Welcome, Dina. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I think it’s hard not to include a little of yourself in
your characters, especially your heroine. I imagine we all secretly dream of
living a life as big as our heroines. On the other hand, I make a conscious
effort to always give my characters a distinctive Meyers-Briggs personality
type. So far in all of my novels, I’ve only written one character with my exact
personality. Constance Cavendish in Love
in Three-Quarter Time shares many of my interests, but she is much more
extroverted than me, which makes a significant difference in her personality
and choices.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Hmm…you’re talking to a fairly quirky person here. I love to
act and dance, and while I can be shy, I’m not afraid to dress up in funny
costumes and be silly in public. My friends know not to put anything past me. I
regularly sing while shopping at the grocery store. It’s a form of
self-preservation and makes people smile. Is that quirky enough?
You sound to me like
a wonderful, fun person to be around. When did you first discover that you were
a writer?
I’m not one of those people who always knew I would write. I
enjoyed writing but had a broad variety of interests. Somewhere around late
high school, I added writing a novel to my list of dreams. But it wasn’t until
college that I discovered I had a real love and talent for writing. I then went
on to study writing in grad school.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
My reading tastes are very eclectic. I’ve always read some
romance for entertainment. But I also adore more literary and issue-driven
novels that really make you think. Science fiction and fantasy are fun for
switching things up. And while I don’t particularly like to mix my romance with
my suspense, I can occasionally enjoy a good psychological thriller.
Many of my recent
novels have a strong romantic thread but deal with very serious issues as well.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I mentioned in a round about way that I’m very introverted.
I need a lot of quiet time alone. For that reason, I value my long walks, quiet
days, and prayer times with God. To me, prayer is more about listening,
meditation, and soaking in God’s presence than talking at him, and I need that
time of refreshing. Getting outdoors and dancing are also huge sanity savers
for me. The beach and the mountains are my happy places.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Usually I have an idea for the main characters name and then
build the others around it. In this novel the main character’s name, Constance , is meant to be somewhat ironic. Her nickname,
Gingersnap, is more true to her character. Much of the book is about her
struggle against her own nature, and what God reveals to her through that
struggle.
What is the accomplishment
that you are most proud of?
Being a published author certainly ranks way up there. But I
think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve raised three, wonderful, godly
children. Although I don’t know if “proud” is the right word. Often I look at them
and shake my head in wonder. I’m sure I couldn’t have done that on my own. They
are the result of prayer, God’s grace, and many wonderful influences in their
lives.
A large part of
raising children is spending a lot of time in prayer. If you were an animal,
which one would you be, and why?
I would want to be some sort of bird so that I could fly and
sing all day long.
What is your favorite
food?
Just one food? To quote a sign I saw on facebook, “My life
is a constant battle between my love for food and my desire to stay thin.” I
probably most enjoy grilled tuna, sweet salads, and organic baked goods because
those foods appease both sides of this battle.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
In the beginning, voice, character, and description came
easily to me, but my novels moved too slowly and weren’t very story oriented. I
had to work harder on things like plot, conflict, and motivation. And I didn’t
understand how to write strong scenes in the beginning. The two biggest helps
to me were Angela Hunt’s plot skeleton and Writing
the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas. Ron Benrey’s description of the
fictional dream world really assisted me with writing strong scenes. Good (hand
selected) critique partners were a blessing too.
Tell us about the
featured book.
I call it my Scarlett O’Hara meets Jane Austen novel, but
here’s the official description:
In the style of
Deeanne Gist, Dina Sleiman explores the world of 1817 Virginia in her novel Love in Three-Quarter Time.
When the belle of the ball falls into genteel poverty, the fiery Constance
Cavendish must teach the dances she once loved in order to help her family
survive. The opportunity of a lifetime might await her in the frontier town of Charlottesville , but the
position will require her to instruct the sisters of the plantation owner who
jilted her when she needed him most. As Robert Montgomery and Constance make
discoveries about one another, will their renewed faith in God help them to
face their past and the guilt that threatens to destroy them in time to waltz
to a fresh start?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
“Gingersnap”
Cavendish waltzed her way through the scandalous steps, tilting her head back
to giggle prettily as she’d practiced in the mirror. If all went according to
plan, her copper curls would bounce and catch the firelight just right.
“It doesn’t
look so scandalous to me.” Robert Montgomery—the man of her dreams—leaned
against the rich mahogany bookshelves of Papa’s library as music drifted in
from the enormous marble foyer beyond.
“That’s because
you haven’t joined me yet.” Humming along to the tune, she continued to glide
and twirl, brushing her stocking-clad feet against the plush carpet. She lifted
the silken, rosy skirt of her high-waisted gown for him to better watch the
pattern of her steps. “One, two, three.
One, two, three. Down, up, up. Are you grasping it? I’ve never attempted the
man’s part, but you are an expert dancer. I’m certain you’ll manage.”
“All right. I
shall give it a try if you insist. We can’t hide here much longer. How did you
persuade me of this?”
“Excellent!” She clapped her hands and rocked on her toes
to set her curls bouncing once again. “Come close.” As if he needed such an
instruction.
“Gladly, my
princess.”
Pleasure
bloomed warm in her chest. She loved it when he called her princess, as she
certainly planned to reign over Robbie’s kingdom at the Montgomery family plantation soon enough.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
https://twitter.com/DinaSleiman1
Thank you, Dina, for spending this time with us today.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Love in Three-Quarter Time
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
36 comments:
I would love to win this book. The first page is so intriguing!
Colletta from PA
This sounds like an interesting book. Dina is a new author to me, I haven't read any of her books yet.
Wendy from FL.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I'm from NC and love this time period in history. This story sounds interesting and I see that is has mostly five-star reviews!
nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com
Gingersnap is an adorable nickname. I love the character already!
LadySaotome from the black hills of SD!
Colletta, so glad you enjoyed it :)
Wendy, this is actually my second novel. My first, Dance of the Dandelion, is set in the medieval time period.
Sylvia in North Carolina, we're practically neighbors :) Yes, I've been pleased with the reviews. And even the lower ones are generally positive, which is encouraging.
Lady Saotome, while writing the book I was scared for a minute because I had chosen the nickname but then couldn't find record that the cookies existed at the time. Turns out I made it with just a few years to spare :)
I would love to win!
Hannah P
CA
Best wishes, Hannah.
Hi Dina,
Thank you Dina, and Lena for giving me a chance to win the book "Love In Three-Quarter Time."Sounds like a great book. So why do you call it your Scarlett O'Hara meets Jane Austan novel? God bless both of you.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio
Norma, it's set in the South with a character who has a bit of Scarlett in her (especially in the beginning). But because of the time period, it also has a good bit of Regency flair, and I tried to include some Austen-like twists and turns.
Great interview, again, Lena. Thanks for the chance to win Dina's Love In Three Quarter Time. It sounds intriguingly different.
Marianne from northern Alberta
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
Marianne, I hope it's different. I get tired of the same old same old.
Your food quote made me laugh.
I'm looking forward to a great read thank you.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Ha ha, thanks Mary. The book actually is fairly humorous. I hesitate to call it romantic comedy because that comes with certain expectations, but it will certainly make you smile a lot.
sounds like a book I'd love to read thanks
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
No problem, Apple Blossom.
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, Tx
So glad you decided to your dream and decided to write. Looking forward to reading this book.
Lourdes from Long Island New York
Thanks for the encouragement, Lourdes.
My brother lives in Charlottesville! With all the historic homes and such in the area it's not hard to picture in my mind the setting for this book.
Patty in SC
Patty, I went for a nice long visit while editing the book. It was just like I remembered it. Beautiful area! I found a plantation home just like my setting right where it belonged. And I included Monticello in the book as well.
Would love to read Dina's latest novel...thanks for the chance
karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Hi Karen. Nice to "see" you here :)
Oh, I missed Lyndie. You're welcome.
This looks really good! I'm in MN.
I enjoy Julie's writing, and would enjoy the chance at receiving this book. Thank you.
Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL
Would love this book...thank you for the opportunity!
Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL
I would really like to win this book. I have a Kindle reader and love it! I've never read this author, yet! Sharon, San Diego
Jean and Sharon, thanks for stopping by. I'm always happy for an opportunity to connect with new readers.
What a lovely peek, please add me for Love in Three Quarter Time.
Merry
TX
Merry, sure thing.
I have a sample of this on my kindle, but haven't read it yet. Would love to read the book.
Kentucky
Michelle, I like downloading samples too. I often check out new books that way.
I would love to read this book.
Deborah D from FL
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