EMMA'S PRAYER - R A Giggie - One Free Ebook

Dear Readers, I’m featuring a novel from one of my Canadian writing friends today.

Welcome, R A. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I use a lot of my likes and dislikes for at least one of my characters, like my favourite colour, foods, hobbies, and such. However her personality is not at all like me. She may be very quiet, reserved, while I’m a talker and social butterfly.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I can’t think of anything other than this: Years ago, I went to Africa for short-term mission. First time travelling that far all alone. After landing in London, I took the shuttle to the other terminal, got off, and walked away from my three suitcases to get a trolley. I didn’t go very far, but when I turned back, the shuttle driver had put my suitcases back into the storage compartment and driven off. He thought the owner of those three pieces was still on the bus. I have no sense of direction and had no idea where to go. Imagine the fun I had trying get them back.

I can imagine. We had a somewhat similar experience when we flew into Mexico back in the ’80s. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Just a few years ago. Writing became a hobby when I won our grade two class composition contest. Writing poems became a big thing when I was in my teens, and they often found their way as “fillers” between articles and columns in the local newspaper where my mother worked as a reporter. Later, married life happened, and it was still a hobby. I’d never called myself a writer until I published my first novel in November 2012.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read almost everything providing it’s clean. My favourite genre is suspense, followed by historical, Amish, western, fantasy/paranormal. Sci-fi is the one thing that I’m not really into. This said, the fact that I don’t care for TV sci-fi programs doesn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy anything in that genre. I just never read any.

I’ve read a few Christian sci-fi novels that were awesome. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

With great difficulty. :D Like many writers out there, I work full-time outside the home so balancing family and home with work and writing is a never-ending task. God is good, though, and faithful. He’s always made sure I had all I needed to make this work. I’m allowed to write at work during down time, so that’s a big advantage. With MS Word on my iPhone (yes it’s quite small but hey, where there’s a will, there’s a way), I’m able to write/edit/etc.

It amazes me how you and some others I know do that. I have a fairly large HD flat-screen monitor with my desktop. My stories are written using that, and sometimes a laptop for some editing. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Many different ways. For first names, I have a Baby Name book, but sometimes it’s just names I hear in a conversation, on TV, or even read in a magazine. For last names, I go through the phone book, saying those names out loud with the first name I picked, until I find the perfect combination.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

First and foremost, my family. God’s blessed me with an amazing husband, two wonderful sons, and one beautiful grandson. Writing my first novel would be next. I love writing. 

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A big old grizzly bear. I have no idea what it is about the grizzly, other than that big round face. In my opinion, it is the most amazing and beautiful animal in all creation.

What is your favorite food?

Cheese. I eat it with just about everything. I cut small cubes into my salad, shred some on my omelet, or sprinkle grated parmesan on my chili or spaghetti, and even garlic bread. A day without cheese is … well not a good day at all. :D

I love cheese, too. My husband things everything is better with some cheese in it. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was trying to understand Point Of View. Until I did, all I did was head-hop. No matter how people explained it to me, I couldn’t grasp it. One day the lightbulb finally went on and I GOT IT.

It took me until at least my third novel to understand POV. Tell us about the featured book.

Emma’s Prayer is about a teen mom who puts her son up for adoption, but soon regrets her decision and sets out to get him back. Is it too late?

Across town, Cynthia Manning and her husband Logan long to have a family and after several miscarriages, they turn to adoption. They’re delighted when a baby boy is placed into their home. Is heartbreak inevitable?

Sounds very interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

April 2

“Push!” Nurse Jackson barked.

The pain ripped through Emi’s abdomen, all the way to the tip of her toes. How much longer could she put up with it? “I’m too tired. I can’t do this anymore,” Emi cried.

“Girl, you should have thought twice before you got pregnant.”

A contraction stole Emi’s breath away. She grimaced, grabbed the handrail, and fixed her eyes on the overhead mirror. Her lips taut, she tensed every muscle in her body. Holding her breath, she pushed. 

“Come on.” Nurse Jackson met Emi’s eyes. “The baby’s almost here.”

The contraction passed. Emi blew out a long ragged breath, and dropped onto the pillow like a rag doll. She eyed the husky nurse who had dark skin, short curly hair, and spoke like a drill sergeant. Emi didn’t care. She wanted it to be over. Another pain tore through her thoughts, scattering them like fallen leaves in a high wind. 

“Come on, child. Push!”

The baby’s head appeared in the mirror above. Emi’s mouth fell open. In vain, she fought against the physical pain. Her heart fought harder against the mixed emotions swirling within. Was it a boy or a girl? The way he’d kicked the past few months, he had to be the next football star or professional boxer. The ultrasound technician had offered to tell her the sex. She’d declined. Why bother? She wasn’t keeping him. Or her.

“Okay,” the nurse urged. “One more push. It’ll be over.”

Emi had barely spoken a word since they’d wheeled her into the room the night before but enough was enough. “I don’t have one more,” she snapped. “You’ve been at me for hours like I could drop this baby with no effort.” Her voice resonated in the room. Sobs racked her body as the next contraction hit. Her face scrunched, she clenched her jaw, and she pushed with all her might. As the first rays of sunlight shone through the window seeking Emi’s blurred vision, tearing agony struck. The room spun. Noises faded. Total darkness. Silence. 

Wow! I’m eager for my book to arrive. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ragiggie

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ragiggie

My blog: http://reneeanngiggie.com

Thank you, R A, for sharing this new book with us. I know my blog readers are as eager as I am to read this story.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Emma's Prayer

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