Tuesday, August 25, 2020

KOKOPELLI'S SONG - Suzanne Bratcher - One Free Book

Welcome, Suzanne. Why do you write the kind of books you do?    
I’ve been a passionate reader since first grade. I read all sorts of books, but I write adventures with a thread of mystery because those are the books I re-read, often more than once. My stories all have strong settings because places stick in my head. I moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, in my late twenties and stayed for thirty years, so the Southwest is the part of the country I know best. I write from a Christian worldview because that’s the way I think about the world. I didn’t find my fiction voice until I discovered inspirational/clean fiction.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?   
The day my daughter was born. I wanted children from the time I was old enough to babysit, but I was thirty-three before I had a child. Jorie is my only child, so her birth was a unique day in my life. I am blessed that my adult daughter is now a wonderful friend.

How has being published changed your life?   
Perhaps the most important change is working with professional editors. I was a decent writer when Mantle Rock Publishing offered me a contract for The Copper Box. But I had gone as far as I could by reading craft books, attending workshops, and working with critique partners. I needed a professional editor to help me continue to grow. I learn more with each book, thanks to excellent editors. Being published has also added stress in the form of deadlines! I spent three years writing The Copper Box. I had a year to write my second book, The Silver Lode. Though I had a complete draft of Kokopelli’s Song long before I got the chance to have it published, I had less than three months to get it into shape. The third big change has been the way I look at writing. This craft has a business side I didn’t know anything about. That learning curve continues to be a challenge.

What are you reading right now?   
I usually have two or three books going at the same time. At the moment I’m reading The God Who Sees by Karen Gonzalez, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope by Anne Lamott, and Silenced (Book 5 in the Alaskan Courage series) by Dani Pettrey.

What is your current work in progress?   
I’m drafting The Gold Doubloons, the third book in my Jerome Mysteries series. I’m also doing background research for the next book in my Four Corners Folklore Fantasies series (Colorado).

What would be your dream vacation?  
I would love to spend a month on the “big island” of Hawaii. About ten years ago, I spent a long weekend there, just enough time to give me a taste of the variety of that island. I’d like to have enough time to explore it at a leisurely pace.

How do you choose your settings for each book?  
I have to turn that question around because my settings find me. When I become fascinated with a place I’ve visited, I do research and then choose conflicts and characters that fit the setting. Because I’ve had the opportunity to travel extensively in the Southwest, my settings (so far) are all in that part of the country. Jerome, Arizona—the setting for my first series—is a little town I’ve visited twenty or thirty times. Each of the books in my new Four Corners Folklore Fantasies series are set in places in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah that I’ve visited multiple times. With Kokopelli’s Song, for example, Chaco Canyon grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. After I did lots of research (which I love doing), I discovered there’s an archaeological mystery around why the ancestors of present-day pueblo peoples abandoned their vast ceremonial center the way they did. At that point I knew I needed a main character who was half Hopi and half Anglo. The conflict between what happened a thousand years ago in Chaco and our present-day had to be fantasy. Hopi folklore gave me the ideas I needed to keep going.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?  
I’d love to have an evening with Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of the Duke University Chapel. I watch the services at Duke Chapel on YouTube practically every week, and his sermons never fail to challenge or teach. I keep a simple prayer he taught incoming students last fall next to my computer to remind me how to pray when I don’t know what to say. “Dear God, I can’t. You must. I’m Yours. Show me the way. Amen.” Anyone who can capture the essence of prayer in those few words is someone I’d like to talk to in  depth.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?  
Bird watching is my favorite hobby. I live in central Arkansas in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. We have an amazing number of species who live here year-round and many others that migrate through. I’ve created a sort of open-air aviary on my back deck. First, I fenced off the stairs with chicken wire and put in a screen door at the bottom to keep any stray cats away. Next I hung feeders containing suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and sugar water to attract as many different species as I could. This morning I saw chickadees, titmice, Carolina wrens, three different species of woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, and hummingbirds at my feeders. I love watching the birds splash in the birdbath and a recirculating fountain in the afternoons when the temperatures are in the nineties. At the moment, I’m learning the songs and calls of the birds that come to my feeders. That way I’ll be able to recognize them even when I don’t see them. I also love to piece colorful quilts, but that’s a hobby I primarily work on in the winter.

I was born and reared in Arkansas, and I went to Ouachita Baptist College back in the ’60s. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Multiple Sclerosis is by far my most daunting obstacle. I’m in the Secondary Progressive stage of the disease, so I live with unexpected bouts of crippling fatigue. Setting a standard word goal for every day simply doesn’t work for me. I’ve learned that I can’t overcome my MS. I must negotiate with it. If I’m facing a deadline, I can’t do much of anything else. I’m blessed with a dear friend who has moved in with me to help me with cooking and housekeeping chores. I couldn’t write without Rhonda’s help. Like so many other writers, I feel called to write the stories I have to tell, so I depend on God to show me the way. God is faithful.  

Yes, He is. What advice would you give to a beginning author? 
Just keep writing. Even if you’re not getting published, God can use your writing to work in your own soul. Don’t set a goal date to be published by. I was sixty-eight when my first book was published and seventy when the second one came out. My third book has just come out, and I’m seventy-one. I don’t know how many books I’ll be able to write, but I don’t think writing is a numbers game. I think writing is about connecting first with yourself and God and next about connecting with other people. I’ve seen a friend who’s read drafts of my unpublished work for years become more open to the gospel. If you feel led to write, trust God with the results.

It is all about His timing. Tell us about the featured book. 
Kokopelli’s Song is the first book in a new series called the Four Corners Folklore Fantasies. Each of the books is set in one of the states of the Four Corners region of the U.S.: New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. The stories are a mixture of folklore, history, and contemporary conflicts sprinkled with a bit of magic and life-threatening danger.

Kokopelli’s Song is the story of a young woman’s search for her identity.

When Amy Adams discovers she’s half Native American instead of half Japanese as her grandmother raised her to believe, she travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Finding her father’s family and a lost twin brother on the Hopi Reservation catapults her into a struggle between shamans and witches that spans a thousand years. After her twin is attacked and a Conquistador’s journal stolen, Amy and her new friend Diego set out on a dangerous quest to find and perform the ceremony that can stop ancient evil from entering our world.

But Amy and Diego are not alone as they race against time measured by a waxing moon. Kokopelli’s song, the haunting notes of a red cedar flute, guides them along the migration route sacred to pueblo peoples: West to Old Oraibi, South to El Morro, East to Cochiti Pueblo, North to Chimney Rock, and last to the Center—and the final confrontation—in Chaco Canyon.

Please give us the first page of the book.
In her tiny room above the Delgado Gallery, Amy Adams punched her pillow for the third time. She flipped to her side and stared at the digital clock. Green numbers blinked three a.m. She needed sleep, but her mind trudged around the endless loop again. Grandmother Adams lied. Mahu was her twin brother. Taáta was her Hopi father. Grandmother Adams lied. Mahu was her twin brother. Taáta—

Pottery smashed on the ceramic tile downstairs. Not a small pot, one of the decorative water jars that reached her shoulder. Amy lay still, held her breath, waited for the next sound. Mahu was down there, asleep, or maybe awake, on the long leather couch reserved for customers who wanted to consider an outrageously expensive purchase.

Amy listened for the next sound. Silence.

Heart pounding, she threw off the scratchy wool blanket and sat up. Fear like glacial runoff pumped through her veins. Not because she believed Mahu had broken a pot, but because she knew her twin was in danger. She felt it as surely as if the two of them had never been separated to grow up in different worlds.

Just like she knew Mahu was in danger, she knew whoever was with him meant evil. Her bare feet hit the cold floor. She ran out of the room, down the dim hallway. She shivered in the sleep shirt that came to her knees, but she didn’t have time to care. In that moment, Amy was Kaya again, the older sister, the firstborn twin. The need to protect snapped at her heels, urging her to go faster, faster.

The narrow staircase cut straight down into inky darkness. Kaya Amy didn’t pause to grope for the light. Instead, she threw herself down the steps, racing to get to Mahu before someone hurt him. Before she reached the bottom, she knew she was too late.

Wow! How can readers find you on the Internet?
Readers can find me on my website: https://suzannebratcher.com

Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing this book with us. I loved The Copper Box, and I’m eager to read Kokopelli’s Song. The book was on Amazon Best Seller List in Christian fantasy paperbacks on release day (8/18)! It stayed there for several days.

Readers, here are links to the book.
Kokopelli's Song (Four Corners Fantasy Folklore) - Paperback
Kokopelli's Song (Four Corners Fantasy Folklore Book 1) - Kindle

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.)

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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.

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45 comments:

Lucy Reynolds said...

Sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for introducing a new author to me. I also love watching the birds here in WV. Blessings

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thanks, Lucy. I imagine you have some different birds in WV than I have here in AR. Wherever I go, I like to find new birds. The book was lots of fun to write because I enjoy research.

Connie Leonard said...

I grew up in NM and find Native American folklore exciting and interesting. I would love to read this book.
Connie L. in Texas

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

I’d love to get your reactions to the book! I lived in ArZ for 30 years and visited NM many times. I’ve visited all the places are used in the story several times. Maybe you’ll win the book! Meanwhile, you can read the first chapter on Amazon with the “look inside” tab. Thanks for commenting.

Bonnie Engstrom said...

How exciting and wonderful you are featuring, Suzanne, Lena. Great interview of a great friend and fabulous author. She will definitely come a long way. Thanks so much.

Suzanne J Bratcher said...

Thanks for the kind words, Bonnie! The internet is a marvelous tool for making new friends.

curlyblu918 said...

Sounds like a great book. I'm living in Delaware.

traveler said...

This exceptional novel sounds captivating and unforgettable. I love the beautiful story and the setting is incomparable. I live in NM so this book is a real treasure and memorable. Thanks for your wonderful feature and giveaway.

petite said...

I have visited NM many times since I have family there. The unique topography and geography is fascinating. The mesas, canyons, forests and mountains are majestic as are the skies that stretch on forever. The Kokopelli's Song would be greatly enjoyed. Many thanks. I live in Nevada.

L Palmer said...

Suzanne, your book sounds very interesting. I’ve enjoyed reading past blogs about your books, and I’ve yet to read one. I live in Kansas, which is a neighbor to Arkansas.

tatertot374 said...

Thank you. I live in Ohio and I enjoy your writing.

Annette Adams said...

Hello! Enjoyed the interview and the first page! I live on my family farm in North Carolina.

CRYSTAL said...

OH I love to read and review paperback books and would would love to read and review this book in Print format.
This book looks like a great read.
I really enjoyed reading the interview.
I really hope I win because Kokopelli's Song because it looks interesting, intriguing to me.
Me, I live way out in the country near the woods in a really small town that your through it in the blink of an eye here in Pennsylvania. I really enjoy watching and seeing the animals like birds, squirrels, chipmunks, butterflies, bears, bobcats, foxes, raccoons and so many more animals. Living way out in the country near the woods is so much fun and rewarding because of all the animals you get to see.
OH I hope I win.
Crystal

Lisa Stillman said...

We lived in NM for awhile. My husband was stationed at an AFB there. I have ms too and fatigue very easily. Reading fills a lot of my time.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

If you ever get the chance, visit New Mexico! You’ll be surrounded by fascinating history goes back 1000 years.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thank you! Words like that from someone who lives in New Mexico are very welcome. I had lots of fun in your state researching the book.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

You understand my fascination with the settings in the Southwest. The vistas stick in my mind in great detail making the writing fun.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

I’m glad you enjoyed my past blogs. I’m about to embark on one that draws on the research I did for Kokopelli’s Song. I lived in Kansas when I was a teenager. I’ve been blessed to live in many different places.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thanks for commenting! It’s amazing to hear from people from all over the country. The Internet is a wonderful tool for connecting.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Another state represented! My 96-year-old father lives in Durham. I never lived in North Carolina, but I’ve enjoyed visiting there many times. If you’re curious, you can read the first chapter on Amazon by clicking the “Look inside” tab. Thanks for commenting.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

I hope you win too! I live in a rural area and love to watch the birds and animals as much as you do. Many people underestimate the intelligence and personalities of our wild neighbors. Thanks for commenting.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

When I’m not writing, I read a lot as well. I love listening to audiobooks when I’m too tired to hold a book or a Kindle. MS certainly teaches us patience. Thanks for commenting.

ptclayton said...

I love the sound of this book and so glad that it is in print as I have been battling RSD for many years. I now live in Dubuque, Iowa prior to that I lived in San Mateo, Ca for 49 years and I was a teacher but after coming to Iowa my RSD got worse and couldn't write with my right hand and also go up and down stairs. So I am home all the time as can't drive so I read and review books then at night I have tried to keep crocheting several things as I want my fingers to keep moving some. Thank you for this chance! peggy clayton ptclayton2 at aol.com

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Hi Peggy, Thanks for telling me about yourself. These chronic conditions certainly change our lives. I used to enjoy crocheting and have been thinking about taking it up again. I love the feel of the yarn. I especially like working with variegated yarn because it creates unexpected patterns.

Chris' Book Reviews said...

What an interesting sounding book. I live in Ohio, and have never had the privilege of visiting New Mexico, but reading about it fascinated me. Love to bird watch myself and thinking of an aviary on my back porch or yard would be wonderful. Love cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers for their songs. I would love to read the paperback to review. Beside living birds, the author and I are the same age. Keep writing my friend as I am sure there are others who will live your stories!!

Chris' Book Reviews said...

Whoops, correction to besides LOVING birds, and others who will LOVE your stories!!

Unknown said...

Read the first two books in the Jerome series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Shared them with friends. Have purchased Kokopelli’s Song and can’t wait for you to sign it for me.

Mjp said...

My aunt shared this with me. Looking forward to trying a new author. Love Dani Pettrey, too!

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thanks for your encouragement, Chris! Birds are endlessly fascinating. The more I watch them interact at my feeders, The more I learn. Recently I’ve been watching male and female cardinals feed their babies, sharing the task equally. I hope you get a chance to read Kokopelli’s Song. If you’ve never been to New Mexico, it might make you want to go!

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thank you!! Because of the pandemic, I am trying to figure out how to do a drive through book signing. If I can find the right venue, I think it will be fun. Third Jerome book is due out in 2021.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

I enjoy trying new authors also. I found Dani Pettrey because I love Dee Henderson’s books and the two of them were in a novella collection together. Thank your aunt for me!

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

Connie Porter Saunders said...

This sounds intriguing! Thanks for sharing.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Done!

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

It was fun to write! Thanks for commenting.

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to see just what she found at the bottom of the stairs in Kopelli's Song!

Anonymous said...

From Tennessee, I am saying that I found Kopelli's Song to be gripping. I want to so badly to know what she found at the bottom of the stairs. I can scarcely wait.

Pam said...

Love those first page teasers! Kokopelli's Song sounds like it's right up my alley. Would love to read.

Pam in OH

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Lol- you can find that out by going to Amazon and clicking on the “Look Inside” tab by the book cover. You can read the entire first chapter there. I’m glad I caught your interest. Thanks for commenting.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

I’m so glad that first page hooked you! See my reply right above your comment for how to read the whole first chapter. Thanks for commenting.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Choosing the first page is one of the hardest parts of writing a novel. You can literally start anywhere in the story. In an earlier draft the first page was very different. I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting.

Linda Rainey said...

I am going to love your books.
I love in Texas but I retired from the Indian Health Service in 2009.
Gallup was my Home for several years.
The Native Americans in the 4 corners are close to my heart,especially the Navajo.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thanks for commenting , Linda! I worked with teacher training on the Navajo Reservation for 8 years. I’ll look forward to hearing your comments on my books. Please be in touch again.

Anonymous said...

"I think writing is about connecting first with yourself and God and next about connecting with other people." Yes! So true. I love how your faith shines through in your writing. I've enjoyed everything of yours I've read so far. I look forward to reading more.

Suzanne J. Bratcher said...

Thank you! I appreciate your encouragement.