Thursday, August 29, 2013

FOR RAN$OM - Sarah McClain - One Free Book

Readers, we're meeting another debut author. 

Welcome, Sarah. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Well, I write with all my soul. I find that I don’t mean to put myself into the characters, but after one of my friends reads it they’ll point out something. So I’ll re-read, and see a little piece of my self here and there.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Just one? I am just an old ball. Well if I have to answer, then it’s not something I’ve done, but something I feel. I feel sad for birds ’cause they have no hands. I always have. My friends are always like, “but they can fly!” My reply is usually, “But when you see them at the Target parking lot they can’t scoop up a pile of popcorn, they have to eat it one by one.” (At this time my hands would be in front of me as if I was holding two handfuls of popcorn) My only thought is that they hop around all day looking for sticks and popcorn. It must be so tiring. Now, I know (as my grandmother says) I may be insane, but I am who I am.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I’ve been writing all sorts of stories since I was about 8 years old. I recently moved and found a folder of stories that I wrote when I was about 10. I think I’m going to read them and see if any have a good storyline and revive them.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love all kinds; from Dr. Suess’ Green Eggs and Ham to anything by Ted Dekker. I’m into Angie Smith and Tosca Lee. Dee Henderson. And this is all when I can find time to read.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I find Peace comes in the quiet moment.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
You know, sometimes it’s easy, and sometimes I change a character name when the book is 98% done. I usually think about the story and a name pops in my head. I’ll toy around with a few but oft times come back to that name. I actually recently had a contest for my “groupies” as I call them to name the next characters in my book. Winners got a free copy of For Ransom.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of being the first in my family to go to college and graduate. The rest chose military, which was perfect for them, but I wanted to be an artist. So now I am a graphic designer and an author, and I’m so blessed.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a cat. They get to be lazy and cuddly and basically own humans.

What is your favorite food?
This is such a hard question, ’cause there are so many types of food that are calling my name as I sit here a lunch time, hungry! But I always come back to my love for spaghetti.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
The endings can be tough. I never want someone to read the book and put it down and be like, “Really? That’s it?”

Tell us about the featured book.
A ransom demanded.
A daughter's life.
A mother's love.
A father's choice.
A man's quest.
Will her mother and father come together to pay this ransom and bring her home? Will Eli be able to find her before it’s too late?
Will the kidnappers follow through or simply take the money without freeing Hailey?
Will Hailey lose her faith or even her life in the process?
Will a ransom save her life?
 "For the love of money is the root of all evil." -1 Timothy 6:10

Please give us the first page of the book.
ONE
The sound of heavy breathing filled the night as the moon’s blue light peered in from the bay window across the room. The hallways were usually peaceful, but this night brought an all too familiar sound that echoed through the darkness. Piercing screams carried down the hall, waking Anne from a deep sleep. Anyone else would be disoriented from being suddenly snatched from their sleep, but Anne knew this scream. It was an all too familiar sound that broke her heart. Anne looked across at the man laying beside her who was fast asleep, this man that she had married when she was so young, had now become a stranger to her.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
@SarahMMcClain  -- Twitter

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your first book with us.


Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
For Ransom

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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

21 comments:

Britney Adams said...

Thank you for the introduction to Sarah McClain. FOR RAN$OM sounds like an exciting suspense! I wish Sarah much success with her debut novel.

Britney Adams, TX

Sarah McClain said...

Thank you Britney! Good luck if you win! ;)

Melanie Backus said...

Oh, the suspense and intrigue....this book sounds like a winner! Good luck to you Sarah and thank you for letting us get to know you.

Melanie Backus, Texas

Sarah McClain said...

Anytime Melanie! It is honestly my pleasure!

Merry said...

For Ransom sounds like a great suspense read. Please add me!
Merry in MN

Sarah McClain said...

Merry, you're added! Good luck and I hope you win! If anyone has ANY more questions, I'm on here...feel free to ask! ;) -sm

Anonymous said...

Looks like an excellent book. Thanks for sharing the first page I definitely want to read more.

Katie J. from Florida

Library Lady said...

I would love to win this book to add to our church library collection.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do so.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida

Sarah McClain said...

Janet, thanks for your enthusiasm! I would love for EVERYONE to win!
Feel free to like my FB page!

https://www.facebook.com/SarahmMcClain

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Mary Preston said...

What an exciting & intense read this seems to be. Yes please!!

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Anonymous said...

WOULD LOVE TO WIN. ANGELA FROM KY

Cindy W. said...

I love debut authors and FOR RAN$OM sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

I live in Indian.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

Lourdes said...

Thank you great interview looking forward to reading this book.

Lourdes Long Island, NY

bonton said...

Hi, Sarah!

Enjoyed your interview. Love the storyline of your book & would love to read it! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kentucky

Unknown said...

Enjoyed Sarah's interview. Book sounds intriguing. Please enter my name in the giveaway. Thank you!

Barbara in Louisiana

barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

rubynreba said...

Sounds like a book that will be hard to put down!
Beth from Iowa

Unknown said...

Sounds good. My daughter and I just started reading suspense this summer. Please enter me in your contest.
Tonja S. (Virginia)

Melissa Oldaker said...

Sounds great! Thanks!!

Melissa O
NC

Sarah McClain said...

Thanks everyone for your entries! -SM