Lisa Harris - WILD PRAIRIE ROSES - Free Book

This is the first of three interviews we'll be running for Wild Prairie Roses this month. So you will have three chances to win a copy, and you'll get to know each of the authors. I'm one of the authors. We're really proud of this collection. I was at Walmart yesterday, and it was on the top shelf of the Inspirational fiction section.

Welcome, Lisa. What contribution did your story make to the collection?

Tara’s Gold is the second book in the Wild Prairie Roses collection. It continues the overall story of three women’s quest for gold and personal fulfillment. Living up to the reputations of her aunt Rachel, who worked as a spy in the War Between the States, and parents who were instrumental in Boston's Underground Railroad is a difficult task for Tara Young. So when she finds mention of an unsolved gold heist in her aunt's journal, Tara decides her claim to fame will be finding the missing gold. Aaron Jefferson is a government agent seeking the same illusive goals-the cache of gold, but more importantly, a place of worth in his own illustrious family. When Tara and Aaron find their paths converging, however, each is determined to find the gold on their own. But their Heavenly Father has another plan. Will they ever learn that God Himself is to be desired more than fame or fine gold?

Did you enjoy working with the other authors in the collection?

It’s always a blessing to work with other authors and develop those friendships. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to work with both Lena and Laurie Alice.

Did it take a lot of interaction?

In the beginning it was necessary for the three of us to work together closely as we developed the overall theme and mystery for the collection. After that, we were able to write the stories pretty independently, in keeping with the theme and setting we’d chosen.

Have you ever been to Iowa?

I’ve never had the chance to visit Iowa, but it’s given me the desire to see more of our beautiful country.

How was the setting chosen?

To be honest, I don’t remember exactly. :-) We wanted a place that would work for our idea of the lost gold from the Civil War, and one that was still available in the Romancing America series.
What do you like most about this collection?

I love the overall thought that we all are searching for things as individuals, but the one thing that will bring us true joy is our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.” (Matthew 7:7)

What book are you currently writing?

I’m currently working on book two in my International suspense series for Zondervan. Book one, Blood Ransom, will be released in March of 2010.

And I'm very excited about that series, too, Lisa. I can hardly wait. Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I live in Mozambique with our three children where we are involved in a church planting movement with African Outreach Ministries. The past few years have been an adventure, to say the least, but we know without a doubt that God has us exactly where He wants us to be. We love to travel as a family and one of our favorite things to do is go on safaris through southern Africa. We’re into our second year of homeschooling, which has been a fun challenge, and one of the most rewarding things has been learning Portuguese as a family.

Please give us the first page of your story.

Chapter 1
July 1870

Tara Young stuck her hand into the satin lining of her fringed jacket. The thin paper crinkled between her fingers, assuring her of its presence. All she had to do was carry the message into the mercantile and pass it to the young clerk who worked there. A simple task considering her last assignment. Stopping in front of the sheriff’s office, Tara measured the distance between her and the front door of the store. Ten steps, maybe eleven. A quick look down the boardwalk, which ran parallel to the town’s whitewashed storefronts, confirmed her assessment that no one was paying attention to her.

And why should they? There was no reason for anyone to sense anything out of the ordinary with her presence in the busy passageway. She looked like any other fashionable young woman out for a day of shopping for ribbons or perhaps a peek at the latest dress fabric that had just arrived from the East. There was no cause to suspect her of carrying confidential information on the war. No grounds for anyone to guess she was a spy for her country. A man stepped in front of her, his boots clanking on the wooden flooring. The afternoon sun caught the shiny ivory handle of a gun beneath his black overcoat. Tara swallowed hard. The moment of truth had arrived. And this time, she was ready.

Tara’s head smacked against the back wall of the stagecoach, jarring her from her slumber. She sucked in a deep breath of air and held herself upright, hoping the other five occupants of the horse-drawn vehicle hadn’t caught her snoring. Two trains, and now a stagecoach that had seen better days, had been enough to prove to her the inconveniences of traveling. How was a lady supposed to endure mile after mile of wheels jarring at every rut and fellow passengers snoring like an off-key church choir?

Sighing, she glanced down at the fawn colored material of her traveling suit and winced at the condition of the garment. When she’d purchased it two weeks ago, it had been one of the most stunning ensembles in the store, guaranteed by the saleswoman to travel with ease. Now the folds of fabric were wrinkled, covered with a layer of dust, and stained with coffee. Any positive
first impressions she’d hoped to leave with her new employers were bound to be sadly lacking.

Where can the readers find you on the Internet?

I love to hear from my readers. You can visit my website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com/ or my blog for a taste of Africa at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com/

Thanks for letting me stop by and chat with you Lena!

And thank you, Lisa. We enjoyed visiting with you.

Readers, here's a link where you can order Wild Prairie Roses:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy. Your only notification will be the winner announcement post on this blog. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. If you're afraid you'll miss it, sign up for FeedBlitz in the right hand column. Then every post will come into your Inbox.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave a comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Patricia Pacjac Carroll - Two Writing Books - Free books

Today, I'm featuring one of the women in the critique group that meets in my home, and a very good friend. Patty has written two books every aspiring author needs. This picture is of Patty at the booksigning at the Mall of America at the national American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Minneapolis.

Welcome, Patty. I know these books are different from the usual ones I feature. Tell us the title of each one and why you wrote it.

Things I Learned on the Way to the Last Page is a book for writers trying to get this writing thing down. I started writing years ago and could never finish a book. Then I started learning things that I wished I’d known. So to help struggling writers I compiled the things I wished I’d known in the beginning: basic formatting, computer helps, use of beats, deep POV and character POV, along with character and setting worksheets and writing a synopsis. The book is written in an easy-to-learn style with the use of examples to help explain the techniques.
Writing ~ It’s Your Business is to help the writer get organized and establish the writing as a business. I’ve included Excel worksheets for time, expenses, mileage, sales, submission tracker along with a to-do list. The best thing is it is all at your fingertips on the computer. No paper to chase and lose.

Why are you self-publishing them in CD format?

I decided to self-publish because I wanted to get them into the hands of writers now. The publishing track is long and hard and I didn’t want to wait. Though I am not published in a fiction, yet, I plan to be soon. I have confidence that these books will be a help to all who get them. I even give them a guarantee that if the writer isn’t helped they can get their money back.
As far as the CD format, I had a brainstorm and decided what better way. My Pordable™ Books save paper and in our politically correct green world I thought it would be a good idea. Some people can do fine reading books on the computer while others like the feel of the paper in their hands. So the books can be printed by the buyer for their use. The CD also offers a format in which the reader can download forms into their own computers without having to rewrite them.

These books on disk are nonfiction. Do you also write fiction?

I love fiction and have several stories going right now. From westerns to romances and the supernatural. I don’t seem to have a problem coming up with a story to write.

And Patty has interest from a publisher with one of her books right now. Now, Patty, what would you like for our readers to know about you personally?

I am blessed beyond my imagination—and that is saying a lot. I love the Lord and am thankful that He has given me this gift and the time and ability to go after it. And I really desire to help others on the road to writing.

Tell us about your family.

I have a wonderful husband who gave up his retirement so I could quit my job and write. Hopefully, he too can soon join me at home, but for now he works hard so I can make up things. :-) I also have a wonderful grown son. He is a blessing and I know the Lord has good things for him. And to round out our little family we have a papillon, Jacs. He’s spoiled rotten and wrapped us all around his little paws.

What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?

I used to own a pet store, but after twenty years we had to shut it down. Couldn’t compete with the big boys and make a dime. After the store was gone I didn’t want to see another fish tank, until this year. One little betta in the fall has turned into several aquariums and once again I find that I enjoy watching the fish swim in their little worlds.

I also love to travel. YAY road trips. Just ask my writer buddy friends.

Oh, yes, we all know about Patty's road trips. Many times one or more of us join her. Do you have any other books in the works right now?

Yes! I have two contemporary romances, two westerns, a spy spoof thriller, and a futuristic supernatural. Needless to say, I try and put blinders around my imagination so I won’t see another story attacking me.

Where on the Internet can the readers find you?

My website is : http://www.patriciapacjaccarroll.com/And my Blog http://patriciapacjaccarroll.blogspot.com/

What do you want the reader to take away from the books?

I want them to get a grasp on the basic techniques that will make their writing come alive. Although writing is a lifetime of learning, there are certain concepts that will take their writing to another level. When I started writing, my story sounded like an episode from Dragnet—just the facts ma’am. It is my hope that after going through Things I Learned on the Way to the Last Page their writing will draw readers into the lives of their characters.

Writing ~It’s Your Business is great for the serious writer who means to make this a career. If you don’t take yourself seriously, no one else will. This book will help you track your time, money, and efforts in this crazy writing life.

Thank you, Lena, for the opportunity to be on your blog. And for all the gracious time you put into forwarding the careers of others. May God bless you double for all your efforts.

And thank you, Patty, for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order these two books through Patty's website.

Of course, you can also leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of both books. Your only notification will be the winner announcement on this blog. So check back a week from Saturday to see if you're the winner.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, you must come to the blog to leave the comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Amy Wallace - ENDURING JUSTICE - Free Book

I've been waiting for this book to release, so I could have you back. Welcome, Amy. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Because I write about Crimes Against Children FBI agents, I get this question often. Especially from moms. And I love having the opportunity to explain. My heart is to show God’s redemptive hand even in our worst nightmares and also to explore the Christian life beyond the Sunday school answers that don’t work for many of us when life hurts. Suspense is a unique venue to address those issues because I get to tell a fast-paced and exciting story mixed with the depth of tackling big questions through real-life characters. I also hope that the research I pour into the story and the perspective of the villains will help us as parents remember to pray hard and lean on the Lord in all areas of our lives.


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

As a mom awed by the tough and wonderful privilege of parenting, I’d have to say my happiest days were when my three newborns were each placed in my arms. With my last child, I almost died in childbirth and remember praying as people scrambled around me, “Please, God, I just want to hold her.” And then she almost died after childbirth and had to be put on oxygen. My getting to hold her came after hours of tears and fears. But the moment she was placed in my arms was so God-kissed, I’ll never forget it.

Yes, they are such a miracle. I have loved watching my children and grandchildren grow and mature. And thanked God that He entrusted them to us How has being published changed your life?

It’s made a regular at Starbucks and Godiva to survive. ;-)

Being an author has also changed my perspective on life. I’m living a dream and don’t want to take that for granted. It’s a tough business in so many ways, but there are so many amazing things too. Like the wonderful people: authors, editors, agents and the great folks at my publishing house. And the thrill of my children telling any readers they meet about how awesome a writer their mom is.

Writing has also drawn my family closer together. They’re part of everything I do. From story ideas, titles, and character names to booksignings and teaching events. They’re my first audience and my prayer warriors.

What are you reading right now?

It’d be easier to tell you my favorite authors (the ones I’ll stay up waayyy too late to read) since what I read is constantly changing. I love Sharon Hinck, Mark Mynheir, Robin Jones Gunn, Cindy Woodsmall, Claudia Mair Burney, Trish Perry, and Mary Griffith. Their work leads me worship as I read and that’s why I’ll read them rather than sleep.

What is your current work in progress?

That’s a tough question to answer because I have three projects (all suspense) on the prayer table and I’m researching, praying and getting to know the characters in all three and waiting to see which one I’ll get to complete first.

What would be your dream vacation?

Two weeks at the beach with no sunburn, unlimited Starbucks, swimming with dolphins and some cool restaurants and shops to enjoy in between surfing with my kids and reading great books.

Can I come along? How do you choose your settings for each book?

Like a number of elements to my stories, they sort of choose me. More accurately, the Lord impresses ideas, names, themes, plot ideas and settings as I start with one or two ideas and grow from there. I like to stick with places I’ve either lived in or visited. But there’s a plethora to choose from as I was an Army brat and moved every three years growing up. And now I love to tag along with my husband on business trips.

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

I would love to hang out with Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. My husband and I have met them a few times over the years, but it’d be amazing to sit down for an evening with this couple who have weathered some intense storms and held onto Jesus.

They are an encouragement to so many of us. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love scrapbooking, playing basketball, and teaching. I used to collect teddy bears and still have a good number of the ones I collected from all over the world.

For several years, my husband gave me a Valentine bear each year. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

The most difficult writing obstacle I have to tackle every time I sit down to work on a new project or release a book baby into the world is the issue of believing truth and not lies. It’s so easy to get discouraged in the writing life and consider giving up. But when I focus on the Lord and on His call and what He has to say through me, there’s peace.

The old Enemy of our Souls does tell us authors a number of lies, doesn't he? What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I would say the most vital thing to remember is who God is and what He has to say through you. Then when you sit down to write, open your heart and your past to the Lord and allow Him to use it through the pages of your story. That way you and your readers will sense the presence of the Lord and be touched.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here’s a sneak peek at the back cover blurb for Enduring Justice…

A PAINFUL PAST

Hanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her memories.

A RACIALLY-MOTIVATED KILLER

As a Crimes Against Children FBI Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. Difficult cases and broken relationships have plagued his entire year. But when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else.

A LIFE-ALTERING CHOICE

A racist's well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. The dividing line between the two is the choice to heal. But when the attack turns personal, is justice enough?

I'm intrigued. Can hardly wait until my book comes. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’d love it if readers would visit my Heart Chocolate home on the web: http://www.amywallace.com/.

I can also be found in the blogsphere at http://peek-a-booicu.blogspot.com/

And four times a year, I send out my Dark Chocolate Suspense newsletter packed with heart chocolate thoughts, tips on keeping kids safe, nice and easy recipes and some inside info on the writing life. You can read past newsletters and sign up at http://www.amywallace.com/Newsletter.html.

Hearing from readers is a highlight of the writing life! So please stop by my home(s) on the web and leave a note on the blog or in the Heart Chocolate guestbook. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Lena! It was great to visit here today!

And thank you, Amy. I love having you.

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy. The winner announcement post on this blog will be your only notification if you win. Be sure to check back on Saturday in two weeks to see if you won.

Or you could sign up for Feedblitz in the right hand column. Then you won't miss a single post on this blog.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, please come to this blog to leave a comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Winners!!!! Winners!!!! Winners!!!!

Rebornbutterfly is the winner of A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher.

Renee(steelergirl83) is the winner of A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman.

Patricia Pacjac Carroll is the winner of The Prairie Romance Collection from Lena Nelson Dooley.

Sherrinda is the winner of Courting the Doctor's Daughter by Janet Dean.

Please get your mailing address to me. You'll find a link to my email if you click on View Complete Profile in the right hand column under my profile.

Robin Jones Gunn - COMING ATTRACTIONS - Free Book

Welcome to my blog, Robin. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

It’s been a combination of reasons over the past 20 years. I started writing the YA books because the teens in our youth group challenged me to write books for them and they even helped me work on the Christy Miller books. After getting Christy through high school the publisher asked me to write about a new high school characters, so Sierra Jensen showed up. Then I wrote the College Years, because I wanted to find out what was happening with all the characters! I’m writing the continuation of the lives of those characters now in the Katie Weldon series so we can see what’s going on with Christy’s best friend, Katie, as well as check in on everyone else.

As the readers got older, they asked for more love stories. That’s why I started writing the eight Glenbrooke novels. We had just moved to Oregon and I loved the idea of connecting all these 20-something-plus characters to Glenbrooke, an imaginary small town in Oregon. How did these couples meet? How did they know they were in love? Those were the sorts of questions my readers were asking when I started that series. How to you meet a godly man? That was a delightful series to write.

Sisterchicks® sort of happened. I was actually writing a novel for The Women of Faith and it turned out to be its own sort of new beginning. That was Sisterchicks on the Loose! So, instead of that book going to The Women of Faith, I wrote Gardenias for Breakfast for them and launched the Sisterchicks stories into an eight-book series.

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

What a lovely question. I feel as if I’ve had so many happiest days. Our wedding day, of course, flies right to the top of the list. That was 33 years ago! Hard to believe! Other very happy days include my 50th birthday spent on Maui with my husband, the birth of both our children and our 25th anniversary spent in Italy. I feel so blessed.

Sounds wonderful. How has being published changed your life?

Since everything has happened one small step at a time, I don’t know that I feel my life has changed. This became my life almost 25 years ago when my first children’s books were published.

What are you reading right now?

I’m glad you asked this question. Every Christmas our children give me an interesting book. This year it was the Journals of Captain James Cook and C.S. Lewis’ Letters to Children. I’m reading both and loving every page.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m just finishing the final changes on the third Katie Weldon book, Coming Attractions. I’ve loved writing about these characters again and yes, I did cry when I finished the last page. We don’t have plans for more in the Katie collection yet, but you never know.

What would be your dream vacation?

Wow. Hard to say. I feel I’ve already had a dozen dream vacations while traveling around the world for speaking events and doing research for the Sisterchicks books. Lord willing, I’m going to Africa for the first time this fall for a writer’s conference. That’s been a dream for a long time. I loved Brazil and would love to go back there. Anytime I can put my toes into the sand on the Hawaiian islands I’m a happy mama.

Everywhere I get to travel feels like a dream to me.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

With the Sisterchicks books, the settings were partly chosen by me and partly suggested by the publisher. It worked out well because I’d been to some of the places, like Finland and Mexico and Hawaii. But they wanted stories about Australia and Venice and London, so they sent me there to do research. Pretty amazing, huh?

For the teen books and the Glenbrooke series, I just went with the old saying of “write what you know.” I grew up in southern California so it was easy to picture Christy in that location. When we moved to Oregon, I put Sierra in Portland.

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

Aside from my family and closest friends, I think I’d have to say Phyllis Tickle. I’ve only chatted with her a few times at publishing events but every time I wanted to sit down beside her and just soak up what she was saying.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Travel. You might have guessed that, right? I love long conversations over dinner at a variety of restaurants with a variety of people. Maybe my hobby is simply collecting stories, which is why I love to travel and take notes on all the experiences that happen to me. I love to listen to others tell their life stories, which is why long, leisurely dinners are my favorite.

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

After a car accident several decades ago I have a neck injury that bothers me pretty much any time I sit or type or travel or sleep or . . . you get the picture. 80% of the time it grieves me.

I do exercises. I go to a good chiropractor. I take joint improvement herbs. I have gone to physical therapists off and on. I just live with it.

My obstacles in crafting stories are not in finding time to write, coming up with ideas, working with publishers or any of the usual challenges. It’s just pain.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

First, commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3) It was His idea to infuse your imagination as He did. How does He want to use this gift He gave you?

Second, learn how to discern between criticism and advice. Be open to both but know what to sift out and throw away and know which gems to pick up and hold on to.

Very good advice.

Please give us the first page of the book.

All first pages are available online.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.robingunn.com/
On Face Book and My Space I’m listed as Robin Jones Gunn
On Twitter it’s Robin Gunn

I’d love to invite all your readers to go to http://www.robingunn.com/ and sign up to receive my Robin’s Nest e-newsletter. I offer drawings for free books each time a newsletter comes out so please sign up and enter the drawings!

Thank you, Robin, for spending this time with us.

Readers, if you can't wait to get your hands on Coming Attractions, here's a link where you can order it:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Your only notification will be the winner announcement post on this blog. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, you must come to the blog to leave the comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Roxanne Rustand - DEADLY COMPETITION - Free Book

Welcome back, Roxanne. What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Save the Last Dance will be out in August, 2009. This is an Everlasting, and will be shelved with Harlequin Superromance. The themes involve the importance of family, life-long love, trust and forgiveness--and not waiting until it's too late, even if the past has been rocky. Though it wasn't written for an inspirational house, the heroine is a woman of faith. There's a thread of suspense in it, too. I loved writing it!

Final Exposure, the first book in my Big Sky Secrets series for Love Inspired Romantic Suspense, will be out in September of 2009, and the second in that series, Fatal Burn, will be out in February, 2010.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

I think an evening with Michelle Obama would be fascinating--and fun. She is an intelligent, accomplished woman in her own right, and seems to have such strong family values.

How long have you known that you wanted to be novelist?

I never gave it thought until 1993, when a friend asked if I'd like to write articles for her regional horse magazine, and offered me a computer. Once I found out what a joy it was to use a word processing program, I kept writing articles and eventually toyed with a story...wishing I could create the kind of magic I read on the pages of my favorite novels. I never dreamed that I could ever actually sell a book, until I stumbled upon the 1995 RWA Golden Heart contest, entered it, and gained the interest of an editor. I owe my old friend a great deal, for guiding me toward a part of my life that I now enjoy very much.

What can you tell authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Very few people enter this business without facing rejections first. I've heard stories about the incredible determination of some aspiring authors who have overcome many, many rejections. Thirty, fifty, even a hundred of them--but these people persevered and ultimately, succeeded. I guess the saying I used to have above my computer is true: "God doesn't give the desire without also giving the ability." We just have to work hard at improving our craft, keep writing, hold on to our dreams, and never let go!

I submitted my first manuscript to an editor in 1995, and made my first sale in 1998. During the interim, I faced my own rejections, but I now see that they were a blessing. If my first novel had sold, I wouldn't have had enough experience to successfully follow an editor's revision guidance. I didn't have even a glimmer of an idea for a second book. I knew nothing about the business. Those extra years gave me time to learn, and grow, and to become better prepared.

Tell us about the featured book?

DEADLY COMPETITION is part of a Love Inspired Suspense series called "Without a Trace." In this story, my heroine is on the run and is hired by the hero to help take care of his young niece...in a town where danger is already lurking, and where murders have taken place in recent months.

Please give us the first page of the book.

At the sound of his sister Leah's old Mustang pulling to a stop in the driveway, Clint Herald opened his front door to the damp, gray January evening, his heart heavy.

Could his three-year-old niece even grasp the concept of death? Did Sarah still think her daddy would be coming back?

There'd been no forewarning of her father's apparent suicide two days ago, and it still made no sense. And now the troubles were just beginning for his widow and young daughter.

Clint leaned down to scoop Sarah up for their customary hug, but did a double-take at the stark expression on his sister's face.

"Keep her safe," Leah whispered, casting a swift glance over her shoulder. She thrust her daughter forward into his arms and backed away. "Please."

Surprised at the tension in her voice, he reached for her hand, but she took another step back.

"What's going on?"

"N-nothing. I just have to go." But from the oddly desperate look of yearning on Leah's face as she turned away from her daughter and hurried to her car, she must be in even deeper trouble than she'd revealed.

"Wait a minute!" Clint called out.

She climbed into her car, shut the door, and rammed the stick shift into reverse, grinding the gears. Something she never, ever did to her beloved old car.

"Leah?" He felt his pulse quicken. "Leah!"

I ask for the first page for a teaser. Wow! You really gave us one. I'm hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.shoutlife.com/roxannerustand
http://www.roxannerustand.com/

Thank you, Roxanne, for spending this time with us. It's always interesting.

Readers, if you can't wait to get your hands on the book, here's a link where you can order it:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy. The only notification you will receive will be the winner announcement post on this blog. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, please come to this blog to leave your comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Bonnie Leon - ENDURING LOVE - Free Book

Welcome back, Bonnie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’ve worked hard to get my books “out there” and my efforts have been rewarded. I hear from people all over the globe. My last two series have been published in Dutch and so I receive these lovely letters from Dutch readers. One came through written in Dutch so I wrote back explaining that I couldn’t speak or read the language. She graciously responded in English.

As with many writers I’m perpetually living a balancing act of family, writing, church, friends and everything else. Recently I’ve been feeling called by the Lord to reevaluate where I put my energy. I’m certain part of that process is sharpening my writing skills. I’m praying for better health and the funds to attend more conferences where I can soak in the teaching of others. Truly, the learning never ends.

I’ve always enjoyed teaching and speaking and I hope to do more of that. I love meeting people and when teaching at writing conferences it’s always exciting to see young writers grab hold of new concepts and move forward. I adore speaking to women’s groups. I believe the Lord’s given me something to say, and through the process He always has something to teach me.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I will have been married thirty-eight years this August. We met when I was just seventeen. I was just a baby.

We have three adult children. Our son and his wife live in Central Oregon, our oldest daughter and her son, Gabe, live in Washington and our youngest daughter, her husband and three children are off on a new adventure. Her husband, Fernest, joined the army this year and in June they’ll be moving to their new post. We’re waiting with anticipation to find out where that will be.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Absolutely. I used to spend hours reading just for pleasure. Now adays, life is too full to read all the books I’d like, but I manage to work in pleasure reading nearly every day. I read more non-fiction than ever before, mostly because my stories require a lot of research. However, I thoroughly enjoy history and research feels like a treasure hunt.

A sad change is that I have difficulty reading without editing. Not until I’m well into a story do I set that aside. And I’m pickier about what books I read.

What are you working on right now?

I’m the midst of an Alaskan adventure, and I’m having a lot of fun. The story opens in 1935 with Kate who has long desired to work as a bush pilot in Alaska. The shadows of her past, however, push her to prove herself and that desire may cost her more than she imagined.

There is also Paul, who lives in the bush. He has a past, but no one knows what it is. He’s hiding from something and Kate’s determined to find out what.

The series is full of fun, adventure and drama.

I can hardly wait to feature that series. What outside interests do you have?

I have lots of interests, just not enough time to do them all. :-) I’m a family sort of gal so any time I can get out with my family it’s a good day. This spring I’ll be making a couple of special trips with my grandchildren, one to a science center and another one to a butterfly farm. And we’ll definitely get out and pick some of the stunning wildflowers that grow here in our forests.

I’m also determined to take some time with my husband to do some boating and fishing. I especially enjoy mountain lake fishing.

In my church, I oversee the women’s ministry. I’ve always had a heart for women so I stay involved teaching Bible studies and working with the women in my church and community.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I have no formula. The settings often find me. My first Alaska tales came from my heritage. My ancestors are Aleut and my mother grew up in Alaska.

Other story locations often come through research I’m doing. While researching one project I often discover a piece of history that entices me to take a closer look. The stories in Australia (six in all) came out of a request from my editor. I’m glad she asked because the country is extremely interesting and its people are top notch. I love their history. I’m truly sorry to say farewell to my Australian tales. Enduring Love is the last one scheduled. However, one never knows. There may yet be other stories to tell about that incredible place across the pond.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person who would it be and why?

This is a tough question. There are so many people I’d love to spend time with. I have a long list. However, if I have to choose just one, I guess it would be Corrie Ten Boom. She lived her faith in an amazing way. It astounds me how God can take one life, even a life that seems inconsequential, and use that person to change the world. With Corrie Ten Boom it happened because she trusted, believed and ultimately obeyed God’s call for her.

I love her story. Actually, God used part of her story to tell me to become a professional writer. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I was an absolute babe when I stepped into the writing world. The first book I’d ever written sold to the first publishing house that looked at it. I was unprepared for what was to come, in every way. Still, doing my best to trust God, I stepped through the door He’d opened.

So, when you ask what I wish I’d known, my answer has to be everything, since I knew nothing. At the top of that list is how much work is involved—it’s a job. A writer has to plant themselves in front of their computer whether they want to or not. We can’t wait to feel inspired because there is a deadline waiting.

I was unprepared for the way the business works—the time schedule feels like waiting for a snail to make its way across town. And I had expected a more touchy-feely sort of business. Although I’ve met and worked with outstanding Christian people, the bottom line is this is a business—quality and numbers count.

Sorry that’s three answers.

That's okay. What new lesson is the Lord teaching you right now?

God is always teaching me something new. The difficulty is that I’m not always a quick learner. He often has to drag me along.

Recently I spoke at a women’s retreat. My topic was “Daring to Live Without Masks.” I looked forward to a weekend of fellowship, worship and teaching. And it was a great time. But God had more planned for me. He revealed a mask that I’ve been wearing. I had no idea. Now God and I are working on this together, and it has the possibility of changing my life dramatically.

As I walk through this lesson with the Lord, I’ll be sharing more about it on my blog at http://www.bonnieleon.com/. I will say that I’m hanging on for the ride of my life.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Only three?

If I’m speaking to Christian authors, number one is to spend time with God. He’s the author of our story. He is our inspiration. How can we step forward without Him?
Secondly, write from the heart. What is the story you want to tell? If you’re creating something that comes from within you the story will be genuine with real people who can touch lives and carry readers beyond the last page of your book.

And lastly, don’t forget to have fun and be thankful for the gift of writing. What a privilege it is.

Tell us about the featured book.

Enduring Love is book three in the Sydney Cove Series, which began in London in 1804 with book one, To Love Anew. Hannah Talbot and John Bradshaw were both imprisoned unfairly and then transported to New South Wales. The two met on a prison ship and both were living a life without hope. By the time we get to book three in the series, John and Hannah’s lives look ideal, and they are filled with optimism.

However, life often brings the unexpected. When John’s first wife, whom he believed to be deceased, shows up in Sydney Town all seems lost for the couple who has endured so much. John and Hannah’s faith is tested. Will their lives be destroyed by circumstances or will they trust in a God who is greater than all our troubles?

I love this story and think readers will too. I’m hoping it will have them on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out how even God can solve the terrible mess John and Hannah find themselves. Does He answer our prayers or create new hearts that desire His will above our own?

Please give us the first page of the book?

Love can overcome anything, thought Hannah Bradshaw as she stepped out of the modest theater and looked down the street toward the center of Sydney Town. It had only been three years since that terrible winter in 1804 when she’d first set foot in this community as a prisoner. It felt like a lifetime ago.

Sydney Town was growing up. The town bustled with activity. There were clothing shops, apothecaries, bakeries, a bank, and even a fine restaurant. A carriage moved past, its inhabitants hidden inside. Glancing up at her husband, Hannah thought, Life is perfect.

“What a splendid day,” John said. “Even if it is unseasonably cool for autumn.”

“I’m almost afraid to feel this happy.” Hannah rested a hand on his arm, liking the feel of his wool coat.

She leaned against him; thankfulness for his enduring devotion enveloped her in warmth. Although they’d begun their journey together under dire circumstances, they’d managed to find love and, together, had stood resiliently against the world’s storms.

He smiled down at her and Hannah felt her heart quicken—John still had
the power to take her breath away.

I can hardly wait to read the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

The best place to find me is at my website at http://www.bonnieleon.com/. I blog every week, keep readers up on my most recent books, and even have tips for new writers. Stop by and say hello.

Thank you, Bonnie, for spending this time with us.

Readers, if you can't wait to get your hands on the book, here's a link where you can order it:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Enduring Love. The announcement post on this blog will be the only notification. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, come to the blog to be included in the drawing:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Amberly & Brandilyn Collins - ALWAYS WATCHING - Free Book

I've been looking forward to the interview with this mother-daughter writing team. I've yet to meet Amberly, but Brandilyn is a friend.

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Brandilyn: More Seatbelt Suspense® novels for me. Amberly and I also will be doing a third Rayne Tour series book, which will release in the spring of 2010. (The second book in our series, Last Breath, releases in September.)

Tell us a little about your family.

Brandilyn: My husband, Mark, and I have been married for 28 years. Amberly is the youngest. She has two brothers, both living in the area of Spokane, WA, near our Idaho home.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Amberly: Yes! I never read the end of the book first anymore! Haha. It's an author pet peeve of my mom’s, and now I understand why. It ruins the twists in a book—especially suspense—if you know what’s going to happen.

What are you working on right now?

Amberly: I’m plotting the third book in The Rayne Tour series. It's going to be a great ending to the series.

Brandilyn: I’m writing another adult Seatbelt Suspense® novel, which will release next year. After I’m done with that I’ll write the third Rayne Tour book that Amberly is now plotting.

What outside interests do you have?

Amberly: I'm currently in school to earn a degree in fashion merchandising, with a minor in marketing, so I'd say fashion is a big interest of mine. Also, I'm in a sorority, Alpha Phi and that takes up the rest of my time. And I have the cutest little puppy, a Yorkshire Terrier. His name is Bear.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Amberly: We started with San Jose, California for the first book, Always Watching, because that’s where Mom and I have attended concerts. Since it’s close to our California home, we were easily able to go and tour all the backstage areas in our research. (Mom had a broken ankle at the time and had to do the tour in a wheelchair. I pushed her around.) For the second book, Last Breath, we chose a large arena in Denver, because that would be a logical next stop for a touring group. The third one will be in southern California, where Shaley and Rayne—and all the band—live.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Brandilyn: It’s a lot harder to consistently write to deadline than I thought it would be. Truth is, having your first novel published is just the beginning, not the end. It’s not always an easy career, but it’s the one God called me to, so I’m very grateful.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Amberly: How to depend on Him during time of new adventures like releasing a YA series!

Brandilyn: He’s continually teaching me to trust Him more—in all circumstances. That’s an act of will, not emotion.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Brandilyn: 1. Keep working on your craft. Write, write, write. Attend conferences. Join writers’ groups and critique groups—whatever it take to help you learn your craft at a deeper level.

2. Read a lot. Read books in your genre especially. Learn from your reading—what works and what doesn’t work. And reading in general keeps you aware of what’s going on in the industry.

3. Most importantly, dedicate your writing to God—and allow Him to lead you in it.

Now, tell us about the featured book?

Always Watching is the first in the Rayne Tour series--young adult suspense featuring Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star. The series is targeted to readers around the ages of 12-16. We thought it would be exciting to write about a girl like Shaley. What is her life really like? For a girl who seems to have it all, what would her private struggles be? Then—what would happen if a murder suddenly turned her life upside down—with all the world watching?

From the back cover:

This daughter of a rock star has it all—until murder crashes her world.

During a concert, sixteen-year-old Shaley O’Connor stumbles upon the body of a friend backstage. Is Tom Hutchens' death connected to her?

Frightening messages arrive. Paparazzi stalkShaley. Her private nightmare is displayed for all to see. Where is God at times like this?

As the clock runs out, Shaley must find Tom's killer—before he strikes again...

Here is a link to the trailer for the book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hooLmPRoz0

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue
It’s not my fault I have to kill.

He’d been watching since the tour began. Eyes straight ahead, keeping cool, like he wasn’t even paying attention. But he noticed everything. Even got a sense for what was happening behind his back. His past life had taught him how to do that—out of necessity. When it was something bad, he felt a vibration in the air, pulling up the hair on his arms. And he’d know. He’d just know.

Sometimes he acted behind the scenes. Nothing that would be noticed. Just ended up in a certain place at a certain time—a presence that kept the wrong thing from happening. Other times he’d say what needed to be heard. Real casual, not sounding like a threat at all. No, he was just talking, shooting the breeze about some previous experience. But beneath the words there’d be a point: don’t cross me or mine.

Sometimes people were too dumb to get it. He’d give them every chance, trying to be the nice guy. Trying to do it the easy way. But no. Those kinds of people had stubborn minds and black hearts. Couldn’t be trusted. They were headed for a fall and about to take some good people with them. His people.

That’s what it had come to now.

“Hey, can I see you a sec before you go?” He motioned, and the one who must die came, humming.

Humming.

Like a lamb to slaughter.-------------------------------

Read the first chapter, which introduces Shaley, here.

You have me hooked. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Brandilyn: Web site
Facebook
Twitter

Amberly: Rayne Tour fan group on Facebook

Teens 13-18—enter our Live Like a Rock Star sweepstakes! Grand prize is an $850 night on the town, including dinner for six at a restaurant of your choice and limo service. Enter here.

A very interesting interview. Too bad I'm more than 18 years old. Thank you, Amberly and Brandilyn for spending this time with us.

Readers, if you can't wait to get your hands on this first book, here's a link where you can order it:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Your only notification about winning will be the announcement post on this blog. So be sure to check back on Saturday in two weeks to see if you won.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, go to this blog to leave a comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Winners!!!!

Fran is the winner of Love Finds You in Maiden, North Carolina, by Tamela Hancock Murray.

Judy is the winner of Peachtree Dreams by Debby Mayne.

Renee is the winner of Chasing Charity by Marcia Gruver. I just posted a review of this book in my May newsletter on my newsletter blog: http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com .

Eileen Key is the winner of Inside Story by Susan Page Davis.

You winners need to email me your mailing address so we can get the books on their way to you. It will help me if you put the title of the book you won in your post. You can find a link to my email after you click the View Complete Profile in the right hand column.

Janet Dean - COURTING THE DOCTOR'S DAUGHTER - Free Book

Ever since I read her first Love Inspired Historical novel, I've been waiting for the next one. Welcome, Janet. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

Inspirational historical romances are a perfect fit for me. I dislike movies and books that end badly or give the impression that life is meaningless. So naturally I’m drawn to romance novels and their happy endings. I’m fascinated with history and love to set my stories around a nugget from the past, while giving characters’ struggles that are relevant to today’s readers. But most importantly, I write inspirational historical romance because I love God and want my books to honor Him.

I agree with you there. I want every book to bring glory to Him. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The happiest day in my life occurred twice—the days I gave birth to our baby girls. Our daughters have blessed and enriched our lives in countless ways, given my husband and me our “sons” and grandchildren, increasing not only the size of our family, but multiplying our joy six fold.

I only had daughters, too. It's wonderful to get your sons as grandsons. How has being published changed your life?

Publication hasn’t changed my life all that much. I’m not suddenly rich or famous. LOL But after years of rejection that made me question my talent, I saw my first sale as validation that I had been called to write. It didn’t take long to learn that selling doesn’t preclude criticism, rejection and the inevitable ups and downs of this business. If anything, the stakes are higher. Publication adds time pressure and more items on my To Do list. But having my words in print has also given me the opportunity to impact readers, to entertain and to glorify God. What a blessing! Another blessing publication has given me—receiving lovely encouraging e-mails from readers.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a non-fiction book entitled Hearts West, True Stories of Mail-order Brides on the Frontier, by Chris Enss. I always have a novel going. Right now I’m reading Lyn Cote’s Her Captain’s Heart, Love Inspired Historical.

I recently bought Hearts West. It's a gold mine of information for a writer of historicals. What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on my third Love Inspired Historical to release in early 2010. It’s a mail-order bride story set in Iowa with the working title One Wife: Sealed and Delivered. I’m having a lot of fun writing this story.

I'm also writing a mail-order bride novel that releases in 2010. I really want to feature yours on my blog. What would be your dream vacation?

A couple years ago, we took a two-week trip to Italy, truly a dream vacation. My husband and I love to travel and we’ve been blessed to see much of this great country, but there are still many places we want to visit. But I also enjoy staying put somewhere, kicking back and catching up on my reading. For me, every vacation is a dream vacation. :-)

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I feel a pull to small town and rural America. The Midwest is what I know. I chose the charming town of Noblesville, IN, as the setting for Courting Miss Adelaide and Courting the Doctor’s Daughter. I admire Noblesville’s magnificent courthouse and the stores on the square built during my story’s timeframe. The third book is set in the fictitious town of New Harmony, Iowa. Creating towns and the people who populate them—it doesn’t get much better than that. :-)

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

What a fascinating question. I thought of spiritual and political leaders, entrepreneurs, but in the end, I chose Dolly Parton. Not that she’s someone I idolize—far from it—but she’s a survivor, a strong woman I’ve always found interesting. I enjoy her music, her zest for life, her candor. An evening with Dolly would be delightful!

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I stamp greeting cards and attempt to golf once a week in a nine-hole league. Upon occasion I’ll knit a scarf. Before publication, I drew with colored pencils and painted gourds, but I no longer have the time. My art teacher father painted. My mother made beautiful quilts. I suspect my urge to create is genetic.

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

Having strong book-length conflict is a struggle for me. I find it easy to write internal conflict based on my characters’ back story, but having something tangible that puts a wedge between the hero and heroine is harder for me. I overcome it by being aware that this is a weak spot, reminding myself to search for concrete ways to put the hero and heroine in conflict, and sighing with relief when I please my editor.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Be teachable. Enter contests. Get a critique partner. Read How To books. Take online classes. Then practice what you learn. Only when we writers are open to criticism can we grow our talent. Being teachable is great preparation for being published since editors ask for revisions and reject proposals from their published authors.

Very valid points. Now, Janet, tell us about the featured book.

Like my debut novel, Courting Miss Adelaide, my May release Courting the Doctor’s Daughter centers around a child from the orphan train. To briefly explain the orphan train phenomena—approximately 250,000 children, mostly immigrants, were sent by train during a 70 year period to new homes in the Midwest and beyond. Some lived good lives, others weren’t so fortunate.

Courting the Doctor’s Daughter

A widow with three boys to rear, Mary Graves has no time for peddlers of phony medicine. She’s a dedicated healer working alongside her doctor father. When a handsome stranger blows into town with his “elixir of health” and asks questions about her newly adopted son, Mary’s determined to uncover the truth behind all his claims.

Once the reckless heir to a Boston fortune, Dr. Luke Jacobs travels the country with his herbal medicine while searching for his long-lost son. After meeting the feisty doctor’s daughter and her youngest boy, Luke has found what he’s been looking for at last. But can he convince her to let him into her home, her family—and her heart?

I can hardly wait to read it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Web site: http://www.janetdean.net/
Blog: http://www.janetdean.blogspot.com/
Group Blog: http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Thanks for having me on your blog, Lena. I had a great time!

Janet

And thank you for being here. You must come again with your mail order bride story. As you can see from Hearts West, there were numerous reasons for a mail order bride.

Readers, if you can't wait to get your hands on Courting the Doctor's Daughter, here's a link where you can order it:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. The only notification will be the winners announcement post on this blog. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. Or you could sign up for Feedblitz and not miss a single post.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, come to this blog to leave a comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Lena Nelson Dooley - THE PRAIRIE ROMANCE COLLECTION - Free Book

Once again, I'm interviewing myself. Many of you readers have asked me to do this, and now I have a new book release.

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’ve been blessed. This year, I’ll have five books releasing. The Prairie Romance Collection is the first one. I believe the Lord wants me to keep writing for Him. I have lots of ideas that are coming together. Of course, I speak several times a year, too. This year, I will participate in nine author events.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married to the love of my life for almost 45 years. We have two daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great grandson. All but one grandson and the great grandson live close by.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes. First, I don’t have as much time to read as I did before. Second, it’s hard to turn off my inner editor. But if the story really grabs me, I can. I still love to read.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a title for Summerside Press, Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, which will release next summer. It’s the longest book I’ve written, and I’m loving the situations and characters.

What outside interests do you have?

I host a critique group in my home and mentor other authors. I love getting together with friends over lunch. James and I are involved in many church activities. And we like to travel.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

With my story in The Prairie Romance Collection, Mother’s Old Quilt, I chose the area where my father’s family came from – Minnesota. I’ve often traveled there and love it. And it fit the story.

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

I could say Jesus, but He’s not historical. He is eternal. So for historical, I’d love to meet Joan of Arc. I’d like to hear the passion that drove her.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

You know, these questions are harder to answer than I thought they would be. One thing? It’s hard work, more than just telling a story. And I’m a storyteller. I wish I’d known the amount of learning and preparation writing a good book would take. Much of my early writings were only for me to learn how to write.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

This isn’t a new lesson, but the Lord is showing me once again that trusting in Him is our only hope. I’ve stopped listening to naysayers on TV. Things in this world today would look bleak without my hope in the Lord.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Pray. Pray. Pray
Read. Read. Read.
Write. Write. Write

Tell us about the featured book?

This is my first hardback with a dust cover. I’m blessed to be included in this collection with so many good authors.

From the back cover:

A Full Dozen Historical Romance Stories

Expanding western borders, turning the land, and finding a place in which to live and love defines the pioneer Heart. Within this unique collection are twelve complete stories of romance on the American Great Plains penned by twelve different multi-published authors.

After the Harvest by Lynn A. Coleman
Love Notes by Mary Davis
Mother’s Old Quilt by Lena Nelson Dooley
The Tie That Binds by Susan K. Downs
A Heart’s Dream by Birdie L. Etchison
The Bride’s Song by Linda Ford
The Barefoot Bride by Linda Goodnight
Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnn A. Grote
The Provider by Cathy Marie Hake
Freedom’s Ring by Judith McCoy Miller
Returning Amanda by Kathleen Paul
Only Believe by Janet Spaeth

Enjoy history relived through the pioneer’s adventures, heartaches, challenges, victories, and romance. You are sure to have more than one favorite to warm your heart and encourage your faith.

Please give us the first page of the book.

This is the first page of my story in the book.

Early March 1905
Wayzata, Minnesota

“If one more thing happens, I think I’ll scream.”

Maggie Swenson trudged through snowdrifts on the way from her house to the barn. The tops of her boots didn’t come above the snow, so the cold stuff spilled over, wetting her thick wool socks. Before she had to come out here again, she needed to borrow some of Valter’s trousers. She knew it wouldn’t be ladylike to wear her brother’s long pants, but it would be better than dragging a woolen skirt that grew heavier and heavier because of the damp snow clinging to it.

It had been so long since she had any time to herself. Only six months ago, both her parents died when the buggy they were riding in smashed against an outcropping of rocks because something startled their horse and it ran away. Maggie and her brother, who at twenty-one was two years older than she, inherited the farm their parents had worked hard to sustain through summer droughts and harsh Minnesota winters. Now Maggie tried to run the farm all by herself. Valter lay in the house with a high fever, growing weaker every day, no matter what she did for him. She feared he had the dreaded influenza that was taking such a toll this year.

Just as she reached up to unlatch the door to the barn, Maggie heard a soft moan followed by a pain-filled whine. She glanced around, and the sun glinting off the white world around her stabbed her eyes. As she squinted, her gaze traveled over the landscape around the barn. The few bushes were laden with snow, as were the trees in the pasture and beyond. When she heard the sound again, she determined that it came from the side of the building. Maggie plunged into the drift that had blown against the wall of the secure structure. Now her long-johns were wet up to her knees. If she didn’t go inside soon, she might get as sick as Valter.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.lenanelsondooley.com/ - Monthly free book announced on my newsletter blog
http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com/
http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/ - Author interviews/Free books
http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/ - Regular Blogger

I’m also on Shoutlife, Facebook, and Twitter.

My official Fan page is on Facebook:

http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts

Come over and become a fan.

Readers, here's a link where you can buy A Prairie Romance Collection:

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. The only notification will be the winners announcement post on this blog. Be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. Or you could sign up for Feedblitz and not miss a single post.

If you're reading this on Facebook or Amazon, come to this blog to leave a comment:

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Julie Lessman - A PASSION DENIED - Free Book

I've really been anticipating having Julie back on my blog. I love her books and can hardly wait to read the new one. Welcome, Julie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Gosh, Lena, I try REALLY hard not to “see” too much with my own vision because as we all know, that can set you up for a fall. And if there is one thing I have learned (ahem … the hard way!), it’s that I’d really rather not focus on what I want, but what God wants for me. BUT, if you are asking me what I would LIKE to see in my future, I can certainly share my dreams with you and your readers.

Deep down in the core of my being, I have a burning desire to reach women like I used to be—women who, yeah, maybe they believe in God, but they are not living for him—not in their lives or in their sexuality. I look at the young women today, mired in an amoral society, and my heart cries out to make a difference in their lives. To show them what God showed me—that unless He is in the center of our relationships, true happiness will be very hard to come by. Unfortunately, most of these types of girls and women don’t read Inspirational Romance. BUT … it is my desire—and I hope, God’s—that the edgy romantic tension in my books will somehow draw women like this to the type of Inspirational Romance that I write. And IF they read it, I am convinced the spiritual message will resonate for some of them.

How do I know? Because I get e-mails all the time, telling me so. And just last week, I was going through a really discouraging time regarding my writing, wondering if I was on track with God regarding the level of sensuality I include in my books. I was praying with my prayer partner about it when her 25-year-old daughter stopped by, a girl I hadn’t seen in a long time but knew that she had strayed from her Christian roots—living with her boyfriend before they got married, not going to church anymore, heavy drinking, etc. This young women proceeded to tell me that when she read my books, she actually got angry at me. Why? Because the spiritual parts convicted her so much that she wanted to throw the books out. But she didn’t, she said, BECAUSE the sensuality and intense romance so grabbed her by the throat, that she was compelled to finish the books. And when she turned the last page of A Passion Redeemed, she told me it had brought her to another level with God. I had tears in my eyes when I learned she is now back at church and trying to live for Him. For me, it just doesn’t get any better than that.

I know what you mean. When I receive feedback about how one of my books changed someone's life, it's as if the Lord is saying, "Keep doing what I've called you to." Now, Julie, tell us a little about your family.

Well, first off, I am married to a man I don’t deserve—he’s way too kind and patient for the likes of a high-maintenance drama queen like myself, but therein lies the goodness of God! He is an artist who designs my Web site, posters, bookmarks, newsletters, whatever I need. I also have a 25-year-old son who lives in Omaha with his wife who just graduated from med school, and we were blessed to learn she obtained a residency in St. Louis (where we live). I also have a sassy 21-year-old daughter who is headed for law school in the fall, so come May, my husband and I will go from empty-nesters to having five adults and three golden retrievers under our roof. YIKES … we’re a close family, for sure, but the question is, will we remain that way?? If nothing else, it should provide plenty of fodder for my books. :-)

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes! Before I started writing, I never read anything but the Bible, some non-fiction and an occasional best-selling novel. You may find this hard to believe, but I never read romance! Why? Because I was a romance snob—one of those professional women who wouldn’t be caught dead reading a romance novel because I didn’t consider it “serious” reading. And then eight years ago, God set me free from my bias when He dropped the bomb on me that the actual desire of my heart was to write romance for Him. What a shocker! Since then, I have read everything in the Inspirational market I can get my hands on to study how it was done, and that’s still pretty much all I read.

What are you working on right now?

I just finished my fourth book about the O’Connors on St. Pat’s Day—how’s that for great timing as far as Irish novels? It’s called Refuge From the Storm (working title), and it’s the first book in my new 3-book series, which begins with Katie O’Connor’s story, the youngest daughter from The Daughters of Boston series. Katie is a pistol who comes of age during the Roaring 20s and The Great Depression, so it was fun to write.

Books 2 and 3 will be about the O'Connor brothers, Sean and then Steven, all during the exciting era of speakeasies, dance marathons, gangsters, G-men and era criminals like Bonnie & Clyde and John Dillenger. Sean's love interest will be ... guess who? Emma! Charity's scarred friend from Dublin. Steven will be a tall, brooding G-man-type modeled after real-life Elliot Ness. Some of your readers are probably too young to remember this, but I am modeling him after Robert Stack from "The Untouchables," who played Eliot Ness in the TV show years ago. I am very excited because all three plots are very involved, include detailed sub-stories for ALL the character couples (can you say "complicated"???) and each plot has surprises that I hope and pray will blow readers away!

I'm sure they will. What outside interests do you have?

Grin. Not many since I’ve taken up writing, I can tell you that! I used to be into gardening and entertaining, but with a 500-page book due every six months, there’s not much time for those things anymore. But, I do still love to watch old movies and musicals with my husband, fix special dinners and READ, of course!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Well, Boston and Dublin are the only two settings I’ve used in all three novels of The Daughters of Boston series, which are the only books I’ve written, and I chose those cities when I was a little girl. As you may remember, I started writing A Passion Most Pure at the age of twelve after reading Gone With the Wind and immediately knew I wanted an Irish family coping with a war (like GWTW), but didn’t have the audacity to try another Civil War epic. :-) Ireland was always a given, and Dublin is one of its biggest cities, so that’s why I chose it.

As far as Boston, I have never been there, but I LOVED Boston Baked Beans candy when I was kid, as well as anything Colonial (I used to LOVE Disney’s Swamp Fox show), so I am guessing I just picked Boston because of those reasons. You can imagine my excitement when I wrote A Passion Most Pure 40 years later and learned that Boston was considered the heart of Irish America because of its large contingent of immigrants after the potato famine. Very cool!

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

Are you kidding? Jesus Christ, hands-down … or maybe I should say, “knees-down.” He is the love of my life, and I would thrill at the opportunity to worship Him in person.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

I wish I’d known what an emotional roller-coaster it was going to be AFTER I got published. Like a lot of unpublished writers, I thought all the anxiety and self-doubt would dissipate after I signed on the dotted line. I mean that would validate me, wouldn’t it? Give me confidence as a writer? But I discovered (AGAIN!) that true confidence is not in accolades from your editor or a really good review, but instead in where your heart is with God. HE is my confidence when my sales rankings on Amazon.com are high or low, which is why I CLING to the following Scripture from 2 Corinthians ll:3, praying it almost every day: Do not let my mind “be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

I even believe that every rejection for a manuscript comes from the Lord. The publisher who rejected the proposal or manuscript wouldn't be able to reach the readers who need to read that story. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Ouch, Lena, you really know how to go right for the jugular, don’t you? In fact, the lesson the Lord is teaching me right now has been so painful, that I’m afraid it’s still a bit raw. He’s teaching me that it doesn’t matter if I final in contests or if my numbers on Amazon are high or low or if a reviewer thinks my books are too sensual or not. All that matters right now is that my heart is stayed on Him and His will for my writing. Period. I’m getting there, but I have to admit—it’s slow.

We wouldn't grow, if we didn't experience the pain. I know. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Well, I hope you don’t mind, but I would rather not limit it to three things, because I suggest all of the following in order to succeed, which is basically what I did:

1.) Join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers at http://www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com/), FHL (Faith, Hope & Love at http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/) and RWA (Romance Writers of America at http://www.rwanational.org/), both to get connected with other like-minded writers and to learn a lot about your craft.
2.) Take a fiction-writing class or attend a writing seminar or conference.
3.) Join a critique group.
4.) Purchase and study writing books such as Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King or Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas, AND invest in a great thesaurus such as The Synonym Finder by Rodale Press (my writer’s bible!!).
5.) Enter contests for invaluable feedback.
6.) Hang out at Web sites devoted to getting published, such as The Seekers (http://seekerville.blogspot.com/), an excellent group blog that I belong to.
6.) Go for an agent first, publisher second.
7.) Then pray your heart out and put it in God’s hands.

Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book?

Book 3 in The Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Denied, is the story of Faith and Charity’s little sister, Lizzie, a shy bookworm who dreams of a fairy-tale romance. It unfolds a man’s dark past and a young girl’s shattered dreams … and the God who redeems it all.
Elizabeth O’Connor is the little sister John always longed for. With a fire for God in his belly, he has been her spiritual mentor since she was thirteen, sharing her love of literature and her thirst for God. But when his gangly protégé blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving him, he refuses to act on the attraction he feels. His past won’t let him go there. Unfortunately, “Lizzie” won’t let him go anywhere else … until his dark and shocking secrets push her away.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Gladly, and how fun! I have never had anyone ask that before! Here you go:

Boston, Massachusetts, Spring 1922

Oh, to be a calculating woman! Elizabeth O’Connor sighed. She dodged her way down the bustling sidewalk of Boston’s thriving business district, wishing she were more like her sister, Charity. She chewed on her lip. Regrettably, she wasn’t, a definite character flaw at the moment. And one that would have to change.

She sidestepped a rickety wood wagon heaped high with the Boston Herald, hot off the presses. The freckle-faced boy hauling it muttered an apology before disappearing into a sea of pin-striped suits, short skirts and bobbed hair. On his heels, a young mother ambled along, cooing to a wide-eyed baby in a stroller. The baby’s soft chuckle floated by, and the sound buoyed Elizabeth’s spirits. Spring in the city! Despite the whiff of gasoline and tobacco drifting in the unseasonably warm breeze, she was ready for the promise of love in the air. Her heart fluttered. And maybe, just maybe, a little spring fever would do the trick!

She pressed her nose to the window of McGuire & Brady Printing Company and peered inside. John Morrison Brady was bent over a press, his lean, muscled body poised for battle with a screwdriver in his hand. Her chin hardened, and her smiled faded. That man suffered from a terminal illness that would be the death of their relationship: friendship. Elizabeth straightened her shoulders. And the worst kind of friendship at that—the big-brother kind.

She touched a hand to the wavy shingle haircut her friend Millie had talked her into. “It’s all the rage, Lizzzzzie Lou,” Millie had insisted, the sound of Lizzie’s name buzzing on her tongue like the hum of a busy beehive. A self-proclaimed modern woman, Millie had convinced Elizabeth “Beth” O’Connor to change her name to Lizzie over a year ago—to add excitement to her life, she’d said. And now, in the throes of radical 1920s fashion, Lizzie’s best friend had also convinced her that the chestnut tresses trailing her back simply had to go. The result was a short, fashionable bob, newly shorn just yesterday. Softly waved, it fell to just below her ear, showing off her heart-shaped face and slender neck to good advantage. Or so Millie had said. She squinted at her reflection in the window. She did look older, more sophisticated, she supposed. A smile twitched at the corners of her mouth. And it certainly seemed as if she had turned a few more heads at the bookstore where she worked. She opened the door, spurred on by the tinkling bell overhead, and took a deep breath. Now to turn the right one …

The reason I now ask for the first page is to give the readers a tiny glimpse that will hook them. And I'm hooked. I can hardly wait to read the book. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Thanks for asking, Lena. Readers can contact me through my Web site at http://www.julielessman.com/, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter, which will keep them updated on The Daughters of Boston series, as well as give them sneak peeks at the inside publishing process and info on book releases and signings. They can also just pop in and leave a comment and their e-mail on our group blog at http://seekerville.blogspot.com/, a blog about “The road to publication. Writing, contests, publication and everything in between.”

Thank you, Julie, for once again giving us a wonderful glimpse into your life.

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