DRIFTWOOD TIDES - Gina Holmes - One Free Book

Welcome, Gina. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I grew up reading Stephen King and so I thought that was the kind of stuff I should be writing. My first few (unpublished) novels were in that genre. Then, I began to discover more literary writing (like Charles Martin, Lisa Samson, etc) and I absolutely fell in love with books all over again. I tried my hand there, and at last I was offered a publishing contract. I’m so glad that God held me back with those early books because I believe I’m writing what I was meant to write. If I’d have gotten published back when I was writing suspense, that would be the genre I’d have to continue with and it’s no longer my passion. It’s taken me awhile to come to terms with the fact that I had a unique childhood and that the rough stuff I’ve been through can speak healing and hope over others.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

It would definitely be the day I gave birth for the first time. Holding my firstborn son overwhelmed me when I realized that God loved me even more than I loved this child.

How has being published changed your life?

Before I was published I kept hearing from other authors that being published wouldn’t validate me. It certainly didn’t validate my life, but it changed how others viewed me. Life as a “bestselling” author seems like it would bring riches, fame and glamour and it’s really just the opposite. I make far more money working a regular job with a steady paycheck. With writing, the job can be twenty-four seven. If I’m not writing, then I’m working on publicity, doing interviews, mailing out books and postcards. It’s a lot harder work than I thought it would be. People do take me a little more serious and I get a little more respect when others read my work. When I was still in the process of trying to get published, I think a lot of people thought it was just a pipedream and I was deluding myself.

What are you reading right now?

I forever have a self-help book going at the same time as a craft book (Currently Writing for Story), the Bible and at least one novel. I’m reading Jessica Dotta’s Mark of Distinction at the moment. She’s an incredible writer.

What is your current work in progress?

I currently am under contract for 3 more novels with Tyndale. I’m in the early stages of a coming home story. Because I’m still in the discovery stage of the story, I have to hold that close and be a little secretive. Chances are if I told you what it was about now, the final book would look nothing like what I imagine it will at this stage.

What would be your dream vacation?

I would be in a RV with my husband and children, maybe traveling across the country to see Montana or the Grand Canyon.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m originally from New Jersey and moved to the South close to 20 years ago. I love the south. Everything about it. I tend to set my stories there because I have to spend a lot of time in my head there so it may as well be somewhere I like. I love the beach, specifically the Outer Banks so I’ve set a few stories there. I love nature and the mountains, so my writing descriptions tend to come more alive to me when I can smell the forest so to speak.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I’m not much for idealizing celebrities. They’re just people. While one name doesn’t come to mind, picking the brain of someone fresh off a mission trip or someone who is accomplishing great things for the Kingdom of God is what turns on my heart and mind.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love walking along the river, hiking, and camping. My very favorite things to do are hang out watching something like Deadliest Catch with my husband, or laying in bed on a Saturday morning with my boys, laughing and talking, or talking to my best friend or Mom and sisters on the phone.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

On more than one occasion I’ve had to write through a bout of depression. During those times, each word was pure drudgery to get down. It’s like trying to redecorate a house when you’re suffering with some debilitating disease that makes you bone-tired, with a hundred pound backpack on, wading through Vaseline, when you couldn’t care less about the stupid house.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Talent is a great start, but it’s only a start. Teachability and perseverance are what matter the most though. It’s most likely going to be a long road with lots of rejection along the way. Get yourself to a writers conference, get in a critique group, read great books and lots of them, read every craft book you can get your hands on and don’t give up.

Tell us about the featured book.

He made himself an island until something unexpected washed ashore.

When Holton lost his wife, Adele, in a freak accident, he shut himself off from the world, living a life of seclusion, making drifwood sculptures and drowning his pain in gin. Until twenty-three-year-old Libby knocks on his door, asking for a job and claiming to be a friend of his late wife. When he discovers Libby is actually his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge, his life is turned upside down as he struggles to accept that the wife he’d given saint status to was not the woman he thought he knew.

Together Holton and Libby form an unlikely bond as the two struggle to learn the identity of Libby’s father and the truth about Adele, themselves, and each other.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

The pillow pushed against Holton Creary’s nose forcing him to turn for air. His eyes fluttered, opening just enough to take in the first blush of morning light. Realizing he had at least another hour of solid sleep, he smiled in contentment.

Flipping toward her side of the bed, he reached out to pull her hip against him. The warmth of his wife’s familiar body molded against his was a ritual as old as their marriage. Instead of landing on her hip, his hand thudded against the mattress jolting him awake. Lifting his head, he listened for her pattering about their small house, but heard only Rufus snoring from his spot on the floor.

Their small house was full of the smell of freshly brewed coffee ... but not her. He peered out the front window not surprised to see her standing with her back to him watching the sunrise from the beach they called a front yard. She still wore her nightgown with his old cardigan serving as her bathrobe. The breeze made the nightgown cling to her legs, which filled him with a momentary possessiveness. If any man should happen to walk by at the moment, the sight of her would stop him in his tracks.

That was the downside of marrying a beautiful woman—he wasn’t the only man with appreciative eyes. He climbed down the stairs leading to the beach and quietly sidled behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, causing her to jump and turn her head in surprise. A warm smile replaced her startled expression. “You’re up early,” she said.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.ginaholmes.com

https://www.facebook.com/authorginaholmes

Thank you, Gina, for sharing this new book with us. I can't wait to read it.

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Driftwood Tides - Christianbook.com
Driftwood Tides - Amazon
Driftwood Tides - Kindle

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