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Friday, January 10, 2014

THE DANCING MASTER - Julie Klassen - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Welcome back, Julie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
Thanks. I have just gone through a very busy period (writing my longest book in the shortest time). When I finish up edits for it, I’ll need to take a deep breath, rest a bit, and spend some time seeking God to learn where He would have me go from here.

Tell us a little about your family.
My husband and I have two teenaged sons and a cat. I am the only female in a houseful of men (even the cat is male). We enjoy watching movies, camping, traveling, and playing board games together.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
Yes, I read a lot more nonfiction than I ever thought I would—research books about life in 19th century England mostly. I find it fascinating, though I miss having more time to read fiction for pleasure.

What are you working on right now?
I am racing toward my deadline for my next Regency-era novel called The Secret of Pembrooke Park, coming out from Bethany House late in 2014.

What outside interests do you have?
Between my family, church activities, and writing, I don’t have a lot of time for other interests. I do enjoy ballroom dancing and travel, and my husband and I hope to do more of each when the kids are older.

How do you choose your settings for each book?
Either from places I’ve visited in England, or places I’ve read about during my research and would enjoy visiting one day—I love looking at old maps and village web sites, and dreaming about returning to England one day soon.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
If we’re ruling out Jesus, I suppose I might say Jane Austen. I’d like to ask her what she thinks about her enduring popularity and all the sequels and movies based on her novels. I think she’d be astounded, and perhaps a little chagrined.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
Good question! Lots of things. Here’s one: Organize your research now, because even though you don’t think you’ll need to find these pesky facts and dates again—you will!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
Again, many things. Things like seeking His approval more than the world’s. I’m also learning a lot about the fruit of the spirit and living a life controlled by the spirit in a Bible study I’m currently involved in, Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
I don’t consider myself an expert, by any means, but a few things I would recommend are:
1. Less input; more output.
2. Come up with a premise people want to read and write the most engaging book you can; don’t focus on the numbers.
3. Don’t read your own reviews. It’ll either give you a big head or crush your spirit. Again, focus on writing the best book you can.

Tell us about the featured book.
In The Dancing Master, dance teacher Alec Valcourt is forced to leave his London academy and move his mother and sister to remote Devonshire. There he hopes to start again, but when he arrives, he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing for reasons buried deep in her past. Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch’s daughter, and the two join forces to uncover old secrets, and restore life to the village.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
May 1, 1815
Beaworthy, Devonshire, England

We observed the first of May as we always did. We dressed somberly and rode in the black barouche from Buckleigh Manor into Beaworthy. It was tradition, my mother said.

But I knew she had another reason for visiting the village on that particular day. Lady Amelia Midwinter wanted to make her presence known—make sure no one dared forget.

We drove first to the flower shop and bought two bouquets—lily of the valley and forget-me-nots.

From there our coachman, Isaacs, halted on the corner of High Street and Green, as he knew to do without being told.

The young groom helped my mother alight. She turned to look back at me, but I ignored her, sullenly remaining in the carriage. This was her tradition, not mine.

She crossed the street and laid one bouquet before the market hall—that center of trade on an island of green amid the cobbled High Street. The place where he died.

Forget-me-nots. Never forget.

She returned to the carriage, though we did not immediately depart. We sat for a few minutes in silence, waiting for the church bells to ring at midday.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at www.julieklassen.com, or on my Facebook page, Author Julie Klassen. 

Best-selling author Julie Klassen will be hosting a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a live webcast event (1/23) to celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Dancing Master. Enter and RSVP today!

dancingmaster-400
 
  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 23rd. Winner will be announced at the "All Things Jane (from Austen to Eyre)" Live Webcast Event on January 23rd. Connect with Julie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Julie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, Jane Austen DVDs, fun "Jane" merchandise, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Dancing Master and join Julie and friends on the evening of January 23rd 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 by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!


Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book and the information about your live webcast.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Dancing Master  - Christianbook.com
The Dancing Master - 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.

30 comments:

  1. Lis K8:29 AM

    I love Regency fiction and Julie Klassen's books! The Tutor's Daughter was one of my favorite books last year. I look forward to reading this one. Thanks for the giveaway~

    Lis K from Virginia
    garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  2. I REALLY want to read this book. Hopefully I will sooner than later.
    Amy C
    VA

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  3. I enjoy Julie's books. I just finished "The Tutor's Daughter" and it was awesome. I can hardly wait to read this one! I live in VA.
    Norma Downing

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  4. This sounds like a really interesting one! from NY

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  5. I have never read any of your books but I think they look awesome and I think would give me a chance to finally read one of your books!!!
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway and God Bless!!!
    N.C.

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  6. I enjoyed learning more about Julie Klassen and would love to win a copy of THE DANCING MASTER!

    Britney Adams, TX

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  7. I have Julie Klassen's other books, but not this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of her newest book.

    Lydia M from NC

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  8. Anonymous5:34 PM

    would love to win. Angela in Ky

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  9. Like Julie Klassen's books and The Dance Master sounds very good. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  10. Anonymous8:55 PM

    I love the book cover This sounds like a great book to read this winter.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann in NY

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  11. I would love The Dancing Master and I loved learning about Julie. Thank you, Lena.

    Melanie Backus, TX

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  12. What a fantastic story line!!

    Mary P

    QLD AUSTRALIA

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  13. The cover is perfect for the description and first page. You can see the attitude in her eyes. I would love to read The Dancing Master and look forward to the webcast event on the 23rd. Jan H in Blackwell TX fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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  14. Anonymous5:45 AM

    Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to read this one!

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  15. Just love Julie's books!! I always feel like I'm watching a BBC movie - one of my favorite things to do! ;-) I've been looking forward to The Dancing Master's release! Maybe I'll win a copy...and I won't have to wait to get it for my birthday!

    Stephanie
    Binghamton, NY

    mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

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  16. Denise H.6:20 AM

    For some reason it shows me as anonymous, so I'll try it again. Can't wait to read this one!! :) I love Julie Klassen's books.

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  17. I love Julia's book and am so anxious to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
    I live in GA.

    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  18. Anonymous10:23 AM

    Have been anxiously awaiting this book, would love to have it. My name is Kimberly and I live in Oregon.

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  19. I always enjoy Julie's books. This is one on my TBR list. From upstate New York...
    cllyrics (at) gmail (dot) com

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  20. I LOVE Julie's books! Thanks for the chance to win one!

    Jean K
    West Palm Beach, FL

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  21. Hi, Lena and Julie. I, too, read "The Tutor's Daughter" and blogged about how thoroughly I enjoyed the experience very recently. I can wait to read "The Dancing Master."

    Sybil in GA

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  22. Pam K.6:18 PM

    I read Julie's book, The Tutor's Daughter, and really enjoyed it. Her other books are on my want-to-read list. The Dancing Master sounds like another great book. Thanks for this interview with Julie and the chance to win her new book.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
    Kansas

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  23. Lovely interview! I have read great things about the book - it's on my "want" list.
    MI
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

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  24. Anonymous1:53 AM

    My sister has read most of your books and she, my younger sister, and I all want to read this one.
    -Indiana-

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  25. Absolutely love this books cover. I haven't read any of Julie's books, but this one sounds interesting.
    Tonja in Virginia

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  26. Haven't read any of Julie's books, and would love to read "The Dancing Master"! Have heard SO many wonderful comments about it - thanks, Lena, for the review, and thanks, Julie, for the opportunity to win a copy of your book!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Ky.

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  27. I've read and enjoyed each of Julie's previous books. Looking forward to this one to!

    Patty in SC

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  28. I've been looking forward to the release of this book since finishing The Tutor's Daughter. I'm a big fan of Regency romance, and I've yet to find a better author than Julie! She has a great way of setting a good story while giving historical facts. I learn something new with every book. Thanks for the interview!

    Breanna from Indiana

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  29. Looks Awesome!!! Please enter me!

    Blanch, N.C.

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  30. I love the cover of this book and would love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.

    I live in INDIANA.

    Smiles,
    Cindy W.

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