Author Interview - DOG GONE - Free Book

I am really pleased to introduce Eileen Key with her debut book. It was a long time coming, but well worth the wait. Welcome, Eileen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I chose to write in first person, so there’s a touch of me in my heroine. She’s skinnier and smarter though.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

While on vacation in England, I rented a car and hit a hearse—it was on the wrong side of the road, in my opinion. No injuries sustained to people or cars.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In fourth grade, my closest friend and I wrote a book about a lonely pine tree at Christmas. I’m sure it was made into a movie. Professionally I began writing in 2001.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read mystery and suspense. I especially like those with a continuing line of characters because they draw me into their world.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I’ve written two other complete manuscripts which were rejected by Steeple Hill. I’m a contributor in nine anthologies and have written numerous devotionals.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Whew! Isn’t it difficult? I’m blessed at this season of life to have a quiet apartment with only me in residence. Turning off the tv and settling into my overstuffed chair is a requirement by the end of the week. Other days I visit my grandson and use light sabers to play Star Wars. My two-year-old granddaughter still likes to cuddle. They brighten my days.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Arabelle, or Belle, is my heroine’s name in Dog Gone. Her name came from someone I knew. I always thought it tripped off the tongue nicely. I choose names from different time periods, people I’ve known, and try saying them out loud.

My mother's name was Frances Arabella after two of her aunts, but she didn't like it. She went by Fanny Belle. I didn't know her real name until after she died. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Rearing three children as a single parent, with Jesus as my guide. They are now successful adults and love the Lord.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A dog. House pet of my youngest daughter because I’d be spoiled rotten.

What is your favorite food?

Steak and taters. Texas gal that I am.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Fear. Fear of rejection and fear of reviews. I submitted because I finally typed The End on a volume of pages and found rejection didn’t kill me. Recently Angela Hunt’s wisdom put the review thing into perspective. At the ACFW conference, Angela stated if God called us to write, someone somewhere needs to read our words. Aha! Might only be one person, but my words are there for that someone.

I learned that some time ago. When I receive a rejection from a publisher, I know the readers who need this story wouldn't be reached by that publisher, so I keep looking for the one that will reach them. What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Read, read, read, and write, write, write. So many begin a thousand books but don’t see them through until The End. Finish. Find a critique partner if possible to give it a look-see, then submit. You won’t know until you try!

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Dog Gone introduces Belle Blevins, owner of Belle’s Featherduster Cleaning Service. When her best friend Ginnie reports that a dog has been stolen from her pet spa, Belle rushes to help find Schotzie. A loss of revenue for the kennel will be bad for Belle, since the Pampered Pooch sits on Belle’s property—and taxes are due! Then a rash of stolen pedigreed pooches begins, and Belle discovers the underworld of dognapping.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.eileenkey.com/

Thank you, Lena, my mentor and friend, for this interview.
Eileen

And thank you, Eileen, for spending this time with us.

Readers, if you would like to purchase a copy of this book, contact Eileen at:

ekey95@yahoo.com

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