Wednesday, August 26, 2009

CHRISTMAS LOVE AT LAKE TAHOE - Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid - 3 Free Books

I am blessed to be in two different Christmas novella collections this year. One contemporary, one historical. This is the contemporary one. How did your story for the collection come about?

When Jeanie Smith Cash first contacted me about being part of this collection, I thought about a ski lodge and what I’d want to do if I were working at one. I chose activities director. And if she didn’t really want to ski, who would be the best hero for there to be internal conflict between them. The results is my book No Thank You in Christmas Love in Lake Tahoe.

What are you reading right now?

Love Finds You in Revenge, Ohio, by my good friend, Lisa Harris. It’s a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

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

This book and the other one that is releasing at the same time are book releases 24 and 25. Go to my web site to read about my other releases. http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Keeping it to under 20,000 words but still including enough character development.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

I had worked with Jeri Odell before and knew how to work with her. This was my first collection with Jeanie Smith Cash and Jean Kincaid. I really enjoyed working with them, especially our brainstorming session while we were at the ACFW national conference in Minneapolis last September.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Various methods. For this book, both the hero and heroine told me their names. I did, however, borrow the names of two of my grandson’s best friends for two of the young men who came to the ski lodge with my hero. (Thank you PJ and Big John.)

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

That as a Christian, we can let go of our fears and really rest in the Lord.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes. I believe this is the premier organization for writers of Christian fiction. I recommend it to other writers all the time. As a matter of fact, I currently serve as the president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers, and I always either speak or do paid critiques at the national conference, or do both.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Keep writing and keep learning.

I'm really happy to introduce you to Jeanie Smith Cash, one of my good friends. Her idea was the catalyst for this collection. Welcome, Jeanie. How did your story for the collection come about?

I love Lake Tahoe area and the snow. I thought it would be fun to write about four young ladies fresh out of college, determined to concentrate only on getting their careers off the ground. But what happens to their career-first attitude when as they work at the ski lodge through Christmas and the winter season, they each one meet the man the Lord has chosen for them?

What are you reading right now?

Two Love Inspired Suspense, Guarded Secrets, by Leann Harris and A Silent Terror, by Lynette Easton. Both excellent stories.

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

I have three published, A Christmas Wish, in the 2-in-1 Christmas In The Country, Doctor St. Nick, in the 4-in-1 Wyoming Christmas heroes, and The Christmas Miracle, in the 4-in-1 Christmas Love At lake Tahoe. I wrote two suspense novels that aren’t published yet, one I’ve submitted and the other one I’m working on submitting.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

Making sure all of the information in each story coincides.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It was a real blessing working with you, Lena, Jeri Odell, and Jean Kincaid. It was exciting seeing these stories come together. I feel it brought us closer together as Christian friends and fellow authors.

I agree wholeheartedly with your last statement. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I’m always looking for a name I like. When I hear one that catches my interest, I tuck it away for future stories. When I’m ready, I use the one I feel fits my characters.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?

The message of salvation. That we have a Savior who loves us and once we accept Him, He is always there for us. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

Yes, I am a member. The best thing I ever did for my writing career was to join ACFW. Another was meeting you, Lena, and several other authors as well as my editor, Becky Germany, that helped me to get my books published. I love the fellowship of other authors and the resources for writing the group offers. I love the prayer group and that we pray for each other when we have a need.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

Always pray before you write a word and ask the Lord’s guidance. He is the true author; we are just the vessel He uses to write His story. We have no talent without Him. Don’t give up, keep writing and keep submitting until you get a sale. Trust the Lord that it will happen in His timing. He will take care of our needs. I strongly believe in the scripture, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

I'm really happy to intruduce you readers to Jean Kincaid. We've been friends for many years through ACFW. And Jean and her husband are missionaries. I have a deep love for missionaries. Welcome, Jean How did your story for the collection come about?
I visited several states this past year, courtesy of Time Share invitations and liked the concept. I thought it made an interesting job for a young person.

What are you reading right now?
Vacation Bible School Material, lol.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
I co-authored the book, Shelter in Seattle, with Rhonda Gibson.

Yes, I featured that book on this blog, and I love the story. What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
Correlating the material for the stories.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?
I learn that communication is vital.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
By using family member names.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?
That the Lord loves us unconditionally, especially when we feel no one else does.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes. ACFW has been the greatest schooling I’ve had concerning writing and publication.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?
Write what you know and put your rear in that chair every day.
Unfortunately, our fourth author, Jeri Odell, was unable to join us on this interview. You'll love her story in the collection, too.
Here's more info on the book:
Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe

Love Hits the Slopes at Christmastime

Four young women, fresh out of college, pursue their careers at a new ski lodge at Lake Tahoe's Incline Village during the winter season.

Bethany Stillman's resolve to focus on her RN career falters when she meets paramedic Cole Beckman. Cole wonders how long it will be before Beth realizes he's to blame for crippling her grandfather. Can a Christmas miracle forge a path to love and forgiveness?

Social director Scarlett McKaye loves planning things down to the last detail. But what she didn't count on was having to spurn the bold advances of a reckless suitor. How far will daredevil Derrick Greene go to cancel Scarlett's reservations?

Stephanie St. John is determined to make a go of the time-share program at Snowbird Lodge. But Darrin Hart seems to be undermining her efforts, her confidence, and her reputation. Will misunderstanding be resolved, or will Stephanie succeed in business only to lose at love?

A wounded-at-the-heart Michaela Christianssen has chosen a male-free existence. But her friends and an eleven-year-old girl have other ideas. Widower Jonas Bradley is content with his life as father and forest ranger, until he finds himself pining for Michaela. What will it take to fell her oppositions to romance?

Will these four women hear wedding bells chime this Christmas?
Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 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.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

34 comments:

Laney4 said...

Thanks for great interviews. Very enjoyable to read. Especially enjoyed how it always comes down to trusting in the Lord and making yourself sit down and WRITE! A future published writer would do well to remember this!
Thanks also for offering a great giveaway!

G.R.I.T.S. said...

Sounds like a great collection of stories, and authors!! Can't wait to read them!!!!!!!

Rae Byuel
raebyuel(@)gmail(.)com

host said...

Very interesting interviews! I'm always glad to see how colaboration between several people results in very interesting book.
Please count me in :)

Roanna said...

I would LOVE to win this book. I read the synopsis on Barbour, and the stories sound interesting. Please enter me in the drawing. I love Christmas stories, and would love to win this book.

Thank you so much!

Sheila Deeth said...

I have a feeling I should look more closely at American Fiction Writers. Thanks. And thanks for the introduction to these authors and stories.

Debs Desk said...

Thanks for another great interview. The book sound like something I would enjoy and then pass to my mother. I know she would love it.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net

apple blossom said...

I love Christmas and Romance stories. this sounds like a wonderful book. I'd love to be one of the winners. Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Cherie J said...

Sounds great! I love Christmas stories!

Katherine said...

This book looks very good. I love Christmas so I know that I would enjoy it. Please enter me for this drawing.

Emma said...

Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe sounds wonderful. Great interview. I like to read Christmas stories. Please enter me in the drawing. augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you..

peachykath said...

I loved the interviews and can't wait to get my hands on the book. Christmas books are my favorites and I always look everywhere for new christmas stories that come out every year. I guarantee this'll be a book that I go after. Please enter me in the drawing for this book.
Thanks
Katherine

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

sharon54220 said...

Great interviews. Great authors.

Please enter me.

Thanks

sharon54220@gmail.com

Carole said...

This collection is already on my wish list! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Cynthia Ruchti said...

Fun interviews and wonderful comments about ACFW! Looking forward to reading the book.

judyg said...

Loved the title and the cover of this book! Thanks too for the interviews. It is always good to get to know the people who are writing the stories I am reading. Thanks for entering me in this contest!
Judyg
judyg54(at)juno(dot)com

Carmen said...

The cover is gorgeous! Never been to Lake Tahoe. Would love to win your book--hoping there's pics of the area also. Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

A beautiful cover, I was so happy to see a book about Christmas.
Count me in for this wonderful giveaway.

Julie said...

Sounds like a great book! I love Christmastime - its my favorite time of year!

Julie
sweetpea.hull@gmail.com

Wendy said...

I love novellas. - Thanks for the chance to win.

cheryl c said...

This sounds like a wonderful collection of stories. I especially love reading Christmas stories. Thank you for the chance to win this.

castings[at]mindspring[dot]com

Sherry Kuhn said...

The Interviews were great! All the stories sound wonderful, especially heading in to fall.

Please enter me in the contest!
Thanks,
Sherry K
love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jean Kincaid said...

Hi guys and gals: Thanks for the lovely comments about Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe. I, too, will have a contest up at my blogsite in the next couple of days and you will have more opportunities to win this book. It's always a joy to work with Lena; Jeanie Cash, better known to us that love her as "Sweets," has great ideas for Novella's, and Jeri Odell has strong characters and stories that draw you in. I was the new person on this novella and so this was a major learning experience for me. But as I look at the lovely cover on this book and read and reread the dedications and stories, I am so humbled and yet so very proud of what we as a team created. Whoops, guess my post was getting too long. Anyway, visit my blog at http.//grammaspace.blogspot.com and I'll enter you.

Tami @ This Mom's Delight said...

Hoping to win!

Anonymous said...

What a great collection of authors and stories. Thanks for the interviews. Things all happen for a reason. Trust in yourself and in God.

bgcchs(at)yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Great interview. I would absolutely love to win this book. Please enter me in the drawing. ~Abby


abster(dot)rose(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love Christmas stories. great interview. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks! Esther

faith4u7(at)gmail(dot)com

Megan said...

Sounds like a great read, and I too love Christmas stories! I hope I'm a winner. Thanks Lena (and thanks for interviewing yourself too!) :)

Meg

Ausjenny said...

Oh I love Christmas stories and I love reading how christmas is in different countries. (wouldn't a christmas in australia novella go over well!)
Please enter me this also looks like a great novella.
love the interviews.

Merry said...

Lake Tahoe is such a wonderful setting! Add me for the drawing, thanks.

Rose McCauley said...

Another Christmas anthology by another lovely group of ladies! Hope I win.

Jo said...

What a great interview this was and really enjoyed reading it. Please enter me in the drawing for "Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe". I just love reading Christmas stories.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Virginia C said...

Hello, ladies! Congratulations! What a beautiful cover! Sounds like a great collection. Please enter my name in the drawing. gcwhiskas at aol dot com

Marla said...

Great interviews. Would love to win. Thank for the wonderful giveaway.

koinonia572001@yahoo.com

adge said...

Please enter me for the contest. Thanks.