Dear Readers, I first
met Kristy through my agent’s private email loop. We became friends, and when
her first book came out, I was blown away by the artistry and depth of her
first novel. The story haunted me for a long time. Since one of my aunts lived
through that time period in Europe and had
told me many of stories of things she’d seen, heard, and experienced, I knew
that Kristy’s depictions were historically accurate. I will read every book
that she writes.
BIO: Kristy
Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her debut historical
novel, The Butterfly and the Violin (Thomas
Nelson, 2014), was named to Library
Journal Reviews' Best Books of 2014, Family
Fiction's Top Ten Novels of 2014, and received a nomination for the RT
Reviewers' Choice Awards Best Inspirational Novel of 2014 and a nomination for
the 2015 INSPY Awards for Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, A
Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015), was named Library Journal Reviews' Pick of the
Month (Christian Fiction) for February 2015 and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews for April 2015.
Kristy is an Art/Design Manager at TheGROVEstory.com and
holds a degree in Art History from Indiana
University . She lives in Indiana with her husband
and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut
mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.
I have an Art History/Research Writing degree, so I always
knew I wanted to write historical fiction. I thought about becoming an art
professor once upon a time. I’m still drawn to the idea of it, but I wanted to
write for Christ and found that Christian fiction was the place to combine the
things I love into a career.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
I try to remember that my happiest day is today. If I get to
spend time with the Lord, growing in and leaning on Him, and I have my family’s
laughter around me … then every day is the best day of my life. (That doesn’t
mean we don’t have struggles – let’s get real about that. But I want to be
grateful and lock my eyes on Him with every new day.)
The longer I live,
the more true that becomes in my life. How has being published changed your
life?
This is not an understatement – everything has changed for
our family. I’ve gone from a fifteen-year career in Corporate America to
writing from home full time, and now have the opportunity to do what I really
love most (which is to speak and write in the Christian publishing industry).
Any change sparks adaptability in our lives and we’re still going through it,
but it’s been an amazing journey so far.
What are you reading
right now?
Right now, all of my reading time is focused on research for
my next novel. I’m reading about life in the 1920s, biographies of the Ringling
Brothers, and all about the early circus in America . Research is something that
I always enjoy but this is particularly exciting – the subject of the circus
and the Jazz Age is just so vibrant and colorful!
What is your current
work in progress?
I’ve always written historical fiction – World War II,
Regency, and Victorian being eras I’ve focus on. But right now, I’m excited to
dive into a new era in American history – the Jazz Age. The first book in my
new series (releasing in 2016) will be on John and Mable Ringling and the early
circus. It’s such an incredible vibrant time in our country’s history and the
backdrop of the circus brings such a diverse array of characters and scenery
that I’m completely drawn in. I can’t wait to share this new story with
readers.
And I can’t wait to
read it. What would be your dream vacation?
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I try to get a feel for the characters’ worlds by
researching everything I can about them – weather patterns, social and cultural
norms of the time, and especially real-life stories of people from history. I
see what sparks interest from there. Usually, I can see something like a movie
reel in my mind, with the characters reacting to their surroundings. I try to
get a feel of what it would be like to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the
world through their senses. The story just comes to life from there. I see that
movie playing in my mind, and I document what I see.
With a drama and film
background, I see all of my stories as movies in my mind, too. If you could
spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and
why?
My husband. He’s famous to me. And as we have three young
boys, the quiet talk time between best friends doesn’t come often. I’d love to
have an evening with him, maybe dining and talking by the river in our city. We
stole away an afternoon like that once a few years ago. I still remember the
bliss of that day.
Spending quality time
with my husband is my favorite part of our empty nest home. Our children,
grandchildren, and greats all live close so we can see them often, but being
with James is so precious. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I used to love running! I ran 5k races and regularly kept up
with my 40 mile per week running habit. It’s not easy to get to the gym though,
with three little ones in the house. I try to get in some activity for my
well-being by chasing after them. (Mommas usually do that!) I also LOVE
watching classic films, going on research trips, and believe it or not – the
perfect date with my husband would be to go to the batting cages. Fun!
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Time. That’s usually the elusive target we writers are
trying to catch – time to express words on paper. I have more of it now that
I’m not longer traveling for my job in Corporate America, but life still
happens. You have to make writing a priority just like you do with the other
relationships in your life. Investing and being really intentional about your
writing time isn’t always easy to do, but it’s essential. I learned to write
chapters on my iPhone as a result and found it to be a really effective tool to
get my first drafts written.
I’m too old-school. I’m
amazed at those of you who can write a book on your smart phones. I have one,
too, but it’s just used as a phone and camera, with a few added features. What
advice would you give to a beginning author?
Two things: Keep going and stick close to Christ throughout
your entire publication journey. You may find that rejections come. If they do,
you’ve got to keep going. Pray your way through every up and down. Keep
learning and always growing in your understanding of the craft. And study up.
Learn about the industry from authors and other professionals who are where
you’d like to be one day. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery
(thanks, Anne Shirley), but it’s also a fantastic teacher.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Bound together across time, two women will discover a
powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of
a war-torn world.
Present Day—With the grand opening of her new art gallery
and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled
into a charmed life—until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover
threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she’s planned before it even
begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest,
William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must
battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a
future.
1942—Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was
forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England ,
Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy
form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the
thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother
city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.
Connecting across a century through one little girl, a
Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a
kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and
survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to
protect all they hold dear—even if it means placing their own futures on the
line.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
July, Present Day
The last thing a bride needs to fret over on her wedding day
is whether the ceremony will take place.
It was an unproductive thought in the midst of trying to
manage pre-wedding jitters. Nevertheless, the familiar doubt continued to
plague her heart, and Sera James, still caught up in the shadow of an uncertain
future, all but gave in to it.
She ran her fingertips over the string of pearls at her nape
and stared out the first-floor bedroom window of the Hanovers ’
California
seaside estate. She scanned the horizon, taking in the beauty of the setting
sun as it created flashes of diamonds across the bay, wondering if William had
the same doubts. Would he be out there waiting on their beach?
A gentle knock drew her attention to the bedroom door.
She turned and found the familiar face of her friend, Penny,
who offered a hushed greeting from the hall. She presented a serene,
pink-glossed smile.
“Sera? It’s time,” Penny said, her voice whisper soft, and
stepped into the oversized bedroom. Her strawberry blonde hair hung in soft
waves and danced about her shoulders as if tossed by the playfulness of the sea
breeze outside. “Everyone’s waiting.”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Kristy is celebrating by giving away a basket filled with goodies inspired by her new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A set of poppy notecards
- A poppy pin
- A copy of I Never Saw Another Butterfly
- A copy of the Mrs. Miniver DVD
- Literary tea bags
- Tumbler
- A copy of A Sparrow in Terezin
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 28th. Winner will be announced April 29th on Kristy's blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
A Sparrow in Terezin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel) - Amazon
A Sparrow in Terezin (A Hidden Masterpiece Novel Book 2) - 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
33 comments:
What a beautifully emotional story. I am really wanting to read this one and it's sequel. I have seen such high reviews of this book. I would love to read this in my Fort Loudon, PA home.
Thank you for the wonderful interview with Kristy. I would LOVE to read A SPARROW IN TEREZIN.
Caryl in TEXAS
I would love to read this story!
Monica, Ontario
I would love to win your book! sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Loved Kristy's first book and can't wait to read this one! Danielle in Indiana.
Hi Deanne - I have family in PA. Beautiful state! Thanks for reading and stopping by.
Greetings ladies ~
Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts on the books. I'm delighted with any opportunity to connect with y'all about our mutual love for Christian fiction! ; ) Big heart-smile too that I see a few familiar faces here.
Lena ~
How fun to be a guest on your blog again. I love any opportunity to spend more time with you, friend. ; ) Warm hugs!
Kristy
I have heard wonderful things about this book and would love to read it. Thank you for hosting Kristy so we can get to know her better Lena.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
Kristy's books have been on my want-to-read list since I saw the covers and read the reviews. I like reading stories in this time period; I think it's important these stories of World War II be told. I would love to win "A Sparrow in Terezin." Thanks for the chance and the interview with Kristy.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
I've been wanting to read this series, so I'd love to win this!
-Melissa M. in TN
Beautiful interview! Kristy, thanks for the encouragement to yet-unpublished writers.
Andrea Cox, Howe, TX
andrearenee2004 (at) yahoo (dot) com
What a marvellous read this will be.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I am really looking forward to reading this one and now I am intrigued about Kristy's upcoming story about Ringling Bros. That sounds so interesting. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Loraine in TX
Dee from NE would love to read this! I've enjoyed your first book & this sounds so interesting.. Thanks for the giveaway!
thanks for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel.
karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
The cover alone would make me want to pick up this book.
What an intriguing story.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Thanks for the interview ladies! Great first page, I would love to read more...
Patty in SC
Ahh, Mrs. Miniver is an awesome movie!! :-)
Stephanie
Binghamton, NY
mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com
I loved Kristy's firs tbook soooo much! So excited to read the second one and learn about Kaja!
Sierra
Indiana
I know I will enjoy this book. Thank you for offering a copy.
Tennessee
I would love a copy of "A Sparrow in Terezin"! I've seen both of her books around & have seen rave reviews. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! Great interview, good to know a bit more about the author!
Trixi from Oregon
What a great interview, and it sounds like a book I would love to read! Thank you for the opportunity to win! Jeanie in Phoenix AZ
Enter me in this great giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
I would absolutely love to read this book! Kristy's books sound really amazing!
I live in Canada ;) Thanks for the giveaway!
Can't wait to read Kristy's latest!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
P.S. Forgot to leave my state.
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kentucky
I haven't read the first book yet, waiting for it from my sister-in-law. Heard it was a very good story. Thank you for the interview and giveaway of the second book.
KayLee from NY
Would love to read this story! Thanks for the chance to win!
Beth in Montana
Loved reading the first book. Can't wait to read the second. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
Karen G. (NY)
Kristy, yes it is a beautiful state. We moved out of the state a few years ago but am glad to be back in my home state.
I would love to read this book!
Evlin in NY
love to be entered in your contest! Shelia Hall from Mississippi
Hi Kristy & Lena! Butterfly and the Violin was absolutely breathtaking, beautiful, and so much more! I can hardly wait to read Sparrow and I look forward to what Kristy has planned for her future books!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
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