Bio: Deborah Raney's novels have won numerous awards including
the RITA, National Readers' Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and
have three times been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken Raney
have traded small-town life in Kansas -the
setting of many of Deb's novels-for life in the city of Wichita .
Welcome back, Deborah. Tell us a little about yourself and your
background.
I’m a farmer’s daughter who was born in Texas, but moved to
Kansas as an infant and have called this beautiful spot of God’s green earth
home for all but about 2 years of my life. My husband Ken and I have 4 kids and
now 7 grandkids who all live much too far away.
How did you become interested in writing?
As a child, I had bronchial pneumonia that turned into asthma.
Because wheat and hay were the two things that seemed to trigger my asthma
attacks, I spent a lot of time moping indoors while my brother and 3 sisters played
outside. But my wonderful mom turned that time into something that changed the
course of my life: she read to me, then introduced me to chapter books, and by
the time I was 11 and spent a summer reading all of Laura Ingalls Wilders’
Little House books, I knew I wanted to grow up and write books that would give
people the same pleasure as Laura’s books had given me.
What compelled you to write a book on this subject?
I’ve become really concerned about what seems to be a new wave
of racial conflict in our nation. For many years, it seemed like we were making
strides. But with tragedies like the ones that happened in Ferguson
and Charleston ,
I couldn’t ignore the subject any longer. Home at Last isn’t my first novel with a theme of
racial reconciliation. Because of the Rain (originally
titled In the Still of Night) and Above All Things also
deal with racial issues, but Home
at Last is the first time I’ve written from the viewpoint of a
person of a different race than me. I didn’t take that task lightly, but as
with any novel where I write a character different from myself, I first did my
research, and then asked people like my characters to read the manuscript and
let me know if there was anything that didn’t ring true.
What is the main theme or point that you want readers to
understand from reading your book?
My Scripture theme for this book was Galatians 3:28: “There
is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” And that was my theme. We are all
one in Christ, and therefore we are all brothers and sisters, and should love
and care for one another as such.
Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and
apply to their lives after reading your book?
It’s a tall order, but I hope readers will be compelled to be
more compassionate, more understanding, less judgmental, and more full of God’s
grace to each other—even when we disagree on some matters.
What makes your book different from any other books similar to
yours that are in circulation today?
Twenty authors could write a book using the same synopsis as a
starting point, and you would end up with twenty completely different stories!
That’s the beauty of God’s creativity within us! We each have a unique and
individual voice.
How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and
how you are currently serving Him?
Though I didn’t really set out to have a common theme running
through all my novels, after writing more than thirty books, the theme that has
surfaced is redemption—the fact that God can take the most
difficult circumstance and turn it into something that ultimately brings Him
glory. That’s what my stories testify to.
Romans 8:28 has always been a favorite because it
confirms that theme of redemption that runs through my books and through my own
life.
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have
any hobbies?
I love decorating our home to make it a cozy and welcoming
place. We live on a pretty tight budget, but Ken and I go on weekly garage sale
jaunts that have allowed us to furnish and decorate our home and home offices
on a dime. And have a blast doing so!
As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?
I love these chances to connect with readers. You, readers, are
the reason I write, and I love hearing from you and connecting with you online
and in person. A little taste of heaven!
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
Thank you, Deb,
for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers as eager to read it as I
am.
Readers,
here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this
blog.
Home at Last - Christianbook.comHome At Last: A Chicory Inn Novel _ Book 5 - Amazon paperback
Home At Last: A Chicory Inn Novel - Book 5 - Kindle
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24 comments:
This sounds like a book that is very relevant to our present society. Thank you for sharing!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I live in Missouri. Born and raised in Illinois. Since marriage I have lived in Arizona, Michigan, Texas, Arkansas and stopped at Missouri. I love your books. jrs0350 @ yahoo . com
I love this series and am very eager to read this last book. I am originally from Virginia, but I have lived in North Carolina for 34 years.
grace_soo_amazing(at)yahoo(dot)com
I live in Indiana. That sounds like a good book.
I love to see things about the authors that I read and we see Deborah on FB a lot telling of her estate sales and all her wonderful finds,love them. I would be intrested in reading this book,thanks for sharing. I am a reader from Ga.
I enjoyed this interview with Deb! She's one of the very first authors I read when I "discovered" Christian fiction some years ago - - and I've been a loyal Deborah Raney fan since. :) I've loved every book I've read by Deb, and this newest one sounds wonderful too.
Thank you for featuring Deb on your blog today!
Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo Moore
I really enjoy Deb Raney's storytelling style! I live in Mont Alto, Pennsylvania. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Good to hear about your writing! Home in DE.
Thanks for the interesting interview, Deborah and Lena!! I love reading books with controversial subjects and dysfunctional characters who become redeemed through the grace of God. I also love seeing how you decorate your beautiful home with your garage sale finds, Deborah!! Can't wait to read 'Home At Last' - thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Bonnie, Kentucky
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really enjoy your books I just finished reading the Hanover fall series it was very good. I ordered the first book in this series as well so excitedt
Great to hear from everyone! Thanks so much for your kind words. And thanks, Lena, for hosting me. Always a pleasure to be a guest on your blog!
I have really enjoyed this series and can't wait to read this new book! Enjoyed the interview too! Tiffany from Louisiana.
Great interview. I am enjoying the retirement life with my husband, one of our daughters, one dog and two cats in Conway, SC just 15 miles from the ocean front at Myrtle Beach!
Great interview. I am enjoying the retirement life with my husband, one of our daughters, one dog and two cats in Conway, SC just 15 miles from the ocean front at Myrtle Beach!
Very interesting interview. Really enjoyed it! I was also born in Texas and I still live in the state!
I've been wanting to read these books, but haven't had the financial opportunity. Hopefully one day I will. My library is a smaller library. I enjoyed the interview. I'm Barbara from Louisiana.
barbmaci61@yahoo.com
I just picked up the last book in the series; it has been an enjoyable reading experience.
Sounds good. north platte nebraska.
I haven't read any of this series, but it sounds like something I would really enjoy.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the interesting interview, Lena and Deborah. Deborah, your book looks and sounds so intriguing. Thanks for sharing your time and talents.
Winnie from Utah
I am a HUGE Deb Raney fan....have read all in this series so am very anxious to read this last one. Thanks for your giveaway.
Jackie S. in GA
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
Fun getting to know Deborah Raney a little better. Always fun to get better acquainted with an author. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Linda from PA
I agree that we need more compassion in life and I'd love to read this!
Beth from IA
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