NURTURED IN PURPLE - Jude Urbanski - One Free Ebook

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

I write in the Christian genre (in both fiction and nonfiction) because of being a Christian and because when I decided to seriously tackle writing, I made the deliberate choice to be in this genre.

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

There have been many, but I’d have to say when my children were born.

How has being published changed your life?

It has fulfilled a long-held dream for me, but also, it has opened my life to a whole set of new friends and information.

What are you reading right now?

A biography of Martin Luther King, and always a Max Lucado book, but just finished Girls of Riyadh, which was fascinating and fun to read.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on a short story for submission for a potential anthology. I have a third novel completed that I’m shopping. I’m also continuing to write my column for Maximum Living, a magazine for women’s health and spirituality.

What would be your dream vacation?

One of my “impossible dreams” is to go to Siberia. I know, I know, not most people’s dream vacation, but a place I want to see.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

The setting for my Chronicles of Chanute Crossing Series is Pickett County, TN, and this is where my ancestors were from and writing these books with that setting are sort of a completion of work begun by my mother in the 1930’s. She wrote sweet love stories with the same setting. My newest novel, Then Comes Hope, also begins in TN, but continues in Jamaica. Jamaica is just a place of interest for me, plus beautiful.

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

Wow, Lena, this is hard. Besides my husband, whom I always enjoy spending time with, I’d say Max Lucado or Billy Graham or the Dali Llama. Why? They have influenced me spiritually and it would be fun to ask some “what if” questions of them and just listen to their wisdom.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Paint, as on a canvas, genealogy, gardening, volunteering at church and for our local Housing Authority.

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

To give myself “permission” to give it the amount of time it requires. I overcome this by trying to be efficient (LOL), work when my husband is gone (He’s never gone!) and saying no to things I’ve no business doing.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

If you know you “must” write, just do it and continue doing it. Have the hide of an elephant and the patience of Job!

Tell us about the featured book.

I resisted writing this sequel until my publisher “sort of” suggested it. I thought I was tired of all these characters in book one and needed a break from them! Was I the one to be surprised. I fell in love with the scoundrel Willard and loosened my heart to the she-devil Elizabeth. I saw myself, I saw every other human, in these two flawed people. But I loved who they became with help of God and Seth and Kate, heroes of book one.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Here goes!

Chapter One

Chill, Willard, chill.

I have to act cool if I want to bump Seth Orbin out of this big sale and I do. Oh, yes I do.

He transferred the phone receiver to his other ear. This conversation was heating up.

''Well, you see, Hansford, in my opinion, the wood from Orbin Sawmills is inferior and will not meet your expectations, by any means. I don't sell wood, but in my career as a paper salesman, I've seen a lot of wood, if I do say so. I know you're used to the best wood available."

He paused and paced around his desk.

''Now, there is this mill in Burkesville I think you'd like and I know a man who can get you the very best deal there is. Want me to talk to him?"

Willard waited, wiped sweat from his brow, and ran his fingers around the neck of his collar.

''You do?" He hesitated just slightly. "Great." A silent sigh of relief shuddered through him, but a smile crawled up his face. ''I'll get right on it and call you back."

Maybe a few more sweet deals like this will make ole' Seth hurt.

He laughed and began dialing.

Willard Wittenberg had a vendetta to settle with Seth Orbin. His fiancée Elizabeth Koger had a vendetta to settle with Kate, Seth's pregnant wife.

*****

Kate tucked a stray, red curl behind her ear and placed her hand under her bulging abdomen, giving it a little hoist upward as the baby gave a hard kick. She touched what had to be a foot sticking out making a firm lump.

Seth walked into the sunny kitchen.

''Katalina, hate it, but I'll be late for dinner tonight. Remember I'm meeting again with Ninville about that big order? I'm sorry, dear." He placed arms around her swelling body in time to receive the next kick. ''Oh, gymnastics this morning, huh?" He nibbled at her ear and placed a soft kiss on her neck. ''Are you all right?"

''Seth, I'm fine, honey. Just tired. Your baby is sure strong willed. Oh, remember, I see Doctor Bertram for a checkup today? Right after I take Benji to preschool."

''Be sure to call me after your appointment and let me know how it went. Goodbye, love." He brushed her lips softly, but then took her in his arms and lowered his mouth to hers for a long kiss.

''Hey, there, husband, I will see you later. Remember?" Kate laughed. She touched fingers to his lips and locked with his pewter colored eyes. Eyes she had always loved.

''That's just to help me remember better. See you." He laughed and walked to the door.

Benji ran into the room. ''Bye, Daddy, bye! I know I already said goodbye, but wanted to say it again." A big grin hitched up his mouth from side to side.

Seth turned, bent on one knee, looked his little stepson in the eyes and tousled his hair. ''Bye again, Benji. Have a good day, will you?"

''I will."

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.judeurbanski.com

judeurbanski.blogspot.com

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com

https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books?ie=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0

Thanks, beautiful woman! Jude Urbanski


Thank you, Jude, for stopping by today.


Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Chronicles Chanute Crossing Book Two: Nurtured in Purple

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

JOY RESTORED - Jude Urbanski - Free eBook

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

I think most writers pick snippets from their own life which appear in their stories. I think I do that also. I hadn't thought of myself in the heroine of my novel, but a friend said she saw me there. The inclusion wasn't intention I can say, which makes it a little weird doesn't it? Maybe we incorporate more than we know.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Lena, other than leave my bed unmade every Sabbath, in hopes of an afternoon nap, (which I almost never get-but still hope for), the only thing I can think of was the time I wore unmatched earrings during the week and then on Sunday would wear matched ones. My object lesson was that with God and the Sabbath, we can have balance and peace. But I quit, because we can have balance with God every day.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I'd say the realization began in high school, when I worked on the year book and school paper, took journalism, and wrote a column called “Jottings by Judy.” I began my first manuscript when I was early twenties.

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

I am very eclectic. If it's printed, I read it. My current BFF nonfiction writer is Max Lucado. My fiction favs are historical fiction, romance and other wise. I love history stories, in particular the medieval times, but thrill to a well written love story also.

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

I start every day with a time of prayer and meditation. This helps me with balance and peace. Even though I am retired and my children are grown, times still get hectic. I am careful not to over commit my time and energy, yet feel the need to give back to people, my church and to my community.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I like this question! In my first novel, it was easy, because I used arrangements of my ancestral family names since my setting was where my family homesteaded. Other than that, I try to make my names match my stories in time and place. Sometimes I use a name that I just love!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Proud isn't the right word, but I am most thankful for Jesus' redeeming grace.

I am proud, maybe it's okay to say that, of the educational privileges I've had through scholarships, whereas I would never have had the chance for such a good education.

My kids came through me, but are not me, but I am thrilled with them and their kids.

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

This is easy. I'd be a giraffe, because they stick their necks out!

What is your favorite food?

Pastas, salads and fruit. Ethnic wise, it is now Indian cuisine. Used to be Chinese.

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

Initially, staying in Point of View challenged me, but I continued to read and absorb and take courses on this. I also had to work on making my dialogue not sound so stilted. I think I have finally accomplished both, but am committed to lifelong learning.

Tell us about the featured book.

Joy Restored is book one in The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing. It is in electronic format and set in Pickett County, Tennessee, where I was born, as was my family for many generations. It's a women's fiction crossed with inspirational romance. A young widowed mother spins tragedy into triumph, renews her faith and ultimately finds love. It deals with the eons-old question of why bad things happen to good people.

Lena, the fun thing with my book by Desert Breeze is that my mother's 80+ year old romance novella, with the same setting, is a free companion download with my book. I like to think she knows that she finally got published!

Please give us the first page of the book.

               

Chapter One

Kate's heart beat in sync with the slow-moving hearse crawling along the rutted lane. The image of a tiny ant heaving a giant burden seared her mind, but the ache in her heart rested with the body in the hearse.

The Davidson Family Cemetery soon came into sight, looking as neglected and abandoned as Kate felt. The driver of the hearse hurried to Kate's car as soon as the procession stopped.

“Mrs. Davidson, please step over here.” Undertaker Shirley Brown ushered her closer to the fresh, mounded dirt after Kate and her children climbed from the car.

She could do with an extra dose of strength right now, but how could she muster it given the pain and anger she felt in her heart? Her arms tightened around her three small children, who huddled close, the cold wind whipping hard against their legs. Her children were Clayton's legacy. His only legacy.

If only she could get through this. She, her children, and a meager band of mourners stood like sentinels beside the open grave as the body of her husband, Lieutenant Clayton Paddy Davidson, was lowered to its final resting place. He would join his Scottish forefathers in this rural Tennessee countryside. The Vietnam nightmares could rest, too.

Father O'Connell's words of intended comfort cut through the cold mountain air. Kate looked at the priest. He radiated kindness from the top of his balding head to the tip of his black robe blowing in the harsh wind. It certainly wasn't required of him to conduct the funeral, for she and Clayton hadn't been God's most faithful of St. Francis' Parish. Father O'Connell had wanted to do Clayton's service.

Why?

In closing, Father invited all to join in the Lord's Prayer. Heads bowed.

Kate extended her hand to him at the last amen.

“Thank you, Father. I appreciate your doing the service.”

“You're welcome, my child. You're also welcome at God's house.”

She felt his squeeze of her hand. She nodded.

God's house? She didn't think so. She hadn't been able to help Clayton, and God certainly hadn't helped him either.

God is supposed to help those in need. Could she ever believe that again?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.judeurbanski.com


Thank you, Jude, for the interesting visit today.


Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing Book One: Joy Restored - Kindle


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