Dear Readers, I first
knew Crystal
online through ACFW, even though she is a fellow Texan. When her first book, Win, Love, or Draw, released, I
contacted her to feature it on this blog. I read it, loved it, and immediately scheduled
her next few books. Love, Stock, and
Barrel is the second book in the series. I’m reading it right now, about
three-fourth through it. Her characters are unique and extremely interesting.
She writes visually, I picture everything easily. I even feel the pain of the
character, emotional and physical. You won’t want to miss this one. And Win, Love, or Draw is FREE on Kindle
today. The link is below this interview.
Also, Crystal designs all her
covers, and I love them. She has designed covers for one of my friend who is
Indie publishing several of the books that the rights have returned to her from
the publishers. I loved them, too. My next book release will be The Gold Digger, one of my bookd that
the rights have returned to me. I just saw the cover over the weekend, and she
nailed it.
Welcome back, Crystal . Why do you write
the kind of books you do?
That’s a somewhat-easy question. To put it bluntly, I’d be
miserable if I didn’t. When God calls you to do something, doing anything less
is a perfect recipe for misery. Oh, but it’s such a joy when you obey. J
I grew up reading stories full of faith, and when I started writing, I wanted
to minister to others the way those stories ministered to me.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
Wow. Yeah, that’s not an easy question. Too many to pick
from. The birth of family members. The fruition of a print book. Yeah,
impossible to narrow down. J
How has being
published changed your life?
All for the better. I’m busier than ever, but it’s a
blessing to bless others and to be doing what I love. I’m still in the midst of
juggling and finding my footing in this new phase of my life, but it’s a thrill
to have the opportunity to do so.
What are you reading
right now?
Well, a few things—my Bible, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (Nonfiction),
and I’m gonna find me a day here real soon to read Misty Beller’s The Rancher Takes a Cowgirl. Honestly, I
have a TBR list a mile long. J
I’m reading that book
by Misty on my Kindle. I carry it in my purse and read it when I’m away from
home. At home, I read print books. What is your current work in progress?
I’ve actually got two irons in the fire. I’ve paused work on
Hook, Line, and Suitor, book 3 in the
Marriage and Mayhem series, and I’m working on Marshal Mending, a Crystal
Falls novella. It’s kinda
like book 2.5 in the Marriage and Mayhem series and will be part of the Stitches Thru Time: Threads of Love
novella collection.
What would be your
dream vacation?
A Road Trip across the US . One day I hope to see all 50
states. I’ve put quite a dent in that number, but no road trip is the same
without great friends and/or family to share the ride with. That’s what makes
it such a joy.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
Well, in general, I live in Texas ;
I know Texas ; so I write stories set in Texas or at least with Texans
in it. Big surprise, right? J So far, I’ve worked with two make-believe
towns—Cater Springs and Crystal
Falls. I’m enjoying the characters in each so I guess that’s why I’ve used them
in a number of stories. However, Hook,
Line, and Suitor will be in a new fictional, Texas town called Hook’s Valley.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
I’m blessed to spend time with family and friends. What more
could I ask for?
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I enjoy yarn crafts (ie, crocheting, knitting) and quilting,
but I don’t have a lot of time for those very often. I also enjoy hiking and
horseback riding, but I get to spend even less time doing that. I guess you
could say another hobby of mine that is emerging is designing book covers.
And you’re very good
at it. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome
it?
Time management. Finding the time to do what needs doing
with all the demands for my time is a real balancing act. I work at it all the
time. I pray that God will help me to say “no” to what I need to say “no” to
and “yes” to what I need to say “yes” to. He knows better than me.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Write from the heart. Keep learning. Keep reading. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions. Remember, with God, all things are possible. J
Tell us about the
featured book.
I’d be glad to. J Love Stock and Barrel is
book 2 in the Marriage and Mayhem collection. No worries if you haven’t read
the first one. Each story can operate as a stand-alone novel.
Here’s the blurb:
Hiding from a rat of a fiancé, Dinah Lexington makes tracks
for Texas and
who she hopes is her late mother’s relative. She’s seeking answers but finds
more than she bargains for when she gets caught in a shotgun wedding—with the
rifle pointed at her.
Russell Cahill can’t believe his father is demanding he marry the feisty redhead. The sharpshooting female would only add to his troubles, but how does one argue with a gun and an attraction he’s fought to ignore?
Sparks fly.
Secrets surface. Loss threatens.
Will a dream for love shatter forever, or will the pair find a marriage worth lock, stock, and barrel?
Russell Cahill can’t believe his father is demanding he marry the feisty redhead. The sharpshooting female would only add to his troubles, but how does one argue with a gun and an attraction he’s fought to ignore?
Will a dream for love shatter forever, or will the pair find a marriage worth lock, stock, and barrel?
Please give us the
first page of the book for my readers.
Late February 1880—New Haven , Connecticut
So this was what betrayal felt like. Dinah Lexington’s heart
radiated the pain of Carl’s unfaithfulness clear to her toes and back again.
Add to that the fact Pa had instigated the whole relationship and the throbbing
ache increased. Weaving through the crowd celebrating her engagement, she
stuffed the hurt into the farthest recesses of her heart and slammed the door
behind it. She couldn’t think clearly if she dwelt on what she’d seen and
heard, and now more than ever she needed to have her wits about her.
“Are you all right, dear?”
Dinah forced a smile she didn’t feel and patted the
silver-haired matron’s hand. “I’ll be fine, ma’am, er, madam.” As soon as she
got away from all these people. One in particular.
“Where is your young man? Mr. Eaton and I have a surprise
for you.” Light from the chandelier reflected off the wealth of sapphires
dangling about the woman’s neck.
“Oh, how kind. He’s busy…” Dinah searched for an appropriate
word to describe Carl Richland’s present behavior. Mrs. Eaton would swoon if
she told what her fiancé—correction, former fiancé—was really up to.
“…entertaining. Perhaps you could share the surprise with us later. I’ve left
something in my room I must fetch.” Namely, her bag and good sense.
“Of course, dear. Don’t be long.”
She didn’t plan to be.
Fisting her lavender gown, Dinah hurried up the staircase,
doing her best not to run and draw attention to herself. The second-story
landing of the extravagant house offered a sharp contrast to the floor below.
Gone were the hordes of people and lively banter that filled the air. Gone were
the lavish decorations and striking furnishings around every corner. Here,
there resided none of the distractions and deceptions her father deemed necessary
for his business to succeed. The stifling charade was a vivid depiction of the
vanity of vanities.
No more.
Readers, see, I told
you it was good. I’m sure you’re wondering what comes next. Now, Crystal , how can readers
find you on the Internet?
I’m so glad you asked. J Readers can connect
with me at my
website or on my blog, my Amazon
Author page, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+,
or on my Facebook
author page.
I look forward to “seeing” y’all!
Thanks so much, Lena , for
having me as a guest on your blog!
It’s my great
pleasure and blessing to have you here, Crystal . I know my readers will love this book, too.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Love, Stock, & Barrel (Marriage & Mayhem) (Volume 2) - PaperbackLove, Stock, & Barrel (Marriage & Mayhem) (Volume 2) - 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
32 comments:
Congratulations on your new release, Crystal!
Oh, Lena, your praise blesses my heart immensely. I love hearing how a story touches someone's heart, and I had no idea you'd mention the cover I designed for you, but I'm so glad you like it.
Thanks again for having me here today.
Thanks, Amber. :)
Ha-ha! Music to an author's ears. :)
I love titles, Katie. Glad you like the sound of this one. Hope you'll enjoy the book even more. :)
Thanks so much for coming by. :)
Thanks for sharing your first page. I look forward to reading "the rest of the story"!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Glad you enjoyed it, Connie. I hope you enjoy the rest of the book. :)
Thanks for commenting. :)
Congratulations, Crystal. The book sounds interesting.
Thanks, Derinda. Hope you get a chance to read it. :)
would love to win angela in ky
Hi, Angela! Thanks so much for stopping by. :-)
Congratulations, Crystal! Sounds like a good one!
Melanie Backus,TX
What a fun blurb. I'm going to enjoy this.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Looks great!
Blanch NC
This sounds like a fun book, thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Wendy in FL
wfnren at aol dot com
Thanks, Melanie. I hope it's as good as it sounds. :-)
Thanks, Mary. I hope you do enjoy it. :)
Thanks, Abigail. So glad you could drop by today. :-)
Thanks, Wendy, and you're quite welcome. :-) So glad you dropped by.
Sounds interesting and the cover is intriguing.
Edward A in VA
thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
Enter me your book looks awesome!!
Conway, SC.
Thanks, Edward. Glad you like the sound of it, and I worked hard on that cover. :) Hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the book.
Thanks for dropping by.
Hi, apple blossom. Thanks so much for stopping by. :)
Thanks, Sharon. :) So glad you could stop by today. :)
Guess what, I have the first one of this series so I'd love to add this one...so exciting to see a second one! Enjoyed the interview Crystal :-)
Trixi in OR
Hi Trixi!! Glad you enjoyed the interview. Hope you get an opportunity to enjoy Love, Stock, & Barrel as well. You'll be seeing another in the series this summer, Lord willing. I'm working on Hook, Line, & Suitor now. :)
Crystal does wonderful book covers and I love feisty characters!
Merry in MN
Aww, thanks, Merry. I hope Dinah is feisty enough for you. :-)
I'm really excited to start this series, Crystal. I just purchased the first book and will dig in soon. Congrats on the release and blessings for much success.
Terrill - WA
Thanks so much, Terrill. I really hope you are blessed by all the stories. :-)
I just love Crystal's titles! They are just so much fun!
Blessings!
Jasmine in Montana
Thanks, Jasmine. I have a lot of fun coming up with them. :)
Post a Comment