Tuesday, October 21, 2014

JUST ONE KISS - Wendy Davy - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m excited about this new line of sweet romances.

Welcome, Wendy. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
In general, I enjoy privacy, so I’m actually surprised how much I reveal about myself in my books. Often times, my characters go through many of the same emotions I’ve been through at one time or another in my life, even if the circumstances aren’t exactly the same. As vulnerable as it makes me feel, in opening up a little about myself, I hope readers can identify with these wide ranging emotions, and help them know they aren’t alone in their struggles.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I thought about this, and I couldn’t come up with one thing in particular. I’m a quirky person in general. (As I’m sure my husband would agree.) I’m analytical in nature, and serious minded, but the quirkiness peeks through, normally through little bits of humor.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I knew I wanted to be a writer from the first moment I saw the movie Romancing The Stone. The heroine is a romance writer, and I was drawn into her world of adventure. Ideas of my own started forming in my mind, and characters came to life, and I had no doubts that writing is what I wanted to do. I didn’t know inspirational romance was in my future until much later when God had prepared me to complete my first novel. Writing with prayers and things I’ve learned about God is natural for me, and gives my books a sense of purpose.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Stephen King is the writer who hooked me on reading. Early on, I read many of his books, along with Dean Koontz and others like them. But when I picked up my first romance novel, I fell in love with the genre. Today, I enjoy reading mostly inspirational romantic suspense, sweet inspirational romance, women’s fiction with romantic elements, and an occasional mystery.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I keep my sanity by writing. My passion is digging into the fictional world, creating stories that both uplift and keep the reader guessing until the end. Every time I immerse myself into my stories, I feel a peace and a sense of purpose that can only come from knowing I’m doing God’s will.

That is so true. How do you choose your characters' names?
Sometimes I hear a name that strikes me as something I’d like to use, other times I read the ending credits to movies and pick names from there. Friends have suggested names that I’ve used, and I’ve also tucked in some family names in a few of my stories. For example, in Just One Kiss, Dustin’s last name, McKinley, was my grandfather’s first name. The lawyer, Ethel Mae, was my great grandmother’s first and middle names.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
As far as writing, becoming published is most certainly the highlight. I dreamed of it for so many years, when it finally happened, I was ecstatic for months. Aside from the writing world, I’m most proud of my kids and my husband.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I would be a cat. I love cats in all shapes and sizes. Young or old. As nocturnal animals, they like to sleep all day and play all night. Sounds pretty good to me!

What is your favorite food?
Fresh and hot out of the oven glazed donuts are at the top of my list. However, since diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I have to stay away from gluten. So, strawberries come in at a close second, and I can still enjoy those. At least they are healthier anyway, right?

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Time. Finding time to write is my greatest roadblock. Between a part-time job, full-time motherhood, (including a son with special needs), and keeping up with all of life’s challenges, time often escapes me. But, God always provides a way. This past winter we had an unusual amount of snow days. I spend most of those curled up in a quiet room typing away.

Tell us about the featured book.
Just One Kiss was originally designed to be a very short story, but then something came up and I wrote another book in between. By the time Just One Kiss rolled around again, Pure Amore was in its planning stages, and the story fit perfectly for Pelican Ventures’ new imprint. Through God’s grace, I continued writing Just One Kiss and it became the story it is today. I’m so glad God has other plans; His ways are always the best!

Yes, they are. Please give us the first page of the book.
            “Dustin McKinley sent me an eviction notice.” Molly scanned the papers again, hoping she’d misunderstood. “He can’t really kick me out in thirty days can he?”

            Ethel Mae Winslow’s gaze held steady. “Upon his grandmother’s passing, Mr. McKinley became the proper owner of your residence. He has the right to do with it as he wishes.”

            Molly gaped at the woman sitting behind the mahogany desk. With her salt-and-pepper hair wound into a bun at the nape of her skinny neck, and reading glasses perched on the end of her nose, Granbury’s only attorney resembled the old maid in a deck of playing cards.

            Although Molly didn’t like Mrs. Winslow’s answer, she reminded herself to be civil. “There must be some sort of misunderstanding. Dorothy promised I could stay in the apartment as long as I wanted. And, I still want to live there.”

            “Do you have this promise in writing?”

            “Well…no.”

            “And Mr. McKinley is supposed to take your word on this? Surely you can understand he can’t just—”

            “What? Believe I’m telling the truth? What was I supposed to do? Pull out a pen and demand she write her wishes on paper?”

            “Considering there’s nothing of this agreement recorded within Mrs. McKinley’s will, yes it would’ve been helpful.”
           
How can readers find you on the Internet?

Information about me and my books can be found at www.wendydavy.com and www.pelicanbookgroup.com. I love to hear from my readers and can be contacted at wendy@wendydavy.com

Thank you, Wendy, for sharing this new book with us today.

Readers, 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.

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14 comments:

Cindy W. said...

I would love to win a copy of Just One Kiss. Thank you for the chance!

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

Unknown said...

This book loks great! Lovr learning about new author!

Indiana

rubynreba said...

The cover is beautiful. I enjoyed this interview and would love to read the book.
Beth from IA

Melanie Backus said...

This sounds like a great book. Love the cover!

Melanie Backus, TX

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the interview. As a person who absolutely loves names, I especially liked hearing how Wendy chooses names for her characters. :)
This sounds like a book I would like! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

Aerykah in Oklahoma

Linda Kish said...

I would love to read this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Mary Preston said...

A wonderful interview thank you & such a pretty cover.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Donna B said...

I would love to win this book! Enjoyed learning a little about a new author. Thanks for a chance to win this book. I'm from Illinois.

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win
live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

sm said...

Just One Kiss sounds good to me. You are a new author to me. I already admire you for taking care of your special needs child. I'm sure each day is a challenge. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Deanna Stevens said...

Romancing the Stone is one of my favorite movies ! ! My grandmothers name is Anna Sophia & I always wished one of my children would use her name :)
dstevens from Nebraska

Britney Adams said...

I love meeting new authors! Just One Kiss sounds great! Thank you for the chance to win.

Britney Adams, TX

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me!

Blanch,NC