Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I have to admit I often write myself into the characters –
male or female. In Give Us This Day, Jess has a food addiction. He eats to
console himself when he's under stress, a regrettable habit I battle at times.
In As We Forgive which comes out in September of 2012, Roxanne wears makeup as
a mask to hide her imperfections. Yup, me again. But my characters didn't just
inherit my faults. Tim, in As We Forgive, loves to see Christians restored
through God's Word when he's able to put his counseling skills into practice.
That's me. And Holly in Give Us This Day experiences the peace and joy of the
Lord at the lowest point in her life and realizes it's not circumstances, but
God who's accomplished it. That's happened to me.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I would have to say living in my RV. At least my daughters
think it's quirky. There are mornings when I wake up and ask myself – where am
I? Like what town and what state. The question is momentary, and the answer
generally comes after a few minutes reflection. We travel so extensively this
has actually happened several times. We donned sweaters at the end of summer in
Seattle and ten days later, dressed in shorts
and t-shirts in Palmetto Florida .
There is no such thing as "seasons of the year" in our lives.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I had written academically in college and during my teaching
career but never fiction. I can't say, like many writers, that I'd always known
I wanted to be an author or had invented characters as a youth. But about seven
years ago, I realized a tale lurked in my mind. I played with it in my memory assigning
a few details to the plot and the characters. All of this in my brain. In
November of 2009, I happened to mention the story to my daughter, and she asked
me to tell it to her. As I did, more details emerged that weren't there before.
Then she made a statement. I'll never forget it. "Why don't you write it,
Mom?" Her words were like a spark. It was at that moment I knew I was to
write. Not any kind of writing, but fiction. Stories about Christians with
problems. I began my writing journey that next January, 2010, when I began to
read the "how to" books, joined ACFW, and filled up pages on my Microsoft
Word 2007 program.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Since I became a Christian, wow has it been 36 years, I
bought my books at the Christian book store. At first I read mainly non-fiction
– books about growing in the Christian walk. I loved fiction, too, but mainly read
end-time prophecy novels. Of course I devoured Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHay's Left
Behind series. I didn't read romance until after I started writing it. Why I
don't know. A few of my favorite authors are Latayne Scott, Allison Pittman,
Mildred Colvin, Gayle Gaymer Martin, Tim Downs, and Athol Dickson and my
wonderful critique partners.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I'm blessed as I have fewer responsibilities than a lot of
writers. My children are grown, it only takes 45 minutes to clean my RV from
top to bottom (really). I write full time, and I have a husband who loves to cook
and do laundry. But mostly I have a God that tells me to cast all my burdens on
Him. PTL.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
For the hero and heroine, I choose names I like. In Give
Us This Day, I chose Holly's name because I wished I'd named my
daughter Holly because she was born near Christmas. I generally give the
villain a name I don't like. Two names of characters came from names of
restaurants in places where we visited. In Ryan's
Father, Ryan's was the name of a buffet. In Give Us This Day, Jess's
last name was the name of a steak restaurant in Campbellsville ,
Kentucky , Colton 's.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
That's a hard question to answer. I've been so blessed by
the Lord through the years. I was proud when I received my BA and MA degrees.
I'm proud I stuck it out teaching kids for 34 years. Most of all, I'm proud
that the Lord allowed me to write His stories and see them accepted for
publication.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I think I'd choose to be a dog. Dogs are so loyal and know
how to love unconditionally. They don't care what you look like but love you
for you. If I've ever seen a humble animal, it's a dog. These are traits I
believe God would want us humans to have.
What is your favorite
food?
I have to say Mexican food. After all, I grew up in El Paso , Texas ,
on enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. Que
rica.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I find plot development and layering difficult. I wouldn't
say I've overcome it, either. James Scott Bell's Plot and Structure and the LOCK system has been a god-send. In
addition, I have a wonderful friend and freelance editor who is so helpful, Fay
Lamb. Not to mention my wonderful critique partners who don't let me get by
with anything.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Give Us This Day is the first in my Bellewood Series set in the
Pacific Northwest . The names of all three
books come from the Lord's Prayer.
Jess Colton
can earn a PHD in computer science but can’t manage his own life.
Reared by a doting mother and controlling father, Jess
battles his addictive nature. When Jess becomes a Christian, he trades one
addiction for another—alcohol for food. His doctor warns of the consequences of
his poor health as his weight soars past 300 pounds. Jess is baffled when the
beautiful Holly Harrison comes into his life and declares her affection for
him. What could she possibly see in him?
Holly Harrison has a past. But it catches up with her when
she loses her leg and her unborn baby in one night as a result of a motorcycle
accident. At this low point in her life, she finds strength through God and a
relationship with Jesus Christ while she works as a dental hygienist. But now, no Christian man would want her so
she avoids serious relationships. She doesn’t plan on falling in love with Jess
Colton. She sees past his rolls of fat to the godly, tender man inside. When
Jess drives a wedge between them, she loses all hope of a future together.
Can Holly overcome her handicap? Does Jess find control over
his eating and his life? Only God can provide the answers they need.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
The heavyset man leaning against the mirror in the corner of
the elevator caught Holly Harrison's attention, not because of his girth, but
the kindness on his chubby face. Embarrassed she'd stared too long, Holly
turned and faced the closing doors. She pushed five, and the quiet hum of the motor whirred. The floor beneath her
lifted for a second or two then ground to a halt. She punched her apartment
floor number again but nothing happened.
A chill crawled up Holly's spine. She'd never liked confined
places. Now she was trapped.
The man moved to the panel and poked a few more numbers then
craned his neck to glance at the ceiling. "Hmm. I've never had this happen
before."
Holly tried to breathe but could only take shallow gulps of
air. Things like this happened on television. They didn't occur in the real
world. A knot formed in her stomach. She jerked her head toward the man.
"Are we stuck?" She fought to control the rising tone of her voice.
The man pressed his lips together as his gaze fixed on her
then he looked about the small space. "Could be. Don't worry. We’ll get
out."
His assurances brought no
relief. Holly's heart pounded harder.
He fingered the panel, pushing the Door Open and the Door Closed
buttons a couple of times. Still nothing. "I think we better ring the
alarm."
An alarm sounded in her
head.
The three mirrors around the perimeter of her prison scoffed
at her. She hadn't suffered from claustrophobia for a long time, not since that
horrible afternoon she lay bound to a gurney in the back of an ambulance.
"Oh dear God, I need to get out of here." Holly
sank to the floor and drew her knees as close to her chest as she could. Her
rocking motion did little to soothe her jangled nerves.
"Look."
The huge man opened a metal compartment. "Here's the emergency call
button. Relax. I'll get help."
Holly wrenched away from his kind eyes and hugged her knees
tighter. The walls threatened to squeeze the life out of her. She gulped for
air.
"Hello, hello. Can
anyone hear us?" The sound of buttons clicking drifted down to her.
She glanced up as he placed his mouth close to the panel.
"Help! We're stuck in the elevator."
He settled back against the mirror appearing calm as his
lips moved, but he didn't make a sound.
Holly pressed into the corner. Her reflection in the mirror
blurred.
"Hey,
are you okay? Let me try something else." He punched another button and
the
shrill sound grated on her ears. The emergency alarm. Still nothing. The
elevator was
a
dead thing suspended in space. Holly slumped against the wall as everything
spun. With
a
groan, the broad man bent down beside her and patted her arm. "I'm going
to keep
trying. But before I do, let me pray for you. I find it helps in all
situations." His warm
hand
caressed her shoulder. "Dear Lord, I trust You for our safety today.
Please provide
us
with the way out of here. But until help arrives, I ask You to bring this lady
Your peace.
In Jesus name."
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I have a blog: Life in an RV, the Roving Writer http://junefoster.blogspot.com and
another blog I share with 4 other writers. http://infinitecharacters.com
I'm on Twitter, Face Book, Edgy Christian Fiction
Lovers, ShoutLife, and my email – junefoster11@gmail.comThank you, June, for spending this time with us.
Readers, 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.)
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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Sound like my kind of book. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteAngela from KY
A story about two characters dealing with physical issues and overcoming them to find love. I want to read this book. - Mary in Dallas, TX
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Angela and Mary. I'd love for you to have the opportunity to read Give Us This Day. It was a joy to write.
ReplyDeleteMary, Gallagher was the last name of my husband's parents on his mother's side. They're from Dayton, Tennessee.
Getting stuck in an elevator, something I hope never happens to me! Sounds like a great book...
ReplyDeletePatty in SC
Great excerpt and interview. Thanks for letting us get to know you and your characters a little better
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and opening page! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
June...your life living as a modern day nomad sounds great. We used to have an RV - not nearly as many headaches as a parkmodel, even! (not as much space, either) Would love to win.
ReplyDeleteMarianne from Arizona
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com
Patty, I think I had Jess and Holly stuck in an elevator because that's something I fear.
ReplyDeleteLynn, thanks so much for stopping by, my friend.
Robyn, I'm glad you liked it. I kept thinking what would be the worst thing that could happen to them in a first meeting. Since they live in a high rise apartment, the elevator scene came to mind.
Marianne, My husband and I love the lifestyle. Nomads, yes. Maybe gypsies is more like it.
June, your book confronts real issues and is so needed today. I wish you the best! Nice interview, June and Lena.
ReplyDeleteJude, Thank you for your comment. My goal is to confront the issues and at the same time entertain.
ReplyDeleteLove the unique storyline:) Love that you've stepped into a market that you don't hear enough of.(at least I haven't). Love the 1st page. Throw my name in the hat for a chance to win:)
ReplyDeleteLorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
Hi Lorna and Linda, That's one thing about Give Us This Day, not too many authors have tackled this subject. I enjoyed writing it.
ReplyDeleteI had tears in my eyes when I finished reading the excerpt and I hadn't even read the book blurb! Please enter me for this book.
ReplyDeleteAnne in NC
Getting stuck in an elevator would be very scary!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds wonderful, I'd love to win a copy!
cbus.blogger at gmail dot com
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds like a great story! Thanks and God bless.
ReplyDeleteSharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
This book sounds very interesting.I want to read it.Please enter me.Thanks.....Jackie Tessnair from N.C.
ReplyDeleteLoved the opening - makes me really want to read the book.
ReplyDeleteFrom Iowa
Please enter me! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI live in New York
Would love to win this Ebook....sounds great...Thanks/ Dani's Grandma/OH
ReplyDelete