Right now we have plans for one book a year from now through
2015. In the meanwhile, I am trying to take things one step at a time, one day
at a time. Every morning I ask for my daily bread. That’s far enough ahead for
me. :-)
Tell us a little
about your family.
We have four grown children who are in the workplace and out
on their own: a graphic designer, a web designer, an interior designer and a
musician. My husband (a true jock) simply shakes his head and says, “All that
athleticism wasted on the liberal arts.” LOL. We also have been blessed with a
wonderful daughter-in-law and son-in-law. No grandbabies yet, though!
Has your writing
changed your reading habits? If so, how?
The biggest change is I can’t pleasure read when I’m writing
the first draft. I’m too much of a sponge and my cowboy starts saying things
like, “The devil, you say.” Nope. No can do.
What are you working
on right now?
I’ve already
downloaded that story and read it. I loved it. Can’t wait to get to know those
two characters better. What outside interests do you have?
Other than reading, I love to scrapbook, stamp, do puzzles
and go to anyplace that has water—lakes, beaches, rivers, whatever.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I have always been fascinated with intriguing little
historical tidbits I would find in those historical time-line books or in an
article somewhere. In this case,
however, I chose the Chicago World’s Fair because it has always held a
fascination for me. When I finished It Happened at the Fair, I wasn’t
quite ready to let go of the setting, so the next two books will have a
connection—some small, some big—to the Fair.
If you could spend an
evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to be on that walk on the road to Emmaus
that Jesus took after His resurrection. He was with those two guys and He
explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures, from Moses to the
Prophets, concerning Himself. I’m so envious of those guys. Boy, would I love
to have heard that conversation!!
I’m with you on that.
What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?
I wish I’d realized that the best thing I can do with my
working hours is to write a really, really good book and let the rest take care
of itself.
What new lessons is
the Lord teaching you right now?
To focus on Him and not to worry about what tomorrow will
(or won’t) bring.
What are the three
best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?
Finish the book.
Finish the book.
Finish the book.
No, seriously. Finish the book. They can also: Join a
critique group. Join a writing organization. Read how-to books. Enter contests.
And … when they finish the first manuscript, start on the next one. J
Very good advice. Tell
us about the featured book.
He becomes distracted watching her lips and finds his
attraction for her growing with each encounter. This isn’t good because not
only does he have big plans for his future, but he has a girl back home. Della
Wentworth could ruin everything.
I’ve read the book
and loved it, but please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.
Cullen’s eyes swelled to mere slits, his roughened cheeks
itched, and a sharp line separated the raw skin on his neck from the skin
protected by his shirt. It had happened every planting season for his entire
twenty-seven years, and it would happen for the next.
He yanked off his gloves, shirt, and undershirt, worked the
pump, then stuck his entire head beneath the water. The icy stream stung and
soothed all at the same time. He dare not dither though. Those cotton seeds
rode on the breeze and any exposed skin would begin to itch within a day’s
time.
Rearing up, he combed his fingers through his hair. Water
drizzled down his back, mingling with the sweat collecting between his shoulder
blades. The hinges on the backdoor screen squeaked. His stepmother clomped out,
her plump body listing with the weight of the pail she toted.
“Are you ready to throw that out, Alice ?”
She nodded, dirty water sloshing over the sides of the
bucket. “I’ve got it,” she said. “You get on inside. You know better than to be
out here without a shirt on.”
“A few more minutes won’t hurt.” Taking it from her, he
retraced his steps, tossed the pail’s contents, and pumped fresh water into it.
She stood at the door, her back holding the screen open. Her
auburn bun sagged, as streaked with muted white as a song sparrow’s wing. “Come
on,” she said. “Ya look a fright.”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
IWantHerBook.comDeeanne Gist is celebrating the release of It Happened at the Fair with an iPad Mini Giveaway and a Live Author Chat Webcast event {5/22}!
One "fair" winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- A $25 iTunes gift card
So grab your copy of It Happened at the Fair and join Deeanne and friends on the evening of May 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!
Thank you, Deeanne, for sharing this new book and your party with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
It Happened at the Fair: A Novel
- paperbackIt Happened at the Fair: A Novel
- KindleLeave 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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, 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
