Thursday, September 30, 2010

HATTERAS GIRL - Alice J Wisler - Free Book

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Generally, I like to make my characters different from me. In Rain Song, Nicole fears flying while I love it! Having said that, I suppose I can’t help but create some attributes that resemble me. In How Sweet It Is, Deena decorates cakes (I had a cake-decorating business years ago) and works at an organization for disadvantaged kids (I did that after graduating from college). In Hatteras Girl, Jackie loves the North Carolina Outer Banks (yep, that’s me).

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Probably sneaking out of the dormitory in high school in Kobe, Japan, with friends. We’d walk down to the local train station and just sit in the quiet to talk. Yes, it was breaking the rules, but we were only 14 and 15, and our sneaky sides prevailed. Once caught, we gave it up.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

My first and second grade teacher, Miss Terwilliger, had me read my stories to the class and even marched me into the third and fourth grade classroom of our tiny Kyoto International School to read to them. I knew then that I wanted to write a book one day.

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

I love women’s fiction. I also enjoy well-written memoirs by anyone.

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

After my son Daniel died in 1997, I self-published two cookbooks in memory of kids who have died. Slices of Sunlight and Down the Cereal Aisle are still ordered by many. I also wrote two not-at-all-worthy novels before Rain Song. Actually, I did place one of the characters in Rain Song from one of those manuscripts. I liked Grandma Ducee so much that I couldn’t let her go.

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

I don’t run. I walk twice a week. :-) All kidding aside, I don’t feel overwhelmed with the pressures of society. I like to keep busy.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Some of the names are derived from my own Southern relatives. I held a contest for my fourth novel, A Wedding Invitation, due out next fall. I asked for three names and the suppliers of the names I chose got copies of my previous novels. They will be acknowledged in A Wedding Invitation when it comes out.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Actually, I have two, one a little trivial, and the other, more defining. My first would be birthing four kids without any epidurals. But what is most amazing is what I do every day—surviving the death of my four-year-old son, Daniel. He died from cancer treatments in 1997, and I created an organization in his name. Through Daniel’s House Publications, I conduct online grief-writing workshops and all-day workshops. I also have empathy cards I’ve designed that I sell.

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

I’d be an elephant because they are supposed to have good memories and never forget. Lately, I am much too forgetful.

What is your favorite food?

Sushi! No cream cheese or avocados, just the real stuff I grew up with in Japan.

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

My greatest roadblock continues to be making myself write. I keep disciplined by creating a word count and sticking to it each day. Otherwise, I can get bogged down with spending too much time on Facebook, Twitter, or on the Internet.

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

Write often, edit often. Be real in your storytelling. Keep your chin up and believe in yourself. Read, especially the genre you want to write in. Try to avoid clichés. Remember: The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.

Tell us about the featured book.

There are two things twenty-nine-year-old Jackie Donovan asks God for: an honest, wonderful man to marry, and to own a bed-and-breakfast in the Outer Banks region. In the meantime, Jackie works for Lighthouse Views magazine, writing articles about other local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives. There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: the Bailey Place, a fabulous old home where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons, a place that has now fallen into disrepair because of its outrageous price tag. When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey Place, Jackie is sure God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to question her own motivation. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Lena, I don’t have access to this unless I were to open the book and type by hand the whole page. I’ve even deleted the file for Hatteras Girl from my computer. People can access the first pages by going to Amazon.com.

I can give you the first line:

Seated at the mahogany counter on a wobbly barstool, I wait for Mr. Wealthy and Available.

 How can readers find you on the Internet?

Go to my website: http://www.alicewisler.com/ Also find me on Facebook and Twitter.

Alice, thanks for this peek into your life.

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.

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/

41 comments:

Patsy said...

This book sounds really good. Would enjoy reading this one. Thanks for giving away a copy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Sylvia said...

Oh, I live in NC and have been to Cape Hatteras. This book sounds good.

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Unknown said...

Another great author that I'm glad to be introduced to! Thanks for the chance into this giveaway.

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (dot) com

apple blossom said...

Please include me in this book drawing. thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Linda Kish said...

This sounds really good. I hope I get lucky.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Bonnie said...

Sounds good!!

Alice. J. Wisler said...

Thank you, Lena, for featuring me and Hatteras Girl on your blog!

Thanks to all who enter the contest.

Y'all are awesome!

~ Alice J. Wisler

Paige said...

Gonna buy it once it's out, but wouldn't mind winning it either! :-D

holdenj said...

I really enjoyed Alice's comments and Hatteras Girl looks wonderful. I love the cover--it looks so carefree. Thanks for the info and chance to win!

Kit Tosello said...

I really enjoyed both Rain Song and How Sweet It Is, so I've been looking forward to Hatteras Girl!
Also, Alice led me through her Writing the Heartache online workshop after my mom passed away last December... I highly recommend the workshop.

scottsgal said...

How nice of you to keep your son's memory alive with his organization. Sounds like a wonderful book
msboatgal at aol.com

Edna said...

I would love to win this book, I am a follower

mamat2730 at charter dot net

Cherie J said...

Ooh! This sounds great! Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Alice. J. Wisler said...

Kit,

Thank you for promoting my novels and my Writing the Heartache online course! You are a blessing to me. I love to teach grief writing--it is my passion because writing after my son Daniel died helped me immensely. Ah, Daniel was a brave cookie!

~ Alice J. Wisler

Unknown said...

Alice, your interview is very interesting and I have not heard of your online course. It would be helpful to one of my daughters that I speak of below..who lost her 20 year old son to suicide just over a year ago. I would be interested in finding out about it. You compassion toward others who have lost loved ones is beautiful. You son's memory will be commemorated with so much help for others. You are a new author to me and I'd very much like to read your book. I have two single daughters over 30 who would benefit a lot from reading it. If I win, I'll certainly pass it onto those who would benefit. Namely, my daughters! LOL Thank you for the giveaway and I appreciate the chance to win it. I hope I do!

Sharing God's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Merry said...

I love the setting for Hatteras Girl; near water, a cozy inn and an interesting storyline with a handsome hero. Please add me!

Theresa N. said...

Jackie sounds like a wonderful character, please sign me up.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jennifer said...

Would like to read this book. I really enjoy reading a book set in a location I know about.

Wendy said...

I have added this to my TBR list. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Anonymous said...

I would love to read your latest book Alice. I would like to find the secret of the young lady finding the love of her life. We pray that Sarah finds the love of her life one day. She has been through so much. Thanks for the chance to win your latest book...you are the BEST blondie. (Dan made me say it).

MaureenT said...

Alice your books sounds great. I put it on my wish list. Thank you! I enjoy going to B & B's!

hippmom said...

This books has caught my eye. THanks for the interview and giveaway.

angelahipp (at) charter (dot) net

Wendy said...

Would love to win and read "Hatteras Girl"
Thank you for the chance.
wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com

grannyvon said...

I would love to win this book, It sounds like it would have some fun scenes in it. Thanks for the chance to win.
ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

Sandee61 said...

Please enter me in your giveaway for Alice's book. I enjoyed her interview and would love to read this book. I recently went to the Outer Banks (NC) for a retreat with my daughter and eldest grandaughter and had the most relaxing and wonderful time there. It was my first time to the ocean and I was just so caught up in the beauty of it. Doesn't God create such beautiful places? It was just awesome and I'll cherish that time forever.

Blessings,
Sandee61

Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

Coolestmommy said...

Would love to visit Cape Hatteras someday! Thanks for the chance to enter.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

A J Hawke said...

A new author to me. Hatteras Girl sounds like a fun read.

Please enter me.

A J Hawke

Cynthia A. Lovely said...

I've had my eye on this book - please do enter my name!
-Lovely

Lady Araujo said...

I loved this cover. And the book sounds great. Thanks for this opportunity.

Bakersdozen said...

Thanks again for another wonderful interview and drawing.

Carman said...

Please enter me! This book has been on my TBR for a while! :D

rubynreba said...

Sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks.

Kristen said...

Ohhhh!! Can't wait to read this one. Please enter me!! Thanks

fredamans said...

Please include me, thank you.

Alice. J. Wisler said...

So nice to read all these comments here! Thanks for wanting to read Hatteras Girl!

I know that not everyone will win a copy, so be sure to visit my website to see how you can get a copy. Also, join me at the Alice J. Wisler Facebook Fan Club website for some wonderful opportunities.

~ Alice J. Wisler
http://www.alicewisler.com

Lisa Lickel said...

Hi, Alice! Congratulations on your newest achievements. I'm trying to get my hubby to visit that side of the country one of these years, especially with his niece living there. lisalickel-at-gmail-dot-com

Anonymous said...

I would to read this book, especially since it is set in the Cape Hatteras area. I think this would be a great escape book.

Thank you introducing us to another wonderful auther.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

peachykath said...

I've never heard of this author and it would be nice to find a new author to read.
Thank you
Katherine

peachykath79[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jo said...

I love how this book sounds and definitely want to read it. Please add me.

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

Judylynn said...

Looks like a good one. Please enter me in this giveaway!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Alice. J. Wisler said...

Thanks to everyone for their comments! Y'all have been great! Thank you, Lena!

~ Alice J. Wisler