Welcome back, Angela.
God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the
horizon?
Oh, I’m a dreamer, so I could take up the whole blog with
this answer alone. I’ve already deleted a few paragraphs, so I don’t bore
readers. Let me just say three things here.
I was speechless when I found out my debut novel Love Finds You in Sun Valley was being
considered for film. With such a possibility, I decided to get my rights back
and rerelease the book as the first in a series about all the brothers in the
family.(http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/faithmediaandculture/2012/07/mpi-to-bring-popular-love-finds-you-book-series-to-television.html
)
The second novel in the Resort to Love series, Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana, comes
out in September. It’s a Christmas story. And writing it made my heart grow
like the Grinch’s. I hope it touches my readers just a fraction of the way it
touched me.
On the last day of my writing retreat with my friends a
couple months ago, I felt God had a verse for me. I opened my Bible randomly
and there was a star next to Psalm 102:18. “Let this be written for a future
generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” That’s where
I’m headed.
Tell us a little
about your family.
We have a blended family. My husband’s three kids are out of
the house (though they still inspire me with their creativity), and we are
raising my three teenagers. We don’t do it perfectly, but we do it better because
we are together.
Currently, I’m working on getting my 16-year-old son a
passport for a mission trip to Mexico
with his youth group this summer, and my 15-year-old is at a special high
school for kids who want to go into the medical field. She was just a little
too excited to play nurse when my 13-year-old daughter broke her ankle playing
her favorite sport at a basketball tournament a few days ago. Last night we
went out for Mexican food on “big plates” and laughed until we cried over
ridiculous things nobody else would think is funny.
Has your writing
changed your reading habits? If so, how?
In learning to write better, I’ve become pickier and
pickier. I won’t finish a book if it doesn’t grab me because there are so many
other books I want to read.
What are you working
on right now?
I’m writing Finding
Love in Park City, Utah. I attended the Sundance Film festival in January
to research, which was awesome. This one is going to touch on some issues that
I’ve dealt with in my own life, so it will probably be the most real of the
three books in the series.
My first romantic suspense novel comes out with Love
Inspired Suspense next February. I’ve been working on ideas for the cover and
finding the perfect title. (I’m hoping for Playing
Dead.) If there are any movie producers reading this, it would also make a
great film. ;-)
What outside
interests do you have?
I teach fitness classes—mostly yoga right now. And I love
photography and scrapbooking. My husband also got a Harley this year, so I’m
now a Harley girl. Whatever that means.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
My debut novel was part of the Love Finds You series, which
was all about location. I actually set it in Sweet Home , Oregon ,
originally, because I liked the name of the town and wanted to do a whole
home-sweet-home theme. I got my contract then the publisher asked me to move
the story to Sun Valley because they already had too many Oregon stories. (Too many awesome authors in
Oregon .)
So then I had to make a research trip out to Sun Valley . And it was so fun that researching settings
has become a big part of my writing process. I choose settings I would like to
visit. Then even if I don’t get to travel to the location (St. Lucia …sigh),
I can still go there vicariously through my characters.
If you could spend an
evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
Joseph. He was a dreamer like me.
What is the one thing
you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
My mom wrote, so I knew it was going to be hard, which is
good and bad. The bad part was that I started out determined to prove myself.
But now I know there’s nothing to prove. I’m never going to arrive. I’m just going
to do it because I love it. I’ll always have more to learn, and if I touch any
lives along then I’ll consider myself blessed.
What new lessons is
the Lord teaching you right now?
I’ve decided to go through the fruits of the spirit in my
Bible. Right now I’m on love. (It’s going to take a while until I reach joy.) I
learn something new every day. For example, yesterday’s verse was about how
“love and faithfulness go before God.” I pictured it like a processional for a
king or the line of limos from when Obama came to Boise . You know God is present and active
when you experience love and faithfulness. Such a beautiful image. And also a
reminder to notice our own behavior or to be discerning of other people who say
they believe in God but you can’t see this fruit in their life.
What are the three
best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Chase your dreams.
Climb over obstacles.
Get back up when you fall down—preferably while laughing at
the realization of how funny you probably looked when flying through the air.
Tell us about the
featured book.
In Finding Love in Sun Valley, Actress
Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho
hometown - with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and
reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley
is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake
is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to
deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood
types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all
her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off
to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley
- and Tracen - behind?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Tapping the brakes to turn off the cruise control in her
rented Ford Escape, Emily squinted to read another marker located along Hwy 21.
The winding road transitioned from the forested mountains to the dry valley,
where the pine trees grew taller as if wearing stilts. This meant she was
getting closer to the river and her resort destination.
When she was growing up, Dad had always refused to take her
to Sun Valley , Idaho . Said he’d rather avoid the snobs who
vacationed there. Of course, he was referring to the rich and famous, the
actors and actresses. Which ironically she now was. An actress anyway. Never a
snob.
Should she feel guilty for staying in the swanky lodge? Nah.
She needed a good night’s rest before the flurry of filming swept her
downstream—literally. Especially after spending a week with Mom in her hometown
of Boise .
She also needed a bathroom and a hot meal. Spying a rustic
restaurant snuggled next to a bend in the river, she pressed harder on the
brakes before swinging onto the gravel side road leading to The Point. The log
building looked as if it were in need of sprucing up, but by the number of cars
parked out front, the food must have made up for any lack of elegance.
Emily pulled the compact SUV into what might be considered a
parking space and leaned over the passenger’s side to pull her purse from
underneath a sweatshirt. Since it was July, she’d only brought summer clothes,
but Mom had pretended to be practical for a moment and insisted she take the
ugly orange Boise
State hoodie. Guess it
was always good to be prepared.
Behind her, the driver’s side door jerked open with a
squeak. The car rocked, and the sun baked her back, though that didn’t keep
goose bumps from popping up on her flesh.
Reactively, she dug one hand into her purse for a can of
mace as she whipped around to confront the intruder. Every muscle tensed as
possible scenarios tore through her imagination. Hijacker…mugger…crazed fan…
Her makeup stylist?
Looks like a fun
read. How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.angelaruthstrong.com
Thank you, Angela, for sharing this book with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho (Resort to Love)(Volume 1) - Paperback
Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho (Resort to Love Book 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. 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
29 comments:
I really enjoyed Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho. :-) Looking forward to reading more stories by Angela Ruth Strong.
Stopping by to see a love finds you type book...like the setting and the title,have not read this author but sounds great. I love to read so hoping to win this one.
thanks for sharing, the introduction and the book.
a reader in Ga
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Enjoyed the interview. I have read and loved Finding Love in Sun Valley Idaho. If this is a print copy, I would love to win a copy. I live in Abilene, Texas. lacy1942(at)gmail(dot)com
would love to win. angela in ky
Thank you, Melissa. I look forward to you reading book #2, too. :-)
Pol, have you read other books in the Love Finds You series? Did you know a few of them have already been made into movies? Also, my Love Finds You book was originally published under the name Angela Ruth--back before I met my Mr. Strong. <3
Good luck, Ann. Thanks for being one of the best readers ever.
Thanks for stopping by, Angela in Ky.
My sisters and I have been watching Hallmark's 'When Calls the Heart' and (if you're familiar with the show) I read this description and thought "Lee and Rosemary" right away. Thought there are some major differences, that initial thought made me want to read this immediately! Can't wait til I get the chance!
J.C. -Indiana-
I haven't watched When Calls the Heart, but I have some friends who are "Hearties," and now I'm even more intrigued. Hope you get a chance to read about Tracen and Emily.
This book sounds delightful! I would love to read it and I thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
Melanie Backus, TX
What a beautiful cover. I would be delighted to have a chance to read it. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
Deanne P. in PA
I'm very familiar with Sweet Home, Oregon. I live just above Oregon in Washington and I have family in Sweet home.
Terrill - WA
A very interesting beginning.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Sounds like a good book. THanks for the chance to win.
Beth in Montana
Oh this one sounds like so much fun to read! It reminds me of a Hallmark movie (which I love). I would really like to get a copy of it. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Loraine in TX
I enjoyed the interview. It's fun learning new things about my favorite authors. Thanks for the chance to win this great-sounding book.
Brenda in VA
Sounds like a good read. Love the cover. North Platte Nebraska.
O, this one's on my TBR list! Thanks for the chance to enter this giveaway!
Annie (MD)
I really loved the book and would love to own the paperback. I read the e-book.
Edward A in VA
Are these the same as the "Love Finds You" books? Because I have enjoyed several of those with a few on my shelf yet-to-be read. This one sounds just as good, thanks for the chance!
Trixi in OR
Enter me for a print book copy!!
Conway, SC.
You are a new to me author and I look forward to reading Finding Love in Sun Valley. I am from Chicago.
You are a new to me author and I look forward to reading Finding Love in Sun Valley. I am from Chicago.
It sounds like a fun story. 😊
Sherri
Florida
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your first page.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a fun book (and I've never been to Idaho and would enjoy picturing life there) and I'd love to win and read this book.
Fascinating that it is under contract for a movie.
I live in the middle of North Carolina
Sun Valley is beautiful and will make a perfect setting for a book!
Beth from IA
Would love to win looks like a fun book to read.
Lourdes in Long Island,, NY
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