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Friday, September 10, 2010

FOR TIME AND ETERNITY - Allison Pittman - Free Book

I'm glad to have Allison on my blog. I spent almost a week with her and more than a dozen published authors earlier in the year. What fun! Welcome, Allison. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Not much, actually. When I’m creating my characters, I have a chance to create people who are stronger, wiser, nicer, and smarter than I am. Why would I make readers suffer through stories about people who make the same mistakes over and over and over again? Seriously, though, I tend to pop up in some of the more satellite characters, and not often in a flattering light!


What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I once managed to slam my own head in a car door. Not so much quirky as painful, I guess.

I once was resting my foot on the frame of a car with the door open when someone slammed the door. Very painful, too. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I was very young—like, before kindergarten—I would get disgruntled at some perceived wrong that had been done to me and would decide to run away. I couldn’t write yet, so I would dictate my “I am running away from home because…” note to my mother. I could have created my own scribbles, but I knew that wasn’t “real” writing, and I wouldn’t settle for less. I’d place the note on my bed, pack my underwear in my Barbie suitcase and walk down to the corner and wait until dinner-time.

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

It’s a fairly limited range: I like good books. I need rich detail and sophisticated writing to keep me engaged, so that could be historical, fantasy, suspense, literary, YA… I am not one of those who feels compelled to finish a book once I start. My life is littered with unfinished books. A story gets about 72 pages of grace before I’ll set it aside. Part of that is because I am such a slow reader—it can take me forever to finish a book I love. I mean, I’ve been reading Run by Anne Patchett for over 2 years. I love the writing, but the story’s kind of ‘meh? So, no rush to finish. On the other hand, I read A Reliable Wife in two days.

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

Who says I do? Seriously, though, my saving factor here is my ability to decide that some things just do not matter. Like housework and laundry. If I have a chapter to write, I can sit in the middle of the messiest house you can imagine and write, write, write. Most important, though, I find pockets of time to simply STOP. I’ll go out and get a coffee with my husband, or watch YouTube videos with my sons, or pray. Just be still.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I look for some symbolic meaning. In For Time and Eternity, Nathan’s last name is “Fox,” chosen very purposefully because he’s kind of a trickster, but I really have no method to naming Camilla other than the fact that I wanted three syllables. Because it’s a first-person narrative, I gave myself the luxury of a complicated name. Other than that, I scroll through my facebook friends (yes, really), pull up old high school friends, browse through census records for the story’s time period, or just start saying name after name out loud until something “clicks.”

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Every day I wake up living in the middle of a successful, vibrant marriage to a wonderful godly man, knowing just down the hall are three beautiful, smart, talented, respectful, godly sons. What more could this life ever give me?

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

I would be my dog, Stella. She lounges around all day, eats whatever and whenever she wants, gets to go out and walk every day (unless it’s too hot or too rainy). Wait, maybe I am Stella…

What is your favorite food?

Honestly? McDonald’s Big Mac. But, I swore off of them this year. So, second favorite is a really good BLT.

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

For me, it was the idea of promoting a book once it was published. I chalk this problem up to a mixture of fear, humility, and laziness. It’s still very hard for me to say to someone, “You should read my book.” I guess I’ve never been much of a risk-taker, but God knows this about me, and in His amazing grace, He’s allowed my career to flourish despite my shortcomings. Not that things have been handed to me—I’ve had to step up to the plate, but He’s allowed me to go great distances with relatively short steps.

Tell us about the featured book.

For Time and Eternity takes place in the early days of the LDS church. It tells the story of a young girl, Camilla Deardon, who, despite her parents’ warning, falls in love and runs off with Nathan Fox, a handsome, charming young Mormon. She joins him on his journey to the Utah territory where they build a loving home together until the death of her infant son brings into focus some of the false teachings she’s been exposed to. Her grief frees her to question the Mormon doctrine, and rediscover her relationship with Jesus Christ.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can go to my website, http://www.allisonpittman.com/. Or, my blog, apittman-crossroads.blogspot.com . And, of course, on facebook: Allison Pittman Author Page.

Thank you for stopping by, Allison. I can hardly wait to read your book.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)


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.

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32 comments:

  1. Patsy5:01 AM

    This book sounds wonderful. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for giving away a copy.
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  2. Looks like yet another great book. My personal to read list is very long!

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  3. Sounds like an enjoyable book. Looking forward to reading it.

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  4. Thank you, Lena, for featuring me and my book today. (and, yes, that was an amazingly fun week at our retreat!

    I'll be checking back in, too, in case you readers have any other questions!

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  5. I have some LDS friends and I like to read books such as this to help me continue to minister to them in our friendship.

    coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

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  6. This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to read it.

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  7. Thank you for doing these interviews with these interesting authors. I love learning something about them, and getting to know them just a little. As well as, learning how they come to write their stories.They are very enjoyable.

    Please enter my name into the drawing For "For Time and Eternity" by Allison Pittman.

    Thank you,

    ~Tammi

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  8. Linda8:14 AM

    You go girl, Allison!!

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  9. This one will have to go on my Must Read Book along with this author. You talk about your characters being strong than you. I don't think so... anybody that tackles writing about the Morman church has to have courage. Wow! I amire your courage. Thanks for the chance to WIN!
    ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

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  10. I saw this earlier on a friends blog and fell for it. Please enter me, thank you.

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  11. Great interview. Can authors be put in the drawing? LOL This book looks fantastic

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  12. I have been wanting to read this one, please enter me, thanks!

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  13. Thank you for the chance to win this book.

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  14. I love reading stories about the Mormon's finding out the truth! I've added this to my must read list!
    Maureen

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  15. I have heard so much about this book! Maybe, it's because I belong to so many blogs. I really want to read this. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  16. grannyvon--thank you so much for your encouraging word! I have to say that the experience of writing this book called for a deeper level of commitment than my other books did. It is my daily, constant prayer that this story will give Christians some insight so that they can better love and witness to friends and loved ones lost in the Mormon church.

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  17. Anonymous5:58 AM

    Please enter me for this book contest. Thank you for having this giveaway.


    CarolNWong(at)aol.com

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  18. please include me. thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  19. This book sounds awesome- thanks for the chance to win

    ejxd95@gmail.com

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  20. Sounds like an interesting book. thanks for the chance to win!!

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  21. Would love to read the book, the book sounds great!

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  22. Hi Allison, I love the storyline as it shows when you make a mistake with God's help you can redeem yourself and get back on the right road. Don't give up but go to God and he will lead you where you should go.
    I am so glad I found Christian authors so I can read a story and recieve a message of hope. Thanks for stopping by to chat with us.
    Can't wait to read For Time and Eternity.
    Thanks for hosting this giveaway Lena.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  23. The book sounds really interesting and it's a time in history I've I always been interested in.
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. Allison, let me just say that I've never had to leave one of your books unfinished! And like you, I've reached the point in life where I don't read a book that I don't absolutely love.

    You've written about an interesting topic in For Time and Eternity, and I look forward to reading it. Thank you for the interview and chance to win a copy.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  25. Sounds fantastic. Thanks for the interview

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  26. Bonnie11:35 AM

    Ooh, this sounds really good!!

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  27. Thank you for entering me!

    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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  28. Sounds like a great book! Coiunt me in!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  29. I'd love to win this book. Please enter me!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. Anonymous6:36 PM

    Please enter me.

    Wendy
    ebeandebe at gmail dot com

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  31. Sounds like a good book. Please enter me in the drawing.

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