HIDDEN - Vannetta Chapman - One Free Book

Welcome back, Vannetta. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was 10 years old, and we were members of a small town Baptist church. There was an altar call every Sunday morning, and I remember needing to make that walk to the front, but being terrified. Later that day at home, I told my mother and daddy. They called over the youth director and we talked and prayed and I asked Jesus into my heart. I wanted to go back up to the church THAT DAY and be baptized. I had to wait a week, and that seemed like an impossibly long time. My two sisters, my brother, and I were all baptized on the same day. It’s one of my most treasured memories.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Alive or dead? I’ll choose a combination of both – C.S. Lewis because he was such a trailblazer in our mission. Ted Dekker because he showed the world that Christian writers can make a terrific impact. Shelley Shephard Gray because she’s such a sweet spirit and will remember to bring me chocolate. And finally, Janette Oake because I grew up reading all of her books.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Yes! I love speaking to groups. I have spoken to quilt clubs about Amish quilting and the desire to bring simplicity to our Christian walk. I’ve also taught quite a bit of writing classes—on everything from “Adding Mystery to your Manuscript” to “Working with Agents and Editors.” I taught high school and college for 15 years, so I miss that aspect of my life. Speaking to groups is something that allows me to connect to others in a very special way.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

It’s hard to pick one, as I’m a bit distracted at times so I tend to do things like leave the house with my shirt on inside out. One of the most embarrassing moments was at our local Walmart. I was looking down to find something in my purse and ran my cart right into one of those large concrete pillars. It hurt and it was embarrassing!

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

People do tell me this. I think many of us have an urge to share our story. What I tell them is that there are many ways to do this—perhaps you want to type up your story and share it with family members, or perhaps you want to seek publication. Everyone’s road is different and all writing has its own value.

Tell us about the featured book.

Hidden is the story of Dana Jacobs—who SEEMS to have it all together, but in fact is held back in her personal and spiritual life by events in her past. Faith is something she stopped having as a small child. Now Ben Marshall is in her life—a steady, calming, faithful presence, and she doesn’t know what to do with him. When they become deeply involved in a case that threatens both their town and their lives, Dana must decide if she’s going to let her past define her. She must decide whether she’s going to live in fear or live by faith. It’s a fun, suspenseful story that focuses on God’s grace and love for us. 

Please give us the first page of the book.

Livingston, Texas, Fall, 1990

Dana Jacobs tried to scream, but no sound came. A small hand slipped into hers and pulled her away from the violence playing before her like an interminable, looping video. She turned and looked into the terror-filled eyes of her sister. Erin tugged again, pleading silently. A ragged, brown teddy bear hung from her other hand, nearly forgotten.

Dana scooped up the three-year-old, mindful that the bear found its way into her arms as well. She backed away from the cries of her mother and fled into the night.

They went into the woods, far enough away to escape the sounds and sights of the house. At ten years old, Dana outweighed her sister by nearly forty pounds, but her fear made her weak.

She prayed as she stumbled along the path.

The tall, old pine finally loomed in front of them. She placed Erin on the ground beside it.

“I have to go back,” she whispered, even as she worked to unclasp the grip Erin had on her neck. “You’re okay. You have Snooky. I have to go help Mama.”

She pushed the bear into her sister’s hands.

The smell of him reached her before his words—the unmistakable stench of liquor and sweat.

“And how do you plan to help her?”

She drew herself up to her full four-foot height and turned in the darkness to face her father.

I can’t wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://vannettachapman.com

https://twitter.com/VannettaChapman

https://www.facebook.com/VannettaChapmanBooks

http://vannettachapman.com/blog/

Thank you, Vannetta, for sharing your new book with me and my readers.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hidden (Jacobs Family Series) (Volume 1) - paperback
Hidden (Jacobs Family Series Book 1) - Kindle

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