THE DANDELION FIELD - Kathryn Springer - Two Free Books, Plus A Kindle Fire Giveaway

BIO: Kathryn Springer, winner of the 2009 ACFW Carol Award (Family Treasures), grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child, she spent many hours sitting at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books – which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Encouraging women in their faith journey is the reason Kathryn loves to write inspirational fiction. When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and a good book or walking the trails near her country home.

Welcome, Kathryn. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I would have to say it depends on the character ... and what they’re going through during the story! I attended a workshop where the presenter urged us to “do the hard work” when it comes to our characters. To me, that doesn’t just mean knowing my characters’ goals and motivations or their backstory. It means that I take some risks, too. I can’t be afraid to wade into the deep emotional waters that I send my characters into! 

What is the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was speaking at a women’s Advent luncheon a few years ago, I stepped away from the microphone and broke into a little dance. For some people, this might not qualify as quirky, but I’m an introvert and I still can’t believe I actually did that. At least I wasn’t wearing heels at the time because I probably would have ended up in the lap of a person sitting in the front row!

When did you first discover you were a writer?

I loved Marguerite Henry’s books when I was a little girl, and I begged my parents for a horse. We lived in town, though, so there was nowhere to put one (although I think I suggested my brother’s room!) Because I couldn’t have a horse of my own, I wrote a “book” about one. And, of course, I was the heroine! I think that’s when I discovered that I liked to create stories as much as I liked to read them.

           

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Even writing six or seven hours a day, I manage to find time to read! It’s funny, I write contemporary romance but I absolutely love historical fiction, especially the ones set in the old west (yes, I’m talking cowboys). I’m also a big fan of romantic suspense. For non-fiction, I have to admit I am reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp for about the fourth or fifth time.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

There are times I’m busier than others, but I try hard not to load too much onto my plate ... and I’m a total homebody. It probably helps that I live in the country, ten miles from my friends ... and restaurants ... and bookstores!

How do you choose your characters’ names? 

This is going to sound like one of those weird “writer” things, but most of the time my main characters tell me their names. It’s true—they introduce themselves to me! Sometimes I don’t particularly like the name, either, but I have no choice—that’s their name! I also keep a book of baby names on my desk and sometimes I’ll choose a name based on its meaning if it matches a particularly trait or quality the character has.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? 

Our three children. They are amazing—even if they weren’t my children, I would still like them J

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

 My cat. If you are a cat owner, you know why!

What is your favorite food?

Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing ... mmm, I guess my favorite food is Thanksgiving dinner!

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

When I felt God calling me to make writing a priority, I was very involved with women’s ministries at my church. In order to set a block of time aside to write every day while my children were in school meant that I had to step down from the things I was doing outside the home. I guess fear was the greatest roadblock (and there was some guilt, too!). I was afraid people would think that writing a book was selfish; a way to feed my own ego. I had no guarantee the book I was writing would be published ... I had no idea if all the time and energy I poured into it would produce fruit. All I knew was that God was saying, “It’s time.” For me, it was an act of obedience. And it took a while for me to grasp that I wasn’t giving up ministry—writing was my ministry!

Tell us about the featured book.

The idea for The Dandelion Field was brewing in my mind for about six years before I even put pen to paper, but every so often the characters would remind me they were there. I finally couldn’t ignore them anymore and had to tell their story!

Firefighter Dan Moretti is the kind of man who’s earned the trust of an entire community ... and then he meets single mom Ginevieve Lightly, who doesn’t trust men at all. They are so different in terms of their background and experiences, but so perfect for each other!

Dandelion Field is a contemporary romance, but it’s also about family and friendship and sticking together through tough times ... and trusting that God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Please give us the first page of the book.

“OKAY, GINEVIEVE. What’s bugging you?”

Besides being called Ginevieve?

           

Gin’s back teeth snapped together so she wouldn’t be tempted to say the words out loud. Even though a side dish of sarcasm accompanied every blue plate special Sue Granger served to her customers, Gin’s boss didn’t tolerate it from the hired help.

           

“Nothing.” Gin knew she sounded like a surly twelve-year-old, but she couldn’t help it. It had been that kind of morning.

           

“Right.” The handle of a wooden spoon found a sensitive spot between Gin’s shoulder blades and dug in like a cattle prod, herding her toward the back of the diner. “You got ten thumbs today, and none of them are working right.”

           

“Sue—”

           

“Sit.”

           

Gin sat.

           

Sue maneuvered her barrel-shaped frame into the booth and shoved a plastic coffee carafe across the table.

           

“When you hired me, you said you weren’t going to be my mother,” Gin dared to remind her.

           

“If I remember correctly, I also told you not to jerk my chain.” Sue’s top lip peeled back, revealing a row of teeth stained a delicate sepia from years of smoking filterless Camels.

           

Gin hadn’t forgotten. And so far, out of a healthy respect for the woman who signed her weekly paychecks, she hadn’t touched her chain either.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website at www.kathrynspringer.com

Facebook: kathrynspringerauthor

Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing this new book with us today.

Get ready for Valentine's Day with a new story of romance and falling in love in Kathryn Springer's The Dandelion Field. The handsome firefighter makes a living “coming to the rescue,” but Gin is used to fighting her own battles. Can a woman who doesn't believe in happy endings take a chance on a new beginning? 

Celebrate a second chance at love and family with Kathryn by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• The Dandelion Field

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 15th. Winner will be announced February 16th on the Litfuse blog.

  {NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.} Thank you, Kathryn, for sharing this new book with us today. I know my readers will love it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. The Dandelion Field - Christianbook.com
The Dandelion Field - Amazon
The Dandelion Field - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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