Tuesday, October 07, 2014

WATERCOLOR DREAMS - Sherry Kyle - One Free Book

Welcome back, Sherry. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
Hi Lena, thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today. Yes, God has been doing powerful things in my writing life, including the release of Watercolor Dreams. I write in three different genres—middle grade, contemporary women’s fiction (with romance and a hint of mystery) and historical romance—and I hope and pray God continues to open (and yes, close) doors so I know exactly what He wants me to write.

I so agree with you on that. Tell us a little about your family.
I have been blessed with a wonderful family! I’m married to my college sweetheart for twenty-six years and have four amazing children ages 15 to 21. (I still can’t believe my oldest is an adult!) He commutes to college, and is studying Human Communications. I love that he still lives at home because he enjoys vacuuming. (Maybe not as much as I love that he vacuums). Our next oldest is a sophomore at a university in southern California. My nineteen-year-old is studying to be a teacher like her dad. It’s her second year away, and I miss her every day! (Hey, that rhymed!) My seventeen-year-old son is a senior at our local high school and can’t wait to graduate! We’re waiting for God to reveal the next step in his life. Please, Lord, tell us soon! He loves to cook, eat, and makes dinner when he doesn’t like what I have planned. (I know his tricks). Our youngest is a sophomore in high school. Her two favorite classes are photography and weight training. She is one artistic, strong girl! There are also two furry creatures in our house—Sophie, our ten-year-old English Labrador, and Bandit, our six-year-old Chihuahua Terrier mix. I’d love to say they are the best of friends, but like most siblings they tolerate each other.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?
I find I usually read books in the genres I write, and I read less when I’m writing my own story.

What are you working on right now?
I just completed revising a historical romance I wrote back in 2010, and am putting the finishing touches on a contemporary novel. I also have middle grade fiction in the works.

What outside interests do you have?
I love to take walks along the ocean and decorate my home. We purchased our most recent home a couple of years ago and have since remodeled the kitchen and master bath. I like to look on www.houzz.com for decorating ideas. My most recent one is to add a reclaimed wood accent wall in our family room. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Yes, it would. How do you choose your settings for each book?
I write novels set in California and so far have stuck close to home. My debut contemporary novel, Delivered with Love, is set in the quaint coastal town of Capitola while The Heart Stone, another contemporary story, is set in Santa Cruz. For Watercolor Dreams, my first historical romance, the setting was decided for me the day I discovered July 9th, my husband and my anniversary date (minus seventy-eight years), is also a special day in the history of Carmel.

Cool. When my first book came out in 1992, my first booksigning was in Carmel. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Jane Austen. Yes, I’m a total romantic and love English accents. J I’d love to share a meal with Jane (yes, we’re on a first name basis) and talk about writing, her books (doesn’t everyone love Emma, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility?), and how to infuse humor into a story.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
Once you start writing novels, you won’t be able to stop! Yes, writing a novel is hard work, but the characters become so real to you that you’ll want to see their story to the end. And when you do type “The End” there will be a mourning period, like you’re saying goodbye to old friends.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
God is teaching me that He’s in charge of my writing, not me, especially now during my book’s release. I have a lot of fears despite the positive reviews. I’m clinging to Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
1. Continue to learn the writing craft. Buy at least one or two new how-to books a year ... and don’t forget to read them. Ha!
2. Go to writing conferences to soak in as much knowledge as you can, and network with other authors and people in the industry.
3. Pray before you write. God will help you put the words on the page … or screen.

Tell us about the featured book.
Watercolor Dreams is a historical romance set in Carmel-by-the-Sea about a female watercolor artist who is given six months to sell her work before her father expects her to return to San Francisco and marry his business partner. What Anna doesn’t count on is falling for the male novelist she sketches into one of her paintings.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, 1910
With each stroke of her paintbrush, Anna Lewis’s heart soared. The watercolor painting of Carmel’s white sandy beach and gently rolling Pacific Ocean would surely give her recognition. The wind blew a lock of hair across her face as she sat on the wood bench next to a cypress tree, her easel before her. She tucked the wispy strand behind her ear, pushed up her leg-o’-mutton sleeves, and dipped her brush into the cerulean blue, adding a few touches to the paper. Horse’s hooves clip-clopped behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. A buggy passed on the narrow street, driving by the quaint bungalows bordering the shoreline.

A man strode up the beach, his hands deep in his trouser pockets and his hat pushed low on his forehead. Anna brought the pointed end of the brush to her mouth and watched him tread near the water’s edge with long, determined steps. She adjusted her wide-brimmed hat and squinted for a better look. From the way the man walked, he must be mulling over something important. He stopped and faced the ocean. The waves crashed against the shore, the water rushing close to his feet. His lone figure added a touch of poignancy to the landscape and beckoned to be part of her painting.

But before she had a chance to paint his form, he turned and walked up the beach toward her. His brows were furrowed and his lips pressed together in a firm line. And yet even with this worried expression, he was a most handsome man.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
Readers can find me at these links:
If we can’t meet in person, I hope to connect in cyberspace!

Blessings!

Sherry

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

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Watercolor Dreams - Amazon.com
Watercolor Dreams - 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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

44 comments:

Cindy W. said...

I would love to win a copy of Watercolor Dreams. Thank you for the chance.

I live in Indiana.

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel ;)

karenk....from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Melanie Backus said...

Watercolor Dreams sounds like a must read. Carmel is such a quaint place...I would love to revisit it through these pages.

Melanie Backus, TX

Diana Gardner said...

Portsmouth, VA

Deanna Stevens said...

This would be a great Winter read :)
dkstevensne (at) outlook .com
dkstevens from NEBR

Sherry Kyle said...

Hey Cindy W.

I've never been to Indiana. What do you like best about your state?

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Karenk,

Thanks for joining in. :) I hope you read Watercolor Dreams. I'd love to know what you think!

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Melanie,

Thank you! Sounds like you've been to Carmel. When were you there? My husband and my favorite place to stay is The Cobblestone Inn. What about you?

Sherry Kyle said...

HI Dianna and Deanna!

If you have cold winters, then this read will definitely warm you up, although fog does roll in in Carmel. :) I hope you enjoy Watercolor Dreams.

Rebecca said...

This is a new author to me, thanks for the chance to read her work.
Oregon

Patty said...

Sherry sounds like a busy lady! Would love to win Watervolor Dreams... My Mom is an artist and I know it's not easy to get your name out there.

Patty in SC

Sherry Kyle said...

Hey Rebecca,

You live not far from me. Have you ever been to Carmel? If not, you need to visit. Of course, you can always read Watercolor Dreams and get a taste of the quaint beach town. :)

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Patty,

Your mom is an artist? That's great. What does she paint? I'd love her opinion about Watercolor Dreams.

Sherry Kyle said...

Yours too, Patty! :)

Amy C said...

I just discovered this book on another blog and sounds fantastic!
I enjoyed this interview as well.
Amy C
VA

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great story! I'd love to win a copy. Thanks!
J.C. -Indiana-

Sherry Kyle said...

Hey Amy,

Yes, I'm on a few blogs today. :) Glad you found me here as well. Lena is a wonderful hostess.

Sherry Kyle said...

Thanks, J.C. I hope you enjoy Watercolor Dreams!

A J Hawke said...

Love the title, Watercolor dreams, and the opportunity at a book giveaway.

A J Hawke
Texas

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi A J Hawke,

You have a very interesting name. Perfect for a writer! I'm glad you love the title. I'm happy that my editor liked it too. As you know, it's not often a publisher keeps the original.

Caryl Kane said...

Wonderful interview with Sherry! "Watercolor Dreams" sounds like a fantastic journey! Can't wait to read it.

psalm103and138"AT"gmail"DOT"com

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Sherry, I have an aunt who lives on the Monterrey Peninsula. We've visited her there, so we love Carmel By the Sea.

Bonnie Roof said...

Thanks for the interesting interview, Sherry and Lena!!

I love the story-line of "Watercolor Dreams" and would love to read it!!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Caryl,

Watercolor Dreams was a fun book to write! Hope you enjoy it. :)

Sherry Kyle said...

Lena,

That's so great to have an aunt living in Monterey! It's so gorgeous there. It's not far from where I live, so we visit often. In fact, my husband and I often go to Carmel for our anniversary.

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Bonnie,

Nice to see you here. :) I've never been to Kentucky, but I have a writer friend who lives there. Hope you get a chance to read Watercolor Dreams and let me know how you like it.

Mary Preston said...

This sounds lovely. Beautiful cover.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Unknown said...

I have been hearing a lot of wonderful things about this book, and Lena, this post clinches it. I. WANT. THIS. BOOK. Thanks for featuring it, and for the chance to win
Marianne
Alberta

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Mary,

Thank you for the compliment on my cover! HopeSprings Books did a wonderful job capturing the white sandy beach of Carmel. Hope you enjoy!

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Marianne,

Your comment made me smile. :) Please let me know what you think of Watercolor Dreams. Hope you enjoy it!

Patsy said...

I have not read any books by Sherry so I'm looking forward to reading this one. Love the interview about Sherry's family. (Aminals are so funny)

From MS
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

sm said...

I enjoy visiting around California. We live in San Diego and often go up the coast. Carmel, the setting for Watercolor Dreams, is a gorgeous place with the Carmel Mission, and the scenic drives. I'd love to read your book. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

kam110476 said...

Watercolor Dreams sounds very sweet and romantic! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Patsy,

It's so nice to meet you. I can tell you're a dog lover like I am! What pets do you have?

Hope you get a chance to read Watercolor Dreams.

Blessings!

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi sm,

I'm glad you've been to Carmel, so you know how quaint this beach town it is. A setting can be a character in the story, and I feel it is in Watercolor Dreams. Thanks for joining the conversation.

Sherry Kyle said...

HI Kristen,

I'm glad Watercolor Dreams sounds sweet and romantic to you. :) In fact, sweet is one of the words readers have described the book on Goodreads. :)

Unknown said...

Watercolor Dreams looks amazing! Love the cover!!

Sierra
Indiana

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Sierra,

Thank you for the compliment on the cover! I love it too. :) Hope you're able to read Watercolor Dreams.

Sherry Kyle said...

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for entering!

Anonymous said...

Anna sounds like an interesting and talented character. I love the book cover and would love to read this story.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

rubynreba said...

I've never been to Carmel but it sounds so beautiful! Love to read this!
Beth from IA

Merry said...

Carmel and watercolor, both so beautiful! Please add me, this sounds like a great story.
Merry in MN

Amanda T said...

Thanks for the chance to win this novel.
Amanda T. from Michigan