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.
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:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AprilWGardner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/april.gardner1
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 paperbackLizzie 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:
WOULD BE BLESSED TO WIN..
ANGELA FROM KY
How I'd love to win. Please enter my name. Darlene from MO
spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com
I love stories about occupied Guernsey Island and would be thrilled to win this for my granddaughter.
Merry in TX
Sounds like a good read for my daughters.
Monica, Ontario
Hello Lena and all! So happy to be here again, talking about my latest release. Thanks for having me!
I would love to read April's latest release.
Beth from Iowa
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx
WWII stories are great, especially if based on real characters!
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Melissa M. from TX
Enter me!!
Sarah
Blanch,N.C.
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
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
Looks really interesting.
Cold and rainy in Montana
LIZZIE AND THE GUERNSEY GANG looks good. san diego, ca
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
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
Would love to win. Find it a very interesting subject and that it was based in part on her friend. Thanks.
Julie in MN
This sounds really exciting. I love World War II stories. I'm in MN.
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!
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA
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