Janette Oke:
Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry,
Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than
30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives
with her husband, Edward, in Alberta , Canada .
Laurel Oke Logan,
is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as
well as the novel Dana's Valley,
which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and
two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis ,
Indiana .
Tell us how much of yourself you write
into your characters.
Janette – Nothing specifically or intentionally. However, I’m sure there is far more of ‘me’
than I realize. My basic faith and
worldview are bound to show.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever
done?
Janette – not much into ‘quirky’ or it was so long ago I have
forgotten it. Although in my seventies I
have gone zip-lining and white water rafting.
Both very enjoyable.
When did you first discover that you were
a writer?
Janette – I don’t remember a time when I didn’t like to tell a
story
Tell us the range of the kinds of books
you enjoy reading.
Janette – both fiction and non-fiction. Historical, contemporary, devotional,
classics, mysteries – but I do like a take-away value, something uplifting
rather than dark. I do not like
offensive scenes or language.
How do you keep your sanity in our run,
run, run world?
Janette – have a little visit with family. Make good friends with whom you can relax.
Listen to quieting music. Take a walk in the woods. Work in the flower beds.
(Not all at the same time!!!)
How do you choose your characters’ names?
Janette – Either very common – or extremely rare or constructed
personally for that character. I do
often refer to name books for ideas.
What is the accomplishment that you are
most proud of?
Janette – Our four children and the great parents they are to our
fifteen grandchildren. In the book world
– which I assume is what is meant by your question – the Evangelical Christian
Publishers Association Presidents Award received in 1992 and the Christian
Booksellers Association Life Impact Award received in 1999. My greatest privilege has been to share my
faith through the pages of a book. I
have found that where I fail as a writer, God can supply through the work of
the Holy Spirit so that ministry does take place.
If you were an animal, which one would
you be, and why?
Janette – When our oldest was very young he used to say, “I wish I
was a horse. I’d like to be a horse.”
Though I love horses, dogs, cats – many animals, I have never wished to
be one. If I had to choose… nothing
vicious. Perhaps a chickadee. My dad always fed the chickadees at his bird
feeders – such sweet, homey little birds – with such a satisfying, satisfied
song.
What is your favorite food?
Janette - cheesecake
I love cheesecake and chocolate, too. And
chocolate cheesecake is awesome. What is the problem with writing that was your
greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Janette – Time. Just do
it!!!
Tell us about the featured book.
Where Courage Calls. A coming of age story about Beth
Thatcher who was raised in an affluent home where she was doted on and
protected to the point of feeling a bit confined and smothered, who travels
West to a small, grieving mining town to teach the children. For the first time in her life Beth sees
people with problems and genuine needs.
Being compassionate by nature she wishes to plunge in – to take over –
to fix things. (Welcome to the real
world, Beth!) How will she respond? Oh
yes, she also meets some possible suitors.
How would she sort that out?
Please give us the first page of the
book.
The entire first
floor of the large stone house had become a hive of swarming bodies. With glasses of pink lemonade in hand and
dressed to the nines in long gowns, beaded shifts, and formal tuxedos, the
guests bumbled out from the formal drawing room onto the wide veranda in
clusters of three or four, buzzing with fresh gossip as they went. As Beth pushed through the crowd it seemed
that everyone who was anyone in Toronto
society had arrived in high energy, boisterous greetings, arms reaching for
polite hugs, and hands presenting unnecessary going away gifts. Father’s more-than-ample home was quickly
becoming stifling, though every window was thrown wide. But there was not a whisper of a breeze to
lift the overpowering scent of Mother’s lavish floral bouquets on this
late-summer night.
For one with a
gentle spirit and acute sensitivity, it was overwhelming. Beth felt she would smother if she were not
allowed some space – some quiet, some fresh air – if only for a few minutes,
until she was able to calm her heartbeat and ease the pulsing in her
temples. If only she could slip away.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
I do not have an internet site for readers. I welcome letters from readers in care of
Bethany House Publishers, Janette and Laurel are celebrating with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on March 4th.
One winner will receive:
- iPad Mini
- Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan
- When Calls the Heart DVD
So grab your copy of Where Courage Calls and join Janette and Laurel on the evening of March 4th 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 clicking JOIN on the event page. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Where Courage Calls - Christianbook.comWhere Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel - Amazon
Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart 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
22 comments:
Where Courage Calls sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books and watching the
movies.Have a wonderful week.PA.
I have long enjoyed the writings of Janette Oak. I look forward to reading Where Courage Calls.
All of her books have blessed me as a reader. I love the values presented and the spiritual based concept of the story lines. I am sure this book by Jeanette And Laurel will be a great read to
Thank you from Ohio
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Janette Oke books are just wonderful. The faith and loved involved in each of her books make them such beautiful reads. Now, with her daughter, I know Where Courage Calls will be fantastic! Thank you, Lena, for sharing this lovely post and and giveaway.
Melanie Backus, Tx
I would love to read this book.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a fan of the current When Calls the Heart on TV.
North Carolina
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com
How wonderful to meet you both today.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I've been a fan for a long time!!! enjoying the Hallmark series too. Rhonda Gayle from VA
I would love to win this book. Angela from KY
I'm so thrilled to have a chance to win Where Courage Calls! I know I'll be buying one, but would love to win one for another die-hard Janette Oke fan!M!
Marianne
Arizona
Would love to read this book!
From Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
What a lovely interview! I am so excited for the opportunity to win a copy of WHERE COURAGE CALLS! I know it will be wonderful! Thank you so much!!
Britney Adams, TX
Janette was one of my earliest introductions to Christian fiction as a teenager. It's been years since I read anything by her...
Patty in SC
How exciting to write a book with a family member! It was wasn't it? So looking forward to this adventure.
Donna, TX
I think I have read almost all of Janette Oke's books and have loved them all. I would love to win a copy of this one. It looks great.
Susan
Texas
I do enjoy Janette Oke's books. Our church library has shelves of them. Love to win this one written with your daughter. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
I told myself I wouldn't watch the "When Calls the Heart" tv show until I read the books, but I got sucked in! From what I can tell, the tv show isn't following the original books anyway, so I guess I'm alright. =) Thanks for the chance to win!
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
Oops, forgot to say that I'm from Hawaii!
I love Janette Oke. She is one of the first Christian writers that I started collecting. I think it is wonderful that they both share a love of writing. I would love to win a copy of Where Courage Calls. Jan H in Texas fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond Bryant
Conway,SC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
I would love to read Where Courage Calls
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
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