Today, I'm introducing you to another author. Welcome, Jen. Why do you write the
kind of books you do?
I write Contemporary Christian Women’s Fiction because it
allows me to write about real life issues while sending a positive message of
hope and healing.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
I really, really wish I could say the day my two beautiful
daughters were born, and I was so happy, so I love with those girls, but I was
also scared out of my mind!
The happiest day of my life probably happened October 9th,
2011, at the first benefit run/walk I planned and put on in my hometown in
memory of my best friend, Patty. It was a lot of hard work and ended up being more
of a success than I could’ve imagined. It was really special to do something
that honored Patty with the whole community, and it’s really satisfying to be a
part of something that is so much bigger than yourself, ya know? I’m over the
moon excited for the next one!
How has being
published changed your life?
Um, as far as day-to-day business is concerned, it really
hasn’t. I still teach. I’m still a mama, and that’s my number one priority. I
still have to take my girls to dance and basketball practice and music lessons.
The one big change there is that I HAVE to write now so I have to be on a
strict schedule, especially the closer I get to a deadline.
But in the grand scheme of things, my life has been changed
because through writing these books, I’ve grown in the Lord, and I’ve learned
more about myself. I also hear from readers how my writing has touched their
lives and that directly affects mine, makes me feel like in some small way I’m
making a difference in this great big world.
What are you reading
right now?
Home Front by
Kristin Hannah. I highly recommend it.
What is your current
work in progress?
The 3rd book in the Harvest Bay Series titled The Heart’s Hostage. It’s just in the
beginning stages because I promised my girls I’d take some time off after The Heart’s
Lullaby, but it is about a broken marriage and how the Lord heals and
restores things that seem irreparable.
What would be your
dream vacation?
Haha! Just to HAVE a vacation! I am a beach girl. I’d love,
love, LOVE to be on a beach somewhere with a good book and do NOTHING else!
That would be my dream vacation.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
My mom because she’s one of my best friends, and is one of
the strongest, most godly women I know. She has been there for me, believed in
me when I didn’t believe in myself, loved me when I was unlovable. Mostly, I
just love spending time with her.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I love to bake and I love photography. Constantly in search
of the perfect photo op. Haha!
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Always time. I have to follow a strict routine, which is a
challenge with a busy household. When I am seriously working on a word count, I
try to work daily from 8pm-midnight. This way it doesn’t take away from my
girls or other duties. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Get involved with writers groups, either online or in
person. It’s so important to have a support system other than your family who
thinks everything you write is genius. Also, believe in your abilities—if you
have the drive to write a book, there’s a reason—and just write it.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Here’s the back cover blurb: After two years of trying
without success to have a baby, Elizabeth Truman learns that her husband may
already be a father. While he bonds with the son he never knew he had, Elizabeth ’s increased
desperation to have a baby of her own causes her to choose a path of deception.
When it deadends in despair, however, she questions both her faith and the
faithfulness of the Lord.
With Thanksgiving approaching, an unexpected visitor and a
strange twist of fate remind both Elizabeth and Amy that even in the darkest
times God is guiding His children, drawing them together in a way neither could
have imagined. Will their renewed faith be strong enough to lead them through
another crisis—or will The
Heart's Lullaby be left unsung?
The Heart’s Lullaby was difficult to write because it deals
with issues I have no experience in. Thanks to the help many knowledgeable
friends and experts on the related topics, I’m really pleased with this story
and am in love with these characters. Also, The Heart’s Lullaby is
dedicated to my best friend who passed away from ovarian cancer in February 24th,
2011. A portion of royalties from this book and all others in the series will
be donated to Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (www.ovariancancer.org)
in honor and memory of Patty.
Please give us the first
page of the book.
Chapter One
Elizabeth Truman sat on the edge of the bathtub, her hands
pressed together and wedged between her knees. The coolness of the beige marble
penetrated through her soft cotton shorts to her thighs, but did little to soothe
her fiery nerves. The clock on the wall ticked off the seconds. Still the
three-minute wait seemed unending.
This could be it. The wait may
finally be over, and in just three minutes our lives could change forever.
She glanced down at her flat belly, imagining how she’d give Elijah the good
news, smiling at the thought of how happy he’d be. Just the other day, when
they were strolling through the mall together, a ball and glove caught his eye
from the window of the toy store and he made a comment about playing catch with
his son someday. He was ready to be a daddy.
And there was nothing she wanted
more than to be a mother. Over the past several months the deep longing had
intensified, preoccupying her thoughts during the day and her dreams at night.
Her arms ached to hold their baby—a perfect combination of her and Elijah. Her
soul yearned to nurture their child, to watch him or her grow day by day. She
already loved this little miracle that she was sure the Lord would bless them
with.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Website: www.jenstephens.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/harvestbayjen
Thank you, Jen, for the interesting interview.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Heart's Lullaby - paperbackThe Heart's Lullaby (Harvest Bay Series) - 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
32 comments:
Looks like I am the first one to leave a comment. Great interview! I always love reading about new to me authors and their books. This definitely sounds like a great book and thank you for the opportunity of the giveaway.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
Hi, Jo! Nice to meet you! Good luck in the give-a-way!
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, tx
Hey, Lyndie! You bet! Thanks for stopping by!!!
Thanks, Lena for introducing me to a new to me author. Jen's novel sounds intriguing, and i'd love to do a review on it. Thanks for the chance to win!
marianneDOTwanhamATgmailDOTcom
i'm from northern Alberta
marianneDOTwanhamATgmailDOTcom
Jen is an awesome author and has such a sweet spirit. I am looking forward to reading "The Heart's Lullaby". Kaye from Castalia, OH
The book was as beautiful and intriguing as the author. Can't wait for #3! (And please let someone else win the book because I bought mine already :)
I would be blessed to win.
angela from ky
Enjoyed the interview Jen and Lena. I will be reading this great book as soon as possible and have it on my wish list.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
Brenda from Georgia
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Jen is an amazing person and amazing writer! So happy to call her friend!
Pastor Amy Little
Wow! I'm overwhelmed by the nice comments and encouragement! Thank you all so much and good luck in the drawing!!!
This sounds like a beautiful story.
Monica , Ontario
Thanks, Monica! Good luck in the drawing!
Jennifer, You are the most amazing writer I know. I was most honored when I read about your favorite person to spend time with is your mama. I happen to know your mama loves to spend time with you too. I love you so much and am so very proud of you. Your Mama!
Hi, Mommy! I love you and am so glad I've made you proud of me!
I just know that when I read THE HEART'S LULLABY I am going to be very moved.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful book!
Beth from IA
Mary, I hope and pray you are right! I know I was moved writing it. Beth and Linda, good luck! I hope you all enjoy this book!
thanks for the chance to read this inspirational story
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
(from PA)
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks! Portsmouth, VA
This sounds like a great book. Please enter me! Angie in Illinois
This book sounds so good. I would be thrilled to win a copy of it. Jen is a new author to me.
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
Ladies, thanks for stopping by! It's always good to make new friends. Good luck in the drawing!
This sounds like a wonderful book. Would love to win it...
I would love to win and read this book.Sounds great.Thanks for the interview and chance to win.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.
Hi, Angela and Jackie! Thanks for stopping by! Good luck in the drawing!
What an interesting story idea. Sounds very emotional. I'm in MN.
Great interview! I'd love to win a copy of Kathy's book!
Sorry, forgot to mention where I'm from. I live in Southeastern Colorado, quite a distance from the Rockies I'm afraid!
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