Wednesday, January 06, 2010

BECOMING LUCY - Martha Rogers - Free Book


I just love this debut novel. I was privileged to read it for endorsement. You'll love this new voice in Christian fiction, too. Welcome, Martha. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

This really depends on the age of the character. Most of my older characters have some of me in them.


What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Dressed up as Phyllis Diller for a costume party. Or when my best friend and I, who have similar coloring and size, exchanged clothes when we were teenagers and our friends didn’t notice for about an hour and called me Carol and her Martha.

Back in the day, I did a Phyllis Diller impression in full costume at a couples' party at church. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

As a child I learned I loved to make up stories for my dolls and paper dolls and then I began writing skits for my cousins to perform at family gatherings. My mother always commented after I told about something that happened. “Now let me tell you the way it was without Martha’s embellishments.”

Mother said it took me three hours to tell about a two hour movie. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love anything from suspense to sweet romance. I love Brandilyn Collins’ scary books as much as I love Kim Sawyer’s gentle books of romance. The only things I don’t read are some of the Sci Fi and allegorical books. (Except for Donita and Stuart S.)

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

I have at least 7 completed novels that have not been published. The second in the Winds Across the Prairie, Morning for Dove, is complete and turned in. I am working on the third now and a Christmas novella, Key to Her Heart that is contracted for 2010 release.

You didn't mention your fun story in Sugar and Grits. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Prayer and laughter. I look for the lesson God wants me to learn from whatever circumstance I’m in.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

They just come to me. I think of a story and when I start it the character names come. Then I have to interview them and find out who they are. My grandchildren are asking to have characters named for them.

I've borrowed my grandchildren's names for some books and the names of some of their friends. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

50 years of marriage to a wonderful husband whose faith is as strong as mine and our three sons and the fine husbands and fathers they have become.


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

A bunny rabbit. We raised them during WW II and I loved them. Our son also had one as a pet for many years. They’re warm and cuddly.

We raised rabbits when our children were young, but we used them for food, so they couldn't be pets. What is your favorite food?

Anything chocolate

I love chocolate, too. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Not believing I was good enough to be published in fiction until I met up with DiAnn Mills and she began mentoring me and showing me that I could do it.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Persevere and never give up. Let God be in control and if it is in His will and when the time is right, He will give you your heart’s desire.

He often put those desires into your heart, too. Tell us about the featured book?

It’s a historical set in Oklahoma Territory in 1896-97. The story is the coming of age of Lucinda Bishop and the spiritual growth of Jake Starnes. Lucinda learns that she is stronger and more adaptable then she ever dreamed, and Jake learns the true meaning of love through the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
Boston 1896

Lucinda Bishop accepted the condolences offered by well-meaning friends. In one brief moment her life had changed forever. The two people she loved most in the world lay ready to be covered by mounds of fresh dirt. She squeezed back tears and tried to listen to the words of those who spoke to her, but her mind grasped none of them.

Despite the warmth of late summer, a chill coursed its way through her weary bones. The thought of leaving Mama and Papa here among the weathered headstones of the church cemetery brought tears yet again. She blinked her eyes, vowing to remember their wonderful love and not to dwell on their passing.

Aunt Amelia’s hand fell like lead on Lucinda’s arm. “Come, my dear, we must return home. Guests will be waiting.”

It couldn’t be time to leave yet, but Aunt Amelia, Uncle Ben, and she were the only mourners remaining in the cemetery. Their driver waited by the carriage, but Lucinda didn’t want to leave. If she left Mama and Papa here, then their death became a reality.

Aunt Amelia wrapped her arm around Lucinda’s waist. “We must go. Ben and I can bring you back later if you wish.”

That's just a peek into the complex and interesting story. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.marthawrogers.com/

Thank you, Martha, for spending this time with us.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Becoming Lucy. By using this link when you buy the book, you're helping 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/

45 comments:

Katy F. said...

I've got this book on my wishlist--it sounds wonderful. That excerpt is a bit heartbreaking, but it's got me wanting more. :)

Deborah M said...

I love that Martha is a "senior" writer. I, too, am entering my senior years and this gives me encouragement. I would love to read her debut novel.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful! Thank you.
estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com

Merry said...

I enjoyed Martha's story in Sugar and Grits and would love a chance to win her new book. Thanks!

collettakay said...

I love the cover of this book and can't wait to read it. It is definitely on my wish list!

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Laney4 said...

My heartstrings were pulled just on the very first page, which leads me to believe I should enjoy the entire book. Would love the opportunity.
Have a great day and thanks for a great blog/interview/contest.

Linda said...

Sounds like an endearing read. Please enter me. Thank you.

desertrose at gmail dot com

Emma said...

Great interview. This book sounds wonderful. I enjoyed reading the excerpt. Please enter me in the giveaway.Thank you.

Veronica Leigh said...

Sounds fascinating. Please enter me into the contest.
VeronicaLeigh86@gmail.com
Thank you and God Bless.

Casey said...

I would love to read this book. The cover work alone is beautiful! Please enter me. Thanks :D

Cathy Messecar said...

I love Martha, and I love her new career. Becoming Lucy certainly has a beautiful cover, too. If I don't win one, I will buy soon.

Martha W. Rogers said...

Oh, my. I am so flattered and humbled by the kind words of your comments. God has been so good to me with this series, and I give Him all credit. Thank you.

Wendy said...

Sounds like a good book.
thanks for the review.

Megan said...

50 years of marriage! how amazing! And this book sounds really great.

Thanks Lena!

Meg

rytaran said...

for an equally gripping, controversial and volatile read, please consider the true novel Euclid Avenue, Our scars mean something. the press release can be seen at eloquentbooks.com/euclidavenue.html. the book is also available at amazon, barnes & noble, books & co, books-a-million, borders and select hallmark book stores. excerpts can be seen in the photo album on facebook under R Keith Rytaran

Hope said...

Please enter me...this sounds like a very interesting book that I'd love to read.

Carman said...

Please enter me! I really want to read this book. :)

Linda Cacaci said...

Please enter me in the contest. The book looks a wonderful read. I also love the cover. I am a lover of horses.
Thank you.
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com

Martha W. Rogers said...

It's wonderful to see so many of you interested in Lucy. I'll be 74 this year and I encourage everyone who writes to persevere no matter what your age.

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me:) I would love to read this. Thanks!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Sounds great, please enter me!

Anna W.

apple blossom said...

Oh, how good this sounds. I'd love to win. Thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Carla said...

I love Brandilyn Collins' books, too. I would also love to read this book.

cozymysterygirl said...

This sounds wonderful Martha.I look forward to reading this book.Please enter me into the giveaway than ks
God bless
Kellie

Anonymous said...

enjoyed the interview...would enjoy reading this wonderful book...please count me in.

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Edna said...

new author,new book sounds good to me.


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Jen U. said...

Would love to win a copy.
Thanks for the opportunity.
~Jen Unsell

Anonymous said...

Would love to read this one! Please enter me. Thanks!!!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I would love to read this book!

dancealert at aol dot com

Martha W. Rogers said...

Thanks to so many of you dropping by. Wish you could all be winners. I'm hard at work on Book #3. Thanks to Lena for featuring my book.

Carole said...

Congratulations to Martha on being published! I put "Becoming Lucy" on my wish list several weeks ago when I first read its description. Thanks for the interview and chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Sarah R said...

Please enter me in the drawing. I This book sounds interesting.

Rose McCauley said...

I love Martha and her writing, so I'd love to win this book!

A J Hawke said...

Way to go Martha!
A great opening to your book
and I love the cover.
Hope I win a copy of
"Becoming Lucy".

I keep hearing people say that De Ann Mill was an encourager. I'm glad you listened to her.

Blessings on this writing journey,
A J Hawke
ajhawke.blogspot.com

Patty Wysong said...

Martha, you're such an encouragement to so many of us. Thank you! Lucy sounds wonderful! =]

Martha W. Rogers said...

Thank you, Patty. I hope I can be an encouragement to many who are discouraged by so many rejections. I have a drawer full of paper ones and a mail file full of email one.

Rosalie Patience said...

It sounds great! Please enter me in the drawing. ~Abby

abster dot rose at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds excellent! Please enter me!
Esther
faith3u7(at)gmail(dot)comtl

Unknown said...

I had the honor of meeting Miss Martha at the ACFW conference this year. She is such a Sweetheart!!!!
I would love a chance to win a copy of her debut novel.

debracollins(at)tds(dot)net

JJ said...

Yes, bunnies are cute but they can be dangerous. Ouch! lol

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

Jen U. said...

Would love to win a copy.
~Jen Unsell

Jo said...

Please enter me. Sounds very interesting

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

SuperMom said...

I'd love to be entered!
I found this through Carmen's Giveaway blog.

adge said...

This looks like a great book. Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks.