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Monday, May 06, 2013

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?
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}!
It-happened-at-the-fair-giveaway300

  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 todayTell 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.

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

31 comments:

  1. I've read and enjoyed several of Deeanne's books. It's always fun to start a new series!

    Patty in SC

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  3. I'm excited to read this one. KS

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  4. Anonymous10:59 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Bonnie Jean (FL)

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  5. Being from Chicago, I'd love to read a book set there
    cheryl in IL

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  6. Anonymous1:42 PM

    I would love to read this one.

    Katie J. from Florida

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  7. I'd love to give this book a try!
    Heidi, CA

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  8. I have It Happened at the Fair on my want to read list. Please enter my name into the drawing.

    Thank you,

    Tammi in Maine

    dandtdearing{at}earthlink{dot}net

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  9. My son has a profound hearing loss, so my lip reading is actually quite good. Very interesting. I look forward to reading IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR.

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  10. I would so love to win a copy of "It Happened at the Fair". Sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for the chance to win.

    I live in Indiana.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  11. I am looking forward to reading this one. Love the interview.
    Amy C
    VA

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  12. I love the cover of this book!!!

    Stephanie
    Binghamton, NY

    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  13. Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
    Lyndie Blevins
    Duncanville, Tx

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  14. It Happened at the Fair sounds intriguing, I'd love to be included in the drawing. Thanks!
    Merry in MN

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  15. love her books thanks for chance to win

    live in ND

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  16. Enter me!
    Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!
    Sarah
    N.C.

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  17. I love Deeanne's Books!

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  18. Ohhh I LOVE the sound of this one! I hope to win it :) I'm from NC.

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  19. Looks Great!!! Please enter me!
    Thanks!
    Abigail
    Blanch, N.C.

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  20. Would love to win.

    Lourdes in Dix Hills NY

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  21. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.
    Tennessee

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  22. thanks for the chance to read this wonderful story :)

    karenk...from PA
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  23. Anonymous1:27 PM

    Please enter me in this contest. Looks like a fun book.
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen@yahoo.com
    Texas

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  24. Thanks for the interview, Lena. Always a pleasure! And thanks for all your wonderful comments and encouragement, girls!

    Hugs, Deeanne

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  25. Great interview! I've had the pleasure of meeting Deeanne in person. She's awesome! Look forward to reading her new book!

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  26. Another book that I really want, I love Deeanne's books!

    Wendy from FL

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  27. I'd enjoy the setting of Chicago.
    Beth from IA

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  28. Sharon Richmond10:23 AM

    Enter me!!
    Sharon Richmond
    Blanch,NC.
    sharonruth126@gmail.com

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  29. sharon m7:51 PM

    Historical fiction about a World's Fair is new to me and I would love to win and read this book. sharon, ca

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  30. I'd love to win this! I'm in MN.

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  31. Jorie8:33 PM

    Ms. Gist,

    I am so very thankful that despite being quite ill last week, I had a brief reprieve and was able to tune into your Booktalk Nation interview!! You made my year by answering my questions, and I *loved!* being able to learn the backstory on this novel, "It Happened At The Fair" inasmuch as getting a glimpse into your writing process and learning a bit more about you in general. It's always nice to meet an author, and I liked how Booktalk brings a book tour right to where we are verse having to travel! :) It's a lovely gesture!

    I'd be keen to win this book! Thank you for offering the bookaway! And, I hope it includes the novella, as I still need to check to see if my Wal-Mart has that edition! Thanks for the tip!

    inkand-blogaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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