Dear Readers, I met
Rosanna several years ago at a writers conference in Dallas , Texas .
We’ve been friends since then. Later, I was privileged to spend some time
mentoring her. I rejoiced right along with her when, at another conference, an editor wanted her to send her completed manuscript to her. This is her debut novel. I read it for an endorsement before it
came out, and I loved it. I know you will, too.
Welcome, Rosanna. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
My heroine is a teacher, and much of her experience is based
on my own. In most other ways, she is nothing like me. I do draw on my own
experiences for many of my characters, but I would say they are a compilation
of many people I have met and known over the years.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Became an airline passenger for the first time when I was 16 or 17, alone, and out of the country (toCanada ),
and well before the days of cell phones.
Became an airline passenger for the first time when I was 16 or 17, alone, and out of the country (to
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
Since I learned to write, I have enjoyed writing. As a
teenager and into my 20s, I journaled extensively.
That’s the way many
authors start writing. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy
reading.
Women’s fiction, romance, mystery/suspense, cookbooks,
inspirational non-fiction, gardening, crochet/knit literature.
I love reading
cookbooks, too. I have quite a large collection. Now I also have several historical
cookbooks, since I write historical novels. How do you keep your sanity in our
run, run, run world?
Living alone gives me more time than most to get away from
the hub-bub. I have learned to say no. That helps too!
As an adult, it took
me a lot of years to learn to say no. How do you choose your characters’ names?
I browse through baby name books. The Baby Name Wizard gives
siblings’ names and a graph of when each name was popular.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Besides having all my dishes washed before I go to bed, I
would guess? That would be a toss-up between getting Hand Me Down Husband
published and my grand prize-winning afghan design in Herrschner’s National
Afghan Contest a few years ago.
I’ve seen some of
your afghans. They are beautiful. If you were an animal, which one would you
be, and why?
Hmmm, a cat? Because they’re often introverts?
What is your favorite
food?
Soup. Pretty much any kind of soup.
My husband loves
soup, and I make it a lot in the winter. When we have a pot of soup, I have
more time to write. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest
roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Disciplining myself to keep sitting in that chair and get
the words on the page. I am still working to overcome it. I could probably
teach a class on procrastination—if I could ever get around to it!
Tell us about the
featured book.
Hand Me Down Husband was conceived when I decided to try my hand at writing romance. Until then, all my manuscripts were of single women who do not marry in the story and yet live happy, fulfilled lives in spite of not having their dreams fulfilled. But a romance seemed like a good way to get my foot in the door. A co-teacher was known for her determination that she “would never marry a widower. If he didn’t want me the first time, he won’t get me the second time.” I found that mindset fascinating, and so Suzanne was born. Then, of course, I had to come up with a Mitch who was awesome enough to make her reconsider her stand.
Hand Me Down Husband was conceived when I decided to try my hand at writing romance. Until then, all my manuscripts were of single women who do not marry in the story and yet live happy, fulfilled lives in spite of not having their dreams fulfilled. But a romance seemed like a good way to get my foot in the door. A co-teacher was known for her determination that she “would never marry a widower. If he didn’t want me the first time, he won’t get me the second time.” I found that mindset fascinating, and so Suzanne was born. Then, of course, I had to come up with a Mitch who was awesome enough to make her reconsider her stand.
Please give us the
first page of the book for my readers.
The thud, thud, swoosh outside the classroom window lulled Suzanne Bloomer into a trance as she graded English compositions. She recorded the last paper and scanned her desk. Math homework to check for the ninth and tenth graders, biology quizzes to grade, and a chemistry test to write. Poems from the juniors and seniors to read. She wouldn’t be out of here before seven tonight.
The thud, thud, swoosh outside the classroom window lulled Suzanne Bloomer into a trance as she graded English compositions. She recorded the last paper and scanned her desk. Math homework to check for the ninth and tenth graders, biology quizzes to grade, and a chemistry test to write. Poems from the juniors and seniors to read. She wouldn’t be out of here before seven tonight.
Today’s impromptu lessons hadn’t gone half bad, but she
couldn’t risk that two days in a row. Tomorrow had to be planned. Her stomach
growled, a reminder that breakfast had been nonexistent and lunch skimpy.
Propping her head in her left hand, she closed her eyes and listened to the
rhythm of Jacob Sanderson’s basketball on the concrete.
A gruff throat clearing interrupted Suzanne’s micro-nap. The
other teachers and the high school students who stayed for tutoring had left,
and Jacob’s ride should have come and gone by now. Then a distant whoop from
the playground told her the sixth grader was still out there. Of all things,
here was his aunt—who shouldn’t even have had to get out of her car—. Wait…gruff?
Amazing what all could zip through her mind in the split second it took to lift
her head.
The person at her desk was not Jacob’s aunt. It was his
grandfather, Mitchell.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Rosannahuffman.com or Rosanna Huffman on Facebook.Thank you, Rosanna, for sharing a little of your life and your new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Hand Me Down Husband - Christianbook.com
Hand Me Down Husband - Amazon
Hand Me Down Husband - 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
43 comments:
Wow! And I imagine she's not the only one who isn't about to be wife #2. Sounds like a great novel, Rosanna. Thanks, Lena for entering me in the giveaway.
Thank you, Marianne! Hope you get to read it.
It was fun to read this interview! I love giveaways and books and would love to be entered!
I'm so excited for Rosanna!
I love, love, love this book. The winner will be delighted. (Don't put me in the drawing as I already have a copy.)
Sounds intriguing! Fun interview and would love a copy!
so excited for Rosanna.... would love to win a book....I would love to see her write many more
Sounds great! I'd love to win a copy!
J.C. -Indiana-
I think this sounds like a great book. Thank you for introducing it to us!
Melanie Backus, TX
Would love to win this book. Thanks, Lena for the opportunity. Live in Illinois.
Sounds good. Count me in, please.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I hope all of you have as much fun reading Hand Me Down Husband as I had writing it. Blessings on your week with the God of love who makes all things new!
This sounds like a fun novel to read. Thanks for offering a copy.
Tennessee
Frankfort, IN Would love to win!
Dee from NE would love to read this book. Nice to learn a little about you :)
Hi Rosanna! I really enjoyed getting to know you through this interview. I think the best part, that part that made me laugh is when you said "I could probably teach a class on procrastination—if I could ever get around to it!". Because I can certainly relate to this. I'm trying to be better about doing things & not putting off, but it sometimes is a hard habit to break! Motto: Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today...easy to say but harder to do at time, isn't it?
Your book sounds like one I'd very much enjoy reading. Thanks for the chance! God's many blessings on you :-)
A fun title & I enjoyed the first page thank you.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I enjoyed the interview and excerpt. Would love to win a copy of Hand Me Down Husband, Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
I live in California.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
Just by reading the excerpt, I was transported...that is a winner in my opinion! I also enjoyed the interview! Thanks for sharing!
Robin in NC rw620 at aol dot com
To all the readers of A Christian Writer's World who commented here, thank you. I hope you all get to read Hand Me Down Husband. Although it is a contemporary novel, it is set in a rural southwest Ohio farming community in a small Christian day school. The world rushes by, largely unnoticed, as my characters live with loss, love, and laughter.
And thank you, Lena, for the chance to chat with you on your blog. You are a great friend and author. I am blessed to know you and count you as my sister and friend!
Great job in getting us to want to read more. I think I met Rosanna while sitting around the dining table at Blue Ridge. I love the book cover too.
Thanks for sharing more about Rosanna. And best wishes for "Hand Me Down Husband"
Congratulations, Rosanna! Many blessings to you on your writing journey. Thank you, Lena, for the chance to win a book. Love the opening page.
I live in SC.
Oh, I forgot to mention my state. I live in NC. Hope to see Rosanna at BRMCWC this year.
And would love to win a copy of her book.
Rosanna,
Oh congrats, I am so happy for your success! Hope to see you at Blue Ridge Conference this year.
-from NY
cllyrics@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing Rosanna! I enjoyed the interview and getting to know you a bit. Congrats on your new release.
Patty in SC
Sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for the chance to win!
Beth in Montana
An interesting thought about marrying a previously married man. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a sweet book.
Vera in NC
Enter me for your awesome book!!
Conway, SC.
Daphne and Cynthia, I would dearly love to be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this year after missing last year. However...my schedule is not looking positive. Oh well, guess we can't do everything in life, huh?
Hi Rosanna & Lena! Congrats on your first published book, which sounds pretty darn cute so far. I can't wait to read it one day soon! I'm definitely interested in your books about the women who stay single and find peace in it - something I'm not having much luck with in my own life!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
sounds like a great read...
Rita from WI
rita dot navarre at yahoo dot com
Sounds Interesting! :) Please enter me! :)
Blanch, NC
Kristin in OK,it is hard, isn't it. Some days I think I may just learn to deal with it. Then I find out just how wrong I was!
This book sounds great!Thanks for the chance to win and read it.Jackie Tessnair from N.C.
Such a pretty cover!! thanks for the giveaway!
Sierra
Indiana
My husband is truly a "Hand Me Down Husband" but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
This sounds like a great book! Thanks so much for the giveaway! Sydney Harries GA
Hi Lena. Thanks for having Rosanna. She is new to me. Her book sounds like a good read. I would love to win. Thanks and GOD bless you both.
Maxie (TX.) > mac262(at)me(dot)com
This book sounds great, Rosanna! I like that your heroine is a little older than the norm (or maybe a lot older than the norm!) It's good to let your readers know that there is still life after 30 (40, 50, etc.) Would love to win the book!
Thank you for the interview, Lena! Great job as always.
Pam in Ohio
I love the catchy title! I enjoyed the interview and first page of the book.
Beth from IA
I loved reading the interview. The first page of the book is a delightful tongue wetter! Great job, both of you!
It's fun to know a real author in person, Rosanna. Congratulations on this great accomplishment.
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