Welcome, Cami, to my blog. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
My husband reads me into every heroine I write. I firmly believe that my characters are their own people. I don’t want any responsibility for the awful things they do.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Dressed up to go out on the town with a nasty pink wig and played Laser Tag with a huge gaggle of Moms. We got a lot of comments (few of them positive).
I can imagine that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
When I tried to take the summer off to enjoy my boys and instead drove us all insane.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I’m not as adventurous as I should be. I love suspense, romance, and the classics in fiction. In nonfiction I stick to theological books, books on writing, and fitness-related topics.
What other books have you written, whether published or not?
The Fourth of July and The Broken Path are my first two published books. I don’t think you want to hear the list of books I’ve written. My first two attempts worked great for starting campfires. I currently have three books finished that I need to polish and send off to my publisher. It’s hard to let these babies go.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I run. Literally. I’m an exercise scientist and if I don’t get an hour or more of running or weight-lifting in, nobody is happy at my house.
My other relief is Sunday. The Sabbath is truly a day of rest for my family. We go to church and then we enjoy each other. No cooking (okay, I bake, but that’s fun), no cleaning, no writing. This wonderful break makes the rest of my crazy life possible.
How do you choose your characters’ names?
First names are fun. My characters start having conversations in my brain shortly after I have a nightmare that starts the plot. They always tell me their names.
Last names are horrible. Phonebook?
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Being a mom. Have you seen how cute my boys are?
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A bear. Whenever we read Franklin books I find myself relating with Bear. He loves to eat! I like food far too much and I’m extremely over-protective of my children. Nobody messes with the Momma bear!
What is your favorite food?
Chocolate. Has to be high-quality though. I found my seven-year old sneaking Ghirardelli chocolate from the freezer and whispering to his friend, “You can eat my mom’s chocolate, but you can’t chew it, you have to savor it.”
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Confidence. Believing that I’m smart enough, imaginative enough, brave enough to make it in such a tough industry. I’ll let you know if I ever overcome it.
What advice would you give to an author just starting out?
Find a fabulous critique group. My critique group cheers me on and gives me insights I would never find elsewhere.
Tell us about the featured book?
Savannah Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend, Allison, falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn’t her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah’s past holds its own secrets that could change everything.
Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter most. Join Savannah as she struggles to summon faith and rely on hope, even in the darkest of circumstances, and learn how the bond between sisters can overcome anything.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Wesley Richins dimmed the lights, inching to a stop across the street from his target’s two-story house. The Hummer was loud. Too loud. He cut the motor and peered out his windshield. Light radiated from the interior of the house, spilling onto the porch and yard. He couldn’t see the woman. He waited.
Minutes later he received his reward, a glimpse of her at the kitchen window. She filled a glass with water and handed it to her baby.
Wes licked his lips. His eyes devoured her: Dark hair, olive skin, sparkling brown eyes. His heartbeat increased. Three weeks. His fingers tapped a staccato on the steering wheel. Three weeks of watching and waiting. He wrapped his palm around the wheel. Tonight was the payoff.
She walked from the kitchen and moments later passed the panes of glass adorning her front door. A glance at the clock confirmed his wait was almost over—nine p.m., bedtime for her son. He rubbed his hands together. He’d give her some time to relax and then make his appearance.
How would she react? He tilted the rearview mirror and grinned at his reflection. What a dumb question. How did every woman react to him?
She’d melt.
Don't stop there. Okay, everyone, I'm sure you feel like me. You have to get your hands on that book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://www.camichecketts.com/
http://camicheckettsbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Sister-Pact-Cami-Checketts/dp/1599552671
http://www.cedarfort.com/kahuga/gallery.jsp
Thank you so much, Lena.
Blessings to you all,
Cami
And thank you, Cami, for spending this time with us.
Readers, here's a link where you can order the book. By using this link when you order, you will help support this blog.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Here I am trying to win another book, I have not read anything of Cami's but this one looks really good.
ReplyDeletemamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
This sound so good! I have The Broken Path on my keeper shelf since I loved it so much! I'm really looking forward to reading The Sister Pact!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
XOXO~ Renee
This book looks really good- I love the cover! Thanks for the interview, I enjoyed "meeting" Cami! :)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the review of this
ReplyDeletebook, I would like to win it.
Merry Christmas everyone.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
I'm with you on the Ghiaradelli chocolate (dark, of course).
ReplyDeleteTalk about suspense! This was a great excerpt. I love the man's confidence, although I suspect I won't like him much as a character.
Please count me in. pwriter1(at)yahoo
This sounds really suspenseful! I love a good mystery. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lena, for having me on the blog.
ReplyDeleteRenee - I'm so thrilled you loved The Broken Path.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas,
Cami
Looks very interesting.
ReplyDeletepepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOops! I accidentally posted under my family account rather than my own--hence the deleted post above.
ReplyDeleteI loved the interview and would love to read the book. Can you enter my name? Thanks!
I would love to win this book! ~Donna
ReplyDeletedjkeoppel(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a great interview.
ReplyDeleteI love the title.
I would love a chance to win this book.
Thanks for the chance.
sharon54220@gmail.com
New author for me......would love to win this and read it. Thanks!
ReplyDeletejackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net
I'm so happy for reading this interview with Cami Checketts.
ReplyDeletePlease, enter me in this drawing.
=o)
Your interview was very encouraging! I really think I need to start running, maybe it would help with my sanity and clear my head. :-)
ReplyDeleteI would love love love to win the book!
Lindsey
kindredspiritreviews at gmail dot com
I recently read The Sister Pact, and very much enjoyed it. It's on my list of books to buy, so if I win it instead, that would be wonderful. Either way, I'm getting a copy soon.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThe closeness of some sisters has always amazed me. I would truly love to read this one. Please enter me. Thanks.
ReplyDeletedesertrose5173 at gmail dot com
I've never read any of Cami's books but I would love to start. Please sign me up.
ReplyDeleteDeborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com
deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com
Please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteSounds great!!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me.
Thanks
I would love to read this book....thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
It's so fun to see all these entries.
ReplyDeleteKim - I'm so glad you've read The Sister Pact and want to read it again. Thanks!
Merry Christmas everyone!
the name of your book drew me in! I have 5 girls, so "sisters" are special to me :)
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Please I would love enter in your drawing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
I would love to win this book!
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
Please enter me in the drawing! It sounds like a really really good book. ~Abby
ReplyDeleteabster dot rose at yahoo dot com
Please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteSounds very good. Thank you for the entry into the drawing. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletekoinonia572001@yahoo.com
Would love to win!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
~Jen Unsell
Please enter me. it sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteshopgurl101@gmail.com
Stamped with Grace - I have three wonderful boys and am praying for that girl. I bet you have a lot of fun with all those daughters!
ReplyDeleteSounds good. Please enter me!
ReplyDeleteThanks & Happy New Year - Andrea
andrealschultz[at]gmail[dot]com
FYI - please swing by my blog for your chance to win Mark Batterson's new book, 'Primal.' It's incredible!
http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com/2009/12/primal-by-mark-batterson-book-review.html
Thanks!
I think this book sounds really good!! I would love to win it.
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