Monday, April 16, 2012

THE FALL - Chana Keefer - Free Book


Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
It depends on the character. In my first novel, the heroine was TOTALLY me circa college days—journalism student, mediocre print model, frizzy hair, God-lovin’ & raised in the country—a good first novel character to cut my teeth on. All my characters, though, have something of me in them just because I need to understand their motivation to write them well. Did I mention that Lucifer is one of the main characters in THE FALL??

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
When my husband and I first started dating, we were so bratty and had so much pent-up emotion (we had been great friends for a year and a half) we ended up spending one entire night in a continuous pillow-fight. My roommate the next day said every now and then during the night she would wake up and hear this mysterious “poof-poof” and laughter.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I have always enjoyed expressing myself through the written word and even majored in broadcast journalism in college. However, the passion/addiction/first-love-giddiness of getting lost in writing a novel happened six years ago as I worked on my first, Rock Star. I was getting maybe three to four hours of sleep a night and feeling fantastic. It really was a bit like falling into first love.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I have a large range—classic Jane Austen to modern sci-fi—but I don’t enjoy anything gratuitous as far as sex, language, or violence. If the characters are interesting, there’s a worthwhile, page-turning story, a bit of a love interest, and so on I can get hooked. Shoot, if a cookbook is well-written and the author is passionate about their craft it’s a nice escape.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Is that a requirement? Seriously, writing helps me maintain sanity. It makes my jumbled thoughts come out in single-file and the creative process is very cathartic—take a trip and never leave the farm!

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Interesting question. Every character’s name—at least so far—has just seemed to drop into my head. Actually, I found it much easier than naming our children, perhaps because so much of the time I almost feel that I’m taking dictation. I pray hard then go write.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I find the publishing of my first novel to be the most unbelievable, but the accomplishment I’m most proud of would be my marriage of twenty-two years. He’s still my best friend, the person I enjoy the most, and we’re still crazy about each other. I longed for and dreamed of a great marriage but really had a hard time believing it was possible.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
My kids and I like to discuss this one rather often. I usually settle on a Bald Eagle since I think they’re such regal creatures and the idea of soaring high above The Grand Canyon or something sounds amazing—not to mention wings would be more reliable than a hang-glider.

What is your favorite food?
If I talk about it, I’m going to want to go bake: Hot, homemade chocolate chip cookies with cold milk for dipping. There’s gotta be chocolate in heaven, I just know it! And for a chaser—tons of TexMex straight from the Riverwalk of San Antonio, TX!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest thing about writing has been unplugging from a crazy, creative session in order to do everyday tasks like fix breakfast and homeschool my kids. It’s not that I don’t love those activities, it’s just so hard to stop when I’m on a roll! The only way to overcome that problem was to embrace sleep-deprivation, get up early, pray, then head to my favorite Starbucks that opens most days at 5 a.m.

Tell us about the featured book.
THE FALL (Rapha Chronicles, Book 1) is a biblical retelling of ancient times through the eyes of an angel who was once best friends with Lucifer. It is beyond epic and, when the ideas first started coming, the task scared me to death. But, spoonful by daily spoonful, God helped me keep the intimidation monster at bay. I’m expecting to write at least three more installments for the Rapha series. He has a huge story to tell considering he knew Lucifer “back when” and gets to see the entire span of the age of men from beginning to end.

Please give us the first page of the book.

 CHAPTER ONE

 End of an Age 

There was a time they were best friends… a distant memory almost forgotten. Almost.
 It would be so much easier if he could forget.

            Peace, peace, but there is no peace… Rapha clutches his head in his hands oblivious to the rare trace of fresh air and woodland noises around him, too lost in fractured, tortured memories.

A child’s eyes, wide with fear; a woman’s ripe belly, torn; screams and cries of anguish splitting the darkness of night; innocence lost; purity destroyed; life swallowed in death. And weaving through every image, the sound of cruel laughter—feasting on mankind’s pain.

            That face. Rapha squeezes his head but the image burns clearer—a face bathed in shadows as fumes of death cast waves of beauty and horror, eyes of leeching evil. Those eyes suck him into darkness, willing him to join the nightmare.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
There’s my website: www.chanakeefer.com
Twitter: @chanakeefer
Facebook: The Rapha Chronicles, Book 1
Facebook: Chana Vowell Keefer
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/nf__m0CWtJU


Thank you, Chana, for the interesting interview. Please contact me before the next book releases.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Fall - paperback
The Fall - Kindle


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

23 comments:

Nancee said...

This book sounds like a tear jerker. Thank you for offering a copy in this contest.
Nancee in Western Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

writingsofrosie said...

Wow! Thank you, Chana for coming! The book sounds awesome- I'll be adding it to my reading list.

Rosie (FL)

Coolestmommy said...

Can't wait to read this book and the series. It sounds like it will be as spellbinding as the Left Behind series...but from a heavenly perspective.

Thanks!
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

Anonymous said...

WOULD LOVE TO WIN.
ANGELA FROM KY

Little Lady said...

sounds like a great/super interesting book! add me to the drawing! :)

Micah (Michigan)

micahwiddis(at)gmail(dot)com

Lourdes said...

Ohh can't wait to read this book.

Lourdes in Huntington Long Island NY

Mary Preston said...

THE FALL does look like a very interesting read. I look forward to reading all the books from the Rapha Chronicles.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

JJ said...

I would like to learn more about this intimidation monster. Thanks

gahome2mom/gmail/com

chana keefer said...

Thank you, Lena, for such a wonderful interview and even a contest for THE FALL. Thanks too for all the encouraging comments!

gahome2mom, the intimidation monster is that horrible voice that tries to steal your creativity, passion for life, and basically the childlike joy that makes life worth living. It's subtle and, like an unseen dementor from the H.P. series, it sucks away life.
The intimidation monster is best defeated by a good smackdown through worship and focusing eyes on Jesus who makes ANYTHING else paltry in comparison!

Bengal Reads said...

Hey! I LOVED reading Chana's book The Fall!!! I really love this Interview too :D You had some amazing questions my favorite was "What is the quirkiest thing you've ever done". I love that Chana and her husband are still crazy about each other, I want that kind of marriage when I get married :) Although I have already read the Fall I would love to win a copy for my Mom or Grandma, they'd love it :) Thanks so much for the great Interview!!!!

Laurisa White Reyes said...

Don't enter me in the drawing because I have a copy already, but The Fall is awesome. I highly recommend it.

Anonymous said...

I read Chana's book and got swept away into it. It gave me new eyes to see the Bible fresh. Her writing is original and big, sweeping, voluptuous, rich, rich, rich.

I love the interview. She's a very special voice, kind of other worldly, ethereal.

Jo said...

Another new to me author. This book sounds good and would love to read it.

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

Jo said...

Another new to me author. This book sounds good and would love to read it.

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

Chana Keefer said...

You guys are so awesome and generous. Thank you so much for the sweet comments. I don't know who "anonymous" is but THANKS for the kudos.
Major blessings and thank you again, Lena, for sharing your wonderful blog with me.

Hugs,
Chana K.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

chana keefer said...

Micah from Michigan--

My oldest is named Micah--"Who is like the Lord?" Great meaning!

Chana K.

novelmethod said...

I am very interested in reading this story idea.

Chana Keefer said...

novelmethod,

Here is a link to "The Story Behind THE FALL" on my website www dot chanakeefer dot com.

It has been and continues to be quite an interesting ride!

Chana

Also, for a longer excerpt, click on Lena's amazon link for the "look inside" feature.

Chana Keefer said...

AND... the link to "The Story Behind THE FALL" (Chana's DUH moment)

http://alturl.com/w7vnu

;)

Nancye said...

This sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for the chance!

Nancye in Kentucky

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Diana Gardner said...

Please include me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA

Janelle Horan said...

Chana! You are the most interesting person! I even loved hearing your conversations through out school! You hold a dear place in my heart! You gave me more than you know! You helped me love myself! And remind me still today that their is good in everyone if we choose to search for it!