Dear Readers,
Connilyn is a member of our local chapter of American Christian Fiction
Writers. It with great pleasure I introduce you to her and her debut novel. My
copy of the book just arrived a few days ago, so I haven’t read it, because I
was editing a ten-novella collection that was uploaded to Amazon yesterday. I’m
eager to read Counted
With the Stars.
Welcome, Connilyn. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
What a great question Lena !
I certainly do not plan to write myself into characters, but pieces of me inadvertently
get scattered in along the way. Sometimes it is a strength, or an interest, but
sometimes it is a flaw. One thing I never considered when setting out to write
a book was how much the Lord would use my own writing to convict me. When I
begin seeing characteristics of myself showing up in antagonists, I know God is
dealing with me!
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I am wracking my brain for quirky things and coming up
empty—apparently I am boring. It may not count as quirky but I write in my
master-bedroom closet. I was desperate for a quiet space of my own, so a few
months ago I did some rearranging, dragged in a desk and shut the door. Since
then I have added a comfy reading chair, a lamp, and a cozy heated throw
blanket—so if anyone needs me, I am usually hiding in the closet. Of course the
kids, my husband, and our crazy cats inevitably find me in my hideout so I may
invest in a lock for said closet door…
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I was about thirteen
years old. I had just read Gone with the
Wind, which I devoured in one day (after being home sick from school) and
decided that since Margaret Mitchell had died before writing a sequel, I would
be the one to do it! I sat down with paper and pen and wrote a scene that I can
still vividly remember. Although I did not have the courage, or confidence, to
write a novel until only a few years ago, my passion for writing was sparked at
that moment.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I have always been a voracious reader, mostly historical
fiction–which fascinated me even as a kid, but I enjoy well-written contemporary
romance, women’s fiction, and have even enjoyed some excellent YA in the past
few months. Now that I have a writer’s perspective, I have become a bit of a
picky reader but will usually give most anything a chance.
I think it’s
interesting that you like to read contemporary novels, but you’re writing
historical. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
Well, other than consume copious amounts of coffee—I would
say the best thing I have done for myself and my family is to streamline my
life. There was a time when I was teaching piano lessons, art classes,
homeschooling, playing in a band, doing worship at church, and oh, yeah,
writing a novel in my spare time. Although these were good, beneficial things,
they were not all things I was truly passionate about. I gave myself the
freedom to let go of extraneous pursuits so I could focus only on the things
God was calling me to pursue. Also, in this world where busyness is a badge of
honor and rest is labeled laziness, I have found that taking Sabbath rest is
imperative to my spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. God loves us so
much that he gave us the privilege of one day a week to lay aside the work of
our hands, meet with Him, and revel in His beauty. How cool is that? I find that
when I ignore this command I become drained, overwhelmed, and anxious very
quickly.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Honestly, that is one of the hardest things about writing
Biblical fiction! I spend a lot of time scouring online lists of Hebrew and
Egyptian names trying to find names that sound historically accurate but also
might appeal to a modern reader’s ear. No one wants to read a book with a hero
named Bakbakkhar … right? Or a heroine named Hazelelponi? And of course it’s
much easier to find male names since female names are rare on historical
documents. And, confession, sometimes—using my (limited) knowledge of Hebrew
and names of gods worshipped in Ancient times—I make them up.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
As one of those creative, random-abstract, procrastinating,
project-starting-but-never-finishing personalities, I am still stunned that I
have completed not one manuscript, but three! And on deadline too! It just goes
to show that when God gives you a calling, He gives you the tools necessary to
complete that mission, in spite of your weaknesses. I’m also quite proud that
I’ve turned my children into voracious book-devourers—as evidenced by our excessive
library fines. My 9 year-old daughter recently declared, “Mom, I’m so glad we
are a book family!” Made my author-mommy heart go pitty-pat.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
Is there an animal that drinks coffee? No? Then I would
probably say a bird. The lure of flying, unfettered to the earth, has always
appealed to me and I am fervently hopeful that Isaiah 40:31 (And they shall
mount up with wings as eagles…) is not only a spiritual promise, but a physical
promise that I will be able to fly in the kingdom-to-come.
What is your favorite
food?
Well, other than my favorite caffeinated beverage, I would
have to say that Chocolate Chip Cookie-Dough Cheesecake from the Cheesecake
Factory tastes exactly like cookies my late grandmother used to make. Let’s
just say it’s a good thing that chocolate-chip-walnut-cream-cheese goodness is
over an hour away from my house.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Perfectionism, by far, is my greatest writing struggle. I
was the girl who got an F in art in second grade because I threw all my art
projects away for not being “perfect enough.” And strangely, taking an art
class years ago helped me deal with this issue in writing. I realized that art
was an expression of my heart, unique to my personal perceptions of the world, and
that when I kept fiddling too long with a painting to attempt to perfect it, I
usually ruined it. This lesson has translated into my writing, I’ve learned
that I cannot compare my art to someone else’s, I must write to the best of my
ability, release it into God’s hands, and let him make up the difference.
A very wise decision.
Tell us about the featured book.
Counted with the Stars is my debut novel. Kiya is an Egyptian
who was sold into slavery by her own father. When she is befriended by a Hebrew
slave-girl who entertains her with stories of an invisible god, Kiya is
fascinated but scoffs at the idea that a god of slaves would have any power.
When horrific plagues strike the land and rumors of a Hebrew deliverer reach
her ears, she begins to question all that she knows. To save her disabled older
brother’s life and break the bonds of slavery, Kiya convinces her family to
take refuge with the Hebrews and then flee with them on the Great Exodus. She
finds herself following a glowing cloud into the wilderness, drawn to a man who
disdains her people, and questioning whether she has led her family to their
demise. This book is the first in the Out from Egypt series, which re-tells the
story of the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings through the eyes of fictional
characters: an Egyptian slave, a Hebrew midwife, and a Canaanite captive.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
20th day of
Akhet—Season of Inundation 1449 B.C.
My sandals have not crossed this threshold since I was ten.
Inhaling, I focused on the Eye of Horus woven into the
papyrus mat at my feet. After summoning an infusion of courage from its steady
gaze, I lifted my chin and entered my father’s chambers for the first time in
six years.
My father’s braided wig lay on his desk, as if flung aside
without a thought for his usual meticulous appearance. He stood with his back
to me, studying a papyrus document with such intensity that my quiet entrance
had gone unnoticed. Did I imagine that his hand trembled?
Intuition fluttered in my chest.
Appointed with an ornate ebony desk, vibrant tapestries
painted by my brother, and a gilded sleeping couch fit for Pharaoh— this room
resurrected a long forgotten memory of sitting beside my father as he studied trade
reports and his warm hand enveloping mine.
Hoping to swallow the quiver in my voice, I cleared my
throat. “Father, you sent for me?”
He startled, but did not turn as he spoke. “Yes, Kiya. Come
in.” Scratching at the silvering stubble
on his head with one hand, he continued examining the document in silence.
Fidgeting with the beaded shawl I had purchased this
morning, I stroked at the embroidered ibises and the silver beads that twinkled
like stars along the hem. I had also been considering a lyre, with roses
scrolling down the body of the instrument and petals so lifelike I could almost
inhale their delicate fragrance. But before I could make any offer, Yuny, my
father’s servant, had skidded to a stop in front of me with his chest heaving
from exertion and a curious demand from my father to return home in haste. The
stricken look on the man’s wrinkled face had caused me to abandon the lyre and
rush back to the villa.
I’m so glad that I
can soon immerse myself in this book. How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website is ConnilynCossette.com
If you’d like to hear about new releases, exclusive content, and great
giveaways sign up for my email list there. I also love to connect with readers
on Facebook , Twitter ,or Pinterest where I have
boards for all my novels to explore. I also contribute to the blog at LearnHowToWriteANovel.com and JoyComesintheMorning.net.
My pleasure and great blessing, Connilyn. I know my blog readers are as eager as I am to read this story.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Counted with the Stars - Christianbook.com
Counted With the Stars (Out From Egypt) - Amazon
Counted With the Stars (Out From Egypt Book #1) - 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
26 comments:
angela in ky would love to win.
Counted With the Stars looks like a book I would enjoy..
Beth from IA
"Counted with the Stars" sounds like a fascinating read. Adding to my TBR list.
Dianne from Illinois
Thanks so much for having me on your blog today Lena!
Conniilyn is a new author to me and I am very glad to find out about her.
Melanie Backus, TX
Excited in New Jersey to read your book. I love the title of the book.
This sounds like a good and fascinating book!
-Melissa M. in TN
This is the book I never knew that I've always been waiting to read! I'm so excited about this!
J.C. -Indiana-
I didn't realize "Counted with the Stars" was a biblical fiction book! I've read a few by other authors and definitely enjoyed the perspective and life-likeness they've given to scripture. I can well imagine myself in those times through the authors eyes!
Really enjoyed the author interview Connilyn (such an unsual pretty name)! You're a new-to-me author and I'm excited to learn of your debut novel. Sounds like you had a lot of fun writing it. Thank you for sharing an excerpt & the giveaway chance :-)
Trixi in OR
Thanks everyone! I hope you enjoy Counted with the Stars as much as I enjoyed writing it! Good luck to everyone in the giveaway!
I love that you make up names. What fun. You could certainly make them fit the character well.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy..
I live in Indiana.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
I have had my eye on this book for a few weeks now. It sounds so good and I love the cover. Sheri in Georgia would love to win.
I have had my eye on this book for a few weeks now. It sounds so good and I love the cover. Sheri in Georgia would love to win.
What an intriqueing concept! My interest is piqued by reading the first page. I loved your story,Connilyn, describing your writing chamber in your closet.How unique! I signed up for your newsletter and liked you on Facebook, and followed you on Twitter and Pinterest. I look your boards on Pinterest.
Thank you, Lena, for sharng about this b9ok.
Kathy Anderson Neosho, MO
phoneticpanda at gmail dot com
I have seen so many great reviews for this book! Thank you for the giveaway!
Beth in Illinois
Nice cover. north platte nebraska.
Hi Connilyn & Lena! Counted With the Stars sounds like a beautiful story and I look forward to reading it!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com
Looks great! Enter me.
Blanch NC
Enter me in your awesome contest!!
Conway, SC.
Hello, Connilyn. I started out following your book reviews and was thrilled when I found out you were writing your own book. It's amazing how far you've come and how big your 2016 is. Congrats!
Terrill - WA
Counted With the Stars is a book I would enjoy! Thanks!
Beth from IA
Congratulations Connilyn on your book debut. I would love to read this book.
Michelle
CA
Connilyn, I also have a hard time listing a specific quirk or outstanding attribute; my answer is always that I am boring!
Congrats on this new adventure and best wishes!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Connilyn, congratulations on the release of your debut novel. Counted with the Stars sounds wonderful! I can't wait to read it.
Caryl K in TEXAS
Thank you everyone! I am so pleased to see all the interest in Counted with the Stars! Best of luck in the giveaway!
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