Friday, February 15, 2008

Author Susan May Warren - Free Book

Hey, Suzie, glad to have you back. I've read Reclaiming Nick and I loved it. Then I read Taming Rafe. Wow!! I can't wait for the third book in the Noble Legacy series.

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I believe firmly that our time here on earth is meant to prepare us for eternity – and that starts with a relationship with God. So, having been a recipient of so much grace in my life, I try and pass that in into my stories – filling them with hope, and encouragement, filled with real characters who struggle with real issues. Of course, I like to do it all against a great backdrop of intrigue or suspense, or even the beauty of a state like Montana! My desire is that, when people finish my stories, they are inspired to seek after the God they met in my books.

Very well said. I feel the same way. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I think it was the day my first child was born. Of course, I was equally thrilled with every child (I have 4). But motherhood took me by surprise, and I didn’t realize how it would scoop me up and take my breath away. I love being a mom!

How has being published changed your life?

It’s opened doors of both opportunity and responsibility. I’m ever aware of the valuable time of my readers, and thus, I take the gift of being in their lives for even just a few hours very seriously. I work hard on my stories, and immerse myself in the Word, hoping that the stories I write touch a life in a way that is eternal. I never desired fame or fortune, but I always wanted to be a person who changed her world for Christ.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Light of Eidon. I love fantasy, even though I don’t write it.

What is your current work in progress?

I just started a fun, fast-paced, thriller/mystery series – It’s the epic adventures of a wanna-be PI named PJ Sugar. It’s funny, and poignant, and full of suspense and romance, as well as a spiritual message that applies to all our lives. I’m hoping readers will fall in love with PJ Sugar like I have!

I love the name already. What would be your dream vacation?

The beach, a pile of books and lots of time to read them!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to write about places that interest me – whether I’ve been there, or plan to go there. For sure, when I write the book, I’ve visited the place, however, so I can weave in the texture and actual landmarks. I also try and use places that have something to do with the story plot, also.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Oh boy, that’s a hard question! I’ve met so many authors who I admire. I think, though, I’d love to sit down with Elisabeth Elliot, who still holds the standard as a Godly woman for me. Her courage and faith inspired me in my early missionary days, and I’d love to meet her.

I've always loved her, too. When I wrote for School of Tomorrow, I did a piece on Jim Elliot and the difference he and his friends made, even though they lost their lives doing it. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Is there anything else? *grin* I love hiking, and camping. I love snowmobiling. I love home decorating. And I love making a great dinner for friends.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

The temptation to look at what others are doing and losing confidence in my own stories, my own writing. It is SO easy, (and so wrong) to compare yourself to others. My challenge is keeping my eyes fixed on my goal, despite the voices shouting from the sideline, and hear only the voice of my Father directing my steps.

That's somthing every Christian writer must learn. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write the stories that are on your heart, and learn your genre very well, by reading stories in that genre, and studying them copiously. Also – get a team of critiquers who will give you honest feedback!



Tell us about the featured book.

Taming Rafe is the story of bull-rider who finds himself caught in his worst nightmare. A friend of his has died, and Rafe has destroyed his career, and he’s broken and at the end of his rope. Enter Kat Breckenridge, a philanthropist from NYC who is trying desperately to keep her charitable organization from going under. It doesn’t help when Rafe decimates her event – so she goes looking for him, hoping he’s a decent guy and will help her out of bankruptcy. Uh…sorry, no. Rafe’s too wrapped up in his own problems to help her. But she’s persuasive, and she’s going to help him heal. In the process she also discovers a few secrets about herself that will change her life. It’s one of my favorite stories because I just adore Rafe. He’s a great hero – unwilling to see his need for someone until they practically force themselves into his life, but underneath that prickly exterior is a man with a great capacity to give, and love. Add to that the beauty of Montana, the excitement of bull-riding, a delicious subplot with a couple locals, and a spiritual theme about God at work in our lives. It’s story I am very grateful to have been allowed to tell.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.susanmaywarren.com

Thank you for spending this time with us, Suzie.

Readers, you'll just love this book. I could hardly put it down. If you want to read my review, go to my Shoutlife site:

www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley

I do reviews on my blog. You might like to read the other reviews there, too.

Want a free copy of the book? Leave a comment.

Also check out these other interviews:

Roxanne Rustand - Vendetta
Susan Page Davis - Finding Marie
Robin Carroll - Bayou Corruption


New winners tomorrow!

Don't forget to sign up for Feedblitz, under my profile.

26 comments:

Janelle said...

Losing confidence and keeping your eyes on the goal. Yep. Those are biggies. Enjoyed the interview.

Lori said...

Hey everybody, you need to run out and snatch up this book as quickly as you can! I love all of Susie's books, but this one just might be my new favorite. Strong romance, honest characters and beautiful writing! :)

PJ Sugar's story sounds like a blast as well. Get to writing, chica. Your fans await!

Carolynn said...

I really enjoyed the interview! It sounds like a great book, I look forward to reading it!

Unknown said...

Please enter me for the book Lena.

Susan I agree with you what else is there besides reading and writing, I do the first but I need author like you and Lena and others to keep it up so I have something to bury my nose in when I finish the pile in front of me at the moment.

My only "serious" writing that I actually share publically is book reviews on my blog but I love writing them and wish I had more time to read so I could do more - there's so many intriguing new books.

Can't wait to check out yours. I'll have to bug my library for them if they don't already have copies.

Melissa
forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com

Patricia PacJac Carroll said...

Great interview.
Sounds like an interesting book and interesting characters. A bull rider is not the ordinary kind of guy we're used to reading about. I'd like to read it.

Donald James Parker said...

Sign me up for drawing please. Thanks, Lena!
Donald James Parker

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed Susan's Deep Haven series, so I'd love to be in the drawing for Taming Rafe. I'll be looking out for Reclaiming Nick, too. Can't wait for the first PJ Sugar story! Thanks for the great interview.

windycindy said...

Thanks so much for a great author interview and book review. Please enter me in this drawing. I appreciate it.....Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I loved the first book in this series! Can't wait for more.

Cassie

cgreutman @ yahoo .com

Mimi N said...

I'd love to win a copy of Susan's new book! I LOVED the first one! Great writing. Thank you for the interview!

Blessings,
Mimi
mnjesusfreak[at]gmail[dot]com

Jenny said...

This book looks like an amazing read!

Sonya said...

Sounds like another great one! Great interview! I am learning so much about authors through your blog!

The Book Club Network - TBCN said...

Nice to know more about this author. I haven't read anything by her before. Plese put my name in for the drawing.
Thanks

Uniquely Yours said...

This sounds great! Thanks for the interview.

Unknown said...

Very Encouraging - I picked up both novels mentioned here this week at B & N... Can't wait to crack the cover after I finish Minnesota Brothers. I have a reading list a mile high.

Thanks for the insight, Lena, P. S. I am officially a member of ACFW. Blessings

Anonymous said...

ooh, sounds great! please enter me, thanks!

Donna said...

I love Reclaiming Nick and look forward to reading Taming Rafe. These are books that we are going to be reading in our womens book club this summer. Please enter me in the contest. runninmama at sbcglobal dot net

lollipops said...

I love Susie's books. Please enter me in the drawing.

Anonymous said...

Love the interview. Sounds like a good book to read.

Susan May Warren said...

Thanks Lena! What a great start for Rafe's blog tour!

Lori, Thank you so much for the kind words...I hope Pj won't disappoint! :)

And thank you all for your kind words and support!

Susan May Warren

Cherie J said...

Great interview! Please enter me in the drawing!

Karin said...

Please enter me--thanks.

Rose McCauley said...

Thanks for the interview, Lena and Susan. I have Reclaiming Nick in my TBR pile and would love to have this book to read next!

Anonymous said...

i'd love to win a copy of this book! susan may warren is one of my favorite authors! hsmuda[at]gmail[dot]com thanks!

lilac grandma said...

I always tell my son, the day you were born was the happiest day of my life! Please enter me. Melody msproule1225@gmaildotcom

tetewa said...

I'd like to be included for this one! tWarner419@aol.com