Wednesday, September 18, 2013

THE PROMISE - Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley - One Free Book

Bio: Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 9 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts. He’s won 2 Selah Awards, 3 Carol Awards, and twice his books have been finalists for RT Book’s Inspirational Book of the Year. Now he’s writing a 4-book fiction series with Gary Smalley. Book 2, The Promise, released on Sept 1st. Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes fulltime. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and live in Port Orange, FL. 

Welcome, Dan. It was wonderful to see you at the ACFW Conference this past weekend. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?
Since we’re talking about Book 2 of a series, the first person I should mention is Gary Smalley, who contributed the source material I used (along with Dr. John Trent) when writing The Promise. They wrote an amazing book called The Blessing, which sold two million copies. Gary also gave many helpful suggestions along the way. Next, would be my wife Cindi. She reads every chapter after I write it and gives me great advice, especially ensuring the parts involving women ring true. And finally, my editor for all my books with Revell, Andrea Doering. She has final say on everything before the book goes to press.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?
I do speak and teach occasionally. I think I would enjoy doing even more. The only two things confirmed on the calendar right now are the Florida Christian Writers Conference in April, and the Oregon Christian Writers Conference next August. I’ll be teaching fiction workshops there and sharing the keynote messages with Allan Arnold.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?
Maybe Charleston, SC, as long as Cindi would be there with me. It’s simply our favorite town in the country. We’ve visited Charleston more times than I can count. But I’d have to have a lot more money in this fantasy, because we’d have to live in the historic district to be happy there.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?
I know the idea being self-published has become a far more favorable thing than in years past, and a few authors have even become huge bestsellers taking this route. But don’t be fooled into thinking you can take shortcuts with the quality of your writing or your storytelling skills. You should hone your craft until you write well enough to be picked up by a traditional publisher, even if you take the self-publishing path.

That is excellent advice. You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])
I guess I’d ask Michael Buble and his band to do the music, because it’s fun to listen to and husbands and wives could dance to it, too. I’d try to sign up a couple of really funny and clean comedians, because I love to laugh. And I’d hire Gary Sinise to put together some kind of play, because he is one of my favorite actors. 

I would recommend Michael Junior as one of the comedians. He’s a Christian and very funny. He’s also nationally known. Tell us about the featured book.
It’s called, The Promise. I wanted to call it, The Broken Portrait. If you read it, I think you’ll agree that’s a much better title for the book. It’s getting great reviews, thankfully, so I guess that doesn’t really matter. My friend and author, Martha Rogers, just emailed me her review of the book today. She does a great job of summarizing the story.

“In The Promise, Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley give us the continuing story of the Anderson family. The main plot revolves around the son, Tom and his wife Jean, who are having much the same problems as Jim and Marilyn in The Dance. Where the first book began with how the problems were resolved, this book dives deeper into the pain that is produced by deceit and non-communication in a marriage. The reader also gets to see how Jim and Marilyn Anderson from the first book are carrying out what they’ve learned, and I loved seeing Italy through their eyes. Jim realizes what his previous behavior has produced in his son, and sets about to remedy it. The story wraps up in a beautiful way I won’t divulge. These are characters with whom the reader can relate.  In fact, I became so involved with their lives I wanted to give them some advice of my own.”

Please give us the first page of the book.
Tom Anderson would point to the events of this day as the time his master plan began to unravel. Like many of his flawed schemes, this one, too, seemed like a good idea at the time. Tom wasn’t quite twenty-seven years old but felt as if he’d already made enough bad decisions to last a lifetime. He was glad his folks were on their second honeymoon in Italy; he didn’t want his father to ever here about the mess he’d made of things.

It all started to fall apart when the glass door of the Coffee Shoppe flew open and a young man in a black hoodie came in.

Tom was sitting pretty close to the front doors. He always did; it was his table. It had an outlet nearby for his laptop. Normally, he didn’t pay attention to people coming through the door, but he couldn’t help but notice this guy. The hoodie caught his eye. It was the end of April in central Florida, already hot enough to make you wonder if they’d be skipping spring this year and jumping right into summer.

Everyone else in the café wore short sleeves, including Tom. Most wore sandals and flip-flops too. He glanced over his shoulder at the kid, now standing in line. An elderly man was at the counter in front of him, placing his order. The kid’s head swiveled on his shoulders, his eyes scanning the room. Taking in the customers first, then the exit, then the cashier. Back to the exit, then another look at the customers. On this second pass, he looked right at Tom for a moment.

Tom knew then something bad was about to happen. 

Okay, I’m so glad that book has arrived at my house. I must know what happens next. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
The best way is probably from my website: http://danwalshbooks.com . On my homepage buttons you can click to link up with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I also blog weekly with two of my good writing friends, Jim Rubart, and Harry Kraus at http://3menwalkintoablog.com.

Oh, I love reading all three of the male authors. Thank you, Dan, for again gracing my blog.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Promise - Christianbook.com
Promise, The: A Novel (The Restoration Series) - Amazon.com
Promise, The (The Restoration Series Book #2): 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

26 comments:

Britney Adams said...

I can't wait to find out what happens next! Thank you for sharing this interview and the opportunity to win THE PROMISE.

Britney Adams, TX

koalasue45 said...

Looking forward to getting lost in this book with the characters. Sue Tobias Hookerton, NC

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I am a public librarian in KY and I discovered Dan's books a few years ago. I am always eager to add them to our collection and I am always eager to read them! The promise sounds like another excellent read and I would love to win this copy! Thanks for the opportunity and continued best wishes!
Connie Saunders

pol said...

Dan Walsh is one of my fav authors to read, glad to see ya here today sharing about yourself and your work with Lena and the fans.
I would love to win this one to read and review as have not read yet...
I am a big Ga fan
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

Dan Walsh said...

Thanks for stopping in. I'll be checking in all day. If anyone has other questions besides those in the interview, feel free to ask.

Unknown said...

I just have started reading the dance and it is a very good book and I can not wait to read the promise!

Unknown said...

I so love the books by Dan Walsh! The first page he gave in the interview leaves me craving for more! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. I wish Dan many, many sells on all his books and looking forward to more books by him! I am from SouthEast Ohio

Dan Walsh said...

Thanks Rita. I have another one coming out in April called What Follows After. This one is a standalone, not part of the series with Gary. But we've already finished Book 3.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the interview. I have never read one of your books Dan, but you definitely have my interest now.
Tonja from Virginia

Bonnie Traher said...

Bonnie Traher West Nanticoke,Pa Would love to win The Promise

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to read this book!!! Loved the first one!!

rmhulse78 at yahoo dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Melanie Backus said...

Great interview with Dan Walsh and The Promise sounds like an absolute must read. The you for the chance to win.

Melanie Backus, TX

Mama Cat said...

I would love to win this, and see how the families change and grow in Christ! Jeanie in Phoenix, AZ

Unknown said...

i would love to win this give away it sounds so good
Shirley B jcisforme@aol.com

Melissa M. said...

Sounds good! Please enter me in the contest.

-Melissa M. from TX

Unknown said...

Enjoyed the wonderful interview. Book sounds like a fantastic book. Thank you for sharing a giveaway and please enter my name.

Barbara Thompson in Louisiana

barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Judy Cooper said...

I have not read any of Dan's books but I certainly plan to fin d The Dance and would love to win The Promise. However, I will put the two on my list to read. Thank you for the chance to enter. Judy C. in Louisiana.

rubynreba said...

Enjoyed the interview. The Promise looks like a book I would enjoy.
Beth from Iowa

Emma said...

great interview! The Promise sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.

Sarah Rebekah Richmond said...

Enter me!
Sarah
N.C.

bonton said...

Sounds like an exciting book - I haven't read any books by Dan, & would love to read this one!

Thanks, Dan, & Lena, for the opportunity to win a copy of Dan's book!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky

Judy said...

I have the Book, The Dance, so I would love to win the book, The Promise!

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

Kristie said...

I love Dan Walsh's books. They really touch my heart. This one sounds like another winner! Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me this book looks great!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

Merry said...

The Promise sounds like a great story with take away blessings!
Merry in MN