Welcome back,
Michelle. How did you come up with the idea for this story?
This story has been on my heart for years, and I know it’s
an experience that far too many have gone through. When parents get separated
from their children, there’s a lot of pain. Misunderstandings. Rejection. I’ve
read quite a few books from the children’s perspectives, but I wanted to
explore what must be going on in the heart and mind of a man who walks away
from his children. A part of me is like, “What’s wrong with you?” But parents are imperfect people, too. I wanted to
go there and explore this character, Stanley Brown, and what made him do what
he did.
If you were planning
a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would
you invite and why?
This is going to sound bad, but I’m not a huge fiction
reader. I read mostly non-fiction and then take the lessons I learn from that
and use them in fiction books. So, I’m going to have to invite some non-fiction
folks to he party (and only 5 – sorry)!
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Wolgemoth – She has a lot to say to women, and since she recently married
for the first time in her late 50s, I’d like to know how her thoughts about
marriage and being a woman of God have changed—or not.
CaSandra McLaughlin
– She’s the co-author of Deacon Brown’s
Daughter. I would invite her because she’s fun and because she knows how to
cook.
Jen Hatmaker – I
don’t agree with Jen about a lot of things, but I love her heart. She would
make the party fun, I’m sure.
Rhonda McKnight –
Rhonda makes everyone feel welcome, and she’s got a perspective on
writing/publishing that would lend itself well to any conversation about
Christian literature.
Steve McVey – He
sprinkles grace on everything. I’d love to hear what he has to contribute to the
party conversation.
Now let’s do that for
a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what people would you
invite and why?
Piper Huguley –
She’s a sweetheart and a powerball all in one. Her work is winning lots of
awards already.
Michael Phillips
– His was the first historical fiction book I ever read, and I thoroughly
enjoyed Angels Watching Over Me.
I'd really enjoy being at that party. I don't know Piper, but I read a lot of Michael Phillips books, and I always love spending time with you, Michelle. Many times, people
(and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What
is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?
My most difficult problem right now is a wonderful problem.
My first granddaughter is here and I can’t tear myself away from her long
enough to write – LOL! But she’s two months old now, so I’ve got to get myself
back on track. I recently downloaded an app that keeps track of my “clocking
in” and “clocking out” so that I am more aware of how I’m using my time.
Balancing work and family has always been a challenge for me. When I do work
(I’m a part-time education consultant), it gives me a greater appreciation for
my more relaxed life as a writer. But I have to be careful not to get too
relaxed or distracted. I also have to be careful not to overwork and neglect
the things and the people who are most important to me. It’s a constant
self-check.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Deacon Brown’s Daughters is the story of a man (Stanley Brown)
who sired four children by four different women back when he was younger. Now
that he’s older and has come into the saving knowledge of Christ, he wants to
make things right with the adult children. But they’re not all so happy to see
him. Stanley is
confused about things. He doesn’t understand why people (women especially)
always want to drudge up the past in order to move forward. He doesn’t know how
many times he can say “I’m sorry” before giving up again. The idea for Deacon
Brown’s Daughters isn’t exactly a new one, but to explore it from the
absent parent’s perspective brings a unique voice to the conversation about
absentee fathers, single mothers, and even blended families.
Please give us the first
page of the book.
He was used to getting messages from random women. These
days, the messages usually came through his phone in the form of a text or an
email. Whoever wrote this one must have had a lot on her mind because she had
taken the time and effort to write neat, cursive letters on the front and use
an oversized envelope.
It was addressed To: Stanley David Brown, Care of: Effie
Brown, followed by his mother’s address in Big Oak, TX.
No. Not Jack Daniels. He had to remind himself that
he was a changed man. Even a whole year after accepting Christ, his mind
returned to its old default ways without conscious resistance. Though Stanley had never been an
alcoholic, he recognized alcohol as a gateway to the past for him. No need in
going back there.
Besides, it was two in the afternoon. Saturday overtime was
always finished before he knew it. Coffee was still in order.
“Stan-laaaaay!”
He ignored his mother. She would call at least three more
times before adding his middle and last name.
I want to know who
that letter came from! How can readers find you on the Internet?
Twitter @StimpsonWrites
Thank you, Michelle, for sharing this book with
us. I’m intrigued with the concept. I know my readers will be, too.
Readers, here are links to the book. By
using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Deacon Brown's Daughters
Deacon Brown's Daughters
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4 comments:
Thanks Lena for sharing!
Love it! Sounds like a must read from a point of view not often written from.
My reading habits are exactly opposite of yours, Michelle. I pretty much ONLY read fiction - mostly because I cannot stay focused or interested if there isn't a story involved. It's no fun when I NEED to read a non-fiction, say for our Women's Bible Study or for the places that I review books. (I currently have a book I'm working on - that I need to read for review purposes - that I have been working on for about 3 months. Lengthwise, I should have been done 2-1/2 months ago but it's NON-FICTION!!! Grrrr.)
Would love to win your book!
Pam in OH
Enter me!!
Conway SC.
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