Sunday, October 09, 2011

ONCE UPON A THANKSGIVING - Winnie Griggs - Free Book


Welcome, Winnie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
I’ve just completed work on an historical set in 1850s Boston about an Irish immigrant who has come here to escape the potato famine. I’m now working on a proposal I’m hoping my editor will like that will kick off a four book series about four individuals who survive a single disaster and shows how their lives were changed by the event.

Tell us a little about your family.
Well, let’s see. I’ve married for 35 years to my college sweetheart who happens to be a cattle rancher. We have four adult children, one married, one engaged to be married and a pair of adventurous twins who enjoy travel and giving their mother gray hairs! Our extended family is quite large - I have four siblings and my husband has five - and our family gatherings are both boisterous and fun.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Deadlines have played havoc with my “free time.” I’m afraid I don’t read quite as voraciously as I used to. Where I used to consume at least one book a week, often more, I’m now lucky to get in a book a month.

What are you working on right now?
I just got the revision letter for my June 2012 book so I’m busy trying to get that put to bed. This is a Love Inspired Historical continuity book, which is series of connected books each penned by a different author. Mine is the third of three and the thread that ties the books together is that each book follows one of three sisters that immigrate from Ireland to America in 1850.

What outside interests do you have?
I enjoy cooking, and I also like to go to estate sales.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
I was born and raised in SE Louisiana (near New Orleans) but have spent the last 30 or so years in NW Louisiana (near the Texas and Arkansas borders). Those are two very different worlds and I draw from both of them when I’m writing. When I’m working on historicals, my favorite setting is East Texas, which has a similar feel to the place I live now.  When I’m working with contemporaries I like to pick locations in south and south-central Louisiana.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Hmmm, that’s a tough question, one I haven’t ever given much thought to. I guess, just off the top of my head it would have to be Thomas Edison. He’s always fascinated me, just because he was responsible for so much change in the way we interact with the world around us.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
How much is involved in being a writer besides just the process of penning our stories. From the development of art fact sheets and front matter, to the polishing and editing, to the marketing and promo, there is just a lot of other “stuff” that takes a writer’s time and attention.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
The value of patience. One of the hardest things for me to do is to just be still and listen for His guiding word. Time and again I’ve tried to wrest control from Him, to my detriment.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
·         Write. Write every day. Write even when you don’t feel like it.
·         When you’ve finished a work, to the point that it’s been critiqued and polished, send it out into the world, then immediately start something new.  
·         Work on identifying your own voice and then be true to it. While you want to give careful consideration to critiques you receive, make certain that in your eagerness to implement suggested changes you don’t lose what makes the story and the writing uniquely your own.

Tell us about the featured book.
Home For Thanksgiving is the story of two people who have been badly hurt in the past, but who are handling that hurt in very different ways. Griff Lassiter has closed himself off from any more “emotional entanglements,” preferring to make his way alone rather than risk further hurt. Ruby Ann Tuggle, on the other hand, has opened herself up to the possibility of a brighter future and is actively looking for the silver lining in her life. When their paths cross, these two seemingly opposite people must learn how to work together and draw on each other’s strengths.

Please give us the first page of the book.
It was now or never.
Ruby Tuggle had been sitting in the hotel lobby when Mr. Lassiter returned from whatever business he’d been conducting. She’d watched him climb the stairs to his room, looking as though he’d had a rough day, and then come back down thirty minutes later, cleaner but still tired looking.
From her seat in the secluded corner of the lobby she’d had a clear view into the hotel dining room. Watching his profile as he ate his meal, she’d tried to get some sense of the man himself.
She’d memorized the way his dark hair tried to curl around his ears, the way it just barely touched his collar in the back and the slight impression of where his hat had rested. She’d watched the way he politely interacted with Mrs. Dowd when she’d brought out his food, and how he’d kept to himself otherwise.
And the more she studied him, the more solid her gut feeling grew. No doubt about it, he was a good man, and God had put him in her path to help her.
Just now he’d set his cutlery down, sat back and reached for his glass, a sure sign that he was nearly finished with his meal. Soon he would get up and return to his room. If she didn’t gather her courage to speak to him now, she likely wouldn’t get another chance.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to hear from readers! My website is www.winniegriggs.com and I’m currently the only Winnie Griggs on facebook so drop by there and friend me as well.


Thank you, Winnie, for visiting with us again.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
 Once Upon a Thanksgiving: Season of Bounty\Home for Thanksgiving (Love Inspired Historical)

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 4 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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

39 comments:

Patricia said...

I would love to read this book, It is amazing how we let pasts hurts to feed on our emotions hardening our hearts toward others not trusting our hearts with anyone. If we only turn these feelings over to God he can heal these hurts.
I live just north of Houston, Texas.
I'm a country girl!

Blessings,
Patricia aka Mamaw

Patsy said...

Oh Winnie, I love to cook and go to estate sales too! In fact I just went to one on Friday. I love flea markets and thrift stores too!"Once Upon A Thanksgiving" sounds really good. Would enjoy reading it.

from south Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Unknown said...

Thanksgiving for me is everyday, though here in Canada we set aside the second Monday of October to celebrate it. (this weekend). i would love to win this book, Lena. Thanks for the chance.

mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from
Peace River Country, Alberta

Wendy Newcomb said...

I just about bought this the other day, it would be much better for me if I won it, lol. Thank you for hosting the giveaway.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

scottsgal said...

sounds like a wonderful story - what a serene cover
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Angela - Bookaunt said...

Thank you for the chance to win. I live in St. Cloud, FL.

Angela/ http://griperangsbookmarks.blogspot.com

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this. This looks like a great book. I would love to read this.

I am from Oklahoma.

Judy said...

Thanks for the interview with Winnie. I always enjoy getting to know the authors. It is awesome Winnie that you have been married 35 years. You enjoy cooking as I do. You do have quite an extended family. Don't you just love the get togethers?

Once Upon A Thanksgiving sounds like a great read. I would love to win a copy.

Blessings,

Judy B from IN

Jo said...

Thanks for the great interview, Winnie. I always love getting to know about new to me authors. This series sounds like it is going to be quite interesting.

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Lourdes said...

Your family sounds great. I am an only child so anything with more than one to me sounds great :-). ould love to win.

Lourdes from Huntington, NY (Long Island)

Anonymous said...

I would love the chance to win this book.

angela from KY

Jan Cline said...

I have to say I love the main character's name...Ruby Tuggle! Sounds like a wonderful story. Count me in to win.
Blessings!
Jan Cline from Washington state

Winnie Griggs said...

Hello everyone, sorry I'm so late checking in - had some family in so I didn't spend much time on the computer. Thanks to everyone for the kind words about my book - this story is very dear to my heart.

Winnie Griggs said...

Patricia, such wisdom in those words

Patsy - we sound like kindred spirits

Marianne - that's a wonderful outlook!

Wfnrfn - LOL, thanks for thinking of me

Winnie Griggs said...

Judy - absolutely, family gatherings are the best!

Lourdes - Growing up I sometimes envied my friends who were an 'only child' - they seemed to get more attention from their parents and didn't have to share their things with siblings. But I wouldn't really change my childhood for anything.

Winnie Griggs said...

Jan - LOL - naming characters is a key step for me. I can't start a book until I have just the right names for my hero, heroine and town. Ruby Tuggle's last name, believe it or not, came from a tombstone I happened to pass by during a graveside service. As soon as I saw that name I knew it would be perfect for my heroine.

Trinity Rose said...

Sounds like a fantastic book.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Blessings,
Trinity Rose

Coolestmommy said...

Thank you for the chance to win this book. I can't wait to read it.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

JJ said...

I currently live with my daughter and her family in North Carolina. Thanks. gahome2mom/at/gmail/com

Patty said...

It's often hard to open up again after being hurt, but it is so worth the risk! Would love to read this story.

Patty in SC

apple blossom said...

oh yes, please enter me for this book giveaway. thanks for the chance to win

i live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book! Winnie is a talented author! This is a book I will be sure to buy if I don't win, but winning would be nice, ha!

Salena
Texas

Sharon Richmond said...

Sounds like a awesome story! I am a reader and love christian romance and suspence! and would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks and God bless!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks interesting. I love Historical books. Enter me in the drawing. Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Winnie Griggs said...

Trinity, glad you like the sounds of the book!

Patty - Amen on love being worth the risk!

Salena - don't make me blush! And thanks for all of your support

Winnie Griggs said...

Sharon and Abigail, so good to hear from you and very glad that you like the sounds of the book!

A.Jones said...

Seems like a wonderful Thanksgiving read! Please enter me in the giveaway!

I live in New York

Faith's Grandma said...

Would love to win this book, don't think I have read any of your books....would love the chance to.....Thanks, Faith's Grandma/Oh

Merry said...

What an interesting beginning, thank you for the teaser! I'd want to know what happens next... add me to the drawing please. :)
Merry in TX

Nathanael Richmond said...

Would love to win.
Please enter me in the drawing.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, NC.
P.S. I love historical books.

Cindy W. said...

I love the LI Historicals. Would love to win a copy of Once Upon a Thanksgiving.


Cindy W.
from Indian

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

rubynreba said...

I'd really enjoy this book. I'm from Iowa.

Joanna Richmond said...

looks and sounds very interesting. I would Love to read this book. enter me in the drawing.
Joanna Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

It looks and sounds interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
I like Thanksgiving.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Winnie Griggs said...

Thanks to everyone who said they like the 'looks' of this story. And good luck to everyone in the upcoming drawing.

Nancye said...

Sounds like a book I would enjoy! Please include me. Thanks for the chance!

Nancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Kristie said...

It's important to forgive others not just for you but for them too. It makes your life not good when you cling to your bitterness and stubbornness. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Patricia said...

I am so pleased to have won this book. Thank you very much! I cant't wait to read it.

Blessings,
Patricia aka Mamaw