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 11^th 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:

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 paperback
Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang - Kindle


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