I have really looked
forward to the publication of your first novel. Tell us how much of yourself
you write into your characters.
Usually, not too much, but for The Soul Saver, a fair
amount of Lexie’s story is my story and many others who are spiritually
mismatched. Oddly (or should I say godly?) sometimes elements in my stories
parallel my life in an almost prophet way. As I started to write The Soul
Saver, I knew Lexie and Hugh lost a child to a brain tumor. And Hugh was a
physics professor at Stanford. Shortly after I started writing the story, my
teenaged daughter was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Lots of miracles
happened through that time, including a successful complete resection (removal)
of the tumor and only radiation was needed for her treatment, which was
designed by a physics professor at Stanford. God-bumps anyone?
I call them God-incidences,
instead of coincidences, and yes, I remember the time with your daughter. All our prayers. God's miraculous work. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Let’s see. I once made the screwiest face I could think of,
took a picture and texted it to my daughter. She was living away from home for
the first time and I wanted to make her laugh. It worked. And may that picture
never resurface as long as I’m alive. J
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
Fourth grade. I wrote a story about an Irish Setter who
broke his leg. He healed quite nicely I think.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I like to read all kinds of books, including nonfiction. I’m
especially partial to books that have a supernatural thread as it relates to
how God and the spiritual realm works and interacts in our lives. I love
thrillers, suspense, women’s fiction, romance. And I love nonfiction books that
bring to life God’s Word and His amazing love, grace and mercy for us all.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I pray...a lot! If I keep close to God and make sure the
running is for Him, life moves a long pretty well and I can leave my office
most days feeling like I accomplished something that matters to Him.
How do you choose your
characters’ names?
By instinct, I think. I think of the character and research
names. It’s the one that just seems to fit the character. Sometimes it takes a
while. I look at baby name books and name websites sometimes. I also collect
names. I have a list I add to anytime I hear a really cool name that would make
a great character.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My husband and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage in
September and I love the guy more than when I married him. And from that came
these two incredible young women who make me proud to be their mama. So, yep,
my family. Though I don’t take full credit for any of it. God is truly the good
and faithful one in the mix.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
A dog. LOL! I love dogs more than I ever thought I would. I
have seen my daughter’s dog make a huge difference in her recovery from
depression and cancer and I just know this furry rescue mutt was a gift from
God. I can’t think of a better thing to be to someone than a gift from God. Can
you?
What is your favorite
food?
Depends on what day you ask me. LOL! I love all food, which
is part of my problem, but right now, I can’t seem to get enough unfrosted
strawberry poptarts. Other than that, I absolutely love Pringles low fat plain
potato chips paired with a really good green onion dip. That’s a rare treat for
me though.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Doing it! The ministry I’m part of is growing and The
Soul Saver is about to release (May 1st). So, there’s lots
to do with both. I had to create a schedule where I actually leave the house
two days a week to write at a coffee shop. Otherwise, all that other cool stuff
wants my attention and being the task motivated person that I am, I tend to do
the stuff I can get and see done fast. LOL! The coffee shop lets me leave that
all behind and just settle into my story.
Tell us about the
featured book.
God wakes Lexie in the night with a vision of a place she
needs to go to. Then she has to go into her studio to sculpt the face of the
person she’s supposed to help. That’s just how God uses her to reach the lost,
to restore hope, or whatever it is God needs her to do. She’s also married to
an atheist. The book explains better how that happened, but he’s the one she
can’t seem to reach, nor does God seem to be “sending” her his way.
Part of the conflict is the spiritual warfare waging around
her and her husband. The enemy is working hard to destroy Lexie’s marriage to
keep her husband from being saved. And he’s using a pastor of all people to do
it. Does he succeed? Does Lexie’s husband get saved? You’ll have to read the
book to find out.
What an intriguing concept. Please give us the
first page of the book.
The tremble of wind chimes roused her from slumber, beckoning
with their familiar call. Darkness blanketed the room in peaceful silence. The
last vestiges of her dream seeped away like sun-kissed mist, leaving only the
clear image of a seedy bar—and her trepidation.
Where was God sending her this time?
As she freed herself from the covers, Lexie Baltimore touched
Hugh’s arm, whispering a prayer of blessing and protection over her husband.
His sleepy warmth tempted her to snuggle next to him, but her fingers itched to
reveal the face of her next mission.
She stepped into her slippers and slung a cotton robe over her
shoulders then left the room and her husband undisturbed. At the end of the
hallway, she peeked into the small bedroom that once belonged to her as a
child, confirming the rise and fall of her son’s chest. In sleep, Jeremy’s lips
still puckered like they did when he was a baby. Awake, he was all boy and a “young
man of eight” by his own definition.
Last night’s salmon dinner met her
nose at the bottom of the stairs. She crossed the kitchen to the door leading
into the ...
Okay, that leaves us
hanging and wanting more. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Everywhere! No, just kidding. Here are some links to my
favorite hangouts. Hope you’ll come visit!
Websites:
Facebook:
Facebook pages:
Twitter: @dineenmiller
GoodReads:
http://www.goodreads.com/dineenmiller Thank you, Dineen, for letting me be a part of promoting your debut novel. It's a blessing to me.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Soul Saver - paperback
The Soul Saver - 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
This novel sounds awesome, and by a debut author! i would love to win and help spread the news. Thank you for the great opportunity to win.
ReplyDeletemarianne from Peace River Country, Alberta
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com
Sounds fascinating! Can't wait to track down this book and read it!
ReplyDeleteRosie from FL
writingsofrosie.blogspot.com
Sounds like a great book! Please enter me. I'm from nc. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! Really want to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds great! Really want to read this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Lena, thank you so much for letting me talk about The Soul Saver. Spiritually mismatched marriages is a topic near and dear to my heart.
ReplyDeleteFriends, forgive me for so many typos! Especially that first one. Should be "prophetic."
Sure hope you enjoy Lexie and Hugh's story. :-)
This sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteNancye in Kentucky
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN.
ReplyDeleteANGELA FROM KY
This is a book that I must read. This sounds like a real good page turner!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this giveaway!
Blessings!
Judy from Indiana
You have my curiosity piqued now! I'd love to win a copy of your book! Thank you for offering the contest.
ReplyDeleteNancee in Western Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
Oh, I'm so excited for whoever wins the book! I hope you like it! :-)
ReplyDeleteA lovely interview thank you. I am looking forward to reading THE SOUL SAVER.
ReplyDeleteMary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
This sounds like an intriguing book and sounds like one I would like to read!
ReplyDeleteGail Mundy
I would love to win a copy of this interesting book. Thank you for the offer!
ReplyDeleteNancee in Western Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
Sounds Interesting! Please enter me in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks and God Bless!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.
Please enter me. Thanks! Portsmouth, Virginia
ReplyDeleteEnter me I would love to win a copy of this book it sounds and looks like a great story!! Thanks and God bless.
ReplyDeleteSharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
Enjoyed the interview and know I will love reading your book Dineen. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI live in Georgia
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story :)
ReplyDeletekarenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
What a great group of readers! You all are awesome. :-)
ReplyDeleteHope you get a chance to read Lexie's story, Miss Kallie.
Loved being here on Lena's site. She's a sweetie!
The Soul Saver is a book I definitely want to read. I wish the author much success.
ReplyDeleteBeth from Iowa