I'm thrilled to welcome my friend Janice back to this blog. So, Janice, how did you come up with the idea for this story?
I’ve been intrigued by the Camelot legend since my freshman year in college, when I played the role of a lady-in-waiting in the stage play. I attended college in East Tennessee, so I jumped at the chance to write a story set in the Knoxville area, just an hour and a half from my college. This story, like so many of my other comedies, is built around the premise that one person (in this case, a city planner) can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Of course, I had to add several comedic elements! A Janice Hanna (Thompson) story just wouldn’t be the same without ‘em!
That is so true. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Ooo! What a party that would be! I’d start by inviting Lisa Wingate and Sandie Bricker. Can you even imagine how much fun those ladies would be? I have so much in common with both of them. I’d also love to invite a few more light-hearted authors, so I’d include Robin Jones Gunn, Megan DiMaria, Trish Perry and Kristin Billerbeck. We’d probably stay up all night laughing, but I’m sure it would be quite a party!
I know that group would be a blast. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
I’m going to be attending a retreat with several historical authors soon! (And I’m looking forward to seeing you there, Lena, so your name will be the first on my list!) I’d invite: Lena Nelson Dooley, Tracie Peterson, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Martha Rogers, Nancy Jo Jenkins and Cathy Hake.
I know the six of us would have a good time. And I can hardly wait to see you next week. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
My biggest problem, of late, is that readers tend to compare one book against another. My “Weddings by Bella” books were a hoot, so readers now expect all of my stories to be just as humorous. I’ll probably write funny stories forever, but occasionally like to throw in serious issues, as well. I do hope that readers will see me (and my stories) as unique.
Oh, they are totally unique. That's what I love about them. Tell us about the featured book.
Love Finds You in Camelot, Tennessee (Synopsis): Steve Garrison is the newly elected mayor of the tiny town of Camelot, Tennessee. When his childhood friend Amy Hart comes up with a plan to revive the town’s economy, he jumps onboard. The townspeople will perform the musical Camelot in the city’s park, drawing in nightly crowds. While excitement is high, talent is lacking. Amy casts several of the parts but is stumped when it comes to the role of King Arthur. In desperation, she turns to Steve. Will he pull the sword from the stone and save the day? Steve reluctantly agrees—on one condition. In exchange for his willingness to wear tights, Amy must play the role of Guinevere. And when a handsome newcomer cast as Lancelot takes an interest in Amy, the stage is set for a little tension—and perhaps love.
I can see it now! Please give us the first page of the book.
An early morning haze hung over the sleepy town of Camelot, Tennessee. Amy Hart squinted to get a better view of the road as she maneuvered her Jeep Liberty around a tricky bend. On a clear day, the journey into town would prove challenging. But on a morning like this—with the heavy sky pressing in around her—the curvy road seemed to slip away into a foggy mist. How many times had she imagined she could drive off into the dreamy haze and find herself in a world of knights and ladies, castles and kings?
Once she rounded the turn, Amy reached to flip on the radio then settled back against the seat as a familiar worship song came on. Perfect. Pretty soon the skies would clear and so would her mood. Just as soon as she arrived at work and shared her latest idea with Steve. Only then would the tightness in her chest dissipate. She lost herself in her thoughts as she pondered her best friend’s reaction to her latest plan. Likely he would think she’d lost her mind. Just like the last time. And the time before that. Oh well. She would prove him wrong. This time.
Amy made her way down Excalibur Drive and turned off onto Lancelot Lane, taking a shortcut to City Hall. Another turn to the right landed her on Camelot Court. She sighed as she caught a glimpse of the abandoned car lot to her right. As usual, nothing much stirred there. Or at the bank. Or at Gwen’s Grooming, Camelot’s only pet-friendly store. No, at this time of morning, not much fluttered but the birds. Well, the birds, and Lucy Cramden, who always walked her ferret, Fiona, at the crack of dawn. Strange sight, a ferret on a bright pink leash. Just part of the quirkiness that made Camelot...Camelot.
As Amy turned into the parking lot at City Hall, the sun peeked through the fog for one magical moment, taking her breath away. She took it as a sign. A confirmation, of sorts. Surely the Lord, Himself, had performed this wondrous act to boost her courage. She whispered up a prayer of thanksgiving and her spirits lifted immediately.
After pulling into her usual parking space, Amy turned off the car. Instead of heading for her office, she lingered in the car a few moments, watching the colors of the sky morph from dizzying gray to a pinkish blue. She used the extra time to get a handle on her thoughts. Last night’s town hall meeting had left her reeling, but this morning she’d awakened with the perfect plan, one she hoped others in town would go along with. In fact, it was such an amazingly simple idea she had to wonder why no one had thought of it before.
She glanced out over the bluff, the panoramic view mesmerizing her, as always. For as long as she could remember, Amy had always loved the dewy mornings in East Tennessee, and the changing of the seasons only made her love them more. Last fall when the leaves turned, the vibrant colors had proven spectacular. As a child, she’d believed her father’s tale that an artist’s paintbrush swept in across the bluff while she slept, leaving behind strokes of amber, hazy orange and brilliant gold. Of course, she’d believed all of her father’s tall tales as a kid, including the one about meeting King Arthur face-to-face and pulling Excalibur out of the rocky ledge near Bever Creek. But, who could blame her? Dad’s stories carried her away to a place deep in her imagination, and sometimes a girl just needed to travel.
Wonderful! How can readers find you on the Internet?
Website: http://www.janicehannathompson.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson
Twitter: booksbyjanice
Thank you, Janice for the fun interview.
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. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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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54 comments:
This sounds like a GREAT read! Put my name in the drawing! Even if I don't win, I am putting this book on my wish list as a MUST READ! Thanks!!
I am from a small town, so I can definitely relate to some of the problems this can mean nowadays. I am looking forward to not only the hero and heroine's journey, but the town's as well.
seytype at hotmail dot com in Ontario, Canada
I just saw this book "in person" a few days ago, and I SOOOO want to read it!! It's the closest to my hometown than any of the other LFY books so far. :)
I really love Janice's books! They always make me smile and enjoy a relaxing time reading. And what a setting! I love the Camelot legend. :)
Oregon!
Thanks for entering me. :)
My family and I are big "Bella" fans and I would love the chance to read another book by Janice. Thank you!
I live in Oregon
I love Janice's writing. I know this book will be great. Count me in on the giveaway.
From the Bible Belt
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I can't wait to read this! It looks so good! Thanks for the chance to win!
Kari in Oregon
I saw this book in Walmart the other day and was intrigued bc it takes place in East Tennessee, which is near where my husband is from. So I'm really looking forward to reading this!
Deborah in VA
I would love to read this book.
I live in So Cal.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Sounds like an interesting story.Camelot,Tennessee how delightful.Please enter me.I enjoy "Love Finds You" series.
tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com
NC
I totally love the "Love finds You.." series of books:) The first page sounds like a great setup...I'd love to read further!
Please enter my name for a chance to win your book!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read about Camelot, Tennessee! Please enter me, from Ontario, Canada. Thank you
The writer's retreat sounds like so much fun! Her book sounds delightful!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Janice is a new author for me. I'd love to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sandy in Michigan
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Cool cover! Looks like a fun book! Please enter me! I'm from NY =)
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
Hmmm... Camelot, Tennessee? Awesome!
jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
NY
Janice I love your smile. I would love to be a fly on the wall with your group of historical fiction writers!
Central NY
Looks like a cool book!
Please enter me!
Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
NY
Thanks for the giveaway! I love LFY books!!! I'm from New York!
Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like an interesting book. My doughter should really like it!
Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net
NY
This sounds like a fun book to read. I look forward to reading it. I've always wondered what it would be like to live in a small town.
I live in the San Francisco bay area.
Thank you for entering me! I'd love to read this one!
Michelle in California
This sounds like a fun read and I love anything to do with "Camelot."
julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
NY
what a fun premise for a book - I'd love to read this
I'm in Illinois
msboatgal at aol.com
This book sounds wonderful. I would love to win a free copy.
I am Angela from Kentucky.
I love the LFY series. Can't wait to read this one.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Oh, I'd love to be included in this drawing. thanks.
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
oops forgot to post where I live
I'm from ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
please count me in...thanks :)
karenk (from PA)
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
please count me in ... thanks :)
karenk (from PA)
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the chance to win Janice Hanna's book. it sounds great! i am in Arizona
Ooo! This sounds good! I cannot wait to see what happens in this one! :)
Sarah from OHIO.
Sounds like a great book.
I too went to college in East TN. I absolutely love that area.
Jennifer
NC
I really like the Love Finds You series and can't wait to read this one.
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
Oh - I forgot - I am in Buffalo, MN
Wendy
Would love to be entered in this giveaway! I enjoy reading Janice's books and love the humor:) Thanks!
Nauvoo, IL
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
I would love to read this. The first page hooked me. Very well written description.
Connie Leonard
How I love the LFY series...please enter me.....from GA.
I love this series! Please enter me:)
Kristen from WA
Please drop my hat in the giveaway... I'm a huge fan of Janice's writing! :)
Anna W. from GA
Sounds like a great story! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!
Cherie
Florida
Oh my gosh! I love the Love Finds You books and this one looks awesome! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I live in Indiana.
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Ohh, please count me in for the LYF - looks great!
~ Katy
from Florida
This sounds like a book I'd love. please consider me for the drawing.
Thanks for the opportunity-
need a good book to get me
through the last bitter cold
of upstate New York!
I love the Camelot legend, and this seems an interesting modern twist on it--I mean a town in Tenessee name Camelot-? and she's playing Gueniver in the town play? OR did I mix up 2 books. I use the real Camelot in one of my books but since linking is not allowed here, I'll just mention the title, "Impossible Journey"--also sound interesting? Anyway, enter me. I hardly ever win anything, but, let's try.
i want to win!!!
TN
afren07[at]gmail[dot]com
Love Finds You In Camelot, Tennessee sounds delightful.
Please enter me.
A J Hawke from Texas
ajhawkeauthor at aol dot com
This book sounds a great book! I would like to win a copy, count me in!
Nancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Sounds like a great read! big fan of all things Camelot :)
Anne, rural NC
Sounds interesting! Count me in! (SK, Canada)
I need to read one of these "love finds you" books, but I don't know one that was published in Brazil.
Beautiful cover!
I'm ready to fall in love with Janice's newest book, carry me away to Camelot! Thanks for a chance to win it.
Merry in TX
Oh! Please enter me. I love Janice's writing and can't wait to add this book to my collection!
I live in the midwest.
booklovercb at yahoo dot com
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