Thursday, December 04, 2014

BETRAYED HEARTS - Susan Anne Mason - One Free Book

Welcome, Susan. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
That’s a tough one. I don’t consciously write myself into my characters, but I’m sure some of my personality leaks through. One thing I do try to include, though, is the message of God’s love and forgiveness.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I live a pretty boring life. I can’t think of anything quirky. Oh, I just remembered something. My grandmother passed away when she was 96 and 4 years later on her 100th birthday, I had an impromptu celebration at the cemetery, complete with helium balloons!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I started writing my first book with encouragement from my Grade 6 teacher, and finished it in my teens. I received my first rejection in high school and then stopped writing. University, marriage, and children took over for the next 20+ years! I rediscovered my love of writing again sometime after my 40th birthday, and it took about 10 years to finally get published. A winding road to be sure!

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I enjoy romance of almost any kind: contemporary, historical, inspirational, and sweet.  I do read some secular romances as well, but my favorite authors are Julie Lessman, Becky Wade, Laura Frantz, Jody Hedlund, and Katie Ganshert.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Writing is my sanity. If I haven’t had to time to write in a while, I find myself getting very grumpy. LOL.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I usually pick first names I love and pair them with a last name that I think sounds good. Sometimes for inspiration I read the obituaries in the paper. A little morbid, but you get great story ideas there, too!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Raising two great kids. And making it to almost 30 years of marriage. A huge accomplishment these days!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Definitely a cat. We have 2 in our house, and they lead the loveliest lives. Eating, sleeping and getting fussed over!

What is your favorite food?
I would have to say pizza—with chocolate coming in a close second.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Learning to plot a story from beginning to end was a huge issue for me. I started as a seat-of-the-pantser but partway through the book, I’d have a hot mess on my hands. Now I’ve learned to plot the big events from beginning to end, along with the major twists and turns, and this helps me write more cohesively.

Tell us about the featured book.
Betrayed Hearts is the story of Lily Draper, a girl who has had a rough childhood and a rocky road to adulthood. At the beginning of the book, she has reached the lowest point in her life. The discovery that she may have a biological sister who her adoptive parents didn’t tell her about leads her to Rainbow Falls, North Dakota, to find her. The last thing Lily expects is to meet an aspiring minister who makes her question everything she believes about herself.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Prologue
The click of the door echoed as loud as a gunshot through the silent house. Lily Draper’s heart battled to escape her chest. She pressed her back against the cool wall of her father’s office and made a valiant effort to calm the roar of blood in her ears.

No time for fear. Focus on what you’re here for.

The familiar scent of cedar and moth balls threatened to swamp her with nostalgia, causing memories of her beloved mother to spring forth with a ferocity that spiked an ache of longing through her.

Mama, how I wish you hadn’t died. If you were here now, my life wouldn’t be such a disaster.
She pushed away from the wall, grim determination stiffening her resolve. She refused to dwell on thoughts of her mother, knowing how disappointed Mama would be with the drastic action Lily was about to take.

She felt her way in the dark to the desk where she snapped on the brass lamp. Dust motes danced under the short beam of light aimed at the open Bible. With a pang, Lily ran her fingers over the worn pages. She used to love when Mama read her stories from the Bible. But that was before God took her mother away and left her with Tobias. With each punishment Tobias doled out, he cited a judgmental, angry God who waited to punish Lily for the least transgression. Lily wanted no part of a God like that.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
They can find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/susan.mason.127 or on my website www.susanannemason.com .
They can find my books at the Pelican Book group site
           

Thank you for having me here, Lena! I’ve enjoyed answering your questions.

It's my pleasure to feature you here on my blog. I know my readers will be interested in this book.

Readers, 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:

27 comments:

Susan Anne Mason said...

Good morning everyone! Thank you, Lena, for having me here!
I hope people are intrigued by Lily and want to read her story.
Lily's best friend, Maxi, has a story that's releasing TOMORROW! "Wayward Hearts" is available through White Rose and Amazon, as well as most other book sellers.
Cheers,
Susan

Melanie Backus said...

I am intrigued by this one, Lena!

Melanie Backus, TX

Susan Anne Mason said...

Hi Melanie,
Thanks for dropping by! Good luck in the draw!
Susan

Deanna Stevens said...


what a neat way to remember your Grandmother's 100th birthday :)
I Would enjoy reading your book!
Deanna, Nebraska

Susan Anne Mason said...

Hi Deanna,
Thanks! My grandmother would have loved it! Good luck in the draw.
Love your name by the way!
Susan :)

Anonymous said...

would love to win. Angela in KY

Susan Anne Mason said...

Your name's in the draw, Angela! Good luck!
Susan

Jackie Tessnair said...

Sounds like a great book.Jackie Tessnair N.C.

Mary Preston said...

Such an interesting beginning to the story thank you.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Charlotte Kay said...

Another new author for me!!!!! Yeah!!!!!
I love that you pursued your passion for writing that focused on God's forgiveness first and foremost!!!! You will always bless others that way!! Keep on keeping on for Him!!!!

Many Blessings and Smiles :) :) :)
Charlotte Kay, Georgia

Diana Flowers said...

As a another woman who grew up in an abusive, troubled childhood, I can identify with Lily and would love to read HER story. Hoping hers has a happy ending like mine! Thank you!

Diana in SC

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Patty said...

Sounds like some great contemporary fiction!

Patty in SC

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

Diana Flowers said...

South Carolina is representing here! lol

Abigail Mitchell said...

Looks great! Please enter me!

NC

sm said...

I liked this interview and the topics in the book are great and mean lots to me because: my husband is a pastor and we adopted our oldest son, and he is on his way to India to bring home his own son. Another interesting thing is that the day our sons picks up his own son is the exact day 34 years ago that he was born and chosen by us, his parents. Anyway, any story that has anything about adoption is very meaningful to us. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

Susan Anne Mason said...

Thank you, Jackie and Mary P!

Susan Anne Mason said...

Hello Charlotte! I love your enthusiasm! I sincerely hope you enjoy the story!
Susan

Susan Anne Mason said...

Diana, Patty & Sharon! All from S.C.! Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments! Good luck in the draw!

Susan Anne Mason said...

And we have Abigail representing NC! Thanks for commenting!

Susan Anne Mason said...

Hello sm (nice initials!):
Your life sounds like a book! Good luck in the draw!

Unknown said...

I am most definitely intrigued by Lily! What a great sounding book!
Blessings!
Kelly Y in central VA

Caryl Kane said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Caryl Kane said...

Lena, I enjoyed this interview with Susan! I look forward to reading Betrayed Hearts. :)

Caryl in TEXAS

Unknown said...

I have never heard of this author before! But I love learning about new ones! :) Thanks for the giveaway!

Sierra
Indiana

Susan Anne Mason said...

Kelly Y, Caryl and Sierra,
Thanks for your kind comments! I hope you all get a chance to read Lily & Nick's story! (Nick is such a sweetheart!)
Cheers,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Sydney Harries GA