Welcome, Penny.
Hello, Lena . It’s great to
be here!
God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you
see on the horizon?
I have been praying about where God would lead me next in my
writing ministry. My passion is to continue impacting lives for Christ through
my novels. As far as what I see on the horizon, I have a couple other series of
books that I have started that I am looking forward to seeing them to
completion.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my husband, Lon, for 19 years (we
married really young!) and we have two elementary-aged daughters.
Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
With deadlines, I have less time to read. However, I still
do find time to read and have read some wonderful novels by fellow Christian
authors lately. I have been an avid reader since the time I could read, and I
consider reading a relaxing and enjoyable pastime.
What are you working on right now?
I am working on a series that takes place just after the
Civil War. I have completed the first novel and am working on the second.
What outside interests do you have?
I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also
enjoy volleyball, hiking, camping canoeing, bicycling, and gardening.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
I’ve always enjoyed learning about the 1800s, and I have long
been intrigued by the beauty and history of the State of Montana , so I was excited to set a series in
that state. My family and I visit Montana
regularly and one year traveled throughout the entire state and stopped at a
ghost town, which gave me a lot of inspiration for my series. The other series
of books I am working on take place in other states and I have learned so much
about their histories while writing those books as well.
If you could spend an evening with one historical person,
who would it be and why?
Definitely Jesus. I would love to sit in His Presence and
learn all I could from Him. I would also thank Him continually for what He did
for me.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you
started writing novels?
How much time was going to be spent in marketing and
promoting those novels! As the saying goes…the hardest part starts after the book is published!
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
The Lord is teaching me more than ever to rely on Him in all
circumstances. He has also placed it in my heart to desire to be completely in
His will in my writing ministry and to be sensitive and open to His leading.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to
do to be successful?
Wow, Lena . This is a great
question! I would say the most important thing authors can do is to pray and
give their writing career to the Lord. Secondly, I would say to put others
first and to be an encourager of other writers. And not only an encourager to
other writers, but also an encourager to your readers. Connect with them and
let them know you appreciate them. Third, I would say it’s critical to build an
online presence in order to promote your book. This can be done a variety of
ways, including a website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Shoutlife, and LinkedIn.
Tell us about the featured book.
Here is the blurb from Hailee: For years, orphan
Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her
two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent
youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now,
nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still
plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.
Based on his upbringing in high-societyBoston ,
no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend
seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana . Even now, Nate's parents refuse to
put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.
When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?
Based on his upbringing in high-society
When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?
Please give us the first page of the book.
July
1893
Hailee Annigan removed the discolored sheet of paper from
the community board in the train depot. Time and weather had faded the poster,
so the message was barely readable, but she had memorized the words:
Looking for Philip and Reuben Annigan.
If you have any information, kindly respond to:
Hailee Annigan
c/o Dot Pangbourn’s Boardinghouse
She crumpled the paper in her hand and stuffed it into her
purse. In its place, she posted the notice she’d written that morning, then
stepped back to make sure it would be conspicuous to people passing by or
preparing to board a train.
Looking for Philip and Reuben Annigan.
If you have any information, kindly respond to:
Hailee Annigan
c/o Pine
Haven School
Pine Haven, Montana
For the past several years, she had replaced the posting
every month, two times in order
to
alter the address where she could be located if someone knew of her brothers’
whereabouts.
Hailee swallowed hard to hold back her tears. She didn’t
want to leave Cincinnati
and diminish her chances of ever finding her younger brothers. However, she
knew that a change in location would do her heart good, and that she was
following God’s prompting to fulfill the dream she’d had in her heart since she
was a young girl.
Excerpt from
pages one and two of Hailee by Penny Zeller, © 2011, with permission of
the publisher, Whitaker House (www.whitakerhouse.com).
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to connect with my readers at
My website www.pennyzeller.com,
My blog, A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,
Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller,
and
I've loved featuring you and your books, Penny.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Hailee (Montana Skies V3)
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
41 comments:
This sounds like a great book! Beautiful cover!
I'm from Texas.
Thank you for your compliments about "Hailee," Susan! I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
It would be so sad to be seperated from loved ones like that... I would love to read Hailee's story.
Patty in SC
Would really like to win this book, it sounds really good. Thank you.
I live in FL
wfnren at aol dot com
sounds wonderful....North Georgia usa
Hello Patty~
I agree, it would be sad to be separated from loved ones. Hailee really struggled with that and wonders if she will ever see her brothers again. Thank you so much for stopping by Lena's blog!
Hi wfnren ~ Thank you for stopping by and for your kind compliment about "Hailee." Have a fantastic week!
Hello Lyonslady ~ I think one of my favorite things about being Lena's guest is seeing the variety of states represented in the comments. I hope you have a wonderful North Georgia Christmas!
This book sounds wonderful. Would love to read it. Please enter me!
Blessings,
Jo In Southern Arizona
I would love to win a copy of this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I'm looking forward to reading HAILEE. She has so many obstacles to overcome.
Merry Christmas
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
i read your novel - Kadie and absolutely LOVED it, Penny. Looking forward to this one. ever need a reviewer? Is the picture of you current, and is your husband much older than you? (just wondering, Penny, you needn't answer)
mitzi_wanham at yahoo dot com
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
It aouunds like a great read! Please enter me in the drawing.
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com
Hello Jo ~ Thank you for your enthusiasm about reading "Hailee." I hope you have a blessed Christmas!
Hi Linda ~ Thank you for stopping by Lena's blog! It is an honor to be here. Have a great weekend!
Oh, this opening makes my heart hurt for Hailee already. I can't wait to see what happens in her story. Thanks for sharing!
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
I'd really enjoy this book.
Beth from Iowa.
Enter me!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.
Merry Christmas!!!
Looks interesting!!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
Hailee sounds like she's doing all she can under the circumstances. Keeping the faith is always a tough one. Would love to read her story and see how it turns out for her.
I'm from NC.
This book Looks very interesting!
Ali from Ny
Alibaby374@gmail.com
sounds very interesting I would Love to read it thanks for the chance to win this book thanks
Joanna Richmond,
Blanch NC
Sounds great!!! The horses on the front of the cover are gorgeous!
I'm from NC. God bless!
Hello Marybelle ~ It's awesome to see someone from Australia! I hope you have an awesome week.
Hi Apple Blossom ~ Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." Have a Happy New Year!
Hi Apple Blossom ~ Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." Have a Happy New Year!
Hello Marianne~ First of all, thank you so much for your kind words about "Kaydie." I am honored and thrilled that you enjoyed reading it! Yes, my publishing company does need reviewers from time to time for my books. (Feel free to contact me through my website if you are interested :)
In answer to your question, yes, the picture of me is actually current. It was taken right before "McKenzie" was released last year in September 2010. Also, yes, my husband is a little bit older than me. :)
Have a Happy New Year, Marianne!
Sounds like a sweet romance, please enter me in this giveaway!
I live in New York
Hello Sharon! Thank you for stopping by Lena's blog and for sharing your excitement about reading "Hailee." God bless you!
Hello Linda C. ~ Thank you for leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." I hope you have a Happy New Year!
Hi Robyn ~ I love the name in your email address - "coolest mommy." Awesome! Have a great day :)
Hello Beth ~ It's great to see you here. Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Abigail! I hope you had a Merry Christmas too! And may the Lord bless you in 2012!
Hi Sarah ~ I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a great weekend!
Hello Rebecca ~ So true, Hailee is doing all she can do under the circumstances. But how will it all end? Will her newfound faith be strong enough to endure whatever life throws her way?
I hope you have a fantastic New Year!
Hi Ali ~ Thank you for your enthusiasm about "Hailee." I really appreciate it! Have a blessed day. :)
Hello Joanna ~ Thank you also for your enthusiasm about reading "Hailee." I hope you have a blessed New Year!
Hello Aizess ~ Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment for a chance to win "Hailee." I'm excited to see who is chosen as the winner!
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