Sunday, May 09, 2010

SEEDS OF SUMMER - Deborah Vogts - Free Book

Author Bio: Deborah Vogts and her husband have three daughters and make their home in Southeast Kansas where they raise and train American Quarter Horses. As a student at Emporia State University studying English and journalism, Deborah developed a love for the Flint Hills that has never faded. In writing this series, she hopes to share her passion for one of the last tallgrass prairie regions in the world, showing that God’s great beauty rests on the prairie and in the hearts of those who live there.

Welcome, Deborah. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

My tag line (and the name of my blog) is Country at Heart. I’ve always enjoyed reading contemporary or historical books with a western, country or small town setting. It’s the life I know and it’s what I enjoy reading. I guess writing about that life is what comes natural to me. I believe my core readers are those who love country life, were raised in the country or who dream of the simple life it offers.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day I married my husband. We were actually high school classmates, but it wasn’t until after our 5th year class reunion that we started dating. We married on Valentine’s Day 1990, and he’ll always be my valentine!

How has being published changed your life?

Writing on deadline. LOL. I’ve also been surprised at how much time marketing takes. As aspiring authors, we’re told that you have to market, and yes, that it takes a lot of your time, but oh my goodness . . . I never quite expected it to take so much time from my writing schedule. I had always thought that I was good at multi-tasking, but when it comes to marketing and writing, I have to do one or the other—I haven’t figured out a good way to do them both. Maybe the best idea is to set aside one or two days a week to do “only marketing.” I’m not sure…I’m still working on that one. LOL

Another thing that has surprised me is how incredibly honored I feel to receive “fan mail.” That is something I never equated into the “author picture.” I LOVE getting letters or emails from my readers. That has been such a huge blessing to me.

What are you reading right now?

This past weekend, I began reading Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes, and I am loving it.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m currently finishing up the third book in the series, Blades of Autumn, which is the story about Clara, the owner of Clara’s Café.

(Blurb for Book #3) With a café to run and three children to raise, Clara Lambert doesn’t have time for men or loneliness, despite what her heart might tell her. When two handsome cowboys vie for her attention, one of the brothers proves to be her soul mate, but at what cost? Will it tear the brothers’ relationship apart or is blood really thicker than water?

What would be your dream vacation?

Like most people, I think it would be fun to go to Europe and travel the countryside for a month, but I don’t suppose that will ever happen. Did I mention I have an aversion to flying? LOL. That said, I think it would be a hoot to travel across the United States in an RV with my husband. I love the mountains, so I’m sure that would be in our travel itinerary.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My book series, Seasons of the Tallgrass, is set in the Flint Hills of Kansas—a strip of land stretching from Nebraska to Oklahoma, about 100 miles wide and 300 miles long that refuses to be tamed because of the flint rock embedded in the hills. Although farmers once tried to run plows through it, they abandoned their efforts, leaving it to its original native grass. That is why it remains as one of the largest tallgrass prairies in the world.

Years ago, I took a Flint Hills Folklife summer course at Emporia State University that was taught by Dr. Jim Hoy. Along with classroom study, we took field trips into the heart of the Flint Hills and visited with old-time ranchers, schoolmarms and post-mistresses. It was such a delightful experience, especially our drives into the pastures. We would get on these back roads and drive over pasture guards into the open range. We would travel for miles without seeing another car or even an electric line—just pure, native prairie. That summer, I fell in love with the Flint Hills, and it has stayed with me all this time.

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

I’d like to visit with a movie producer, maybe Larry Levinson, and try to convince him to make a movie out of my books! LOL. For my newest release, we could get Megan Fox to play Natalie and Keanu Reeves to play Jared Logan. :-)

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I like to take walks with our two golden retrievers or dig in the dirt in my flower beds or garden. Or even mow! I am weird in that I LIKE to mow. We have a large yard, so it takes me about two hours on an industrial-sized mower, but I enjoy this time to just think or sing. LOL. Yes, I sometimes sing when I mow. It’s also a good time for me to pray or to plot out scenes in my current writing project. Other than that, I enjoy playing the piano, baking something, sewing or scrapbooking! Oh the joys. :-)

I love the smell of fresh-mowed grass. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

I’ve had to learn to be disciplined with my writing time—and I’m still trying to learn how to do better—and how to convince my family that my writing is a real job. I’ve been fortunate that my books have been slated a year apart, but with everything that goes into the writing process and then the marketing, the months go by so fast!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Never give up. Right before I landed my second agent, I almost gave up on my dreams, and I am so thankful I didn’t. Not that God would have let me. I searched and asked that he give me scripture answers that would lead me in the right direction. Some of those he gave were: Isaiah 41:13, Deuteronomy 31:8, Proverbs 3:5-6, and my favorite one that ministered to me and still does today, “Be Still and Know that I am God.”

Tell us about the featured book?

Seeds of Summer will be released in late May. It is the second book in the Seasons of the Tallgrass series. A heart-warming contemporary romance set in the Flint Hills of Kansas where a former rodeo queen abandons her dreams in order to care for her deceased father’s ranch and her two half-siblings, only to realize with the help of a young new pastor that God can turn even the most dire circumstances into seeds of hope.

For each of the seasonal books, I wanted to portray one aspect found in the Flint Hills—and I knew I had to include a story about a female rancher. Also because I have three daughters who are spread out in age, I started wondering what it would be like if something happened to my husband and I, and our oldest daughter was left to care for her sisters. That’s how Seeds of Summer first came to my mind.

I really enjoyed writing Natalie’s story and trying to get her through the difficult family problems she had to face. She is a very strong character with an interesting twist in her story—she’s a former Miss Rodeo Kansas AND the first runner up Miss Rodeo America. I don’t want to give away any of the plot line, but I can say that much of my research involved studying the rodeo queen pageants.

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

I can do better than that! Country magazine (Reiman Publications) interviewed me for their April/May issue, which was an incredible blessing and honor, as I’ve been a huge fan of their publications for years. If you go to their site, you can read a sample from the first chapter of Seeds of Summer as well as enter your chance to win one of my books. This drawing ends May 31. http://www.country-magazine.com/

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers may visit my author web site at http://www.deborahvogts.com/  or at my blog: http://www.deborahvogts.blogspot.com/

Readers can also find me on Twitter: DeborahVogts
or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/DeborahVogts?ref=profile

Thank you, Deborah, for visiting with us again.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using the link when you order, you 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.

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52 comments:

Merry said...

I'd love a chance to win Seeds of Summer, I love the country life, so this sounds terrific. Thanks!
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

would enjoy reading this novel...thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuak at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

oops...i left an incorrect email address on my previous posting...sorry.

i would enjoy reading this novel...thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Please enter me!! The book sounds great! I really like the cover too! :)
Thanks and God bless!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Edna said...

Please enter me, I live in the country, but read a lot also

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Casey said...

I would love to read this, thank you for the chance. :)

Cindy W. said...

I love the cover of Seeds of Summer and would really love to win this book. Please enter me and thank you for the opportunity.

Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

runner10 said...

Sounds like a good book to read this summer.
csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com

Katrina said...

I know my grandmother would love to read this one!

Anonymous said...

I moved to country recently so spend a lot of time reading!!! Please enter me. Thanks!!
jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

grannyvon said...

I would love to read Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts. Thanks in giving me the chance to win it. ybutler@oppcatv.com

apple blossom said...

Please include me thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Linda Kish said...

I'd like to read this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Mozi Esme said...

Flint Hills sounds like a fascinating place! I'd love to read this...

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in.

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

debbie said...

I would love to read this. I really like rodeos.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Sherry Kuhn said...

I loved Snow Melts in Spring and am looking forward to reading Seeds of Summer! Please enter me in the drawing.

Thanks,
Sherry

love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Coolestmommy said...

What a beautiful storyline. Thanks for sharing about yourself and about "Seeds of Summer"!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I loved Deborah's first book, Snow Melts in Spring and I'm really looking forward to reading Seeds of Summer.
Thanks, Lena for the chance to win a copy.

debracollins(at)tds(dot)net

Desiree said...

I am from Kansas and think this would be a fun book to read!

Desiree

davidndes at comcast dot net

Linda said...

Please include me in the giveaway. Thank you.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Anita Yancey said...

Sounds like an amazing book. I would love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Kristen said...

I love the idea of driving an RV across the U.S.!! How fun would that be?
Please enter me!
Thanks

Sheila Deeth said...

Sounds intriguing and inspiring. I'd like to read it.

Deborah Vogts said...

Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by Lena's blog to visit me. Lena is such a lovely woman and friend. I'm honored to be here! Blessings to all of you!!

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Deborah and Lena, I enjoyed your interview and can't wait to read Seeds of Summer. I have on my wish list.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
Pls enter me.

I am a faithful follower.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Carla said...

Would love to have a chance to win this book.
Thanks

rbooth43 said...

Seeds of Summer sounds like a great read. I live the country life. Please enter me!

rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me.

Wendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com

Deborah Vogts said...

Hi again! I forgot to mention earlier that I would be honored if any of you "country gals" would like to follow my Country at Heart blog or join my Country at Heart newsletter. I'd love to stay in touch with you! Find links on my blog at http://deborahvogts.blogspot.com Have a blessed day.

A J Hawke said...

Now I have another place to visit, the Flint Hills.

Thanks for the opportunity to receive a copy of the book.

A J Hawke

Megan (Inspired by Fiction) said...

I love your interviews...I hadn't heard of this one! Looks good!!

We posted about it at Winning Readings.

Esther Wysong said...

Deborah, if you're weird for liking to mow, then I'm weird too! I love mowing my family's large yard. It gives me time to be outside doing something I enjoy, and quite often I wind up hurrying to get something written down for my novel, which is almost finished, that I thought of while I was mowing.

Seeds of Summer sounds really good, and I would love a chance to read it. Thanks,
Esther

faith4u7(at)gmail(dot)com

Naasom André said...

Hi! I love this blog! I'd like to read this book. Thanks for your job.

letrassantas at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Hi Debbie,

I can't wait to read Seeds of Summer...
Also, I have told many of my friends about the free Amazon offer... Sherri

Sharlotte Hughes said...

I would love to win this book. :)

Linda Cacaci said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. The first one was great and I do love the country life!
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com

Suzanne said...

Please enter me in the giveaway!

clickingherheels-at-gmail-dot-com

Marla said...

I love country-setting stories. Please include me in the drawing. Thank!

Marla

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway.

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Carole said...

Many years ago, this Georgia girl went to grad school in Hays, Kansas. After crying often during my first year due to homesickness, I came to love everything about about the state. The Flint Hills area is a great setting and I look forward to continuing on in Deborah's series. Thank you for the interview and chance to win a copy of Seeds of Summer.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Nancye said...

Sounds like a great book! Please include me.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Bookie said...

Would love to win a free book...am enjoying Snow Melts!
bookwoman1015 at sbcglobal.net

Sherry Gore said...

I would love to be entered to win a copy of Seeds of Summer. Thanks for the fun opportunity!

Deborah Vogts said...

Hi again, everyone. Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello on Lena's blog.

I wanted to let you know that my author copies arrived yesterday. It is such a joy to hold my "second baby" in my hands. I'll be posting about it on my blog on Monday.

Have a terrific day & best wishes on the book drawing!

RoseMillsOhio said...

My two sisters and I are country girls, too, and I have only lately realized how much I love reading about the West--historical and contemporary novels. Your new book sounds like a must-read!

Thank you for your interview!

Sarah said...

I'd love to read this book. Please enter me in the drawing.

Unknown said...

I loved Snow Melts in Spring! So, I'd love a chance to win this one. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!!

debracollins(at)tds(dot)net

collettakay said...

Recommenting.

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...

I'm recommenting too. I can see all the other comments, but I thought I would recomment just to be sure! :) lol
God bless!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Cindy W. said...

I would really love this book. I commented earlier in the week and it appears here but I know you said all the comments disappeared and to re-enter.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Judylynn said...

Recomment:

Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com