REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS - Dan Walsh - Free Book

I love Christmas novels, Dan. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I like to write about the themes that matter most in life (by God’s definition, not so much ours). Then I like to craft stories that reveal God’s perspective on these themes, played out in the lives of credible, captivating characters going through big dramatic things (and occasionally a few interesting small things). Situations get pretty tough in the beginning and middle of my books, and maybe even more so near the end but, because I’m writing from a Christian perspective, I love endings that reveal the power and lovingkindness of God, so that the reader is stirred to put their hope in God for whatever they’re going through in real life.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

In November, I have another book coming out, this time with Guideposts called Autumn Light, for their Miracles of Marble Cove series. But readers can only get this through their book club, not in retail stores. Here’s a link if you’d like to check it out: http://www.shopguideposts.org/miracles-of-marble-cove-series.html.

Next April, my 5^th book with Revell releases, called The Discovery. It’s already available for pre-order on Amazon (look it up if you’d like to find out a little bit about the story, or just check out the amazing cover the art department came up with). I’ve recently finished my 6^th book for Revell, called The Reunion, now in the editing phase.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

It would have to be Dr. Gary Smalley (http://smalley.cc/ ). I’ve recently signed to do a 4-book fiction series with him for Revell (actually working on the first novel right now). I’ve gotten to spend some one-on-one time with him already, but not near as much time as I’d like. He’s a fascinating man who, at age 71, has accomplished amazing things for God in the areas of family life and personal relationships over the last 35 years. Yet, he’s so humble and easy to be with, and he has great stories to tell.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

Either the apostles Paul or John. I love their epistles so much (and John’s gospel), but I’d love to be able to spend time with them, particularly to find out what their personal walk with Christ was like. You know, the day-to-day behind-the-scenes stuff, not so much the epic Bible events they experienced.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

The first thing would be to keep your eyes on Jesus, and make your relationship with Him the most important thing. Pursuing any earthly goal can easily become a preoccupying idol that will rob you of the peace and joy God wants you to experience along the way.

On the practical side…put most of your energy on the writing itself, crafting the best book you can possibly write. That’s what matters most (not things like social networking, building a platform, etc. although they do matter some). My editor, Andrea Doering (who just won ACFW’s Editor-of-the-year) said whenever she’s given an author proposal, the first thing she does is skip to the writing. She reads the first 3-5 pages, because to her the main thing is how well the author writes. She can spot the telltale signs that show whether an author’s work is really up to par, and if his/her writing style really captures her interest. If the writing isn’t there, she passes on the proposal.

Publishers are still, and will always be interested in a great story, well told.

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

I love the one-line sentence the marketing folks came up with: Can one Christmas change a life forever? That really sums up Remembering Christmas well. Here’s a little more about the storyline:

Rick Denton is a young successful CPA who lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. What was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keeps hanging about.

Slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons―as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day―work their magic on him, revealing to Rick some startling truths about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Please give us the first page of the book.

I can do a little better than that. Click on this link, and you can read the first chapter of Remembering Christmas (it’s short, maybe 3 pages):

http://www.danwalshbooks.com/RememberingChristmas.html

How can readers find you on the Internet?

From the homepage on my website, there are buttons to read my blog or follow me on Facebook or Twitter. It’s www.danwalshbooks.com (you can also preview my other novels and find links to order them from the major online stores).



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