Bio: Deborah Raney's novels have won numerous awards including
the RITA, National Readers' Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and
have three times been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken Raney
have traded small-town life in Kansas -the
setting of many of Deb's novels-for life in the city of Wichita .
Welcome back, Deborah. Tell us a little about yourself and your
background.
I’m a farmer’s daughter who was born in Texas, but moved to
Kansas as an infant and have called this beautiful spot of God’s green earth
home for all but about 2 years of my life. My husband Ken and I have 4 kids and
now 7 grandkids who all live much too far away.
How did you become interested in writing?
As a child, I had bronchial pneumonia that turned into asthma.
Because wheat and hay were the two things that seemed to trigger my asthma
attacks, I spent a lot of time moping indoors while my brother and 3 sisters played
outside. But my wonderful mom turned that time into something that changed the
course of my life: she read to me, then introduced me to chapter books, and by
the time I was 11 and spent a summer reading all of Laura Ingalls Wilders’
Little House books, I knew I wanted to grow up and write books that would give
people the same pleasure as Laura’s books had given me.
What compelled you to write a book on this subject?
I’ve become really concerned about what seems to be a new wave
of racial conflict in our nation. For many years, it seemed like we were making
strides. But with tragedies like the ones that happened in Ferguson
and Charleston
What is the main theme or point that you want readers to
understand from reading your book?
My Scripture theme for this book was Galatians 3:28: “There
is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” And that was my theme. We are all
one in Christ, and therefore we are all brothers and sisters, and should love
and care for one another as such.
Are there some specific lessons you hope readers will learn and
apply to their lives after reading your book?
It’s a tall order, but I hope readers will be compelled to be
more compassionate, more understanding, less judgmental, and more full of God’s
grace to each other—even when we disagree on some matters.
What makes your book different from any other books similar to
yours that are in circulation today?
Twenty authors could write a book using the same synopsis as a
starting point, and you would end up with twenty completely different stories!
That’s the beauty of God’s creativity within us! We each have a unique and
individual voice.
How does the book intertwine with God’s call on your life and
how you are currently serving Him?
Though I didn’t really set out to have a common theme running
through all my novels, after writing more than thirty books, the theme that has
surfaced is redemption—the fact that God can take the most
difficult circumstance and turn it into something that ultimately brings Him
glory. That’s what my stories testify to.
Romans 8:28 has always been a favorite because it
confirms that theme of redemption that runs through my books and through my own
life.
When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have
any hobbies?
I love decorating our home to make it a cozy and welcoming
place. We live on a pretty tight budget, but Ken and I go on weekly garage sale
jaunts that have allowed us to furnish and decorate our home and home offices
on a dime. And have a blast doing so!
As we close, is there anything else you would like to add?
I love these chances to connect with readers. You, readers, are
the reason I write, and I love hearing from you and connecting with you online
and in person. A little taste of heaven!
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
Thank you, Deb,
for sharing this new book with us. I know my readers as eager to read it as I
am.
Readers,
here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this
blog.
Home at Last - Christianbook.comHome At Last: A Chicory Inn Novel _ Book 5
- Amazon paperbackHome At Last: A Chicory Inn Novel - Book 5 - Kindle
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