CAMELLIA - Diane T Ashley, Aaron McCarver - One Free Book

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

 More books. Aaron and I enjoy writing together. We look forward to many more years of working on new projects.

Yes, we have some things in the pipeline now with our agent. We will tell more when we can.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married to a fantastic man, Gene, who is an auditor at a large local hospital. I have a brother (Mitch) who is a lawyer here in Mississippi. He’s been kind enough to let me set up a working office in his building. My sister (Vicki) lives in central Florida and has a really “cool” job – her own shaved ice business.

My dad still lives in Tennessee, in the home he built for my mother shortly after they married. My sister (Marilyn) is married with two college-aged children. She teaches at the elementary school in our home town. My other sister (Ginger) is married and lives in northeast Georgia. She has two grown children and two granddaughters.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I spend more of my reading time doing research, but I do allow myself a little time for entertainment. So many of my friends are writers, and I love reading their books.

Writing has definitely changed my reading habits. I was always a voracious reader before being published. I still read as much Christian fiction, my favorite type of book to read, as I can, but much of my reading is now research, prepping for my college classes I teach, and editing, another job I have.

What are you working on right now?

We are waiting to hear from publishers about our new proposal.

What outside interests do you have?

I enjoy watching television, playing electronic games, and reading.

I love watching classic movies, watching some TV shows, and reading as much as possible.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Aaron is the idea guy, so I’ll let him explain this one.

Ideas usually come to me through history. I may be watching a documentary or visiting a historic home or reading about some past event and will think about the people who lived during that time. I then start thinking of possible stories for these “real” people and come up with ideas for books and series. The settings come with where the events took place.

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

I’d love to spend some time with Benjamin Franklin. I would love to know what it was like to live during that time.

 I am going to cheat and name a few. I would love to hear from John the apostle about what it was like being the “disciple who Jesus loved.” I would love to talk to George Washington about the early days of our country. And I would love to talk to George W. Bush about his standing for godly principles when so many were against him.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

When I first started on my own, I found it difficult to think through a whole novel. Once I took a class Aaron taught on writing from an outline, I learned a logical approach that I’m still using. Everything, as I was so naïve. I would have loved to have known that authors go through difficult times like everyone else and your publishers and agents understand and want to help you through these times.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To lean on Him instead of my own strength.

To trust in His timing and not my own.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Be persistent, patient, and flexible.

Persistence, I agree, is key to being a published author. Also attend conferences like ACFW’s. This is vital. And learn how to network. I do not mean social networking. I am talking about networking at conferences and similar events. As the commercial says, it is priceless.

Tell us about the featured book.

Camellia Anderson misses her life of wealth and privilege. She misses the balls, she misses the suitors. . .and she’s bored with hearing about politics despite the undeniable wave of unrest raging across the South. Then a routine trip to New Orleans brings Thad Watkins—staunch Southern supporter and dashing soldier—into her world, and they begin a whirlwind courtship.

Jonah Thornton is disappointed when he sees Camellia growing closer to Thad. He has admired Camellia from afar even though he knows he is no more than a friend to her. Having questioned the practice of slavery in the past, and without much hope of finding love with Camellia, Jonah heads north to join the Union Army.

When an injury brings Jonah back into Camellia’s life, she is both challenged by and drawn to this man of strong convictions. Suddenly Camellia is torn between two loves—just as the nation is torn between north and south. But is she willing to risk everything—her reputation, her life, and her heart—to save a Union soldier?

Reply

Please give us the first page of the book.

Jonah Thornton did not want to die.

His fingers cramped, and he loosened his grip on the trigger of his Sharps carbine. The butt of the rifle seemed grafted to his shoulder, an extra arm with deadly intent. He bent his head and sighted down the thirty-inch barrel, wondering if he could really pull the trigger. Wondering if he could take the life of another man. He raised his head and moved the rifle back to marching position, heel at waist level, barrel with bayonet over his shoulder.

A twig broke some distance away, and the tempo of Jonah’s heart soared. Was it a scout looking for evidence of the force mustering in the area between the city of Boonville and the Mississippi River? Or a rabbit or deer foraging for an early morning meal?

His awareness stretched outward. Around him, the breaths of his fellow soldiers sounded loud, as did the whisper of gunpowder sliding into the throats of their muskets, followed by the snick of minie balls—a sound as deadly as a rattlesnake’s tail. The moment was fast approaching when he would find out exactly what it meant to fight for his beliefs. Even to the point of risking his life in the protection of those beliefs.

Sweat sprouted on his forehead as he caught the rhythmic cadence of marching feet. The rest of the battalion was about to reach his position between two cornfields on the edge of Boonville.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.dianeashleybooks.com   

Aaron can be found at his author pages at www.barbourbooks.com  or at www.fictionfinders.com

Thank you, Diane and Aaron, for sharing another of your books with us today.

Readers, here is a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog. Camellia: Song of the River 2


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any 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 Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

LILY - Diane T Ashley and Aaron McCarver - Free Book

Readers, I was privileged to read this manuscript for endorsement. I loved the book, and I believe you will, too.

Welcome, Diane and Aaron. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Diane – Writing historical novels is interesting because of all the history I learn from the research. I enjoyed reading Regency romances as a teenager, so writing historicals now is not too much of a stretch.

Aaron – I fell in love with Christian historical fiction after reading The Honorable Imposter by Gilbert Morris. I was thrilled to see this type of novel with the added bonus of glorifying the Lord. I am blessed that God allows me to use the talents He has given to continue to write these types of books.

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

Diane – My wedding day. I am so lucky to have met and married Gene. He is a special gift from God.

Aaron – I have been blessed with many, so I’ll just choose the day I received my first book contract. What a special feeling!

How has being published changed your life?

Diane – It has helped me understand the industry better. Having the extra income is also allowing me to retire from my day job this summer so I can spend more time writing.

Aaron – I have met so many wonderful people who have added so many things to my life and blessed me in so many ways.

What are you reading right now?

Diane - Book of Days by James L. Rubart.

Aaron – I am reading The River Queen by Gilbert Morris.

What is your current work in progress?

We are currently working on book three, Jasmine, in our “Song of the River” series.

What would be your dream vacation?

Diane – A warm beach, my computer and an Internet connection, and my husband.

Aaron – Visiting a historical site like an old home or attending some writers’ or Christian publishing event. I love being with like-minded people who love to talk “book” shop.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Diane – The settings for our current series seemed to flow naturally from the story ideas.

Aaron – They usually come with the idea for a story as Diane said. I tend to choose that from eras and events in history that capture my interest and which, I believe, will capture the interests of our readers.

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

Diane - Frank Peretti. His books changed my view of reality and the spiritual realm. I would love to talk to him about his ideas, beliefs, and his newest book.

Aaron – Wow, what an interesting question. I would like to spend some time with George W. Bush. I admire him for his positions on issues like gay marriage and abortion when many were opposed to his conservative morality.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Diane – Surf-fishing, looking at real estate, traveling.

Aaron – You mean there are other things to do besides those?! Just kidding. I enjoy spending evenings with friends and watching classic movies.

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

Diane – By the time I’m at the end of a project, I feel it is absolutely the worst story ever written. I send it to Aaron for edits, knowing in my heart he is going to call and confirm my fears. Prayer and trust in God’s provision are the only solutions.

Aaron – Finding the time to juggle my jobs of teaching and editing along with the writing is a problem at times. Scheduling my projects and an understanding and supportive co-author help through the especially busy times.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Diane – Be patient. My brother often teases me about my “overnight” success, as he knows I wrote for about ten years before getting that contract. God has given you this dream of writing for a purpose…His purpose. He will help you fulfill that purpose if you trust Him.

Aaron – Amen to that. I will add a couple of things. Attend writers’ conferences and read, read, read in your chosen genre.

Tell us about the featured book.

From the back of the book:

In 1859 Natchez, Mississippi, Lily Anderson is determined to thwart a marriage of convenience. She embarks on a riverboat venture to keep her and her two sisters afloat financially. But gambler Blake Matthews has won part ownership of Lily’s riverboat. How will their business profit if he and the feisty Mississippi miss disagree about almost everything? The affluent Jean Luc Champney will do anything to get back what he lost in a card game, including wooing and endangering the pretty new owner. Will the siren song of the river evolve into a serenade or a somber lament?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Lily Anderson watched the passing scenery from the comfort of her uncle’s carriage. Stately mansions with manicured grounds gave way to the smaller, sturdy homes of local merchants as they traveled toward the Mississippi River. They passed a busy mercantile and several shops before the carriage took a sharp leftward downturn toward the raucous, bustling dock that lay far beneath the genteel residences of Natchez’s wealthy plantation owners and merchants.

Natchez Under-the-Hill. She sniffed the air appreciatively as she disembarked, picking up the scents of fresh coffee, burning wood, and fish. How she loved the river. She barely noticed the disreputable, rickety inns and saloons that sprouted like weeds on either side of the winding road called Silver Street.

Roustabouts slumbered in the scant shade of the ramshackle buildings while a pair of glassy-eyed Indians staggered down the street, each clutching a brown bottle close to his chest. Lily’s eyes widened at their blatant drunkenness, but their presence did not deter her eagerness to absorb every detail of her surroundings as she followed Aunt Dahlia.

Voices shouted in an exciting mix of languages. She wondered how many countries were represented in this one place. . .English, French, German, and even lilting Norwegian dialects. The latter brought disturbing memories, but Lily pushed them away, determined to enjoy her outing on the Mississippi River.

As she and her aunt picked their way past bales of cotton and barrels of tobacco, her gaze absorbed the myriad boats lining the banks. Rugged keelboats and waterlogged rafts butted up against lofty steamboats, each awaiting cargo or passengers to be floated down the river to the port of New Orleans.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Diane - It needs updating, but I have a website at www.dianeashleybooks.com . Our publisher’s website is www.barbourbooks.com, and we are also both listed on ACFW’s wonderful resource: www.fictionfinder.com.


Thank you so much for sharing your lives and your wonderful book with us.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Lily (Song of the River) - paperback
Lily - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any 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 Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

TENNESSES BRIDES - Aaron McCarver and Diane Ashley - Free Book

Welcome, Aaron and Diane, I was so happy when y'all sold this series. I know that this is a collaboration. How did this story come about?

Tennessee Brides is a 3-in-1 collection of our three historical Heartsong Presents novels set in Tennessee. These stories came as a result of hearing that Barbour was looking for a series of this type set in Tennessee and my (Aaron) love of Tennessee history, as I grew up in the state. I asked Diane if she wanted to collaborate on the series and she agreed. We then picked three historical events from the nineteenth century—the War of 1812 and the rise of Andrew Jackson, the Cherokee Trail of Tears, and the Civil War—and crafted three stories around these events using three generations of one family.

I know I'm going to enjoy reading them. Did you find it easy to work together on it?

The only way to answer that is with a resounding YES!!! In fact, we loved it so much that we proposed a series for Heartsong Presents set in Mississippi. We got that contract and those books are releasing now. We continue to love working together still. We have signed with the same agent and have signed with Barbour to write a series of full-length novels.

I want to feature the 3-in-1 on Mississippi as well as the full-length novels. Be sure to contact me when you have the pub dates on each. How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It has changed our writing careers. We have had success as a team and thank God daily for putting us together. We both cannot imagine doing it another way now.

What is the hardest thing about writing as a team?

Honestly, we have not found anything to be hard. We gel so well, pardon the rhyme, the collaboration makes everything easier.

What are you reading right now?

I (Aaron) also work as an editor for Barbour, so I am reading a book that will release in September. I (Diane) just finished Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin, a wonderful book.

How did you choose your characters’ names?

For our main characters, we try to choose names that would have been used in the times our books are set so we use a lot of names found in the Bible or names that have been around a long time. One main character, Iris, got her name based on the state flower of Tennessee. As for secondary characters, we each name some based on people we know and love.

Would you want to work on another book together?

Most definitely!

What do you want to tell us about the book?

We loved telling these stories, and we hope our readers enjoy them, too. We work really hard at our writing, but the things we care about the most are our messages. We want, most of all, to touch people for our Lord, as anything not for Him has no real meaning. Also, we work hard to get the history right. So, we hope our readers can learn a little about this country’s great spiritual and historical heritage, and in this case specifically for the state of Tennessee.

Where can our readers find you on the Internet?

The best place to begin for both of us would be at our agent’s site, stevelaube.com. (Steve is a superb agent, by the way.) Or find us at fictionfinder.com. Diane has a site at dianeashleybooks.com.

What a delight to have both of you on my blog. We'll do this again, for sure.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any 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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/