The winner of the Muncie Chapman book is

. . .Cherie Japp.

Cherie, please contact me with your contact information, so we can get the book to you.

Remember, readers, there's still time to leave comments on Barbara Warren's interview.

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

Barbara Warren, Author of The Gathering Storm

I met Barbara online and have become good friends with her. I'm happy to introduce her novel The Gathering Storm. Her work has been compared to the writing of Terri Blackstock, Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney, Mary Stewart, Hannah Alexander, and Colleen Coble. I'm sure you'll find this mystery intriguing.

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

Apparently quite a bit. The manuscript I’m working on now has a sarcastic, smart-mouthed, older woman my friends say reminds them of me. I think we all put some of ourselves into our characters. It’s only natural.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Let Cheryl Hodde talk me into backpacking the Grand Canyon, not once, not twice, but three times, and all that, after I had promised God the first time if He got me out of that hole alive I would never do anything so stupid again. The last time I walked out I knew it would be my last trip down inside. I stopped at the top of every slope, looking back, trying to fix it in my memory.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I think I’ve always known. I’ve scribbled in notebooks for as long as I can remember, and I loved writing themes in school. I didn’t get serious about it until after Charlie and I were married and moved back to the farm. Now, it’s an obsession. If I don’t have time to write I get cranky.

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

Since I review books, I read almost every genre, but my personal choice for fiction is mysteries. For non-fiction I prefer history, politics, and religious. I’m so addicted to reading, lacking anything else I’d read the labels on my spice jars. I can’t imagine a world without something to read.

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

A ton of them. Four private eye novels, three romantic suspense, one humorous inspirational non-fiction, two women’s fiction, and my current manuscript about five older women who start a club to solve murders, just as soon as they can find one. If I sell them all, I’ll be rich. Jireh has my second romantic suspense under consideration, and I have an agent interested in the older women mystery.

Good. I'm sure we'll see more of these in print soon. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I cherish the days I’m free to stay home, read, and work in my flowers. Unfortunately those days don’t come often enough. However my work as a freelance editor requires me to spend hours alone in front of my computer, and that helps. I need a lot of time by myself.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I don’t deliberately choose them. The names just seem to be there when I need them and they seem to fit. I’m not sure how that works, but it does. I don’t understand a lot about how writing works. I don’t mean the mechanics, we can learn those; I mean the way we know our characters, the way we know the story, the way it comes alive in our minds. It has to be a gift from God, because there is no reasonable explanation for the way a writer’s mind works. It’s amazing.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Teaching Sunday school in my church for forty consecutive years. It’s been a blessing and a privilege. The first lesson I taught, I was so nervous I had it memorized. If anyone had interrupted me I would have forgotten the whole thing. Now, of course, it’s much easier. I started out teaching women, then went to the young married class, then youth, and now am back teaching women. I have a wonderful class of sisters in Christ, and I love and appreciate them very much.

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

A puppy, of course, because I’m so cute and loveable, but there are times when I’m more like an old mama lion. I guess it depends on my mood.

What is your favorite food?

Fried chicken. That’s the way Cheryl got me out of the canyon the first time. I would stop after about twenty steps, sure I couldn’t go on and she would sing out, “Fried Chicken.” Got me going again every time. My motor doesn’t run on trail mix and Gatorade. It needs real food.

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

The Gathering Storm is set in the beautiful Ozarks, where I live. Marty Walker, Stephanie’s famous songwriter father, hasn’t spent much time doing the Daddy bit. When someone murders him she becomes the prime suspect, simply because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sheriff Rob Daughtery warns her not to leave Harrington Lodge without his permission. A half-sister she never knew she had shows up for the reading of the will, and the knife that killed Marty is planted in Stephanie’s room. Perhaps the most troubling of all, to man-shy Stephanie, is her growing attraction to Brad Wilson, ex-con, turned preacher. And then there’s God, who won’t leave her alone. Everyone at the lodge, except Stephanie, seems to be religious, but if her suspicions are right, one of those dedicated, church-going Christians murdered her father. Will she be next?

Lena, thank you for having me on your site for this interview. I’ve enjoyed it very much. I think it’s great all you do to promote Christian fiction and your fellow writers.

Thank you, Barbara. God encouraged me to dedicate my blog to giving exposure to other authors, and He has repaid my obedience many times over.

Remember, Readers, to leave a comment on this interview for a chance to win a copy of The Gathering Storm. Also, there's still time to leave a comment on Muncy's interview.

A 2-Book Winner

Terri Gillespie is the winner of two of Nikki Arana's books. Terri, Nikki will be getting in touch with you about this.

Winners! We have a winner every week, and everyone who leaves a comment on an author interview has an opportunity to be that winner.

There's still time to leave a comment on Muncy Chapman's interview.

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

Greetings from. . .

. . .the American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year. The women in the critique group that meets in my home had all voted for me. Of course, more people did, too, or I wouldn't have received the award. We were mostly sitting together. After we finished eating the banquet, I went out to powder my nose, so to speak. Pam Meyers started reading the announcement, and I wasn't back. My friends were becoming nervous.

Thankfully, Pam read a long list of all who had been nominated. I actually didn't hear that list. When I returned, she was reading e-mails. I started putting on lipstick and trying to figure out who it was. One of the people I thought of wasn't even nominated, but I didn't know that since I didn't hear the list.

When Pam read my name, I dropped everything. On the way to the stage, I couldn't remember if I had finished putting on the lipstick or not.

Here is the trophy.

Thank you, everyone who voted for me. I think at least three-fourths of the attendees found me sometime Saturday night to congratulate me. I was really hoarse from all the talking.

As you can see from the following photo, several of the people who I've helped either finaled in the Genesis contest (Lynne Gentry), won a Genesis category (Cheryl Wyatt), or won in a Book of the Year category. Actually, Pamela Griffin, one of the first people I mentored and a multi-published author for several years, won two Book of the Year categories. I'm very proud of these women.

Just take a good look at the others. They will soon be published, as will the others who didn't stay for the picture.

Check back in a couple of days. I'll have more conference pictures up on the blog.

Bonnie Engstrom is the winner of. . .

. . .Windswept Weddings.

Bonnie, please send me your mailing address so we can send it out to you.

By the way:

A great big congratulations to Nikki Arana for taking first place in her category in the Book of the Year Contest at the national American Christian Fiction Writers conference this weekend.

Muncy Chapman

This week we're talking to Muncy Chapman, who has written several books. She's been published by Heartsong Presents, who has published many of my books, too. Leave a comment for a chance to win the featured book.

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

Almost all of my stories are set in my home state of Florida, and I include a lot of real life situations. In my first novel, What Love Remembers, although I didn’t realize it, my three daughters told me the protagonist, Kristen Kelly, was just like me. I’m not so sure about that, but they seem to think so. We once owned a vacation house on one of Florida’s beautiful barrier islands, so lot of the things that happen in that first book actually happened to us or to someone we knew.

We once lived in a condominium, and my book, Condomania, is loaded with events from those years. Of course, all the characters are fictional, but some seem to bear a striking resemblance to people who lived nearby.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Gee, I don’t know. Maybe riding in a hot air balloon race. (We won!)

That's cool. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve been making up stories and poems ever since I learned to hold a pencil. It’s an inborn passion.

That's right. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading. I read every day. My interests are expansive. In addition to daily Bible reading, I like inspirational romance, mystery, historical, just about everything. I don’t like erotic books. I’m not a prude, but I think it’s much more romantic to “keep the bedroom door closed.” I believe a really good story doesn’t need a “crutch” to stand on.

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

My husband and I collaborate to write historical novels set in the early Florida Territory. So far, I’ve had twelve of my books published. My favorite, Search for Samantha, has not been published. It doesn’t really fit a specific genre, and it’s pretty long, so I haven’t been able to market it yet. Maybe I’ll keep trying, but right now I have too much else going on. Blue Glass Candy Jar is under consideration by a major publishing house, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

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

I try to keep my priorities straight. God is first, of course, but my family and their needs come way ahead of writing. With a wonderful husband, 4 married children, 11 grandchildren, and one tiny great-granddaughter, I am constantly celebrating birthdays, engagements, weddings, births, etc. My happiest times are spent with my family. Daily prayer and Bible reading helps to keep everything in focus.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Sometimes I use the names of my family members, friends, or someone I know, but sometimes a character almost seems to name him- or herself. I wonder myself where some of the names come from.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I am a member of National League of American Pen Women. In 2003, at their annual state convention, they honored me with their annual Florida Achievement Award. But at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’ll have to say that I consider my children my greatest achievement. They’ve all made me very proud.

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

A dolphin. I enjoy watching them roll and play in the Gulf of Mexico. They’re happy, harmless, and lovable creatures who seem to love the Florida sun and sand as much as I do.

What is your favorite food?

I like all Spanish and Italian food. I also like Southern soul-food, like black-eyed peas, cornbread, collard greens, okra, etc. And yes, I like grits with my eggs!

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

I’d like to think the reviewer was right when she said One Small Spark was a book all teenagers should read. It’s an adult book, though, so I think I’d hope all parents and grandparents of teenagers would read it too. This same reviewer said One Small Spark should be on the New York Times bestseller list, and I wouldn’t mind that either, of course! :-) It was a fun book to write, and I hated to let the characters go after I finished it.

Thank you for spending time with us, Muncy. We'll hope for the publication of Blue Glass Candy Jar right along with you.

Readers, remember to leave a comment for a chance to win One Small Spark.

There's still time to leave a comment for a chance to win the two Nikki Arana books. And come back next week to see if you won. We'll have a new interview up then.

Nikki Arana

I first met Nikki through American Christian Fiction Writers. Then I read her first book, Winds of Sonoma. It's wonderful--a book every Christian in the U.S. needs to read, considering the current political climate. The two sequels to Winds of Sonoma have been published. In the Shade of the Jacaranda and The Fragrance of Roses.

I just finished reading the last book. This series deals with cross-culture marriage in a sensitive story, which reveals amazing spiritual depths. The true connection of the loving Father with our everyday lives will grab your heart and increaset your adoration of Him.

We will be giving away a free copy of Winds of Sonoma and In the Shade of the Jacaranda. If you don't win and go out to buy a copy, you need to get all three at once. You'll want to go straight to the next one. What a wonderful family saga that shows the human condition in various situations and graphically depicts the spiritual journeys of all the participants.

Welcome, Nikki, I can hardly wait to meet you face-to-face. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I would say there is a part of me in every character. Of course The Winds of Sonoma was inspired by the story of how I met and married my husband, so Angelica, the heroine is VERY much like me. In book 2, In the Shade of the Jacaranda, Maclovia’s beliefs about God are very close to my own.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Fly to Guadalajara, Mexico, on faith, to find a one-legged man. Rent a car, drive two hours northwest of the city, go into a rundown open-air restaurant, find him, and interview him. You may be able to guess why I went looking for him if you read In the Shade of the Jacaranda.

I've been to Guadalajara, and I've even ridden with a missionary friend for hours through the Sierra Madres to a small pueblo. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

At the age of 52, when I wrote a magazine article on a lark and sold it. That led to more freelancing and more sales. But to tell you the truth, I still kind of wonder about it.

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

I read a lot more nonfiction than I do fiction. I love Watchman Nee and Jeanne Guyon. In fiction I love the classics, especially the Bronte sisters.

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

The only books I have written are those that Revell has published or will soon publish. Which is the three books of the Regalo Grande series and one stand-alone that I am finishing now to be published next year.

I should have asked you to explain the meaning of Regalo Grande, but I didn't. My understand is that it means "large or great gift." Our blog visitors will have to read the series to find out why that is importatnt to the stories. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Becoming a writer was way out of my comfort zone. I was a very successful real estate broker for almost thirty years. I find the writing life much less hectic than my previous years selling real estate sixty hours a week. But I find it far more stressful because I must have the faith that God will express His creativity through me each day. Rather than waking in the morning with the attitude I will make things happen, I have to start my day surrendering to Him, listening for His voice and trying to be an empty vessel for the story He wants to tell. I’m still learning.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Some names I choose for their meaning. Like Manuel means God is with us. Other times I choose names that will stick with the reader because a character isn’t going to be mentioned for a few chapters. And of course there are those minor characters that family and friends expect to have as namesakes.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I don’t think proud would be the right word. But the thing I am most grateful for is the deepening of my spiritual walk that God orchestrated by calling me to write. I have never felt more fulfilled or more joyous than I feel right now.

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

A rich old lady’s poodle. The thought of being pampered has real appeal right now.

What is your favorite food?

Mexican!! If it’s on the menu, I’ll love it.

I agree with you. I love Mexican food--Tex Mex, Mexicali, and the actual food from Mexico.

Thank you, Nikki, for spending this time with us. I can hardly wait for the next book. Remember, Readers, leave a comment on this interview for a chance to win a copy of Winds of Sonoma and In the Shade of the Jacaranda. Someone will win; it might as well be you. And there's still time to leave a comment on Lynette's interview for a chance to win a copy of Windswept Weddings, which also contains a book by yours truly.

Ronie is the Winner

of the Ginger Garrett book. Be sure to send me your mailing address.

Readers, I will put up another interview later today. For the next four days, I will be busy getting ready for the American Fiction Writers national conference in Dallas. Woo!!! Hoo!!! It will be a wonderful time of learning, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.

Don't forget the Public Book Signing next Saturday, September 23, at 4:30 pm at the Addison Marriott Quorum at the Galleria. The hotel is located just north of the Galleria on Dallas North Parkway. Come meet your favorite Christian fiction authors. Be sure to stop by my table and tell me that you read my blog.

Because of the conference, the new winner and interview for the next week will have to happen after I come home on Sunday or Monday.

My Friend, Lynette Sowell

Readers, you met Lynette when we did the intro blog for the book Windswept Weddings that we did along with Rachel Hauck, President of American Christian Fiction Writers, and multi-published author Pamela Griffin. Now I want you to get to know Lynette better. I've known her for years through our association with ACFW. Since she lives in driving distance from me, we've also socialized away from the writing world. I've known for several years that she would be published. Her writing style is refreshing. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Windswept Weddings.

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

I wouldn't say my characters are autobiographical, but I sometimes try to draw on some of my own experiences, especially through emotions. In Heart's Refuge, my heroine Krista had been betrayed by her hero and discovers she still deals with trust issues. Who hasn't been betrayed by someone we love? I drew on those feelings as I wrote her story. The same for Luke, her once fallen and now restored hero. He battles guilt over how he'd tossed away both his faith and his love for Krista in the past. I truly hope readers can relate to Luke and Krista. Christians fail themselves and others all the time, and I believe there's as much redemption for them as for a brand-new convert.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

On a road trip during college in 198--, some friends and I removed the foot-high letter "U" from a restaurant's light-up menu sign that originally read "TRY OUR NEW MENU."

You naughty girl! When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In fourth grade, I wrote a story and made it into a film titled, The Mystery of the Uranium Cave. Yes, I read lots of Nancy Drew books. The film won the Worcester County Maryland Children's film festival. After that I had a terrific English teacher in fifth grade who encouraged creative writing. I just assumed it was something that everyone could do. In the years that followed, I spent my time trying not to get in trouble while passing stories around class.

That's quite an accomplishment for one so young. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Range is the right word. C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, (some) Dean Koontz, Michael Crichton, Mary Higgins Clark, Robin McKinley, Terri Blackstock, Kristin Billerbeck, Brandilyn Collins, Davis Bunn (his contemporary work), Marilynn Griffith... I could go on and on as I scan the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf near my computer. Mostly a fresh voice and clean tight storytelling captures my attention. To me, the genre isn't as important as the story itself.

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

Heart's Refuge is my first published novella. This month and December, I have two historical novellas releasing in the anthologies Bayou Brides and Brothers of the Outlaw Trail. Then my first novel, A Suspicion of Strawberries, releases in March 2007. I've written four other books and at this point they'll remain unpublished, which is a good thing. There's always a learning curve and I always hope to keep learning.

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

I pray a lot. I'm learning to say no. I'm still working on that because I have good intentions that often fall short. I must force myself to slow down. Besides writing, I work 40+ hours a week at a regular job. I try to keep in mind what truly matters.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I work in medical transcription, a profession where I see hundreds of names every week, so sometimes if a particular first or last name stands out, I'll hang onto it. I like good, sturdy, uncluttered names that the eye can read easily. I also like simple ethnic names. Many modern names are variations on old spellings, and I think it makes the reader's mind do mental acrobatics every time the name pops up on the page, so I tend to stay away from those.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Becoming an "instant mom" just over eleven years ago. My kids by love and marriage are now 16 and 14. I never dreamed what I was getting myself into by marrying a ready-made family, but I think God for His goodness and help every step of the way.

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

A cat, because of those nine lives and the great fur coat, of course.

What is your favorite food?

I can't pick one, so I'll ramble a list: nacho chips smothered with melted cheese and Rotelle tomatoes; Pizza Hut pan pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms; strawberry smoothies in the summertime; an ice cream sandwich made from vanilla bean ice cream squashed between two chocolate chip cookies. A tossed salad to balance things out (just kidding).

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

I enjoyed getting to know Luke and Krista. Many times romance books end with the engagement, or at least a promise of happily ever after, so I loved exploring this couple's story afterward. That's when I think the real work on a relationship starts in, after you make that promise and say, "I do." Of course, if only Luke and Krista can get to the altar before the town goes up in flames!

Thank you, Lynette, for letting us get to know you better.

Readers, remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Luke and Krista's story and three other stories where the wedding is threatened by a storm of some kind.

Jennifer Y.

You are the winner of a copy of Coldwater Revival by Nancy Jo Jenkins. Be sure to get your mailing address to me. You will really enjoy this read.

By the way, readers, the only thing I do with these addresses is have your book sent to you.

Also, there's still time to leave a comment for a chance to win Dark Hour by Ginger Garrett.

Easy Way to Order Signed Copies of My Books

Just click on the Signed by the Author link under my profile in the right column. Many people collect signed books, so they make wonderful gifts. Or fill your shelves with signed copies of books by Christian authors. Many of my friends also have their publications on the site.

Introducing Ginger Garrett

I've been privileged to have a relationship with Glass Roads PR firm in Nashville, Tennessee. They introduced me to the works of this author. I think you will enjoy reading Ginger's new book Dark Hour.

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

I tend to show up more in the narrative, the description of places and the times. It’s very difficult to write the evil characters, so hopefully, less of me is there!

We certainly hope so. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I am a “Method writer” meaning I want to experience what my characters did: I’ll look up ancient recipes to recreate them, I’ve ordered stones from quarries that my characters would have used thousands of years ago, I try to use the same cosmetics the women did, etc.

That's interesting and sounds like fun. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I tried many times to write a novel and failed. I knew I wasn’t a writer the way some people know they are not singers. But a strange event happened: I agreed to write a nonfiction work on Esther, and somehow it wound up being a novel. There is a mystery behind this story, which I discuss in the writer’s notes of the book Chosen.

Esther is one of my favorite Bible characters. I've spent a lot of time studying her, and I also have written and perform a dramatic monologue of Queen Esther. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I read mainly research materials and archeology articles, and classic fiction. I’m working my way through Time Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Novels of all time. Right now, I’m reading a book on ancient foods and cooking (think prehistoric Martha Stewart), and Look Homeward, Angel.

I love the cover of your book. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I divide my time between novels and nonfiction. My new nonfiction is based on Queen Esther (again!) and is the first Christian rite-of-passage for girls coming of age. It lets girls walk through her story over the course of a year, and is pretty cool. Next year I have a book coming out on the ancient beauty secrets women used—they are incredible tips!

I can hardly wait for the book next year. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I run, run, run. I just finished a 10k race and am training for another one. I have my eye on a half-marathon. Running, without music, is my only quiet moment in the day.

I'm impressed. How do you choose your characters’ names?

That’s the toughest! There are no reliable “ancient baby names” books. I work with a world-class expert in this period of history, and he hammers me about using wrong names. Sometimes I have to create them.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Hiring a maid. My little girl screamed when she saw her bedroom after the first maid’s visit. I raced upstairs to see what was going on and then I understood: she had never seen her bed made! It takes a strong woman to admit she can’t keep up her house.

Well, I haven't hired a maid yet, but my dear husband does most of the housecleaning, including cleaning up the kitchen after I cook. His help leaves me free to write more. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A lion. My house is filled with lion art. If there’s a more glorious animal, I don’t know what it is.

What is your favorite food?

Chocolate! Dark, not very sweet, nuts are okay but fruit is forbidden. Don’t ever serve me chocolate with fruit! Aaagh!

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

When the Da Vinci Code whispers that women were always oppressed by the church, don’t fall for it. Two women battled for the fate of the church: it’s because of one woman’s bravery that the lineage of Christ was continued. It’s an amazing, true story that I hope I did justice to.

I'm sure you did. Ginger, thank you for sharing with us today.

Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Dark Hour. However, if you don't win, be sure to buy this wonderful book.

Jackie

. . .you are the winner of Gail Sattler's book Kentucky Keepers. Please e-mail me with your mailing address, so we can get the book to you.

Remember, readers, there's still time to leave a comment on Nancy Jo Jenkins' interview for a chance to win Coldwater Revival.

A New Voice in Christian Fiction -- Nancy Jo Jenkins

When I first heard about Nancy's book Coldwater Revival, I must confess that I didn't buy into all the hype. The word lyrical was often bandied around. Well, when my book arrived and I started reading it, I finally understood. The book has a literary/lyrical voice, and the story is intriguing. I loved it. I've know her online for quite some time, and I'm looking forward to meeting Nancy Jo face-to-face.

Nancy, how much of yourself do you put into your characters?

There is something of me in all of my characters. But my characters are mainly made up of composites of people I know and have known over the years. Creating characters isn't a conscious thing I do. I just see my character, and know his/her feelings and thoughts. This, along with everything else about my writing, comes to me as a gift from our Heavenly Father.

I know what you mean. Isn't it wonderful when He introduces us to these people? What is the quirkiest thing you've ever done?

I have done so many quirky things in my life, it's hard to pinpoint just one. But what immediately comes to mind is the way I tend to mismatch my stockings with my outfits. For twenty-one years I taught school. I would get up in the predawn and dress, but when I got to school and looked down at my feet, my hoisery/sock/stockings often clashed with what I was wearing. That's what comes to mind, but perhaps I'm just too embarrassed to mention the many other ways I am quirky.

When did you first know that you were a writer?

I knew I was a storyteller from grade-school on. I told stories to my sisters, later my children, my students, and now my grandchildren. I love to tell stories. But I didn't discover that I was a writer until about 5 1/2 years ago. Once I began writing, that was it. I knew then that I was meant to write. I feel writing is one of God's purposes for my life, and I pray I'll be able to write for Him for many more years to come.

What is the range of kinds of books you like to read?

I enjoy reading most fiction, especially historicals, romance and contemporary novels. But if a book has a good story, I'll read it, no matter the genre. Mysteries and time travel also intrigue me.

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

Coldwater Revival is my only completed novel. But I wrote for a long time on my first novel, and then spent some time on a second novel. I completed neither, but I learned so much as I practiced on those two books. I've also written several childrens' books, and hope to get them published someday.

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

It's difficult to hold onto your sanity and keep pace with the demands of life. But I found out early on in my writing that I HAD to seek God before I could attempt any mission or ministry for Him. On the days I don't have my quiet time with God, and don't delve into His Word, then I feel totally lost the entire day. So I make that a priority and He somehow stretches the minutes and hours so that I can keep up with life's demands. My husband helps me a lot, also.

How do you name your characters?

Do you recall the vacuum tubes at the drive-in window of a bank? That's how my characters' names seem to come to me. It's like I put my request for a name in a tube and send it up the way, and it shoots right back down to me - straight from God. I don't always get the name I need the very day I send up my request, but when the names DOES arrive, I have no doubts from Whom it came.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Of the accomplishments I have achieved, I am most proud of my family. My husband, our joined family of children, and our precious grandchildren. Our families are a lasting heritage. Many other accomplishments last but for a short time. But our families just "keep on going" like the bunny in the commercial.

If you could be any animal, which one would you want to be?

I would choose to be a doe. Deer are graceful, beautiful, sure-footed and live together in small herds. And I know that does protect their fawns. So, a doe sounds just like the sort of animal I would choose to be if that were my choice.

What is your favorite food?

I love Tex-Mex food and so does my husband. We eat it a least once a week, and usually more often than that. I lived in El Paso for six years. There the Mexican food is more identifiable to the interior of Mexico. I learned to love that kind of Mexican food also. But Tex-Mex is my favorite.

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

Coldwater Revival is a work of love. I gleaned memories from my childhood, worked with them until they were so deeply embedded in my heart that I felt I was part of the Falin family, of which I wrote. Coldwater Revival is a true-to-life story, with elements of grief-shattering loss, doubts, and a young lady's devastating guilt and shame. But it's also a story of victory, forgiveness and unforgettable restoration for Emma Grace Falin and her family. And it has a very satisfying conclusion.

Thank you for spending this time with us, Nancy. I look forward to your next book.

Remember, Reader, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Coldwater Revival. Someone wins a book every week. It might as well be you.

Also, there's still time to leave a comment on Gail Sattler's interview for a chance to win Kentucky Keepers.

Winner of Nancy Lavo's book

. . .Miss Menace is Debbie C. Please click on the e-mail link under my profile and send me your mailing address, so we can get the book out to you.

There's still time to leave a comment on Gail Sattler's interview.

By the way, who wants to guess what color Gail's hair will be at the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference in Dallas in September?

For more info on the conference, go to www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com .

Gail Sattler. . .

. . .and I have been friends since sometime in the early 1990s. We both have written for Heartsong Presents since then. Actually, Gail was chosen favorite author by the readers of Heartsong five years in a row, so she's in the Hall of Fame. Way to go, Gail. I know that when one of her books comes out, I read it as soon as I can. That girl can really spin a yarn!

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of her featured book Kentucky Keepers.

Gail, tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

It varies. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, and sometimes none. Each character is an individual, just like in real life, each person is an individual

Well said, what is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I once ordered a custom designed screen for the bay window in my living room, which is on the 2nd story and opens onto the roof, to have a special opening for my dog. Over a period of about 10 years I allowed our dog, a Standard Schnauzer to jump out the window onto the roof to watch the neighborhood and let the day go by. It was her favorite pastime. We've had people stop their cars and point. People who were out walking stopped and stared, then jumped in shock when the dog moved, because they didn't think she was real. Strangers have knocked on our door to ask if we knew our dog was on the roof. The only times I didn't allow her to go onto the roof was when it was raining or if it was too hot out there.

I've seen pictures of that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

February 1995. A few months before that I had lost my job when the company I worked for closed. A friend gave me a bunch of books to read, which I really enjoyed because up until that time, I didn't have the time to read like I used to. When I was reading, the thought struck me that I wanted to try to write a book, too, and the rest is history.

Wow, that's very time specific. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Mostly I enjoy romantic comedy, which is why that's what I write. I also enjoy cozy mysteries, because I don't want to read anything violent. In a cozy mystery, any violence happens offscreen, and I like it that way. I also enjoy women's fiction.

Kentucky Keepers has quite a lineup of wonderful authors. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

So far I've had over 30 category romance novels and/or novellas published. What hasn't been published so far is one cozy mystery, which isn't finished, and one mainstream fiction, which also isn't finished.

Readers, you can see all her books at www.gailsattler.com. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

When I need a break, I take one. No one will fall down and die if the housework isn't done, and I'm on a first name basis with the people at the local pizza take-out joint. When I need a break, I read something that someone else wrote that I don't have to comment on.

Sounds like a good plan to me. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I have no pattern or formula. The names just come when I'm thinking the story through as I'm setting out my plot. I look in my local phone book for last names.

I never realized how many authors use the phone book that way. Now why didn't I think of that? What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

That one's easy. My biggest accomplishment is being a multi-published author. It's a lot of work, but it's fun work.

Here are some fun questions. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

This isn't mine, I copied this off the internet somewhere, I don't have the source – I wanna be a bear. If you're a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for six months. I could deal with that. Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that, too. If you're a bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you'resleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that. If you're a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that. If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs. Yup..... I wanna be a bear.

Don't we all? What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. And don't think chocolate isn't a food, because it is. It's soul food.

I totally agree. It especially must be soul food for authors. A lot of them have mentioned chocolate as a favorite in these interviews. Thank you, Gail, for spending time with us today. Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win this book. If you don't win it, go out and buy a copy. You won't be sorry.

Judy G, You Are the Winner

. . .of Andrea Boeshaar's book Always a Bridesmaid. Please click on the e-mail link below my profile and send me your mailing address.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. You still have time to leave comments on Nancy Lavo's interview for a chance to win a copy of Miss Menace.

What is an Alli-Bag? A writer friend of mine, Diane Moody, is also the creator of Alli-Bags. She has created a Lena Nelson Dooley signature bag.

The picture doesn't do it justice. It is beautiful. You can order bags at www.alli-bags.com . For the signature bags, click on the button on the left of the website. There are several bags that have been created for authors. She also has several bags that are on clearance where you can pick up a bargain.

These bags are well-made and sturdy, but every Alli-bag also has a pearl sewn in, because every woman needs a pearl.

A Lena Nelson Dooley signature Alli-bag filled with my books will be featured in the Silent Auction at the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference in September. Where else but in Dallas, Texas? Get all the information on the conference at www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com .

My Friend -- Nancy Lavo

I'm really happy to introduce a long-time friend to you. Nancy and I went to the same church years ago when we each sold our first books to Heartsong. Over the years we've both grown in friendship and as authors. Her most recent book is Miss Menace, published by Heartsong. I loved this delightful contemporary comedy. Remember, if you leave a comment, you'll have a chance to win a free copy of this book.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I don’t consciously put any of myself into my characters. Having said that, I’m certain it’s impossible to filter out my experiences and perceptions from my work. I’m guessing that a bit of me creeps in undetected.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I don’t think I do quirky things, which could mean one of two things. Either I’m a very staid individual or I’m so weird that quirky seems normal to me.

Should I tell them which I think it is? Maybe I'll let them guess. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
My kids gave me an inspirational romance novel for Mother’s Day one year. After I read it, I said, “Hey, I can do that!”

And you do it very well. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Romance, romance, romance. Not much of a range, huh? Occasionally I’ll stray from romance and pick up a popular fiction title or a mystery, but they rarely satisfy like a good romance. I think it’s the guaranteed happy endings of romances that keep me coming back.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
I’ve written five books for Heartsong, and one for Silhouette Romance. I have a couple more completed books collecting dust under my bed.

Well, pull those out, dust them off, do a re-edit, and get them out there. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I walk three miles every day. The fresh air and exercise are a terrific antidote for stress. More importantly I spend time with the Father in prayer and in His word. No matter how crazy things get, He keeps me grounded.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
From the phone book. No kidding. I can come up with first names without any trouble, but last names always stump me. So I flip open a phone book and skim along until I find a name that strikes my fancy. I have been known to borrow my friend’s names for secondary characters.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My precious family. By the grace of God my husband and I have raised three wonderful children who love God and one another. Now that’s what I call an accomplishment!

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a parrot. I talk a lot and favor bright plumage.

I like that. What is your favorite food?
Anything chocolate.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?
I had a great time writing it.

And the readers enjoy reading it. Thank you for giving us this peek into your life, Nancy.

Remember to leave a comment, and there's still time to leave a comment on Andrea Boeshaar's interview.