Bio: Miralee
Ferrell’s debut novel released in the fall of 2007, and eighteen more have
followed since. Her historical western romance, Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming, won the Will Rogers Medallion
Award for Excellence in Western Media for Fiction in 2012, and her first book
in the four-book Love Blossoms in Oregon
series, Blowing on Dandelions, hit
the ECPA Best Seller list, along with The
12 Brides of Christmas. Since then, she’s ventured into writing horse
novels for middle-grade kids, and opened her own publishing company, publishing
Christian novels. Miralee and her husband have been married over 40 years and
live in the beautiful Columbia Gorge in Washington State ,
where she loves to ride horses, garden, take walks, play with her dogs, and
minister to women.
Dear Readers, I’ve
loved Miralee’s writing since I read her first book. We’ve become friends, and
I’m happy to introduce you to her horse novels for middle-grade kids.
Welcome back,
Miralee. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I wear a lot of hats—wife, mom, grandmother, multi-published
author of 18 novels and novellas, as well as publisher/acquisitions editor for
Mountain Brook Ink. I live in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State , several miles out in the country.
We’ve lived in this area for many years, and it’s where we raised our children.
Someday we hope to travel south for the winter and escape the snow and cold,
but right now we’re content to burrow in by the woodstove and enjoy life here. How did you become
interested in writing? It’s funny—I was never interested in writing, only in
reading. I’ve always been an avid fiction reader, with no desire to write. Then
ten years ago, a visiting pastor prayed with me and told me he felt the Lord
was calling me to write. After praying and talking to my husband and pastor, I
decided I’d follow that direction and see if God blessed it. He has. I now have
18 books in print with more on the way. It’s been an incredible journey with
the Lord at the wheel.
What compelled you to
write a book on this subject?
A good friend and editor who was at Waterbroook at the time,
read one of my historical romances set on a horse ranch. She loved it and
suggested I consider writing a series of horse novels for kids. I wasn’t
excited about it at first, but the idea grew on me. After time, I felt the Lord
nudging me that direction. This book is the fourth in the series, and I’ve been
having a ball writing these books and inserting subtle life messages into these
stories for kids.
What is the main
theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are
there any other themes present in the book?
There are multiple themes—having adventures with friends,
solving a mystery, learning how to work together, and of course, the major
theme in all the Horses and Friends books centers around loving and enjoying
horses.
Are there some
specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after
reading your book?
The main thing is trust—learning how to trust God and trust
others when things go wrong. Also, not judging other people by outward
appearances, as you’ll often get it wrong.
What makes your book
different from any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?
I’ve had a number of readers tell me that my characters are very
true to life and the adventures they have are more compelling than a lot of
kids’ books they’ve read in the past few years. Plus, I weave life lessons into
each story that many parents appreciate.
How does the book
intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?
I truly believe He called me to write, or I wouldn’t be
doing it. I had no desire to write books, so all the glory goes to Him for
what’s happened in my career. My desire is, and always has been, to point other
to Jesus. I try to do that in a soft way through my fiction, by encouraging,
teaching, and weaving in real issues that people encounter in everyday life,
and showing how the characters overcome.
Do you have a
favorite Scripture verse?
Jeremiah 29:11-12 has been my life verse for years.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares
the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.
12 Then you will call on me and come and
pray to me, and I will listen to you.
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?
I love horseback riding with my daughter, playing with my
little granddaughter when her daddy and mother are able to bring her down, and
going for long walks. I’m also the owner and publisher at Mountain Brook Ink,
an up-and-coming Christian publishing house for fiction, and that’s cut into my
hobby time this last year. But I do still take time to walk, go to lunch, or go
riding with my grown daughter who lives nearby, or have an occasional hour or
two visit over tea with a friend.
As we close, is there
anything else you would like to add?
Yes, I’m thrilled to announce there will be two more books
in the Horses and Friends series. The first is titled Rebel Horse Rescue. We’ll be working on the covers in March, and
releasing more information with a projected release date (probably around
November 1 this year) in another month or two. Book six is called Trouble on the Trail, and it will
release next year. I’m thrilled I get to continue with this series, as the
characters have become like friends.
Where can my readers
find you on the Internet?
Several places:
Website: www.miraleeferrell.com
Business website: www.mountainbrookink.com
Twitter handle: miraleeferrell
Thank you, Miralee, for sharing this new book with us. I will want to feature the last two books in this series on the blog, too.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Blue Ribbon Trail Ride - Christianbook.com
Blue Ribbon Trail Ride (Horses and Friends) - Amazon.com
Blue Ribbon Trail Ride (Horses and Friends Book 4) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. 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
15 comments:
My 10 yo daughter LOVES horses and LOVES reading! She would really enjoy this book. Thank you for sharing about it.
Beth S. in IL
Miss Miralee's books are some of the best!
Melanie Backus, TX
Hi Miralee, Jeremiah 29:11-12 is one of my favorites also. I appreciate that you are writing faith-based books for young people. Lena, thank you for another great interview and giveaway.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Great interview as always! I'm thrilled there will be two more books in the series! Can't wait. I already have this book, so no need to enter me in the giveaway. Just saying hi. Annie
A lovely interview thank you. I like long walks too.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Miralee, your books sound wonderful. So glad you are creating relevant books for our kids that instill positive values.
Sandy Q
Texas
Hi Miralee & Lena! My niece love Katie's Horses and Friends books that we've both read - 1 & 2 - and would love to win a copy of Blue Ribbon!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
Nice intervew. Love the cover and the story line. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom. North Platte nebraska.
My daughter has really enjoyed this series. Rachael from ME
We have Miralee's books in the church library. I wasn't aware of her series for young people but hope to win to add to our children's section of the library.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Enter me in your great contest!!
Conway, SC.
angela in ky would love to win.
Oh, love to win this book. Sounds most amazing. thanks for the chance.
live in ND
Loved the review! Looking forward to this book!
Beth from IA
Miralee is one of my favorite authors. It was nice to learn more about you in the interview. I would love to win.
Brenda in VA
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