How did this book
come about?
I was in stop-and-go traffic, waiting get on the freeway
when I spotted a black moleskin journal lying on the side of the road. Something
compelled me to get out of my car—even though it was pouring rain—and pick the
journal up. There was just a bit of writing in the front, and in the back was a
“Jesus” emblem glued to the inside back cover. I started wondering … what if God
had placed that journal there for me to find? What if I wrote in it? What if God wrote in it, like he
did on the wall in the Old Testament? From there the story took off ,and I soon
realized the heart of the story was a woman who had stood up for everyone else
but hadn’t ever truly stood up for herself. Until now. And her mysterious journal
was going to help her on that journey.
Tell us about the
book’s cover and what makes it unique.
I am so fortunate to have a brilliant cover designer. I love
the way the writing blends into the background, yet if you look closely, you
can see the script. And I love the way the water drops are there … but again, you
only truly see them after a second look.
Please explain and
differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
What a great question! All of it is fact, and all if it is
fiction. Here’s what I mean: There are so many elements in the book I’ve taken
from my real life. A job I had. Working in Alaska in college. Exploring the Northwest. The
Oregon coast.
Characters I’ve drawn from real life people I know. The fears and struggles I’ve
gone through. All those things are in the book and are fact. Yet I filter them
through my lens and I’m sure in some cases I’ve gotten things wrong. So much of
life is perspective, and we all have different perspectives from each other, so
those “facts” are often interpreted quite differently.
How much research did
you have to do for this book?
Very little. Since I worked in Alaska ,
and the book is set in the Seattle area (where I
used to live) and I’ve been to the Oregon
coast many times, most of the research was in my head before I started.
What inspired and
surprised you while you were writing the book?
Another great question. Most of the story surprised me. I’m
not an author that’s able to outline a tale ahead of time. I need to discover it
as I go. So in this case, it surprised me how much of Allison came from inside
me. Same thing with her brother, Parker. So it was a novel of discovery not
only with what would happen with the characters, but a discovery of parts of my
life where I needed to press into the hard (but good things) God was bringing
me.
What do you hope the
reader takes away from the story?
Freedom. Always freedom. I want my stories to make people freer
than when they started. And in the case of, The Pages of Her Life I
want women (in particular) and men as well, to stand up for themselves where
they might not have ever before. I want them to understand their worth and strength.
I want them to be bold in the person God has destined them to be.
That’s one thing I
like about your novels. They take us places we maybe haven’t been and deeper
into the places we have, strengthening our walk with God. Oh, yes, and they are
also entertaining. What is the next project you’re working on?
I’m working on a series starring a character named,
Rembrandt Stone, who is a detective that solves cold cases by traveling back in
time. I’m writing the stories with my great friend, Susie Warren and we’re quite
excited about them!
I can hardly wait to
start featuring those books. What do you do when you have to get away from the
story for a while?
I love to get on my dirt bike with my sons or friends, or kayak
with my wife in a nearby lake. I love the outdoors.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
“Are you still glad we did it?”
Allison Moore looked up from her laptop Monday morning and studied
her business partner and onetime best friend, Kayla Brown. Not at one time.
Still best friends. At least that’s what Allison told herself. It’s what Kayla
probably said inside her head too. And Allison wished it were true. But she’d
discovered that people who say, “Don’t go into business with friends or
family,” have a large slice of wisdom on their side.
Allison didn’t have to ask what “it” was. Going out the
door. Leaving their old architecture firm, where they’d made gobs of money for
the owners and not much for themselves. Now here they were, two and a half years
later, working harder than they ever had and still not making much money for
themselves. But it would come, wouldn’t it? It had to. Their heads weren’t
completely under the financial waters, but she and Kayla did have to hold their
breath far more frequently than they liked.
“Glad?” Allison leaned back in her chair and picked up her
heavily caramel-flavored coffee, the only breakfast she’d had that morning.
“Yes, I am. Most days at least.”
Kayla stepped inside Allison’s tiny office and sat in the
chair on the other side of Allison’s oak desk, the twin to Kayla’s. Oak. Not
Allison’s style. Nor Kayla’s. But the furniture had been affordable.
“Me too.” Kayla sighed. “I’d rather be poor and free than
rich and in the shackles we used to wear.”
“I agree.” Allison took a sip of her almost-warm-enough
drink. “Except when Seattle
rain turns into snow up at Steven’s Pass and I don’t have the money for a lift
ticket.”
“Our time is coming. With four new major accounts within
reach, you have to be feeling good.”
“I do.”
The air felt stale—the same conversation they’d had too often
over the past six months was undoubtedly the reason—and they slipped into
silence. Another sip of coffee.
Give me more!! How
can readers find you on the Internet?
They can head for my website, jamesLrubart.com http://jameslrubart.com/ where they can
sign up for my newsletter. I’m also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLRubart/
, Twitter: @jamesLrubart , and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslrubart/
As always, GREAT to be with you, Lena !
Right back atcha, Jim. It’s always a pleasure to feature you and your books. I’m eager to read
this one, and I know my blog readers are, too.
Readers, here are links to the book.
The Pages of Her Life - Christianbook.comThe Pages of Her Life - Amazon Paperback
The Pages of Her Life - Kindle
The Pages of Her Life - Audio book
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us
where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America . (Comments containing links may be subject
to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the
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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, Feedblitz, Facebook,
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if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
I'm from Florida. I started reading Jim Rubart's books when he was just starting out. I knew he was going to a success. GOD had His hand all over his writing. I'm thankful to be part of his journey from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteAh, that's so kind, Char! Love it. :) Jim
ReplyDeleteI’m from Minnesota and it’s still cold here! I am reading by the wood stove instead of by the beach. :-( I have given Jim's Books as gifts as well as reading them for myself. Can’t wait to read this new one!
ReplyDeleteI’m in Texas where Spring is completely finished and summer is pretty much here. I would be a new reader for Jim Rupert, but I really enjoyed the excerpt and I think I would enjoy his writing.
ReplyDeleteperrianne(DOT)askew(AT)me(DOT)com
Perrianne Askew
I would love the chance to read this book. It sounds wonderful. Looks like everyone is talking about the weather today... Weird Spring. We are still getting rain here in So Cal. That is such a rare thing to happen this late in the year for us, at least in measurable amounts. But, at least for this year, our drought is gone. Linda in So Cal
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot comb
Sounds like a book not to miss! Texas has had some crazy weather. I think we are about to jump to summer weather in the spring.
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
Thanks for the interview. I've heard such great things about Jim Rubart's books, but I haven't had the pleasure of reading one yet. I'd love to win a copy of this book. It sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWinnie T from Utah
James Rubart is a new to me author. The first page blurb sounds great, I was right there in the little office with them! Thank you for sharing Lena & James!
ReplyDeleteRobin in NC
This book sounds intriguing, and I've enjoyed other books by James Rupert. I would be thrilled to win it. I'd even write a review.
ReplyDeleteI am curious about the bio. It says James is 28 and has two grown sons.
Connie L. in Texas
Would like to read this to see how their business and relationship goes. Vivian Furbay of CO
ReplyDeleteCurrently reading " The man he never was ". Love his writing style! Would love to read the new book too.
ReplyDeleteGreg Netter
Louisville Kentucky.
Thank you for the interview with James L Rubart and telling me more about THE PAGES OF HER LIFE. This book sounds absolutely wonderful. It's a book that I would thoroughly enjoy reading. Beautiful cover!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the chance to win a copy.
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net
This book sounds fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
So fun to hear that, Joyce!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Perrianne!
Appreciate that, Linda!
Thanks, Melanie!
Hope you enjoy if you get a chance to read one, Winnie!
Well you're a new Robin to me, Robin. Great to connect. :)
It's a bit of a wild ride, Vivian!
Hey, Greg! Good to see you here.
Thanks, Kay!
Appreciate it, Connie!
Hey Connie, yes I'm 28, just trapped inside an older man's body. :)
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteConway SC.
I enjoy Mr. Rubart's thought provoking stories! I'm excited to read this one.
ReplyDeleteCaryl K in TEXAS
Feeling freer is something we all need! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBeth from Iowa
I would love to win this book. I am from MS.
ReplyDelete