Welcome back, June. Why do you write the
kind of books you do?
I write Christian inspirational romance with an emphasis on
the struggles that all humans must deal with. However, my characters find
victory in their lives through the power of God and His word. I hope to
encourage readers who may find similar issues in their lives. So far, my novels
have touched on the issues of obesity, anger, abortion, cults, self image,
addictions, and homosexuality. In every case, the hero or heroine adopts a
Christian worldview in finding freedom.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
I thought and thought and can't think of one particular day.
But several days come to mind. When my husband gave his life to the Lord, when
I found out I was to be a published author - particularly when I discovered my
book Ryan's Father is going to be
published by WhiteFire Publishing,
How has being
published changed your life?
I never would have believed three years ago I'd be a
published author. In fact, I didn't think I'd be writing and spending hours on
the computer every day. After all I was a happy, retired teacher. I thought I'd
be playing bridge with my friends, sightseeing with my husband as we travel in
our RV, scrapbooking, and all the things retired people do. But I was wrong. When
the Lord put the desire in my heart to write, He gave me a great love for it. I
can't wait to get to my computer each morning. I treasure every moments I spend
composing the stories God put in my heart.
What are you reading
right now?
I just finished The
Awakening by JoAnn Durgin. I'm starting Mama's
Bible by Mildred Colvin.
What is your current work in progress?
I'm finishing my edits for The Way Home which I hope to pitch at the ACFW conference. After
that, I'm starting a new novel, a bi-racial romance. (I know, not too many of
those around.)
What would be your
dream vacation?
I'd love to go to Israel .
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
So far my books, with the exception of The Way Home, take place in the Seattle area where I lived for 10 years. I
hadn't read too many books set in the Pacific Northwest
and I dearly love the area, so I figured my characters should live there though
the cost of living is pretty high. Now if you won't think I'm crazy, I'll tell
you how I chose the setting for The Way
Home. I looked at the US
map. I really thought the Lord had a location in mind, but I wasn't sure where
it was. I pointed and my finger landed on Chico ,
California
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
I think I'd like to spend the evening with Gail Gaymer
Martin. Her book, Writing the Christian Romance helped me so much when
I first started. And of course I love her inspirational romances.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I used to scrapbook and make cards. Now I have very little
time for anything else but writing and editing my stories and marketing. I
literally spend 12 hours a day many days on the computer.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I have a few writing issues that drive me crazy. My
characters speak to each other in dialogue that sounds like two PHD's talking
when sometimes they're not even college graduates. Stiff language. I tend to be
redundant as well and don't give the reader enough credit. I think many writers
struggle with trying to explain too much. RUE. Resist the urge to explain. Say
that 10 times, June. My critique partners are so good at pointing out these
things. I can't thank them enough.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Oh, write, write, and write some more. Read all the how-to
books you can and don't get discouraged - no matter what. Most importantly,
trust the Lord and pray.
Tell us about the
featured book.
As We Forgive is book two in my Bellewood Series which just
released September 1. Tim Garrett helped Jess Colton back to health in Give Us This Day but now can't control
his world which is toppling down on his head. If Tim can't conquer his volatile
anger, he could lose it all - his job as a youth pastor and the woman he loves,
hairstylist Roxanne Ratner. Roxanne doesn't trust Tim any more than she could
trust her father who abandoned her at age ten. Now she must gain control of her
shopaholic tendencies before she can reach her goal of owning her own salon.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Chapter One
Tim gritted his teeth and
pushed through the double doors at the front of the church for a quick breath
of cool, rain-filled evening air. The fresh Pacific breeze on his face did
nothing to calm his anger. He stomped down the stairs staring at the ground.
Each foot clunked on the sidewalk toward the church parking lot. Then he
tumbled forward, his body bumping against another. He flailed and reached out
to stop both of them from plummeting backward.
“Oh,” the feminine voice
murmured against his ears even as her purse clamored to the ground spilling its
contents onto the concrete. Another bag bounced against her side but remained
secure on her shoulder.
He steadied them both and
pulled away. The teenage girl infuriated him almost as much as Johnny Thompson
had. “Sorry, but why can't you kids show up on time?” Young people lacked
responsibility these days, one thing his father had drummed into his head.
The startled teen stared up at
him.
“I'm Pastor Tim. You're a bit
late for the girls’ fundraiser meeting.”
The young girl peered at him
with her crystal blue eyes as she bent down to collect her belongings. “I'm
sorry, I had to—”
“Teens. Always have an excuse,”
he mumbled. Johnny tested his patience -- his outbursts in class, his pranks.
He'd never trust the kid again after tonight.
The girl stuffed a brush, a
makeup case, a lipstick, and a pen into her bag before he had a chance to help.
She stood and hiked the strap over her shoulder.
One remaining item she'd missed
lay next to an azalea bush near the parking lot pavement.
Conviction hit him with more
force than the light September rain falling on them. He bent to pick it up and
handed the small black Bible to her.
Without looking at him, she
stuffed it in her pocket.
He didn't have to take his
problems out on another kid. She had nothing to do with Johnny lying to him when he said he needed the key to
Tim's office to borrow his concordance. He should've known it was a scheme.
Since Johnny had taken so long
coming back to the classroom, he figured he'd better check on him, but the door
was locked. He had to find the spare key in the main office. Johnny and his
girlfriend were leaning against the wall kissing. The nerve of the kid. He'd
speak to the boy and his wayward girlfriend about making out on church property
later.
His frustration ebbing, Tim's
breathing returned to normal. The late arrival was probably upset with him, for
which he didn't blame her. The teen's long blond hair, held back in a clip,
flowed down her back. She must be new to the senior high group. He hadn't seen
her at the meetings before. "So what high school do you attend?"
“I don't—”
“Well, you're welcome anyway.”
She's home schooled – or maybe a dropout. “I'm sorry I bumped into you.
Probably didn't make you feel very welcome. Let me show you where the girls are
waiting. With the help of a volunteer, Ms. Ratner, they're organizing a
fundraiser for our annual camp held during spring break.”
He started up the sidewalk but
paused to allow her to catch up. The rain covered the sidewalk. With one final
breath, the volcano inside him subsided.
The girl paced next to him and
lifted her eyes, this time amusement flitting across her lips.
Was she going to be one of
those rebellious teens who didn't respect authority?
“So you're the youth pastor
here. I haven't attended Bellewood Fellowship for long.” She blinked a drop of
rain out of her eye.
“Well, newcomers are always
welcome. I recommend you arrive on time. We're rushed during our meetings.”
They climbed the steps he'd just tramped down.
“Good advice, Pastor Tim, but
now might be a good time to introduce myself.” She gave him a sneer, then a
smile. “I've been out of my teens for over six years, but I'm flattered you
think I look that young. I'm a hairstylist at Larry's Hair Design near downtown
Bellewood.” She stuck out her hand. “Roxanne Ratner.”
Cute opening. How can readers find you on the Internet?
https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/authorjunefosterThank you, June, for sharing your book with us.
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Bellewood Book Two: As We Forgive
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