All of my
books contain the message of redemption. I didn’t set a goal to write about
redemption, but it happened every time. Perhaps that is because, as a teacher
and pastor’s wife, I have known many people who have been beat up by life and
wounded by church people. These people need to know that God loves them always
and forever. No matter where they are, what they’ve done, or what has been done
to them, Christ is calling them to Him. Another recurring theme in my books is
hope. As long as there is life, there is hope for things to be better. For
Christians, our greatest hope is the promise of eternal life.
What other books of yours are coming out soon?
The next
book is the fourth in my In Texas series. It’s titled Hidden Away Somewhere in Texas. I try to publish one book a year,
but sometimes life gets in the way. I spent over two years on my first novel, Big C, little c. I had begun writing it,
and did some major revisions while going through Jerry Jenkins’ Christian
Writer’s Guild Craftsman Course. I’ve had the basic story idea of Hidden Away
floating around in my head for about thirty years. Hopefully it will be available
before the end of 2020.
If you could spend an evening with a
contemporary person, who would it be and why?
I would
love to meet Franklin Graham and listen to him. He is a godly man who is aware
of worldly issues. I would love to participate in one of his humanitarian
mission trips.
What historical person would you like to meet
and why?
Annie
Oakley was my hero when I was growing up. She was an amazing little lady. She
overcame adversity and worked hard to help provide for her family. She was humble
and made all her own costumes. She generously donated so underprivileged
children would have more opportunities than she had. She achieved great success
in a man’s world, while still preserving her femininity.
How can you encourage other authors who have
been receiving only rejections from publishers?
Stay true
to your calling. If writing is a calling from God, then keep writing. If you
have a story to tell, write it and share it. I knew I wanted to write from the
time I was in the eighth grade. I always knew I would write someday—someday
when the kids were grown, someday when I retired. A potentially terminal cancer
diagnosis showed me the reality that someday may never come. I started writing,
going to workshops and conferences, and pitching my work. I kept hearing, “This
is good, but . . .” I was discouraged, but God spoke to my heart while
attending an outdoor concert. It was like He said, “Look at these people. They
are not rich and famous, but they are talented. They enjoy sharing their talents,
and the audience enjoys listening to them.” So I decided to Indie publish Big C, little c. I am not rich and
famous, but I love what I’m doing. I haven’t even tried to publish my In Texas books
with a traditional publisher. It’s rewarding to have people tell me how much
they loved my book and can’t wait for the next one.
Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s the
back cover blurb.
What if the things you left behind are better than you
remembered,
better than you ever imagined?
Thirty
years ago LeAnn Kane left the dust and dirt of West Texas
behind, vowing never to return. After a successful career with the Chicago
Symphony, now she’s running back home—running for her life. While hiding from a
murderer, the last person she expects to see is her high school sweetheart, her
first and only love. His laughter sounds better than any melody she could play
on her violin. His smile, as smooth as butter on hot cornbread, melts her
insides, tempting her to stay in Texas .
But her life is in Chicago —or
is it?
Donald Howard worked hard to rise above the
back-breaking work of the oil fields. The sought-after success hasn’t brought
happiness or fulfillment. His failed marriage to a Houston socialite didn’t help, either. Seeing
LeAnn again brings back the raw emotion of his first love, his innocent love,
his trusting love, full of fantasies and hopes. After thirty years of telling
himself he hated her, his heart betrays him. Or maybe he has betrayed his heart
all these years. She’s dead set on returning to Chicago . He’s going with her—even if it kills
him.
Young love
first love, too young then to know what they had. If they survive the dangers
of December, can their love blossom and grow into their forever and ever love?
Hang on to
your hats for a rollercoaster ride in this contemporary Christian romantic
suspense filled with danger, doubt, and deliverance.
I’m reading your book right now and loving it. Please
give us the first page for my blog readers.
Prologue
Thirty
years ago, “Texas
in My Rearview Mirror” was my theme song. I couldn’t wait to get away from the
dust and dirt and wind of the West Texas ranch
where I grew up. Our grandparents raised my younger brother Richard and me.
They were so old fashioned, strict no-drinking, no-dancing Baptists. I blamed
them for my mama running off with a country western band and leaving us behind
when our daddy died in some freak airplane crash.
Then our
momma was killed in an automobile accident. I was mad at the world. The only
thing that made me happy was playing the fiddle. The gift of music was one good
thing our grandparents did for us. They actually did a lot of good things. They
loved us, provided for us, protected us from the “wicked ways of the world.”
They tried to teach us right from wrong: honesty, dependability, and hard work.
Yes, lots of hard work. I hated mucking stalls, gathering eggs, hoeing weeds in
the family garden just so I could help my grandmother shell peas, snap beans,
shuck corn, and sweat to death canning.
Violin was
my ticket out of Texas .
All my teachers told me I was gifted. The professors at Texas Tech, who taught
summer clinics and gave me private lessons, bragged on me and built my ego up
higher than the clear blue sky high above the Caprock. I thought I was hot
stuff—better than my naturally talented grandfather, better than my brother
Richard, but not quite as good as my mama who played background on a couple of
records.
I already
had my sights set on a scholarship to The Music Conservatory of the Chicago
College of Performing Arts when I met Donald Howard. In our little school, new
students stood out, but he would stand out anywhere he went. I had heard about
weak knees and butterflies in the belly, but I never believed it until I saw
him—tall, broad shouldered, rugged, muscular, and manly. His smile, as smooth as
butter on hot cornbread, melted my insides. His laughter sounded better than
any melody I could play on my violin. He led our six-man football team to a
district championship, which made him the hero of the feed store and café
domino-playing groups.
He invited
me to go to the Homecoming Dance, but my grandparents wouldn’t allow it. Donald
started coming to church so they would let us go to Pat’s for a hamburger and
coke. The first time he kissed me, lightning lit up the Sunday afternoon sky
like a fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Thunder shook the ground like a
5.0 magnitude earthquake—the energy nearly sucking me under. And I knew I was
in love. For two years I was happy. I almost understood how my mamma could run
off and leave her own babies for love. Almost.
How can authors find you on the internet?
I am most
active on Facebook. Visit me at Connie Lewis Leonard, author Facebook page.
I have a
book launch page: Play Me Back Home in Texas Facebook group, which has some fun
discussions about the book. I have a blog in my webpage: http://connielewisleonard.webs.com/
Thank you, Connie, for sharing this new book
with my blog readers and me. I know they’ll love it as much as I am.
Readers, here are links
to the book.
Play Me Back Home In Texas - PaperbackPlay Me Back Home In Texas - Kindle
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4 comments:
Sounds like a winner!
Melanie Backus, TX
Would love to read. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas.🎄🎁 from WV.
Sounds great thanks for a chance to win.
Lourdes Long Island, NY
Thank you for your comments. I do hope you will check out my book.
We had company from Thanksgiving till after Christmas. I didn't use my computer, and I was unable to respond with my phone.
Connie Leonard
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