Tuesday, December 27, 2011

WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM - Ann Shorey - Free Book


Welcome, Ann. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
History and research are my passions. I have a collection of family memoirs dating back to the American Revolution, and became interested in fiction when I realized all the memoirs were written by men. In order to learn what women’s lives were like, I turned the stories into novels.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? 
When I was baptized. In my church, we baptize by immersion. I’ll never forget the joy I felt when I came up out of the water. It’s been thirty-some years, but whenever I think about that occasion, I feel the joy anew.

How has being published changed your life?
Being published has made my life much busier! No one tells you ahead of time how many things other than writing there are to do once you have books out there. The marketing, which includes blogging, social networking, book signings, and more, takes so much time—as you well know. I love what I do, so it’s all good, but there are days when I wish I had a few hours to just kick back and read a book all afternoon. J

I know what you mean, but I love connecting with readers. What are you reading right now?
Liz Curtis Higgs’ Mine is the Night. I’m loving it. Along with the first book in the series, Here Burns my Candle, it’s a fascinating re-telling of the story of Ruth and Naomi.

What is your current work in progress?
A novel for Revell titled When the Heart Heals. It’s Book 2 in the Sisters At Heart series, and continues the stories of Faith, Rosemary, and Cassie.

What would be your dream vacation?
My dream is to have the time and the money to tour every one of the lower 48 states (I’ve already been to Alaska twice). My husband and I have visited a number of states, both for research and pleasure, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the regional differences in our beautiful country. Oh, to visit them all! I can dream, can’t I?

How do you choose your settings for each book?
My series have been inspired by the lives of my female ancestors, so the settings are chosen from family history.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Franklin Graham. I’d love to talk with him about the origins of Samaritan’s Purse.

James and I have followed Franklin's ministry for years. We were very active in the Christmas Box program. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I collect antique kitchen and laundry implements, and also keep an eye out for unusual Vaseline glass pieces when I go antiquing. I enjoy trying new recipes, puttering in my flower garden, and riding dirt bikes. (The dirt bike part isn’t true—I just realized I sound kind of boring, so thought I’d add something with a little spark. J)

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Staying away from email and Facebook requires a ton of discipline when I’m writing. The other obstacle is interruptions. Some days are shattered by multiple phone calls. Aargh.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?
This is so basic, but “don’t quit” is the best advice I can give. Perseverance is the key to being published. Constantly improve your craft with each rejection and then resubmit.

Tell us about the featured book.
The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg—as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.
Noble Springs, Missouri, March 1866

               “You can do this,” Faith Lindberg told herself as she gazed into the hall mirror and straightened her bonnet. “After all, it’s only for a short time.” Once she gathered the courage to talk to Grandpa about her plans, she knew they’d be leaving Noble Springs.

               She slipped her well-worn copy of Randolph Marcy’s The Prairie Traveler into her carryall. Her grandfather said he wanted her to take over managing the store. He hadn’t said she couldn’t spend time reading when there were no customers.

               The onyx mantel clock in their parlor chimed the half hour. Grandpa had been very specific—meet him at eight o’clock and he’d show her what to do before Lindberg’s Mercantile opened for the day’s business.

               Faith hurried out the door, grateful that the morning sun promised a pleasant day after a week of rain. Maybe she wouldn’t have to bother with lighting the store’s cranky wood-burning stove. Its warmth drew elderly gossipers the way a freshly iced cake drew bees.

I'll love reading this book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is www.annshorey.com; on Facebook, please visit my Ann Shorey Author page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnShorey; and on Twitter, I’m Ann_Shorey. When you find me, please let me know you read this on Lena’s blog!


Thank you, Ann, for spending this time with us on a busy day.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel (Sisters at Heart)


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

35 comments:

Unknown said...

i have filled Christmas Shoe Boxes for Samaritan's Purse, but never realized the origin. Thanks Ann, for including it in your answers. i would love to win this novel. Thanks Ann and Lena for the opportunity, and the great interview!

marianne

mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

Arizona

Tammi said...

I enjoyed reading the interview with Ann Shorey. As I read it I found that we have some of the same things in common. I, too, would like to visit all of the lower 48 states, with my family. I have told my husband numerous times that I would love to buy an RV and travel to as many historical sites as we can for our kids to experience hands on history. The only thing stopping this dream from coming true is the lack of income to do such things. Maybe one of us has a rich uncle somewhere who will leave us with enough money to do so...I know, I am dreaming.

Please enter my name into the drawing.

Tammi in Maine
dandtdearing{at}earthlink{dot}net

Rebecca said...

I love the cover! How beautiful!
I love history and enjoy researching family history, especially finding old letters. I'd never thought about memoirs being written only by men. Interesting.
This sounds like a very interesting bokk. I'd love the opportunity to read it. I'm from NC.
Thank you!
rrgreene62(at)gmail.com

Wendy Newcomb said...

Thank you for taking time to do this interview. This sounds like a book I will really enjoy.

I live in FL

wfnren at aol dot com

scottsgal said...

Love the name of the book - one I'd pick up based on the name alone
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

apple blossom said...

thanks for the chance to win this book

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Judy said...

I enjoyed the interview with Ann. Our church does the Christmas Shoe Boxes every year. It brings me to tears when we watch a short clip of the children who receive them. They are so thrilled and grateful for whatever they get. God is at work in this ministry!

I would love to win a copy of "Where Wildflowers Bloom". I think the cover is so pretty!

Blessings and Happy New Year!

Judy B from Indiana

Jan Cline said...

I too love to research and love history. I have a collection of WWII memorabilia that is precious to me since it belonged to my Mom's first husband - a bomber pilot who died in a crash.
I'd love to win the book
Jan Cline
Washington state

Mary Preston said...

Thank you for the first page of WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM. I enjoyed it very much. I hope to read the book soon.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Judy Cooper said...

Please include me in the drawing. I love this type of story. Judy C. Louisiana.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Looks interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Diana Flowers said...

Our church sends the shoe boxes every year as well! A wonderful thing! I would feel so blessed to win this book, as I really love Ann's books and it's been awhile since I've had the oppportunity to read one!

Diana from SC

dianalflowers@aol.com

Joanna Richmond said...

sounds very interesting I would Love to read it enter me in the drawing
Thanks
Joanna Richmond

Joanna Richmond said...

I am From
Blanch NC

Ann Shorey said...

I loved everyone's comments! I'm so sorry I didn't respond yesterday--my modem died on Friday the 23rd, and I've been without internet access ever since! :( I'm down at my husband's office today catching up on everything.
So glad many of you do the Christmas shoeboxes! It's such a blessing, both to the giver and the receiver!
I'll pass your compliments about the beautiful cover on to the Art Department at Revell. Don't they do a great job?!

Ingrid said...

I loved the Interview, thank you Ann and Lena.
I never read any of your books Ann but I will look for them now, your new book sounds great. Please add me to your contest.
Blessings to all

I live in S.Illinois

ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mama Cat said...

This sounds wonderful! Civil War and Post Civil War is an era that I enjoy reading about and learning from those who combine excellent research and fiction together. Blessed New Year, Lena and Ann! I live in Phoenix.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win. Thank You for the chance.

Ann Shorey said...

Ingrid, You might also enjoy my first series, "At Home in Beldon Grove." Those books are set in S. Illinois, where I have roots.
:)

Anonymous said...

Lena, thank you so much for hosting me today on your blog! It's fun reading people's comments after they read the interview.
I had so much fun writing Thyme for Love and I'm currently working on the second book in the series called Love Will Find a Way. I can't wait to start adding the food on the second round after the first draft is complete.

Pamela Meyers

Coolestmommy said...

I've done shoeboxes since my oldest was an infant--14 years now. I'm touched and humbled by the way something so small makes such a huge impact. Thanks for sharing more of it here!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

patti said...

Much to enjoy in that interview--good job to you both! Love the quote re the gossipers around the wood stove like bees... :) Also your big fib re dirt bikes--hahahaha! :) But as for your mom, oh Ann, I'm so sorry! Revel in the good memories God's gonna bring to your heart 'n mind... Patti Iverson in Medford randpi2@charter.net

patti said...

MODEM! NOT mom--hahahahahaha! Sheesh. Oh well, ain't communication grand? :) Just ignore me altogether, dear Ann, and I'll be fine. And you'll be finer, now that you're so recently out of mourning, heh heh heh... <3

Jo said...

Wildflowers Bloom. Great name and great cover so it has to be a great story.

This year we did the Shoe Boxes for Samaritan's Purse.

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

rubynreba said...

We also do the shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse and find it such a blessing. Love the book cover!
Beth from Iowa

Alicia said...

This book looks like a definant page turner!
Alicia from Ny
Alibaby374@gmail.com

Ann Shorey said...

Patti, I'm chuckling at your condolences for the loss of my "mom". hehe
Love your comments, and also love reading comments from all of you who do shoeboxes at Christmas. It is amazing how something so small in our lives is so large in the lives of those children.

A.Jones said...

I've been wanting to try out one of Ann's books, so I would enjoy reading this one as a first! Please enter me in this giveaway!

I live in New York

Angie Adair said...

Love these type of books and it sounds really good..can't wait to read it! Angie in Illinois

Mozi Esme said...

I'd love to read this!

Jane in OR

Ann Shorey said...

It's been fun for me to see where everyone's from! Jane in OR--we live in the same state. :)

Nancye said...

Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Kristie said...

It's interesting that you have traced your famiy so far back. I've tried to do genealogy but akways hit road blocks. I'm glad that you turned to writing novels as a way to express the women's stories. Your book sounds intriguing and suspenseful. Take care! I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you. Happy 2012!