Welcome, Ward. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
The San Francisco Bay Area pastor, John Cain, along with
members of his family and congregation, plays a role, although not always the
main role, in each of my novels, including my most recent, Redeeming Grace. Having
my been a pastor in the Bay Area for twenty-three years, I suppose there is
some of me in John McCain. He is mostly a composite of real life and imagination.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Mmm. Does sitting at a freeway crossroads with suitcases
packed and flipping a coin to see which direction we would go (north or south)
for our vacation qualify?
Or maybe kneeling by the side of a busy highway, watching an
ant attempt to cross without getting run over? We were on a family bicycle ride
from San Francisco to Mexico at the time. The ant finally
made it. So did we.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
While a young man in my first church, I wrote an article for
a minister's magazine. To my amazement, it was accepted and published and I got
a check in the mail! I think I received six dollars. I was sure then that I was
a writer! However, when it came to book manuscripts, there were more rejections
than checks. Once the writer's taste of rejection set in, I began having my doubts.
I was attempting nonfiction, but without success. It was years later, at a
writers conference, that I submitted a few pages for review and asked if they
thought I could write a story. I was encouraged me to go home and write
"the great novel." The next year I returned with a story synopsis and
sample chapters. Two editors expressed interest and one offered a contract. And
so began my writing career as a novelist.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I'm often asked about my habits and what I read. One word
best fits my reading habits. Eclectic. First thing every morning, I deliver
coffee to our bedroom and we begin our day reading the Bible and offering first
prayers. Then we read portions from our "out loud books." Most
recently, Richard Rohr's The Naked Now
and Interior Castle
by Teresa of Avila .
Since today I continue writing fiction as well as
nonfiction, I read fiction popular and otherwise, usually just before retiring
in the late evening. I find it relaxing and is one of the ways that I am able
to study the writing styles and story telling techniques of others.I also read
religious classics, leadership, aging and generational genres. You can find a
recent reading list On my blog site.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
It's not easy. I travel more than I wish at times with
speaking engagements. When at home with Dixie ,
it is by the fireplace in the winter or on the deck in the summertime. Reading helps. The Internet,
not so much. Long walks help. Long airplane rides, not so much. Early morning
quiet time by myself.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Actually, I pray about them. I think about them over time,
hoping to get them right, hoping to choose a name that helps define the
character, whether good or bad. One of my main continuing characters is pastor
John Cain. He was named John because it is a strong name, and because the Apostle
John is my favorite Bible character. Cain was chosen to subliminally remind the
reader that pastors have their earthy human nature with which to deal like
everyone else. I go to the Scriptures for names. I search ethnic name lists on
the Internet. Sometimes I choose the name of a family member. The 12-year-old
heroine, Jessica, in my novel, Vanished,
is the also the name of one of our granddaughters.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
It's more my wife's accomplishment than mine, but still
being happily married to the love of my life. That is the greatest.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I had no idea how to answer this so I asked a friend. He
said, "a panther." I asked, why a panther? "Because you move
quietly, but strike quickly." Still thinking about that.
What is your favorite
food?
Mexican or Asian.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
A lack of confidence in my own ability. I overcame by
continuing to write. I know that may be much too simple an answer, but this is
not rocket science. Unless you are one of the chosen few who are naturally
gifted, keeping on keeping on is the way you become a writer. Church bulletins.
News features. Writers groups (although I've never been a part of one). This is
the way most of us learn how to write well.
When I was on a
church staff, I wrote and designed the bulletins and newsletters. Tell us about
the featured book?
I began writing Redeeming Grace under a different
title fifteen years ago. It was rejected. Several times. I put it away. About a
year ago, I brought it forward again. The story pieces were scattered all over
my computer files. I still believed in it, however, so I decided to bring all
the pieces together to complete the story, even if God and I were the only ones
to ever read it. It's the first novel I've ever written end to end without a
contract. Upon completion, I mentioned the project to a small group of business
leaders who meet regularly in my home. They asked if they could pray about it.
Two weeks later, my agent contacted me to say a publisher's acquisition team
had approved it for publication. Beginning of story. And, no, you can't have
the names and addresses of the guys in my group. Get your own.
I have put together a
prayer team for my writing. It’s made everything easier. Please give us the
first page of the book.
She dropped to her knees, oblivious to the shards of glass
scattered about in the dark shadows. Each second passed like the chimes of a clock
on the hour.
Unhurried. Sonorous. Deliberate. Adagio.
She stared down at her best friend, crumpled grotesquely on
the flagstone terrace. Reaching out, she pressed trembling fingers against BJ’s
throat.
No response. Nothing.
BJ’s deep, round eyes, always dancing with fun and laughter—everything
in life, a party—stared back at her now.
Interrupted. Empty. Lost. Caesura.
Gone.
Beyond her touch.
Death sliced through the sultry night, like an arrow tipped
with ice, plunging deep into her soul. Taking her breath away.
She could feel it.
She just couldn’t stop it!
Her mind refused to accept whatever was next. There was no
next.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
For more information or to follow my “A Further Journey”
blog, visit www.wardtanneberg.com. Also
Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.For speaking engagements or information about
The CASA Network, write to:
ward@wardtanneberg.com
or ward@gocasa.org.Thank you, Ward, for sharing your life and story with us today.
Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Redeeming Grace
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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, 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
13 comments:
Lena..YOU ROCK! This is another great sounding novel. Thanks for the chance to win. Loved the excerpt. Thanks Ward. I know I will love it!
Marianne in Arizona
mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom
I love getting to know about current 'male' authors. Thanks.
Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins
Duncanville, tx
REDEEMING GRACE by Ward Tanneberg sounds like an exciting book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Tennessee
I have not read any of your books Ward,but i love to try new authors. This book "Redeeming Grace," sounds like a great book, can't wait to read it. Ward and Lena great interview and i love the cover. God bless you both.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio
I can't imagine the freedom of flipping a coin to decide the direction of your vacation. I'm a planner.
A great interview thank you.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
"Redeeming Grace" sounds like an exciting suspense story. I'd love to read it. Thanks for interviewing Ward and offering a copy of his book!
Nancee in Michigan
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I would love to win,Enter me!!!
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!!
Sarah Richmond
N.C.
I would love to win and read this book. I interview authors and review books on my blog too. http://juanitanobles.blogspot.com
My email is mjnobles(at)charter(dot)com.
Juanita Nobles, a misplaced Texan living in a small town near St. Louis
Redeeming Grace looks like a book I would really enjoy.
Beth from Iowa
Thanks for entering me in your book giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
I have read two books by Ward Tanneberg (October's Child & September Strike), which I loved, so I am excited about this book! Very riveting reading.
-Melissa from TX
We have his books in the church library.
I would love to win this one to add to our collection.
Thanks!
Janet E.
Florida
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
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