I think every female character is either who I was, who I
am, or who I want to be. :)
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
There are really so many quirky things I do. The thing that
made my husband realize he was going to marry me was when I had gone to the dentist
while we were dating. My mom was driving me home, and I wanted to see if I
could flare my nostrils even while numb. When I discovered that I could indeed,
I left a message on Chris' pager. After listening to the message, he turned to
his co-worker and told her he was going to marry me!
James and I were at
Six Flags Over Texas
the second year the park was inexistence. He decided there that he wanted to
marry me. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I don't think I'm a writer now, so I am not sure how to
answer that! I think I first discovered I wanted to write when I was in 4th
grade. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to write novels.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Historical fiction, Amish fiction, contemporary, romance,
non-fiction. I just really love to read!
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I stop, curl into a little ball, and rock back and forth.
No, I'm only kidding. Actually, I spend a lot of time in prayer. When I am
overwhelmed, I go to Jesus and His Word. I try to keep the cross as my focus.
And when I need to escape? Well, I read!
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Sometimes I pick names that I really like. Other times I try
to see what the era is and if that name was even around. Then there are times
when I use the name of the main character in the title.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Being married and having my three wonderful boys. My family
is my greatest accomplishment.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
An alpaca because it would be weird!
What is your favorite
food?
Oh, I love Indian
food! Send me to an Indian Buffet and I am one happy girl, especially if they
have all you can eat Naan!
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Iam a seat of your pants writer. My biggest road block is
getting the middle of the story written. I know how it will start and end. But
it's the middle that often eludes me.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Brad and Kayla Musso go through a tough spot in their
marriage. Kayla has a choice to walk away or forgive and move on. Sue Danes is
struggling with her relationship with her sister. She, too, has a choice to
forgive and trust her sister again or to turn her back on her and force her out
of her life.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Emily Sorenson was sick. She knew it. Her body wasn't right.
Where could she have gotten sick? Looking over the last week, she knew she was
busy. Perhaps she caught something from someone. She thought back to her week.
Sunday she
had gone to church. She volunteered in the children's area. She loved holding
the babies! It was so much fun to snuggle with them and listen to their gentle
coos. If only her son would make her a grandmother. Emily knew he would have to
be dating someone for her to even get closer to that notion. Monday, she and
Jake went on a hike. It had been a beautiful day. The sun was shining without a
cloud in the sky. Lovely! And time with her wonderful husband was always a
plus! Tuesday, she and Jake went to the senior citizen home. She was almost one
herself! But her body didn't feel like one. Just because she was in her mid-fifties
didn't mean she was ready to retire yet! Emily shivered, probably due to the
fever. She wrapped a blanket around her petite shoulders and slumped down lower
on the couch. On Wednesday, she had spent time with Josephine Johnson. She loved Josephine like she was her own
daughter. Emily knew Josephine felt the same way about her. The two of them got
along great. Jake had taken Josephine under his wing once he had met her at the
hair salon she worked for. He didn't know why he had felt drawn to her, yet he
did. Looking back, Emily knew it was Divine Providence. Josephine's parents had
died in a car accident a little while after Jake began his friendship with
Josephine. Jake and Emily had adopted Josephine's entire family as their own.
Emily felt blessed they had taken them in, as well. She and Josephine spent the
afternoon together, drinking tea and sharing their hearts with one another. It
was a special day. Emily wondered, though, when Josephine would wise up and
begin dating her only child, Steven. Emily sighed. One day soon, she hoped. And
maybe then she would get that grandchild.
Thursday
was spent cleaning the house, going through closets. Every so often, Emily got
a hankering for super cleaning. She would tear through the entire house,
getting rid of clothing, dishes, and other odds and ends she and Jake just
didn't use anymore. She had taken all of the things she collected to the
Goodwill.
Today was
Friday, and Emily was exhausted. The day hadn't even truly begun yet. The sun
had poked its head out already and was just beginning to dance its way across
the sky. Thinking back, maybe she overdid it? Perhaps she did a little too much
yesterday. That didn't seem likely, though. She was a bundle of energy. She
could go days without napping and feel just as energized as when she was in her
twenties.
Emily
slowly got off the couch and went into the bathroom to get the thermometer. She
needed to know just what she was dealing with. When she walked into the
bathroom, the smell of mouth wash assaulted her senses. She placed her hand on
her stomach, willing away the nauseous sensation that threatened to consume
her. She reached into the cupboard and pulled out the thermometer. As she
placed the thermometer on her forehead and waited for the beep, she caught a
glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. Her short, gray hair was rumpled and
messy. Her gray blue eyes had lost the spark they normally held. They were
red-rimmed and slightly puffy. She flinched as she caught the concern in her
eyes. It confirmed what she already knew: something was seriously wrong with
her. Emily was used to being all natural, but this look did not suit her in the
least. The beep sounded. 102.5 degrees!
Emily frowned as she put the thermometer away. How in the world did the fever
get to be so high? She put a hand on her stomach. She was feeling queasy again.
Ugh, she groaned silently. She needed to wake up her husband. She didn't
like to be doted on when she was sick, but Jake hated it when she was sick and
didn't let him take care of her. Today, she needed his help and she knew it.
She would give in to him seeing to her needs. That should make him happy,
she thought with a slight smile. With her legs feeling like lead, she trudged
her way to their bedroom.
Jake
was still sleeping. The covers were resting under his strong, tan arm as he lay
on his side. His gray hair lay rumpled around his forehead. She knew when he
woke up, his hair would be standing straight up. It was something she enjoyed
teasing him about. Emily stole a glance at the clock. It was a little after eight in the morning.
While Emily was awake with the birds, Jake could sleep like a bear in
hibernation! She sat down on his side of the bed and gently touched his arm.
“Jake,
honey,” she whispered.
“Huh?” Jake
more grunted than spoke.
“I'm not
feeling so well.”
Jake put
his hand on her arm and bolted upright. “Emily! You're burning up!”
She nodded.
“I know. I just took my temperature. It's over 102 degrees.”
Jake shot
out of bed and put Emily back into it. “Let me make you something to eat. And
we need to get some liquids into you.”
Emily
rested her aching head on her pillow and closed her eyes. “I couldn't eat
anything right now. I feel nauseous.”
Jake's
eyebrows came together. “That's not good. Do you think you have the flu?”
Emily rolled onto her side, barely able to keep talking. “I don't know. Just so tired.”
The last
thing Emily remembered was Jake covering her with a blanket.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Thank you, Joi, for sharing your life and your book with us.
Readers, here is a link to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hope for the Journey
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
27 comments:
This was a really interesting interview. I enjoyed the part about how you define your lead lady character in your books. I'm really looking forward to reading some of them. Also the nostrils flaring story was cute. You're my kind of gal. We always find something to laugh about in any stressing situation. Blessings, Susan Fryman Alamogordo, NM
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville Tx
Life is about relationships...i was just talking to a dear friend of mine who is going through a crisis with her married children...acting like little children, but you can't discipline them like that anymore! It seems like humanly it is easy to turn our back on someone and walk away from the problem, but that is not how Christ wants us to deal with it. Thanks for the interview...many interesting points. i would love to win Hope for Tomorrow. Thanks for the opportunity, Joi and Lena
oops..i am marianne from northern Alberta, Lena
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
Joi, What an interesting way to view your female characters. I think there is a small part of me in all of mine, but to see them through through the lens of time - that's a great idea. We're all progressing, and it sounds like your book addresses that. Great post!
Thanks for the interview and introduction to another new to me author!
Patty in SC
Thank you, everyone, for your comments! It's so neat to hear from you and to have the opportunity to get know more people. :) Hope for the Journey was a tough one to write, but I am so glad I did! Thank you all for being interested in this book!
Sounds like a good book would love to win a copy please .I live in Waynesville ,Ohio it is between Dayton and Cincinnati .Thank you ,Dana Spille
jashbk@earthlink.net
Joi, Thanks for the great interview. I enjoyed your sense of humor coming through. This book sounds like one that I would love to read and thank you for the opportunity.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com
I am so blessed by all of you! Thank you for your interest in Hope for the Journey! Blessings on each of you!
chiming in late, just read and enjoyed the interview, thanks for sharing with Lena and us.
the book sounds like a good story and I would love to be in your drawing. I have not read your books and like finding new authors.
A Ga Reader
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Hi Paula! Thanks for leaving a comment! Thanks for being interested in my books! :)
I rather like alpacas.
HOPE FOR TOMORROW looks wonderful.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
thanks for the chance to read this story ;)
karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Yay, Mary, for alpacas! :)
I would love to read Hope for Tomorrow. I think the title is great!
Beth from IA
Joi, you are a new author to me. I would be thrilled to win a copy of, Hope for Tomorrow! Loved your interview with Lena.
Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
Would love to read this book....Faith's Grandma/OH
Hope for the Journey sound very good. Like the interviews. sharon, san diego
Sounds like a great book.I would love to read this book.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.
Wow! The responses are amazing! Thank you all for being interested! You have blessed me more than you know! :)
This sounds like an emotional book. I'd love to win it! I'm in MN.
Hi Veronica! It is an emotional book! :) I've cried many a tears writing it! :)
I would love to win!
Hannah P
CA
How important we are in each other's lives. Looking forward to reading this book and would like to be entered in drawing. Kathleen ~ Missouri
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
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