Wednesday, November 10, 2010

TWO TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS BALL - Donita K Paul - Free Book

Welcome back, Donita. I was really wanting to feature this book on my blog. I'd heard so many good things about it. My copy came today. It's the next book I'll read. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write stories because I love to see characters come to life and deal with problems, discover joy, and overcome obstacles. I like to see the way they think and feel and strive. I like identifying what they are striving for and why. I had an impractical desire as a kid to have hundreds of children. Now I have hundreds of characters and they touch the lives of thousands of children.

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

I think the days when my children got married. The family was together and the ceremonies were just right. We’d planned to have a joyous celebration and both fulfilled the promise. I gained a lovely daughter-in-law and a wonderful son-in-law.

How has being published changed your life?

I am busier than I have ever been. Even when teaching younger kids in elementary school, I was never this engaged. I’ve had demanding jobs, but this is more like a lifestyle than a nine to five job.

What are you reading right now?

Imagination Station, book one, Voyage with the Vikings, by Marianne Hering and Paul McCuster. And I am reading From Cover to Cover, a book about reviewing children’s books, and Reading Magic by Mem Fox.

What is your current work in progress?

I am finishing Dragons of the Watch. And then I am going to write another Christmas Novella with the same wizards on Sage Street.

What would be your dream vacation?

A cabin in the mountains or a beach house, with lots of time to just look at God’s world and soak in His Majesty.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I know there are a lot of people who don’t understand this and a few who think it’s natural, but scenes and characters pop into my head unbidden.

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

I’d probably pick one of my kids. They’re grown and have busy lives. To go out to eat and sit and listen to them relate what is important to them now, on this day, would be wonderful. I do communicate with them often, but I’d like to give them my undivided attention and get in touch with who they are now. I’m sure I’d have plenty of praise to give God and some focused prayer to lift up as well.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Right now I am designing jewelry and will have two lines to sell on my website. One is Cranberry Fall and the other is Winter Warmth. Just in time for Christmas.

Cool. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Lack of focus. I am very easily distracted. I write alone, without music, and try to avoid the telephone and life.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read, read, read. Write, write, write. You need to read to ingrain story into your very being. You need to write just like an Olympic swimmer must swim for hours each day. The act of writing becomes a part of your makeup just like typing becomes automatic.

Tell us about the featured book?

This book was a joy to write. I loved the characters from the start and writing it was like a mini-vacation from the job of writing long fantasy novels. Those are fun in their own way, but this book did not require as much depth and layers. The story still has spiritual truth learned by the main characters. But it has a gentle, Hallmark made for TV feeling to it. I imagined the snow, the Christmas lights, and the delightful people on Sage Street. Before I finished the book, I had all my Christmas shopping done.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Christmas. Cora had been trying to catch it for four years. She scurried down the sidewalk, thankful that streetlights and brightly-lit storefronts counteracted the gloom of early nightfall. Somewhere, sometime, she’d get a hold of how to celebrate Christmas. Maybe tonight.

With snowflakes sticking to her black coat, Christmas lights blinking around shop windows, and incessant bells jingling, Cora should have felt some holiday cheer.

And she did.

Really.

Just not much.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.donitakpaul.com/  and http://www.dragonandturtle.com/

Thank you for coming back to see us again, Donita.
 
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. New information: Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. I’m trying to get a good idea of where the people live who leave comments on my blog. (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/

43 comments:

Merry said...

I love the cover of Donita's book, it's so beautiful and inviting. Please add me to the drawing. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Love the title of the book. Please add me to the drawing . Thanks!!
Angelac@mchsi.com from KY

Donita K. Paul said...

I love the cover of the book, too. Many authors frame their covers. I did at first, but got out of the habit. This cover I am going to frame and put up every Christmas.

Lourdes said...

Great Cover! Thanks for adding me to the drawing.

Lourdes11743[at]gmail[dot]com

Casey said...

I would really like to read this book! Thank you for the chance. :)

Anne Payne said...

I would love to read this book! Enter me :)

fredamans said...

Entry from Ontario Canada. Thank you.

Renee Ann said...

Oh, please enter me in this giveaway. I've been wanting to read this book but just can't fit anything else in the budget right now! It seems like every reviewer loved it. Thanks for hosting all these great authors!

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview. What a lovely cover for a book and the plot sounds great. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Linda Kish said...

I love holiday-related books.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Henderson said...

It does have a beautiful cover. I enjoy reading holiday books any time of the year. I'd love to read this one. Thank you for the giveaway.

USA-Missouri

seriousreader at live dot com

Donita K. Paul said...

For those of you who can't afford the book, please ask your local library to order it.

Cindy W. said...

The cover of Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball is beautiful. This book is on my must read this Christmas season. Would love to be entered into your giveaway. Thank you for the chance.

Smiles, =o)
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Trinity Rose said...

What a beautiful cover.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
I live in the great state of OHIO.
Blessings,
Trinity Rose

holdenj said...

What a nice interview. I would love to win! Thanks!

Ann Lee Miller said...

Oooh, I'd love to win Donita's book!
Ann Lee Miller

Charlotte Kay said...

I would LOVE to win this book!
Thanks for the opportunity to try!
Blessings!

Donita K. Paul said...

I'm loving being here today. Lena, your readers are so enthusiastic! I really love this Christmas novella and two more stories are flitting around my head. One is Two Carols for a Christmas Ball and the other is Two Stars for a Christmas Ball. If Two Tickets sells well, I'm hoping WaterBrook will let me do the others. Don't forget that there is a fabulous giveaway going on until 11/17/10. Two tickets on a plane to Colorado Springs, and two tickets to the madrigal at Glen Eyre castle. Check my website. www.donitakpaul.com and click on the Two Tickets banner at the upper left hand corner.

Nancye said...

This sounds like a wonderful book! Please count me in!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Kentucky

debbie said...

I really enjoy books with a christmas theme, and this one looks really good. I would love to read it. I am in MI.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Robin Steinweg said...

"Read, read, read. Write, write, write." Donita, you sound like a lady after my own heart! I look forward to reading your novella.
What a sweet interview!
I enjoy the rhythm of your name with the title, too. Thanks, Lena and Donita.

misskallie2000 said...

Donita, Enjoyed your interview. I love Christmas books so I would love to win Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. Love the cover. I have this book on my wish list. Thanks for stopping by to chat with us.

Please add my name to the drawing.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Janet Sketchley said...

Sounds like a fun book, and Cora intrigues me.

Please add me into the draw...from Nova Scotia, Canada.

Wendy said...

Looks like a good book!

Kristen said...

How fun!! Love Christmas books:)
Thanks

grannyvon said...

I would love to read this new Christmas book.Thanks for the chance to win it. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Cleda said...

Thanks so much for the interview... and the opportunity to enter the drawing.... Donita is a wonderful writer and a wonderful friend...

cedson76255(at)yahoo(dot)com
NorthCentralTexas

Giveaway Lady said...

I would love to be a winner for this book. Thanks!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Nauvoo, IL

Pam K. said...

I enjoy reading Christmas fiction; the cover of Donita's book makes it look interesting.
Thanks for the interview and the book giveaway. I'd love to win!

pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas

cynthia said...

Thanks for the great interview. I love stories set during the holiday season. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. I'm from California.

scottsgal said...

I love feel good holiday stories.
I live in Illinois
msboatgal at aol.com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I love the cover of the book. Would love to read it!
dancealert at aol dot com

Unknown said...

The cover is delightful and looks like a fun night on the town. I'm glad to have the chance to win Donita's book. Thanks for the giveaway and I do hope I win.

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Judy Cooper said...

I am adding this book to my Christmas theme must read list.Thanks for a chance to win it.

hippmom said...

Please enter my name in the giveaway. I would love to add this book to my collection.

angelahipp (at) charter (dot) net

MaureenT said...

You are one busy Lady. I also love the cover of this book! I'm going to look at your jewelery!

Emma said...

Good interview.TWO TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS BALL sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

Unknown said...

I love books like this and the cover is gorgeous! Please enter me for the drawing. Loved the interview!

Val
lastnerve2000@gmail.com

Ninety Six, SC 29666

Carman said...

I live in the midwest. :)

Please enter me! I love Donita's books and can't wait to read this one!

booklovercb[at]yahoo[.]com

Bakersdozen said...

This book sounds great. I would love to win. I live in S. California vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

Roanna said...

The title of the book sounds romantic. :) Please enter me. Thanks!

I'm from the Buckeye State.... OHIO!! :D

wmmahaney said...

I love Christmas themed books! I would love to read it.

Coolestmommy said...

Donita has such a unique voice in her books. Can't wait to read this one!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
I live in the midwest.