Readers, this happened long ago. Birdie was
Writer of the Year at Warner Pacific College in '83 after two juvenile books
were published. Her collection of four Heartsongs in OREGON was the runner up
selection in the Christian Book publication.
Welcome back, Birdie. Why do you write the kinds of things you do?
Welcome back, Birdie. Why do you write the kinds of things you do?
Writing for the inspirational market, whether it be romance
or articles, is rewarding and makes me feel good.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day of your life?
It is difficult to narrow it down to just one incident. The
birth of my children is an awesome memory. Making the first sale of writing;
signing the first book contract.
How has being
published changed your life?
It’s a fulfillment of a dream. I wanted to be a writer since
I received a diary for my 8th birthday. Schooling, marriage, and children kept
me from writing until one day when I began in earnest.
What are you reading
right now?
Samuel Hall’s Daughter
of the Cimarron
What is your current
work in progress?
Another 3-book series
Mountain Music – Wind in the Pines is Book I
What would be
your dream vacation?
Having a week alone to work on writing. Currently I am
house-sitting in Port Townsend and enjoying my time here. I take evenings off
to sight-see.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I choose a place I’ve never been and then explore it for a
week or so. I went to an Amish community in Ohio to do research for Carly’s Dream.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Earl Emerson, mystery writer from Seattle . He works with the fire department
there and his books always have that background. I think it would be a
fascinating evening.
What are your hobbies
besides writing and reading?
Cooking and baking. I tend to include both in my writing.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle and how do you overcome it?
Procrastination. Finishing a book. There are no easy answers
to this. Getting a contract helps.
What advice would you
give a beginning author?
Keep writing. Keep submitting. Never give up on a writing
project. Persistence is the key.
Tell us about the
featured book
I got the idea in the middle of the night – it was a dream.
I couldn’t get it out of my thoughts. It was an Amish story, starting with a
young girl. She has a mystery to solve.
Please give us the
first page of the book
PROLOGUE
He didn’t want to leave her here alone like this. She was
only five and was all he had anymore. He’d lost his family. His wife, this
child’s mother. And now her.
He hadn’t prayed to God much. There seemed to be no point.
He’d done the worst thing when he went to live with the Englischers. Why hadn’t
he returned after the year’s time? If only he hadn’t met Bethy. Her smile and
warm gaze spoke to his heart. Though shunned by everyone he knew and loved,
there was no turning back. He had stayed in Indiana .
He stopped the car alongside the road. He would walk her a
few yards up the driveway, but he couldn’t go the whole way. This was already
too close.
The letter was pinned to her coat. He watched her clutch the
small bag containing her clothes and toothbrush.
A lump caught in his throat. How could he assume they would
care for her? Yet he knew this was better than the kind of wanderlust life he
had to offer.
He looked at the small round face, so like her mother’s, the
same deep blue eyes that matched the sky on a cloudless day. She wasn’t an
Amish child, but soon she would be dressed like the others. And she would
belong.
He bent down and pulled her close. “You’ll always be in my
heart.”
He let her go then and hurried back to the car. Jumping into
the driver’s seat, he made a U-turn and headed toward town.
He didn’t dare look back.
****
Albert Hostetler was in the barn cleaning stalls when he
heard the scream. He dropped the broom and ran outside. Nobody he knew ever
screamed. Did someone get hit on the road out front? Mamm and Daed had gone to
town for supplies. His brothers were out in the field, preparing the ground for
planting. So who could it be?
He could see nothing from where he stood, as the farmhouse
hid most of the driveway. But someone was definitely in trouble.
As he stood there undecided, Rufus came running toward him
barking, as if to say, “Come.”
Another scream and Albert raced toward the sound.
Within seconds he spotted the pitiful form. The tiny girl
was turned toward the road, arms outstretched as she wept.
Albert gasped. This had to be a mistake. She wasn’t Amish.
Her dress barely covered her knees. No kapp on her head, and she had shoes. Strong
sturdy ones. Hair short, she definitely looked like an Englisher.
How can readers find
you on the internet?
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Goodreads
LibraryThing.com
Facebook: Birdie L.Etchison writer
I also have several e-books out through Forget Me Not
Romances, a division of Winged PublicationsThank you, Birdie, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Carly's Dream - paperback
Carly's Dream - 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
13 comments:
Hello. What a sad beginning. A heartbreaking little girl. I can't even imagine how scared she must be with her dad driving away leaving her in a strange place with no one she knows.. I would love to win this book and see how things work out for her. Please add my name. Maxie (TX) > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
That you for the wonderful prologue.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Cool. North Platte Nebraska.
I am looking forward to reading Carly's Dream. Thank you for the opportunity to win.PA.
This book sounds fascinating! Thank you for introducing me to a new author!
Diana in SC
dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com
Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Brenda in VA.
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
I enjoy Amish fiction and would like to read your mystery. You are a new author to me. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
With the wonderful reviews I read and some of the comments on here, I am excited to read Carly's Dream. Birdie, you mentioned house sitting in P.T. I am from Washington, too. I grew up in Orting, but now live in Bellingham/Lynden with my husband and children. I wish you the best with your writing. Congrats on the great reviews.
Terrill - Lynden, WA
Oh, this first page is so sad. I can visualize my granddaughter's fear at being left by her father! I hope that there is a happy solution and that I will be able to read it.
Thanks for this interview and giveaway.
Connie from KY
cps1950 at gmail dot com
Amish books are a favorite of mine. I'm looking forward to reading this.
Beth from IA
I love amish books and I am looking forward to reading this one.Jackie Tessnair N.C.
Very sad and compelling first page!
-Melissa M. in TN
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