Saturday, January 05, 2013

MYSTERY OF THE HEART - Jillian Kent - One Free Book


Welcome back, Jillian. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
First off, thanks for having me back, Lena. I don’t know how you keep up with everything you do. God has been so awesome and faithful to me in my writing life and personal life.  Wow! I wish I knew what was on the horizon with all the changes in publishing. I can tell you what I’m doing and thinking about but it’s going to be an interesting year no matter what happens. For all of us who write and read.

I’ve developed some story ideas I’m going to submit to my agent and pray something good comes of that even though many are saying to go it on your own. I’m really interested in learning how to make my own e-book so plan on educating myself. None of us can take for granted that we can always publish the traditional way. At least that’s what it’s sounding like out there in the publishing world. A lot of folks are going to have a lot of thoughts on this subject I’m sure. And I want to dabble in short story writing and possible a novella.

Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to my hubby Randy Nutter for thirty-one years. This August will be thirty-two! Hard to believe. We are both full-time social workers. I counsel nursing students in a hospital based college and he helps oncology patients and their families. We both love what we do. My mom who lives with us will turn eighty-eight this month and I have a birthday on the eleventh. My daughter Katie lives with us, she’s 23 and searching for her future and now addicted to inspirational fiction although neither of my girls has read my books. Go figure. My daughter Meghan is a missionary for Youth With A Mission and currently leading her own team at the age of twenty. She held off on college because she felt led to do this work. I have a feeling she will be the next social worker in the family.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Yes. I love to read, but with all the demands on my life I don’t read nearly as much as I used to read. When I do it’s usually mystery/suspense.

What are you working on right now?
I’m working up an idea for a new regency novel.

What outside interests do you have?
I love learning. I’ve set a goal this year to learn how to utilize Scrivener and make an e-book. I enjoy prayer walking.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
I’m an Anglophile. I love writing during England’s regency era and may soon explore the Victorian era as well. Maybe.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
The famous architect John Nash would be one. He was responsible for much of the layout and design of Regency London. I bet he knew a lot that he never shared with others being so close the heart of London. Hmm. Now that might play a part in one of my future novels.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
Not to write one book to death. Write one and move on.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
That I don’t have to be good at everything as much as I want to be.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
It all depends on the definition of success. But if you want to write and publish I                         
would say:
1) Study the craft. And by that I mean really study it and to do that you have to know                            where to start. Buy a book like James Scott Bell’s, Plot and Structure.
2) Practice, practice, practice. Just practice opening story ideas. Make them unusual.
3) Attend a conference and network.

Tell us about the featured book.
I love this book. Of course I like all my books but I think because this is the last in the series I have a special appreciation for it. I call it my Indiana Jones novel. It’s based in part on the legend of the Holy Lance, the lance that the Roman soldier used to pierce the side of Christ to be certain he was dead. The Bible doesn’t go into detail about this but it’s been very interesting to research and see why there is so much interest and speculation about this lance. Today, to the best of my knowledge based on extensive research, Austria, The Vatican, and Armenia believe they have pieces of the original Lance of Longinus or The Spear of Destiny as it is also known. Hitler was obsessed with the lance and there are thoughts that it resides in Antarctica

The novel centers around the youngest of Lord Ravensmoore sisters, Mercy who wants to be a doctor like her big brother, but in the time of the regency that is an impossibility, or is it? J She meets Vincent St. Lyons who is returning from a secret quest for the Prince Regent. Unfortunately for Mercy she’s washed up on the shore of Northumberland.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Chapter 1
Appearances are often deceiving.
Aesop
Northumberland, England, Spring 1819
Mercy Grayson gulped for air as another cold wave battered her, pulled her under, and scraped
her along the coast floor. She propelled her way to the surface, kicking and climbing through the water. God, help me get to shore. I have nothing left.

Sand scraped through her fingers, and then she tumbled with another wave away from it. Again and again she stroked through the water, hoping to reach solid ground. She gasped for air, silently prayed for courage, and choked as her mouth and throat filled with saltwater. The brightness of the sun inspired hope, and she pushed on, unwilling to let the sea win.

Sand from the coast floor squished between her toes. Her knees buckled when she tried to stand, and she splashed face first back into the water. Finally she gained a wobbly stance and forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. She’d made it. Looking heavenward, she simply whispered, “Thank You.” Once onto the beach she fell to her knees. Tears stung her eyes as she vomited seawater. Coughing and sputtering, she dragged herself farther onto the sand.

Weary to the bone, she didn’t care if anyone found her wearing trousers instead of a gown. She closed her eyes and vomited again. Vaguely it occurred to her that the trousers, her physician’s attire, had saved her life, along with the prayers God had seen fit to answer. Lying limp, she had only enough energy to kiss the wet sand in gratitude before falling into an exhausted sleep.

An annoying brush of twigs drummed against her check.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Twitter @JillKentAuthor
And I’m very proud to coordinate and write The Well Writer Column for Christian Fiction Online Magazine. http://www.christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/

Thank you, Jill for sharing this with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Mystery of the Heart (The Ravensmoore Chronicles)


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

34 comments:

pol said...

Lena thanks for introducing us to Jillian and her book. What a wonderful family thank you Jillian for sharing your heart in many ways, your girls sound like "the apple that does not fall far from the tree". I am anxious to read this story of yours and would appreciate being in the drawing.
Happy New Year
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a reader from Ga

Amy C said...

This honestly sounds like a read for me. Thank you so much for introducing Jillian to us today.
Amy C
VA

mongupp said...

i like the sound of this book!

monica, Ontario

collettakay said...

I'd love to win this book. I've already read the first book in the series and have the rest on my wishlist.

Colletta from PA

Diana Flowers said...

I read and reviewed the first one on our blog, have the second one on my Kindle, and would love to win this one! Thank you for the opportunity!

dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

Diana from SC

Unknown said...

Lena...another fantastic interview with a new to me author. i just love how you do it! Thanks, Jillian. My 86 year young mom lives with me, and has inspired me so much the last 5 months as she has recovered from an intestine infarcture. i would love to win.

marianne from northern Alberta

mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

Breanna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hannah said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I would really love to win!
Hannah P
CA

ASC Book Reviews said...

WOW!!!! I MUST enter for this! It sounds SO good! and I love the way you write Jillian!

Amada, NM

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Everyone and a Happy New Year to you all!
Paula, thank you for the kind words.

Amy and Monica-glad you're interested in this novel. And be aware that although this is the last book in a three book series that each one can be read as a stand alone novel.

Enjoy your weekend!
Jillian

Norma S said...

Hi Jillian,
Thank you Lena for bringing us such
great authors as well as yourself.Also thank you for giving me a chance to win your book. It is so good to have such great christian writers.It good you and your husband both are social workers,it good that one of your daughter is headed in the same direction.I like it that your mom and other daughter lives with you. Why do you call your book your Indiana Jones novel. God bless you.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio

Jasmine A. said...

Looks like an interesting book, love the cover!
Jasmine A.
In Montana

Patty said...

I don't think I have ever read anything by Jillian. Thanks for the intro to another author. Sounds like an interesting read.

Patty in SC

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sound like it would be a good book, thank you for hosting this giveaway.

Wendy from FL

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Katie said...

This sounds wonderful! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Sparks of Ember said...

Sounds fascinating!

Kat from SD!

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Colletta. I grew up in Western Pa. I'm so glad to hear you read Secrets of the Heart.

Diana, I'm so glad you have Chameleon on your Kindle. I think you'll like it. And thanks again for helping me kick start Secrets of the Heart.

Hi Marianne,
We have to take care of our moms. My mom's lived with us for a few years now. She's got a great sense of humor. Hope your mom is doing well.

Breanna,
Don't be a stranger. Hop on over to my blog and read the first chapters of all three books. :) I should have mentioned that to everyone. The research for this book kept me busy. I found some very weird things out there while researching this novel.

Hannah, thanks for your interest.

Amada, love that name. Very different. So glad you like my writing style.

Jillian Kent said...

Norma,
Thank you for your kind comments. You asked, "Why do you call your book your Indiana Jones novel." That's a question I wondered if someone would ask. :) If you've watched either of my favorites of the Indiana Jones movies you'll know that the first one, Raiders of the Lost Ark is about the search for the Ark of the Covenant. The third movie is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and is about the search for the Holy Grail. At the end of both films we find out a little bit about Indiana's faith issues.

I love exploring such things and thus the search for The Holy Lance and the possible power it contains along with Vincent St. Lyons and Mercy Greyson's faith issues makes this novel and adventure I'd love to see made into film.

Sorry I got so long winded but I'm really excited about this books release. Hope that helped and didn't confuse you.

Lourdes said...

Great interview, I am looking forward to reading this book.

Lourdes from Long Island, NY

Mary Preston said...

I just know that I'm going to love reading MYSTERY OF THE HEART. It looks fabulous.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

I would love to win,Enter me!!
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.

Jillian Kent said...

Happy Sunday Everyone!
Jasmine, Patty, Wendy, Katie, Lady Saotome, Lourdes, Mary P and Sarah.

Thanks so much for your interest in this book. I hope you all get a chance to read it. I wish I could give everyone a novel. But if you don't win here, keep an eye out on my blog this week, Goodreads, and Google it now and then this month and you'll find other opportunities to win as well.

I love seeing where you all come from. From Montana to Australia! Wow! It really has become a small world. :)

Shopgirl said...

I love mysteries and this looks great! I'm in MN.

Linda Cacaci said...

I read the first two books and loved them. Please enter me in the drawing. I am in Florida.
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com

Lyndie Blevins said...

Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins

Duncanville, Texas


Lena - we missed you yesterday.....

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Jillian Kent said...

Hi there Veronica. You won't be disappointed if you read it. :)

Linda, so glad you liked the first two books. This ones lots of fun and very interesting if I do say so myself.

Lyndie and Sharon you're in the mix.

sharon m said...

Thanks for the introduction to Jillian Kent. Love to meet new authors and love to win free books also! Thanks for the opportunity. Sharon, San Diego

Diana Montgomery said...

Would love a chance to win! Thanks sounds really good.
joeym11@frontier.com

tickmenot said...

Your comments about the publishing world really make me think.

This is an exciting story line, I really want to know what happens next!

Blessings from Kansas City.

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Diane and Tickmenot,
Glad you have an interest in this storyline. Remember you can read the first chapters of all my books on my website or Amazon, etc.
Have fun!
Jill

Merry said...

I've never heard about the Holy Lance, so Mystery of the Heart sounds very intriguing. Add me please!
Merry
TX

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Merry,
You are added. It's all very fascinating. Have a great day.

Abby Burton said...


i am always excited to read new authors especially that are regency inspired. I can not wait to read this story.
Abby
MI