THE PROMISE - Carolyn Torbett-Johnson - One Free Book

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

I love kids, their enthusiasm, and their joy of new things. I especially love their openness to the gospel of truth. I wanted to write books for them that were Biblically sound to guide them on their walk through life.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I probably shouldn’t share this but when I was twelve I ran my dignified camp counselor’s nightie up the flag pole. The poor thing screamed when she came out of breakfast. She never said a word about it. I grew up, became a pastor’s wife and fifteen years later happened to go to a minister’s meeting where I once again met Sis. Eflin, my counselor. I was thrilled to see her. “Sis. Eflin, it nice to see you again. Do you remember years ago you were my camp counselor?” She squinted her eyes at me. “Yes, and you were the one who put my nightie up the flagpole.” Blushing, I had to admit my deed.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Not until I hit my fifties. I’d always been a voracious reader but in my fifties I decided to take a writing course. I was amazed that I could get lost in writing just as I lost myself in reading.

I was in my forties when I became a professional writer. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. 

I love, love, love the classics. I’m just finishing Jane Eyre for the upteenth time, Le Miserables, Silas Marner. I’m inspired by true stories: The Hiding Place, Giana, aborted and lived to tell about it, A Boy Called It. Oh, there are too many to name. Also I like lighter fare. Anything from Jeanette Oke or Lori Wick.

I recently featured The Princess by Lori Wick. It was which re-released as a a collectors edition print book and an audio book in two formats. What other books have you written published or not? 

I have made this book into a trilogy as there was so much I needed to share concerning the Orphan Train Riders. The second book, Oklahoma Bound, is published and the third in the trilogy is waiting for the artist to finish the cover. I also have an adult book in progress concerning a woman disillusioned by God and finding her way back while working on a Quilt of Valor.

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

Good question, I lead the youth group, teach kid’s church, oversee a Quilt of Valor group plus I’m the pastor’s wife and all that goes with that job. The time management classes help. I focus on one day and what needs to be done that day and preparations for the next. I try not to let aimless computer rambling and TV rob me of constructive pursuits. Plus I make time for devotions, preferably in the flower garden.

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

That’s a tough one. I guess it’s when I conquered stage fright. I grew up in a singing family but fear starting taking over. It had become debilitating. God spoke to me one day and said He had not given me a spirit of fear. So, with a lot of prayer I began to face each fear. God brought me through. Thank God!

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

I think I would choose to be a golden retriever. They’re so trusting (sorry to Sugar, my Schnauzer) and loyal. Just to look at them gives me a feeling of peace and relaxation. I would love people to feel peace and relaxation around me and know that I am loyal and trustworthy.

What is you favorite food?

The easier question would be what isn’t my favorite food. I like to eat but I try to keep it under control. Hands down, the favorite would be chocolate but I enjoy a great steak, too. Good thing as I live in cattle country.

Is it hard to break into the children’s market? 

I think it’s hard to break into any market. If you just want to sit and type stories (my dream), forget it. Marketing is just as big a part as writing the book. It takes a lot of work. It’s a job, no mistake. But, if you love what you’re doing, then it’s all okay.

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

Be prepared to commit yourself to a schedule. Work on research - research for your book but also research for your market. Get together with as many kids as possible, try to get them to talk and then sit back, shut up, and really listen. Kids today think way different from when I was a kid.

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

 I first heard of the Orphan Train Riders through a documentary on PBS while I was taking my second writing course. I’d never heard of them and became fascinated by their story. A research assignment came up so I chose this subject. The more I read of their plight, the more I felt I had to share it with others. Over 200,000 children in the late 1800s and the early 1900s left cities in the eastern United States to find homes in the rest of the country. My first book tells what their life may have been like living on the streets of New York.

I’ve been interested in the Orphan Trains, too. I have a proposal being shopped by my agent, and the heroine is from an orphan train. One of the lines ended at Fort Worth, near where I live. How can readers find you on the Internet? 

My books are on www.Amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com . You can find me at www.CarolynTorbettJohnson.com . I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you, Carolyn, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here are links to the book.

The Promise - Christianbook.com
The Promise - Amazon.con

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (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 Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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

THE PROMISE - Beth Wiseman - One Free Book

Welcome back, Beth. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take?

I’ve been blessed to be able to alternate between my Amish novels and non-Amish Texas contemporaries, but I think that after twenty-two novels and novellas, it’s natural to want to spread your wings. My publisher graciously allowed me to write a story that is very close to my heart and inspired by actual events. The Promise is way out of the box for me, but ultimately I think this is what I’ve been working toward my entire career thus far. I foresee venturing even further out of my comfort zone. That’s how we grow our writing, and I don’t want to ever stop learning and growing as an author.

What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them?

Sadly, this is the first year that I won’t be attending any conferences. I’m going to miss seeing everyone. L My deadlines are incredibly tight (more so than usual).

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 that most multi-published authors reach a point in their career when they wonder if they need an assistant. Then comes the question—what do I need an assistant to do so that I can be more productive as an author? Through trial and error, my assistant and I have pretty much perfected our professional relationship, and we are doubly blessed to have grown into great friends. We build on each other’s strengths, and we take up the slack for our weaknesses. Actually, I can’t think of any weaknesses she has, lol. My panel would include my publicist, Katie Bond (this was Katie’s idea, to have a class or panel on this topic), my fabulous assistant, Janet, and the newest member of our team, Jamie Foley…an incredible guru on all things technical, from marketing to websites, and all of the above. It would be a panel to discuss the tough choices authors make to “delegate” and when that becomes a necessity.        

I need to take that course. How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations?

I live in a very small town (289 folks) so we don’t have any organized writing groups here, but it has been discussed, so we will see. But I’m a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and RWA (Romance Writers of America).       

Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?

I teach adult writing classes to benefit Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS), an organization that provides educational opportunities for children. I speak at various church and library events. And I donate books to libraries, charities, and fundraisers as often as I can.

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

This is a tough question because I’ve been blessed with an amazing family and friends. I could probably name 100 people who have had a big impact on my life, but I’ll do my best to narrow it down to five. Jesus seems an obvious answer, so I’ll assume He is already included and still pick five. I’ve been so fortunate to have the same best friend for thirty-five years. Renee knows everything there is to know about me, like a walking/talking diary that knows what makes me laugh, cry, and all the crazy things in between. She is the keeper of my history and my cheerleader for the future. My husband impacts my life in too many ways to mention, but he mostly keeps me sane. My dear author friend Kelly Long is in my “Top 5.” She is my stepping stone for all things spiritual, writing related and otherwise. Kelly often sees things in me that I don’t see in myself, and she encourages me with her faithful spirit, honestly, and unconditional love. My agent, Natasha Kern, has been a huge surprise for me. I knew Natasha was a great literary agent, but I had no way of knowing what an amazing woman she is and the positive affects she would have on my life, spiritually and professionally. She is also in my “Top 5.” Last, but never least, my mother continues to astound me with her love, support, and life attitude. At 81, she teaches whitewater canoeing, volunteers at the school, and bowls with the same women she’s been bowling with for fifty years. And she reads more books than anyone I know (except maybe Natasha).       

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

In the end, the cheese got her. Just kidding! I would hope that those who survive me would consider an inscription something like this… A loving wife and mother who wanted to make a difference through words that glorify God.            

Tell us about the featured book.

God never wastes an experience, and such is the case for The Promise. Someone I love was being held captive in Pakistan, and I had to work with the Consulate in Pakistan, the Embassy in Islamabad, and the U.S. State Department to get this person safely home. It was like something out of a movie, and at the time, I couldn’t imagine writing about it. But, here we are … two years later … and I hope and pray that The Promise will help women tempted by this type of deception to walk away. This book is much different from anything I’ve written.

Publishers Weekly had this to say:

“Bestselling author Wiseman encourages readers to think through their feelings about Islam, Christianity, faith, love, and what it means to help others. Her novel will challenge, encourage, and stimulate discussion among her loyal fans and first-time readers.”

Publishers Weekly can be a tough group to please, so I was very happy with this review, since this is what I was striving for – a book relevant to current events in the world that will challenge, encourage, and simulate discussion.

Here is the back cover copy:

Mallory Hammond is determined not to let her boyfriend, parents, or anyone else get in the way of her #1 goal—to save a life. She had that chance when she was a teenager, and the opportunity slipped away, leaving a void she’s desperate to fill. Then a new friend she met online offers her the chance she’s dreamed of. But she’ll have to leave behind everyone she loves to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for years. He understands that Mallory’s free spirit has to fly, and when he gives her the space she needs, he hopes that when she lands, the two of them will be in the same place and can marry at last.

In a bold move—and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her—Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dream. Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey to Pakistan anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend isn’t who he says he is. And Mallory can only pray she’ll make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, this riveting story will take you on a wild journey and have you asking yourself: How far would I go for love?

Please share the first page with us.

Here you go. The first three chapters are available for free at www.bethwiseman.com. J

Chapter One

Mallory handed Rosa her empty plate. “As usual, dessert was awesome.” The food was what kept the mandatory Sunday dinners at her parents’ house bearable.

Rosa nodded. Though her dark hair was now speckled with gray, her smile still revealed her girlish dimples and laugh crinkles around her bright eyes. “Glad you liked it, Munchkin.”

Mallory smiled at the maid’s use of the pet name after all these years.

Rosa went around the table to pick up dessert plates, but Mallory’s sister, Vicky, was still working on her key lime pie. Though Mallory missed seeing Haley and Braiden, who were with their father today, she was glad Vicky’s children weren’t present in case things were about to get ugly.

“Mom, Dad ... there’s something I need to tell you.” Mallory’s stomach churned and her voice was shaky.

Her mother set down her wine glass. Mallory was pretty sure she’d seen Rosa fill it four times.

“What is it?” Her mother raised her eyebrows. Eyebrows that seemed to be higher up on her forehead. And the tiny lines of time that feathered from each of her eyes had disappeared as well. Mallory was studying the changes, not sure if she liked them or not, when her mother cleared her throat. “What do you need to tell us, Mallory?”

She swallowed hard. “I’m donating one of my kidneys.”

Her father sat taller, his eyes sharp and assessing. Vicky halted her fork midway to her mouth, glancing back and forth between their parents. Her mother slammed a palm against the table, shaking the dishes that hadn’t yet been cleared.

“No! We’re not going through this again.” Mom shook her head as she glared at Mallory.

“Mom, I’m an adult. And I’ve made my decision.”

Her mother put her empty wine glass on the table, then pointed a finger at her daughter. “I knew this was why you took a job working for that man. This has never been about utilizing your business degree.”

Mallory looked at her father. “Dad, please tell me you understand why I want to do this.”

This book just went to the top of my to-be-read pile. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I mostly hang out at Fans of Beth Wiseman on Facebook. We have a lot of fun and great conversations there. Also, the first chapter of all of my books are online at my website – http://bethwiseman.com. And for my current release, The Promise, the first three chapters are available to preview.

Thank you, Beth, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. 

The Promise - Christianbook.com
The Promise - Amazon
The Promise - 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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

THE PROMISE - Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley - One Free Book

Bio: Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 9 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts. He’s won 2 Selah Awards, 3 Carol Awards, and twice his books have been finalists for RT Book’s Inspirational Book of the Year. Now he’s writing a 4-book fiction series with Gary Smalley. Book 2, The Promise, released on Sept 1st. Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes fulltime. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and live in Port Orange, FL. 

Welcome, Dan. It was wonderful to see you at the ACFW Conference this past weekend. As an author, I know it takes a lot of people to birth each book. Who were the people involved in the birthing of this book, and what were their contributions?

Since we’re talking about Book 2 of a series, the first person I should mention is Gary Smalley, who contributed the source material I used (along with Dr. John Trent) when writing The Promise. They wrote an amazing book called The Blessing, which sold two million copies. Gary also gave many helpful suggestions along the way. Next, would be my wife Cindi. She reads every chapter after I write it and gives me great advice, especially ensuring the parts involving women ring true. And finally, my editor for all my books with Revell, Andrea Doering. She has final say on everything before the book goes to press.

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

I do speak and teach occasionally. I think I would enjoy doing even more. The only two things confirmed on the calendar right now are the Florida Christian Writers Conference in April, and the Oregon Christian Writers Conference next August. I’ll be teaching fiction workshops there and sharing the keynote messages with Allan Arnold.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

Maybe Charleston, SC, as long as Cindi would be there with me. It’s simply our favorite town in the country. We’ve visited Charleston more times than I can count. But I’d have to have a lot more money in this fantasy, because we’d have to live in the historic district to be happy there.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

I know the idea being self-published has become a far more favorable thing than in years past, and a few authors have even become huge bestsellers taking this route. But don’t be fooled into thinking you can take shortcuts with the quality of your writing or your storytelling skills. You should hone your craft until you write well enough to be picked up by a traditional publisher, even if you take the self-publishing path.

That is excellent advice. You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

I guess I’d ask Michael Buble and his band to do the music, because it’s fun to listen to and husbands and wives could dance to it, too. I’d try to sign up a couple of really funny and clean comedians, because I love to laugh. And I’d hire Gary Sinise to put together some kind of play, because he is one of my favorite actors. 

I would recommend Michael Junior as one of the comedians. He’s a Christian and very funny. He’s also nationally known. Tell us about the featured book.

It’s called, The Promise. I wanted to call it, The Broken Portrait. If you read it, I think you’ll agree that’s a much better title for the book. It’s getting great reviews, thankfully, so I guess that doesn’t really matter. My friend and author, Martha Rogers, just emailed me her review of the book today. She does a great job of summarizing the story.

“In The Promise, Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley give us the continuing story of the Anderson family. The main plot revolves around the son, Tom and his wife Jean, who are having much the same problems as Jim and Marilyn in The Dance. Where the first book began with how the problems were resolved, this book dives deeper into the pain that is produced by deceit and non-communication in a marriage. The reader also gets to see how Jim and Marilyn Anderson from the first book are carrying out what they’ve learned, and I loved seeing Italy through their eyes. Jim realizes what his previous behavior has produced in his son, and sets about to remedy it. The story wraps up in a beautiful way I won’t divulge. These are characters with whom the reader can relate.  In fact, I became so involved with their lives I wanted to give them some advice of my own.”

Please give us the first page of the book.

Tom Anderson would point to the events of this day as the time his master plan began to unravel. Like many of his flawed schemes, this one, too, seemed like a good idea at the time. Tom wasn’t quite twenty-seven years old but felt as if he’d already made enough bad decisions to last a lifetime. He was glad his folks were on their second honeymoon in Italy; he didn’t want his father to ever here about the mess he’d made of things.

It all started to fall apart when the glass door of the Coffee Shoppe flew open and a young man in a black hoodie came in.

Tom was sitting pretty close to the front doors. He always did; it was his table. It had an outlet nearby for his laptop. Normally, he didn’t pay attention to people coming through the door, but he couldn’t help but notice this guy. The hoodie caught his eye. It was the end of April in central Florida, already hot enough to make you wonder if they’d be skipping spring this year and jumping right into summer.

Everyone else in the café wore short sleeves, including Tom. Most wore sandals and flip-flops too. He glanced over his shoulder at the kid, now standing in line. An elderly man was at the counter in front of him, placing his order. The kid’s head swiveled on his shoulders, his eyes scanning the room. Taking in the customers first, then the exit, then the cashier. Back to the exit, then another look at the customers. On this second pass, he looked right at Tom for a moment.

Tom knew then something bad was about to happen. 

Okay, I’m so glad that book has arrived at my house. I must know what happens next. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

The best way is probably from my website: http://danwalshbooks.com . On my homepage buttons you can click to link up with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I also blog weekly with two of my good writing friends, Jim Rubart, and Harry Kraus at http://3menwalkintoablog.com.

Oh, I love reading all three of the male authors. Thank you, Dan, for again gracing my blog.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Promise - Christianbook.com
Promise, The: A Novel (The Restoration Series) - Amazon.com
Promise, The (The Restoration Series Book #2): A Novel - 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 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