SPEAK NO EVIL - Mary L Hamilton - One Free Book

Welcome back, Mary. What has drawn you to writing for children?

Honestly, I wanted to write for adults and had no interest in writing for children. But while raising my three kids, I watched several of their friends suffer the devastation of broken and dysfunctional families. The story I felt compelled to write seemed better suited to a younger audience, and I decided maybe I could offer some hope to kids through these stories, the kind of hope that comes through faith in a loving God.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I’m not a quirky sort of person. The only thing I can think of is bringing my own light bulb to a women’s conference. I wanted a brighter light than they usually had in the residents’ rooms. Is that quirky?

It’s interesting, that’s for sure. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve enjoyed writing ever since I could write my name. I carved “Mary” into a dresser and a windowsill, which demonstrates my early attempts at public writing. But my first job out of college required me to write a monthly newsletter for the organization. People often told me how much they enjoyed reading it, and asked if I’d ever written for publication. With the encouragement of a few friends, I pursued that goal when I became a stay-at-home mom.

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

I like everything from non-fiction inspirational and biographies to mystery/suspense, mainstream, women’s fiction, and some YA. About the only things I don’t care to read are science fiction (because I trip over all the unusual words) and romance.

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

I’ve written one other book in the Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series, titled Hear No Evil. It’s the story of a young teen who struggles to understand his mother’s sudden rejection, only to find out it was for his own protection.

Yes, we featured that book on this blog as well. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I try to start every day with quiet time alone with my Bible. It may only be a few minutes of reading and a quick prayer, but without that, my day just seems to spiral out of control. Exercise also helps expel some of the nervous energy that builds up.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

Becoming a published author was the fulfillment of a dream. I’m proud to have accomplished that, but also very humbled. To know that people actually buy my books and want to read something I’ve written always amazes me.

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

I’d like to be an otter, because they’re awfully cute and always look like they’re having so much fun. Besides that, I love to swim.

My favorite souvenir from our trip to the Monterey Peninsula is a tiny sea otter figurine. I loved watching them in Monterey Bay. What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. I can live without most anything but I must have chocolate, and it must be dark.

That’s the kind I eat. Is it hard to break into the children’s market?

For me, it was easier than I expected, and I give all the credit to the Lord. I’d pretty much given up on seeing my first book published when I happened to meet Lynellen Perry of HopeSprings Books at a writers’ conference. She was willing to take a chance on me and loved my story. I don’t believe that would’ve happened if the Lord hadn’t orchestrated it.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

Attend conferences and make connections with other writers, agents and editors. Get to know them on a personal basis, not just to see what they can do for you. The more they see your professionalism and your teachable spirit, the more likely they will think of you when an opportunity arises.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Speak No Evil is the story of Taylor, the bully from the first book. Taylor carries around an attitude as a defense against the hurt he holds inside. His younger sister is the only one who believes in his dream of one day driving racecars, but her adventurous spirit keeps landing Taylor in trouble. He knows having her at camp with him will be a pain, but he never expects the pain to go so deep.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’d love to connect with readers. Besides these links, I’m also on Goodreads.com.

Website: http://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks

Twitter:@mhamilton122

Thank you for sharing your new book with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://tinyurl.com/oaleqya

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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HEAR NO EVIL - Mary L Hamilton - One Free Book

Welcome, Mary. What has drawn you to writing for children?

I was dragged kicking and screaming into writing for children. Even though I loved reading books to my own children, I wanted to write novels for adult women. But this story came out of personal experience and because the main characters are young teens, it’s marketed for the middle reader. Still, my favorite kids’ books were the ones with enough depth to interest me as well as my children, so I tried to write this in a way that adults will find engaging as well.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I asked my husband this question and he said I’m too practical to be quirky. If “unexpected” counts as quirky, I played an April Fools’ joke on my family one year. I put a rubber band around the nozzle of the sprayer hose on the kitchen sink to hold the valve open. Then I positioned it so that whoever turned the faucet on got a shower. My husband and kids were shocked that I’d pulled a trick on them. And a good one at that!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve loved to write since I was young, but didn’t take it seriously until I became a stay-at-home mom. For my first job after college, I was responsible for writing a monthly newsletter and several people complimented my writing, suggesting I should write for publication. Several years later, I finally took a course on writing for publication and that’s when I knew I was a writer.

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

I like books that make me think outside my personal box. That includes mysteries, historicals, and contemporaries. I read an occasional Young Adult, too. I enjoy alternating between novels and non-fiction, with the non-fiction books dealing with some aspect of faith.

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

I’m currently writing Speak No Evil, the next book in the Rustic Knolls Bible Camp series. Taylor, the bully from Hear No Evil, will return to camp the following year along with his younger sister. Taylor meets his match when he finds himself at odds with the boy his sister has a crush on.

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

It’s easier now that my kids are grown, but I’ve always tried to live pretty simply. We don’t have a TV, and I don’t care for background noise. I find the quiet relaxing, and often sit out on my patio with my Golden Retriever enjoying the bird songs and sounds of nature. I enjoy taking walks, too. That’s my thinking time.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

Several years ago, I was asked to write a play. The church I attended at the time put on a dinner theater for women each Christmas season. I’d never written anything more than a magazine article but with the Lord’s help, I wrote the play. Seeing it performed was an incredible thrill. I remember thinking I’d given them a story in black and white and they made it Technicolor. It was quite a memorable experience.

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

I’d like to be a sea otter because they’re so cute and playful. But I’m probably more like a cat. I can be outgoing and friendly but always need time to hide out. I tend to keep my thoughts to myself. And I love taking a little nap in a warm, sunny spot.

When I went to California to visit one of my aunts, I loved watching the sea otters play. What is your favorite food?

Warm-from-the-oven chocolate chunk cookies made with oatmeal. Is your mouth watering yet?

Yes, they sound wonderful. Is it hard to break into the children’s market?

I think it’s hard to break into any market. But being a successful writer means thinking of yourself as a small business owner. Approach writing as a business—your book might be spectacular but it must fit the market in order to sell. It’s hard to keep those rejections from being personal, but the market is an impersonal place. Your product won’t sell unless it fills a need in the marketplace.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

Write the best book you possibly can. Have it checked by critique buddies and/or a professional editor before offering it to an agent or publisher. Then study the publishers who are putting out books similar to yours and target them. Be willing to consider smaller publishers. And don’t give up!

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Hear No Evil is the story of Brady McCaul, whose newly remarried mother drops him off at summer camp saying he’s no longer welcome in her home. In addition, the girl with the cute dimples thinks he’s immature and childish, and the camp bully targets him with cruel taunts and teasing. If Brady doesn’t find a way to change Mom’s mind before the end of the week, he’ll have to live with his workaholic dad, the guy who left six years ago. But when he learns Mom may be in danger, Brady risks his life to help her and discovers a surprising reason behind her decision to send him away.

Sounds intriguing. How can readers find you on the Internet?

There are several ways to connect with me.

Website: www.maryhamiltonbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryHamiltonBooks

Twitter: @mhamilton122

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mhamiltonbooks/

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your new book with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Hear No Evil ('Rustic Knoll Bible Camp' Series, Book 1) (Volume 1)

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 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