Interview witth Allison Pittman and Giveaway

I met Allison Pittman this February when she graciously agreed to pick me up at the San Antonio airport and drive me all over the state of Texas. We then had a wonderful week at a writer's retreat, before climbing back into the car for the return trip to the airport. She has such an amazing heart. So I was so excited to read her book, Bridegrooms. And to get this chance to introduce her to you. Without further ado, here she is:

Allison, your latest book is filled with four sisters, each with different methods of coping with a tragedy. I could really relate to Vada and her take charge ways, but also her fatigue of being the strong one. Have you ever found yourself in that position, and if so, what did God teach you?

I have, but in my case, it's not that I perceive myself as being "strong." I simply have control issues! I lead a fairly large writing critique group here in San Antonio. We have close to 40 members meeting weekly, and every few months we offer some sort of one-day workshop, and I always make myself miserable with the planning, setting up, following up, everything. So, a few months ago, we had Cecil Murphey come for a day. He's a great teacher/mentor, and this was going to be a huge event, and I was swamped with so many things (deadline!), so I just told the group, "Hey, you're going to have to do this, and this, and this." And they were, like, "It's about time!" The day was a great success, and I actually enjoyed just showing up! And we were all blessed like crazy.

2) Which sister are you most like?

There's a little of me in each of them, actually! Like Vada, I too often work myself into a mess and then wonder how I got in it. Like Hazel, I am--at my core--a ball of insecurity. Like Althea, I'm often most content in silence (I love when I get a weekend to myself...I'll go days without uttering a word). And, like Lisette, when I do speak, I tend to be witty and, unfortunately, sarcastic. Speak now, deal with the collateral damage later. But, overall, I see myself in Vada, and I was especially close to the chapters near the end of the book when she is just so exhausted. Physically tired because her emotional/spiritual state isn't affording her the rest she needs.

What did God teach you as you were writing this book?

Well, there was this time I met this gorgeous baseball player...kidding! One thing that struck true to me was how Vada dealt with her temptation. Basically, in her prayers, she begged God to keep temptation from her so that she wouldn't have to rely on herself to overcome it. In other words, she was overly reliant on her own strength, rather than realizing that God's strength would be enough to see her through. So, like, I have a weakness for Hostess Cupcakes, and my life would be much easier if God would simply smite those snacks from the Earth. And, He could, but life doesn't happen like that. I need to be able to walk past those cupcakes and know that they just aren't good for me. He's provided so many better alternatives. Some might say that God has better things to do than protect me from Hostess Cupcakes, but my health choices matter to Him. I know my weaknesses, and so does He. So, He can give me the power to head over to the produce section, but then it's up to me to follow through.

What do you hope readers will see with fresh eyes as they read Bridegrooms?

One thing that was really important to me in this book with the character of Vada especially was to address the physicality of a committed romantic relationship. Of course it's a given that sexual intimacy before marriage is sin, but I don't think sexual attraction to the person God has called into your life is. Too often in Christian fiction, our heroines are so repressive of that aspect, and maybe that's because so many romances focus on the building of a relationship to that point of commitment. I found it so exciting to have the story start with a man and woman who have already gone through the initial attraction and courtship to establish a godly relationship. I love how Vada loves Garrison, unafraid to demonstrate her affection, and unafraid to admit (at least to herself), that she wants more of a demonstration from him. Vada, to me, is a great example of how you can be content without "settling."

Has there been a time in your life that God has asked you to step off a cliff to follow Him or chase a dream? Can you tell us about that time? What did you learn from that adventure that you still apply to your life?

When I left my teaching job to write full time...now that was a leap. Throughout my entire last year of teaching I felt I was being disobedient to His calling, and I clearly remember my husband and I talking as we folded and put away laundry when we agreed that I needed to resign. It was like jumping into a lake, but releasing a thousand-pound ankle weight the minute I hit the water. Our income was instantly cut in half, and we're still not quite back to where we were, but other than the fact that I cook more and shop less, our lives haven't changed much. I can't think of a single thing we've had to deny our family. We have the same home, the same cars, and a better TV, so...I've learned that, no matter what, God will meet your needs. And in all circumstances, if you will seek Him, He'll help you clearly define those needs. I've learned that contentment is a choice that can only be made within the boundaries of the Lord. And, like Psalm 16:5-6 says, "...my boundaries are in pretty places."

Tell us a bit about Bridegrooms and where people can find out more about you and your books.

One thing I've said about The Bridegrooms since I typed out the first few chapters: this is, by far, the most "fun" book I've written. It's just lighter. I gave myself permission to run with the story however I wanted to, within basic confines of history and physics. It is, as you mentioned in the first question, a matter of how these four sisters deal with the tragic loss of their mother, but it's also how all four of them perceive and pursue love. It was so much fun to be able to play with different romantic formulas. In fact, Hazel Allenhouse is working with her own pre-suffrage version of eharmony! I think every reader is going to identify with a different character, and I'd love to hear their reactions! Readers can contact me through my website, or, they can friend me on facebook.

Back to Cara: guys, this book is a hoot. I loved reading it and am delighted that I have an extra copy from the publisher to offer to you. So to be entered, leave a comment detailing which sister you think you are most like...based on what Allison said above. It is a historical romance, and Allison's background as an English teacher is clear in the way the writing sings.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Interview with Susan Meissner

I am delighted to have my friend Susan Meissner join us today. Her latest book is The Shape of Mercy. I gave away two copies last week. But if you'd still like a copy, leave a comment today and I'll give away my Advanced Reader Copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Susan graciously agreed to participate in an interview. Without further ado, here we go!

The Shape of Mercy tells the story of three women from different times. What concept ties their stories together?

All three women are the only daughters of influential fathers. They also faced life choices that were rather defining moments for them. Mercy Hayworth writes a diary in 1692, during the height of the Salem Witch Trials. College student Lauren, the daughter of affluent parents transcribes it in contemporary time at the request of 83-year-old Abigail Boyles, who carries a boatload of regret. As Lauren transcribes the diary within the pages of the book, she discovers the degree to which people so easily make snap judgments and get swept away by the crowd mentality.

I hadn't thought about the fact they were all daughters of influential men. It was painful to read Lauren's struggles, in part because I think it is so easy to judge even subconsciously. At least it is for me. What did you learn while writing her story?

I learned that I am guilty of the same weakness, We have to train ourselves to see people like God sees people. Having that kind of vision takes incredible discipline because our nature is not to see things like He does. I saw myself often in Lauren as the story revealed how she truly didn’t want to judge people but she did. She just did. We all do. We see a homeless man begging on the streets and we make all kinds of assumptions about how he got there and what he would do if we reached out to help him. We see a pregnant teenager or an obese child or a woman wearing diamonds and Jimmy Choos and we assume the teenager has no morals, the child has no restraint and the woman is wealthy and therefore has no worries. We believe these things because the crowd tells us it’s so. Jumping to conclusions seems to permeate culture, regardless of the generation. Whatever the crowd says, we too easily believe. We need to fix our eyes on God, not the crowd.

Ouch! Great points, Susan. I think that's why the book pricked my heart. I often find that the books I write grow out of something I've experienced or that God is teaching me at that moment. Is either true for you with this book?

I’ve always been awed by people who would choose death over turning their backs on God. People who know about the Salem Witch Trials probably know that innocent people were executed but what they may not know is that every one of the accused could’ve saved themselves if they’d just confessed. They would have been driven from the village and lived the rest of their lives as outcasts, but they would’ve lived. The magistrates only executed the convicted ones who refused to confess. These men and women were incredibly brave.

What attracted you to the Salem Witch Trials, such a little known time period?

When I was in junior high, I was in play called To Burn a Witch. I played the role of an innocent woman accused of witchcraft who sits in a cell with other innocent young women from her village. When my character realizes she can save herself by pretending to be bewitched, she begins to scream that one of the other girls in her cell – a friend, actually – is tormenting her. My character is led away to freedom and the woman she accused falsely is led away to her execution. I had forgotten being in that play until I read a newspaper article a couple years ago about a woman who was petitioning a Massachusetts court to exonerate her great-times-eight grandmother. This ancestor of hers was accused and convicted of witchcraft during the Salem trials, was released when the hysteria ended, but whose name was never cleared. I was reminded of how it felt, even just as an actress, to be accused of being something I was not - and the far worse feeling of accusing someone I knew was innocent. These people who died in 1692 Salem were all innocent. They all died refusing to confess they were in league with Satan. They held onto truth to the point of death. That, to me, is incredibly inspiring

Wow! Sounds very impactful, and the pain that must have reminaed in that family to seek clearing a distant relative after all that time! What are you working on next?

I just finished a manuscript for WaterBrook called “White Picket Fences,” which is a story about a family that seems to have the perfect life. Perfect house, perfect jobs, perfect neighborhood, perfect everything. But the reality is, they live on the same fallen planet as the rest of us and suffer the same flaws. To pretend all is well when all is not is to doom yourself to a life of pretense and disappointment and maybe even despair. We all have our flaws but we also have our strengths – and these shine brightest when we are honest about who we are and Who we must run to for help, healing and hope. I take this family on a little 375-page journey to face their struggles!

If you could take your family anywhere where would you go?

We’ve all been struck with eyes for New Zealand, ever since Peter Jackson brought J R R Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings to life. It would be a great trip!

Single Sashimi: Interview with Camy Tang

I am delighted to have my friend Camy Tang back here for a quick interview as her third book releases. One of the things that I love about Camy's writing is the great sense of humor that borders on slapstick. This book definitely opens that way and it doesn't stop.

I loved exploring Venus and her struggles with control issues. I couldn't relate at all LOL. And her struggle to move beyond rote obedience to relationship. All told with Camy's vivid writing.

But one of my favorite things about Camy is her smile. She is a truly delightful woman, and I count it a privilege to know her.

Single Sashimi is the third book in the Sushi Series. How did Venus surprise you as you wrote it?

Will you hate me if I tell you Venus didn’t surprise me as I wrote this one? :) The character who did surprise me was Drake. He ended up being much sexier than I had originally planned!

I don't hate you at all. In fact I can relate to the characters that take us by surprise. From the first two books, she seems to be the cousin who has her life together. Now that it's time for her story, what does she have to learn?

Venus, like moi, has some serious control issues. And so Venus, like moi, had to learn to “let go and let God.” So all the pain Venus feels? That’s from personal experience.

It's technically the third book in the series. Do readers have to read the first two books first to understand what's happening?

I tried to write the books as stand alone books. However, the twist at the end of Only Uni book 2) kind of took me by surprise, too. So I would suggest people read Only Uni before Single Sashimi (book 3), if only to get the full impact of the twist.

That twist is a killer -- very good -- but wow! Go with Camy's advice here if you know you want to read the other books in the series.

Reading Sushi for One (book 1) before Only Uni (book 2) or before Single Sashimi (book 3) isn’t really necessary. However, reading book 1 before book 2 shows the changing relationship between Lex and Trish.

You recently won ACFW's Book of the Year in the debut author category and placed for chick lit with Sushi for One. How cool is that!?!? Seriously major congratulations! How will this award change your life :-) (tongue firmly in cheek)

Probably as much as it will change YOURS! Serious congrats on your own win in the short historical category! You already know how much I loved Canteen Dreams.

To be honest, this win has meant a TON to Zondervan, and I’m just so proud to do them proud, as it were. My editor, Sue Brower, was SO excited and this win is extra special for her because I was her first acquisition as Senior Editor.

It was a blast to watch Sue at the awards banquet. Her buttons were POPPING!!! and rightfully so. I think everyone who knows you and has read the book was so happy for you!

You're writing romantic suspense next, right? When will those release?
And will they have your trademark humor in them, too?

My next novel is Deadly Intent, to be released (tentatively) in August 2009 from Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line. (How cool is it that you and I are now writing for the same publisher???)

Very cool, especially since you're title is so much like mine: Deadly Exposure, Deadly Judgment, Deadly Intent.

It won’t have the same humor, but I think it still showcases my writing style and that “romance with a kick of wasabi.” I don’t think readers will be disappointed.

Here’s a back cover blurb I just wrote for the Art Fact Sheet that I turned in to my editor. It might not be what’s on the actual book, though:

THERE WAS A DEAD BODY IN HER MASSAGE ROOM

And massage therapist Naomi Grant is suspected of murder. She’s frustrated and helpless as a web of lies closes in around her, framing her. She doesn’t have time to worry about her shaky faith or think about her growing attraction to the victim’s ex-husband, Dr. Devon Knightley.

Orthopedic surgeon Devon had only needed to claim his mother’s necklace back from his ex-wife, but suddenly he’s embroiled in a murder investigation and someone is trying to kill him. He wants to somehow protect Naomi from the trap being set around her, but can he keep them both safe against a villain with deadly intent?

Oh, that sounds so good! Can't wait to read it!!! Final question...what's your favorite type of sushi? And is there sushi that someone like me who doesn't like fish should try?

My absolute favorite type of sushi is soft shell crab, which is deep fried soft shell crab chopped up and mixed with a bit of mayo, some radish shoots, and these tiny fish eggs.

It is absolutely delish, and it’s great for people who don’t like raw fish because it’s all cooked. Well, except for the fish eggs, but people are used to caviar.

So if you don’t like fish but like crab, this would be a good one. There’s also cooked shrimp sushi, which I loved when I was a kid.

There are other types of non-fish sushi that I like but they’re raw. I like scallop sushi, which is a handroll sushi and not the typical two small pieces you see. The chef at my favorite sushi restaurant in Hawaii (Kabuki in Pearl City) makes it with a bit of mayo and something else that makes it melt in your mouth.

Most sushi is seafood, so if you don’t like seafood, there isn’t much you can eat. When I was a kid, we loved the tamago sushi, which is egg mixed with a bit of sugar and fried like a thick omelet, then put on sushi rice. I also still like the cucumber sushi—I could eat that stuff all day.

Hey, if you ever come out to California, let’s go eat sushi together! Thanks for having me here, Cara!

Now that's an offer I know my sister would take you up on. I'd come along to eat the cucumber ones LOL. And shrimp. I do love shrimp. Come to Indiana and I'm make cajun shrimp for you.

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away ten boxes of books and 30 copies of her latest release, SINGLE SASHIMI.

Interview with Michelle Sutton & Giveaway

Michelle Sutton and I serve on the ACFW board together. Her book, It's NOT About ME released this month. She's known as the edgy inspirational author, and from the first chapter or two of this book, that fits. This is her debut novel, and I had a few questions for her.

It's Not About Me is not your typical Christian fiction. What was the germ that planted the story in your mind?

I guess it was built on a premise. I asked myself how a young girl with a great life, good looks, and a solid upbringing would handle a tragic situation that robbed her of the future she had planned. Her only weakness is she always wants to make everyone happy. She learns, of course, that it's impossible to do that.

You put your characters through the ringer. Which character did you connect to the most?

Dan, who is the hero. He talks to God like they are close friends, but with submission on Dan's end to what is ultimately God's plan. Dan sometimes fights it and argues with God. Don't we all do that?

What's the take away you hope readers will have after they reach the last page?

That's it's worth it to wait for the husband God has planned for you. That getting married to make someone happy is always a bad idea. That once you go somewhere in a relationship you can never go back to just holding hands. That real faith is more than just going to church and being a nice person. That drinking to much can royally screw up your life and you can't ever undo the damage that is done. There is a whole lot more but those are the highlights.

Who's the target audience for this book?

16 - 23 years old. The main characters are two high school graduates and one college graduate. However, people who have teens have told me that it has helped them with their relationship with their teens and opened communication. It's also perfect for youth groups because it touches on topics that don't normally come up. Also, everyone remembers being young once so honestly, I've got a bunch of over 65 year old ladies that are almost like groupies. They remember being young and they loved the story because it brought them back to those days.

You call your writing edgy inspirational. What does that mean?

That means there is always going to be something redemptive and inspirational in the theme of each story. Those themes happen within the context of the characters' disobedience or issues they have dealing with temptation and sin. Also, I don't smooth things over. They suffer the consequences and don't always make the right choices. That is where the edgy portion comes from. Yeah, I like to run them through the gauntlet emotionally, too.

What did you learn while writing this book that was unexpected?

What did the characters teach me? That approaching God when you are hurting is always better than hiding your pain and lying to yourself and others about how you are doing emotionally.

Now for a fun question: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and who would you take with you?

I'd love to go to Australia to meet some of my reviewer friends, like Rel. I'd take my hubby and kids with me.

Thanks so much, Michelle, for making the time for this interview. If you'd like to be entered for a copy of the book, be sure to leave a comment.

Interview with Author of The Shack and Giveaway

Wednesday, I participated in a blogger conference call with William P. Young, the author of The Shack. This is greatly abridged; it's just the notes I typed as quickly as I could. I tried to capture the highlights, and I hope that you can get a part of Paul's (as he is called) personality. He is incredibly smart and humble, very charming. If you would like to hear the entire interview, go here for Jill Hart's podcast of it.

I was very impressed with his heart and where he's coming from. I'm over halfway through the book...once you get past the first 80 page and into the conversations with the three persons of God, I'm enjoying the book. As he says, he's an accidental author -- and it shows in some of the mechanics of the book. However, the content is intriguing. My Mom, sister Janna, and I were talking about it late last week. We all took different things from it, but it's challenged us to consider what boxes we've put God in.

I have a copy of the book to giveaway, so be sure to leave a comment.

Blogger Conference Call with William P. Young 7/30/08 NoonET/9AM PT
Featured guest: Paul Young, author of THE SHACK
Moderator: Miriam Parker
Interviewers:
Christy Lockstein: http://christysbookblog.blogspot.com/
Jill Hart: http://www.cwahm.com/
Leslie Sowell: http://footprintsinthesand.us/blog
Nicole Petrino-Salter: http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire/
Patti Chadwick: http://bookbargainsandpreviews.com/blog/
Patrick Sullivan, Jr.: http://editweapon.com/
Shawnee Goodnight: www.readinginappalchia.blogspot.com/
Tammy Marcelain: http://tammymarcelain.blogspot.com/
Ted Reyes: http://www.poptimesagazine.com/
Gretchen Geyer: http://dreamwriter07.blogspot.com/
Observers:
Joe Wikert: http://jwikert.typepad.com/
Cara Putman: http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
Caleb Newell: http://reviewsplus.blogspot.com/
Natalie Nyquist: http://www.ylcf.org/

Nicole Petrino-Salter: If I'm not mistaken, you've said you wrote this book for your children. Why? Wrote for children. Accidental author. Didn’t take classes. Always written as gift for friends and family. Kim (wife) encouraged to put in one place where you think because it’s outside the box…get to local printers by Dec. 2005 – first run 15 copies. 7 to Kim and kids, rest to friends and relatives …got feedback…and that’s the first time I thought about publishing something. Vague idea though.

Ted Reyes: There are two perspectives when it comes to suffering: One is that it is a gift from God, and the other is that it is a punishment from God. Which of these two do you think would make modern 21st century people develop a closer relationship with God– suffering as a reward, or as punishment?

There’s a third perspective that suffering is neither…that God utilizes both to accomplish his purposes. Not that discipline…when we think of punishment or other terms, we have to define them. What is punishment? Gift? Suffering isn’t necessary for maturity. Most suffering is at my own hands. Choices I made or other people made. As child sexually abused. That’s not gift or suffering -- Blind man in John 9 – this is an opportunity for God to be glorified. If God is responsible for suffering, then He’s the enemy. Suffering comes from living in a fallen world but not from Hand of God.

Shawnee Goodnight: A statement from a critic I found fascinating to say the least and would love to hear your opinion on "The Shack deliberately suggests we don't take the Bible seriously but instead rely on our own thoughts and understanding- that is the threat!" some of the controversy comes from individuals who raise questions but haven’t read the book. The angriest people haven’t read the book. That’s not a bad thing…the controversy brings the questions to the forefront. With regard to scripture, that’s not happened. It moves people back to Scripture. What about the bible have we been unable to hear it anymore. Message written to put scripture in format that broke through the intellectual paradigms that were resistant to hear. This accusation is founded on a particular fear that isn’t happening. Nobody would seriously think this is not a flawed book. It’s fiction, a story, not systematic theology.

Leslie Sowell: I became interested in The Shack because of the controversy surrounding it. Unlike most people I know, I totally understand the Abba side of God, and so some of the things you say in your novel are easy for me to wrap my mind around - however other things - like that there is no hierarchy in the Trinity was a little more than mind-blowing. Please give theological evidence for this theory. Absolutely believe there is no hierarchy. That’s the orthodox position. Community 101: “the notion of such a notion of …content teaches the opposite.” There is mutual submission within the Trinity. Hierarchy in the Trinity is not the orthodox position.

Patrick Sullivan: What was your inspiration to make God a black woman when YHWH first shows up? Have you gotten pushback from religious leaders for this? Couple things. I’m writing this for my six kids. Not writing for the masses. I can do pretty much anything I want. Missionary kid – used this imagery because I don’t want my kids stuck in a paradigm where God is a white male. Female is as inadequate as male because He’s spirit. Can portray God as a male, female, burning bush, big eye, nostril. Wanted it outside the existing paradigm. Fits the story. Mackenzie’s issue is with his dad, so he’s very resistant to the male imagery of God. He is in the shepherd who leaves the 99 to find the 1.

Patti Chadwick: Was the author really the Ghost writer of this Mackenzie Phillips? Was this written based on a true story? The ghost writer…writing his story for his kids…author is Mackenzie and Missy. People miffed that even though sold as fiction, people believe it’s non-fiction. The process is real, the conversation is real. There is no physical shack. The roads are real. The book is a parable: fiction where truth is embedded…gets past intellectual resistance. A metaphor: the shack represents the human soul much like the garden. Store secrets, lies, addictions. It’s you but what you hide. For author: 38 years building the shack (a house of shame); took 11 years in the shack to deal with the stuff.

Christy Lockstein Where were you when you found out that you had made the NYT Bestseller list? How did that feel? In Honolulu…there to do a series on Romans. Got the phone call that made the list and made #1. How impossible is this? A not for real author who gave a gift to kids, friends who don’t know the publishing industry that well. Put together something for print that nobody would take, less than $300 spent on marketing. This is a God thing. It did everything I wanted it to do when I gave it to my kids. Thrilled to be a Rudy and carry the bags. Shake my head and wonder what God’s up to. I sure don’t understand. But it’s been thrilling.

Sarayu: Hindi…means wind…this is the common wind that catches you by surprise. So hot you think you’ll die and the wind comes out of nowhere and cools you off and changes everything.

What tip to accidental authors: publishing was never a target, no identity as an author. I am proof that if God wants to do something He can use a donkey or a bush. When you have something, give it as a gift. Give it to 10 people who love you and 10 people who don’t know you. Get different feedback from the groups. Then hear. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you. Don’t presume the purposes are to become known and famous…God is good at disrupting our idolatry…let it unfold…it all comes down to hearing…what’s He saying?

Debut Author Amber Miller

Today we're joined by my friend and fellow Heartsong Presents debut author, Amber Miller. I met Amber at the first ACFW conference I attended in Nashville in 2005. You never know who you'll meet when you volunteer in the bookstore :-) Without further ado, here's the interview and some about her books...

You've chosen a time period for your book back in the 1700s. What attracted you to this time period?

It was likely the discovery of several significant events during Colonial times where Delaware was a key factor. And since the purpose is to spotlight the history of the state, it only made sense to begin at the beginning. Of course, that would have required going back to the 1670's, but I chose the 1700's because they were a bit more familiar, yet not overdone in books today.

I'd love to continue this series into the 1800's and then 1900's with a present-day novel utilizing the same house that was featured in all 3 of this first series. It was established in 1740 and still stands today. But, we'll have to see where my writing takes me.

Promises, Promises is set in Delaware. How did you pick that state?

I spent about 25 years of my life living there. Throughout that time, I learned a lot about the significance of that little state. Too often, Delaware gets skipped in history books. Everyone knows about Philadelphia, Williamsburg, Valley Forge. But, not many know how critical Delaware was during the early start of the United States. I wanted to bring that out in a series of books. Plus, when I pitched the idea to Jim Peterson, he said in all 12 years (at the time) of the Heartsong Presents book club, no one had submitted a proposal with a Delaware setting. I knew I had a unique location, and I capitalized on that.

What kind of research did you have to do to make the setting and time come alive?

This required quite a bit. I had to dig into archives of letters and newspaper articles to get a feel for the voice and speech patterns. I also had to study the clothing and the everyday activities of the farming person along with the more elite members of society. Drawing the reader into the setting and making them feel lost in the past is important to me. It's why certain historical novels make my favorites list, so I try to do that for the ones I write as well.

This is your first book. What was it like getting the email from JoAnne? Who was the first person you told?

When I received the notification that my first book was actually going to be bought, I can't begin to describe the elation and the excitement. It was only a week before Christmas that year too. I can't think of a better gift. The first thought that went through my mind is, "I have to tell someone!" Since the hour was late, and everyone had gone to bed, I logged online. The only one signed on was the man who is now my husband. We weren't even engaged at that time. Some people would call that ironic. I call it God. One of the biggest moments of my life, and the first person I tell is the man I would marry just 8 months later. Amazing!

This is the first book in a series. What are the other two about? Are they in the same setting? Any connections between the three?

Book 2 picks up with the daughter in the next generation, enduring the struggles of the French & Indian War and battling emotions for Major Madison, while a local writer for the colony's first newspaper casts doubts on Madison's character.

Book 3 goes to the next generation with Margret meeting a British soldier who is actually a spy for the Colonial Army during the Revolutionary War. She gets involved in the secret-keeping aspects of his duties, and when her parents find out, her father forbids her to see him.

Through each book, you see the progression and early beginnings of what becomes the United States and witness the significance of present-day Delaware during a time when its 3 counties belonged to Pennsylvania. I reference key historical figures and events, but the main focus is the everyday individual and how they deal with the harsh realities of life during these times.

I usually learn something as I'm writing a book. Usually it's as a character struggles with an issue. What did you learn?

For me, it was the patience, steadfastness and fortitude of the hero. He made a promise and stuck to it. No matter what Raelene did to him, he stayed until his promise was fulfilled. From what reviewers have been saying, it reminded them of God, pursuing us and not giving up until we finally realize how much He loves us and wants the best for us. I didn't see that when I was writing, but I love that parallel.

Now for some fun... If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you take?

Hmm, I could go with the traditional and likely predictable answer of Hawaii, but how about Australia, or Scotland or Alaska instead? Would love to get to Europe at some point in my life and the land down-under seems fascinating. As for who I'd take? Obviously, my husband. :) Wouldn't be as much fun without sharing it with him.

Promises, Promises

Has God forsaken Raelene?

What kind of God would take a girl's family and leave her alone in a wild land where women have no voice? When Gustaf Hanssen promises Raelene's dying father that he will take care of her, he finds himself bound to her happiness, her success, and her well-being in ways he never imagined. To keep his word, must Gustaf really oversee all of Raelene's affairs, find her a husband, and maintain her farm, while she does nothing but scorn him? Can God reach through Raelene's pain and self-centeredness and give her the love that awaits, if only she will accept His will?

Quills & Promises

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years--

With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When he is called away to fight the French and the Indians, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to one another. Elanna has never known emotions like these before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a writer for the first newspaper in the colony questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?


BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Shirley Connolly (July month-long feature) - http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com

July 7 - Margaret Daley (bio) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
July 7 - Dawn Kinzer at From Dawn til Dusk, Musings of a Night Owl http://dawnkinzer.blogspot.com
July 8 - Donna Moore at Write by Faith http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com
July 8 - Kim Woodhouse at God's Grace, Love & Forgiveness http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com
July 9 - Margaret Daley (interview) http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
July 9 - Amy Riley at The Friendly Book Nook http://thefriendlybooknook.com
July 10 - Jenny Blake at Come Meet AusJenny http://ausjenny.blogspot.com
July 11 - Rose McCauley http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com
July 11 - Shauna Sturge at The Coffee Stop http://shaunasturge.blogspot.com; Long and Short Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com
July 12 - Carolyn Strawder at Quiet Time with Carolyn http://www.quiettimewithcarolyn.com/Serenity
July 14-19 - CAN! blog spotlight http://canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing
July 14 - Martha Rogers at Martha Writes http://marthasbooks.blogspot.com
July 15 - Leslie Sowell at A Little Bit of Sunlight http://www.footprintsinthesand.us/blog
July 16 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 16 - Novel Journey / Novel Reviews http://noveljourney.blogspot.com / http://novelreviews.blogspot.com
July 17 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 17 - Eileen Astels at A Christian Romance Writer's Journey http://eileenastels.blogspot.com
July 17 - Cheryl Wyatt at Squirrel's Treehouse http://scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
July 18 - CFBA blog tour date (various blogs) http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com
July 18 - Cara Putman at Cara's Musings http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
July 18 - Tyora Moody at CB Reviews http://www.faithwebbin.net/cbreviews
July 19 - Stacy Johnson at Vader's Mom http://jeffstacyandvader.blogspot.com
July 21 - Camy Tang at Camy's Loft http://camytang.blogspot.com
July 21 - Jennifer AlLee at Musings on This, That & The Other Thing - http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com
July 21 - Trish Perry (interview) at Reading, Writing and the Stuff In-Between http://www.trishperry.com
July 22 - Cindy Woodsmall at the Plain Talk Blog http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/category/plain-talk/
July 23 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (review/interview) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
July 24 - Margaret Chind at Creative Madness http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com
July 25 - Delia Latham at The Melody Within (guest blogger) http://themelodywithin.blogspot.com
July 25 - Christa Allan at Fictionary http://cballan.wordpress.com
July 26 - Paula Moldenhauer at Grace Reign http://gracereign.blogspot.com

Interview with Christy Barritt

Christy Barritt is a friend who has just seen her second book release. Suspicious Minds was a great read, as is this interview. So turn on some Elvis and kick back...

This is your second book...was it hard coming back to the same main character? Why or why not?

I actually loved coming back to the character of crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire. It was like visiting with an old friend. I’m familiar with her, so I knew exactly how she would react to certain situations.

I love how she always belts out lines from classic songs. Why the Elvis theme this time?

I’ve been writing for my local newspaper for five years now.
One interview I did was with an Elvis impersonator (or, an Elvis Tribute Artist, as I was quickly informed) performing at a senior citizens’ center. I had no idea what to expect before I went. After I finished the interview (and I’ve had easier times getting interviews with senators than I did with this guy after his show), the president of his fan club came running after me as I walked to my car. She presented me with an autographed picture of him. I thought, this man has a fan club? The ideas spun from there.

What did you learn writing this book?

This book explores the issue of loneliness. I think this issue will only become a bigger problem in the coming years. With technology being what it is today, people can do everything from home without ever having to interact with anyone. While in some ways this is convenient, in other ways it’s isolating. I explored this issue through a couple of storylines within the book. I know as someone who works from home, I’ve struggled at times with loneliness. The book encourages readers to value the importance of friendships.

What's next for you?

I’m currently working on book number three in the Squeaky Clean series. It’s called Organized Grime. The mystery in this book centers around Gabby’s best friend, Sierra, who gets herself mixed up with the wrong people. Suddenly, the FBI is looking for her on eco-terrorism charges. This book will also wrap up the series. I’m dragging my feet to finish it because I’ll miss my characters after this book is complete!

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and who would you take with you?

This might sound crazy, but last week I was supposed to go camping in the mountains with my family. The day I got there, I got a virus and… we’ll just say it wasn’t pretty. We had to pack up and come home. So, if I could be anywhere right now, I’d want my vacation back! I’d be in Virginia’s mountains with my family!

An Interview with Julie Lessman, author A Passion Most Pure

I am delighted to host an interview with my new friend Julie Lessman. As you could tell from my review, I'm a fan of her debut novel and look forward to reading future books. Without further ado, here's the interview...

A Passion Most Pure is your first release. How did you get the idea for this book and the Daughters of Boston series?

As you know, A Passion Most Pure is the story of a close-knit Irish-Catholic family in pre-WWI Boston where a love triangle occurs between two sisters and the bad-boy hero. As one of 13 children (in a family that included 10 girls!), I guess you can say I experienced my fair share of sibling rivalry. Part of the idea came, I suppose, from butting heads with my sister who was two years older than me. She was … ahem … quite voluptuous and very attractive to boys while I was … well, basically not! J I was so skinny, in fact, that when I played on a girls’ softball team, my older brother commented: “What position do you play? The foul line?”

So I guess you could say the idea of a sisters’ series where two of them compete for a boy’s affection was deeply rooted in my childhood. That’s when I actually started writing this novel, at the age of 12, after reading Gone With the Wind. Suddenly my passion for romance awakened, and although I only penned a 150 pages of a single-spaced manuscript at that time, the story is actually the basis for A Passion Most Pure. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you look at it!), almost forty years passed before God breathed new life into that early attempt and inspired me to finish my childhood novel of passion—only this time the “passion” would be for Him!

Isn't it fun how we can use our crazy childhoods in our writing. I haven't pulled any of the books I started as a teen out -- hmmm, maybe I should LOL. I've found that each book has taught me something as I wrote it. What did you take away from writing this book?

A keen awareness of God’s love and anointing. For the eight straight months it took me to write this novel, I was on an adrenalin high—high on God, high on my husband, high on life. It was a magical time when my heart was so fervent for God that I would weep on my keyboard after every spiritual scene. I felt His amazing love and presence so much during the writing of this book, that I finally understood the term “mountaintop experience.” But, groan, like all mountaintop experiences, you have to come back down to earth, which I did when I started the arduous publishing Process.

I love that place of working so closely with God on a story! Now in A Passion Most Pure, I loved Faith, and could relate to her struggle to want to live a life that honors God against the reality of sometimes hard challenges and people. Which character is your favorite and why?

Well, while I was writing A Passion Most Pure, I LOVED Faith, of course, because she represents my spiritual side and is pretty much the way I was as a young woman who’d just come to Christ at the age of 23 (albeit a LOT softer)! But as I got into Book 2, A Passion Redeemed, which is Charity’s story, I found myself favoring Charity. I think because she represents the way I was as a lost wild child of the 60s and 70s (albeit a LOT better looking!), and because she was so wonderfully flawed, that she was a joy to redeem. Charity reminds me just how much God pulled my own life out of the gutter. And readers don’t know this yet, but Charity is a real hoot—funny, audacious, resilient and as passionate about those she loves as those she hates. And she certainly underscores a valuable lesson I learned a long time ago—it’s the unlovable ones in our lives that need the most love.

I'm curious to see what you do with Charity since she is the character people love to hate in A Passion Most Pure. This book does an amazing job of illustrating the passionate side of love. Why do you think that is so important?

Are you kidding? Look at the world today—it’s obsessed with illicit passion. Hollywood promotes adultery as sexy, and I can count on one hand how many young, unmarried women I know who are still virgins today, Christian or no. Why? Because passion is important! Not just to romance readers, but to everyone on the planet. We were created that way by a passionate God who analogizes His own depth of love for each of us in a very passionate love letter called “Song of Solomon.” And what happens? The world uses this beautiful, God-given gift to shove sin down peoples’ throats, and I, for one, am really sick of it. I want to use passion the way it was intended—to teach people God’s precepts and therein, His love. It’s the cry of my heart, and I hope and pray that for readers, my stories of romantic passion translate into passion for God.

What a great call! And so true that the world has perverted something God created. That heart comes through loud and clear in the novel. Now for a fun question. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and who would you take with you?

Easy question! I would go to Ireland first because ever since Gone With the Wind, I have always been fascinated by the Irish. Then I would visit England next because our heritage is so steeped with that country’s influence. Mmm … and who would I take? Why, my very own Collin, Mitch and Patrick rolled into one—my husband Keith. He is Patrick O’Connor personified, and I am one very lucky woman! Or as Patrick so aptly expresses in A Passion Most Pure, “I’m afraid luck has nothing to do with it, whatsoever. It’s called ‘blessed,’ and I most definitely am.”

Thanks so much, Cara, for hosting me on your Web site. This was a lot of fun, and I hope your readers will have fun too!

Hugs,
Julie


Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. Her first book, A Passion Most Pure, released in January 2008. Visit her Web site.

Kim Sawyer Interview

I am delighted to have my fried Kim Sawyer join us for an interview. She's a talented writer, who quickly pulls readers into her settings.

Kim, you live in Kansas and your books are set there. How do you find your ideas for the books?
To be honest, more often than not, the ideas find me. Inspiration strikes, and the story unfolds...it seems, sometimes...on its own. I just to go along for the ride. :o) And yes, most of my stories are set in Kansas. The reason for this is twofold: 1) I'm familiar with Kansas, having lived here all but one year of my life; and 2) the stories fit in Kansas--it's believable.

I just finished reading Bygones and Beginnings. These books are as richly layered as Waiting for Summer's Return and Where Willows Grow, but are modern. What was the greatest challenge in writing Bygones & Beginnings?
The biggest challenge in these stories involved the Mennonite aspects. There are so many different Mennonite sects, and each fellowship has its own set of guidelines by which they live. They are not a "cookie cutter" type of people! So researching and deciding which particular sect would work best for my little community was the hardest part. I finally just had to decide it wouldn't be an "actual" group but a blending of several.

The other challenge regarding the Mennonite aspects was to avoid perpetrating stereotypes and myths. I wanted to be honest in how they were presented (they live their faith, quite literally, on their shirtsleeves, yet they are human and with failings, just like anyone else) rather than casting a "this is right and this is wrong" shadow.

I find that I usually learn something from my characters. What did you learn from Marie and Beth? How about Henry, Andrew and Sean?
Oh, my, you would not believe how much God used these stories to minister to me! When I was writing Bygones, my family faced a situation that could have divided and devastated us. But because I was writing about a family divided and devastated due to their unwillingness to forgive, it helped me make the choice to forgive rather than hold onto a grudge. So Marie and her father taught me the power of forgiveness. Beth reminded me how important it is to seek GOD's will rather than pursuing my own. Henry's faithfulness, even when he received nothing in return, is a wonderful example of Jesus' love. Sean had his priorities in the right order...eventually :o)...and dear Andrew had to discover selfishness benefits no one. So yes, these characters each provided wonderful opportunities for my own growth.

And those characters are exactly why I found the stories so compelling. They were so real in their struggles and responses. God has opened amazing doors for you in writing...what fresh dream has He laid on your heart? It's interesting you should ask this, because I've been wrestling with a desire and trying to figure out the logistics of making it happen. So many wonderful authors reached out to me and bolstered me along in my writing journey, and I want to be able to do the same for others. As you may know, I was a teacher in my "former life," and I miss the interaction of teaching. I'd like to host events with small groups of new authors, focusing on one aspect of writing--maybe characterization,or weaving in the spiritual thread. I've been praying about it, and I've reached the conclusion that it will probably be a little while before it comes to pass (remember Sean's priorities--family before work? *smile*), but I plan to keep praying, preparing myself, and waiting for God to make the opportunity available.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and who would you take with you?
Oh, this is easy! I would pack up my family and go to Germany and Russia! My mother's family (Mennonites) immigrated from Germany to Russia before coming to the United States; Daddy's family was Russian Lutherans. So I would love to take my family to these two countries to examine our roots. That would be a dream come true for me.

Any advice for aspiring writers?
Heed the Siren's call. If God has laid this desire in your heart, then write. Even when it's hard and you feel as if you're getting no where, continue to write. I firmly believe there is a purpose in every task God sets before us, and there are no wasted steps in a God-directed journey. So listen to His voice, open your heart, and write.

Thanks so much for joining us, Kim!
Thank YOU!

James Scott Bell Interview & Giveaway

I'm delighted to have James Scott Bell join me for an interview. If you like legal suspense, then you will like his books. I was delighted to finally get to meet him and hear him speak at the 2007 ACFW conference. Now on to the important thing -- the interview....

Your main characters tend to be people who have life going their way and then life intervenes in a dramatic way and they are stripped of the things that matter to them. Did you follow that in Try Dying? Why? What do you hope people will see as your characters walk through those valleys?

I've always been taken by the story of the innocent man who, through no fault of his own, gets caught up in life threatening trouble. One of my favorite movie directors is Alfred Hitchcock, and he repeats that theme over and over.

It does seem to mirror how we have to handle life sometimes. Not necessarily life threatening things, but various challenges. Suspense writing gives me a chance to explore this, and perhaps give people hope.

I think the best fiction does that. The kind of fiction I like to read and write, at least.

How did you create the what if/main idea for Try Dying?

It started with a news item I read one day. A bizarre thing. A man shot his wife, then drove to a freeway overpass in L.A. and got out and shot himself. His body fell 100 feet to the freeway below, and hit a car, killing the driver.

For some reason this incident wouldn't leave me alone. I started to ask what would happen if the person in the car did not die from the fall, but was killed by someone else at the scene? Why would such a thing happen?

Then I asked, who might this driver be? I made it a woman, the fiance of a hot young lawyer. That lawyer became my Lead character, and that's how the whole thing started.

One thing I'm learning is that I learn something with each story I craft. What did you learn from Ty Buchanan as you were writing his story?

I think I learned to trust what was happening inside the character more. There was a temptation to tone it down, but I think his inner life wouldn't have been as real if I did. He is going through hell in this book. That affects him. But it also makes him stronger.

I understand that Try Dying is targeted at filling a hole in the secular bookstores for good, clean legal thrillers. How did you get a vision for addressing that niche? And what has you most excited about this new market?

I do think that secular thrillers, many of them, have taken a very dark turn. I don't find that necessary. I think back on the film noirs of the 1940s, my favorite period, and the crime novels of the 50s. They didn't need to be explicit to set a mood and hook the readers.

I think there is a huge audience out there looking for this kind of book now. That's what I hope to provide.

Time for a fun question. If you could pack up your family and go anywhere in the world, where would you head? Why?
England. We love it there. My wife would like to rent a country cottage. My daughter would want a flat in London. My son would be happy visiting historical sites. I'd be happy anywhere, writing.

Any parting advice or thoughts?

Robert Heinlein, the noted Science Fiction author, had two rules for writers.

1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.

Do this over and over again, and you are a writer.

Great advice. Thanks so much for joining us!

My pleasure.
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I also have three copies of this book to giveaway. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to receive one of these books!

Interview with Robert Liparulo

DEADFALL is classic Robert Liparulo, starting with an amazing bang that pulls the reader in to the story. And I've decided the author never sleeps. He sent this interview to me at 4:30 this morning! He's in the middle of a booktour, but found the time to join us for a few questions. Don't forget all the fantastic giveaways he has running at his site right now. Now for the interview:

Each of your three books is very different. What is the common thread or theme that readers can expect when they pick up one of your books?

All of my books explore the quality of character: who are you when no one is looking? I believe true character comes out in extreme circumstances. You can say you’d stop a mugging or stand up for what’s right, but would you really do it when the rubber meets the road, when you’re there and you can be hurt or even killed doing what you said you would? Also, I like exploring the quality and depth of family bonds and friendship.

How did you get the idea for DEADFALL? What caused the What If... to start playing in your mind?

Unlike my other novels, DEADFALL is less about plot than it is about the characters: who they are, how they behave in extreme situations, why they do the things they do. That’s where it all started for me. I was thinking about a few people I know, some with excellent character, some with corrupt spirits (back to that examination of character). I wondered what made them either strong and good or self-serving and mean. I wondered what would happen if you tossed the two personalities into a somewhat restrictive environment, where they had no choice but to battle it out. Who would win? Why? I wanted to know what it would take to drive the good guy to a point where he had to reach deep within and see if all that goodness was enough to survive when the forces of evil are trying to take him out. That curiosity made me build a story around the characters.

And from the few chapters I've read so far, I can tell you've set up quite the contrast in characterization. The book is gripping! I've found that as I write, I usually learn something from the characters or story. What did you learn from DEADFALL?

That I don’t want to become as complacent as Hutch was at the beginning of DEADFALL. He was taking some awful things in his life—divorce, losing his children—sitting down. I don’t want to be that way, but I think it’s an easy place to get to. I also grew to appreciate my children even more than I had, and I’ve always loved and cherished them. Hutch was losing his, and it made me want to hug mine more closely.

This book has four men who are going through some pretty intense circumstances escaping for two weeks of guy time in the wilderness. But they don't get the relaxation they expected. Do you have a group of guys that you hang out with? If so, what do you like to do as a group?
I have a revolving group of four or five men, with whom I meet regularly, either each individually or, rarely, all together. We enjoy eating out, playing poker, smoking cigars, talking about books and movies, camping, watching TV, if something special is on, or a show we all like, such as 24 or Heroes. We like to barbeque.

My husband enjoys both those shows, too. Now for the final question. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and who would you take with you?

Big Beach, Maui, with my family. Doesn’t get any better than that.

Thanks so much for joining us, Bob!

Interview with Denise Hunter

My friend and fellow Indianan Denise Hunter has a new book that released a couple weeks ago. Surrender Bay is her first book with Thomas Nelson, and you should hear the buzz. I just bought the book yesterday and can't wait to get started reading it. Here's some of the feedback:

"I've always thought Denise Hunter was an amazing writer but this wonderful story sets her firmly at the forefront of compelling love stories. How Landon breaks down Samantha's determination that she is unworthy of love kept me glued to the pages. An amazing story!"

--Colleen Coble, author of Fire Dancer (Smoke Jumper Seri

Denise has kindly agreed to an interview. Her sweet spirit and commitment to craft comes through in her answers. Enjoy!

1) Surrender Bay is the start of a new series for you. What is the inspiration behind this story and series?

Surrender Bay was born out of my desire to tell a unique love story. After three women's fiction books, I realized my main passion is romance, yet I didn't want to write a trite romance novel. I wanted to write something that showed God's love in real way, something that stayed with the reader for days afterward. I hope I managed to accomplish that.

The fiction team at Thomas Nelson really helped me hone this series into something unique. On the surface, they are stories of couples falling in love. At the heart, these stories are parables, with the hero of each story representing some quality about God's love. Surrender Bay focuses on the theme that God will never leave us. Hence, Landon never leaves the Samantha . . . regardless of what she does to chase him away.

2) This series is set in Nantucket. How did you decide on that location for the setting?

I was looking for something unique. Well, romantic too. :-) I tried to think about what settings appealed to me as a reader and yet haven't been overdone. Once I settled on Nantucket, my family visited the island, and I fell in love with the place!

3) Your prior series had a strong women's fiction bent. This one is different. In what ways?

Well, first of all, this one is pure romance. My last women's fiction novel, Finding Faith, had a subplot that was a romantic thread, and I noticed when I was writing that book that I enjoyed writing the subplot more than the main plot, even though it was only a simple romance plot. I also noticed as a reader I was having trouble finding love stories that were clean, well-written, serious, and emotional. I figured if I liked that kind of story, surely there were other readers wanting them too.

The other difference is something I alluded to above. The women's fiction novels had an overt faith threat in the plot. The characters talk about God and their faith--nothing wrong with that! With the Nantucket series, I decided to try the parable approach. I think parables have a unique way of showing us the familiar in a very fresh way. That is my hope with Surrender Bay.

4) As you wrote Surrender Bay, what did you learn from the characters?

I learned they had minds of their own! Just when I thought I knew what they were doing next, they went and changed things up on me.

5) Time for a fun question...if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and who would you take with you?

Alaska! I've never been before, but I'd love to find a quaint little town to set a story or series in. I'd take my family. We love trekking around together, and I'd want to cover as much of as Alaska as possible, taking in the gorgeous scenery and wildlife. The boys are 15, 12, and 9--great ages for traveling!

Thanks so much for joining me, Denise.

Interview with Brandilyn Collins

Brandilyn Collins is one of my all time favorite suspense writers. She's also become a friend through ACFW. As Crimson Eve was hitting bookstores, she graciously agreed to an interview. I hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to run out and buy the book! It's fantastic.

1. Crimson Eve is book three in the Kanner Lake series, and it races to the end from the very first page. How did you get the idea for this book?

I sort of backed into it. When you’re writing a series, you have more to consider than just the current book. I knew Crimson Eve would be book three of a four-book series. I already knew what I’d be doing in the fourth book, Amber Morn. That story is a culmination of all my Java Joint characters—an ensemble cast. In the first two Kanner Lake books, Violet Dawn and Coral Moon, I featured Paige and Leslie, respectively as the main characters. What happened to each of them involved the whole town.

Kanner Lake’s a small, idyllic place. It used to be quiet until I got hold of it.

Wait a minute. I created it.

Well, anyway. (This fact-and-fiction thing can be quite mind-bending.) I figured with the havoc I’d already wreaked upon the town in books one and two, to be surpassed only by the havoc I planned to wreak in book four, I needed to give the poor town a break in Crimson Eve. So I focus on the character of Carla and take her out of Kanner Lake proper into the surrounding countryside. Only thing is, in giving the town a break, I then had to unleash all my havoc upon Carla herself.

Poor thing.

2. This book, like the rest of the Kanner Lake series, blends the past and the present, but this time it collides on the very last page. Were there extra challenges to writing a book that is so closely woven in time?

The challenges I faced in writing the book focused more on the present-day events than in weaving the present with the past. In fact the dichotomy between how the past scenes and present ones play out allowed me to use the jumping back and forth in time to increase tension in an interesting way. The suspense action of the present-day story takes place in a mere 27-28 hours. The past story spreads out over about 10-11 months. Placing scenes from the wider-spread past story at key “hook” points in the current continuous-action story made those present-day chapter hooks all the more effective. Then, to keep readers interested in the past story, I tried to end those chapters also with strong hooks. In this way, the reader has questions and tension about both times in the main character’s life—and wants desperately to see how it all comes together in the end.

3. This is the first book of yours that my husband has read (I know, about time!), and he read it even faster than I did. Do you plan on cross-over appeal?

The majority of my audience is women, but many men read and enjoy my books. One of the ways I work to keep men interested is to feature a strong supporting male character. Now in Crimson Eve that’s not so much the case. For instance Chief Edwards doesn’t show up much in this story. Yet men do seem to be really enjoying this book. A bit surprising to me, because the issues covered are so female-oriented.

But—there’s always the suspense story itself, which men tend to like. And this is a chase story, which men also tend to enjoy. In addition the “bad guy” hit man gets to show a good side of himself, while a supposedly “good” and powerful man shows a very bad side. So perhaps it’s the multi-layering of the male characters that makes it all interesting.

Also, maybe it’s something else—an emotional impact at a level that a male reader may not even think he’d like in a book. But the dilemma that the teenage Carla gets herself into is so heart-rending. A slow play-out of certain tragedy—but you don’t know the final outcome. So even though that part of the story focuses on a teenage girl—I don’t know, maybe men feel a protectiveness toward her. For whatever reason, they’re getting caught up in her story.

4. The pages of this book are filled with the consequences of past decisions. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

That the decisions we make in our present will form our past—which directly affects our future. We are what we have been. The terrible, wrong-headed decisions we can get caught up in may hurt us in unforeseen ways down the road—and even worse, hurt those we love.

For those yet to make the wrong decisions—I hope to steer them clear, make them think twice. For those who have long ago made the decisions—I hope to steer them toward God. He is the Great Healer.

5. What did you learn while writing this book?

Actually, I’m learning more now—with the release of Crimson Eve. I’ve been blessed to see all my books well-received. But the response to Crimson Eve has been way above and beyond what I expected. This book is resonating with people at a whole new level. Reader after reader says it’s my best, or at least their favorite of the Kanner Lake series. I’ve tried to study on what exactly that’s all about.

Perhaps it’s the blend of suspense with Carla’s characterization. Or perhaps the trauma in her life—caused by her own poor choices, and yet we can understand how she got there. Maybe it’s an ending that’s true to life in which not everything is neatly tied up. In fact I almost think we leave the story of Crimson Eve with more trauma than when we began. But that’s life, isn’t it. Tidying up our past isn’t a wave of the wand. Even when we ask God’s forgiveness. Even forgiven and washed clean spiritually—we can face an awful lot of baggage because of our choices.

As a wise woman once told me, “God will forgive you, but nature won’t.”

6. One thing I love about your writing style is that not one word is wasted. How many times do you scour a manuscript to achieve that tightness?

Thanks for that. Great feedback. Tightness in writing is something I really strive for.

Unfortunately I never get it right the right time. My typical MO is to overwrite in the first draft. Once I receive the editorial letter, I’ve had at least a month to be away from the story. During that time I regain my “fresh eyes” for the writing. When I go back to rewrite, all the extra words I would have sworn I deleted the first time just jump out at me. I cut, cut, cut. Never scenes—I don’t write a scene unless it’s needed. But a word from this line, two words from that one. Or three sentences from a paragraph. I may lose as much as 20 manuscript pages in this process. What’s left when I’m done is a swiftly-moving story. I’ve cut out the fat and left the meat.

Now if I could only manage to do that the first time around.

7. Amber Moon is the final installment in the Kanner Lake series. Can you give us a sneak peek?

Shouldn’t that be “Sneak Pique?” J

Okay. How about the draft back cover copy:

Bailey hung on to the counter, dazed. If she let go, she’d collapse—and the twitching fingers of one of the gunmen would pull a trigger. The rest of her group huddled in frozen shock.

The shooter’s teeth clenched. “You seen enough to tell you we mean business? Anybody who moves is dead.”

On a beautiful Saturday morning the nationally read “Scenes and Beans” bloggers gather at Java Joint for a celebration. Chaos erupts when three gunmen burst in—and shoot to kill.

Police Chief Vince Edwards must negotiate with the desperate trio. The gunmen insist on communicating through the “comments” section of the blog—so all the world can hear their story. What they demand, Vince can’t possibly provide. But if he doesn’t, over a dozen beloved Kanner Lake citizens will die …

8. Final question, what advice do you have for aspiring writers?

If you want to be published in fiction, understand that you have a long, hard journey ahead of you. You must keep at it. Learn the craft, learn how to deal with the rejections. Kick a cabinet when the rejections come, then get back to work. Most of all, keep God at the center of your life.

And know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself—on a ten-year journey to be published in fiction. You can read that long, frustrating, trudging, miserable, rejection-filled, grit-teethed, kicking-cabinets, ultimately victorious story—titled “How I Got Here”—in the archives on my blog, Forensics and Faith.