I'm introducing a new author to you readers today. Welcome, Don. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
A great deal. There are 3 main characters in my book and all of them are me at different times in my life. This was pointed out to me by one of my closest friends. The cantankerous, agnostic professor, the young doctor who is a relatively new to the faith and the pastor who is a “seasoned” believer.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I have been pretty quirky all of my life…I live outside the box.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Well, I began writing in 1996 after reading Left Behind and somewhere over the course of the next 13 years it just sort-of happened, though really I don’t consider myself equal with authors who put books out monthly or even yearly. My book is a culmination of teaching myself how to write and gleaning from the styles of other authors that appealed to me.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I like a non-fiction book that addresses a situation that appeals to me, i.e. the book First Impressions, what you don’t know about how others see you. I have read this book over and over because it is fascinating to learn about what makes us tick. And I like fiction if the writer draws me into their world and fascinates me. I know I’m there when I stop, hug the book to my chest and marvel at how the words touch my heart. Ted Dekker does this occasionally and Phillip Shelby.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I don’t.
Good answer. How do you choose your characters’ names?
Many times I use names of people I already know, but I typically spell them differently, though I always tell the person and they always like the idea, not to mention it gives them bragging rights when the book comes out and they will even promote it too!
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Being married for 25 years. (And I attribute that success to my wife.)
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
An eagle. They can fly and they have no natural enemies…at least none that can do anything about it.
What is your favorite food?
Home made creamed spinach.
That is the first time I've received that answer. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I am a business owner and still involved in the day-to-day, so being able to stay focused on writing and blocking out business problems is very tough. I mainly overcome these deterrents by writing more in the summer and winter months because my business slows down during those times.
Tell us about the featured book.
If you’ve ever imagined spending time with the Lord Jesus in His time, this energetic and ultimately gut-wrenching thriller may very well be just what the Great Physician ordered. Set in the final days of the life of Christ, three 21st century travelers find themselves coming face to face with the rugged, radical prophet known throughout the land as Jesus of Nazareth, and they find much more than they ever dreamed possible. And although there literally is a hole punched through the entire book from beginning to end, you’ll find it fills some very important “holes” in your quest for knowledge and understanding of our Savior’s last days.
I told Joan I loved the design of your book. Please give us the first page of the book.
Ellen Barnes yanked the page from the fax machine and raced down the narrow corridor that led to the doctors’ quarters. For courtesy’s sake, she rapped once on the door, then burst into the dark room.
“Elizabeth,” a voice barked. “Pile-up on I-40 at the 25-mile marker. RCC says they have a thirteen-year-old male, critical--”
Stretched across the bed, the young resident stirred. It took a moment for her to identify the voice.
“Doctor Stewart!” Ellen snapped, flipping on the light to illuminate the dark room.
Dr. Elizabeth Stewart sat up. “A thirteen-year-old?”
The flight nurse focused on the report. “Well, so far we’ve got a DOA, two non-critical, and the boy’s being extricated right now. They say they’ll have him out by the time we get there.”
The clock said 1:55 a.m. Elizabeth had been asleep a mere forty minutes. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and struggled to focus.
The only sound was the rain assaulting the single window of the cramped, unadorned room. This was her second twenty-four-hour shift this week at Memphis Hospital Wing, an air medivac unit serving the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Unit, the only level-one trauma unit for two hundred miles in any direction.
Sounds like a good read. How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://www.questforthenailprints.com/
Thank you, Don, for spending this time with us.
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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http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Great opener! Sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeletethanks for the opportunity to read this fabulous novel :)
ReplyDeletekarenk (from pa)
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a good book. I would love to win a copy. Allie(From KY)
ReplyDeleteI love learning about new books like this. Thanks for the chance to win it.
ReplyDeleteMolly from North Carolina
I have always said that if I could
ReplyDeletego back in time; I would go back to the time of Christ. This book sounds great to me...
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Illinois
Love the 1st page and the overall theme sounds like something I would love to read. Putting ourselves back in Jesus' time would give a new perspective on the culture and especially Jesus Himself:)
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered for a chance to win this book!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
I am having to wait for my sister to finish her copy, because I can't afford books! LOL!
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview. This books sounds good and I can't wait to read it. Thank you for the chance to win, Quest For The Nail Prints.
ReplyDeleteJudy B from Indiana
I'd love to read this!
ReplyDeletejanemaritz at yahoo dot com
Oregon
Sounds great, I'd like to win it
ReplyDeleteMark, Ohio
Sounds really interesting! Thanks for the chance to win!!!
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Interesting. thanks for a chance to win this book.
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ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Please include me in this drawing. Thanks!
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Would love to win this book......Thanks
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Sounds like a great book, would love to win....
ReplyDeleteAngela C. (OHIO)
The book sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
That opening hit me hard--I have a 13 year old male (my son) at home. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot ocm
NE
enter me in the contest.
ReplyDeletesounds like a great read.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch N.C.
I'd love to read this.
ReplyDeleteMJ from SC
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I would love to read this book!
ReplyDeletesusandyer1962 at aol dot com
The opening page has me intrigued. I would love to read this. I live in S. California.
ReplyDeletethis is on my "to read" list! i'd love to win it!
ReplyDeleteafren07[at]gmail[dot]com
This sounds like an incredible book! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteNancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net