AWAKENING - JoAnn Durgin - Free Book

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

In my debut novel, Awakening, my heroine, Lexa Clarke, is me in several ways - stubborn and feisty, but also resourceful, resilient and fiercely loyal. Like Lexa, I was left on the doorstep of my faith for a number of years. Her grandmother, Nana, is my grandmother – down to stringing pearls on the summer porch and her tales of the “Happy Hunting Grounds” (her term for Heaven). And my father was much like Lexa’s dad. The book’s events parallel my love story with my husband, Jim, who is the inspiration for Lexa’s hero, Sam Lewis. The strength of character, goodness and unwavering faith in Sam is based on Jim. When we first met, Jim was a ministry student at Dallas Theological Seminary and drove an old white station wagon, the inspiration for Sam’s “bomb.” Because I lived this story in several respects, it’s part of my heart. I’m passionate about it, and hopefully that makes Awakening all the more real to readers.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Okay, I’ll confess – and this might surprise some of you. In the mid-1980s, I actually went out on a date with a tall, dark and handsome Italian. In Rome (yes, Italy). Named Marcello. Wait – it gets better. He was the lounge singer in the hotel. You can groan now. Even quirkier? I was on the trip with my mother, and she let me go! He took me on a whirlwind trip around the city at 90 mph in his little car and sang American love songs to me in his smooth tenor and halting English. I wasn’t sure how to react, but I gripped the door handle and held on tight. Thankfully the perfect gentleman, Marcello escorted me to a club located in the basement of a house with small tables low to the ground and covered in sheets, black lights, disco balls and velvet paintings featuring dead American icons. The Europeans are really strange in their obsession over Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and James Dean. You must understand that I was a good moral person at the time, but I wasn’t living for the Lord. But then, as always, He protected me. You know what? All in all, I had a great time that night and it was one I’ll never forget. I still smile when I think of Marcello. When in Rome…

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

My mother says I was always a writer. In first grade, I was promoted into the Red Birds reading group (the highest level) on the very first day. We also wrote stories in that group, and I loved it. The writing was thrilling, but reading our work aloud to the group terrified me. Hard to believe I was shy once upon a time. A few years later, when I sold a joke to a local magazine, my mom told me I should frame the $10 check as my first royalty check. It’s like she knew. Later on, I routinely spent my $5 weekly allowance on three hardback Nancy Drew mysteries and would sneak under the covers with the flashlight to finish the teenager’s latest adventure (I pay homage to the titian-haired sleuth in Awakening). About that time, I started writing all sorts of things, mostly short stories. I knew I’d hit the height of sophistication when I got my first subscription to The New Yorker. I learned from the contemporary masters of storytelling. When I was a young mother in Philly, I started reading Christian fiction and penned my first novel for fun. In a week. I continued writing novels for fun while living in Boston before putting my writing aside for a decade to raise our children. But picked it back up again in late 2008 and began the journey to publication!

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

Through the years, I’ve progressed from Nancy Drew to mysteries by Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, and Agatha Christie. Someone gave me a large bag of Grace Livingston Hill books a number of years ago, and it was my first taste of inspirational romances. I read the gamut of classics, and love the dry wit and irony of Mark Twain. He can be caustic, but his observations of life are priceless. Twain’s Innocents Abroad is one of my all-time favorite books. I read very little pop fiction (I got enough of that from my years reading The New Yorker). I embraced Shakespeare (but prefer his comedies), and the Bard’s plays came to life when I visited the Globe Theatre in London (I lived there for 10 weeks on a college program abroad – when the nannies on the highspeed train from London to Scotland gossiped about Charles dating Lady Sarah Spencer, Diana’s older sister). For the most part, I read Christian fiction now. Whatever the genre, I adore a well-written book with humor, great characters, romantic elements (of course) and a moving plot.

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

Believe it or not, writing keeps me sane. It’s my peace, my solace, my private time. My day job is demanding as an estate administration paralegal in a large law firm, and I need the creative release of writing something every night. Our home computer is in the midst of Grand Central Station – TV on, the kids and Jim coming in and out, the dog meandering in for food and/or affection. Listening to music also soothes my soul. I’ll often put on the headphones and zone out with Michael W. and Steven Curtis while I write. Our gracious Lord graced me with an amazing capacity for concentration in the midst of chaos. Perhaps this stems from reading The Iliad and The Odyssey in the snack bar at Ball State University with the jukebox playing and the pinball machine pinging in the background. Somehow, I managed to ace the test. I’m convinced being able to tune out distractions is a gift of the Spirit.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

There’s no rhyme or reason. What’s really interesting is that I wrote this entire first series (Awakening starts it all) without looking up the names to see what they meant. Not that I take a lot of stock in that. But when I did look them up, it was so uncanny how each one was incredibly perfect! I have one female character where my best friend said, “How could you give her a name like that?” I never liked it, I don’t know anyone with that particular name, but now it’s precious to me. It’s like naming your newborn baby. Don’t you agree children grow into their names? When I “birth” my characters, they also grow into their names. It’s part of the creative process I find absolutely fascinating.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Without a doubt, my three children: Sarah, Chelsea and Matthew. They’re growing up so fast, but every year brings new trials, blessings and joys. Matthew is high-functioning autistic, and he’s one of the most loving – and smartest – kids you’ll ever meet. He builds Lego architectural masterpieces from scratch! Sarah’s a college student and Chelsea’s finishing up her senior year in high school. They’re musical, they’re funny, and – most importantly – they love the Lord. If the Lord chose to take me home tomorrow, I’ve accomplished what I wanted on this earth – I’ve found love, I’ve had children, great friends, a wonderful life, and now I’ve published a book. The Lord has been so gracious.

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

I love this thought-provoking question! Probably a jaguar. They’re sleek, strong, agile and quick. Mysterious. Secretive. I’m none of those things now, although I used to be much more agile and could skip faster than any of the kids – girls or boys – in grade school.

What is your favorite food?

I have several (and good thing I’ve already had dinner before answering these questions). I create my own dish at Olive Garden with tortelloni (same as tortellini only bigger), alfredo sauce and grilled chicken. I love a good medium-rare steak every now and then with a loaded baked or sweet potato. But those are rare indulgences or else I’d be dead and gone, most likely. I also love fresh veggies and fruits – all of them. My well-meaning pastor husband once announced from the pulpit, “JoAnn loves donuts.” Well, he almost didn’t live past lunch. Jim learned a valuable lesson that Sunday morning – you don’t mention anything about your wife from the pulpit unless you first have her permission. For the record, I like donuts, but that’s about as far as it goes.

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

It wasn’t until I joined the ACFW that I learned about problematic issues with such writing components as POV and backstory. Those happened to be the two I stumbled over the most. Still do at times, fueled by my desire to let the reader know everything about my characters – in the first chapter. You live and learn. Awakening was originally written over a decade ago, and it also needed the most editing. But the basic story never changed. Like everything else, practices makes better (not perfect, but much better).

Tell us about the featured book.

Awakening is a contemporary romantic adventure filled with great characters, plenty of humor, sparkling dialogue, emotion, and a moving plot with adventure and a little mystery thrown into the mix! The best way to tell you about it is to give you the short version back cover copy: Lexa Clarke signs up for a short-term summer assignment in San Antonio with TeamWork Missions, hoping to make a difference in the world. TeamWork director Sam Lewis has a job to do and can’t afford to be distracted by the petite, feisty blonde. But when she tumbles into his arms from the top of a house they’re rebuilding, Sam suspects his life will never be the same. A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. A combustible combination.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Lexa Clarke was on a roll, and it wasn’t even noon.

San Antonio – 40 miles. The highway marker filled her with anticipation. Soon, she’d be a survivor of the four-hour bus trip from Houston. So far, so good. The guy with the beady eyes seated beside her reeked of knock-off drugstore cologne and offered her things, none of them legal. With nearly every seat occupied, she was stuck. Burying her head in her dad’s old police union newsletter did the trick. Smart thinking, bringing that along.

The senior flirt across the aisle graced her with a gap-toothed smile and nudged her with his cane a couple of times. A young mother attempted conversation, but finally gave up when her two rambunctious boys demanded constant attention. When Beady Eyes snored – a loud, obnoxious wheeze – Lexa attempted to read her novel, but her thoughts always strayed to the upcoming eight weeks.

Maybe building houses in a summer predicted to be one of the hottest on record wasn’t the smartest idea. Lexa swallowed her doubts and lifted her chin. When you want to make a difference in the world, you’ve got to make some sacrifices. The TeamWork driver would pick her up in less than an hour, and then the real adventure could begin . . .

The bus pulled into the Greyhound bus station along with Lexa’s high hopes. Holding out one hand, the driver helped her to the curb and grinned with surprise when she handed him a generous tip. He hurried to retrieve her rolling suitcase. “Enjoy your stay in San Antonio, Miss.”

Lexa broke into a grin, equal parts relief and excitement. “Thanks. I’m sure I will.” It might be long hours of hard work with no pay, but it’s how she chose to spend her summer. High hopes should count for something.

Very interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m on Facebook and you can send me a message through my website at http://www.joanndurgin.com/. I blog every other Wednesday on Reflections in Hindsight and I’m featured on the 30th of each month on Hoosier Ink.

Thanks so much for having me join you today, Lena! I loved answering your fun questions! I’ll be happy to answer any questions, and will check in frequently.

And thank you for coming by, JoAnn.
 
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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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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SWEPT AWAY - Nicole O'Dell - Free Book

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

Oh, Lena, I don’t even know where to start with this one. I’m so humbled by all that He’s done. I’m still at the beginning of two three-book series that I’m doing for Barbour. With those projects and a few non-fiction things, I’m tied up for a couple of years. What an amazing feeling for a writer—especially these days. I feel so honored and truly humbled that God has decided to funnel His words through me, and I pray that I listen well.

I know what you mean by that, being in the same kind of place. Tell us a little about your family.

Ah, my favorite topic. I’m a slobbery mom. I just love to kiss on my kiddos—the backs of their necks. Their sweet little feet—well, until they turn three. My son Erik is 19, and, believe me, I have nothing to do with his feet. His are clad in military boots as he is off serving his country in the Air Force. Natalie is 13 and Emily is 10. We’re doing a neat book together called Girl Talk, based off an advice column we have on my blog. Readers write in, and my girls and I answer their questions. Next year, those questions and answers will come out in a book.

I also have a set of two-year-old triplets. Oh, my sweet Jesus…those babies are a piece of heaven right here on earth. Logan, Megan, and Ryleigh. Ahhh. You’re making me want to go wake them up for some cuddles.

I would love to feature Girl Talk on this blog. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes. I read much less. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of the science of division. X amount of hours in the day divided by the tasks on the to-do list = very little free time for Mom. But I do try to read at least two books a month.

What are you working on right now?

I’m continuing on in theDiamond Estates series and the Drama Ensues series. I’m also wondering why I named them both DE? Isn’t that a strange coincidence? They’re very, very different series—I hope you check them both out. Diamond Estates deals with troubled girls in a group home, to state it very simply. Drama Ensues has a different style—quirky, drama club—yet it’s compelling in its coverage of the issues.

What outside interests do you have?

Diapers?

No, seriously, I love what I’m doing. I’m living my dream. I’ve given up a lot of outside things to give more time to my passion. How many people can say that about their work? I’m grateful to God for what he’s given me and I happily give my spare moments to my writing. I do exercise. Sometimes. Oh, and I speak at events, lead a local writing group, and teach a publishing course at the community college.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I wish I could say it was based on my travels. But it’s more based on the characters. They speak to me. I tried to have Carmen from The Embittered Ruby (coming soon) hail from Virginia. But try as I did, that girl was from New York, no matter how hard I tried to make it otherwise. I love it when that happens!

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

My grandfather? I know, you’re probably asking about war figures, past presidents, disciples of Christ. But, really, my grandpa was my hero, and there was no disciple who served their Jesus with any more vigor than my Papaw. I’d just love to be with him for some time.

There is no expected answer for that question. I'm trying to let readers get to know the real you. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Honestly, what comes to mind is the one thing I’m glad I didn’t know. I had no idea how difficult the process was supposed to be. I didn’t know about people enduring years of rejection letters. I didn’t know that many writers had unpublished manuscripts gathering dust in the corners of their offices. I hadn’t heard the stories of pitches and near misses. I just had some stuff to write. So I did.

I often wonder if the results—or even my efforts—would have been different if I’d known how rough it was supposed to be? I’m thankful I was protected from both the knowledge and the experience.

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

Be confident – timidity will get you nowhere in this business. Trust God to be your ambassador and let Him shine through you.

Take a chance – nothing is gained by not trying. What do they say? You miss out on 100% of the chance you don’t take.

Be yourself – Don’t try to fit yourself into a mold just so you can have a “brand.” Let that brand develop and evolve organically. Otherwise, it will feel unnatural and contrived to both you and your readers.

Tell us about the featured book.

Well, all three of these releases contain two of my Scenarios for Girls Interactive Fiction books. They each have alternate endings that allow the reader to make an important moral decision for the main character and follow the consequences of her choice.

Dare to be Different contains Scenarios for Girls books one and two: Truth or Dare and All that Glitters.
Risky Business contains Scenarios for Girls books three and four: Magna and Making Waves.
Swept Away contains the never-before released Scenarios for Girls five and six: High Stakes and Essence of Lilly.

Please give us the first page of the book.

This is the first bit of High Stakes, which is one of the two books found in Swept Away, the book I’m offering for giveaway.

“You might have to get out and push.”

Amber groaned and rolled her eyes. “Very funny, Dad. The scary thing is, one of these days, it’s going to be true.”

Dad chuckled. “Ah, she hasn’t failed us yet.” He rubbed the faded steering wheel.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” Amber sulked down in the cracked vinyl seat and covered her eyes with her forearm. Her friends all had fancy new SUVs or expensive sedans. But no, her parents never wanted a car payment or— gasp!—a lease payment. Nothing but a complete waste of money when they already had a perfectly reliable vehicle—or so they said. If she had a dollar for every time they’d explained the horrors of a lease agreement. . .

The brakes squealed as Dad pulled the twelve-year-old Toyota into the garage. He smiled and patted the dashboard. “You did it, girl.” He’d somehow ignored the putt. . .sputter. . .putt sounds the car had made all the way up the driveway.

"Yeah, Dad. We made it home. But what about tomorrow? What about the next day? When will we ever be able to get a new car now that you lost your job?” Amber squeezed her eyes shut, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

“Now, Amber.”

Amber steeled herself against the coming speech that she knew by heart and caught the sigh before it escaped her mouth.

Dad’s lips moved in what looked like prayer for a few moments. He took a deep breath and turned her chin with his hand until she lifted her watery eyes to meet his. “God has always provided everything we’ve ever needed and much, much more. I have no reason to think He’s going to stop now.” He let go of her face and rubbed her arm. “Sweetie, give Him a chance.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Amber rolled her eyes and fought the urge to point out that God had provided that stuff—which wasn’t excessive, by any means—before He unprovided Dad’s job. She climbed out of the car and paused a moment to give the rusted hood a few little pats—like paying respects at a funeral.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Everything I do is linked through my website http://www.nicoleodell.com/. You can find the archives of Teen Talk Radio, book information, my blog, a link to sign up for my newsletter, my social stuff like facebook and twitter, bookstore…and much more.

Thanks so much for having me here! What a fun interview.

I love having you here, Nicole.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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BARNEY AND THE RUNAWAY - Max Elliot Anderson - Free Book

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

I grew up hating to read in spite of the fact that my father was a successful author. After a significant change in my video production career, I decided to look into why I hadn’t enjoyed reading as a child. What I found caused me to explore writing the kinds of books I would have liked as a kid. What have emerged are books that young readers tell me are like being in an exciting or scary movie as they’re reading them.

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

That would have to be the day I was married and the two days, several years later, when our children were born. I was in the army, serving in an armored battalion in Germany, at the time my wife Claudia and I were married. I flew home to the states for our wedding a year earlier than we had planned so we could spend our first year together living in Europe.

Sounds exciting. My grandson spent part of his military service in Germany. How has being published changed your life?

I’ve noticed a couple of things. My life has become even more disciplined than before and I learned that writing a book is the easiest part of the process. It’s what comes after that which represents the truly hard work. Marketing and promotion, along with building a solid platform, consume most of my time when I’m not writing.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m in the process of reading galleys and proofing manuscripts for several of my books. A number of them will come out in time for the ICRS convention in Atlanta this summer. At the same time, I’ve written two new ones that my agent will be pitching and those have required a lot of reading as well.

What is your current work in progress?

The most recent title is When the Lights go Out. I’m probably more excited about this one than some of the others because of how it came about, and because of my intent for it with kids. I discovered something over recent months. Part of what I do is to speak in elementary schools. A couple of my previous books touch on what happened on 9/11, but only in passing, as part of a larger plot. As I’ve spoken to students who are 9, 10, and 11 years old, I found that they know little or nothing about the events of 9/11 and what they mean to our country. So I decided to write a book with the purpose of making sure future generations don’t forget what happened. This book will be released in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 this September.

Here is how the dedication reads in the front of this book: “To the memory of 9/11, and the people who lost their lives on that day, so we never forget.”

That sounds interesting. What would be your dream vacation?

For most of my life, ever since I was sixteen years old, I’ve traveled the country and the world on film and video productions. That required me to lug “tons” of equipment along wherever I went. Many of the places where I traveled were exotic vacation areas, but I was there to work and couldn’t enjoy that aspect. My dream vacation would be to travel to areas, with my wife, where I had no work responsibilities and could enjoy those locations.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

This depends on the story. Most of the locations come from places where I’ve lived or worked on film and video projects. Still others are determined by where a true story has taken place. Several ideas have come from the news. One publisher wanted a Southern setting, so that was dictated by their request. Most of my books have different characters so this allows the settings to be quite varied.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Aside from writing it would be a toss-up between my coin and stamp collections.

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

There haven’t been any so far. Writing is probably the most enjoyable creative activity I’ve ever experienced. There’s something about disappearing into a world of your own creation and moving around with your characters and situations. You laugh when they say something funny and cry when they hurt. I’ve completed 36 action-adventure & mystery manuscripts, for readers 8 and up, and never experienced writer’s block. If there’s an obstacle, it would have to be in the time it takes for a new book to go through the submissions, selection, and publishing process. Sometimes that feels endless.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Beginning authors need to come to grips very early with the concept that writing and publishing is a business. It can be hard work at times, and your success may take several years. I believe the days are gone when a writer can function without an agent, but I understand that some people have figured out how to do that. And as I mentioned earlier, writing will be the easiest part. New writers need to be prepared for what comes next.

Tell us about the featured book.

The featured book is called Barney and the Runaway. Summer had no appeal to Mike Ellis. But neither did homework, or class assignments, or self-discipline. He especially disliked his parents always telling him what to do and punishing him when he didn’t. Wanting to teach his parents a lesson, he decides to pretend to run away from home for a day with his dog Barney. His plans go terribly wrong when later he finds himself halfway across the country and very lost. Meeting an old clown who also ran away as a child teaches Mike the importance of home, family, and doing what’s right. But can Mike and Barney save the circus in time?

Sounds exciting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Michael solemnly stood at Mrs. Whitlock’s desk, looking down toward the floor as his teacher held out one of her dreaded yellow envelopes.

“Michael,” his teacher said sternly, “this note is for your parents.”

She studied the boy, who was shifting his feet uncomfortably while standing in front of her. “Now, we both know what this is about. Make sure they read it…both of them. Then bring the note back on Monday…”
Using her most serious voice to emphasize this point, she added, “…and signed.”

Michael took a deep breath, but didn’t say a word.

Monday would be the last day of school before summer vacation.

“If we don’t get this little matter cleared up, you may not be able to continue moving ahead to the next grades with the rest of your friends.” Concerned that he wasn’t taking her seriously, she continued, “Do you
understand?”

Michael stood in silence, not wanting to intensify her scolding.

“We have to correct these things early.”

Still looking at the floor, he nodded slowly in agreement.

“Good. You’re a smart boy, Michael. However, you need to work on being more disciplined if you expect to make it in this world.”

She took a long, deep breath and exhaled out of her mouth slowly. Drained from the exhaustive nature of this boy since the beginning of the school year, she hoped that he would finally heed her warning. She looked into his eyes for several uncomfortable seconds then finally dismissed him.

Michael jammed the note into his pocket, turned, then shuffled quietly out of the room. He knew that, as soon as his parents saw that note, he was going to be in some serious trouble.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My Books for Boys Blog is at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
My Author Web Site is at http://www.maxbooks.9k.com/  
I’m also active on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, ShoutLife, and others+



Thank you, Max, for spending this time with us.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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SEVEN WINNERS!!!!!!!

Several people who left comments weren't included in the drawing, because they didn't read all the instructions and follow them.

And I've had several people who've won books in previous weeks who haven't contacted me. You could be one of them. Click on the Winners link at the bottom of this post and check the last six winner posts. You have six weeks to claim your book.

Jeff Frame (WV) is the winner of Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman.
Mark (OH) is the winner of Redeeming Liberty by Diane and David Munson.

Jordan (SC) is the winner of Redeeming Liberty by Diane and David Munson.

Melissa (TX) is the winner of A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr.

Judy (Louisiana) is the winner of The Proper Wife by Winnie Griggs.

Patsy (Bible Belt) is the winner of Sweet Baklava by Debby Mayne.

Linda (WI) is the winner of Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs.


If you won a book, please give the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, or other Internet sites. Thank you.


Congratulations, everyone. Send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
Remember, you have 6 weeks to claim your book.


If you didn't win and you plan to order the book, please use the link provided on the individual interview. By using that link when you order, you will help support this blog.

THE MOUNTAINS BOW DOWN - Sibella Giorello - Free Book

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



For a long while, I couldn't find the book I wanted to read. So I wrote it. That's still the reason behind the Raleigh Harmon mysteries. Gritty, not gorey. Faith-based, but not preachy. And a puzzle even the author has trouble figuring out.

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



Not to sound morbid, but every day I wake up happy to be alive. The happiest day? I've known some great days, some amazing days. But life just gets better, so maybe the happiest day will be my last day on earth. Wouldn't that be poignant and wonderful?

Good answer. How has being published changed your life?

Not so much. Getting published is the reverse of winning the lottery. Instead of free money and giving up your job, you get years of hard work. Good work. Fun work. But still, hard work. That being said, I wouldn't trade this writing life for all the Powerball winnings in America.

I so agree with you. What are you reading right now?

For some reason, it's always several books. Right now three: The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean, a delightful look at the Periodic Table; The Good, Good Pig by Sy Montgomery; and some early Michael Connelly novels where he introduces LA Detective Harry Bosch.

What is your current work in progress?
 


I'm finishing up The Stars Shine Bright, the fifth Raleigh Harmon novel. After that it's research on the sixth book, which has yet to be named. After naming Stars" I hit some kind of wall. All these titles have a certain wavelength: The Stones Cry Out, The Rivers Run Dry, The Clouds Roll Away, and now The Mountains Bow Down. So if anyone out there can think of a title, I'm open. Email me.

What would be your dream vacation?


Some kind of around-the-world cruise. Plenty of time to read while visiting exotic locales, yet still sleeping in the same bed every night. Priceless.

I love going on cruises. I think it's about time for us to take another one. How do you choose your settings for each book?




The settings choose me. Certain places -- Richmond, Seattle, Alaska -- lock up my imagination and beg Raleigh Harmon to come and play. I'm happy to oblige.

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

My husband. I just really enjoy his company. After almost twenty years of marriage, he still makes me laugh.

Wait until you're married over 46 years as James and I am. It just keeps getting better and better. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
 



Running. Especially mountain trails. But one day I'm going to learn to knit, although I've been saying that for half my life. Maybe THAT will be the happiest day -- when I finally learn to knit.

I could teach you. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Sitting still. Do. Not. Like. Which explains the knitting problem.

Somebody once suggested I get a treadmill-desk, which allows you to walk and write at the same time. But I'm not sure that's the answer.

For me, the best solution is to write as fast and efficiently as possible. Don't procrastinate. If you put off today's writing, it means you have to sit there longer tomorrow. Ugh.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Give it time -- in every sense. Be patient while learning the mechanics of writing and the business of publishing. But also give time to your dream. If writing means something to you, don't short-change it. That might mean quitting some other hobby or activity, but writing is an apprenticeship. Dedicate the time. Harvest the fruit.

Tell us about the book.

In The Mountains Bow Down forensic geologist–turned–FBI agent Raleigh Harmon takes a much-needed vacation on an Alaskan cruise. But a passenger is found hanged from the ship’s railing. Everyone assumes the death is a suicide, but Raleigh suspects foul play. The FBI sends Agent Jack Stephanson to help with the investigation, but he winds up confusing Raleigh's feelings for her fiance. To further complicate things, Raleigh's mother is onboard and she's not coping with the cruise. Four days remain before the ship docks in Seattle. Can Raleigh find the killer without her own life getting lost at sea?

I'm going to love reading it. Right now I'm reading The Stones Cry Out. What do you want readers to take away from the book?

I avoid thinking about take-aways. Readers should always decide about those. I just hope they enjoy Raleigh Harmon's company as much as I do.

How can my readers find you on the Internet?


http://www.sibellagiorello.com/

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Mountains Bow Down with a blog tour, a Cruise prize pack worth over $500 and a Facebook Party! Don't miss a minute of the fun.

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate toward the cruise of their choice from Vacations To Go.
• The entire set of the Raleigh Harmon series.

To enter click one of the icons below. Then tell your friends. And enter soon - the giveaway ends on 4/1! The winner will be announced at Sibella’s Raleigh Harmon Book Club Party on FB April 5th, 2011! Don’t miss the fun – prizes, books and gab!

About the Facebook Party: Join Sibella and fans of the Raleigh Harmon series on April 5th at 5:00 pm PST (6 MST, 7 CST & 8 EST) for a Facebook Book Club Party. Sibella will be giving away some fun prizes, testing your trivia skills and hosting a book chat about the Raleigh Harmon books. Have questions you'd like to chat about - leave them on the Event page.

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13142727

Sibella, thank you for sharing all of this with us.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/  

JERSEY BRIDES - Laurie Alice Eakes - Free Book

Welcome, Laurie Alice. I love the cover for this collection. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

A lot of deadlines, which is a blessing for an author. This year, I have to write three full-length novels plus two novellas and launch my first Regency romantic adventure for Baker/Revell, not to mention several speaking engagements. Yes, when God decides to move, be prepared to hit the ground running. But don’t worry; he’ll give you the right shoes.

Tell us a little about your family.

The simple answer is: Large and diverse. The more complex answer is I have one full sister, two stepsisters, one half sister, and two half brothers. Three of my sisters have children and so do both of my brothers. We’re scattered all over the country, so I don’t get to see them much and miss them. One thing my full sister and I have in common and she has passed along to her children is a love of books. We get this from our parents. The others read, but not quite so voraciously.

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

I tend to read fewer books in the genre in which I write. I start as many; I just finish fewer of them. It’s a bit of a busman’s holiday reading historical romance—either I want to edit and rewrite it, or its so good I get depressed that I’m not better. So I read a lot more mysteries and women’s fiction, even young adult stuff.

I recently read a YA novel. The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson. I loved it. What are you working on right now?

I’m researching the second Regency after having just finished the second midwife book, and I’m working on my follow up with Avalon. This is about a lady lawyer in the 1890s. I’m also beginning one of my novellas, Printed on My Heart that will be in Highland Crossings with Pamela Griffin, Jennifer Taylor, and debut author Gina Welborn.

I'm looking forward to reading that collection. What outside interests do you have?

Being outside. I love the beach, walking in the woods, fresh air and sunshine. I also read, watch movies, especially old ones with Humphrey Bogart and/or Audrey Hepburn, and listen to music.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Jersey Brides, which is The Glassblower (2010 Carol Award finalist), The Heiress, and The Newcomer, was easy. Heartsong was doing the state series and I’d just gotten back from a few weeks in New Jersey. I also lived there as a state-side missionary in the US headquarters of Send the Light (Operation Mobilization) when I graduated from college. Other than that, Regency is easy—England. For the rest, the story seems to dictate the location. Lady in the Mist has to take place beside the ocean.

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

The last time I answered this question in an interview, I said Napoleon Bonaparte. Why? Because the man must have had amazing charisma, and I am interested to see what that kind of charm and persuasive ability is like in person and not just the history books. As for right now who? Probably Thomas Jefferson.

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

I actually have a whole list of things I wish I’d known, but just one? Hmm. Well, probably to go on a safari, get a rhinoceros, and don his skin. Apologies to any animal activists out there, and the point is—to be a little tougher and arrow-proof. The barbs will come and one can’t let them stick.

That is so true. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Surrender—everything. Letting go of my wishes in favor of His.

That's a hard one that often takes a lot of time. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

1: finish, submit, and start the next project--repeat.
2: Be an encourager to other writers.
3: Be kind.

Tell us about the featured book.

Jersey Brides is a compilation of the New Jersey Historical Series with The Glassblower set around a glassworks in Salem County in 1809 (and with a Scots hero). The Heiress is set in a northern city in 1858 with a heroine who has a lot of money she wants to do good, but can’t get control of, and a hero who wants to prove himself to his talented and successful glassmaking family and make his own fortune. The Newcomer is set in Cape May in 1899. The heroine’s father ordered her to earn her living for a year to remember her family’s humble origins. But when this nursemaid’s employers are killed, she’s in charge of the children until their uncle returns. He takes forever to come, and when he does, the real trouble begins.

It sounds wonderful. Please give us the first page.

The Glassblower
one

Salem County, New Jersey1809

Children’s laughter rang through the trees. Her heart leaping to the playful sound, Meg Jordan increased her pace.

She wanted to tell everyone about her school. In less than two months, she would open the doors of the old building, and every child in Salem County, New Jersey, could learn to read and write, not just those whose parents hired a governess or sent their offspring to boarding schools. Any child wishing to do so would sit before her while she instructed them on the alphabet and sums. If all went well, she would add lessons on the history of the United States of America. For years to come, children in her district of Salem County would enjoy an education. In time all young people could remain home while they learned, instead of being sent away from their families as she had been, despite her protests.

She would start her school, fulfill her promise to her dying mother, as long as her father didn’t make her marry before she was ready to do so.

“Dear Lord, please let Father change his mind.” Her voicerose above the hilarity of the children and sigh of smoke-laden breeze through the bare branches of oaks and conifers. “Please don’t let Mr. Pyle ask for my hand. The children need me.”

And she didn’t like Joseph Pyle, owner of the farm next to her father’s. He was young enough at three and thirty, the same age as the United States and only a dozen years older than Meg. He was certainly handsome with his blond hair.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a blog and a web site http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com/ where you will find excerpts of my books
http://www.seizethechance.blogspot.com/
or look for me on Facebook. I’m the only Laurie Alice Eakes there.

Thank you, Laurie Alice, for the fun time today.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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. For this interview, the winner must live in the United States.

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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

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SURRENDER THE NIGHT - MaryLu Tyndall - Free Book

I'm thrilled to have MaryLu here with her new book. Welcome, MaryLu. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

I started doing research on the War of 1812 and found myself completely fascinated! I had never really learned about it in school, but it turns out to be quite an exciting and important war. And Baltimore, Maryland, was right in the thick of the excitement. Surrender the Night is the 2nd book in a trilogy set in Baltimore during the War of 1812. The theme of the series revolves around the things that keep us from finding God’s destiny for our lives and how do we find that destiny. I wanted to tell the story of what happened in Baltimore toward the end of the war through the eyes of a timid farm girl who happens to be in love with a British Naval Officer. Yikes! The tale culminates in Washington, DC, when the British troops march into the city to burn it to the ground.

Sounds really interesting. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Ronie Kendig because she’s super cool. Ted Dekker because I want to find out if he’s as intense and bizarre as his books. Joel Rosenberg because of his knowledge about what’s going on in Israel and the Middle East. Brandilyn Collins because she frightens me with her stories. Camy Tang because there can’t be a party without Camy! And Tosca Lee because she writes stories that challenge my way of thinking.

And I'd want to be a fly on the wall at that party. Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Julie Lessman because she’s the sweetest thing on the planet. Julie Klassen because I hope some of her talent will flow into my brain by osmosis. Mary Connealy because she makes me laugh. Francine Rivers because I want to find out her secret to success. Laurie Alice Eakes because she’s a volume of historical information and a good friend of mine, and Louise M. Gouge because she writes with such finesse and she’s a charming lady. There’s so many more too!! Wish I could invite them all!

I love all of these authors, too. We are so blessed to know them. Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

I don’t think it matters how many books you have published, the pressures are the same for all writers. Being published doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get another contract. I have to submit proposals and sample chapters just like everyone else. And I get rejections just like everyone else! But I do think there’s an extra pressure on an author who has several books published. And that is to not only keep producing excellent work, but to surpass the last book you wrote. I always feel the stress to produce better and better stories, and sometimes that’s hard to do each time. I praise God for the books He’s allow me to publish. But one thing I’ve learned, the grass on the other side truly isn’t always as green as it looks!

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

A timid American farm girl at the mercy of the enemy. . .
A wounded British sailor driven into hiding. . .
Both are about to change the course of history forever.

When British soldiers invade Baltimore amid the War of 1812, Rose McGuire, alone on her family farm, is easy prey for a brutal lieutenant. In the midst of the attack, she’s saved by British 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Reed. Will she now have to heal, as well as hide, this enemy soldier?

Alex hadn’t meant to kill his superior, nor get shot in the process. Now badly wounded, he’s at the mercy of this tomboy who obviously hates him. Can he trust her or will she turn him over to the Americans?

Rose is having trouble keeping Alex hidden from her family, the townspeople, and the man intent on courting her. Will the discovery of Alex’s presence force her to accept an abhorrent proposal?

As their love blooms, trouble looms, for the British are on the move again. This time, their target is Washington, DC. Will these young lovers at heart find themselves enemies at war?

I love it. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Baltimore, Maryland, August 3, 1814

Gong. Gong. Gong. The evening air reverberated with warning bells from St. Peter’s church. Rose McGuire halted in her trek to the pigsty and gazed across the shadowy farm. Musket fire echoed in the distance. The British were on the move again. Punctuating the unrest crackling through the air, shards of maroon and saffron shot across the western sky, bringing into focus the line of cedar and pine trees that marked the end of civilization and the beginning of the dense forest of Maryland.

Gong. Gong. Gong. The eerie chime scraped a chill down Rose’s spine.

She glanced back at the brick house in the distance. Though she had yet to spy a redcoat anywhere near her farm, she should go back inside. Swallowing her fear, she emptied the bucket of slops into the pig trough, Grunts and snorts amassed in the putrid air above the enclosure, drawing her attention to her favorite pig, who waddled toward her to receive his evening scratch. Kneeling, she reached her hand in between the fence posts. “Hi, Prinney.” His moist, stiff hair bristled against her hand as he lifted his head beneath her caress and nudged against the wooden railings, while the rest of the pigs devoured their kitchen scraps.

“You’ll miss your dinner, Prinney. Better get some before it’s gone.” Rose stood and dabbed her sleeve over the perspiration on her forehead. A light breeze, laden with the smells of hay and honeysuckle, brushed her golden curls across her face. Flicking them aside, she drew in a deep breath, hoping the familiar scents would calm her nerves.

Men and their wars. She hated the war, hated the alarms, hated the violence. But most of all she hated the fear. Two years was far too long to live in constant terror of being overrun by a ruthless enemy.

Picking up her bucket, she hastened to the barn, gazing at her tiny garden as she went. Even in the dim light, she could make out the patches of red and yellow of the nearly ripe tomatoes and the spindly silk atop ripe ears of corn. She smiled. Despite the war, life went on.

Musket shot peppered the air. Pop. Pop. Pop. Somewhere close by, soldiers were being shot at or a settler was defending his land—somewhere close by people were dying. Fear prickled her skin. Just a few more chores and she would go inside. Rose began humming a song her father taught her when she was young. She could still hear his baritone voice as he sang the words—words that always seemed to calm her.

Oh fare the well, my little turtle dove,
And fare thee well for-a-while;
But though I go I’ll surely come again,
If I go ten thousand mile, my dear,
If I go ten thousand mile.

Setting the bucket down on the dirt floor of the barn, Rose eased beside Liverpool, her milk cow. Why the song allayed her fears she could not say, for it was nothing but a lie. Her father had not even gone ten thousand miles away. Yet he had never returned. Rose shooed a fly from the animal’s face and planted a kiss on her nose, eliciting a moo from the friendly cow and a jealous neigh from Valor, Rose’s filly in the adjoining stall.

“Don’t vex yourself, Valor. I’ll take care of you next.”

“Rose!” Aunt Muira’s voice rang from their home across the small yard.

Rose needed no further encouragement. She would attend to the animals later. “Coming!” she shouted as she made her way through the barn, nearly stumbling over Georgiana, one of her chickens. Squawking, the bird darted across the hay-strewn floor.

Gong. Gong. Gong.

Alarm gripped Rose’s stomach. Did the signal mean what she thought? Surely the British would not come this close to Baltimore.

Wow! How can readers find you on the Internet?

http://www.mltyndall.com/
http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/marylu.tyndall

Thank you for dropping by again, MaryLu.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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A HEART MOST WORTHY - Siri Mitchell - Free Book

I have loved all of Siri's books. Welcome, Siri. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Most often, I’ve written about the idea that the only thing worth being is yourself and that God loves you just the way you are. We create big problems in our lives when we don’t consider ourselves worthy of accepting God’s love.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

A Heart Most Worthy released at the beginning of March. My next book, The Messenger, will be releasing in spring of 2012.

I must feature it on my blog. If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Anyone on staff at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Decorative Arts/Textile and Costume area. I love history and fashion and the Foundation does such an excellent job of research and documentation that it would be a dream come true to spend an evening listening to them talk about period clothing.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I would be thrilled to meet any of the characters from my historicals because I would love to know if I got it right. If the general lifestyle I described in my books is the lifestyle my characters would have lived.

That would be interesting. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

For ten years, I only received rejections and I received 153 of them. Success in this business often comes from persevering and learning from your writing mistakes. Hang in there!

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

A Heart Most Worthy is a story set in 1918 among a group of Italian immigrants. The best elements of Romeo and Juliet, Snow White, and The Boy Next Door collide in the teeming streets of Boston’s colorful North End. Each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on gowns for the elite of society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, they long to be found worthy of the love they seek.

I know I'm going to love this one, too. Please give us the first page of the book.

On May 2, 1918, a short article appeared in the Boston Globe. It was only three sentences long; not an article really. Just a mention. It appeared on page twenty-four on the outside column, where most people hold on to a newspaper. I'm sure you wouldn't be very surprised to know that few people noticed it as they read the paper that morning and several people smeared jam on it as they turned the page. Only a very few read it.

* * *

COUNT BLOWN UP

Heiress Disappears

On the night of April 12, the Count of Roma was assassinated by an anarchist's bomb at his house in that eternal city. His mother, the contessa, and his daughter were not harmed in the blast, but were later found to have disappeared. The new count suggests sinister persons may be involved.

* * *

Rare was the person who consulted the Globe those days for any news other than the war. There were no tears in America to spare for luckless Italian counts and their vanished daughters; there were still too many left to shed for lost sons and wounded fathers. For the scores—the hundreds, the thousands—being killed on the battlefields of Europe every day. So it could be expected that a small article about an insignificant foreign incident, buried in the depths of the newspaper, garnered little attention.

Except that actions committed on one side of the world have a way of impacting the other. And people previously unknown to one another happen to meet all the time. In the Italian-speaking North End that day, copies of the Globe were used to wrap fish and line cupboards, while up on Beacon Hill, the newspaper was read from page to page, top to bottom. And in one particular house, the lady of that mansion sniffed as she sipped her tea and thought how it was just like an Italian to be blown up by one of his own kind.

Two of the people mentioned in the article had access to the paper that day, but the hapless heiress couldn't read English, and the sinister persons were too busy hatching evil plans to bother with a propaganda tool of the capitalists' machinations. And so the fact that there had been an assassination registered on no one in particular. And life went on just the way it usually does.

But fate has a way of laughing at human ignorance and God spins mysterious plans, and by August that Italian count's death would start to matter very much to quite a few people who had never known him at all.

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

I would love them to visit my page at Facebook or to look up my website at http://sirimitchell.com/ And I love to hear from readers at siri@sirimitchell.com

Thanks so much, Lena, for this opportunity to visit your blog!

I've loved having you here again, Siri.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.


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ABIGAIL'S NEW HOPE - Mary Ellis - Free Book

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

I’m very happy writing for the super-duper folks at Harvest House. I hope I can continue writing fiction for them well into the future.

Tell us a little about your family.

Not much family to speak of. I’ve been married forever, and have an adopted dog and cat.

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

Not really, I have always had varied and divergent reading tastes. I love literary fiction like Tracey Chevalier and cozy mysteries, and everything in between.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on the second in the Wayne County Ohio series featuring a romantic love-triangle (of a mild sort…)

Sounds interesting. I'd love to feature it on the blog, too. What outside interests do you have?

American history, swimming and snorkeling, wilderness/wildlife preservation, community/Christian service with the homeless, etc., and trying to lose weight without giving up candy, cake and cookies.

My husband and I have long been involved in ministry to the homeless. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I take many day-trips and weekend getaways to scout the counties I wish to feature in my books.

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

I suppose it would Abe Lincoln. I would love to ask him what things he would do differently during the Civil War if he had to do it over.

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

That every story is a work-in-progress until the moment it goes to the printers. I originally thought that once I committed an event/person/attitude to a story, it became set in stone. What a silly notion!

Yes, enter copy editors. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

To step back and get out of His way. I have a tendency to worry, stress, and over-think upcoming events. If I simply allow Him to take the helm, things work out for the best. And I sleep better at night.

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

Work on your writing every day, or at least six days a week, even if it’s a short while. Otherwise you lose your train-of-thought. Give your best writing time to writing, not to email, blogs, or loops. Be patient with yourself if the world isn’t ready to recognize your personal “genius” yet.

Tell us about the featured book.

Abigail’s New Hope is a dual story about a pair of sisters. Abby, an Amish midwife, gets put in jail when a delivery goes horribly wrong. When her sister comes to tend Abby’s children, she finds (and falls in love with) a deaf recluse living in the back cabin that everyone is their district had erroneously thought simple-minded.

Sounds intriguing. Please give us the first page of the book.

Abigail’s New Hope by Mary Ellis

June

“Come help us, mamm.” The excited voice of her six-year-old floated across the lawn. Abby grinned, watching her daughter and four-year-old son chase lightning bugs through the grass with open jelly jars in hand. Despite the kinners’ industrious efforts, the fireflies successfully evaded capture to blink and glow on another night.

“Why are you two off the porch? You both were already washed for bed.” Abby walked back from the barn with her palms perched on her hips.

She glanced up as a squeak from the screen door signaled the arrival of the final Graber family member, her ehemann of seven years. “I thought you were reading them a story,” she said with a sly smile.

Daniel slicked a hand through his thick hair, his hat nowhere in sight; then braced calloused palms against the porch rail. “Relax, wife. That grass looks pretty clean from where I’m standing. You won’t have to start from scratch. Didn’t it just rain the other day?” His smile deepened the lines around his eyes. With the setting sun glinting off his sun-burnished nose, he looked as mischievous as one of their children.

Abby watched the warm summer night unfold around her family with no desire to scold. The young ones would have the rest of their lives to have perfectly clean feet, but the summers of childhood were numbered. Besides, it was too nice an evening for anyone to go to bed on time. Walking up the porch steps, she stepped easily into Daniel’s strong arms and rested her head against his shoulder. Within his embrace, with her two healthy offspring darting like honeybees in spring clover, she savored the almost-longest day of the year.

I like it. How can readers find you on the Internet?

I can be found at http://www.maryeellis.wordpress.com/

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

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

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

Marianne (AZ) is the winner of In the Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll.
Collettakay (PA) is the winner of Springtime of the Spirit by Maureen Lang.

Apple Blossom (ND) is the winner of A Dad of His Own by Gail Gaymer Martin.

Kari Linder (OR) is the winner of Unforgettable by Trish Perry.
Lorna (Alberta) is the winner of No Safe Haven by Kim and Kayla Woodhouse.

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MINE IS THE NIGHT - Liz Curtis Higgs - Free Book

I'm thrilled to feature Liz on my blog again. She was on the first Christian writers email loop I was on way back when I first connected to the Internet. Welcome, Liz. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love this question, simply because I write in so many genres! Children's picture books, like Go Away, Dark Night, speak to a far broader audience than the genre might suggest, since they're read aloud by teachers, parents, grandparents, librarians, babysitters—the list goes on and on. One little story can reach lots of hearts! I write nonfiction books because I love exploring God's Word and helping my readers do the same, with titles like Bad Girls of the Bible and Embrace Grace. I write historical novels like Here Burns My Candle and Mine Is the Night because detailed historical research and storytelling are both pure joy for me, and because character-driven novels are a way to reach my sisters in Christ who share my passion for fiction.

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

The day I married my wonderful husband, Bill Higgs! As it happens, we will celebrate our silver anniversary on March 14, 2011, the day before Mine Is the Night releases. We were a bit older than some couples when we married (32 and 34), yet it was a first marriage for both of us. We always say we looked for each other collectively for 66 years! Believe me, he was SO worth the wait. What a good and godly man I found!

Congratulations to you and Bill. How has being published changed your life?

It's tempting to say, "Only the Lord can change a life," because that's the truth of it. Still, being published has in fact changed my day-to-day life by expanding the number of women with whom I can share God's love and grace. It's both wonderful and daunting to think in terms of ministering to thousands of audience members, and tens of thousands of readers. I so want to be fully available to all the many sisters who ask for prayer, for encouragement, for direction, yet I am limited by time and resources, as we all are. I do my very best to be approachable on Facebook and Twitter, via my website and snail mail. And I remind myself daily that Jesus had time for a bleeding woman. It's my heart's desire to follow his lead and make time for those around me who certainly deserve my attention, all the while meeting the needs of my family and keeping the promises I've made to my publisher.

Yes, that's a balance that we all have to work toward. What are you reading right now?

I just finished reading a fabulous novel releasing in June 2011, Thief by Linda Windsor, an historical set in late sixth-century Scotland during the time of King Arthur. It's truly wonderful! And I'm in the middle of reading another very promising historical coming out in August 2011, To Die For by Sandra Byrd, set in sixteenth-century England during the Tudor period. So well done! Next up is Julie Lessman's September 2011 novel, A Heart Revealed, set in Boston in the 1930s (practically a contemporary for me!). Can't wait to get started on that one.

When we're reading books for endorsement, which I've done a couple of times since the first of the year too, it's a thrill to see what God is doing with other author's works. What is your current work in progress?

After writing two historical novels, I'm returning to nonfiction with a verse-by-verse look at the story I’ve been immersed in for the last five years: the book of Ruth! Like my Bad Girls of the Bible series, my next nonfiction book will filter solid, biblical research through a storyteller’s lens, yet with an entirely different approach than I've done before. And did I mention it will be fun?! Look for that one in Summer 2012.

I'd love to feature that on this blog. I do occasional nonfiction books. What would be your dream vacation?

Spending May and June traveling through the Celtic lands—Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Wales, Brittany—staying at different B&Bs from week to week, meeting people from around the world, while soaking up all that lovely history. "Dream" is the right word for it—we could never afford so extended a vacation!—but it's grand to imagine it.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Actually, Scotland chose me two decades ago! Though I've collected books about other parts of the planet, thinking I might place a series there someday, I keep coming back to my adopted homeland. The farmlands of Galloway suited my first novels about a shepherd, beginning with Thorn in My Heart. The Isle of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, seemed a good fit for young Davina McKie in Grace in Thine Eyes. Edinburgh hosted bonny Prince Charlie in the autumn of 1745, so naturally that's where Here Burns My Candle took place. And for Mine Is the Night, the ancient burgh of Selkirk in the Borderland was a fitting choice, since it's surrounded by cultivated fields, like Bethlehem itself.

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

Eugene Peterson, author of The Message. His body of work reveals incredible wisdom, a pastor's heart, and boundless gifts as a writer and teacher. I'd love to simply sit at his feet and hear his thoughts on the Church today, on discipleship, on writing, on ministry, and on how we might best serve the Lord with gladness.

And I love the music that he's written as well as using The Message for devotional reading. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Traveling, whether near or far, camera in hand. Visiting botanical gardens, art museums, and historic properties. Watching movies, especially period films. Lunching with friends. Curling up with my cat or my husband or both.

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

In writing novels I sometimes struggle with drawing out leading ladies who won't talk to me. Despite my best efforts to flesh out a main character's personality, to understand her back story, to sort out her goals and motives, sometimes my female protagonists refuse to bare their souls on the page. Secondary and bit characters appear without any real work on my part. From their first words I see and hear them, pick up on their mannerisms, and grasp what makes them tick. But my heroines are far harder for me to pin down—unless they're Bad Girls, of course. That kind of woman I get! To overcome this obstacle, I interview my characters at length, like a counselor might question a patient: prodding at tender spots, looking for vulnerabilities. I'm often surprised at what my characters reveal in such sessions, and how much their honesty affects me. Then I simply get out of their way and let them step into the light, flaws and all.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read great books, the surest method for writing better books yourself. Attend writers conferences, where it's wise to do more listening than talking. Join the Christian Writers Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, a local writing group—whatever your calendar and budget can afford. Finally, write every day. Force yourself to stay on task until you have a respectable number of words written. If you have only an evening, that might be 300-500 words. If you have all day, your goal might be 1,000-1,500 words. Every write works at his own pace. The key is to find your rhythm and keep it going. Every day. Every day. Every day.

Tell us about the featured book.

The emotional and spiritual journey that began with Here Burns My Candle soars to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a dramatic and decidedly Scottish retelling of the biblical love story of Boaz and Ruth, transported to eighteenth-century Selkirkshire.

Reeling from the aftermath of bonny Prince Charlie's disastrous bid to reclaim the British throne, Marjory Kerr and her daughter-in-law, Elisabeth, have lost everything they hold dear—husbands, sons, houses, titles, and possessions. But they have not lost hope.

With only the Almighty and each other to depend upon, Marjory and Elisabeth discover they are stronger and more resourceful than they’d imagined. So is the God they love and serve, and the heroic kinsman he brings their way. A timeless tale of redemption and restoration, Mine Is the Night serves up an ending that isn’t merely happy—it’s transcendent.

Your books are always amazing, and this one is as well. Please give us the first page of the book.

Foul whisperings are abroad.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Selkirkshire
26 April 1746

The distant hoofbeats were growing louder.

Elisabeth Kerr quickly pushed aside the curtain and leaned out the carriage window. A cool spring rain, borne on a blustery wind, stung her cheeks. She could not see the riders on horseback, hidden by the steep hill behind her. But she could hear them galloping hard, closing the gap.

Her mother-in-law seemed unconcerned, her attention drawn to the puddle forming at their feet. A frown creased her brow. “Do you mean for us to arrive in Selkirk even more disheveled than we already are?” Three long days of being jostled about in a cramped and dirty coach had left Marjory Kerr in a mood as foul as the weather.

“’Tis not the rain that concerns me.” Elisabeth resumed her seat, feeling a bit unsteady. “No ordinary traveling party would ride with such haste.”

Marjory’s breath caught. “Surely you do not think—”

“I do.”

Had they not heard the rumors at every inn and coaching halt? King George’s men were scouring the countryside for anyone who’d aided bonny Prince Charlie in his disastrous bid to reclaim the British throne for the long-deposed Stuarts. Each whispered account was worse than the last. Wounded rebel soldiers clubbed to death. Houses burned with entire families inside. Wives and daughters ravished by British dragoons.

Help us, Lord. Please. Elisabeth slipped her arm round her mother-in-law’s shoulders as she heard the riders crest the hill and bear down on them.

“We were almost home,” Marjory fretted.

“The Lord will rescue us,” Elisabeth said firmly, and then they were overtaken. A male voice cut through the rain-soaked air, and the carriage jarred to a halt.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/
Free e-newsletters: http://www.LizCurtisHiggs.com/newsletters.htm
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LizCurtisHiggs
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/LizCurtisHiggs
Travel Photos: http://www.Flickr.com/LizCurtisHiggs/sets

Here is a list of Liz's current books in print in addition to Mine Is the Night:


NonfictionBad Girls of the Bible, 2004 ECPA Gold Book Award
Really Bad Girls of the Bible, Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Unveiling Mary Magdalene, Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Rise and Shine: Encouragement to Start Your Day
Embrace Grace, 2007 Retailers Choice Award Winner
My Heart's in the Lowlands: Ten Days in Bonny Scotland
Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible, 2008 Retailers Choice Award Winner

Video Bible Study
Loved by God, Now in 4,000 churches

Children's

The Pumpkin Patch Parable, 1998 Gold Medallion Award Winner
The Parable of the Lily, 1998 Gold Medallion Award Winner
The Sunflower Parable, 1998 Gold Medallion Award Winner
The Pine Tree Parable, 1998 Gold Medallion Award Winner
Go Away, Dark Night

Fiction
Mixed Signals, 2000 Rita Award Finalist
Bookends, 2001 Christy Award Finalist
Thorn in My Heart, Christian Fiction Bestseller
Fair Is the Rose, Christian Fiction Bestseller
Whence Came a Prince, 2006 Christy Award Winner
Grace in Thine Eyes, 2007 Christy Award Finalist
Here Burns My Candle, 2010 RT Book Reviews Award Finalist

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