Friday, February 21, 2014

RYAN'S FATHER - June Foster - One Free Book

Welcome back, June. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?
I've written about overcoming anger, obesity, low self esteem, the subtle deception of cults, and abortion. I believe my favorite theme is who we are in Christ. My characters are often weighed down by the pressures of life and frequently feel like giving up until they embrace the Word and God's power. In Ryan's Father, Ryan believes he's trapped in a lifestyle he hates. But he learns that the old Ryan died to sin and was buried with Christ and a new Ryan now lives. Only then is he able to escape his past. 

What other books of yours are coming out soon?
I have three books for which I'm seeking publication. For All Eternity—a story of a young man steeped in a back-breaking cult, Red and the Wolf—a modern day rendition of Little Red Riding Hood, and Misty Hollow, a romance set in the Smoky Mountains. By May 2014, I pray one or all will see publication.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?
This is such a difficult question because there're so many. But I suppose I'd have to say Jeanette Oke. I'm enchanted by her Love Comes Softly series. I'd love to ask how she felt the call to write, how story ideas come to her, how she gets to know her characters, and much more. Maybe in one evening, some of her talent would rub off on me. I'm joking, but I would like to know her thoughts about how God has used her.

I did get to meet her at one ACFW national conference, and I was in one picture with her. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?
I'd have to say the apostle Paul. I would love to ask him how he penned all those books in the New Testament. How did it feel to be the hand of God writing His word down for future generations? Did he have any idea how modern history would evolve? How did he remain so humble? Well, now that I think of it, I might get the chance to talk with him one day.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?
I would tell them to continue to hone their craft. Read books on writing, join a critique group with experienced authors, and write, write, write.

Many published authors receive rejections as well. I certainly do. The publishing industry can be brutal. Learn what you can from each rejection. Then file that slip away in a drawer and keep on working. God has His own timing.

We've all been there. One multi-published author who's won a Carol award told me she received over a hundred rejections before her first novel was published. Don't take rejection personally. Keep on going.

Yes, we all get rejections. Tell us about the featured book.
Ryan's Father is my fifth book to be published. The story deals with a sensitive subject—more so than my other four novels. I don't know of any other fictional books out there which deal with homosexuality from a Christian worldview. I expect to receive criticism from those opposed to my point of view. But I'm not afraid to take a stand because the story encompasses the truths of God's word.  Here's a blurb.

Ryan Reid is a first-grade teacher and a Christian with a heart for neglected kids, but a chance encounter during an earthquake with Sandy Arrington, a beautiful young nurse, rocks Ryan’s carefully guarded world and unearths the secret he has held deep in his heart. Though Sandy falls in love with him, Ryan’s forbidden affections lie elsewhere, and he must depend on the Lord to see him through a battle he always hoped he’d never have to face.

Please give us the first page of the book.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin. Romans 6:6

The walls at Starbucks groaned and crunched. The cardboard cup of steaming coffee flew from Ryan's hand and spilled onto the tile. His body swayed as his foot slid out from under him on the undulating floor. He caught himself against a chair.

"What's happening?" A scream behind him split the air. "Help me."

He spun toward the woman's cries.

She tottered in the center of the room, eyes round and mouth wide. Her hands gripped her pale face.

Sympathy sifted through his own fear.

"Take cover, everybody," the barista yelled from the coffee bar. The strong smell of espresso filled the room.

"Quick. Under here." Ryan grabbed the panicked young woman's arm and pulled her beneath a wobbling table. "Hold on to one of the legs."

"Please don't let me die." The slender dark-haired woman's face contorted as she sobbed beside him on the floor.

Ryan's normal sense of calm abandoned him. Fear gripped his emotions. He sucked in a breath. Would they survive or be crushed by the walls caving in upon them?

Wow. Can’t wait to read the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?
https://www.facebook.com/authorjunefoster

Thank you, June, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Ryan's Father - Amazon
Ryan's Father - Kindle

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11 comments:

mongupp said...

I loooove June's books!
Monica, Ontario

Linda Kish said...

I'd like to see how this is dealt with.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Judy said...

Ryan's Father sounds like a book I most certainly would like to read. I have a gay brother and I would love to see how this subject is dealt with in this book.

Blessings!
Judy B from Indiana

sm said...

So glad to see a Christian author tackle the homosexuality issue! Want to win and read your book. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary Preston said...

A delicate subject matter indeed. but not one that should be shied away from.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Jackie Tessnair said...

I would love to read this book and see how it is dealt with.Sounds interesting.Jackie Tessnair N.C.

Rhonda's Doings said...

I don't think I've had the privilege of reading any of June's books. This is certainly a deeply controversial topic to write about. Sounds very interesting! Rhonda from VA

June Foster said...

Thanks to all of you who made comments on Lena's blog and thank you Lena, for having me again.

My husband and I were on the road to Florida yesterday and I didn't have access to my computer so I'm a day late.

Yes, Ryan's Father addresses a controversial subject but I think we as Christians aren't immune to these kind of problems. I've had so many people tell me they're hearts are breaking because someone in their family is gay.

I've already had one "review" on Amazon from a gay activists. I actually expected more but maybe more is coming.

I pray that Ryan's Father will minister to some and bring hope.

In Christ, June

Mama Cat said...

Good interview! June, I would love to see Paul one day - we will get to meet him! I would like to see how this subject is handled in a Christ-honoring way, since it is currently in such debate in Arizona. I am in Phoenix.

sm said...

I think Ryan's Father will be very interesting. Because it is controversial, it should make a good book club choice, as long as the moderator can control the discussion! sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me!!!
Thanks!

Blanch, N.C.