THE FACE OF THE EARTH - Deborah Raney - One Free Book on This Blog Plus Much More

Bio: Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including A Nest of Sparrows and the RITA award winning Beneath a Southern Sky and its sequel, After the Rains. Deborah's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, Playing by Heart, was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, Yesterday's Embers, appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas.

It's a great pleasure to welcome my friend Deborah Raney back to the blog. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?

I’ve been writing women’s fiction with a strong romantic thread since the very beginning of my career almost 20 years ago. I’ve added some mild suspense and mystery elements to a few of my books, but I think my stories will always key on relationships. It’s what I find most fascinating in life.

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?

I teach at five or six writers conferences every year, and I love it! This year I’ll be teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, Oklahoma City Writers Conference, Dallas/Fort Worth Ready Writers, Oregon Christian Writers Winter Conference, and then next spring I’ll be teaching again at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference near San Jose, CA.

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?      

The panel topic would be “Secrets to Being a Great Writer” and the panelists would be Athol Dickson, Robert Elmer, Liz Curtis Higgs, Angela Hunt, Susan Meissner, Randy Singer, and Ann Tatlock.

How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?

Because I’m such an extrovert, I find involvement in writers organizations to be a huge boon. Not only do I learn so much about the craft of writing and the publishing industry, as well as finding encouragement and inspiration from the other writers involved, my hunger for friendship and conversation is fed, so that I can bear the lonely hours with only my laptop and my characters for company.

I know what you mean. Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?

We just moved to the “big” city from a small town, and are still in the process of finding a new church, but at our former church, I co-led a book club called Novel Chicks, volunteered at the homeless shelter, and took part in a marriage mentoring program. In fact, my husband and I enjoyed that connection so much that we are still mentoring a young married couple from our former church. We’ve led the youth group and taught Sunday School classes in the past as well.

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?

1. My mom, who passed on her love of reading and words to me, and is a wonderful mentor to me in my Christian walk.

2. My husband, who has been the most wonderful support and cheerleader in my career that I could ever have hoped for (and a great father to our children).

3. My dad, who has been such a wonderful example of what a Christian father, husband, and grandfather should be.

4. My mother-in-law who is an amazing, strong, selfless woman. I admire her so much.

5. My sisters and brother who have been dear friends since childhood, and continue to love and support and encourage me every step of the way.

6. Sorry, but I couldn’t end this list without mentioning my kids, who in truth, have probably had the biggest impact on my life of any people I know! Being a mom was my dream job, and I would not be who I am today were it not for our four amazing kids.

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?

The same as the inscription on my sister’s gravestone (Kim was killed in a car accident in 1979 as a newlywed of only 3 months.) “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

Tell us about the featured book.

When Mitchell's wife, Jill, kisses him goodbye, he has no idea that he may never see her again. When she doesn't return and the police can't find her, Mitch asks his neighbor, Shelley, for help. As weeks turn into months, Mitch and Shelley grow closer and Mitch wonders how can he honor his vows to a woman who may never come home.

Please share the first page with us.

Friday, September 3

Mitchell Brannon fastened his seatbelt and navigated his Saturn through the Sylvia High School parking lot. "Good riddance," he muttered, tossing a look over his shoulder at the rundown brick school building. Most of the time he loved his job, but this school year had gotten off to a rocky start and, today anyway, he would hand over his principal's "badge" in a heartbeat.

Too bad the weather had taken a turn that felt more like Christmas than Labor Day. He flipped on the wipers and waited for them to whisk away the dusting of frost that had collected on the windshield. At least the roads didn't seem slick.

He hoped Jill hadn't hit any weather on her way home from Kansas City today. But as much as his wife hated driving on icy roads, from their phone call last night he knew she was ready to be home. He stopped at the entrance to the street, dug his cell phone from his pocket, and punched in her number.

It went straight to voice mail. She was probably in that dead zone around Oak Ridge. That or she forgot to charge her phone. "Hey, you," he said, when the beep sounded. "Just wondering where you are. Give me a call so I know when to start the steaks."

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.deborahraney.com

https://twitter.com/authordebraney

https://www.facebook.com/deborah.raney

http://novelgarden.blogspot.com/

Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}

   One winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
• The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the "The Face of the Earth" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Face of the Earth and join Deborah on the evening of May 30th 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 30th!

Thank you, Deb, for sharing your life and this book with us today.

Readers, here is a link to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Face of the Earth: A Novel


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