Readers, I will announce the winners later today, but first I want to introduce you to a debut author. Janice has been my critique group, and we're both in ACFW and the local chapter DFW Ready Writers. Welcome, Janice. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I chuckled when I read your question. The reason being, my
husband read my book Serenity’s Deception
for the first time just last week and one thing he said about the book was – Janice, I can see a lot of you in BJ (my
heroine). So I guess the answer to
your question would be, a lot. J
Honestly, I believe a little of every author is poured into
their characters and stories each time they write. The plots and stories that
pop into my head are full of my experiences, and more often than not, my
personality, my insecurities, even my idiosyncrasies are there too. But definitely my
independence and eccentricities have a direct effect on my characters and their
outcome.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Quirky? Hmm. Several
come to mind that I won’t put in print to come back and haunt me later.
But all I have to say is when my children were little I used
to entertain them with my praying feet and my hitchhiking big toe. And I’ll
divulge nothing more. ;-)
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
Growing up, I was a slow reader and my comprehension level
was poor. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I found that I had dyslexia, the
reason for my often twisted and/or missing words, inverted letters and numbers,
and my difficulty in comprehension and reading. Once I recognized I had
dyslexia I worked hard to overcome the results, which today is better, but I thought
of becoming a writer until 2003.
That year, on a fluke, I sent in a short story to Writers’
Digest Contest. When I ranked 33 out of the top100 of over 30,000 entries, I
began to wonder if I could be a writer.
My husband, seeing my interest in writing, bought me my first computer and I’ve
been writing ever since.
However, I began writing because I wanted to create good,
clean, suspenseful stories like I wanted to read but couldn’t find without the
curse words and sex scenes. American Christian Fiction Writers, DFW Ready
Writers, and ultimately the critique group in your home, Lena ,
helped me to realize my dream today.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
My favorite to read is historical if it has a good romance
and intrigue.
Right up there with historical is romantic suspense, my
genre. I love a suspense writer to baffle me so that I can’t figure out whom,
but that seldom happens. And then if I can find a book with great, unexpected
humor, I’m in heaven. As you can see by my choices, I read purely for
entertainment.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
My day begins at 5:00 am and doesn’t end until about 9:30 pm
and sometimes later. I will admit, there are times it’s hard to maintain my
sanity. ;-)
However, being a PK (preacher’s kid) my parents raised me to
submit my life and place my trust only in God regardless what it might be and
He will take care of me.
Through the years as a PK and a PW (preacher’s wife), time
and time again, when my world would be spiraling down around me, I have witnessed
that when I place everything in God’s faithful hands, my world ceases to be
that chaotic, out-of-control, a thousand miles a minute existence. Instead, He
brings about an overwhelming peace to calm all the forces around me to help me
slow down and enjoy life. Psalm 46:10 says “Be
still, and know that I am God.”
When the run, run, run world takes over that when I have to
remind myself Psalm
46:10 “Be
still, and know that I am God” and He is.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Believe it or not, most of the times when a story pops in my
head, the names come with the story. I think it’s the way my quirky brain
works. One such instance was with the Amish book I wrote. When a friend
suggested I write the story, I told them I’d pray about it. I did—pray about it
that is—and two hours later, I had the whole story and the names of my
characters all in my head. Not always does that happen, but often enough.
If I get stumped for a name, which happens but rarely, I
will use a baby name generator and look up the name and meaning to make sure
they match the character in my head.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Marrying the best man around and raising two God-fearing,
productive members of society (my children) is probably first and second place.
However, one that I have to give God full praise and believe
is the greatest accomplishment for me is becoming a writer and a speaker. As I
mentioned, I have dyslexia and with the inherent problems and challenges of
dyslexia there have been several times I wanted to quit. I knew there were
people far more qualified and suited to be a writer and speaker without the
problems, but God and my husband wouldn’t let me quit.
The first time I saw my work in print, which was a short
story for Chicken Soup for the Soul—“My First Tea Party”—I cried. And now to see Serenity’s
Deception in print humbles me. Because it is only by the grace of God and
my husband’s encouragement that has made this possible.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
That’s a hard one because I can’t really envision myself as
an animal. Also there are so many to pick from. I’d love the ability to have
sleek lines like a panther on the prowl; slide through the water then leap up
and out of the depths of the sea doing several flips in the air like a
porpoise; spread my wings and sore high above the earth like an eagle, allowing
the winds to take me to heights unknown; and a graceful palomino gliding across
the prairie, legs outstretched, seemingly flying over the earth in a gallop. So
I guess that cinches who and why:
Panporeaglmino – that’s me.
I love it!! What is
your favorite food?
That’s a no brainer. ;-) Chocolate!
Chocolate and lots of it in any form or fashion.
But if you’re asking about food food? Mexican of course.
Give me some good taco and enchiladas or fajitas, or Olvera Street (Los Angeles ) taquitos or some of my own
homemade taquitos loaded with guacamole and I’m in paradise.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Finding time to write. I work full time at an outside job.
There just isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish all that I would like to.
I have stories sitting on the backburner of my mind yelling set me free! And I will, but not soon
enough for me or my characters. However, God has given me the ability to eke
out increments of time and accomplish a whole lot with the small amounts
allotted, for which I’m thankful.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The release date of Serenity’s Deception in ebook form
is on October 25, 2012, the Trade paperback will be released seven days later
on November 1, 2012.
Serenity’s Deception is BJ Spencer’s story and the first in a
stand-alone series “Texas Sorority Sisters” (meaning each book stands alone but
may have a minor character or characters show up in one book then later have a
book of their own). The second in the series Lethal Intent, is Madison ’s
Fletcher’s story and will be released in ebook and Trade paperback December 25,
2012.
Check out my Website on October 25, 2012 and register for my
blog and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win a wooden jewelry
box. For details go to www.JaniceOlson.com
And here is the short blurb for Serenity’s
Deception
No stranger to Serenity, Texas , BJ Spencer’s homecoming is met by
more than bad memories. Her return provokes a furious ex-boyfriend, menacing
threats from a Sheriff, and a town full of people who wish she would disappear
… for good.
Engaged in a battle to stay one step ahead of the assassin,
BJ and Jason O’Connell join forces to unravel the truth behind the lethal
attacks. BJ’s quest for legitimacy uncovers secrets buried deep within the
grave that threaten to destroy her. Plagued with doubts, BJ wonders if love can
be found in a town filled with lies and deception. And can she forgive someone
even when they are asking from the grave?
Very intriguing. (Of
course, I’ve helped critique some of the book.) Please give us the first page
of the book.
SERENITY’S DECEPTION
CHAPTER 1
Tentacles of
apprehension wrapped around BJ Spencer as she climbed the narrow, dim-lit stairwell.
The musty scent of old building filled the restricted passageway as each
stair-tread creaked beneath her feet. A premonition that nothing good would
come from this meeting gave her the overwhelming desire to turn around and head
back to Galveston .
Not one for running, BJ clenched her purse strap and trudged up to the
second floor landing. A whiff of Old English Lemon Oil hung in the air and assailed
her senses with memories of Heritage House. For fourteen years she had done her
best to suppress the memories of her lonely upbringing, but today the hidden
childhood images refused to stay buried.
Forlorn children entering. Excited children leaving. Always watching.
Never chosen.
She shoved the pictures to the back of her mind. A small poignant
smile pulled at BJ’s lips. One thing for certain, her arrival today would stir
up questions with the old gossips.
With no desire to return to Serenity, Texas , she’d fought hard to disregard the
letter she had received five days earlier. An
urgent matter regarding Heritage House
made her nagging curiosity difficult to ignore the summons. Regardless how many
reasons she could think up for staying away, there were many more for why she
needed to leave her safe haven and come.
BJ hesitated in front of the diffused glass and mahogany door
emblazoned with gold lettering—Hampton,
Hampton, & Rigger, Attorneys at Law. Though the law firm occupied this
same building before the town’s incorporation, she’d never had a reason to
enter its hallowed doors.
She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. With a slight
tremble, she turned the glass doorknob, making sure to conceal her misgivings. Entering
the law office caused long forgotten insecurities to come rushing back punching
holes in her well fortified wall of defense making her ask, why did I come?
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I’m easy to find if you and remember my name: JaniceOlson.com. Or you may email me at Janice@JaniceOlson.com
Thank you, Janice for sharing this book with us.
Readers, I know you'll love this book as much as I have. 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
33 comments:
Really enjoyed this nice interview. What is everyone else. So surprising. I love to find out. Oh and Janice, what are you going ou bed early! Unbelievable :-)
Thank, Aritha. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.
Sounds like an intriguing story! It's always fun to discover new authors...
Patty in SC
informative interview about this author and book sounds like a good story, I have a sister that I call BJ and would like to read this one and share with her.
thanks for comments today.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a fan from Ga
Thanks, Patty. BJ is spunky, and yet tied up in insecurities from her childhood. She’s like a lot of us that sometimes carries baggage into adulthood. I enjoyed writing about her. Janice
Hi Pol,
Thanks. When I first started writing the story and I already had my character's name, I met a woman who went by BJ also. It's not too common, but I thought it fit my BJ -- shows her independence. Janice
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA
I loved reading your interview and learning about you and your book. It sounds great and would love to read it. Thanks for the opportunity!
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
Thanks Jo, I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Lena made me really think about some of the questions. Blessings, Janice
Thanks, Diane, for reading the interview and entering. Blessings, Janice
Congratulations, my friend. Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Texas
Thanks, Lyndie, I'm glad you stopped by Lena's blog. Blessings friend, Janice
Good interview Lena and Janice.
: ) like your animal conglomerate.
Can't wait to get your book!
Thanks, Patty. I guess you could call me indecisive with the animal question. :-) But I had fun making up a name-- I guess it's the writer in me. Blessings, Janice
Another new author for me, Lena, and you have me drooling with the interview and excerpt! Thanks for the chance to win
marianne from northern Alberta
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
Thank, Marianne, for your sweet comments. Blessings, Janice
I have not read Janice Olsen's books, but certainly would like to start with this one. Please enter me in the contest. Thank you. Judy C. in Louisiana.
Hi Judy,
Serenity's Deception is my first published book. Lethal Intent, my second will be out December 25th. I hope you will take the opportunity to check back at my site-- wwwJaniceOlson.com for more book releases in 2013.
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
Nice to meet you Janice. Your book sounds intriguing and definitely something I would be interested in.
Ginger in AL
Ginger dot solomon at gmail dot com
This sounds suspenseful. I love books in series that focus on different characters. I'm in MN.
Oh Auntie, Congratulations! I so enjoyed reading your nice interview and the snippet of your new book. It's hard to find a good, clean book and I look forward to reading it. Here I thought I knew everything about you and learned about your challenges with dyslexia. I loved the part of your interview about the animal you would be. Panporeaglmino is the perfect description of you. Your friends, acquaintances, and readers are blessed, but I'm truly blessed to be your niece and you my Auntie. I Love You So!
Please enter me in the drawing. Love from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Puyallup, WA
Oh Auntie, Congratulations! I so enjoyed reading your nice interview and the snippet of your new book. It's hard to find a good, clean book and I look forward to reading it. Here I thought I knew everything about you and learned about your challenges with dyslexia. I loved the part of your interview about the animal you would be. Panporeaglmino is the perfect description of you. Your friends, acquaintances, and readers are blessed, but I'm truly blessed to be your niece and you my Auntie. I Love You So!
Please enter me in the drawing. Love from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Puyallup, WA
I enjoyed reading the interview and am looking forward to reading Janice Olson's book. I love reading books by authors who don't feel the need to use profanity and can touch the hearts of their readers throught their expression of words. Thanks Janice for what you do.
Rhonda Maclin
thanks for chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
My family and I play a word game that is actually a serious game. Each week specific words/names come to us by media and other. We use those words/names to pray for those people specifically. This week is is Janice. (no kiddin') Last week was Catherine. Have a great day! gahome2mom/gmail/com
Hi Ginger,
Thanks for leaving a comment. If you like suspense Serenity will definitely hold your interest. Blessings, Janice
Hi Veronica,
I love your name. In fact my main heroine's name is Veronica in "Chameleon" the third book in the series. I have relatives in MN also. Small world. Blessings, Janice
Thanks, Sweet Niece, for leaving a comment. I'm sure there's a whole lot more that you don't know about me. Love, Your Auntie
Thanks, Rhonda, for leaving a comment. Profanity and gratuitous sex was one of the reasons I began writing. I love suspense and romance and together they make a great combination--but it can be tastefully written, just takes work. Blessings, Janice
Thanks, Apple Blossom. I appreciate you reading the post. Blessing, Janice
Hi Gahometomom, Thanks for reading the post. What a neat idea, picking names to pray over. What a true blessing that is to pray for people you don't know. Thank you. From my heart to yours, I pray for you and your family peace. Blessings, Janice
Loved the excerpt from Serenity's Deception! Thanks for sharing it!
Jes (CA)
jswaks at gmail dot com
Post a Comment