IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR - Deeanne Gist - One Free Book on This Blog Plus Much More

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Right now we have plans for one book a year from now through 2015. In the meanwhile, I am trying to take things one step at a time, one day at a time. Every morning I ask for my daily bread. That’s far enough ahead for me. :-) 

Tell us a little about your family.

We have four grown children who are in the workplace and out on their own: a graphic designer, a web designer, an interior designer and a musician. My husband (a true jock) simply shakes his head and says, “All that athleticism wasted on the liberal arts.” LOL. We also have been blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law and son-in-law. No grandbabies yet, though!

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

The biggest change is I can’t pleasure read when I’m writing the first draft. I’m too much of a sponge and my cowboy starts saying things like, “The devil, you say.” Nope. No can do.

What are you working on right now?

Readers can actually get a sneak peek at the two main characters in next year’s book by downloading an electronic short story, Tempest in the White City. It’s about Hunter Scott who is one of the elite. An 1893 Chicago World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character and ability to serve and protect. When he is overcome with debilitating abdominal pain, he stumbles to an infirmary only to discover the doctor is female. Female. But even worse, she has the nerve to diagnose him, the toughest man west of anyplace east, with constipation—an unspeakable ailment in mixed company. The two of them face off in the short story and my 2014 release will tell their full story.

I’ve already downloaded that story and read it. I loved it. Can’t wait to get to know those two characters better. What outside interests do you have?

Other than reading, I love to scrapbook, stamp, do puzzles and go to anyplace that has water—lakes, beaches, rivers, whatever.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I have always been fascinated with intriguing little historical tidbits I would find in those historical time-line books or in an article somewhere.  In this case, however, I chose the Chicago World’s Fair because it has always held a fascination for me. When I finished It Happened at the Fair, I wasn’t quite ready to let go of the setting, so the next two books will have a connection—some small, some big—to the Fair.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

I’ve always wanted to be on that walk on the road to Emmaus that Jesus took after His resurrection. He was with those two guys and He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures, from Moses to the Prophets, concerning Himself. I’m so envious of those guys. Boy, would I love to have heard that conversation!!

I’m with you on that. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I wish I’d realized that the best thing I can do with my working hours is to write a really, really good book and let the rest take care of itself.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To focus on Him and not to worry about what tomorrow will (or won’t) bring.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Finish the book.

Finish the book.

Finish the book.

No, seriously. Finish the book. They can also: Join a critique group. Join a writing organization. Read how-to books. Enter contests. And … when they finish the first manuscript, start on the next one. J

Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.

Our hero, Cayden McNamara, travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention, but the noise in the Fair’s Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

He becomes distracted watching her lips and finds his attraction for her growing with each encounter. This isn’t good because not only does he have big plans for his future, but he has a girl back home. Della Wentworth could ruin everything.

I’ve read the book and loved it, but please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.

Cullen’s eyes swelled to mere slits, his roughened cheeks itched, and a sharp line separated the raw skin on his neck from the skin protected by his shirt. It had happened every planting season for his entire twenty-seven years, and it would happen for the next.

He yanked off his gloves, shirt, and undershirt, worked the pump, then stuck his entire head beneath the water. The icy stream stung and soothed all at the same time. He dare not dither though. Those cotton seeds rode on the breeze and any exposed skin would begin to itch within a day’s time.

Rearing up, he combed his fingers through his hair. Water drizzled down his back, mingling with the sweat collecting between his shoulder blades. The hinges on the backdoor screen squeaked. His stepmother clomped out, her plump body listing with the weight of the pail she toted.

“Are you ready to throw that out, Alice?”

She nodded, dirty water sloshing over the sides of the bucket. “I’ve got it,” she said. “You get on inside. You know better than to be out here without a shirt on.”

“A few more minutes won’t hurt.” Taking it from her, he retraced his steps, tossed the pail’s contents, and pumped fresh water into it.

She stood at the door, her back holding the screen open. Her auburn bun sagged, as streaked with muted white as a song sparrow’s wing. “Come on,” she said. “Ya look a fright.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook--@DeesFriends

Twitter--@DeeanneGist

Pinterest--@DeeanneGist

IWantHerBook.com


Deeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!

  One "fair" winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 21st. Winner will be announced at the "It Happened at the Fair" Live Webcast Event on May 22nd. Connect with Deeanne for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deeanne will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

Thank you, Deeanne, for sharing this new book and your party with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

It Happened at the Fair: A Novel - paperback
It Happened at the Fair: A Novel - 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.

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