Sunday, October 28, 2012

LIZZIE AND THE GUERNSEY GANG - April W Gardner - One Free Book


April W Gardner lives in Georgia with her computer nerd Air Force husband, ten year-old bookworm son, and eight year-old art-loving daughter. The Gardners enjoy watching nature shows, visiting national parks, and eating popcorn and chocolate every Friday during family night. April writes her Lizzie stories for God, her precious children, and every other kiddo who loves a good adventure. She is also the author of the Creek Country Saga, an inspirational historical romance series for moms.

What has drawn you to writing for children?
My own kids! They’re both in the middle grade range. I wrote every word with them in mind. Also, I firmly believe we all (no matter our age) learn best through fiction. So, history and Christian content written into fiction is a great way to impact a child’s life

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
The quirkiest thing I’ve ever done—have a panic attack while snorkeling in the Bahamas.
The bravest? Getting back in the water.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Since I’m dyslexic, elementary school was the pits. I HATED writing, reading, math, you name it. By the end of middle school, I’d “learned” how to learn and was realizing I wasn’t stupid. By high school, I finally got my brain in gear and finished with straight As. My favorite subject? Creative writing. My 11th grade teacher, Ms. Davy, opened my eyes to the love of putting a story together.

This is the second interview I’ve done recently with someone who is dyslexic. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I write middle grade fiction, which covers ages 9-12, but I don’t write “down” to kids, so adult enjoy it too.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
I also write historical romance. I currently have two books published in this genre—Wounded Spirits and Warring Spirits. They’re set in the Southeast in 1816, when that area was the American frontier.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
To stay sane, I write a list of to-dos for each day, keeping them manageable. That’s key—not giving myself too much to do. When I’ve accomplished them all, I consider my day done and I don’t worry about what else needs to be done. It’s very tempting to worry about that huge pile of to-dos, but I do what I can do TODAY and let tomorrow worry about itself. Matt 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
Tough one! Take out the kids and nothing else even comes close. J That being said, tiling half the floor space in my house on arthritic knees was quite an accomplishment. My knees will never be the same, but I did it! LOL

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
If I could be any animal in the world, I’d be a bird. Effortless flight has got to be such a rush!

What is your favorite food?
Rice! Must have something to do with being born in Okinawa, Japan

I love brown rice. Is it hard to break into the children’s market?
Yes! But I was blessed to get into Astraea Press as they were opening their doors to middle grade fiction.

Must have been a God thing. What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
Stick with it. And while you’re sticking, continue to improve your craft.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang is based on a true story! Not just the setting (Nazi-occupied Guernsey) but the characters. Lizzie is based on the life of Ruth Davies-Miller, my sweet friend. She lived through the occupation as a child and has more stories to share than you have hours to listen!

Book Blurb:

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German bombs drop on her crystal beach, her peaceful world is shattered. For months, the big war on the continent has been nothing more than stories in the paper, but as the enemy takes over Guernsey, the war rushes to her doorstep. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it.

Phillip Seifert, the odd boy from down the street, has all the markings of a genuine Nazi-lover. Lizzie knows better than to trust him, but he somehow manages to weasel his way into James’ good graces. Phillip joins the gang in their audacious escape plan, and Lizzie can do little more than pray he doesn’t get them all shot. But Lizzie soon learns that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way she expects. He might actually plan for them to live under Nazi rule…forever.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
At these locations:
Blog:  http://www.aprilwgardner.com/

Thanks, Lena!

And thank you, April, for sharing this story with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang paperback
Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang - 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

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOULD BE BLESSED TO WIN..
ANGELA FROM KY

spangldlady said...

How I'd love to win. Please enter my name. Darlene from MO
spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

Merry said...

I love stories about occupied Guernsey Island and would be thrilled to win this for my granddaughter.
Merry in TX

monica said...

Sounds like a good read for my daughters.

Monica, Ontario

April Gardner said...

Hello Lena and all! So happy to be here again, talking about my latest release. Thanks for having me!

rubynreba said...

I would love to read April's latest release.
Beth from Iowa

Lyndie Blevins said...

Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins

Duncanville, Tx

Melissa M. said...

WWII stories are great, especially if based on real characters!
Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Melissa M. from TX

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sarah
Blanch,N.C.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.

Kandra said...

We definitely need more wholesome, interesting books for this age group! My two children would definitely love it if I am the winner!
Kandra in Tennessee

Jasmine A. said...

Looks really interesting.
Cold and rainy in Montana

sharon m. said...

LIZZIE AND THE GUERNSEY GANG looks good. san diego, ca

Mary Preston said...

As a parent I find that the books I enjoy reading, my children do too. So, the whole experience is wonderful.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Anonymous said...

I would love to win! I can't believe I still have not ordered them but if I win then I wont have to :) ~Mary

holdenj said...

Would love to win. Find it a very interesting subject and that it was based in part on her friend. Thanks.
Julie in MN

Shopgirl said...

This sounds really exciting. I love World War II stories. I'm in MN.

April Gardner said...

Love seeing all the interest in Lizzie! Thanks, everyone!!
Ruth's story is always well received. Fiction is a wonderful way to teach history and life lessons to little people. If you don't win, I encourage you to pick up a copy for that special kid in your life!

Diana Gardner said...

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