A PROMISE MADE - Norma Downing - One Free Book

Welcome, Norma. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think I probably write more of people I know into my characters than myself, but I’m sure a little of myself turns up in the characters.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I have dairy goats, and if I need to transport them I put them in a dog crate in the back of my pickup truck. I get a look of strange looks, and an occasional smile from people.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always had an active imagination, but I guess it was probably in high school when I started to write. I don’t think I discovered I was a “writer” for several years after that though.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I like fiction. I mostly read historical romance and contemporary romance, but I will occasionally read a fantasy type story. As long as it has a good captivating story I will read it.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m not sure that I have. J I try to keep my focus on what is most important, and not get caught up in the frantic pace of the world.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I just choose name that I like, or that I think will fit the character.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of the four daughters that I have been blessed with. I homeschooled them, and they have become lovely, Godly women. I can’t take the credit though; it was all by God’s grace.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I would probably be a horse. I have always liked horses, and I think it would be awesome to be able to run like a horse.

What is your favorite food?

Steak with egg and goat cheese. I saw the recipe on a cooking show and it is really delicious.

I really like most goat cheeses. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I think that having the confidence to put my work out there for other people to read was a great obstacle. I was protective of my stories and I didn’t want them to be judged and found lacking. My husband is my greatest encourager and he helped me to see that the stories needed to be read by others.

That’s a good husband you have. Tell us about the featured book.

After her parents are killed in a wagon accident, Emily Wallace feels as if she is all alone on the farm in Kansas. She discovers Drew Harris, her father’s right hand man who has been like an older brother to her for ten years, has made a promise to her dying father to find her a Godly husband. It becomes apparent they have feelings for each other. Even though she feels she is ready for this, Emily needs to mature and seek God’s will before she can have a relationship. Drew must overcome issues from his past before he can feel he is the man Emily’s father had in mind. Will they both come to realize they need to look to God for guidance and direction if they wish to have a future together?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Kansas 1899

Life had changed in an instant. Everything she knew and took comfort from had been either taken away and been replaced with a crushing sense of sadness or had been altered in some way. Emily Wallace sank into the rocking chair by the fireplace. She placed her hands on the armrests and then glanced down at the wood beneath her fingers. It was almost strange to feel the smooth, hard oak. It seemed so concrete after the surreal events of the past few days, and especially the last several hours. The grief and anguish felt almost like a physical pressure. She leaned back against the chair and stared at the cold, empty fireplace with unseeing eyes. The emptiness in the area of her heart seemed ready to consume her. Strangely, her eyes remained dry. Could someone use up all their tears and be unable to shed anymore?

She could hear voices in the room but she couldn’t focus on exactly what they were saying. They said someone must be nearing exhaustion and should be put to bed. Were they talking about her? A pair of strong arms was placed beneath her legs and behind her back, and they gently lifted her out of the chair. Her arms wrapped about the neck of this careful guardian. As she breathed in, the thought Drew came to her mind as his masculine scent filled her nostrils. She felt the soft bed beneath her and, she heard, “Sleep well, Emmie,” whispered in her ear. A wisp of a kiss touched the top of her head.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I am on facebook, twitter, and I have a blog.

www.Facebook.com/AuthorNormaDowning

www.Twitter.com/Promisewriter

http://Normadowning.wordpress.com

Thank you, Norma, for sharing your book with us.


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A Promise Made - Amazon

Christian Book Store

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