Author Jalana Franklin - A Very Special Surprise Giveaway

A winners list for last week's posts will be posted later today.

Today, I'm introducing you to a very special author friend of mine. I found out about her other creative endeavor when we were at American Christian Fiction Writers national conference in September, and I just had to introduce her to you, my reader friends.

Welcome, Jalana. I know you are a writer, and I can't wait to read one of your books when they are published. Tell us about what you write?

I am a true romantic, and I love history and all things Victorian, so I am currently working on two historical romances. One is based on a true love story, set in 1840, and the other is set in 1884. My heroines are usually a little feisty, and my heroes are true gentlemen who can tame a feisty woman. Both of these stories are set in Tennessee, in small towns that did exist at one time. My friends all tell me that I have a bit of a sense of humor, and that it comes out in my writing. If you’re all about an epic love story, then my writing is for you. I really love to read books that have a salvation message, or at least a Christian message, so I wanted my books to be “paper missionaries” too, with an inspirational message in them, and I love a happy ending! I’ve only been published in devotional books, but I hope to have a published novel one day soon!

Do you have another job besides as an author?

I have a Master’s Degree in Education, and taught in the public school system for fourteen years before I followed my heart to homeschool my own 5 children. This is our third year to homeschool.  I tell people that it’s more of a job than a job!! There are not enough hours in the day for mothers!! I also paint reborn dolls and sell them online.

Where do you live, and tell us about your family?

I live in a VERY small town in southern, middle Tennessee. So small, that we only have two red lights. It’s a very friendly town, and I really enjoy living here, where all of my mother’s large family is. We’re really tight-knit.

My husband and I have five children at home, and one in Heaven. Four are boys,(my princes), and the last two are twin girls, (my princesses). They range in age from seven to fifteen. My oldest son plays bass, my husband plays drums, and I play piano for our church praise team. I also sing and lead worship. We enjoy playing together, and are currently working on a family Christmas album where we all play and sing. I have the most wonderful kids on the planet, and the most wonderful husband. I’m also a baseball mom, and love to be a part of whatever my kids are involved in. 

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

Oh, that is an easy question!! Definitely Mackinac Island, Michigan. I fell in love with The Grand Hotel on the movie, “Somewhere in Time,” and I’ve wanted to visit since then. The island has no cars, only bicycles, horses, and buggies. Doesn’t that sound romantic? I’m planning a trip there someday, and I’d love to write a historical book set on the island. So, I’m sure I will have to visit—for the sake of research!!

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Well, you know my friend, Dorothy, who is also my critique partner, lives in Australia. We talk on a daily basis, and I want to visit Australia more with every conversation!! The seasons are opposite to ours, and when I’m freezing over here in the snow, she is sunbathing on the beach!! I always wanted to go there, even before I met her, but now that I really know someone from there, makes it even more interesting! One day I hope to visit her and visit all of the places that she has told me about, like her beloved Phillip Island (where her story is set!)

I’d love to visit Pompeii as well. I taught World History for five years, and I developed a deep fascination with Pompeii. I really hope to see some of the ruins there some day too.

I fell in love with Australia decades before it was chic to other North Americans, and I have a number of good friends who are Australian authors. 

You know that I fell in love with the hand-painted baby doll you brought for the silent auction at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference. Tell us about your dolls?

I’ve always loved to paint, and always been willing to try my hand at just about anything. My daughters saw some reborn dolls at a friend’s house, and decided they wanted one for their birthday. I decided I could paint them myself, and their dolls were the first of many. I found a new hobby, and thought that I was pretty good at it. I tried selling one on ebay, and it was a hit!! My mother helps, and she remakes some of the outfits to “fit.”

Reborn means that the doll has been painted to look  like a real baby. Thus, it is “reborn” from a play baby. It’s a very lengthy process, taking two to three weeks per doll.

There are many blank kits available, and many sculpts from all over the world. I’ve painted preemies, newborns, 3 month olds, 9 month olds, and tiny dolls. I tend to lean towards babies with personality, and I try to bring out that personality when I paint. I use only the best materials so that I can offer a great doll. They are painted in layers, and baked to set the paint. The bodies are soft, and filled with weighted pellets to give them a “real baby feel.” I dress them in real baby clothes, diapers, blankets,  pacifiers, toys, etc, and hand root their hair and eyelashes, strand by strand. Some have curly, some have straight, but they all have personality. I print a birth certificate, and make each one a name bracelet, (and love on them a little,) before they are shipped to their new mommy.

Now let’s reveal the surprise giveaway on the blog today.

Today we are giving away a reborn baby doll, hand-painted by me!! It’s retail value is at least $175.00. Whoever wins can keep it, or give it to someone for Christmas!! I like it well enough to keep it!! It’s a sleeping doll named Sweet Pea. A real cutie!! I’ll also send a CD of our Praise and Worship at church. It has 18 songs, all recorded live. My family plays all of the music, and I’m singing on all of the songs.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog address is: http://awritersgardenspot.blogspot.com , and I’m listed as Jalana Irvin Franklin on Facebook.  My email is jalanafranklin@ gmail.com . And you can always “Google” me.

Can they find your dolls on the Internet if they want to buy one?

I mostly sell on ebay, but if someone wants to make a special order, I can do that too. If someone wants to see my dolls, I’m posting on my blog about them, and posting pics too— this week!! And you can find me on ebay- seller name jkfcwb. I usually have one or two dolls posted every month. 

Thanks so much for this interview, Lena. I’ve really enjoyed answering the questions, and I hope someone who’s been wanting a reborn doll wins it! I have enjoyed bringing it to “life.” And maybe someone who reads this interview will be holding my book in their hands one day, reading my epic love story.

Thank you for visiting with us today, Jalana, and for sharing your stories and "reborn" babies today. I would be tempted to put my name in the drawing if you weren't already making a baby for me.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win this "reborn" baby. 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 doll.

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