Dear Readers, several
years ago at an ACFW national conference in Minneapolis , one of the women in my critique
group introduced me to Beth. We clicked right from the start. She wasn’t
published at that time, but soon her first book released. Now she had a number
of books out, and I love her writing.
Welcome back, Beth. How
did this book come about?
I love reading books about the beach, and a novella is
always nice on vacation. I enjoy writing romances, but my stories are also
relationship driven with several subplots going on. In this story, we unravel
secrets between Addison and her mother, feeling their pain and rejoicing with
them as they find their way back to each other. There are two romances running
parallel with each other, but there is also a mystery that isn’t revealed until
the end. I write a lot of Amish novels and novellas, so I wanted to do
something a bit different.
Tell us about the
book’s cover and what makes it unique.
I’m so glad you asked this question. I took the photo on the
cover. My husband bought me a fancy new camera for my birthday, and I captured
this shot in Mexico .
Then I turned it over to a graphics designer who came up with the final cover. The
book starts off in Galveston , Texas ,
but if you’ve been to Galveston , you know right
away the photo doesn’t look like Galveston ;
and it’s not meant to. This story takes my characters to another beach I would
like to visit some day—and that is the intended beach on the cover.
Please explain and
differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
All of my books are fiction, but this is another good
question since certain truths always find a way into my stories. In the story,
we know from the beginning that Logan
is in some sort of trouble. But we also know he is a good guy. This mystery
isn’t revealed until the very end, so I don’t want to give any spoilers. The
idea came to me based on something that happened to my son’s friend.
Yes, we authors often
hear or experience something that takes us right into a story. How much
research did you have to do for this book?
I had to do quite a bit of research for this book. Novellas
need to pack a punch since they are shorter reads, but they also need to be as
accurate as full-length novels. I’ve never been to the place my characters
visit in the story, so I had to research certain customs and the area. And
there were some legal issues that I had to research.
When I was in school,
even college, I hated when we had to do research. Now I love it for my books. What
are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you
weren’t able to use in the story?
The food! Logan is from Australia , and he loves to cook, so I researched
popular foods in Australia .
I included two recipes in the back of the book, but I couldn’t squeeze them all
in.
What inspired and
surprised you while you were writing the book?
I’m always inspired by the ways God feeds me the story. And I’m always surprised by the ways I’m
ministering to myself while writing the story. And there is something in the
book that I wrote in early on, but I had no idea if it had any special meaning.
One day I looked it up, and I just smiled when I realized it was very
significant to the story and my character’s spiritual arc.
What do you hope the
reader takes away from the story?
There is a reason for everything. God never wastes a hurt. So,
if bad things are happening to good people, it could be God’s effort to direct
our journey onto a better path.
What is the next
project you’re working on?
I’m working on my second book in the Amish Secrets series
(not yet titled). As I’ve done with my other series, I’ve brought back some of
the same characters from Her Brother’s Keeper, but I’ve also introduced new
people I hope readers will love.
What do you do when
you have to get away from the story for a while?
It depends. If I’m just totally brain dead and my eyes hurt
from staring at a computer and my phone, I’ll read a book. Other times, if I
want a total escape, I’ll play games on my phone, just really tune everything
else out. And I clean house. It’s amazing how dirty the baseboards become when
I’m under deadline. I’ll find anything to do but write, lol.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
ADDISON PACED ACROSS HER MOTHER’S LIVING ROOM as sweat
dampened her temples and the base of her neck. May was already punishing them
with Texas
temperatures that were usually reserved for July and August. But Lee Ann Burke
had a steadfast rule not to run the air conditioning until July. If there was
any saving grace at all, it was the ocean pushing a breeze ashore, which wafted
through the screened windows of the house Addison
had grown up in. She breathed in the briny aroma, a smell she’d haul to her
grave someday, with enough good and bad memories to keep her balanced on the
plank she’d been walking since her father died. She glanced at her smart phone,
wondering if she was going to make it to her next appointment on time. The
continuous drip of the kitchen faucet around the corner felt like water torture
against her left temple. She rubbed the source of the irritation. “Mom, are you
sure the agency said three o’clock? It’s almost three thirty.”
“That’s what they said.” Her mother didn’t glance up, but
kept focused on the jigsaw puzzle she was hunched over. Addison
couldn’t recall a time that her family—small as it was—had ever shared a meal
at the kitchen table, except maybe Christmas and Thanksgiving. On most days,
her mother had one of her puzzles spread atop the oak table, with a sweating
glass of sweet tea nearby and an ashtray. There was still sweet tea within
reach, but at least Mom had taken to smoking her cigarettes outside a few years
ago, something she should have done when it became common knowledge that
secondhand smoke was unhealthy.
I can hardly wait
until my copy arrives, so I can read the rest of the story. How can readers
find you on the Internet?
My website is the best place to start. It’s updated all the
time, and you can read the first chapter of all my books for free. There is a
place to sign up for my newsletter and direct links to vendors for each book. I’m
also at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook. I’m on Twitter as Beth Wiseman. I
have a Pinterest account and an Ello account. I sell my photography at www.FineArtsAmerica. And I’ve just
recently signed up with Periscope, which is live videos, kind of like having
your own TV broadcast.
Thank you, Lena , for the
opportunity to be a guest on your blog.
I am always happy to host you on my blog, and I look forward to the next time we can meet face to face.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
A Tide Worth Turning: A Novella
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
25 comments:
Walking on the beach is one of my favorite things to do. Thanks for the virtual trip to Galveston and the white sand beaches of Australia.
Thank you for featuring A Tide Worth Turning on your blog, Lena. I'm so glad we connected all those years ago, and I look forward to seeing you in person too!
This sounds like a great book! Living in the mitten, I love going to the beach. It takes me away from the problems of life, like a great book! Thanks for an amazing interview and review!
Sarahsmithstormatgmaildotcom
I haven't been to the beach since my son as young. I don't go just to tan any more. The book sounds great. I'd love to read more.
California
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Beth, I cannot wait to read your book! It sounds wonderful!
Melanie Backus, TX
The first page gave me an interesting glimpse thank you. Love the cover.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Oh, yes please! I love Beth Wiseman and everything Australian! Thx so much for the opportunity to win this!
Diana in SC
dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com
Whoo Hoo! Sounds like a great book.
karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm looking forward to reading this book. It sounds very interesting. Your cover is great.
Sounds like a good read. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom. North Platte Nebraska.
Wow! Thanks so much for all these great comments. If interested, you can sign up for my newsletter at www.bethwiseman.com. We only send ONE per month...kind of an "insider scoop" type thing, and I usually recommend a book I've recently read. Another big thank you to Lena for having me as a guest on her blog. Happy Thursday to all! :)
I would love to win this for my wife. She has always LOVED the beach. She used to collect sharks teeth and got our son and grandsons hooked on it. Whenever they go to the beach now, they come back telling us how many sharks teeth they found and showing us their treasures.
thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
I love the lesson of this book!
-Melissa M. in TN
I agree that God uses our situation for his good. I am learning to see how can can use me in the bad as well as the good things.
Love the picture on the cover. Looking forward to reading this story.
New Brunswick, NJ
Sonnetta_jonesathotmaildotcom
I live in California. It is beautiful here today :)
sandyluvsherkids(at)gmail(dot)com
Enter me in your amazing contest!!
Conway, SC.
I enjoy the beach, mostly enjoying sunsets. Your novel about the beach sounds really good. I enjoy your books. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Please enter me,I would love to win a copy of this book.Thanks for the chance.Jackie Tessnair N.C.
I have read Beth's Amish books and would love to read this book. It sounds interesting.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY
Hi lena and Beth. I would love to win Beth's book. Thanks for the interview. Maxie (TX) > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thank you, Lena, for inviting Beth to your blog. I especially love her statements 'There is a reason for everything. God never wastes a hurt. So, if bad things are happening to good people, it could be God’s effort to direct our journey onto a better path'. It was good to be reminded of this.
Blessings to both of you.
Connie from KY
cps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com
I always love Beth's books. The beach setting sounds beautiful!
Beth from IA
What a gorgeous cover pic, Beth! That fancy camera was money well spent. :) Would love to win the book.
Pam in Ohio
I love going to the beach, it's just so restoring and beautiful. I love Beth's contemporary stories, A Tide Worth Turning sounds wonderful.
Merry in MN
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