Welcome, Diana. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I’m not really sure, but I can say that I tend to pick
(unconsciously) some part of my personality that is either needing to be fixed
or I’m a bit strong on. For Heaven it was the need to trust in our God instead
of herself.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
This is the hardest question for me! I’m predictable and
cautious so doing something out of the ordinary seems to have been blocked from
my memory. It might have been knocking on doors and asking people if they know
Jesus when I was in high school.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
Fourth grade when my teacher picked my Thanksgiving Day
prayer to read as the best one. She was a tough teacher and having her give me
that small honor was enough to give me courage to write more.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I’m all over the place, historical, mysteries, women’s
fiction and odd things I find at booksales. I’m reading one now written by a
woman who grew up in Soulard, a neighborhood in St. Louis , Missouri .
It’s fascinating because it is close to where my mother grew up and in the same
time period.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I don’t get out of bed. J Actually this year I started reading my Bible
on a read the Bible in a year plan. It’s help so much. I’ve also found peace in
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
I love that
devotional book. How do you choose your characters’ names?
That should be easy shouldn’t it? Find a phone book or a
baby book and pick one. I find it hard. Sometimes it takes me a few chapters to
settle on a name that I fell fits my character’s personality.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Raising three boys into amazing men.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
A goat hands down. They can eat whatever they want!
What is your favorite
food?
Cotton Candy. That’s a food right?
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I have trouble staying on task when I start. It’s as if I’m
afraid I’ll mess up. So I spend a lot of time looking at my computer, write a
sentence, put in a load of laundry, go back to the computer—this continues
until I get to some chore I hate, like cleaning the bathroom. Suddenly I’m ready to write.
Tell us about the featured book.
Heaven’s
Stolen His Heart
After
witnessing the ravages of the Civil War, Travis Logan vowed to give up
doctoring. But when fellow steamboat passenger Caleb Wharton collapses at his
feet, Travis knows he must lend his aid. As the old man lies dying, he makes
Travis promise to take care of his land and find Heaven. Travis can’t help but
wonder what Heaven has to do with a real place, so he heads to Caleb’s farm to
fulfill his promise.
Weeks
of facing marauders and caring for her father’s home have finally taken their
toll on Heaven Wharton. When an unknown young man charges the house, Heaven
attempts to fire a warning shot but ends up shooting the man instead. Shocked,
she and her sister, Angel, drag a semi-conscious Travis into the house and
nurse him back to health.
As
Travis and Heaven both struggle to control their destinies, will they learn
that only a heart that follows God can ever find peace on earth?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Travis Logan leaned over the deck
railing and watched the river swirl and froth as the steamboat shoved its way through
the muddy Mississippi .
An older gentleman stood next to him. Travis hadn’t seen him on board before.
“Nice out here on the water.”
“Better than down below.” The man swayed.
“Are you feeling okay, sir?” Travis reached over and
steadied him while he grasped the railing.
“Must be the motion. It’s the first trip I’ve taken on a
big ship.” The man’s knuckles were white.
The man did look a bit green. Some people couldn’t handle
the rhythm of the ship. “The fresh air should help.” Travis relaxed. Other than
suggesting a piece of ginger to settle the man’s stomach, there was little he
could do for seasickness as a doctor. And he’d left that life behind. Now a
horse claimed his thoughts and his future. He walked a few paces away and then
stopped.
He should offer the man some assistance, maybe collect a
family member? He turned back to ask, “Can I get someone for you?”
The man released the rail and dropped to the steamboat
deck with a thud.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
My website: www.dianabrandmeyer.com
My blog: www.pencildancer.com
Twitter: @DianaBrandmeyer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DianaLesireBrandmeyerAuthorThank you, Diana, for the interesting interview. I've read this book and loved it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee - paperback
A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee - 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
WOULD LOVE TO WIN A COPY. THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE.
ReplyDeleteANGELA FROM KY
Sounds like a good book! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteLiz R in AL
Thanks for the chance to win this book. Historicals are my favorite books to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this book. Historicals are my favorite books to read.
ReplyDeletePatty in SC
...didn't leave my name the first time!
I enjoy reading books of the Civil War era.
ReplyDeleteBeth from Iowa
Thanks Lena for bringing such great books to my attention, novels that i would not have found otherwise, as well as new authors! Thanks for the opportunity to win, Diana. loved the interview.
ReplyDeleteMarianne from Northern Alberta
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com
wow, look at you all up before the sun to comment! I'm impressed. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment love.
Marianne, so glad you liked the interview.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Great interview! Thank you for introducing another author to add to my list of authors. Would love the chance to win this book, but if I don't win, the book is on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteKaren Gervais from Troy, NY.
ooh Karen! I made it to another wish list! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDiana
This sounds really, really good! Please enter me. I'm from NC.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover, can't wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteWendy from FL.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Love that genre and time period - sounds great
ReplyDeletecheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
Katie, Wendy and Scottsgal,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by to enter.
Diana
I enjoy historical fiction, particularly those related to the Civil War. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteNancee in Western Michigan
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net
I would love to read this book. I've read the Widow of the South and learned alot about the battles here in TN (where I'm living). thanks, teelayoung@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone like cleaning the bathroom.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the interview thank you & your book looks wonderful.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I love the names an how they cause confusion for Travis in the beginning. Thanks for sharing about yourself. I enjoyed getting to know you better.
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Nancee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by to enter. I see in your email that you might be a quilter too? I love to cut up fabric. :)
Diana
Hey Teela from Tennessee glad you found this interview too.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Robin,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I had fun picking those names.
Diana
sounds like a great Book, enter me in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Joanna Richmond
Blanch NC
Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a really good book. Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteKrista in oregon
I think this looks like a fun book!
ReplyDeleteI live in Oregon. Thanks for the chance!
Looks interesting!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing!
God Bless!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
This book looks so interesting! Please enter me in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteThanks and God Bless!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this great book!! Thanks for the chance to win and God bless!
ReplyDeleteSharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
A girl named Heaven. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an amusing story I would love to read.
Ginger in AL
Marybelle, I actually have a friend who likes to clean her bathrooms. I'm concerned about her. :)
ReplyDeleteDiana
Thank you so much for the lovely interview and opportunity :) Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteFaye from SD
I'm definitely interested in reading this book! I'm in Ohio :)
ReplyDeletecbus.blogger at gmail dot com
Would love to win this book...Thanks...Jackie T.from N.C.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this book...Thanks...Jackie T.from N.C.
ReplyDeleteLooks great. Please enter me in the drawing. Portsmouth, VA
ReplyDeleteOh book sounds great would really love to win.
ReplyDeleteLourdes, Huntington, NY
This looks great... Please enter my name in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteAnna W. from GA
Friendship, Tennessee has such a cool ring to it! How neat, please count me in!
ReplyDeleteKatie from Florida
thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeletelive in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Had to add to my wish list. I love stories about the old west and the women who loved the cowboy who saved her. You are new author to me Diana.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview.
Brenda from Georgia
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
The post Civil War period makes A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, TN interesting. I always enjoy learning more history in a great story. I'd love to be included in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteMerry in TX