Welcome back, Denise. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I feel totally blessed to be writing for a living. My goal when I started writing was to complete one novel. I had no idea what God had in store! His dreams are truly bigger than mine. On the horizon . . . I have the Big Sky Series coming up—three cowboy stories set in the fictional town of Moose Creek, Montana. The first, A Cowboy’s Touch, will release April 2. I’m also working on a novella collection called Smitten with 3 close friends: Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Diann Hunt. Smitten will release Dec., 2011. Beyond that, only God knows!
I'd love to feature the Montana books on my blog. Tell us a little about your family.
I’m happily married to a business owner and have 3 boys ages 12, 15, and 18. My evenings are filled with practices, games, and ESPN. I’m also suffering from testosterone poisoning.
We only had daughters. My husband was drowning in estrogen. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Oh boy, has it ever! I long for the day when I could just pick up any old novel and be lost for hours! Writing has made me so picky. I can only turn off the internal editor if the writing is very well done, and my patience with shoddy storytelling is short. I finish fewer than half the books I start, but when I find one that holds my attention, I am one happy camper.
What are you working on right now?
Currently I’m working on my Smitten novella and writing the synopsis for my 3rd Big Sky story.
What outside interests do you have?
Let’s see, I love to travel with my family. We’ve covered most of the United States over the past several years, including Alaska. I also love to play drums and eat chocolate, preferable dark (the antioxidants, you know). And it probably goes without saying that I love to curl up with a great novel.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
You can see how my love of travel might tie into my writing. :-) Basically I try to set stories where I think my readers might like to visit (and where I might like to spend the next 9 months!) After all, reading a book is like taking a little vacation.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I’m sure this isn’t original, but who’d pass up the chance to spend an evening with Jesus? I don’t think you could come away from that unchanged.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
When I wrote my first novel, I thought writing ability was something you either had or didn’t have. While that’s true to a small degree, writing is also a craft and, like any craft, improves with study and practice. That was wonderful news to me!
What new lesson is the Lord teaching you right now?
Lately I’ve been struggling with chronic fatigue so He’s mainly been teaching me to take care of my health (we only get one body) and let the unimportant stuff go. Eat right, get enough sleep, all that. And you know what? The roof isn’t going to cave in if the house doesn’t get vacuumed this week or if the whites don’t get washed today.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
1. Study the craft.
2. Practice the craft.
3. Don’t give up.
Tell us about the featured book.
Surrender Bay is the first book of my Nantucket Series. After the 4-book series was complete, my publisher (Thomas Nelson) decided to give the series a fresh new look. I also added an overt faith thread. So while Surrender Bay is actually a RE-release, there is new content in the story.
And I can hardly wait to read it. I read and loved the original. Please give us the first page of the book.
“You can just drop me off, you know. I’m not a baby.” Eleven-year-old Caden flipped her mom a look, then stared out the passenger window.
“I like watching you.” Sam pulled the Ciera into the parking lot of the Boston Academy of Gymnastics and was about to expound on the thought, but Caden interrupted.
“The other moms don’t stay.”
It wasn’t true, but Sam had a feeling this objection had less to do with Caden’s assertion of independence and more to do with her.
“Did Bridget tell everyone about me?” Sam asked.
Caden crossed her arms, her warm-up suit rustling.
“If I didn’t clean the gym, we wouldn’t be able to afford lessons, Caden.”
Though her daughter frowned, her jaw and shoulders rigid, Sam knew the stubborn front concealed a wounded little girl. Knew it because Caden was so much like her.
“They all know now. Bridget has such a big mouth. She thinks she’s so hot just because her mom owns the gym.”
Sam turned off the ignition and withdrew the keys, then glanced at Caden, who made no move to leave. The clock on the dashboard read 7:02. “Honey, let’s finish this later. You’re late for class.”
“So you’re staying?”
Sam’s parental pride shrank two more sizes. “By the time I got home, I’d just have to turn around and come back. I promise to sit in the back and keep my hood up to conceal my identity.” Sam regretted the sarcasm instantly.
Caden discharged her seat belt, and it sprang upward, clanging against the doorframe. “Whatever,” she said, then exited the car, not quite slamming the door.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/ I’m also active on Facebook (who isn’t?) http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1367563269
Thank you, Denise, for the fun time today.
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.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.
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64 comments:
I love the idea of reading a book as a vacation. Count me in.
julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com
I read the the original of this book and the others in the series, and they are great! I want to read it again and see the new content now!
Sarah from Ohio
This book sounds great. Would love to read it. I, also need to take care of myself more. You know the old say, "I don't have time". Well sometimes it's true. Grandbaby keeps me going and going. haha
From the Bible Belt
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I would love to win a copy of this book. I love Densie"s books. Angela Chesnut from Kentucky.
Great interview! I have read all the books in that series except Surrender Bay! I loved them, and can't wait to get the re-released versions!
lizzielaura17@yahoo.com
Jordan from Columbia, SC
Sounds like a wonderful read...I'll take a vacation with this book! Sign me up!
Lana Packer from AZ
Thanks for the great interview! I loved this series so much, would love to have this book. Please enter me, if Canadians are allowed to, thanks!
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com
Can't wait to read this! Great interview! Thanks for the chance to win!
Kari from Oregon
Thanks for your kind comments, everyone. And thanks, Lena, for the opportunity to share!
And yes, Candians are welcome. I'll ship anywhere. :-)
I love, love, LOVE the cover of this book! And though I own the orginal version, I would really love to read the updated one. Denise's books are great!
I live in Oregon. :)
I would love to read this book.
I am from So. Cal.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Cool giveaway
Please enter me!
Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com
New York
I've wanted to read this book for the longest time. So excited about this giveaway!
Sign me up!
Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com
Long Island, New York
My daughter shows some interest.
Please put my name in the hat!
Jreilly316(at)verizon(dot)net
NY
Sounds like a great read! Please enter this girl from Ontario, Canada. Thank you!
This sounds like an interesting story.
tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com
NC
Awesome giveaway! Please enter me!
lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com
NY
Ooh, my daughter's friend has been wanting to read this for a while! Count me in!
jennycohen104(at)gmail(dot)com
NY!
This looks like a book my daughter and her friend would love to read. Please enter me!
icohen62(at)gmail(dot)com
Looks like a great book!
thejesusfreak62(at)gmail(dot)com
Oops, I forgot to put where I'm from!
NY
NY
Ohh, I'd love a chance at winning this book. I love the authors name - my mom's name is Denise, too! :-)
~ Katy
from Florida
please count me in...thanks :)
karenk/from pa
kmkuka at yaooo dot com
Would love to check it out! And loved the encouragement for aspiring writers. Please throw my name into the hat!
Claire Koenig, SF Bay Area
Ooh, I missed the Nantucket series, but now I can read the re-release and feel as though I'm right on time.
Please enter me. pwriter1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks, all! Glad you enjoyed the interview. I think my Thomas Nelson did a fabulous job with the new cover too.
Would love to read the added content.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
I love Denise's books! Please enter me. Thanks!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
Nauvoo, IL
Love the story line already...brings me back to when my son took gymnastics:) I love the setting...Nantucket, sounds like great vacation place!
Would love to win a copy of your book "Surrender Bay"...count me in!
Lorna from Alberta, Canada
lornafaith(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the cover of this book; it makes me want to read what's inside. Thanks for the interview and the book giveaway.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I came across your blog today.
Great interview.
Ann
I love the sound of this book and can't wait to read it! Especially from reading the first page and having teenage hormonal daughters!!
Lauren Fitch from Texas!
Please enter me thanks
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I loved this book the first time around! It will be interesting to see what's new.
Thanks
Kristen from WA
i don't know how i missed reading a Denise Hunter book, but would love to correct it with this one! Thanks for the chance to win, thanks for counting me in. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
i am in arizona
What a nice interview. I love the Nantucket setting--looks like a great start to a series.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Julie from MN
Oh a re release of this great book.
Count me in.
Loved the interview!
I love all of Denise's books!
Blessings and Smiles,
Charlotte Kay
Charlovesmark at gmail dot com
From Ohio
Love books by Denise Hunter.
Great interview and giveaway.
Thanks,
Trinity Rose from Ohio
I'd love to read this!
I live in Illinois
msboatgal at aol.com
I love the East and the Nantucket
setting of this book series...
It would be great to win this
book 1 of the series!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I loved Denise's "Kansas Brides" and would love to read this. I live in S. California.
Oh I love Denise Hunter's books. I would so love to win a copy of SURRENDER BAY. Thank you so very much for the opportunity.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oops! I forgot to tell you I live in Northeastern Indiana.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
I'm from NC and have read all the books in this set except for this one. So far The Convenient Groom is my favorite.
nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com
Looking forward to another great book from Denise. It would be great to win. Thanks from Southwest Louisiana.
Denise always touches my heart with her lovely stories. Please add me to the drawing. Thanks!
Merry in TX
Please enter me to win!! I'm from TN.
afren07[at]gmail[dot]com
I'd love to read this book.
Jane from Oregon
I have not read any of Denise's books but love the story line in this one. I will be adding to my wish list. Thanks for the great interview and the opportunity to enter this giveaway.
From a Georgia Peach or nut. lol
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Please enter me! I live in the midwest. I loved the original version of this book, and I can't wait till I get to read this one!
booklovercb at yahoo dot com
Hi Denise. I just started to read Surrender Bay on my Nook last night and already I know this is a book I want a paper copy of.
I totally understand how we let ourselves go because of how involved we get in taking care of families and our jobs. I joined a group blog called Healthy Writers just to help myself focus on a healthier lifestyle.
Thanks so much for writing such beautiful books. I'm so excited to have your backlist to look forward to.
Mary
Oops - forgot to say - I'm from New York. I grew up near the ocean so the cover of Surrender Bay is what first caught my attention. The inspiring story is what kept it.
I always enjoy books by this author.
Thank you for this opportunity to win a new book.- from upstate NY
Looks like a great read, please count me in. sonflower277 at gmail dot com
Karen from MA
This sounds like a wonderful book.
I'm from Ohio.
pkildow at gmail dot com
I've been waiting for this chance for months,please enter me!
Manaus,Brazil
niastrong21(at)gmail(dot)com
And this it's gonna be the first book of this author that I have the pleasure to read!
niastrong21(at)gmail(dot)com
What beautiful cover...the blue draw you right in. Please include me!
Maureen NY
I LOVE to read!
kkfoster35 at msn dot com
Am I too late for this one? I LOVE Denise Hunter and I want this book sooo bad! I've read the other two in the series, but haven't gotten my hands on this one!
Jordan
lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance!
Nancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
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