

Marianne from northern Alberta

mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

Linda Kozar said...

Marianne--I would love to see a picture of it! I'll bet it's beautiful. My grandmother used to tat and crochet all sorts of things like that, including pillowcases. I learned a basic stitch from her, but didn't continue with it. Same with knitting. But I might just pick up where I left off. I keep seeing all these great designs on Pinterest...

Sharon Leaf said...

Linda, I learned so much about you in this fabulous interview. So glad you're going to self-pub your non-fic book--can't wait to read it. You and Condaleezza will get along great because she has a delightful sense of humor too--like you. I wish you smooth sailing and oceans of blessings for this Christmas season!

Sparks of Ember said...

Purls of Hope - what a cute name for their group! Sounds like a clever book series!

From the Black Hills of SD!

Linda Kozar said...

Sharon--Thanks so much, my friend! I'm soooo looking forward to the experience of becoming an "Indie" author (at least with one book). And smooth sailing to you too!

Linda Kozar said...

Lady Saotome--Wouldn't you like to join the Purls of Hope? I know I would. The characters are such a great little circle of women. I had myself wishing they were real!

Hillari Delgado said...

Love your 'Fat Lady Sings' series so I'll be picking up 'Strands of Fate.' I don't know anything about beading so I'm looking forward to learning more as a background for your story.

Your other projects sound fabulous--and how exciting for you to be moving your non fiction project to publication!

Jean said...

Thank you for the opportunity to obtain this book!

Jean
West Palm Beach, FL

Linda Kozar said...

Thanks Hillari! I think you and I should do a project together. Maybe find two others and do a gothic novella collection! How cool would that be!

Linda Kozar said...

Jean, so nice to hear from you!

Mimi said...

Beautiful book cover and sounds like a very interesting story. I love the "Purls" in the club name.
Michelle
Delaware

Norma S said...

Hi Linda and Lena,
Thanks for the chance to win the book "Strands Of Fate" It sounds like a great book, i would love to know who was at the door.With the beads in your embroidered handwork sounds really nice.
God bless you both and a Merry Christmas with God the one we are looking too.
Norma in Ohio

Lourdes said...

Sounds great would love to win.

Lourdes Dix Hills Long Island

Linda Kozar said...

Hi Mimi, Norma and Lourdes! So glad you stopped by. I wish you could all win a copy of Strands of Fate!

But you can find it at www.creativewomanmysteries.com

The first book in the series, Strands of Fate can be purchased at an introductory discount, half-price for $6.99. The rest of the books in the series are $14.99, but you can drop out after buying the first book if you like with no obligation. Hope that helps!

Library Lady said...

I'm not very crafty or creative but I do love to read mysteries that involve quilts, sewing, knitting, etc.
Thanks for entering me in the giveaway for the book, "Strands of Fate".
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary Preston said...

I do enjoy my craft work, but beading is something I've only done a little of. I'm looking forward to reading STRANDS OF FATE.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this story

karenk..from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Jo said...

This definitely sounds like a series that I would enjoy reading. I learned how to knit as a teenager but haven't knitted since the kids were very young.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

Lane Hill House said...

I am not a knitter, do have a bead frame, and would love to read this mystery as a former Nancy Drew reader ~ I am a historical reader and quilter ~ Kathleen - Missouri
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Lyndie Blevins said...

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

holdenj said...

I like cozies and this series sounds intriguing, with using different authors. Thanks for the info and chance to win.
Julie in MN

Hannah said...

I would love to win!
Hannah P
CA

Shopgirl said...

I love cozy mysteries! I'm in MN.

apple blossom said...

thanks for chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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