HIDDEN FACES - Golden Keyes Parsons - One Free Book

Welcome back, Golden. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

This compilation had been on my heart for years. Thirty years ago I was teaching a Bible study on the adulterous woman and got to wondering, “Who was she? What really happened here?” Most scholars agree that she was not a prostitute, but a betrothed virgin. Lots of implications in that scenario: (1) She had to be very young. Most Jewish girls were betrothed by the age of 12 and married by mid-teens. (2) The law called for the partner to be brought for judgment. Where was he? (3) The fact that the partner was not brought indicates a trap set for Jesus. (4) What was Jesus really writing in the sand?

Anyway, my curiosity was piqued, and that sent me on a search for other nameless women who played a major part in Scripture, but we don’t even know their names.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Lisa Wingate – I love hearing how she creates characters. And she’s from my area … Central Texas. J

DiAnn Mills – Her mysteries are intriguing and well researched. And she’s a personal friend.

Beth Wiseman – A prolific writer and friend. Love her natural realism.

Eric Wilson – Love his writing and although we are friends via Internet, have never met him in person. Would love to do so.

Rachael Hauck – I appreciate her Christian commitment and her compelling writing style.

Deb Raney – Her stories grab your heart.

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Francine Rivers – Her Mark of the Lion series was the first Christian historical I ever read, I believe. I was hooked!

Tosca Lee – She plumbs deeply into her characters and is so creative.

Ted Dekker – Talk about creative. Although some of his books are too dark for me, I loved the Circle Trilogy and Immanuel’s Veins

Julie Lessman – I love Julie’s historical romances. And I love Julie! She’s a fun uplifting gal.

James Scott Bell – I’ve taken several of his classes and appreciate his expertise.

Tamera Alexander – Love her books and she wrote a great endorsement for my first book, In The Shadow of the Sun King.

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

I just don’t like the marketing part of it. It seems it gets more and more difficult to do that with each book. However, God has sent along a wonderful assistant who is helping me with that phase of the business, and I am so grateful.

Tell us about the featured book.

I explained much about it in Question #1, but it took years to get a publisher interested in it. The popularity of biblical fiction comes and goes, but when I heard WhiteFire Publishing was looking for biblical fiction I jumped on it, and they bought the series.

I found the series to be more difficult to write than I anticipated, because of the lack of information, particularly about the woman at the well. Who would have known there is little documentation regarding the Samaritans, and even less on Samaritan women. I could only find one image on the Internet of a Samaritan woman. One! I had to rely heavily on the fact that they are half-Jewish and just go with it.

In addition to write about five husbands. Now that was challenging!

And to write about a prostitute in Christian fiction in the case of the woman who anointed Jesus’s feet? That took some finesse as well.

I’m glad that I did it, but I don’t know that I would do it again.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Since this is a compilation, I will give you the first page of Book #1, Trapped! The Adulterous Woman.

“It is you. I feared I would never find you.” He tied his donkey to the lone tree shading the house and started toward her. “I’ve looked everywhere for you. Nobody would talk to me. Nobody would tell me where you were. You simply vanished.” He took a step forward. “I need to speak with you.” He hesitated, one foot on the stone path leading to her front door and one foot still in the dust.

She wavered between him and the arched doorway to her modest home, inching backward with each step he took forward. He was talking too fast. She shook her head.

“Please, don’t be afraid.” His deep voice softened. “I know seeing me must be a shock. May we speak? Please, don’t turn me away.”

Anna backed against the rough wall, her fingers clawing at the stony surface searching for the door. “How did you find me? Why…?”

Oppressive, stifling heat hung suspended in the gathering dusk, enveloping her face and sucking the breath out of her. Her tiny house had turned into a sweltering oven. Earlier in the day Anna had finished her baking in preparation for the Sabbath, but the heat lingered. She had taken her little Jacob outside where it was cooler to watch the neighborhood children at play. The laughter of the children romping in the distance echoed through the advancing twilight. They chased each other around the small trees down the road. The boys, aggressive and quick, teased their squealing playmates as they tagged each other.   

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.goldenkeyesparsons.com and my FaceBook page is www.facebook.com/goldenkeyes.parsons

Thanks so much for the interview, Lena. Blessings!

The pleasure is all mine, Golden. I know my readers will be interested in these stories.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Hidden Faces: Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels (four novellas)

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.

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ALONE, THE WOMAN AT THE WELL - Golden Keyes Parsons - One Free Book

Bio: Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series (Thomas Nelson Publishers) chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, released November 2011. Her newest book, Alone, The Woman At The Well, is Book #2 in a novella series entitled, Hidden Faces, Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels, published by WhiteFire Publishing and will release in April 2013. Trapped! The Adulterous Woman was released October 2012. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren. and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

Welcome back, Golden. Tell us about your salvation experience.

I was a “good” girl. The firstborn in an alcoholic family, so I tried to do everything right and make my oh-so-wrong world perfect. When I was about 13 years old, I went to a revival meeting with my best friend. I realized through the sermon that was preached that I was a sinner, but I didn’t understand what I needed to do. My friend could have easily led me to the Lord then, but for some reason she didn’t. Perhaps she didn’t know how to do that. A year later when I was a freshman in high school, my boyfriend invited me to go on a youth retreat Easter weekend. During that weekend Jesus reached down and drew me to himself … and I’ve never gotten over it!

You’re planning a writing retreat where you can only have four other authors. Who would they be and why?

Wow! What a great question. Living or dead? Okay, I’ll do two living and two deceased. The two deceased would be Nathaniel Hawthorne and C.S. Lewis. Nathaniel Hawthorne because I simply have always loved his books. I think when I read The Scarlet Letter in high school is when I fell in love with the classics. C.S. Lewis because he was such a powerful expositor of the gospel and a creative novelist at the same time.  

The two living authors I’d like to spend a weekend with would be Stephen King and Maya Angelou. Stephen King for his knowledge of creating story, and Maya Angelou—what a wordsmith! She crafts so much wisdom into so few words.

Do you have a speaking ministry? If so, tell us about that.

Yes, actually my speaking ministry came before I was published. I speak at women’s conferences, and my husband and I lead marriage conferences. I can be contacted through my website below.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you and how did you handle it?

I really can’t think of a specific instance, but when something embarrasses me I usually choose to ignore it and hope nobody else noticed.

People are always telling me that they’d like to write a book someday. I’m sure they do to you, too. What would you tell someone who came up to you and said that?

All the time. I simply tell them to write. Keep a journal, write down your ideas, write for your church newsletter, write to your family—write, write, write. Out of the overflow will come your book.

And I tell them to read good books. Writers are readers.

Tell us about the featured book.

Alone, The Adulterous Woman, is Book #2 in the “Hidden Faces: Portraits of Nameless Women In The Gospels.”

When I realized that several of the seminal accounts in Scripture involved unnamed women, I became more than curious. Who were they really? Were they women just like us—women such as the adulterous woman, the woman at the well, the woman who anointed Jesus’s feet, and the woman with the issue of blood? Surely they deserved to be fleshed out, albeit via a fiction author’s imagination. Thus the series, Hidden Faces: Portraits of Nameless Women in the Gospels, was born. I believe some of them arrived at their station in life through poor choices, some through no fault of their own.

Since she had five husbands, I speculated that the woman at the well’s life had been difficult. Her father died when she was three, and a succession of men began the parade through her life—men who disappointed and abused her. She did not feel worthy of love until a stranger from Galilee asked her for a drink of water. What she had thirsted for all of her life was showered upon her in that brief meeting. Jesus demonstrated not only was she worthy of acceptance, but he crossed cultural boundaries and traditions to honor her, a hated Samaritan woman, with the first declaration of his Messiahship.

As with the woman at the well, no matter what poor choices we’ve made or our situation in life, Jesus still reaches across traditional lines to offer living water and say, “Follow me and you will never thirst again.”

The first thing I wrote after God told me to become a professional writer was a dramatic monologue of the woman at the well. I’ve always been fascinated with her. And I played out that monologue, in costume, at a number of places for several years. Please give us the first page of the book.

I met a stranger today. He sat on the edge of Jacob’s well in the blistering heat and watched as I walked toward him. Undecided, I turned and looked back toward the village. The man was a Jew. He wore the tallit of a Jewish rabbi. What was a Jewish rabbi doing in Samaria? A younger man stood by his side. Perhaps I should return later. I didn’t care to encounter the upturned noses and sneering lips.

Marah hesitated, the afternoon sun beating down upon her. They need water, and Marah chose to come to this particular well at this particular time of day to avoid the gossipy women from Sychar, their frowns and whispers. She lowered the water pot to her hip and shielded her eyes from the the sun’s glare. He stared back at her. She expected him to rise and turn his back. However, the smallest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

The dust swirled around her feet as she veered to the right to go around the strangers.

“Would you give me a drink?”

Startled, Marah nearly dropped her water pot. A Jewish man speaking to a Samaritan woman—and in public? She glanced about to see if anyone was watching. Beads of perspiration formed on her upper lip.

“You’re safe. No one else is around. My friends have gone into town to purchase food for us to eat. They left us here…” He motioned to the young man with him. “John and myself.” He stood. “You come to this well to avoid the accusations of the other women. It hurts you. I am sorry for that, Marah.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Her heart thudded. How did he know her name? She was certain she had never met this man. She knew the lecherous glances, scorn, and mocking eyes that passed judgment on her as she walked through the streets of the village. Those lying, hypocritical lips that would form words of vulgar propositions. Pious, pompous, prideful men. She hated them. But this man was not one of the men from the village. This man seemed different. How did he know she had been the object of scorn her whole life, as far back as she could remember?

I love it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.goldenkeyesparsons.com

                       

I’ve just put up a new page on Facebook, so would love for your readers to come over and “Like” my new page at www.facebook.com/GoldenKeyes.

Thanks so much, Lena, for the interview. Blessings!

Thank you for sharing this book with us today.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Alone: The Woman at the Well (a novella) (Hidden Faces)


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.

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HIS STEADFAST LOVE - Golden Keyes Parsons - Free Book

What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

That God is faithful, and he will make a way if we trust him. This seems to be the pre-dominate theme of all my books.

Another issue that comes up nearly every time I speak at a conference or retreat is forgiveness and bitterness. I think it is a concern with most everyone, but particularly women. We get hurt so easily, and when we bury those wounds, they turn into bitterness. I find that my characters have to work through that as well.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I had to think about this one. I think I’d like to spend an evening with Billy Graham. I so respect his unwavering focus on remaining faithful to God’s call on his life and his uprightness in doing so.

I know you said “one contemporary person,” but, if you’d indulge me, I’d like also to mention George W Bush. You know we live not too far from his ranch here in Texas, and see the helicopters flying over when they come to Crawford. I didn’t agree with everything he said or did as president, but I trusted him—his character and integrity.

I agree with you about both of those men. A powerful leader is one who can make the hard decisions and stand by their convictions. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I’d like to meet Abraham Lincoln. In doing the research for this latest book, set during the Civil War in Texas, I was amazed at the moral fiber, courage, and integrity of our 16^th president. The hand of God was definitely on the man. Some of the unpopular decisions that he had the grit to make against all odds probably saved our nation.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I know how discouraging that is. I have a box full of rejections. It took me ten years to get my first book published.

But don’t give up. Soak up everything you can from other writers. Go to writers conferences and take the workshops. Keep submitting. Get in a good critique group. Learn from them. I have a quote above my desk that says, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” (Richard Bach). In God’s time it will happen.

Tell us about the featured book.

We are so excited about this book. It deals with a thoroughly Southern family who lives on the Texas Gulf coast during the Civil War. The heroine, Amanda Belle, questions the goodness and faithfulness of her pastor father’s God as she experiences the horrors and deprivation of the division of the nation, and is torn between loyalty to her family and her love for a Union officer.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Note: This scene takes place before Texas secedes from the Union when Federal troops were stationed on the frontier.

CHAPTER ONE – September 1860

My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.

Abraham Lincoln

Sweet, gooey peach pie filling stuck to her fingers. Amanda Irene Belle turned her back on the table laden with pies and licked her index finger.

A husky voice interrupted her surreptitious snack. “Which pie do you recommend? They all look tasty.”

Startled, she looked into a pair of blue eyes as clear as a cloudless Texas sky.

She cleared her throat and bobbed a curtsey. “I’m afraid you have observed me being rather impolite. Please excuse my bad manners.” Ignoring the heat rising in her cheeks, she waved her hand over the desserts lined up on long tables covered in calico tablecloths under the blooming magnolia trees. The special offerings of the ladies from the congregation dotted the tables—and each woman watched eagerly to see which platters and baskets emptied first. A young slave stood at each end of the table lazily waving a palm fan to keep the flies away.

 “Our Elsie baked the chess pie, and it is a favorite. So you are fortunate that there is still a piece left—if you like chess pie, that is, Lieutenant.”

He grinned. “I don’t blame you for sampling the goods. I don’t know that I could have resisted either. And it’s Captain.”

Flustered, she flicked open her fan. “Oh my soul. I’m sorry. I’m not very conversant with military ranks.”

“Give it no mind.” Pointing to the chess pie, “That must be a southern dish. I’ve never tried it, but upon your recommendation, I’m happy to indulge.” He held his plate toward her, and she lifted a sugary, buttery slice of the chess pie onto his already full plate. “This is such a treat for my men—to sit down to home cooking. Thank you for your hospitality.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.goldenkeyesparsons.com  Thanks, Lena!


It's my pleasure to welcome you here again, Golden.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
His Steadfast Love (Darkness to Light)


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

WHERE HEARTS ARE FREE - Golden Keyes Parsons - Free Book

Glad to have you back, Golden. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?


I have walked with the Lord long enough to know that He continually surprises us, so to try to guess what is around the corner? Goodness, I haven’t a clue! I feel so blessed thus far with the doors that He has opened. To get fan letters from readers who have been blessed and brought closer to the Lord – well, it’s mind boggling. And my books are being printed in German, Dutch and Hungarian. I never would have predicted that.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married 48 years to my college sweetheart. We have three grown daughters, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. But, of course, I’m much too young to have great-grandchildren :-)

I have a great grandson, too. They are a blessing. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Oh, absolutely. I read with a much more critical eye. And I read much more fiction than I used to. I read a lot of fiction when I was young, but then up until about ten years ago, was reading mainly non-fiction. When I started writing fiction, I decided that maybe I’d better see what is on the market, and I started reading novels again. When I go into a bookstore, I am overwhelmed every time at how many books are out there. So many books, so little time!

But that's so much better than it was when we had to really search for a book without objectional content. What are you working on right now?

My fourth book, which is a stand-alone novel, set in Texas during the Civil War.

I can hardly wait. We must feature it here. What outside interests do you have?

I am also a classically trained pianist, so I love music. We have two grandsons and two great-grandsons playing baseball, so going to their games keeps us busy. And we are huge Baylor University football and basketball fans. I also love the theatre and attend as many plays as I possibly can, which is easy here in Waco with all that Baylor has to offer. Our junior college here also has an excellent theatre program which we support as well.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The first series was based on my family genealogy, so that setting chose itself. I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about the setting for the next book. I wanted something completely different. Being from Texas and loving the Civil War era, I decided to research what went on here during that war and what I found was interesting. There were more skirmishes in the state than I formerly realized, and the Gulf Coast was strategic to the war. That’s where the story is set.

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

As I’ve been doing the research on the Civil War book, I have been astounded at the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln. It almost seems as if he had a supernatural discernment as to what the nation needed when at the same time being viciously opposed from both sides. No one thought he would win even one state in his re-election bid, and he carried them all, except New Jersey, Vermont, and a couple of other New England states. I think the hand of God was all over him. I believe he will be in heaven when we get there, so I guess I’ll get to do that for real, eh?

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

It is much more difficult than I ever dreamed it would be. I’m very task oriented, so meeting deadlines is not a problem, but the continual learning of the craft that never stops is amazing. I just read Deb Raney’s post on the ACFW loop comparing learning music to writing, and it is so true. The deep learning comes in the doing—not in the reading about it, but in the doing. Practice, practice, practice.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Psalm 138:8 is the Scripture I am claiming these days: “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever-forsake not the works of your own hands.”

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

That’s simple:
• Write
• Pray
• Rewrite

And as instruction with all three of those points: never, never give up. I have a quote over my computer that says, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

That's very good. Tell us about the featured book.

Where Hearts Are Free is the conclusion to the “Darkness to Light Series.” It is the story of when my ancestors came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. Parts of the book are true, but the storyline is fiction.

Please give us the first page of the book.

PROLOGUE
A plantation on the outskirts of Philadelphia, 1681

The familiar trembling slid its slippery fingers through Bridget’s stomach and into her throat. Philippe galloped ahead into the meadow beyond the cornfield. She struggled to catch her breath. “D-don’t go into the meadow. It is not part of Whisper Wood. It’s dangerous!”

Ignoring her warning, Philippe urged the black gelding over the low wooden fence and plunged ahead. “The sow is probably down in the hollow by the river. Follow me.”

Twelve-year-old Bridget halted her horse, and the mare reared as the girl slipped off. Her heart churned, and the heaving threatened to surface once again. “No, Philippe. Come back! It’s . . . it’s sc-scary down there.” She bent over and waited for the sensation to stop.

She could hear him thrashing through the brush on the riverbank as he searched for the sow and her piglets. Then he emerged from the oak trees that lined the Schuylkill River, a wide grin spreading over his face.

“I was right. The sow has found a place for her piglets down on the riverbank and is burrowed in. I’ll need to get the wagon and bring it back to—” He reined his horse in beside her. “What’s wrong, mistress? Are you ill?” He dismounted and held the reins in his hands, staring at her.

“I don’t like this place.”

Philippe looked around. “I see nothing to cause you this kind of extreme alarm.”

Tears formed in Bridget’s eyes, and she brushed them away with the back of her gloved hand.

I can hardly wait for my copy to come. How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.goldenkeyesparsons.com/
http://www.classeminars.org/

Thank you for dropping by, Golden.

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. (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/

A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES - Golden Keyes Parsons - Free Book

Welcome back to my blog, Golden. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I write historical fiction, but I started out writing nonfiction. My spiritual gift is teaching, so the natural thing for me to write would be Bible studies, right? Well, I did write a Bible study, and a couple of publishing houses were interested, and it got into committee, but they decided in the end to pass. I had some other general inspirational books that got into committees, but no contracts for them either. One day on a whim, I took a couple of chapters of historical fiction that I had written around my family genealogy to critique group, and they confirmed that was where I should be. So I began to pursue it. I realized after attending a fiction class at Glorieta Christian Writers Conference that one can get spiritual issues across in fiction in perhaps a more palatable manner than sounding so “preachy” in a non-fiction work.

I loved reading historical fiction as a young person, and I love writing historical fiction now as an adult.

I love historical fiction, too, both reading and writing it. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Of course, my wedding day would have to rate up there, and the births of our three daughters.

How has being published changed your life?

It’s much more work than I ever dreamed it would be – marketing one book, editing another, then writing still another. But I’ve always been pretty good about juggling my schedule to get everything done.

It has changed my life in another way as well. I am much more observant -- of little quirks of human behavior, or the nuances of emotion, or a pithy quote. I’m more aware of good story and quality movie plots. I just feel I have learned so much and have so much yet to learn.

What are you reading right now?

I try to alternate reading Christian fiction with secular fiction. I feel I’m not very well-read in fiction and am trying to play “catch-up.” Right now I’m finishing MaryLu Tyndall’s Falcon and the Sparrow. Next up is Diana Galbadon’s Outlander.

What is your current work in progress?

Book #3 in the Darkness To Light series.

What would be your dream vacation?

To tour Europe, especially France (where my book In The Shadow Of The Sun King and A Prisoner of Versailles are set) with my own private tour guide and chauffeur; stay at 5-star hotels with spas; and dine at the top restaurants. I’m sorry, but I’m too old for climbing the Alps or camping in the Rain Forest or hunting wild game in Africa. :-)

How do you choose your settings for each book?

All of the settings for my books thus far have a tie to my family history.

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

I think I would like to spend an evening with Anne Graham Lotz. I admire her courage being a woman in ministry, and I would just love to hear her talk about that journey.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I like to travel. I’m a pianist, so I love music. I love to go to the symphony, or the ballet, or the theatre. On the other side of the spectrum, we are avid fans of the sports of our alma mater, Baylor University, especially football and basketball.

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

So far, the most difficult writing obstacle was launching the writing of Book #3 in the series. I was asked to shift the protagonist to another character, and I had tough time doing that. If I get to a point where I seem to be blocked, I back off and do research or watch a movie about the period. It gives me ideas, and I’m ready to dive in again the next day.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Avail yourself of the networking and workshops at writers conferences.

Never, ever quit. I have a quote on my desk that says, “A professional writer is an amateur who never quit.” We were all amateurs at one time, and someone took a chance on us. If God has called one to write, he will make a way, and it will happen.

Tell us about the featured book.

It is a sequel to the first book, In The Shadow Of The Sun King and follows the saga of the Clavell family as they seek to escape the religious persecution of King Louis XIV. However, the king raises some formidable obstacles to their escape.

Please give us the first page of the book.


A Prisoner Of Versailles
By Golden Keyes Parsons

CHAPTER ONE

“Go after her. Spare no expense. Do whatever you must, but bring Madeleine Clavell back to Versailles.”

Captain Nicolas Maisson bowed to King Louis XIV. The musketeer’s blue tunic brushed the floor as he swept his hat around in a flourish. “Oui, Your Majesty.”

“I want her oldest son as well.” The king rested against the front edge of his desk, his head lowered. The voluminous wig hid his eyes. He raised his head and stared past the soldier. He began to pace, then stopped to peer out a window. “Is Versailles not the most beautiful palace on earth?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. None more enchanting in all the world.”

Visions of Madeleine strolling with him through the gardens when they and Versailles were all adolescents teased his mind. She had grown up with him here. He would get her back. “Why would one not yearn to be here?”

The soldier did not answer. The king turned and with a wave of his hand dismissed the musketeer. “Be on your way. Take whomever you choose and whatever forces you need. I would begin in Geneva, John Calvin’s bastion of Protestantism. That’s where most of the Huguenots flee.” The king’s lips tightened, and he clipped his words. “If she is not there, find someone who knows where she is.”

Captain Maisson bowed and prepared to take leave of the king.

“One more thing, Captain.”

“Your Majesty?”

“You are not to use unnecessary force. Do not harm one hair of Madame Clavell’s head, nor that of her son’s.”

I'm totally intrigued. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.goldenkeyesparsons.com/
www.classeminars.com/
www.facebook.com/

Thank you, Golden, for spending this time with us. I look forward to being with you again.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

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Author Golden Keyes Parsons - IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING - Free Book

I have had this interview scheduled for a while, then I met Golden at the national ACFW Conference in Minneapolis. I'm glad to introduce you to her and her new book.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

More than I care to admit! As with most new authors, my first work is based much on my family. My female protagonist bears many of my characteristics, including vanity, stubbornness and her humble and accurate opinion that she is always right.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

This was a hard one. By temperament I am about 50% melancholy, 50% choleric—not a “quirky” combination. I asked my husband, and he couldn’t think of anything either. I’ve done lots of stupid things, some bold things, had some adventures, but “quirky?” I guess the quirkiest thing I’ve ever done is try to launch a writing career at my age. I kept asking God if he remembered how old I was—and he assured me that he did!

I know what you mean. Age is just a number and doesn't mean anything in the larger picture of God's plans for your life. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Being raised in a family of newspaper editors and published authors, I always wrote. I was published in our hometown newspaper at the age of nine. I wrote poetry. I wrote plays. I wrote Sunday School curriculum. I wrote Christmas productions. I wrote training literature. But I never seriously pursued writing a novel and getting it published until just a few years ago.

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

Well, of course, I have always loved historicals, which is why I have probably ended up writing them. I like Biblical fiction, allegories, and inspirational books that delve beneath the surface and make one think deeper. And being a fiction writer, this probably is an anomaly, but I love true stories, documentaries.

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

I have written a Biblical fiction novella series, Hidden Portraits of Nameless Women In Scripture, that has not been picked up yet. I have written a Bible study book, A Wise Woman Builds, that we self-published. I have four non-fiction WIPs on marriage and general inspiration.

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

My husband and I pastor a church as well ministering through the writing/speaking ministry. Our church is small and in a small town, but it keeps us hopping. I promised the Lord in the process of developing this phenomenon of writing in my life, that I would spend about an hour every morning with him, before I run to the computer and regardless of what else is going on. I’m not legalistic about it, but I pretty much stick to that. I think that keeps me grounded.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I just research what names were popular at the time. My main character’s name, Madeleine, however just wouldn’t let me go. My actual ancestor’s name was Louisa, but it didn’t seem to fit her.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

That our three daughters love God and are walking upright in their communities.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

This was another hard one for me. The one I’m most like—I think I’d have to say an owl. I’m rather reserved, and I sit back and watch. I try to think before I speak. Some people have called me “wise.” The one I’d most like to be like? Probably a graceful swan or a gazelle. Our son-in-law is a big game hunter and the gazelles he has brought back are just beautiful.

What is your favorite food?

Like every woman I do love chocolate. But if I had to choose something that if I were stranded on an island and could have nothing else, it would have to be fresh fruits and vegetables. I love good homegrown tomatoes, cantaloupe, fresh corn, etc.

We've often had our own garden in our married life, and I know what you mean about fresh-picked produce. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

After so many years of rejections, it had to be the self-esteem, confidence issue. I’d had pretty good luck with getting articles published, but just couldn’t seem to hit it right in the book arena. I had a bad experience with an agent. Couldn’t find another one. My prayer many times was, “God, if you’ve called me to write, why can’t I get a book published?” Then when the time was right, he literally sat me down beside my future agent at a conference, and it took off from there. But I never quit. I kept on writing and submitting.

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

Avail yourself of all the networking available at writers conferences. Perfect your craft. And never, never, never give up. I kept a caption taped beside my computer during all those discouraging days, “A professional writer is an amateur who never gave up.” If you are a Christian and God has called you to write, stand on that call and keep pursuing it. It will happen in his time.

Yes, God's timing is always perfect. I often tell those I mentor that fact. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Quite by accident, I came into the possession of an original, published genealogy of my family heritage from 1907. It chronicled the persecution of the French Huguenots under the government of Louis XIV and their subsequent flight from 17th century France, eventually coming to this country and settling in Pennsylvania. The story fascinated me, and up until that time, I did not recall seeing any novels on this subject. I have since become aware of several and have read some of them. What a price they paid for our heritage of faith! In The Shadow Of The Sun King is the first installment in a four book series on the story of my ancestors has they sought religious freedom.

Golden, how can readers find you on the Internet?

My web site is http://www.goldenkeyesparsons.com/. Or at http://www.classervices.com/, or http://www.christianspeakers4you.com/.

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

Readers, please leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of In the Shadow of the Sun King. Then check out Golden's web sites.

The Case of the Missing Winners:

I have several past winners who haven't contacted me with their mailing addresses. If you're one of these people, please click on the email link in my profile in the right hand column and send me your address.

If you know any of these people, tell them to contact me.

Alyce (two books), ausjenny, Sarah/Robert, Cheryl (Shyrackmom), Doreen, R. Byuel, Cherryblossomj.

You can order Golden's book here: