A DAD OF HIS OWN - Gail Gaymer Martin - Free Book

Welcome back, Gail. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write Christian fiction—women’s fiction, romantic suspense, and romance. The bulk of my fiction is category or series romance, books that are in stores for a month and then replaced by the next months books.

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

My happiest moment is a difficult question. I would have a huge list. Naturally when I married my husband Bob would be a premiere event in my life. We celebrated our 25th anniversary last August.

How has being published changed your life?

Being a published author has changed my life very much. My time is no longer my own due to deadlines, research, promotion, and also other things that stemmed from being a published—speaking and teaching writing around the U.S. An author learns quickly that sacrifices must be made. Since I’m already very active in music as a singer and handbell player, I had to learn to use my time wisely. Since I was unwilling to give up the music aspects of my life, I had to give up some of my social life and the worst—housework. : ) I have a cleaning lady and a husband who does so much for me.

My husband is my cleaning lady, er man. What are you reading right now?

Right now, I’m reading nothing since I’ve been under duress with too much going on following Christmas. I have a book set out to begin, a secular romantic suspense that I’m judging for the RITA contest. The book I finished reading last was Letters In The Attic, a mystery by DeAnna Julie Dodson. Interestingly, I read very few romance novels. I never have.

What is your current work in progress?

My current work in progress is the final touches to Small Town Christmas, a duet novel from Love Inspired to be a November release this year. They asked me to squeeze that between my last completed novel to be released next September and the final book in the Dreams Come True series that will be in stores Spring, 2012.

What would be your dream vacation?

I’ve been so blessed to have traveled so many wonderful places that I have a multitude of dream vacations. We go to Europe often and have visited wonderful places like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Greece and the Greek Islands, Turkey, Italy, England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. I was in Germany again last summer where I toured with a Christian chorale singing in churches and halls throughout Germany for two weeks. I enjoyed the trip immensely, even though that was probably my fourth trip to Germany. I would love to tour China, and I would enjoy a trip to Spain and Portugal. Two trips we’d planned were canceled due to our children’s health issues—Scandinavia and Australia. I’d like to do those again too. Some of my favorite places are Germany, Ireland, England, and Greece.

I'd love to visit the Scandinavian countries of my ancestors, and Australia is on my wish list. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I chose settings that I know so I set many novels in various parts of Michigan. I’ve enjoyed many trips around our lovely state, and though I hate our winter weather, I love the interesting settings in Michigan. The movie industry has recently found our state to be an amazing place for films because we have so many different terrains from rocky coasts to golden sand, deep woods, mountains, and water of all kinds—the Great lakes, smaller inland lakes everywhere, rivers, and streams. I enjoy small town settings. When I travel to other states and countries, stories often begin to develop that I have used or would like to use for a novel. I find the best setting for the characters and theme of my novel.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

As I said earlier, music is more than a hobby, it also defines who I am, but that’s another way I spend much of my time. Travel is another. Whenever I have a break from my busy schedule and my husband’s, we travel. I also enjoy cooking although I do very little of it. Before writing, I gave big dinner parties for friends such as Chinese meals and I made everything: wonton soup, egg rolls, chicken, stir-fried rice, chicken almond entree, Madam Wo’s shreaded chicken salad, and even a steamed cake from rice flour served with an Mandarin orange topping.

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

I’ve conquered many obstacles and continue to work an improving my writing each year by selecting a technique or element of fiction that I want to improve. I always solicit suggests from my editor who always says nice things, but I do know my weaknesses. Trite romantic phrases irritate me and I try hard to find new ways to describe the emotions. I also am working on redundancy—avoiding overstating an issue or again overusing the same words. I am always reading books and articles on writing to improve and strengthen my novels. The same information comes in handy for my Writing Fiction Right blog at
www.writingright-martin@blogspot.com

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I talked about sacrifice earlier and the multiple aspects of being a published author. I think new writers want immediate satisfaction and go the self-publish route rather than sacrificing to learn to be the best novelist or writer they can be. Writing is like brain surgery. An author can’t learn it in a week or a year. It’s a continual process of honing your craft and striving to perfect all aspects of writig. This is done by connecting with writers and writing organization, using critique groups, taking classes (many are taught online. I just completed teaching a course on plotting for the Space Coast Writers.) Attending workshops and reading books and magazines on writing are other ways to learn and hone writing skills. It never ends.

Tell us about the featured book.

My March release, A Dad Of His Own, is the first book in the Dreams Come True series. The idea is based on the Make A Wish foundation, and the stories involve single parents who have children with serious illnesses. The stories are emotional, heartwarming romances with a happy ending, despite the serious theme. The message of God’s love and faithfulness is always present in my novels.

Sounds like a wonderful premise. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1- First Page

Lexie Carlson peeked into the meeting room of Mothers Of Special Kids. She hated being late, and the reason for her delay had plunged her spirit to the pits. Despite trying to slip in unnoticed, her friend Kelsey Rhodes, the meeting moderator, spotted her. She sidled the few steps to Lexie’s side, a frown etching her face. “Something wrong?”

Lexie shook her head, uncomfortable with Kelsey’s attention especially with the intriguing guest speaker standing nearby. A grin curved his full lips, and smile lines crinkled the edge of his gray eyes canopied by thick blond lashes. His honey-colored hair glinted with copper highlights.

As much as she wanted to shift the focus, she leaned closer to Kelsey, managing as pleasant a look as she could. “No. Just a phone call.” Hoping to end the questions, she slipped into a nearby chair and turned her focus to the front.

Grateful Kelsey had moved away, relief spread across her face. Relief. The welcome expression from women who faced life, as she did, with seriously ill children. Their support brought her here weekly and had become her mainstay.

“As I was saying” Kelsey said, sending a teasing smile her way, “I’m glad so many of you are here today since we have a special guest.” She motioned toward the good-looking man.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me in multiple places and I’ve provided a list below:

Website: www.gailmartin.com
Blog Site: www.gailmartin.blogspot.com
Writing Fiction Right Blog: www.writingright-Martin.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Gail-Gaymer-Martin/1429640580
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GailGMartin

Thank you, Gail, for spending this time with us.

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. Here’s a link.

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com 

BRIDE IN TRAINING - Gail Gaymer Martin - Free Book

I'm glad to have Gail on my blog. I love her books. Gail is actually in Europe right now, so I don't know if she'll be able to interact with you, or not. Welcome Gail. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.


Certainly my interests and faith are reflected in my work, but I don’t pattern characters after my personality. I have used overly neat characters in two novels, and that’s one of my traits.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Much of my life is quirky but not always things I want to talk about. But one weirdest thing that comes to mind is going up in a hotair balloon when I have a tremendous fear of heights. I wanted to include the event in one of my novels. It was a great experience I would do it again.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In the third grade, my teacher wrote a “Gail is a good writer” in my report card. I wrote poetry and short stories. I knew I loved books and wanted to a writer. The reality didh’t happen until over forty years later.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love women’s fiction. Many of my favorites are secular authors, such as: Maeve Binchy, Rosamund Pilcher, and Anne Tyler. I enjoy Christian women’s fiction—Lisa Samson is one of my favorites—and also suspense. Oddly I’ve never been a romance reader although that’s what I write mainly .If you want to know why, ask God.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

The list is far too long. Bride in Training is my forty-fourth published novel. My books are mainly romance, but I’ve also written romantic suspense and women’s fiction. I enjoy writing books in series. The Loving series contained seven novels revolving around a fictitious town called Loving, Michigan. Each story was stand alone but included characters from the other stories so keeping track of them over the years was task.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I question if I’ve kept it, but if I have, I do it through organization, concentration, and prayer.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Names have a personality. I try to find a name that fits my character. I use a website that provides information about names, and I check that for ideas. I also avoid using names that begin with the same letter or sounds too much like another character’s name in the book, such as Tom and Tim.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

In life, being happily married for 25 years and growing in my faith. In writing, having many of my books win national awards and having The Christmas Kite optioned by Producer Larry Levinson for a Hallmark TV movie.

That's really exciting--all of it. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Since reading Watership Down, I’ve had a fondness for Rabbits. I suppose I also felt sorry for Peter Rabbit as a kid, too. My yard is filled with them, so a rabbit would be my choice. They are quiet, docile, and cuddly.

What is your favorite food?

Do you have a few hours? I love food in general. Food is a social event that has always been important in my family. When company comes food is involved. I love to cook and so does my husband. We enjoy restaurants, especially Greek, Mid-Eastern and Italian. Give me, tzaziki sauce chicken shawarma and pizza to name three things in the list of thousands that I enjoy.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Pacing was a problem for me and held me back from publication. I delved into the topic and learned the importance of pacing and techniques that helped me overcome the problem.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Like any skill, learning to write for publication takes patience, practice and perseverance. Traditional publishers accepts only quality writing that reflects the author’s talent and the skill of using writing techniques effectively. It’s worth the wait to see your books in stores where you receive a fair wage for your labor, as the Bible says.

Tell us about the featured book?

Bride In Training is the third and last book in the Man’s Best Friend series. The three stories are based on three women involved with a dog shelter. This book is Emily’s story where she is a dog sitter/walker and works part-time for the shelter. Emily has faced a scandalous past, and her shame holds her back from living fully. When she helps train Martin Davis’s dog, she realizes Martin needs some training too, but Emily ends up learning the most about forgiveness and love.

This series was written in memory of our daughter Brenda who died in 2006. She loved animals and owned two border collies, active in agility and flyball. Brenda fostered dogs and was an excellent dog trainer. She would have loved this series.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Good decision? Bad?

Martin Davis gripped his steering wheel as he eyed the shelter’s Time for Paws neon sign glowing in the dusk. He’d never thought he would darken the doors of a dog shelter, but he was. Now the question hung in his mind. Was it a good decision or bad one? He’d become lonely without Suzette, his Bouvier, but he hadn’t been able to handle her. Sometimes he wondered what he could handle. Not dogs or women, apparently.

So if he couldn’t deal with Suzette, why come here to look for another dog? He released his grip on the steering wheel, fell back against the seat, and rubbed his temples. Because he couldn’t bear coming home to an empty house longer. He’d been a failure as a husband. Cats were too aloof. Dogs? He had hopes.

Martin ran his fingers through his hair. He’d been alone for eight years since his wife walked out on him. The loneliness had faded, he thought, but since his brother, Nick, married, he had stopped dropping by for visits. That was the whole of it. Being alone wasn’t for Martin anymore.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Gail's Website http://www.gailmartin.com/
Gail's Blog http://www.gailmartin.blogspot.com/
Love Inspired Authors Website and blog http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com/
Facebook:: http://www.facebook.com/people/Gail-Gaymer-Martin/1429640580
Facebook Readers Group http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=110543112472&ref=ts
Twitter http://twitter.com/GailGMartin
Shout Life http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=15129 

Thank you, Gail, for spending this time with us.
 
Readers, here's the link. By using this link when you order the book, you help support this blog.














Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. (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. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Author Gail Gaymer Martin - Free Book

Gail is a longtime novelist friend of mine. She's multi-published with several publishers. Today, we're introducing her newest non-fiction book

Gail, welcome to my blog. This book is nonfition. Do you also write fiction?

I write both fiction and non-fiction. My first sale in 1995 was a book of four Christmas worship services which included short plays, monologues and skits. To date, I have written twenty-three of these program books for various publishers. Then, with a twenty-three year career in counseling, I began writing parenting and articles for teens dealing with serious teen and family issues, such as: self-esteem, suicide, drugs, communication, blended families, grief, and divorcing parents. But fiction was my childhood dream, and in 1997, I began writing novels. I sold my first novel to Barbour Publishing in 1998, and since that time, I have over one million books in print and have sold forty novels/novellas to Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing primarily.

2. What would you like our readers to know about you personally?

I have lived in Michigan all my life and use the state often for my fiction. My husband and I are both active in our church, both of us lifelong Christians. I have served in many capacities in my church from congregational president to puppet ministry, strategic planning committee, newsletter committee, to music where I am a soloist, member of the choir and ringer in both handbell and handchime choirs.

Several years ago, I also sang in the choir and played in the handbell choir. Tell us about your family.

My husband and I have been married for twenty-two years. I have two adult step-children and one granddaughter. Our daughter Brenda died of ovarian cancer last year at age thirty-seven. Both of the kids are/were musical and play(ed) a variety of instruments. My husband is a tuba player and is our handchime director at church. He also plays with two handbell groups. Dave, our son, played the French horn in school, and continues to play organ and guitar. He has a band, writes music, and performs solo at a coffee house in Detroit. My parents are deceased, as well as my stepfather. I have a younger sister and brother, both married with children and grandchildren, and we are very close family.

There are a lot of musicians in my family, too. Have you written other nonficton books?

As I mentioned above, I have written a lot of non-fiction for churches and magazine articles, but my book for Writers Digest, WRITING THE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE, released in December 2007, was a new experience. It's a long book that not only explains the difference between secular and Christian romance, but it provides the how-to techniques along with examples and exercises. I was thrilled that the book sold so quickly and the editors have been very excited about the book. It has chapters on characterization, POV, emotion and the senses, sexuality, spirituality plotting, and selling the book.

What other books have your written and where can thereaders of the blog find them.

My most recent novel from Steeple Hill Love Inspired, IN HIS DREAMS, is an August release and the third book in my Michigan Island series. It's set on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan and was a Top Pick in the Romantic Times. When my books are released they can be found at all major bookstores, K-Mart, Target, Walmart, some grocery stores and other stores that carry category romance. My October release, AND BABY MAKES FIVE IS from Barbour's Heartsong Presents, an October, release. My novels and church resource materials are all available on Amazon.com as well as other on-line bookstores. WRITING THE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE can be pre-ordered on Amazon. My next fiction release in January 2008 will be the last Michigan Island book, FAMILY IN HIS HEART, set on Drummond and the Les Cheneaux Islands in Michigan's upper peninsula.

Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Presently I'm writing a three book series for Barbour Publishing. GARLIC AND ROSES is the second book set in the Monterey Peninsula and will be released in August 2008 and I am writing the third book, THE BUTTERFLY TREES, set in the same location. As well, I'm hoping to sell a long single title, SECRET PLACES, which is a book of my heart, and I'm working on a four book proposal for Steeple Hill Love Inspired, a series called Friends Forever. Four books related to four women who were high school friends.

I'm sure all the readers will be on the lookout for these books. Where on the Internet can the readers find you.

My website is www.gailmartin.com and besides book covers and excerpts, people will find pages called For Writers which has many articles, workshop logs, and Frequently Asked Questions about writing and getting published. If you enjoy cooking, I have a section called Gail's Kitchen. My blog site which focuses on my life, career and faith is www.gailmartin.blogspot.com. I also am part of the Christian Author Network and write a marketing blog each Monday, and I have a website and blog on ShoutLife at http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=15129

What kind of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I previously mentioned my music activities at church, but as well, I'm a member of the Detroit Lutheran Singers which is a well-known chorale in the Detroit area and we perform three or four series of concerts each year—fall, Christmas, Easter and spring—as well as record CDs. Besides music, I love to travel and have been in every state in the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii, and traveling to other countries is one of my favorite vacations. We have been to many European countries as well as Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland). We just visited Greece and Turkey in October. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Why did you write the featured book, WRITING THE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE.

I wrote WRITING THE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE for two reasons. For years, I've been a columnist with either The Christian Communicator (TCC) or Spirit-Led Writing, an ezine, with a romance writing column. Lyn Johnson, editor of the TCC, suggested a few years ago that I consider writing a book on Christian romance. I tucked that in my mind, but not until three years later, as I mentored writers, was I struck by the need for a book on writing Christian romance. No book exists that deals with this specific genre in full-book length, although you can find numerous books on writing secular romance and some on writing Christian fiction. Since the genre is very different from secular romance, I wrote a proposal and my agent sent it to Writers Digest, the biggest publisher of how-to books on writing.

What do you want the reader to take away from the book?

I hope the book WRITING THE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE will provide writers with a better understanding of the nuances of the genre and specific reader and publisher expectations in Christian romance. I hope that writers will grasp the importance of three-dimensional characterization brought to life with realistic emotion, meaningful dialogue that moves the story forward, hooks that turn the book into a page-turner, an understanding of the elements of sexuality and spirituality expected in Christian romance, and ideas on networking and connecting with fellow authors, as well as finding an agent and publisher. If they gain this kind of information from excerpts of well-known Christian author and the examples and exercises I provide, I will feel very blessed.

Thank you, Gail, for spending this time with us.

Readers, as usual, we're giving away a copy of the book to a winner chosen from those who leave comment. So maybe this is your chane to win one.

There's also time to leave comments on these interviews:

Christa Ann Banister - Around the World in 80 Dates
Jane Kirkpatrick - A Tendering in the Storm
Sharon Hinck - The Restorer's Son