DESTINY DELIVERED - J A Marx - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I know those of you who read Destiny Defied have been eagerly awaiting the release of book two in the series. J. A. is in the critique group that meets in my home, and we have all loved her books. Her writing style and subject matter is so unique that we had to come up with a new genre name for her. Contemporary Suspense with a Supernatural Twist. The books give a different slant on human trafficking and spiritual warfare. The characters leap from the pages and stay in your heart and mind for long after you close the book for the last time.

BIO: J.A. Marx writes from Texas. She and her husband of 30 years love to travel and spend time with their grandchildren. Her hobbies include fitness, nutrition, and painting.

Articles on nutrition, writing, and parenting, plus editing for an international healthcare e-zine ride her resume, but J.A. favorite activity is illustrating God healing the soul through supernatural suspense.

Destiny Defied, book 1 in The Destiny Series, released October 2014. http://amzn.to/1vY0zOb

Destiny Delivered, book 2 officially released February 24, 2015 http://amzn.to/1yYWmoc

Destiny Defended, book 3 will officially release later this year.

Family Lies, Deadly Ties releases in 2016 through Prism Book Group

Welcome back, J A. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

With few exceptions, I write what I like to read. Some people read to escape. I read to immerse myself in deep thought. I need the emotional and mental challenge. What I write challenges my beliefs and my spiritual maturity. God wired me to analyze the behaviors and thought processes of my characters as they deal with their circumstances and internal issues. It’s pure joy.

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

My happy meter reached a high the moment I realized my children had made that final and complete leap from thinking like a child to processing life as an adult. Very rewarding.

(The spiritual answer to this question: Each time I receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ)

How has being published changed your life?

I have to manage my time more diligently. Thankfully, I have an understanding family when deadlines loom.

And I’ve now entered the realm of author highs and lows. While it is vain in the light of eternity, I ask questions such as, “Does anybody out there like my book?”

I’m right there with you, and I can say, when the read the books, most people will love them. You can’t please all the people all the time. What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Dr. James Richards’ How to Stop the Pain. Yes, it’s non-fiction. I apply a lot psychology to my stories, and this book fits in great with my protagonist and her emotional/spiritual healing process.

What is your current work in progress?

Well, the 3rd book in the series, Destiny Defended, is in the queue, plus I have a romantic suspense undergoing editing with a traditional publisher. So while I wait for those two books to release, I’m editing the 4th book in my series.

What would be your dream vacation?

Agh! Lena, I tell you how hard I’m working, and now you’re tempting me to pack a bag and run off on some adventure? Okay, if you insist.

Picture this: A cabin near a stream. Surrounded by mountain peaks. Hiking trails. Wildlife. Fresh air. Blue skies and sunshine. Aromatic pine trees ... Are you feeling it yet?

Right now, I’d love to go there, especially if it isn’t covered with ice and snow as we are here in North Texas today. How do you choose your settings for each book?

Thus far, the settings have acted like characters in the sense they naturally accompany the hero and/or heroine. On the other hand, the locations have also been some place familiar. I’ve spent a lot of time in the islands, lived in four different states, and visited many foreign countries. Those experiences have worked magnificently to my advantage.

In essence, my characters go where I’ve been.

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

That would have to be a former mentor from Colorado, Joyce K. I learned so much just by being in her presence and watching her do life, ministry, and family. Joyce and her husband saved our marriage during what we called “hell week” when we almost lost both our second child and me during birthing. I’d love the opportunity to spend an evening catching up and telling her in person how much she means to me, even twenty years later.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Nutrition. I’m always looking for a new recipe to add to my menu. I’m picky when it comes to what I feed my temple. Thankfully, my husband shares my desire to eat healthfully. My most recent concoction is fennel salad with pine nuts and organic ground buffalo. Yum!

(My alter ego, however, loves an occasional slice of chocolate cake and random visits to Yogurt Story.)

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

 Second-guessing myself. This leads to possibly rewriting certain sections unnecessarily. I have not yet overcome this, but I think the pressure of deadlines is changing me.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I love working with beginning authors. First, start studying the craft of writing and never stop. I still attend classes at conferences, and I review writing basics once a year. I highly suggest getting into some sort of critique group with writers that are connected to the industry. The feedback from other authors is invaluable. Granted, finding a good group is not always easy, but keep looking and ask God to connect you.

Tell us about the featured book.

Destiny Delivered, book 2 of The Destiny Series takes place near Cleveland, Ohio.

Chiara escaped nineteen years captivity and is now rebuilding her life from scratch. Everything would be fine if there were no men around for her to hate.

Isaac goes overboard in trying to get the mysterious Chiara, a former sex slave, accepted into his community. Few are willing to look beyond her social bumbling to find her hidden worth.

Just when things couldn’t get worse, the FBI tracks Chiara down and coerces her into helping them catch a murderer/trafficker. Isaac’s wish to understand her unimaginable past comes true. He not only experiences her old world firsthand, he encounters the man who wants Chiara dead.

Please give us the first page of the book for my readers.

June 1, 1990, Miami, Florida

The JetRanger helicopter soared up Biscayne Bay. Isaac Young, fresh out of his first year of college, had never been so thankful for his EMT training. His mentor’s private chopper offered only a basic first aid kit, and to compensate, Isaac’s three friends were following his instructions on everything from bandaging to positioning his patient.

Chiara opened her mouth, and he bent close so she wouldn’t strain. “Tongue. Numb.”

He rechecked her pulse.

The girl washed up on their island a week ago. Within seven days, Chiara had earned his respect and, unknowingly, won his heart. He’d do anything to keep from losing her. At the moment, that meant keeping her conscious.

He searched out the window. What were the odds that the Lux had followed them to Florida? How seriously did they want Chiara back? Isaac prayed they believed she was dead, but his gut told him the men who shot her had intentionally left her alive.

Or had God deflected the bullets?

“Stay awake, Chiara.” Isaac patted her pale cheek. “Jase, Sabio, Kiko. We’re all here for you.”

She didn’t respond.

The chopper landed at an airfield on Miami’s bustling shoreline. Kiko opened the cabin door to the ambulance team rushing toward them with a metal stretcher.

Helping wheel the gurney, Isaac filled in the paramedics with details on Chiara’s gunshot wounds and climbed into the ambulance with her. Before the door closed, he waved a thank you to his three best friends who would follow later.

How can readers find you on the Internet

Website: http://jamarx.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JA_Marx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embattledspirit

Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers will love it as much as I do.

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