A FLUTE IN THE WILLOWS - Carole Brown - One Free Book

Welcome back, Carole. Tell us about your salvation experience.

My parents accepted Christ right before I entered my teens, and I did soon afterwards. From then on, I was involved in church and activities pertaining to churchy events. I strayed some but always felt the desire to serve Christ, always felt the pull to return to the Shepherd’s fold. I had several plans for my life, but God had others, and I can see the hand of God on my life and how he led me to and in the paths he wanted me to journey upon.

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

First, I would choose mostly authors who have great talent, but little recognition. I would decide whether to have a retreat of:

·       readers where authors could share interesting information about their lives and books, where readers could ask questions and learn and where the writers could offer contests and fun events for readers to win books and gifts, like live scavenger hunts, etc. or...

·       beginning writers could learn from more experienced ones who have so much to share but little opportunity to do so. Classes where the newbies could experience firsthand what published authors must learn and accept to reach publication. Assignments, creative writing activities to complete and many other things.

·       The whole event would have to be relaxed and fun—except when classes would demand a certain tension in creating a real-life part of a published author's one.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Speaking is not my first choice of activity, but it’s still a valuable part of a writer’s life, and I know some writers consider it so. I like to think it as a marketing tool for my writing. If it increases my visibility or possibly bring sales, then it’s what I want. I’ve spoken at writing classes including conferences and retreats on different topics.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

Since I'm probably the clumsiest female alive, I could give you several examples, like: falling over my own feet, forgetting I have the introductory part of a class, speaking when I really have no idea what I'm saying, making a joke that didn’t go over, etc.  But how to handle it?

• Laugh. Don’t let the embarassment conquer you. Laugh, and others laugh with you. Be distressed—and show it—and it not only makes you uncomfortable, but your friends too.
• Slow down, think before you speak, take notes and make lists for yourself, etc. as reminders.
• Move on. We are make mistakes. Some more than others. Don’t be defeated.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

I never like to be negative or discouraging. Who knows but what I might be talking to the next millionaire best seller? But I also want them to realize what they’re getting into. If they’ll listen, I try to gently explain what all is necessary to get there. Wishing they could and being disciplined enough to do it are two different things. Here’s some things I would say:

• Take your time. Consider your decision and once you know you’re determined and strong enough to complete your mission, then move on.
• Study others’ books. What do you like? What style of writing impresses you/lures you to the book? Decide what genre interests you.
• Read a few writing books. Ask for suggestions on what to read. If you’re a little rough on grammar, etc., think about taking a class or two to bring you up to speed.
• Join some writing groups. Listen. Ask questions. Learn.
• Practice some shorter writing pieces. An article for a magazine? A blog post? Maybe enter a few writing contests. Whether you win or not is not as important as taking note of suggestions and critiques that will help you progress as a writer.
• Whether you feel you’re a pantster or outliner, do take time to jot down ideas, names, a few scenes, thoughts about what you might want to include in your book, and anything else that will help you get through.
• Begin, but remember, you’ll probably reach some rough patches where you’ll want to give up. That’s normal, but don’t! Talk to a writing buddy, take a break, think about where and how you reached this point and figure out how to get past it.
• Don’t give up. If you’ve reached this spot, you’ll probably make it! Keep going. You’ll love typing “The End.”

Tell us about the featured book.

Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other’s love ... and keep the German enemy at bay.

She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Please give us the first page of the book.

1943

Jerry Patterson stared out the yawning black hole in the side of the plane. Seconds to go before he dropped. Night time parachuting was always a risky thing, but the pilot was one of the best who’d keep this baby right on target, lessening the chances he’d have to hit water. Trees were another matter, but with any kind of luck, the landing would go smooth.

Then to meet his contact and move into the German military high life. His pulse revved up. It was a dangerous game he was about to play.

Josie’s face flashed in his mind, and Jerry felt his heart soften. How he loved his tomboy wife. She was a beautiful butterfly dancing on ice, but put her in a social setting, and she was like a wild creature let lose in a maiden aunt’s prim parlor.

Three weeks of marital bliss. It’d been heaven on earth for him. One rapturous day—and night—after another. She’d cried the night before he’d left, but had been strength personified when he’d boarded the train the next morning.

If—no, when—he got home, he’d wrap his arms around her and not let her out of his sight.

Jerry stepped into the hole and dropped rapidly, counting. One thousand...One thousand one...One thousand two... With a jerk he pulled, the parachute opened above him, and he drifted earthward toward his assignment.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67381031

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Word Sharpeners:  https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/what-easter-means-to-me/

Thank you, Carole, for introducing this book to me and my blog readers. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

A Flute in the Willows (The Spies of World War II) (Volume 2) - Paperback
A Flute in the Willows (The Spies of World War II Book 2) - Kindle

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