ROSIE WON'T STAY DEAD - Tamara G Cooper - One Free Book

Welcome back, Tamara. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I told you before that I am a scardy-cat. When a chase scene comes on television, I leave the room. If someone is sneaking up behind someone, I leave the room. So, you would think: why in the world does she write suspense? Because I’m in control of the scardy-cat scenes. I can make these frightening because the “monster” doesn’t move without my knowledge! But I will say this: writing suspense has helped me to better handle watching suspenseful scenes.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Four doctors told me I would never have children, so the day I gave birth to my first son was absolutely the happiest day of my life! To hold that precious life was a true miracle!

Because of an injury in high school, I wasn’t expected to be able to have children, so I understand. I have two daughters and sons-in-law as well as several grandchildren and great grands. How has being published changed your life?

It’s been a life-long dream of mine to be published. My Mama passed away July 31, but she saw two of my books in print before she went to Heaven. There is something wonderfully satisfying in having a dream and seeing it come to fruition. Many times, I thought “being published” would never happen, but it did! Being published keeps me focused on the next deadline, the next book, the next idea inside me.

What are you reading right now?

I read several books at one time (I know; weird, huh?) but I’m enjoying Kristin Hannah’s book, The Nightingale.

Not weird to me. I’m always reading at least two books. What is your current work in progress?

Book 3 of the Brothers of Texas series. I’m plugging away on it, and it’s coming together!

What would be your dream vacation?

I love history, so getting into an RV and hitting a road that ends up in Washington, D.C. would be my idea of a dream vacation (and hitting all the historical spots on the way)! But if I had to choose a place outside my great country, I’d choose Israel and walk where Jesus walked.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I’m a Texas girl, born and bred, and I love stories that take place in Texas with Texas characters (Rosie Won’t Stay Dead is an obvious exception; Texas characters in Colorado)!

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

One of the most fascinating people of our generation is Dr. Ravi Zacharias. He is a brilliant apologist, and I’d love to pick his brain.

You’re right. He’s been at our church several times. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to hike! Anywhere, any time. I love to fish with my family; night fishing is particularly fun for me. And then waking up to a fish breakfast is wonderful.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Time to write—number one. Carving out time from all the demands of “family”—three young boys (ages 11, 12, and 13) and three dogs. I’ve found a little niche at night to write, when everyone’s asleep.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Sit down at the computer, open a document, and write. The bottom line of writing is to tell your story. Studying how other people approach it is fine, but I see, in looking back, that all my “studying” actually kept me from “writing.” Just do it. Get your story on paper and stay with it.

Tell us about the featured book.

Rosie Won’t Stay Dead is Book 2 in the Brothers of Texas series. Here is the blurb on the back cover: “Luke McKenzie needs a vacation from ranching and dealing with his father’s unsolved murder. He leaves Texas for the Colorado Rockies—to hike alone for a month. Sarah Morgan wants to learn to live without fear after a vicious assault changed everything for her. She leaves Kansas for the Rockies to hike alone—in the hopes of recapturing the person she used to be. But a very dangerous man has other plans for both of them.”

You grabbed my interest. Please give us the first page of the book.

Luke McKenzie shoved his overstuffed backpack into the bed of his pickup and secured the hard cover. “Let’s go, Molly. Time’s a-wastin’.” He laughed when his golden retriever bounded over to him and danced around his feet. He wasn’t one to show his emotions much, but Luke was as excited about leaving as Molly.

Behind him, his younger brother Mac, the owner of McKenzie Ranch, said, “You out of here?”

Luke turned around, grateful Mac had seen his need for a break. “Yeah, but I hate putting so much work on you by going.”

“I have plenty of help. Now, go. You haven’t had a vacation in two years, so have fun. Hike. Enjoy being alone. If you don’t, I might have to send you back out there.” Mac squeezed his shoulder. “Really, buddy. The ranch’ll survive without its foreman for a month. Take six weeks, if you need to.”

“’Preciate it, bro’.” Luke opened the driver’s door of his truck. Molly jumped inside the cab and barked at him. “I know, girl. We’re fixin’ to leave.”

He turned back to Mac to say goodbye, but Marianne, his brother’s new wife, stepped out onto the wide, wrap-around porch and waved. “Have fun, Luke. Don’t forget where we live!”

“I won’t.” He laughed and waved back. It was harder than he thought it would be to leave the ranch, his life, his responsibilities. But he needed to get away more than he needed to stay. Maybe he’d find some peace in the mountains. That would be his number one goal—and maybe a little forgiveness, too.

He hugged Mac, got in his truck, and started it.

“Be careful!” This, from Marianne.

“Have a great time, bro’.”

“I will. See y’all in a month.” Smiling, Luke backed up his truck, waved again, and headed for the Colorado Rockies.

I’m glad my book just came last week. I’m eager to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

They can find me at www.AuthorTamaraGCooper.com. Thank you, Lena, for featuring me on your blog today. I enjoyed it so much!

Thank you, Tamara, for sharing the book with my readers and me. I know they’ll be just as eager to read it as I am.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Rosie Won't Stay Dead (Brothers of Texas) (Volume 2) - paperback
Rosie Won't Stay Dead: A Romantic Suspense Novel (Brothers of Texas Book 2) - Kindle

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