OUT OF CONTROL - Mary Connealy - Free Book

If you've been reading this blog long, you know I love this author. Welcome, Mary. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I’m third born of 8 kids. I’m married to my high-school sweetheart for 34 years now. I was a stay at home mom for 27 years. I started writing when my baby, the youngest of four daughters, went to Kindergarten and my first book released the year she graduated from high school. I had twenty finished books on my computer when I made my first sale.

How did you become interested in writing?

The real “event” that kicked off my writing was my second of four daughter writing a book in about sixth or seventh grade. It was short of course, but it had a really great idea in it. I asked her if I could steal the nugget of her story and write my own. She said, “Write your own darned book and leave mine alone.” (or words to that effect)

So I did.                     

What compelled you to write a book on this subject?

Out of Control is set in and around a huge cavern in Colorado. I visited Carlsbad Cavern as a young bride and was absolutely captured by it. This was long before I was writing, but the story was there. The first explorers to find that cavern. It was all safe when we went there, trails carefully marked, railings to keep you away from dangerous stuff. But what if????

Isn’t that the writer’s game, Lena? What if I was the first person in there? What if I only had lantern light? You couldn’t begin to see to the end of it, but you’d glimpse the stunning beauty and you’d be in terrible danger from the pits and floors that looked broken off, as thin as glass in places. What made those floor break? Had someone fallen through? I loved that place and I’ve wanted to set a story in there for a long time. But the history of Carlsbad Cavern is really well known and I’d have had to trample it to really set my book there and I didn’t want to. So I created my own cavern, there are several really cool ones in Colorado. And then I sent three little boys down there to explore.

Mary, I really love books set in caverns. I worked in Longhorn Cavern in the summer when I was in college and became an amateur spelunker. What is the main theme or point that you want readers to understand from reading your book? Are there any other themes present in the book?

The main theme is giving control of your life over to God. The cavern represents losing control to the oldest brother and he is bent on protecting his younger brothers from that cavern. Rafe then meets Julia, who LOVES the cavern and wants to explore, believes it’s God’s will she explore. And then they clash….and fall in love.

                                                                                                                                                            

Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and apply to their lives after reading your book?

I just hope they have a really fun time watching two bossy people fall in love.

What makes your book different than any other books similar to yours that are in circulation today?

Well, gosh, Lena. I write inspirational, suspenseful, historical-western, romantic comedy. There aren’t any other books like that are there?           

             

No. That’s why I love your unique books. How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and how you are currently serving Him?

I tell people who occasionally say to me, “I think I’ve got a book in me….but I’ve never found the time to sit down and write it…” To not feel bad if their idea of a fun pastime isn’t sitting by yourself for countless hours having conversations with imaginary friends, then sending your work out into the world to be rejected, abused and insulted….for years….for no money.

Writing a book isn’t a very normal way to behave and I think it’s just something a bit different that makes us do it. We could call it being a sociopath. Being a trouble loner. Having voices in our heads….or….we can call it a gift from God.  So writing, including this book, intertwines with God’s call because he made me love it. So here I sit typing.

                                                                                                                                   

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse?

When I read my Bible I am forever finding a new “favorite.” I think God touches our hearts through the Bible in different ways depending on what we need in our lives. One story I’m currently in love with is one that is in three books of the Bible Matt 9:2; Mark 2:3; Luke 5:18 When Jesus heals the paralyzed man who is lowered down from the roof by his friends. And Jesus says to the man, “Your sins are forgiven.”

His friends are angry at Jesus because they want their friend to be healed not forgiven. I think there is so much wisdom and power in this story. I think this story shows the heart and mind of Jesus more clearly than nearly any story in the Bible. And that’s me saying that because the story is striking me, only me, right now today, in that way. Another story will take its place another time, as God reveals it. But think about all that goes on here.

Men who believe Jesus can heal their friend but are angry about forgiveness. What are they thinking anyway? They think a man can do miracles but then turn on him when he doesn’t produce.

Jesus saying, “Because I want you to know I have the right to forgive sins, I’ll heal him.” Jesus is using miracles to draw attention to His words, to say forgiveness is more important than walking. To respond to anger with love. The levels of this story, or maybe the layers of it, is so rich.

The fact that Jesus does perform this miracle before the crowd that surrounded this house…since the men had to lower their friend through the roof, we know there was a mob. A paralyzed man who stands up and goes home---praising God. Another voice proclaiming Jesus is doing God’s work. In fact most of that crowd would have done the same thing.

Anyway, I’m going on too long, but I love everything about this story, most importantly that Jesus says forgiveness is more important than health.

I so agree with you. When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

Reading. Crossword puzzles. Yeah, I know, like it’d kill me to take a walk once in a while.          

As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?

I love doing your blog interviews, Lena. You’re usually scary but fun with your questions. Keep it up.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Blog
My Website


Mary, thanks for once again dropping by.


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 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

LIVVIE'S SONG - Sharlene MacLaren - Free Book

I just love featuring this author and friend on my blog. Welcome, Shar. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take? 

Since I am what you’d call a “seat-of-the-pants” writer, is it all right for me to answer with, ‘I have no idea!’?  Sorry for starting on a facetious note, but I seem to live my life in a constant state of anticipation, a “What’s next, God?” mode.  As for story ideas, they are forever swirling around in my head, begging to be set free on the computer screen.  Will I ever run out of them?  No time soon as far as I can tell. 

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them? I will be attending the ACFW conference in St. Louis in September.

 Presently, I am not scheduled to speak at any writers’ events, but I am speaking at some upcoming community events as well as a women’s retreat.

If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?

I think I’d love a discussion on “How to Breathe Life Into Your Characters.”  My panel would consist of writers who I believe do an excellent job at writing stories with characters that engage.  Here’s my list: Julie Lessman, Loree Lough, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Tracie Peterson, and, hmm, I’d love to invite Lena Nelson Dooley! There are countless others, but these are the names that first jumped out at me. 

That would be a fun and interesting panel. Thanks for including me. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?

I think it’s essential to every author to stay active in organizations.  It is one way to stay current with writing trends.  We all reach that point of needing a battery charge, too, and retreats and conferences provide a wonderful opportunity for growth. 

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?

As a vocalist, I’ve always been passionate about music, so I stay active in choir and worship teams.  I love the privilege of leading people into a spirit of worship.  Such an honor!  My husband and I are also involved in small group Bible studies, and, of course, whenever I get the chance I love speaking at libraries and other community organizations about my writing journey.       

Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how?

I don’t know if I can narrow it to five (grins), but I’ll try.  First, Mom and Dad were such stable forces in my life, very in love with each other and the Lord and encouraging me from a very young age to give my heart to Jesus and then to love His Word. They taught me so much by mere example.  Second, my wonderful, loving, understanding, and Godly husband, Cecil.  Over the course of our 36 years together, I have fallen more in love than I ever thought possible! Third, my darling daughters for unwittingly “teaching” me the meaning of depthless love.  Fourth, countless Sunday school teachers, pastors, and college professors.  (Oh, my goodness, I’ve broken the rule and gone way over five!  I think I’ll just stop there.)

If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be?

“She lived her life with abundant joy in the Lord!”   

Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover blurb for Livvie’s Song: Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet, she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank. Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria. But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.

Please share the first page with us.

Here you go:

Smoke rings rose and circled the heads of Charley Arnold and Roy Scott as they sat in Livvie’s Kitchen, each partaking of steaming coffee, roast beef and gravy, and conversation, every so often guffawing at one or the other’s blather, neither caring much who heard them since the place buzzed with midday talk.  Folks liked coming to Livvie’s Kitchen to fill their stomachs, but getting their ears full could be just as satisfying.  Behind the counter, utensils banged against metal, and pots and pans sizzled and boiled with steam and smoke.  Joe Stewart, the cook, hollered, “Order’s up!” to which Olivia Beckman, the restaurant’s 31-year-old proprietress, slapped down two hamburger platters in front of Mr. and Mrs. Waters and delivered a hasty smile.  With a twist of her body, her knee-length, cotton floral skirt flared.  She mopped her brow and blew several strawberry blond strands of damp hair off her face then hustled to the counter.  “You boys put out those disgusting nicotine sticks,” she scolded on the run.  “How many times do I have to tell you I don’t allow smoking in my establishment?  I don’t even have ashtrays.”

 “Aw, Livvie, how you expect us to enjoy a proper cup of coffee without a cigarette? ‘Sides, ar’ saucers work fine for ashtrays,” Charlie whined to her back.

“Saucers are not ashtrays,” said old Mrs. Garner who sat in the booth behind the men, craning her long, skinny neck to train her owl eyes on them, her lips pinched in a tight frown.  Mr. Garner had nothing to say, of course.  He rarely did, just let her do the talking, as usual, and sipped wordlessly on his tomato soup.

Livvie snatched the order form from the counter and gave it a glance, lifted two more plates, one with macaroni and cheese and a roll and the other a chicken drumstick with mashed potatoes, then whirled back around, eyeing both men with firmness.  “I expect you to follow my rules, boys”—she traipsed past them—“or go find yourselves another eatery where the smoke’s as thick as cow dung.”

 Where can my readers find you on the Internet? 

Thanks so much for giving me this opportunity to share with your readers, Lena.  Here is my contact info:

www.sharlenemaclaren.com

www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren

www.shoutlife.com/sharlenemaclaren

email: smac@chartermi.net


What a pleasure, Sharlene. You'll have to come again.


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 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

A VISION OF LUCY - Margaret Brownley - Free Book

I've welcomed Margaret to my blog before and love having her here.

More Love and Laughter in the Old West

From Margaret Brownley

Some Timely Advice for Photographers from Margaret’s New Book:

A Vision of Lucy

A Rocky Creek Romance

To photograph well, women should dress in sedate colors and unobtrusive patterns.  

Even the most morally challenged woman can be made to look chaste

given suitable attire and clever lighting. 

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I like writing serious themes with a touch of humor and the old west lends itself nicely to laughter, don’t you think?  Times are tough and if I can make readers smile--either because of something the characters do or simply because of a Biblical truth--then I’ve done what I’ve set out to do. 

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

I’m basically a happy person regardless of what happens, but I have to say the day I married the love of my life is right up there with the days I gave birth to each of my three children.  

How has being published changed your life?

I’ve been published going on 25 years so it’s hard to remember what it was like before.  I’ve seen a lot of changes in the publishing industry since I first began to write professionally.  It seems like there are more demands on a writer’s time now and keeping a balance is more important than ever.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading entries for a contest and “The Horse Doctor Is In” by Brent Kelley—you guessed it—for research.

What is your current work in progress?

I just finished the first book in a new series: Brides of Last Chance Ranch, scheduled for release March 2012.   I’m currently working on the second book.

We must schedule that series on the blog, too. What would be your dream vacation?

I think it would be fun to take an “around the world” cruise, stopping at every port.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to choose settings that carry the theme.  A Vision of Lucy takes place in Rainbow Creek, Texas, a fictional town with a troubled past that was first introduced in A Lady like Sarah.   My goal was to create a town that mirrors the spiritual decay of its citizens for the first book in the series.  In Book 2 the town begins to grow and change in positive ways along with its citizens. In this third and last book of the series, we’ll see that the town has change in many positive ways reflecting the changes in the characters and their relationship to God. 

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

Before I was a writer I was an instructor. One of my early teachers asked a question that I’ll never forget.  She asked, “When you retire after thirty-five years of teaching, will you be able to say that you taught thirty-five years or that you taught one year thirty-five times?” That’s a question that is relevant to every profession.

I don’t want to keep writing the same book and, for this reason, it gets harder because I keep demanding more of myself, and have to dig deeper and find different ways to describe, say, blue eyes or a loved one’s kiss. Staying fresh is all about creating believable characters that come alive in the reader’s mind and that’s what I strive to do. 

Tell us about the featured book.

The story takes place in 1886 and deals with loss, guilt and forgiveness—themes that are just as relevant today as they were in the Old West.  

The idea for my protagonist Lucy Fairbanks was sparked by an advertisement in an old newspaper. In 1860 Julia Shannon of San Francisco took the family portrait to new heights when she shockingly advertised herself as a daguerreotypist and midwife. 

Lucy doesn’t deliver babies but she is determined to capture the “perfect” picture and she’s not about to let an intriguing stranger like David Wolf and his long-held secrets stop her. Photographs can reveal more than they hide and David and the little town of Rocky Creek are about to find out that anything can happen when posing for Lucy—and usually does. 

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me at www.margaretbrownley.com.  I’m also on Twitter and have two Facebook pages. 

Thank you for having me, Lena!

My great pleasure, Margaret. Come back anytime.

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 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

LOVE FINDS YOU IN GROOM, TEXAS - Janice Hanna - Free Book

It's always a great pleasure for me to feature Janice Hanna (Thompson) on my blog. In addition to being one of my very special friends, she's also a lot of fun and an amazing author. Welcome, Janice.

Please tell us three random things we might not know about you.

My dad was the president of the University of Houston Cougar Cagers Club, so my birthdays, holidays, etc. were spent at basketball games. Our family traveled to Mexico with the U of H Cougars to watch them compete, which was great fun. When I was eleven, I got to play (for fun, of course) with the Harlem Globetrotters, who came to Houston for a visit. To this day, I love a good basketball game.

I once lied to a fellow camper at church camp, telling her that my dad (Billy Hanna) was William Hanna of Hanna/Barbara (Flintstones) fame. That lie still haunts me, though, to his credit, my dad did eventually work as a movie producer on our co-authored movie, Liar’s Moon. (Yes, it’s true. I got to meet and work with Matt Dillon. Eat your heart out, girls!)

I occasionally bake wedding cakes. In 2009 I baked a lovely four-tiered white cake with strawberry filling and cream cheese frosting that toppled less than an hour before the wedding. I managed to piece together two very messy/ugly layers. Thankfully, the bride did not murder me. It made for a great scene in a later book. (Nothing ever gets wasted, not even a mashed piece of cake.)

Please tell us a bit more about the plot of Love Finds You in Groom, Texas.

Always the groomsman, never the groom… It’s 1914, and Jake O’Farrell has gained an unusual reputation among the locals: He’s played the roles of groomsman and best man in all four of his older brothers’ weddings, but he’s never been able to find the woman to capture his heart. And now with the upcoming wedding of his best friend, Jake will become the last single man in the town of Groom.

Anne Denning has made the difficult decision to move with her sisters to Texas, but a train derailment forces them to seek shelter in Groom, near Amarillo. Mrs. O’Farrell, hopeful that Anne will catch her youngest son’s eye, invites the girls to stay at her home until the train is repaired and ready to pull out. Anne has no idea of the blissful chaos that lies ahead!

Why did you decide to write this story?

My editor at Summerside approached me with the name of the town because she knows I write a lot of wedding-themed stories. She wanted something lightweight/fun, and she knew me well enough to know I would enjoy a fun story. The only real question we had in the beginning stage was: “Should this be a historical or a contemporary?” We went with historical because I felt sure the story idea was better suited to the turn of the century.

Tell us something interesting about the town of Groom:

Groom boasts a nineteen-story high cross. More than 100 welders worked together to erect it in 1995. Now you can see why I toyed with the idea of writing a contemporary novel! I wanted to include the cross. Because I went with historical, I decided to give the heroine a small cross necklace to wear, one that symbolizes her faith (and alludes to the “bigger” cross to come).

What is your favorite memory of the Texas panhandle region?

Just one? I love, love, love Palo Duro Canyon, which is not terribly far from Groom. This breathtaking canyon always surprises visitors because you don’t see it coming! Look to your right and see nothing. Then, a few yards up the road, look to your right again and you see a crevice forming. That crevice deepens, then deepens some more until. . .lo and behold! You’re looking at one of God’s most magnificent “sweeps of a fingertip.” Truly glorious. One of my favorite memories was taking my daughters to see the play Texas in Palo Duro Canyon when they were little. We camped overnight in the state park, ate BBQ and saw the show. Amazing!

Groom is a wedding-themed book. Why do you write so many stories with a strong wedding theme?

I have four grown daughters—Randi, Megan, Courtney Rae and Courtney Elizabeth. Yes, I really have two daughters named Courtney. (Long story!) All four of my girls got married within four years of each other. We’re told to write what we know. I know weddings, trust me! I helped coordinate all four weddings and even worked as a wedding coordinator at my church for a season. I was also tickled to be the “Wedding Planner Examiner” for the city of Houston for a spell. What fun! You’ll see me writing about weddings for years to come, so hang on for the ride!

Why will readers enjoy your novel besides the hunky man on the cover?

In spite of the lead character’s tough situation, the story is filled with comedic elements. Anne’s two younger sisters are a hoot. So is Maggie (the hero’s mother). She’s an Irish spitfire! I think readers will appreciate the romance between Anne and Jake. It’s filled with all sorts of sweet and comic moments.

Why do you like writing comedies with strong take-aways?

Comedy is a great outlet. We comedians can get away with a lot more than authors who play it straight. Want the reader to walk away with a little nugget of truth? Couch it in something humorous. I’ve found that light-hearted writing not only suits my personality, it’s the perfect vehicle for sharing the gospel.

You’ve written other Love Finds You books in the past. Do you enjoy writing for this series? Why or why not?

I can’t say enough about this line of books. From the moment the first book released, I fell in love—with the authors, the covers, the stories, the settings. Most of all, I love the concept. Through these stories, the reader can travel all over the country, bouncing from town to town, city to city. Want a serious historical? You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a humorous contemporary? You’ll find that, too. Want a book set in a quirky, fun town? Yep. You’ll find it in the Love Finds You series. Want a story set in a remote, faraway place, filled with intrigue? You’ll find that, too.

And a side note to this answer, my Love  Finds You book, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, just won the Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in western fiction. 

What are you working on now?

I just turned in Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma, a fun historical about a single woman in her late 30’s who moves from the Gulf Coast to the landlocked state of Oklahoma to become the director at an orphanage. It’s a love story, of course! She falls in love with the town sheriff, who has adopted two of the unruliest boys from the orphanage. I’m currently writing Wedding Belles, the first book in the Belles and Whistles series for Summerside/Guideposts.

What are your favorite things to do (besides writing)?

Honestly? I love hanging out with my grandbabies. They grow up so quickly and I don’t want to miss a thing! Maddy is four now. She’s the oldest. Avery is three. Peyton is three. Ethan is two. Boston is one and a half and baby Brooke turned one this week. I love them so very much. They keep me young (and give me plenty of fodder for books). 

And they're very cute, too. I notice you write under two names (Janice Hanna and Janice Thompson). Why? 

Those who’ve been reading my romances over the past several years know me as Janice A. Thompson. My joy is mixed with a smidgeon of sorrow as I explain the change in my last name for some of my current releases. In 2006 I lost my father to bone marrow cancer. His last name (Hanna) is my maiden name—and it’s a name that means even more to me now that he is gone. In memory of my father, I use the Hanna name in my historicals. My Revell books will still release under Janice Thompson. I hope you my readers will stick with me, no matter which name I use!

I understand you have a new VIP bookclub. Can you tell us about that?

Yes, I’m so excited about this, too! I came up with this idea several months ago: Why not create a “club” where members can get each new Janice Thompson/Janice Hanna book as it releases for a set price of $11, shipping included. Books are autographed and mailed out to club members before they ever hit the stores. I also encourage my VIP club members to leave reviews, as they are able, on amazon, christianbook.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. If people are interested in joining the club, all they have to do is shoot me an email at booksbyjanice@aol.com with the words “VIP bookclub” in the subject line and their address in the body of the email.

Anything else you want our readers to know?

Yes, I’m very passionate about my faith, which is why I write Christian books. I could no more leave out the faith elements than I could stop eating chocolate. They are integral…to my stories and my life. I’m a huge believer in stirring up the gifts that God has placed inside of us, which is what I hope to do through my teaching.  

Where else can readers find you online?

I love to connect with my readers at the following places:

www.janicehannathompson.com

www.freelancewritingcourses.com

www.facebook.com/jhannathompson 

Thanks for spending time with me! I had a blast!

And we loved having you stop by the blog.

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 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 

LOVE BY THE BOOK - Cara Lynn James - Free Book

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

My books are inspirational historical romance. I write from a Christian point of view because my faith is part of who I am. It would seep through my writing whatever I wrote. I like reading romance, so that’s why I chose to write the genre. And historical because I really enjoy reading and researching and writing about other time periods and long gone cultures. I usually add a touch of mystery to my stories too since I love reading mysteries and suspense, contemporary and historical.

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

My wedding day! It’s hard to believe I got married 34 years ago. Another great day was the day I sold my first book, nearly two years ago. But I think I was in the state of shock and probably enjoyed the day after more than the actual day I got ‘the call’!

My wonderful wedding day was almost 47 years ago. How has being published changed your life?

I have to be disciplined now. Sometimes it’s difficult to force myself to be creative and write when I’d rather curl up with a book and read. It’s so easy to procrastinate and promise myself I’ll take today off and work doubly hard tomorrow. I’ll admit I sometimes succumb to the temptation, but I try not to very often.

Like a lot of writers, I’m an introvert. Promoting my books doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m perfectly content to sit on my sun porch and write. Also, friends who once thought of my writing as a quaint little hobby now give me ‘respect.’ They don’t seem to understand I was a serious writer way before I was published!

I learned I can’t do everything I did before, including housework. I sure didn’t mind giving that up! But I like my house to look neat and clean. My husband and daughter help, but they have different standards than I do. So I had to adjust and not worry about a little dust—or a lot of dust. As long as we have food on the table and clean laundry, we’re doing fine.         I’ve learned to close my eyes and keep my eyes on my deadline.    

What are you reading right now?

The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen. It’s a historical mystery with a bit of a romance set in New York City during the turn-of-the-century.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m writing a historical romance set in the Adirondacks at what is now called a “great camp.” The story is about New York millionaires and their guests who go rustic and enjoy “roughing it,” but really don’t give up any of their luxuries. The widowed daughter of the family returns home determined to keep a secret—she’s flat broke and afraid her parents will learn of her disastrous marriage. But the past has a way of following her home and intruding upon her present and future. A handsome childhood friend does his best to help her through the bad times. Against their wishes and better judgment, they fall in love.

What would be your dream vacation?

When I lived in Vermont I would’ve chosen a Caribbean cruise. But now that I live in Florida where it’s never really cold and sometimes scorching hot, I’d say my dream vacation would be a trip to Great Britain and Ireland. I’ve travelled through the rest of Europe, but now I’m ready to tour English speaking countries I haven’t seen before. Actually any vacation sounds great!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I always wanted to write about Newport, Rhode Island during the Gilded Age. My mother came from there and we always spent a lot of time visiting. It’s a beautiful and fascinating place. Over the years I read a dozen or so books about the town and the society, so it seemed natural to use it as a setting. After I finished the Ladies of Summerhill series, my editor asked me to choose another northeast resort setting for my next book. I picked the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York state because it’s so different from the seaside setting of Newport, and has spectacular scenery. I lived in neighboring Vermont for twenty years, so I was familiar with the area.

After this maybe I’ll move my stories to New York City or a small town in the south where I lived now. Since I’m a New Englander it’ll be more of a challenge to write about southern culture etc. but since my husband is from north Florida (very southern!) and we now live in northwest Florida, I think I can manage. Friends will set me straight. I also lived three years in Texas and five years in Virginia.

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

My favorite author, Maeve Binchy. She’s an Irish women’s fiction writer. I love her easy, conversational style and how she draws her characters with all their quirks, foibles and virtues. They jump right off the page. She seems so chatty and friendly—someone I could learn a lot from.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I don’t think of writing as a hobby anymore because I have deadlines and I get paid periodically for the work I submit. Now it’s ‘work.’ Before I sold writing was a fun hobby I indulged in when the muse came calling. It’s still enjoyable. If it weren’t, I’d find something else to do ASAP. My work hours are flexible, but still I have to follow a schedule so I can finish by my deadline.

Reading really is my favorite hobby. I love to read fiction and non-fiction, especially American and European history. If I had more time and money I’d travel a lot. Thirty years ago I spent four months traveling around Europe and I’d love to go back. My husband and I camp in our little A-liner camper, which is like a very fancy aluminum tent with a stove, microwave, refrigerator and air conditioning. But we usually only go as far as Gulf Shore, Alabama, about an hours drive from home.

When my daughter was young I used to sew dresses for her. I quilted and crocheted too, but I’ve given up those hobbies. I don’t need another afghan in Florida.

Except for reading and writing I don’t have much time for hobbies anymore.

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

That’s easy! A retired husband, a daughter, and a four-year-old grandson all living with me and home for most of the day. It’s great having people around (I’m never lonely), but I have to shoo them away when I’m writing. I’m sure to them it must seem as if I’m writing all the time. Sometimes it seems that way to me, too.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write every day and finish your book. Don’t start one, get bored and start another. Do let go of chapter one. My tendency was to re-write it again and again and not move on until it was perfect. Join ACFW or RWA and their local chapters. Get a critique partner, enter contests, submit your manuscripts, listen to the advice of authors who have already experienced what you’re going through, study the craft and keep at it when you get discouraged. Writing is a very challenging profession, but worth it when you finally sell. Don’t expect to get rich and famous because you probably won’t. But of course it’s possible…

Tell us about the featured book.

Love by the Book is a historical romance—a marriage of convenience. This is a love story set in a lavish seaside mansion in 1901 Rhode Island.Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father’s steamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance—until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell.

In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion.

Yet old habits die hard – and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds.

When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God’s true love.

 Please give us the first page of the book.

                                                                    Prologue

NEW YORK CITY, JANUARY 1901

Melinda’s sharp intake of breath shattered the silence. All eyes turned toward her, but Melinda could do nothing but stare at the attorney. Had she misheard her sister’s will? Or had he misread it? How could Cora leave her daughter to Melinda’s care—as well as Nick’s? She couldn’t imagine.

         Cora had never mentioned such an odd arrangement, but then again her sister normally avoided unpleasant subjects. A wave of panic swept through Melinda. No one loved Nell more than she. No one. But being a mother was far different than being the doting aunt...

         Attention shifted from her to Nick. Seated at the other end of the semicircle of family members, Nick’s blue-gray eyes were still wide with shock.

         The minutes dragged by until finally, mercifully, Mr. Ricker concluded the reading and dismissed the others. Nick immediately rose and walked over to join them.

         Mr. Ricker cleared his throat and spoke in a hushed tone. “You both seem surprised by the custody situation. But let me assure you Mrs. Parker Bryson insisted you two share guardianship—for reasons of her own.” He looked from Melinda to Nick, frowning. “I understand that arrangement might be somewhat unconventional but she knew you two would see it through. It is what Cora and Parker desired for Nell.”

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.caralynnjames.com  . I also have a facebook page. Last, but not least, I’m a Seeker at www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Thank you for dropping by, Cara Lynn. I just love your book covers.

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 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 

STEALING JAKE - Pam Hillman - Free ebook

This is the other exception I'm making to my not featuring ebooks this year. I've known Pam Hillman for several years and love her. She's also part of the Tyndale Digital First initiative, just as Lynne Gentry is. Welcome, Pam. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I’d like to say I don’t write any of myself into my characters, but I suspect when close friends and family read my work, they say something entirely different.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

This is so hard. I’m not sure if I’ve ever done anything quirky. Stupid and crazy, yes, but quirky? I got caught in a stampede of 100 Holsteins once. In the dark, in a cutover cornfield. When I realized I couldn’t outrun them on the uneven ground, I turned to face them and started jumping up and down, waving my arms, and screaming my head off. They parted like the red sea, and I sank to the ground, scared out my wits.

I'll be you did. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was 8 or 9 years old. There was a small public library where we checked out books once a week on the way home from school. My brother and my cousins were okay with stopping by the library on the way home from school, but it was the highlight of my week! I checked out the maximum allowed (I think it was 3) and my cousin, Joy, checked out 3 more that I wanted to read in her name. I’m sure I even twisted her little brother’s arm and made him check out books I picked out! lol

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

I love historical romance and romantic suspense, but when I was moderator of the ACFW Book Club, it was my job to read every book we discussed in the club. I discovered I loved a wide range of genres, including science fiction/fantasy. I still read historical romance most of the time, but I can pretty much get lost in any genre.

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

Sanity? Can you define that please? I think I just always assume that just around the next corner of our run, run, run world is a quiet, peaceful meadow just waiting for me to stretch out in the wildflowers and watch the clouds go by. So, I keep running, looking around the next bend.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes the story chooses them for me. I don’t remember how I came up with Jake, but Livy O’Brien is of Irish descent, hence the surname O’Brien. Livy is short for Olivia, which came from Oliver Twist.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Other than my two smart, handsome sons, I’d have to say achieving my dream of being a publisher author.

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

A cat. I have always loved cats. Almost every story I’ve ever written has cats and kittens in them, and Stealing Jake is not exception. I like cats because they don’t require your attention all the time. I love dogs, too, but if I could only be one, I’d be a cat.

What is your favorite food?

Oh my word. You had to ask this question of me NOW? Let’s see, since I’m cutting back drastically right now, it would have to be my mother-in-law’s extremely delicious to-die-for homemade banana pudding that she made LAST Sunday and I refrained from putting one bite in my mouth. Or was it the sock-it-to-me cake she made on the 4^th of July? Sigh. That’s a toss-up for sure!

Tell us a little about your journey to publication.

I’ve been writing most of my life, but seriously started pursuing publication a little over 15 years ago. Over the years I’ve developed relationships with industry professionals and other writers, learning and improving my craft a bit at a time.

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

Finding time to write with a full-time job, a part-time job and a family. Overcoming it is a daily struggle, and commitment. You just have to overcome it.

What advice would you give to others who are trying to get their first book published?

Never give up. Pay your dues, and find a group of people who support you 100%. I found that group in the Seekers, www.seekerville.blogspot.com and on a broader scale, ACFW. www.acfw.com

Tell us about the featured book.

When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

Sounds like a book I'll love reading. Please give us the first page of the book.

PROLOGUE

Chicago
October 1874

“Where’s my little brother?” Luke glared at the man with the jagged scar on his right cheek.

“You do as I say, kid, and he’ll be along shortly.” Pale-blue eyes, harder than the cobblestone streets of Chicago, bored into his. “Otherwise, I’ll kill him. Understand?”

Luke stood his ground, memorizing the face of the man who’d paid off the coppers.

“Get in.” The man motioned to a wooden crate not much bigger than an overturned outhouse.

How can the readers find you on the Internet?

I can be found at www.pamhillman.com. And to celebrate the release of Stealing Jake, I’m giving away a Kindle on October 8^th. Your guests can register to win at http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2011/07/pams-blog-tour-kindle-contest.html

Thank you for having me, Lena. It’s an honor to be invited to your blog for a day!

And I loved hosting you, Pam.

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 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