Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog, page 140
October 24, 2016
AN AMISH FAMILY CHRISTMAS and A SISTER'S WISH - Shelley Shepard Gray - Two Free Books on This Blog, Plus More
Welcome back, Shelley. Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it? I do! I love to write romances. I guess I’ve always liked books with happy endings, and romances certainly do have that.If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?I would probably live back in Texas. Maybe not in Houston, where I grew up, though! It’s gotten much bigger than when I left in the 1980’s.
What foreign country would you like to visit and why?I love to travel. I’ve always wanted to go to Casablanca! I blame this wish completely on the movie.
Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.LOL. Well, since my husband would definitely not say Casablanca, I’d say on a river cruise somewhere in Europe.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?Though I’ve traveled a lot, I’ve never set a novel in a foreign country. I think that would be a lot of fun, especially the research part of it! 
What is the main theme of this novel?The main theme of
An Amish Family Christmas
is forgiveness and acceptance. Both themes go well with the overall Christmas theme, I think. Tell us about the story.This novel finishes up the four book Charmed Amish Life Series. It focuses on Levi, who has been having a difficult time dealing with the loss of his parents. When the novel opens, Levi is asked to help a new neighbor named Julia and her daughter Penny. Soon, Levi forms a relationship with both Julia and Penny. Then, he learns that Julia is not exactly who she pretends to be.
Sounds interesting. I want to know just who she is. How can readers find you on the Internet?
We just redesigned my website, so I would love if readers visited me there, at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com. I’m also active on Facebook and on Twitter, @ShelleySGray
Shelley is having a giveaway. Go to this site to sign up:https://promosimple.com/ps/a725Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of one of the books. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 23, 2016
WINNERS!!!!!!!
Ablst Niki (TN) is the winner of the ebook
Love's Choice
by Ginger Solomon.
Sharon R (SC) is the winner of Feta and Freeways by Susan M Baganz.
Janet E (FL) is the winner of Painting the Storm by Dawn V Cahill.
Cindy W (IN), Kim H (NE), and Beth (IA) are the winners of Your choice of onw of my Audio books (Does not include Pirate's Prize) by Lena Nelson Dooley.
Dianna (TN) is the winner of Sarah's Smile by Dawn Kinzer.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites.
Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.
When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.
Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.
Sharon R (SC) is the winner of Feta and Freeways by Susan M Baganz.
Janet E (FL) is the winner of Painting the Storm by Dawn V Cahill.
Cindy W (IN), Kim H (NE), and Beth (IA) are the winners of Your choice of onw of my Audio books (Does not include Pirate's Prize) by Lena Nelson Dooley.
Dianna (TN) is the winner of Sarah's Smile by Dawn Kinzer.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites.
Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.
When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.
Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.
October 21, 2016
ALABAMA IRISH - James Russell Lingerfelt - One Free Book
Welcome back, James. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
My undergraduate studies were Marriage and Family Counseling and Literature. I’m right-brained, so I’m the creative type. When I was nineteen, I thought I was going to be a Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina making $160 an hour. Not the Dr. Phil type, but in a private setting. By the time I was twenty–five, I’d have a wife, at least one kid, a great income, and driving a Mercedes. No kidding. I really did envision that. I never cared to be famous, but I did care about helping people.
Once I traveled deeper down that path of counseling, I realized that’s not what I wanted to do, so I pursued a career as a professor. I attended graduate school at Pepperdine and served as a professor at Lipscomb Universityin Nashvillefor two years.
I’ve been writing since I was fifteen, all of it taking place in a journal. I loved it. Being a professor allowed me to study, teach, travel, give public talks, and write. I loved it all. But at the end of the day, what I really wanted to do was write. I was published at nineteen years old, then published on deeper platforms during my professorship, and when I was ready to make the transition into full–time writing, I did.
I do have other jobs, but I always dedicate two hours a day to writing. I’m now on schedule to write one book a year, and my blog at jamesrussell.org has received 5.9 million views in just three years. I write what I know, and I love writing, so that’s led me to where I am.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? My lifestyle is a solid one. I have a very, very good and nice family. My parents are wonderful people, are still together after 45 years of marriage. My only sibling is my older brother (by three years), and he’s my best friend. He’s a successful engineer and businessman in Texas. The happiest years were with my family, especially growing up in rural Alabama. I grew up in a little brick house on a dirt road, across from my grandmother. All the homes were at least 100 yards apart. And behind my grandmother’s house was an old cotton field that had evolved into a beautiful green pasture. Behind that pasture is a 40 foot tall waterfall only the locals know about. All the years before I turned twelve were the happiest days.
When I was twelve, we moved into town (1,100 is the populace) and bought a cattle farm. Moving, paired with growing up and turning into a young man made life change of course. They were still happy years, but my childhood was the best. The happiest day, if there’s one, is probably a day in February 2006 when I fell in love for the first time. I was twenty–five, she was twenty–two, and she was a beautiful, kind, educated, sophisticated, well–traveled girl I met in graduate school. Other than being with me family, I don’t remember a happier period in my life.
How has being published changed your life? It’s very rewarding to look at something you grew from scratch and seeing it take off, seeing it become successful. When things aren’t going as planned, when I have upsets and set–backs, I look to my writing. A best–selling novel (The Mason Jar), and the second one ( Alabama Irish ) is trending better than the first. I know exactly what my next three novels will be about, and there’s almost 6 million views on my blog. People pay me to publish their work on my platform, and I have advertisers buying space. It’s all growing. When I feel like a failure, which I do at least once every day as an entrepreneur, I look at my writings and nod. That might sound cheesy to some, but I do it. I have to remind myself almost every day that I have indeed been successful at 1 out of the 10 things I’ve tried. And that keeps me motivated to keep pressing onward, learning from my mistakes, and being careful to never make the same mistakes twice.
What are you reading right now? I’m reading Two By Twoby Nicholas Sparks, who I had the pleasure of meeting three days ago. I went to one of his book signings in New Bernand sent word through his personal assistant that I’d be there. He’s heard of me before, but it was our first time meeting. Nicholas Sparks is actually the one who showed me being a writer of romance from the male perspective is achievable. He’s life example was the final cue I took to go all in. My success hasn’t been as great or fast as his, but it’s my own journey. His very first novel was The Notebook, which Grand Central bought for $1 million. I was turned down by eight literary agents before finding one. He landed his first agent on his first try. He’s from a different life, has being writing for twenty years, has twenty novels and over half have been turned into feature films. I admire him immensely. I’m reading Gone With the Wind, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies (haha), just finished Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I’m reading everything Robert Herjavec is writing. My family owns a security services company called Fyala Security, and I’m opening a cyber security division for the company by 2018. I’m taking courses in cyber security right now at a local college.
What is your current work in progress? I’m writing the third novel called Young Vines. The Mason Jarcenters around Finn, with his two sidekicks Oz and Ryan. Alabama Irish follows Oz’s story, with Finn and Ryan as his roommates. And Young Vines will tell Ryan’s story, with Finn and Oz in the backdrop. Readers have loved that – seeing characters again that they fell in love with in the other book and seeing new perspectives on them. It’s been enjoyable creating them as well. It’s coming along. I’m in the second draft, and it should be ready by May 2017.
What would be your dream vacation? Backpacking throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and landing in Southern France’s wine country and staying there until it’s time to return home. I’ve been to twenty countries, so this would be the one trip I’d consider my greatest and most memorable. I do want to see Iceland, but if this backpacking trip was my last, I’d die happy.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I look back on movies, books, and experiences that stand out at me, scenes and settings I’d like to explore and thrive in, and I decide what to write based on that. Young Vinestakes place at a vineyard. Since 2012, I’ve been to a lot of them. Israel, Italy, Napa in California, Arrington in Tennessee, countless ones in Alabama.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Currently alive… Nicholas Sparks. Our meeting was brief because others were wanting to meet him. But I’m glad I got to say hello and thank him for his work. After him, I’d meet with Robert Herjavec because he’s approachable, his entrepreneurial pursuits have been successful, and he got his beginnings in cyber security.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I travel, obviously. But I just want to be surrounded by my pals on an adventure. I have a handful of pals that I respect and trust. We’ve seen each other at our worst, and we’ve never left. I have to travel a good distance to see them, so they’re not in my everyday life, unfortunately. I’d rather travel with them than be with other backpackers I just met. I lift weights three times a week and go for walks in a neighboring park at dawn on the other two days. I’m a mornings person and I love my coffee and early mist in the air.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Really, it’s just the discipline of sitting down and writing. I write in the mornings, and in the back of my mind, even though I have a to–do list I can always review, I think about that to–do list and I’m not sure I have time to write. You see, writing itself doesn’t make money. It’s written works that are edited and published that make money. So writing itself feels like a waste of time and energy. This is when I have to look back on my success as a writer, the salary it paid me in the past because of writing, and that encourages me to keep at it.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Write 15 minutes a day. Start there. Baby steps is still progress. When you look back a week or a month or a year later, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve accomplished.
Tell us about the featured book.
Alabama Irish
is written from the perspective of a nineteen–year–old boy. It’s a coming of age love story that teaches readers the necessity of honesty and openness in the pursuit of loving, long-lasting relationships. Here’s the pitch: Brian was raised on “the wrong side of the tracks” in inner-city Alabama. Now at nineteen, with a troubled past and juvenile record, Brian struggles to earn a living and find a life purpose. When he journeys to New York on a chance trip, Brian meets and falls in love with Shannon—a bright-eyed, aspiring actress from California. Brian returns to Alabama stirred by Shannon’s courage and passion for life. With a new zest and reason for living, Brian is determined to turn himself into a man worthy of her love.
Unable to afford college, Brian discovers the Os Guinness Scholarship, which provides free tuition to PepperdineUniversity for Irish students who desire to train for Ireland’s ministry. With some innovative thinking, Brian fakes his Irish citizenry, accepts the scholarship, and moves to Southern California to attend school and pursue Shannon. However, when Brian visits Alabama, all the lies come crashing down and Brian comes face to face with a past he thought was finished. Now Brian must make a choice, lose Shannonby spinning more lies and choosing vengeance in hopes of putting his past to rest. Or choose honesty and forgiveness and embrace a new life with the only woman he ever loved. Alabama Irish will make us sit back and laugh, then lay the book down and cry. But in the end, we’ll be reminded that no matter our pasts, the possibility to find true love again is never lost.
Please give us one of the first pages from the book. May 15, 1999We’re on the plane home from New York and I’m really glad I have a few hours to write, because man, do I have a story to tell! I met a girl! Her name’s Shannon, and she’s amazing! I can’t stop thinking about her. This is going to be a really long entry, because I want to write all the details just as they happened. I don’t ever want to forget this one. Outside the Hard Rock Café on our first night in NYC, after dinner with Uncle Mike and the fighters, a million people and a hundred horns blew across the streets. And she was there. I even caught her looking at me. This blonde haired girl with her hair pinned into a French bun. I know it’s called a French bun because she told me later when I asked her about it. I thought it was really beautiful, and I wanted to know its name. She wore a white polo shirt and khaki shorts and leather sandals. She’s got the legs of a gymnast and I think that’s really hot. She has these almond-brown eyes and she looked away when I caught her looking at me. But she smiled anyway, and I knew she knew I caught her. That smile of hers, with the dimples in her cheeks, just wow. I mean, wow. Her watching me surprised me because I’m not that impressive to look at. My shaved head isn’t attractive to many girls, but I’m often complimented on my blue eyes. They turn gray when I wear black and gray, but they turn electric blue when I wear navy blue. They might could catch some real women. Like tractor beams or something. Anyway, all I wore that day was my solid black t-shirt and faded jeans. So I don’t see why she liked that, either. Shannon LaFarre, I learned her name later, carried a leather backpack and gripped the shoulder bands with her hands. I waited for her to look my way again. And when she did, I smiled the most confident smile I could come up with, and I waved at her. She leaned her head back and laughed, and that made me feel real good. A friend tapped her shoulder and pointed up the street in our direction, and so they headed our way. I turned to James, one of my roommates. He’s humble and plump. I don’t think there’s a bit of muscle on his legs, because he just comes to the gym for bicep curls and to walk on the treadmill. People like James find expos real interesting, so that’s why they come. He wears braces at nineteen years old, and he never goes into public without his hair gelled, even when he comes to the gym. James asked if he knew what our plans were for the night, so I let him distract me until I could feel Shannon’s group getting closer. She about passed behind me, but I took a small step back and cut her off. She almost bumped into me. She stood still a second or two, wondering if I was going to introduce myself. So, to be playful, I just smiled and waved again. I didn’t even say a single word. And she laughed, but harder this time, and it’s a laugh I’ll love forever. And I mean it. I’ll love it forever. I didn’t believe I’d ever see her again, but later that night, we were meeting in the lobby of the hotel to visit the Empire StateBuilding, and there Shannonwas, standing near the door. I kid you not. We were staying in the same hotel. I mean, how does stuff like that happen? Anyway, her mom, with the same hair color and eyes, was talking to her. Mrs. LaFarre was tired, but she was smiling. When Shannon looked over her shoulder and our eyes met, she smiled a soft smile at me, and I realized she already knew I was there. The look on my face must have been funny because she chuckled. But I could only stare. She was so pretty! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, that was really her, and she was really standing there. So I took a step toward her and motioned her to meet me halfway. She kept her eyes locked on mine, but she crossed her arms, probably wondering what kind of person I was, and if I could be trusted. I understand that. She’s a real smart girl. Smart girls make you earn their trust. She met me halfway, and we shook hands, and I said, “I’m Brian.” “I’m Shannon. Are you a tour group?” “Nah. We’re here for a sports expo.” I didn’t want to say MMA, because people think it’s violent and has a bunch of meatheads. “Oh, cool,” she said. “Where are you from?” “Nor Cal.” “Nor Cal?” I’d never heard of such a place. Where was that, Canada? “Northern California. My younger sister is here with her high school. They’re singing in Carnegie Hall.” “When are they performing?” “Tomorrow night.” “We’ll be back by eight,” I said. “When does her group go on?” “Eight.” “I thought everybody singing in Carnegie Hall was opera singers or something.” “I thought everyone singing was high schoolers,” she said, chuckling and slapping her hips with her hands. Then she slid her hands into her pockets, and I knew she was beginning to feel more comfortable with me. That made me feel good, too. “So you’re here to see your sister. And that’s your mom?” I asked. Mrs. LaFarre was watching us and smiling. “Yep,” Shannon said. “But I’m also looking around. I thought about moving out here for acting, but I think I’ll just stay where I am.” “Where’s that?” “L.A. – Los Angeles. So Cal. I’m moving out of West Hollywood soon. I’m going to Santa Monica.” I don’t know where any of those places are, but I nodded anyway. “Oh, that’s cool. Have you found a place to live yet?” I asked her. “Ehh,” she said. “Everything’s so expensive. Just a studio apartment is $600 a month.” (Here’s a note I’ll need later. Minimum wage is $5.15 right now. After taxes, $600 is equal to about 166 hours of work.) “So, you’re finished with college?” I said. “I am. Just graduated.” “From where?” “Pepperdine. I’m in grad school, now, for my MFA.” “MFA?” “Yeah. Master of Fine Arts. It’s a terminal degree. I can teach college if I want to. In Acting.” “Where’s Pepperdine?” “Malibu. I’ve been waitressing, saving money. What about you? What’s your story?” I saw a brochure for Pepperdine in the guidance counselor’s office at TCHS a few years back. Peach buildings with pink, clay shingled roofs, built in what they called “Mediterranean Architecture,” standing on a grassy hill, overlooking an electric-blue ocean. I’m sure that blue was doctored in Photoshop or something. I’ve never seen water so blue. I wondered who got to attend a school like that. Probably the really smart kids. Or the rich ones. Shannon was now officially intimidating, but I tried to recover fast. “I’m-a, I’m-a-nineteen,” I replied, tripping over my words. That wasn’t true. I’m about to be nineteen. She had me hesitating and stuttering, like a blabbering moron. But she didn’t seem to notice. “I’m starting college next year. Helping my uncle right now, at his gym.” That’s more of a hope than a truth, but I was trying to impress her. “Neat,” she said. “What kind of gym?” “Uh, we train MMA fighters. Mixed martial arts.” I scratched the back of my head, because I was afraid of how that would go over. Shannon pulled her head back and looked at me with these real wide eyes. I was anticipating that, though, so I said, “It’s all right – we’re not violent. We teach dieting, core-strength, cardio. We train women there too, because we can get them in shape real fast.” “Oh, well, that sounds really interesting,” she said. “I did aerobics in college, and I still go to the gym and watch what I eat. Maybe you can give me some tips.” “Sure.” A second or two passed. “So where are you guys headed tonight?” “To a Broadway play. You?” “The Empire State Building.” “Oh, awesome! We were there last night. It’s beautiful. You’ll love it.” “So, you want to meet me back here at the lobby, later tonight?” I asked. “Yeah,” she said, smiling and clasping her hands together below her chin. “It’s six now. Do you think you’ll be back by ten o’clock?” “Oh, sure. I’m with my mom, so she’s not going to stay out late.” I have no idea where all that confidence came from, but it was there inside me. I hadn’t really liked a girl enough to talk to her in a long time. I can’t even remember when the last time was. Maybe three years? I know that sounds bad, but I mean, even if I did find someone, who in the world would want to date me? With me and my history? Nobody wants to date a boy from a trailer park, unless they’re from a trailer park, too. To be continued...
How can readers find you on the Internet?Jamesrussell.org
Thank you, James, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Alabama Irish[image error] - paperback
Alabama Irish - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
My undergraduate studies were Marriage and Family Counseling and Literature. I’m right-brained, so I’m the creative type. When I was nineteen, I thought I was going to be a Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina making $160 an hour. Not the Dr. Phil type, but in a private setting. By the time I was twenty–five, I’d have a wife, at least one kid, a great income, and driving a Mercedes. No kidding. I really did envision that. I never cared to be famous, but I did care about helping people. Once I traveled deeper down that path of counseling, I realized that’s not what I wanted to do, so I pursued a career as a professor. I attended graduate school at Pepperdine and served as a professor at Lipscomb Universityin Nashvillefor two years.
I’ve been writing since I was fifteen, all of it taking place in a journal. I loved it. Being a professor allowed me to study, teach, travel, give public talks, and write. I loved it all. But at the end of the day, what I really wanted to do was write. I was published at nineteen years old, then published on deeper platforms during my professorship, and when I was ready to make the transition into full–time writing, I did.
I do have other jobs, but I always dedicate two hours a day to writing. I’m now on schedule to write one book a year, and my blog at jamesrussell.org has received 5.9 million views in just three years. I write what I know, and I love writing, so that’s led me to where I am.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? My lifestyle is a solid one. I have a very, very good and nice family. My parents are wonderful people, are still together after 45 years of marriage. My only sibling is my older brother (by three years), and he’s my best friend. He’s a successful engineer and businessman in Texas. The happiest years were with my family, especially growing up in rural Alabama. I grew up in a little brick house on a dirt road, across from my grandmother. All the homes were at least 100 yards apart. And behind my grandmother’s house was an old cotton field that had evolved into a beautiful green pasture. Behind that pasture is a 40 foot tall waterfall only the locals know about. All the years before I turned twelve were the happiest days.
When I was twelve, we moved into town (1,100 is the populace) and bought a cattle farm. Moving, paired with growing up and turning into a young man made life change of course. They were still happy years, but my childhood was the best. The happiest day, if there’s one, is probably a day in February 2006 when I fell in love for the first time. I was twenty–five, she was twenty–two, and she was a beautiful, kind, educated, sophisticated, well–traveled girl I met in graduate school. Other than being with me family, I don’t remember a happier period in my life.
How has being published changed your life? It’s very rewarding to look at something you grew from scratch and seeing it take off, seeing it become successful. When things aren’t going as planned, when I have upsets and set–backs, I look to my writing. A best–selling novel (The Mason Jar), and the second one ( Alabama Irish ) is trending better than the first. I know exactly what my next three novels will be about, and there’s almost 6 million views on my blog. People pay me to publish their work on my platform, and I have advertisers buying space. It’s all growing. When I feel like a failure, which I do at least once every day as an entrepreneur, I look at my writings and nod. That might sound cheesy to some, but I do it. I have to remind myself almost every day that I have indeed been successful at 1 out of the 10 things I’ve tried. And that keeps me motivated to keep pressing onward, learning from my mistakes, and being careful to never make the same mistakes twice.
What are you reading right now? I’m reading Two By Twoby Nicholas Sparks, who I had the pleasure of meeting three days ago. I went to one of his book signings in New Bernand sent word through his personal assistant that I’d be there. He’s heard of me before, but it was our first time meeting. Nicholas Sparks is actually the one who showed me being a writer of romance from the male perspective is achievable. He’s life example was the final cue I took to go all in. My success hasn’t been as great or fast as his, but it’s my own journey. His very first novel was The Notebook, which Grand Central bought for $1 million. I was turned down by eight literary agents before finding one. He landed his first agent on his first try. He’s from a different life, has being writing for twenty years, has twenty novels and over half have been turned into feature films. I admire him immensely. I’m reading Gone With the Wind, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies (haha), just finished Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I’m reading everything Robert Herjavec is writing. My family owns a security services company called Fyala Security, and I’m opening a cyber security division for the company by 2018. I’m taking courses in cyber security right now at a local college.
What is your current work in progress? I’m writing the third novel called Young Vines. The Mason Jarcenters around Finn, with his two sidekicks Oz and Ryan. Alabama Irish follows Oz’s story, with Finn and Ryan as his roommates. And Young Vines will tell Ryan’s story, with Finn and Oz in the backdrop. Readers have loved that – seeing characters again that they fell in love with in the other book and seeing new perspectives on them. It’s been enjoyable creating them as well. It’s coming along. I’m in the second draft, and it should be ready by May 2017.
What would be your dream vacation? Backpacking throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and landing in Southern France’s wine country and staying there until it’s time to return home. I’ve been to twenty countries, so this would be the one trip I’d consider my greatest and most memorable. I do want to see Iceland, but if this backpacking trip was my last, I’d die happy.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I look back on movies, books, and experiences that stand out at me, scenes and settings I’d like to explore and thrive in, and I decide what to write based on that. Young Vinestakes place at a vineyard. Since 2012, I’ve been to a lot of them. Israel, Italy, Napa in California, Arrington in Tennessee, countless ones in Alabama.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Currently alive… Nicholas Sparks. Our meeting was brief because others were wanting to meet him. But I’m glad I got to say hello and thank him for his work. After him, I’d meet with Robert Herjavec because he’s approachable, his entrepreneurial pursuits have been successful, and he got his beginnings in cyber security.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I travel, obviously. But I just want to be surrounded by my pals on an adventure. I have a handful of pals that I respect and trust. We’ve seen each other at our worst, and we’ve never left. I have to travel a good distance to see them, so they’re not in my everyday life, unfortunately. I’d rather travel with them than be with other backpackers I just met. I lift weights three times a week and go for walks in a neighboring park at dawn on the other two days. I’m a mornings person and I love my coffee and early mist in the air.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Really, it’s just the discipline of sitting down and writing. I write in the mornings, and in the back of my mind, even though I have a to–do list I can always review, I think about that to–do list and I’m not sure I have time to write. You see, writing itself doesn’t make money. It’s written works that are edited and published that make money. So writing itself feels like a waste of time and energy. This is when I have to look back on my success as a writer, the salary it paid me in the past because of writing, and that encourages me to keep at it.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Write 15 minutes a day. Start there. Baby steps is still progress. When you look back a week or a month or a year later, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve accomplished.
Tell us about the featured book.
Alabama Irish
is written from the perspective of a nineteen–year–old boy. It’s a coming of age love story that teaches readers the necessity of honesty and openness in the pursuit of loving, long-lasting relationships. Here’s the pitch: Brian was raised on “the wrong side of the tracks” in inner-city Alabama. Now at nineteen, with a troubled past and juvenile record, Brian struggles to earn a living and find a life purpose. When he journeys to New York on a chance trip, Brian meets and falls in love with Shannon—a bright-eyed, aspiring actress from California. Brian returns to Alabama stirred by Shannon’s courage and passion for life. With a new zest and reason for living, Brian is determined to turn himself into a man worthy of her love. Unable to afford college, Brian discovers the Os Guinness Scholarship, which provides free tuition to PepperdineUniversity for Irish students who desire to train for Ireland’s ministry. With some innovative thinking, Brian fakes his Irish citizenry, accepts the scholarship, and moves to Southern California to attend school and pursue Shannon. However, when Brian visits Alabama, all the lies come crashing down and Brian comes face to face with a past he thought was finished. Now Brian must make a choice, lose Shannonby spinning more lies and choosing vengeance in hopes of putting his past to rest. Or choose honesty and forgiveness and embrace a new life with the only woman he ever loved. Alabama Irish will make us sit back and laugh, then lay the book down and cry. But in the end, we’ll be reminded that no matter our pasts, the possibility to find true love again is never lost.
Please give us one of the first pages from the book. May 15, 1999We’re on the plane home from New York and I’m really glad I have a few hours to write, because man, do I have a story to tell! I met a girl! Her name’s Shannon, and she’s amazing! I can’t stop thinking about her. This is going to be a really long entry, because I want to write all the details just as they happened. I don’t ever want to forget this one. Outside the Hard Rock Café on our first night in NYC, after dinner with Uncle Mike and the fighters, a million people and a hundred horns blew across the streets. And she was there. I even caught her looking at me. This blonde haired girl with her hair pinned into a French bun. I know it’s called a French bun because she told me later when I asked her about it. I thought it was really beautiful, and I wanted to know its name. She wore a white polo shirt and khaki shorts and leather sandals. She’s got the legs of a gymnast and I think that’s really hot. She has these almond-brown eyes and she looked away when I caught her looking at me. But she smiled anyway, and I knew she knew I caught her. That smile of hers, with the dimples in her cheeks, just wow. I mean, wow. Her watching me surprised me because I’m not that impressive to look at. My shaved head isn’t attractive to many girls, but I’m often complimented on my blue eyes. They turn gray when I wear black and gray, but they turn electric blue when I wear navy blue. They might could catch some real women. Like tractor beams or something. Anyway, all I wore that day was my solid black t-shirt and faded jeans. So I don’t see why she liked that, either. Shannon LaFarre, I learned her name later, carried a leather backpack and gripped the shoulder bands with her hands. I waited for her to look my way again. And when she did, I smiled the most confident smile I could come up with, and I waved at her. She leaned her head back and laughed, and that made me feel real good. A friend tapped her shoulder and pointed up the street in our direction, and so they headed our way. I turned to James, one of my roommates. He’s humble and plump. I don’t think there’s a bit of muscle on his legs, because he just comes to the gym for bicep curls and to walk on the treadmill. People like James find expos real interesting, so that’s why they come. He wears braces at nineteen years old, and he never goes into public without his hair gelled, even when he comes to the gym. James asked if he knew what our plans were for the night, so I let him distract me until I could feel Shannon’s group getting closer. She about passed behind me, but I took a small step back and cut her off. She almost bumped into me. She stood still a second or two, wondering if I was going to introduce myself. So, to be playful, I just smiled and waved again. I didn’t even say a single word. And she laughed, but harder this time, and it’s a laugh I’ll love forever. And I mean it. I’ll love it forever. I didn’t believe I’d ever see her again, but later that night, we were meeting in the lobby of the hotel to visit the Empire StateBuilding, and there Shannonwas, standing near the door. I kid you not. We were staying in the same hotel. I mean, how does stuff like that happen? Anyway, her mom, with the same hair color and eyes, was talking to her. Mrs. LaFarre was tired, but she was smiling. When Shannon looked over her shoulder and our eyes met, she smiled a soft smile at me, and I realized she already knew I was there. The look on my face must have been funny because she chuckled. But I could only stare. She was so pretty! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, that was really her, and she was really standing there. So I took a step toward her and motioned her to meet me halfway. She kept her eyes locked on mine, but she crossed her arms, probably wondering what kind of person I was, and if I could be trusted. I understand that. She’s a real smart girl. Smart girls make you earn their trust. She met me halfway, and we shook hands, and I said, “I’m Brian.” “I’m Shannon. Are you a tour group?” “Nah. We’re here for a sports expo.” I didn’t want to say MMA, because people think it’s violent and has a bunch of meatheads. “Oh, cool,” she said. “Where are you from?” “Nor Cal.” “Nor Cal?” I’d never heard of such a place. Where was that, Canada? “Northern California. My younger sister is here with her high school. They’re singing in Carnegie Hall.” “When are they performing?” “Tomorrow night.” “We’ll be back by eight,” I said. “When does her group go on?” “Eight.” “I thought everybody singing in Carnegie Hall was opera singers or something.” “I thought everyone singing was high schoolers,” she said, chuckling and slapping her hips with her hands. Then she slid her hands into her pockets, and I knew she was beginning to feel more comfortable with me. That made me feel good, too. “So you’re here to see your sister. And that’s your mom?” I asked. Mrs. LaFarre was watching us and smiling. “Yep,” Shannon said. “But I’m also looking around. I thought about moving out here for acting, but I think I’ll just stay where I am.” “Where’s that?” “L.A. – Los Angeles. So Cal. I’m moving out of West Hollywood soon. I’m going to Santa Monica.” I don’t know where any of those places are, but I nodded anyway. “Oh, that’s cool. Have you found a place to live yet?” I asked her. “Ehh,” she said. “Everything’s so expensive. Just a studio apartment is $600 a month.” (Here’s a note I’ll need later. Minimum wage is $5.15 right now. After taxes, $600 is equal to about 166 hours of work.) “So, you’re finished with college?” I said. “I am. Just graduated.” “From where?” “Pepperdine. I’m in grad school, now, for my MFA.” “MFA?” “Yeah. Master of Fine Arts. It’s a terminal degree. I can teach college if I want to. In Acting.” “Where’s Pepperdine?” “Malibu. I’ve been waitressing, saving money. What about you? What’s your story?” I saw a brochure for Pepperdine in the guidance counselor’s office at TCHS a few years back. Peach buildings with pink, clay shingled roofs, built in what they called “Mediterranean Architecture,” standing on a grassy hill, overlooking an electric-blue ocean. I’m sure that blue was doctored in Photoshop or something. I’ve never seen water so blue. I wondered who got to attend a school like that. Probably the really smart kids. Or the rich ones. Shannon was now officially intimidating, but I tried to recover fast. “I’m-a, I’m-a-nineteen,” I replied, tripping over my words. That wasn’t true. I’m about to be nineteen. She had me hesitating and stuttering, like a blabbering moron. But she didn’t seem to notice. “I’m starting college next year. Helping my uncle right now, at his gym.” That’s more of a hope than a truth, but I was trying to impress her. “Neat,” she said. “What kind of gym?” “Uh, we train MMA fighters. Mixed martial arts.” I scratched the back of my head, because I was afraid of how that would go over. Shannon pulled her head back and looked at me with these real wide eyes. I was anticipating that, though, so I said, “It’s all right – we’re not violent. We teach dieting, core-strength, cardio. We train women there too, because we can get them in shape real fast.” “Oh, well, that sounds really interesting,” she said. “I did aerobics in college, and I still go to the gym and watch what I eat. Maybe you can give me some tips.” “Sure.” A second or two passed. “So where are you guys headed tonight?” “To a Broadway play. You?” “The Empire State Building.” “Oh, awesome! We were there last night. It’s beautiful. You’ll love it.” “So, you want to meet me back here at the lobby, later tonight?” I asked. “Yeah,” she said, smiling and clasping her hands together below her chin. “It’s six now. Do you think you’ll be back by ten o’clock?” “Oh, sure. I’m with my mom, so she’s not going to stay out late.” I have no idea where all that confidence came from, but it was there inside me. I hadn’t really liked a girl enough to talk to her in a long time. I can’t even remember when the last time was. Maybe three years? I know that sounds bad, but I mean, even if I did find someone, who in the world would want to date me? With me and my history? Nobody wants to date a boy from a trailer park, unless they’re from a trailer park, too. To be continued...
How can readers find you on the Internet?Jamesrussell.org
Thank you, James, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Alabama Irish[image error] - paperback
Alabama Irish - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
ALABAMA IRISH - James Russell Lingerfelt - Once Free Book
Welcome back, James. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
My undergraduate studies were Marriage and Family Counseling and Literature. I’m right-brained, so I’m the creative type. When I was nineteen, I thought I was going to be a Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina making $160 an hour. Not the Dr. Phil type, but in a private setting. By the time I was twenty–five, I’d have a wife, at least one kid, a great income, and driving a Mercedes. No kidding. I really did envision that. I never cared to be famous, but I did care about helping people.
Once I traveled deeper down that path of counseling, I realized that’s not what I wanted to do, so I pursued a career as a professor. I attended graduate school at Pepperdine and served as a professor at Lipscomb Universityin Nashvillefor two years.
I’ve been writing since I was fifteen, all of it taking place in a journal. I loved it. Being a professor allowed me to study, teach, travel, give public talks, and write. I loved it all. But at the end of the day, what I really wanted to do was write. I was published at nineteen years old, then published on deeper platforms during my professorship, and when I was ready to make the transition into full–time writing, I did.
I do have other jobs, but I always dedicate two hours a day to writing. I’m now on schedule to write one book a year, and my blog at jamesrussell.org has received 5.9 million views in just three years. I write what I know, and I love writing, so that’s led me to where I am.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? My lifestyle is a solid one. I have a very, very good and nice family. My parents are wonderful people, are still together after 45 years of marriage. My only sibling is my older brother (by three years), and he’s my best friend. He’s a successful engineer and businessman in Texas. The happiest years were with my family, especially growing up in rural Alabama. I grew up in a little brick house on a dirt road, across from my grandmother. All the homes were at least 100 yards apart. And behind my grandmother’s house was an old cotton field that had evolved into a beautiful green pasture. Behind that pasture is a 40 foot tall waterfall only the locals know about. All the years before I turned twelve were the happiest days.
When I was twelve, we moved into town (1,100 is the populace) and bought a cattle farm. Moving, paired with growing up and turning into a young man made life change of course. They were still happy years, but my childhood was the best. The happiest day, if there’s one, is probably a day in February 2006 when I fell in love for the first time. I was twenty–five, she was twenty–two, and she was a beautiful, kind, educated, sophisticated, well–traveled girl I met in graduate school. Other than being with me family, I don’t remember a happier period in my life.
How has being published changed your life? It’s very rewarding to look at something you grew from scratch and seeing it take off, seeing it become successful. When things aren’t going as planned, when I have upsets and set–backs, I look to my writing. A best–selling novel (The Mason Jar), and the second one ( Alabama Irish ) is trending better than the first. I know exactly what my next three novels will be about, and there’s almost 6 million views on my blog. People pay me to publish their work on my platform, and I have advertisers buying space. It’s all growing. When I feel like a failure, which I do at least once every day as an entrepreneur, I look at my writings and nod. That might sound cheesy to some, but I do it. I have to remind myself almost every day that I have indeed been successful at 1 out of the 10 things I’ve tried. And that keeps me motivated to keep pressing onward, learning from my mistakes, and being careful to never make the same mistakes twice.
What are you reading right now? I’m reading Two By Twoby Nicholas Sparks, who I had the pleasure of meeting three days ago. I went to one of his book signings in New Bernand sent word through his personal assistant that I’d be there. He’s heard of me before, but it was our first time meeting. Nicholas Sparks is actually the one who showed me being a writer of romance from the male perspective is achievable. He’s life example was the final cue I took to go all in. My success hasn’t been as great or fast as his, but it’s my own journey. His very first novel was The Notebook, which Grand Central bought for $1 million. I was turned down by eight literary agents before finding one. He landed his first agent on his first try. He’s from a different life, has being writing for twenty years, has twenty novels and over half have been turned into feature films. I admire him immensely. I’m reading Gone With the Wind, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies (haha), just finished Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I’m reading everything Robert Herjavec is writing. My family owns a security services company called Fyala Security, and I’m opening a cyber security division for the company by 2018. I’m taking courses in cyber security right now at a local college.
What is your current work in progress? I’m writing the third novel called Young Vines. The Mason Jarcenters around Finn, with his two sidekicks Oz and Ryan. Alabama Irish follows Oz’s story, with Finn and Ryan as his roommates. And Young Vines will tell Ryan’s story, with Finn and Oz in the backdrop. Readers have loved that – seeing characters again that they fell in love with in the other book and seeing new perspectives on them. It’s been enjoyable creating them as well. It’s coming along. I’m in the second draft, and it should be ready by May 2017.
What would be your dream vacation? Backpacking throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and landing in Southern France’s wine country and staying there until it’s time to return home. I’ve been to twenty countries, so this would be the one trip I’d consider my greatest and most memorable. I do want to see Iceland, but if this backpacking trip was my last, I’d die happy.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I look back on movies, books, and experiences that stand out at me, scenes and settings I’d like to explore and thrive in, and I decide what to write based on that. Young Vinestakes place at a vineyard. Since 2012, I’ve been to a lot of them. Israel, Italy, Napa in California, Arrington in Tennessee, countless ones in Alabama.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Currently alive… Nicholas Sparks. Our meeting was brief because others were wanting to meet him. But I’m glad I got to say hello and thank him for his work. After him, I’d meet with Robert Herjavec because he’s approachable, his entrepreneurial pursuits have been successful, and he got his beginnings in cyber security.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I travel, obviously. But I just want to be surrounded by my pals on an adventure. I have a handful of pals that I respect and trust. We’ve seen each other at our worst, and we’ve never left. I have to travel a good distance to see them, so they’re not in my everyday life, unfortunately. I’d rather travel with them than be with other backpackers I just met. I lift weights three times a week and go for walks in a neighboring park at dawn on the other two days. I’m a mornings person and I love my coffee and early mist in the air.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Really, it’s just the discipline of sitting down and writing. I write in the mornings, and in the back of my mind, even though I have a to–do list I can always review, I think about that to–do list and I’m not sure I have time to write. You see, writing itself doesn’t make money. It’s written works that are edited and published that make money. So writing itself feels like a waste of time and energy. This is when I have to look back on my success as a writer, the salary it paid me in the past because of writing, and that encourages me to keep at it.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Write 15 minutes a day. Start there. Baby steps is still progress. When you look back a week or a month or a year later, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve accomplished.
Tell us about the featured book.
Alabama Irish
is written from the perspective of a nineteen–year–old boy. It’s a coming of age love story that teaches readers the necessity of honesty and openness in the pursuit of loving, long-lasting relationships. Here’s the pitch: Brian was raised on “the wrong side of the tracks” in inner-city Alabama. Now at nineteen, with a troubled past and juvenile record, Brian struggles to earn a living and find a life purpose. When he journeys to New York on a chance trip, Brian meets and falls in love with Shannon—a bright-eyed, aspiring actress from California. Brian returns to Alabama stirred by Shannon’s courage and passion for life. With a new zest and reason for living, Brian is determined to turn himself into a man worthy of her love.
Unable to afford college, Brian discovers the Os Guinness Scholarship, which provides free tuition to PepperdineUniversity for Irish students who desire to train for Ireland’s ministry. With some innovative thinking, Brian fakes his Irish citizenry, accepts the scholarship, and moves to Southern California to attend school and pursue Shannon. However, when Brian visits Alabama, all the lies come crashing down and Brian comes face to face with a past he thought was finished. Now Brian must make a choice, lose Shannonby spinning more lies and choosing vengeance in hopes of putting his past to rest. Or choose honesty and forgiveness and embrace a new life with the only woman he ever loved. Alabama Irish will make us sit back and laugh, then lay the book down and cry. But in the end, we’ll be reminded that no matter our pasts, the possibility to find true love again is never lost.
Please give us one of the first pages from the book. May 15, 1999We’re on the plane home from New York and I’m really glad I have a few hours to write, because man, do I have a story to tell! I met a girl! Her name’s Shannon, and she’s amazing! I can’t stop thinking about her. This is going to be a really long entry, because I want to write all the details just as they happened. I don’t ever want to forget this one. Outside the Hard Rock Café on our first night in NYC, after dinner with Uncle Mike and the fighters, a million people and a hundred horns blew across the streets. And she was there. I even caught her looking at me. This blonde haired girl with her hair pinned into a French bun. I know it’s called a French bun because she told me later when I asked her about it. I thought it was really beautiful, and I wanted to know its name. She wore a white polo shirt and khaki shorts and leather sandals. She’s got the legs of a gymnast and I think that’s really hot. She has these almond-brown eyes and she looked away when I caught her looking at me. But she smiled anyway, and I knew she knew I caught her. That smile of hers, with the dimples in her cheeks, just wow. I mean, wow. Her watching me surprised me because I’m not that impressive to look at. My shaved head isn’t attractive to many girls, but I’m often complimented on my blue eyes. They turn gray when I wear black and gray, but they turn electric blue when I wear navy blue. They might could catch some real women. Like tractor beams or something. Anyway, all I wore that day was my solid black t-shirt and faded jeans. So I don’t see why she liked that, either. Shannon LaFarre, I learned her name later, carried a leather backpack and gripped the shoulder bands with her hands. I waited for her to look my way again. And when she did, I smiled the most confident smile I could come up with, and I waved at her. She leaned her head back and laughed, and that made me feel real good. A friend tapped her shoulder and pointed up the street in our direction, and so they headed our way. I turned to James, one of my roommates. He’s humble and plump. I don’t think there’s a bit of muscle on his legs, because he just comes to the gym for bicep curls and to walk on the treadmill. People like James find expos real interesting, so that’s why they come. He wears braces at nineteen years old, and he never goes into public without his hair gelled, even when he comes to the gym. James asked if he knew what our plans were for the night, so I let him distract me until I could feel Shannon’s group getting closer. She about passed behind me, but I took a small step back and cut her off. She almost bumped into me. She stood still a second or two, wondering if I was going to introduce myself. So, to be playful, I just smiled and waved again. I didn’t even say a single word. And she laughed, but harder this time, and it’s a laugh I’ll love forever. And I mean it. I’ll love it forever. I didn’t believe I’d ever see her again, but later that night, we were meeting in the lobby of the hotel to visit the Empire StateBuilding, and there Shannonwas, standing near the door. I kid you not. We were staying in the same hotel. I mean, how does stuff like that happen? Anyway, her mom, with the same hair color and eyes, was talking to her. Mrs. LaFarre was tired, but she was smiling. When Shannon looked over her shoulder and our eyes met, she smiled a soft smile at me, and I realized she already knew I was there. The look on my face must have been funny because she chuckled. But I could only stare. She was so pretty! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, that was really her, and she was really standing there. So I took a step toward her and motioned her to meet me halfway. She kept her eyes locked on mine, but she crossed her arms, probably wondering what kind of person I was, and if I could be trusted. I understand that. She’s a real smart girl. Smart girls make you earn their trust. She met me halfway, and we shook hands, and I said, “I’m Brian.” “I’m Shannon. Are you a tour group?” “Nah. We’re here for a sports expo.” I didn’t want to say MMA, because people think it’s violent and has a bunch of meatheads. “Oh, cool,” she said. “Where are you from?” “Nor Cal.” “Nor Cal?” I’d never heard of such a place. Where was that, Canada? “Northern California. My younger sister is here with her high school. They’re singing in Carnegie Hall.” “When are they performing?” “Tomorrow night.” “We’ll be back by eight,” I said. “When does her group go on?” “Eight.” “I thought everybody singing in Carnegie Hall was opera singers or something.” “I thought everyone singing was high schoolers,” she said, chuckling and slapping her hips with her hands. Then she slid her hands into her pockets, and I knew she was beginning to feel more comfortable with me. That made me feel good, too. “So you’re here to see your sister. And that’s your mom?” I asked. Mrs. LaFarre was watching us and smiling. “Yep,” Shannon said. “But I’m also looking around. I thought about moving out here for acting, but I think I’ll just stay where I am.” “Where’s that?” “L.A. – Los Angeles. So Cal. I’m moving out of West Hollywood soon. I’m going to Santa Monica.” I don’t know where any of those places are, but I nodded anyway. “Oh, that’s cool. Have you found a place to live yet?” I asked her. “Ehh,” she said. “Everything’s so expensive. Just a studio apartment is $600 a month.” (Here’s a note I’ll need later. Minimum wage is $5.15 right now. After taxes, $600 is equal to about 166 hours of work.) “So, you’re finished with college?” I said. “I am. Just graduated.” “From where?” “Pepperdine. I’m in grad school, now, for my MFA.” “MFA?” “Yeah. Master of Fine Arts. It’s a terminal degree. I can teach college if I want to. In Acting.” “Where’s Pepperdine?” “Malibu. I’ve been waitressing, saving money. What about you? What’s your story?” I saw a brochure for Pepperdine in the guidance counselor’s office at TCHS a few years back. Peach buildings with pink, clay shingled roofs, built in what they called “Mediterranean Architecture,” standing on a grassy hill, overlooking an electric-blue ocean. I’m sure that blue was doctored in Photoshop or something. I’ve never seen water so blue. I wondered who got to attend a school like that. Probably the really smart kids. Or the rich ones. Shannon was now officially intimidating, but I tried to recover fast. “I’m-a, I’m-a-nineteen,” I replied, tripping over my words. That wasn’t true. I’m about to be nineteen. She had me hesitating and stuttering, like a blabbering moron. But she didn’t seem to notice. “I’m starting college next year. Helping my uncle right now, at his gym.” That’s more of a hope than a truth, but I was trying to impress her. “Neat,” she said. “What kind of gym?” “Uh, we train MMA fighters. Mixed martial arts.” I scratched the back of my head, because I was afraid of how that would go over. Shannon pulled her head back and looked at me with these real wide eyes. I was anticipating that, though, so I said, “It’s all right – we’re not violent. We teach dieting, core-strength, cardio. We train women there too, because we can get them in shape real fast.” “Oh, well, that sounds really interesting,” she said. “I did aerobics in college, and I still go to the gym and watch what I eat. Maybe you can give me some tips.” “Sure.” A second or two passed. “So where are you guys headed tonight?” “To a Broadway play. You?” “The Empire State Building.” “Oh, awesome! We were there last night. It’s beautiful. You’ll love it.” “So, you want to meet me back here at the lobby, later tonight?” I asked. “Yeah,” she said, smiling and clasping her hands together below her chin. “It’s six now. Do you think you’ll be back by ten o’clock?” “Oh, sure. I’m with my mom, so she’s not going to stay out late.” I have no idea where all that confidence came from, but it was there inside me. I hadn’t really liked a girl enough to talk to her in a long time. I can’t even remember when the last time was. Maybe three years? I know that sounds bad, but I mean, even if I did find someone, who in the world would want to date me? With me and my history? Nobody wants to date a boy from a trailer park, unless they’re from a trailer park, too. To be continued...
How can readers find you on the Internet?Jamesrussell.org
Thank you, James, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Alabama Irish[image error] - paperback
Alabama Irish - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
My undergraduate studies were Marriage and Family Counseling and Literature. I’m right-brained, so I’m the creative type. When I was nineteen, I thought I was going to be a Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina making $160 an hour. Not the Dr. Phil type, but in a private setting. By the time I was twenty–five, I’d have a wife, at least one kid, a great income, and driving a Mercedes. No kidding. I really did envision that. I never cared to be famous, but I did care about helping people. Once I traveled deeper down that path of counseling, I realized that’s not what I wanted to do, so I pursued a career as a professor. I attended graduate school at Pepperdine and served as a professor at Lipscomb Universityin Nashvillefor two years.
I’ve been writing since I was fifteen, all of it taking place in a journal. I loved it. Being a professor allowed me to study, teach, travel, give public talks, and write. I loved it all. But at the end of the day, what I really wanted to do was write. I was published at nineteen years old, then published on deeper platforms during my professorship, and when I was ready to make the transition into full–time writing, I did.
I do have other jobs, but I always dedicate two hours a day to writing. I’m now on schedule to write one book a year, and my blog at jamesrussell.org has received 5.9 million views in just three years. I write what I know, and I love writing, so that’s led me to where I am.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life? My lifestyle is a solid one. I have a very, very good and nice family. My parents are wonderful people, are still together after 45 years of marriage. My only sibling is my older brother (by three years), and he’s my best friend. He’s a successful engineer and businessman in Texas. The happiest years were with my family, especially growing up in rural Alabama. I grew up in a little brick house on a dirt road, across from my grandmother. All the homes were at least 100 yards apart. And behind my grandmother’s house was an old cotton field that had evolved into a beautiful green pasture. Behind that pasture is a 40 foot tall waterfall only the locals know about. All the years before I turned twelve were the happiest days.
When I was twelve, we moved into town (1,100 is the populace) and bought a cattle farm. Moving, paired with growing up and turning into a young man made life change of course. They were still happy years, but my childhood was the best. The happiest day, if there’s one, is probably a day in February 2006 when I fell in love for the first time. I was twenty–five, she was twenty–two, and she was a beautiful, kind, educated, sophisticated, well–traveled girl I met in graduate school. Other than being with me family, I don’t remember a happier period in my life.
How has being published changed your life? It’s very rewarding to look at something you grew from scratch and seeing it take off, seeing it become successful. When things aren’t going as planned, when I have upsets and set–backs, I look to my writing. A best–selling novel (The Mason Jar), and the second one ( Alabama Irish ) is trending better than the first. I know exactly what my next three novels will be about, and there’s almost 6 million views on my blog. People pay me to publish their work on my platform, and I have advertisers buying space. It’s all growing. When I feel like a failure, which I do at least once every day as an entrepreneur, I look at my writings and nod. That might sound cheesy to some, but I do it. I have to remind myself almost every day that I have indeed been successful at 1 out of the 10 things I’ve tried. And that keeps me motivated to keep pressing onward, learning from my mistakes, and being careful to never make the same mistakes twice.
What are you reading right now? I’m reading Two By Twoby Nicholas Sparks, who I had the pleasure of meeting three days ago. I went to one of his book signings in New Bernand sent word through his personal assistant that I’d be there. He’s heard of me before, but it was our first time meeting. Nicholas Sparks is actually the one who showed me being a writer of romance from the male perspective is achievable. He’s life example was the final cue I took to go all in. My success hasn’t been as great or fast as his, but it’s my own journey. His very first novel was The Notebook, which Grand Central bought for $1 million. I was turned down by eight literary agents before finding one. He landed his first agent on his first try. He’s from a different life, has being writing for twenty years, has twenty novels and over half have been turned into feature films. I admire him immensely. I’m reading Gone With the Wind, Search Engine Optimization For Dummies (haha), just finished Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I’m reading everything Robert Herjavec is writing. My family owns a security services company called Fyala Security, and I’m opening a cyber security division for the company by 2018. I’m taking courses in cyber security right now at a local college.
What is your current work in progress? I’m writing the third novel called Young Vines. The Mason Jarcenters around Finn, with his two sidekicks Oz and Ryan. Alabama Irish follows Oz’s story, with Finn and Ryan as his roommates. And Young Vines will tell Ryan’s story, with Finn and Oz in the backdrop. Readers have loved that – seeing characters again that they fell in love with in the other book and seeing new perspectives on them. It’s been enjoyable creating them as well. It’s coming along. I’m in the second draft, and it should be ready by May 2017.
What would be your dream vacation? Backpacking throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and landing in Southern France’s wine country and staying there until it’s time to return home. I’ve been to twenty countries, so this would be the one trip I’d consider my greatest and most memorable. I do want to see Iceland, but if this backpacking trip was my last, I’d die happy.
How do you choose your settings for each book? I look back on movies, books, and experiences that stand out at me, scenes and settings I’d like to explore and thrive in, and I decide what to write based on that. Young Vinestakes place at a vineyard. Since 2012, I’ve been to a lot of them. Israel, Italy, Napa in California, Arrington in Tennessee, countless ones in Alabama.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why? Currently alive… Nicholas Sparks. Our meeting was brief because others were wanting to meet him. But I’m glad I got to say hello and thank him for his work. After him, I’d meet with Robert Herjavec because he’s approachable, his entrepreneurial pursuits have been successful, and he got his beginnings in cyber security.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading? I travel, obviously. But I just want to be surrounded by my pals on an adventure. I have a handful of pals that I respect and trust. We’ve seen each other at our worst, and we’ve never left. I have to travel a good distance to see them, so they’re not in my everyday life, unfortunately. I’d rather travel with them than be with other backpackers I just met. I lift weights three times a week and go for walks in a neighboring park at dawn on the other two days. I’m a mornings person and I love my coffee and early mist in the air.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it? Really, it’s just the discipline of sitting down and writing. I write in the mornings, and in the back of my mind, even though I have a to–do list I can always review, I think about that to–do list and I’m not sure I have time to write. You see, writing itself doesn’t make money. It’s written works that are edited and published that make money. So writing itself feels like a waste of time and energy. This is when I have to look back on my success as a writer, the salary it paid me in the past because of writing, and that encourages me to keep at it.
What advice would you give to a beginning author? Write 15 minutes a day. Start there. Baby steps is still progress. When you look back a week or a month or a year later, you’ll be amazed at what you’ve accomplished.
Tell us about the featured book.
Alabama Irish
is written from the perspective of a nineteen–year–old boy. It’s a coming of age love story that teaches readers the necessity of honesty and openness in the pursuit of loving, long-lasting relationships. Here’s the pitch: Brian was raised on “the wrong side of the tracks” in inner-city Alabama. Now at nineteen, with a troubled past and juvenile record, Brian struggles to earn a living and find a life purpose. When he journeys to New York on a chance trip, Brian meets and falls in love with Shannon—a bright-eyed, aspiring actress from California. Brian returns to Alabama stirred by Shannon’s courage and passion for life. With a new zest and reason for living, Brian is determined to turn himself into a man worthy of her love. Unable to afford college, Brian discovers the Os Guinness Scholarship, which provides free tuition to PepperdineUniversity for Irish students who desire to train for Ireland’s ministry. With some innovative thinking, Brian fakes his Irish citizenry, accepts the scholarship, and moves to Southern California to attend school and pursue Shannon. However, when Brian visits Alabama, all the lies come crashing down and Brian comes face to face with a past he thought was finished. Now Brian must make a choice, lose Shannonby spinning more lies and choosing vengeance in hopes of putting his past to rest. Or choose honesty and forgiveness and embrace a new life with the only woman he ever loved. Alabama Irish will make us sit back and laugh, then lay the book down and cry. But in the end, we’ll be reminded that no matter our pasts, the possibility to find true love again is never lost.
Please give us one of the first pages from the book. May 15, 1999We’re on the plane home from New York and I’m really glad I have a few hours to write, because man, do I have a story to tell! I met a girl! Her name’s Shannon, and she’s amazing! I can’t stop thinking about her. This is going to be a really long entry, because I want to write all the details just as they happened. I don’t ever want to forget this one. Outside the Hard Rock Café on our first night in NYC, after dinner with Uncle Mike and the fighters, a million people and a hundred horns blew across the streets. And she was there. I even caught her looking at me. This blonde haired girl with her hair pinned into a French bun. I know it’s called a French bun because she told me later when I asked her about it. I thought it was really beautiful, and I wanted to know its name. She wore a white polo shirt and khaki shorts and leather sandals. She’s got the legs of a gymnast and I think that’s really hot. She has these almond-brown eyes and she looked away when I caught her looking at me. But she smiled anyway, and I knew she knew I caught her. That smile of hers, with the dimples in her cheeks, just wow. I mean, wow. Her watching me surprised me because I’m not that impressive to look at. My shaved head isn’t attractive to many girls, but I’m often complimented on my blue eyes. They turn gray when I wear black and gray, but they turn electric blue when I wear navy blue. They might could catch some real women. Like tractor beams or something. Anyway, all I wore that day was my solid black t-shirt and faded jeans. So I don’t see why she liked that, either. Shannon LaFarre, I learned her name later, carried a leather backpack and gripped the shoulder bands with her hands. I waited for her to look my way again. And when she did, I smiled the most confident smile I could come up with, and I waved at her. She leaned her head back and laughed, and that made me feel real good. A friend tapped her shoulder and pointed up the street in our direction, and so they headed our way. I turned to James, one of my roommates. He’s humble and plump. I don’t think there’s a bit of muscle on his legs, because he just comes to the gym for bicep curls and to walk on the treadmill. People like James find expos real interesting, so that’s why they come. He wears braces at nineteen years old, and he never goes into public without his hair gelled, even when he comes to the gym. James asked if he knew what our plans were for the night, so I let him distract me until I could feel Shannon’s group getting closer. She about passed behind me, but I took a small step back and cut her off. She almost bumped into me. She stood still a second or two, wondering if I was going to introduce myself. So, to be playful, I just smiled and waved again. I didn’t even say a single word. And she laughed, but harder this time, and it’s a laugh I’ll love forever. And I mean it. I’ll love it forever. I didn’t believe I’d ever see her again, but later that night, we were meeting in the lobby of the hotel to visit the Empire StateBuilding, and there Shannonwas, standing near the door. I kid you not. We were staying in the same hotel. I mean, how does stuff like that happen? Anyway, her mom, with the same hair color and eyes, was talking to her. Mrs. LaFarre was tired, but she was smiling. When Shannon looked over her shoulder and our eyes met, she smiled a soft smile at me, and I realized she already knew I was there. The look on my face must have been funny because she chuckled. But I could only stare. She was so pretty! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, that was really her, and she was really standing there. So I took a step toward her and motioned her to meet me halfway. She kept her eyes locked on mine, but she crossed her arms, probably wondering what kind of person I was, and if I could be trusted. I understand that. She’s a real smart girl. Smart girls make you earn their trust. She met me halfway, and we shook hands, and I said, “I’m Brian.” “I’m Shannon. Are you a tour group?” “Nah. We’re here for a sports expo.” I didn’t want to say MMA, because people think it’s violent and has a bunch of meatheads. “Oh, cool,” she said. “Where are you from?” “Nor Cal.” “Nor Cal?” I’d never heard of such a place. Where was that, Canada? “Northern California. My younger sister is here with her high school. They’re singing in Carnegie Hall.” “When are they performing?” “Tomorrow night.” “We’ll be back by eight,” I said. “When does her group go on?” “Eight.” “I thought everybody singing in Carnegie Hall was opera singers or something.” “I thought everyone singing was high schoolers,” she said, chuckling and slapping her hips with her hands. Then she slid her hands into her pockets, and I knew she was beginning to feel more comfortable with me. That made me feel good, too. “So you’re here to see your sister. And that’s your mom?” I asked. Mrs. LaFarre was watching us and smiling. “Yep,” Shannon said. “But I’m also looking around. I thought about moving out here for acting, but I think I’ll just stay where I am.” “Where’s that?” “L.A. – Los Angeles. So Cal. I’m moving out of West Hollywood soon. I’m going to Santa Monica.” I don’t know where any of those places are, but I nodded anyway. “Oh, that’s cool. Have you found a place to live yet?” I asked her. “Ehh,” she said. “Everything’s so expensive. Just a studio apartment is $600 a month.” (Here’s a note I’ll need later. Minimum wage is $5.15 right now. After taxes, $600 is equal to about 166 hours of work.) “So, you’re finished with college?” I said. “I am. Just graduated.” “From where?” “Pepperdine. I’m in grad school, now, for my MFA.” “MFA?” “Yeah. Master of Fine Arts. It’s a terminal degree. I can teach college if I want to. In Acting.” “Where’s Pepperdine?” “Malibu. I’ve been waitressing, saving money. What about you? What’s your story?” I saw a brochure for Pepperdine in the guidance counselor’s office at TCHS a few years back. Peach buildings with pink, clay shingled roofs, built in what they called “Mediterranean Architecture,” standing on a grassy hill, overlooking an electric-blue ocean. I’m sure that blue was doctored in Photoshop or something. I’ve never seen water so blue. I wondered who got to attend a school like that. Probably the really smart kids. Or the rich ones. Shannon was now officially intimidating, but I tried to recover fast. “I’m-a, I’m-a-nineteen,” I replied, tripping over my words. That wasn’t true. I’m about to be nineteen. She had me hesitating and stuttering, like a blabbering moron. But she didn’t seem to notice. “I’m starting college next year. Helping my uncle right now, at his gym.” That’s more of a hope than a truth, but I was trying to impress her. “Neat,” she said. “What kind of gym?” “Uh, we train MMA fighters. Mixed martial arts.” I scratched the back of my head, because I was afraid of how that would go over. Shannon pulled her head back and looked at me with these real wide eyes. I was anticipating that, though, so I said, “It’s all right – we’re not violent. We teach dieting, core-strength, cardio. We train women there too, because we can get them in shape real fast.” “Oh, well, that sounds really interesting,” she said. “I did aerobics in college, and I still go to the gym and watch what I eat. Maybe you can give me some tips.” “Sure.” A second or two passed. “So where are you guys headed tonight?” “To a Broadway play. You?” “The Empire State Building.” “Oh, awesome! We were there last night. It’s beautiful. You’ll love it.” “So, you want to meet me back here at the lobby, later tonight?” I asked. “Yeah,” she said, smiling and clasping her hands together below her chin. “It’s six now. Do you think you’ll be back by ten o’clock?” “Oh, sure. I’m with my mom, so she’s not going to stay out late.” I have no idea where all that confidence came from, but it was there inside me. I hadn’t really liked a girl enough to talk to her in a long time. I can’t even remember when the last time was. Maybe three years? I know that sounds bad, but I mean, even if I did find someone, who in the world would want to date me? With me and my history? Nobody wants to date a boy from a trailer park, unless they’re from a trailer park, too. To be continued...
How can readers find you on the Internet?Jamesrussell.org
Thank you, James, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Alabama Irish[image error] - paperback
Alabama Irish - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
October 20, 2016
FROM ANTIQUITY TO ETERNITY - Velda Stearns - One Free Book
Dear Readers, Velda Stearns has been a friend for over 40 years. We’ve attended the same church, twice, during that time. Our husbands are really good friends. They have a men’s breakfast with several other people early Tuesday mornings. As long as I’ve know her, Velda has researched the scriptures. This new book is an excellent resource about biblical prophecy.
Welcome back, Velda. Please tell us something about you and your life.I was born on a farm in Oklahoma, without electricity and running water at the beginning of WWII. I accepted Christ at an early age and developed a love for God’s Word. I still remember Bible verses I learned in Sunday school.
After graduating from college, I met Bob Stearns while teaching high school. We fell in love and were married. Keith, our son, was born eleven months later. David, our second son, was born two years later, followed by Michelle and Angela.
When Bob graduated from Oklahoma City University, he went to work for Shell Oil Company. We were transferred to Denver, Colorado, and later to Glendive, Montana, and then to New Orleans, Louisiana. Now we live in Texas.
Please tell us of an amazing thing God did for you personally.God Healed Me of Multiple SclerosisWhen I was in my early thirties, I became extremely ill. Our four children ranged in age from four to nine years. Numbness started in my toes and each day the numbness extended a few inches up my body, until I was numb from my breasts down. At that time, my body was wracked with pain; headaches were a terrible ordeal. I had difficulty walking. My vision and hearing were greatly affected. Muscle spasms were so bad, I could only sleep for a short period of time and awaken with another muscle spasm jerking my body. Daily the symptoms of the disease grew stronger as the numbness increased and extended to a greater part of my body. Fatigue was so great, I spent my days in bed.
A team of neurologists at Oschner’s Clinic in New Orleans, a hospital comparable to Mayo Clinic, confirmed that I had every symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. They sent me home with pain pills and Valium. When the doctors informed me of my situation, I was terribly afraid.
While I was sick, I laid in bed reading God’s Word, hour after hour, too weak even to hold the Bible in my hands. I saturated myself in God’s Word, daily crying out for strength. The Psalms were a great comfort. You are my refuge and my shield and your promises are my only source of hope.
Oh, the horror of being told by your doctor, “You have Multiple Sclerosis.” Oh, the horror of unceasing pain. Oh, the horror of seeing my physical body grows weaker and weaker until I could barely walk.
But, oh, the joy of knowing my sins are forgiven! Oh, the joy of knowing I am right with God! Oh, the strength that comes from God’s promise that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord! While I was sick, I wrote this poem and taped it on my mirror.
All our testing has a purpose; someday we will see the light,All He asks is that we trust Him, Walk by faith and not by sight.Do not fear when doubt besets you; Just remember He is near.He will never, never leave you. He will always, always hear.
For several weeks the attack grew steadily worse. I called and requested prayer from our pastor. While he was praying it seemed as if a person walked in the room. God’s Holy Spirit came in and filled my heart with joy and peace and it seems as if someone applied pressure to my spine, once, twice, three times.
The next morning I was delighted to find that the numbness had started going away. I praised God that He touched my body! Even though God touched me, but there were still other symptoms of MS. Many nights I lay awake with headaches and muscle spasms. One night, I was especially fearful of another attack, because the numbness was extending into my shoulders.
When I opened the Bible, the first verse I read was underlined. It said: “Christ took upon Himself all our diseases and our illnesses.” I read the entire page with anticipation because it was all about healing. I placed my finger in the Bible and changed positions. When I reopened my Bible, I was shocked to see it was turned to a different page. There I saw another scripture underlined that said, “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you whole.”
Trembling with excitement, I believed that God was speaking directly to me. God’s presence filled the room. His joy and peace filled my heart to overflowing. That night all fear left! I had great peace—and much more—for God had given me the assurance that He would heal my body.
I never asked God to heal me again, but thanked Him that He was my healer, in spite of the symptoms of the disease. Every morning I said, “Thank you, Lord, that you are the God that heals me.” My body was still very weak. I could only get out of bed for a few minutes, just long enough to wash a load of clothes or clean off the table. Then I would go back to bed to rest for several hours. This became my routine. In spite of the weakness and symptoms, I continued to thank God each day that He was my healer.
Gradually the symptoms of M.S. went away. Six months later, I was able to stay up all day for the first time. The one symptom that remained was fatigue. When we first moved to Texas, I spent a day a week in bed, resting and reading God’s Word. This not only refreshed me physically, but spiritually as well. I consider myself very blessed to be able to spend so much time in God’s Word. It has been forty years since I had MS. I praise God for His goodness to me!
What are you most thankful for after the M.S. was healed?Praise God for Allowing Me to Raise Our ChildrenMy husband, Bob Stearns, and I have four wonderful children who are Christians and serving the Lord. God promised in His Word, “If your children are taught God’s Word, great will be the peace of your children (Isaiah 54:13 NKJV).
When our children were in Junior High, I felt impressed to write Bible Study Lessons for them. During the summer months, I wrote several questions on different topics that I felt would help them. I gave them a week to answer them and at the end of the week, we would go over them together. Some of these topics were: Trust in the Lord – Faith in God’s Word - Obedience – etc.
When our children were in high school, Bob had devotions at the table from Our Daily Bread, a devotional guide. We still use the Daily Bread to read the entire Bible together each year. You can get Our Daily Bread over the internet at ourdailybread.org.
Have you had any other books published?I previously published Fulfilling the Feasts of Israelwith West Bow Press. It is available at www.westbowpress.com – 978-1-4497-8647-2 or E-Book at 978-1-4497-8646-5.
Fulfilling the Feasts of Israel gives details regarding the Seven Jewish Feasts, which God gave to ancient Israel. These feasts are celebrated each year by the Jewish people, totally unaware that they rehearsing future events that point to their Messiah. The Spring Feasts were fulfilled by Jesus Christ (Yeshua) on exacting the same day of each Jewish Feast.
The Fall Feasts point to the soon return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the glorious future reign of the Messiah. Understanding the significance of the feasts encourages believers to share the good news of salvation with the lost.
I have also published a set of 12 books on Cross Number Math Puzzles with Edu Press for classroom teachers - grades third through eighth grades.
I plan to finish a Prayer Journal I have been writing. I would also like to publish a book on Biblical Quizzes. I have already written over 150 Bible Quizzes.
When you’re not writing or studying, what activities do you enjoy?
My greatest hobby is reading. I am never bored when I have a good book to read. I play the piano and taught piano lessons for many years. I enjoy research. I researched the Stearns family’s ancestry back to England. My husband’s ancestors came to Americain 1630 on the ship Arabella. They were Puritans, seeking religious freedom. My greatest passion is reading God’s Word. I have read it from cover to cover many times.
Please tell us about your new book.My new book From Antiquity to Eternity - The Lord God Reigns explores prophecies in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical prophecy that has been fulfilled is one hundred percent accurate. You can rest assured that someday God will completely fulfill every aspect of His Prophetic Word. Fulfilled biblical prophecy is especially important, because it gives powerful proof to nonbelievers that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
Jesus Christ is the Focus of biblical prophecy. The hope of the Old Testament was the coming of the Messiah. The focus of the New Testament is the return of the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the central theme of prophecy from Genesis to Revelation. I pray you are richly blessed as you read From Antiquity to Eternity.
Thank you, Velda, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.www.amazon.com/Antiquity-Eternity-Lord-God-Reigns/dp/1537433423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= - Paperback
From Antiquity to Eternity: The Lord God Reigns[image error]
Comment conversation starter questions: Have you ever read the Bible all the way through? Have you read it all the way through in one year?
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Welcome back, Velda. Please tell us something about you and your life.I was born on a farm in Oklahoma, without electricity and running water at the beginning of WWII. I accepted Christ at an early age and developed a love for God’s Word. I still remember Bible verses I learned in Sunday school. After graduating from college, I met Bob Stearns while teaching high school. We fell in love and were married. Keith, our son, was born eleven months later. David, our second son, was born two years later, followed by Michelle and Angela.
When Bob graduated from Oklahoma City University, he went to work for Shell Oil Company. We were transferred to Denver, Colorado, and later to Glendive, Montana, and then to New Orleans, Louisiana. Now we live in Texas.
Please tell us of an amazing thing God did for you personally.God Healed Me of Multiple SclerosisWhen I was in my early thirties, I became extremely ill. Our four children ranged in age from four to nine years. Numbness started in my toes and each day the numbness extended a few inches up my body, until I was numb from my breasts down. At that time, my body was wracked with pain; headaches were a terrible ordeal. I had difficulty walking. My vision and hearing were greatly affected. Muscle spasms were so bad, I could only sleep for a short period of time and awaken with another muscle spasm jerking my body. Daily the symptoms of the disease grew stronger as the numbness increased and extended to a greater part of my body. Fatigue was so great, I spent my days in bed.
A team of neurologists at Oschner’s Clinic in New Orleans, a hospital comparable to Mayo Clinic, confirmed that I had every symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. They sent me home with pain pills and Valium. When the doctors informed me of my situation, I was terribly afraid.
While I was sick, I laid in bed reading God’s Word, hour after hour, too weak even to hold the Bible in my hands. I saturated myself in God’s Word, daily crying out for strength. The Psalms were a great comfort. You are my refuge and my shield and your promises are my only source of hope.
Oh, the horror of being told by your doctor, “You have Multiple Sclerosis.” Oh, the horror of unceasing pain. Oh, the horror of seeing my physical body grows weaker and weaker until I could barely walk.
But, oh, the joy of knowing my sins are forgiven! Oh, the joy of knowing I am right with God! Oh, the strength that comes from God’s promise that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord! While I was sick, I wrote this poem and taped it on my mirror.
All our testing has a purpose; someday we will see the light,All He asks is that we trust Him, Walk by faith and not by sight.Do not fear when doubt besets you; Just remember He is near.He will never, never leave you. He will always, always hear.
For several weeks the attack grew steadily worse. I called and requested prayer from our pastor. While he was praying it seemed as if a person walked in the room. God’s Holy Spirit came in and filled my heart with joy and peace and it seems as if someone applied pressure to my spine, once, twice, three times.
The next morning I was delighted to find that the numbness had started going away. I praised God that He touched my body! Even though God touched me, but there were still other symptoms of MS. Many nights I lay awake with headaches and muscle spasms. One night, I was especially fearful of another attack, because the numbness was extending into my shoulders.
When I opened the Bible, the first verse I read was underlined. It said: “Christ took upon Himself all our diseases and our illnesses.” I read the entire page with anticipation because it was all about healing. I placed my finger in the Bible and changed positions. When I reopened my Bible, I was shocked to see it was turned to a different page. There I saw another scripture underlined that said, “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you whole.”
Trembling with excitement, I believed that God was speaking directly to me. God’s presence filled the room. His joy and peace filled my heart to overflowing. That night all fear left! I had great peace—and much more—for God had given me the assurance that He would heal my body.
I never asked God to heal me again, but thanked Him that He was my healer, in spite of the symptoms of the disease. Every morning I said, “Thank you, Lord, that you are the God that heals me.” My body was still very weak. I could only get out of bed for a few minutes, just long enough to wash a load of clothes or clean off the table. Then I would go back to bed to rest for several hours. This became my routine. In spite of the weakness and symptoms, I continued to thank God each day that He was my healer.
Gradually the symptoms of M.S. went away. Six months later, I was able to stay up all day for the first time. The one symptom that remained was fatigue. When we first moved to Texas, I spent a day a week in bed, resting and reading God’s Word. This not only refreshed me physically, but spiritually as well. I consider myself very blessed to be able to spend so much time in God’s Word. It has been forty years since I had MS. I praise God for His goodness to me!
What are you most thankful for after the M.S. was healed?Praise God for Allowing Me to Raise Our ChildrenMy husband, Bob Stearns, and I have four wonderful children who are Christians and serving the Lord. God promised in His Word, “If your children are taught God’s Word, great will be the peace of your children (Isaiah 54:13 NKJV).
When our children were in Junior High, I felt impressed to write Bible Study Lessons for them. During the summer months, I wrote several questions on different topics that I felt would help them. I gave them a week to answer them and at the end of the week, we would go over them together. Some of these topics were: Trust in the Lord – Faith in God’s Word - Obedience – etc.
When our children were in high school, Bob had devotions at the table from Our Daily Bread, a devotional guide. We still use the Daily Bread to read the entire Bible together each year. You can get Our Daily Bread over the internet at ourdailybread.org.
Have you had any other books published?I previously published Fulfilling the Feasts of Israelwith West Bow Press. It is available at www.westbowpress.com – 978-1-4497-8647-2 or E-Book at 978-1-4497-8646-5.
Fulfilling the Feasts of Israel gives details regarding the Seven Jewish Feasts, which God gave to ancient Israel. These feasts are celebrated each year by the Jewish people, totally unaware that they rehearsing future events that point to their Messiah. The Spring Feasts were fulfilled by Jesus Christ (Yeshua) on exacting the same day of each Jewish Feast.
The Fall Feasts point to the soon return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the glorious future reign of the Messiah. Understanding the significance of the feasts encourages believers to share the good news of salvation with the lost.
I have also published a set of 12 books on Cross Number Math Puzzles with Edu Press for classroom teachers - grades third through eighth grades.
I plan to finish a Prayer Journal I have been writing. I would also like to publish a book on Biblical Quizzes. I have already written over 150 Bible Quizzes.
When you’re not writing or studying, what activities do you enjoy?
My greatest hobby is reading. I am never bored when I have a good book to read. I play the piano and taught piano lessons for many years. I enjoy research. I researched the Stearns family’s ancestry back to England. My husband’s ancestors came to Americain 1630 on the ship Arabella. They were Puritans, seeking religious freedom. My greatest passion is reading God’s Word. I have read it from cover to cover many times.Please tell us about your new book.My new book From Antiquity to Eternity - The Lord God Reigns explores prophecies in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical prophecy that has been fulfilled is one hundred percent accurate. You can rest assured that someday God will completely fulfill every aspect of His Prophetic Word. Fulfilled biblical prophecy is especially important, because it gives powerful proof to nonbelievers that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
Jesus Christ is the Focus of biblical prophecy. The hope of the Old Testament was the coming of the Messiah. The focus of the New Testament is the return of the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the central theme of prophecy from Genesis to Revelation. I pray you are richly blessed as you read From Antiquity to Eternity.
Thank you, Velda, for sharing this new book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.www.amazon.com/Antiquity-Eternity-Lord-God-Reigns/dp/1537433423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= - Paperback
From Antiquity to Eternity: The Lord God Reigns[image error]
Comment conversation starter questions: Have you ever read the Bible all the way through? Have you read it all the way through in one year?
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 19, 2016
RESCUING CHRISTMAS (CHRISTMAS MAIL-ORDER ANGELS #12) - Lena Nelson Dooley - One Free Ebook
Dear Readers, I’m featuring one of my new releases on the blog today. I decided to take one of the sets of questions and answer them for you today.
Welcome, Lena. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take? I’ve been involved in three holiday novella collections. The novella I’m featuring today,
Rescuing Christmas
, will become part of the Mail-Order Christmas Angels collection this holiday season.
Another Christmas collection I’ll be in is A Sweet Noel, and my novella is Oh, Fudge!. This collection is releasing this next week.
A third holiday collection I’ll be in is Autumn Love, A Thanksgiving collection. In all the holiday books, Thanksgiving is like the forgotten holiday. This collection will come out in early November.
My next full-length book, A Heart’s Gift, a Love’s Road Home Novel, will release in early November, too.
And I will continue to turn my books into audio books.
What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them? Actually, I’ll be teaching two sessions at a one-day conference this Saturday. Check it out at WordWyze.com.
I didn’t attend any out of area conferences this year, but the ACFW national conference will be in this area next year. I look forward to connecting with friends I haven’t seen in several years.
If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?Because of the many new opportunities open to authors today, I’d plan a panel to speak about the ins and outs of Indie publishing. I’d ask these people:Patricia PacJac Carroll, a very successful Amazon authorJackie Castle, a successful Indie author and cover designerCrystal L Barnes, another successful Indie author and cover designerJanice Hanna Thompson, a traditional author, an Indie author, and a good marketerMarji Laine, an author and publisherLinda Kozar, an author and host of the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network
How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations? Being connected to other authors, who actually understand the voices in your head is very important. And connecting with publishing professionals help an author learn about the business.
Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?I volunteer in the church bookstore. A good place for an author to volunteer. I also teach classes at out church to help equip authors to follow God’s call on their lives.
Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how? My parents (that’s actually 3, because my mother died when I was 7 and I had a wonderful stepmother. They all raised me in a Christian home where it was easy to learn about Jesus.
The woman who was my high school English teacher and my Sunday school teacher. I wanted to be just like her, and that made an impact on my choices in college.
James Dooley, who has loved me for almost 52 years. We’ve grown deeper in the Lord together.
Robert Morris, pastor of GatewayChurch in Southlake, Texas
And this last one is actually a group, the songwriters who are part of the ministry team at Gateway church. They write the songs that my heart sings.
If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be? Jesus changed her heart and life.
Tell us about the featured book. This novella is different from any book I’ve ever written. Harder situations,
When Rose Ellen Murphy became a mail-order bride, it was the biggest mistake of her life. Or was it?
When Jedediah Strong found what he thought was a dead body of a woman, he’s glad he checked closely before he buried her.
Can God make these things work together for good for this couple?
Please share the first page with us. Wyoming, early November 1877A darkness, deeper than midnight without a moon, shrouded Rose Ellen Murphy. She tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids didn’t cooperate. Where am I? The words shouted in her mind, with not one sound emitting from between her cracked, dry lips. The more she became aware of, the more aches and pains stabbed through her body. Why can’t I remember? As the memories barely seeped into her consciousness, she felt assaulted and abused. She tried to force them back, but they soon became an agonizing waterfall with flashes of events, stacking into a heap of pain.
From somewhere nearby, voices were carrying on a conversation, but she couldn’t understand a single word. A woman’s sweet voice and a man’s kind one. Soon the memories screamed loud enough to drown them out.
“Don’t you lie to me. You’re nothing but a whore!” Whore … ore …ore. The male voice spewing the word had not a shred of kindness, without a speck of truth in what he spouted.
The hated words were shards tearing enormous holes in her heart while fists pummeled her aching body. Each one harder and more fierce than the last. When she thought she couldn’t stand another second of the abuse, the darkness claimed her once again, freeing her from the memories.~~~Jedediah Strong stood beside his mother as they watched the woman lying in his bed.He’d found her in a deep gully when he was chasing a hungry coyote away from the small herd of cattle in his upper pasture. At first, he thought he’d found a dead body. He planned to bury her there, since there was no way he could find out who she was. Something stopped him, almost as if he’d run into a brick wall. He sensed he wasn’t alone, but when he looked around he didn’t see anyone. Is that You, Lord? He didn’t hear a voice, but that peace beyond understanding settled over him.
Maybe he should make sure she wasn’t alive. But how could she be? Someone had beaten her beyond recognition. The only thing he was sure of was her abundant red hair. Clumps of curls stuck to her misshapen cheeks and forehead and formed a wide halo on the ground cushioning her head. No telling how long she’d been there.
He leaned close to her face and noticed her shallow breathing disturb the hair that swept across lips, veiling her mouth and chin.
Thank the good Lord that coyote didn’t find her before he did. He glanced toward the heavens. Maybe God was the one who gave him the feeling he needed to check on his small herd.
The book will be available on Kindle sometime next week.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.comPinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley/Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooleyTwitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=tsGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_DooleyChristianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1728796&sp=67484&event=67484|1728796|67484Blogtalk Radio, The Lena Nelson Dooley Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/along-came-a-writer/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/lenanelsondooleyAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JPAIDE
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenandooley/
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Welcome, Lena. Since you’re being published regularly, what new avenues will your future books take? I’ve been involved in three holiday novella collections. The novella I’m featuring today,
Rescuing Christmas
, will become part of the Mail-Order Christmas Angels collection this holiday season.Another Christmas collection I’ll be in is A Sweet Noel, and my novella is Oh, Fudge!. This collection is releasing this next week.
A third holiday collection I’ll be in is Autumn Love, A Thanksgiving collection. In all the holiday books, Thanksgiving is like the forgotten holiday. This collection will come out in early November.
My next full-length book, A Heart’s Gift, a Love’s Road Home Novel, will release in early November, too.
And I will continue to turn my books into audio books.
What conferences will you be attending this year? Will you be a speaker at any of them? Actually, I’ll be teaching two sessions at a one-day conference this Saturday. Check it out at WordWyze.com.
I didn’t attend any out of area conferences this year, but the ACFW national conference will be in this area next year. I look forward to connecting with friends I haven’t seen in several years.
If you were in charge of planning the panel discussion at a writing conference, what topic would the panel cover, and who would you ask to be on the panel, and why?Because of the many new opportunities open to authors today, I’d plan a panel to speak about the ins and outs of Indie publishing. I’d ask these people:Patricia PacJac Carroll, a very successful Amazon authorJackie Castle, a successful Indie author and cover designerCrystal L Barnes, another successful Indie author and cover designerJanice Hanna Thompson, a traditional author, an Indie author, and a good marketerMarji Laine, an author and publisherLinda Kozar, an author and host of the Along Came a Writer blogtalk radio network
How important is it to you to be active in writing organizations? Being connected to other authors, who actually understand the voices in your head is very important. And connecting with publishing professionals help an author learn about the business.
Where in the community or your church do you volunteer?I volunteer in the church bookstore. A good place for an author to volunteer. I also teach classes at out church to help equip authors to follow God’s call on their lives.
Who are the five people who have made the most impact on your life, and how? My parents (that’s actually 3, because my mother died when I was 7 and I had a wonderful stepmother. They all raised me in a Christian home where it was easy to learn about Jesus.
The woman who was my high school English teacher and my Sunday school teacher. I wanted to be just like her, and that made an impact on my choices in college.
James Dooley, who has loved me for almost 52 years. We’ve grown deeper in the Lord together.
Robert Morris, pastor of GatewayChurch in Southlake, Texas
And this last one is actually a group, the songwriters who are part of the ministry team at Gateway church. They write the songs that my heart sings.
If you could write the inscription on your tombstone, what would it be? Jesus changed her heart and life.
Tell us about the featured book. This novella is different from any book I’ve ever written. Harder situations,
When Rose Ellen Murphy became a mail-order bride, it was the biggest mistake of her life. Or was it?
When Jedediah Strong found what he thought was a dead body of a woman, he’s glad he checked closely before he buried her.
Can God make these things work together for good for this couple?
Please share the first page with us. Wyoming, early November 1877A darkness, deeper than midnight without a moon, shrouded Rose Ellen Murphy. She tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids didn’t cooperate. Where am I? The words shouted in her mind, with not one sound emitting from between her cracked, dry lips. The more she became aware of, the more aches and pains stabbed through her body. Why can’t I remember? As the memories barely seeped into her consciousness, she felt assaulted and abused. She tried to force them back, but they soon became an agonizing waterfall with flashes of events, stacking into a heap of pain.
From somewhere nearby, voices were carrying on a conversation, but she couldn’t understand a single word. A woman’s sweet voice and a man’s kind one. Soon the memories screamed loud enough to drown them out.
“Don’t you lie to me. You’re nothing but a whore!” Whore … ore …ore. The male voice spewing the word had not a shred of kindness, without a speck of truth in what he spouted.
The hated words were shards tearing enormous holes in her heart while fists pummeled her aching body. Each one harder and more fierce than the last. When she thought she couldn’t stand another second of the abuse, the darkness claimed her once again, freeing her from the memories.~~~Jedediah Strong stood beside his mother as they watched the woman lying in his bed.He’d found her in a deep gully when he was chasing a hungry coyote away from the small herd of cattle in his upper pasture. At first, he thought he’d found a dead body. He planned to bury her there, since there was no way he could find out who she was. Something stopped him, almost as if he’d run into a brick wall. He sensed he wasn’t alone, but when he looked around he didn’t see anyone. Is that You, Lord? He didn’t hear a voice, but that peace beyond understanding settled over him.
Maybe he should make sure she wasn’t alive. But how could she be? Someone had beaten her beyond recognition. The only thing he was sure of was her abundant red hair. Clumps of curls stuck to her misshapen cheeks and forehead and formed a wide halo on the ground cushioning her head. No telling how long she’d been there.
He leaned close to her face and noticed her shallow breathing disturb the hair that swept across lips, veiling her mouth and chin.
Thank the good Lord that coyote didn’t find her before he did. He glanced toward the heavens. Maybe God was the one who gave him the feeling he needed to check on his small herd.
The book will be available on Kindle sometime next week.
Where can my readers find you on the Internet?Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.comPinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley/Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooleyTwitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=tsGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_DooleyChristianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1728796&sp=67484&event=67484|1728796|67484Blogtalk Radio, The Lena Nelson Dooley Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/along-came-a-writer/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/lenanelsondooleyAmazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JPAIDE
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lenandooley/
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
October 18, 2016
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GUACAMOLE - Rebecca Adler - One Free Book
Welcome back, Rebecca. Why do you write the kind of books you do?My first person voice is a good fit for cozy mysteries. And I enjoy writing stories set in small towns with everyday people with human foibles. Big Bend Country in far West Texas is my favorite part of Texas, and I love sharing it with my readers.Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?The happiest days of my life had to be the days that my boys were born, all three of them.
How has being published changed your life?Now that I write the Taste of Texas Mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, I write on a very tight schedule—especially when I combine my writing with teaching theatre to middle school students every day. And it's a blessing to hear from people who enjoy my books.
What are you reading right now?I just finished A Traitor to Memory in the Inspector Lyndley series by Elizabeth George. Definitely not cozy, but complex and superbly plotted.
What is your current work in progress?I'm working on the third book in this series, currently entitled Cinco de Murder.
What would be your dream vacation?My dream vacation would be to visit Italy and Greece—so much history, architecture, and delicious cuisine.
How do you choose your settings for each book?I like to choose settings that mean something to me. My first novel was set in New York Citywhere I lived for eight years after college. This series is set in my favorite region of Texas. I try to do my best to bring my love for these settings to my readers.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?I'd like to spend an evening with Emma Thompson. She's such a brilliant writer and actress and so witty.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?Hmm. I enjoy teaching; but it's not exactly a hobby. In the past, I have sung on different worship teams at church. I look forward to doing so again.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?Time is my most difficult writing obstacle. It can be overwhelming balancing all the many responsibilities that are on my plate. I depend on writing sprints with friends, a planner I check and update daily, and setting daily writing goals.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?Write every day. Write when you don't know what you're writing. Don't wait until you have time. There's never enough time.
Tell us about the featured book.
Tex-Mex waitress and part-time reporter Josie Callahan is about to serve up some Lone Star justice in this spicy Taste of Texas Mystery from the author of Here Today, Gone Tamale.Tourists are pouring into the town of Broken Boot for the annual Homestead Days Music Festival. Opening the celebration at Two Boots dance hall is smooth-talking country singer Jeff Clark, the ex-boyfriend of Josie’s best friend, Patti Perez. When the charming Clarkwoos Patti onstage in an attempt to rekindle some sparks with his old flame, Josie fears her friend will end up as just one more notch on the singer’s guitar strap.
To impress her editor at the Broken Boot Bugle, Josie and her Chihuahua, Lenny, pursue the singer to Patti’s house, hoping for an interview. Instead, they discover Clark face down in a bowl of guacamole with a bloodied guitar at his side. With Patti suddenly a murder suspect, Josie must use her reporter skills to find out who had a chip on their shoulder—before the killer double dips....
Please give us the first page of the book.“Ride ’em cowgirl!”
Diablo lurched, twirled a half turn, bucked his rider, and reeled the opposite way.“Shut your mouth before I jump off this contraption and belt you one across the kisser,” hollered Patti Perez, her jet-black hair flying in all directions.
We might not be real cowgirls, but living in far West Texas meant we could play the part when the occasion warranted. And there was no better time to talk like characters from an old Western than when riding the mechanical bull at Two Boots on the first night of Broken Boot’s Homestead Days Music Festival.
Patti is the sole proprietor of the Feed and Supply, the only Goth princess in our town of plus, and my best friend. With eyes wide, she rode that bull as if she planned to ride it all the way to the weekly livestock show in San Angelo.
Without warning, Diablo shuddered to a halt, causing Patti to slide from the saddle to her feet in the blink of an eye. The crowd near the padded arena burst into applause with a few appreciative whoops from the menfolk. I joined in though I couldn’t miss the fact she’d barely escaped hitting the mat face first.
“Come along, Grace,” I said, raising my voice above the wail of an electric guitar. “You don’t want to show up the band.” The festival’s first act was in full swing.
“Just you wait,” she muttered. “You’re up next.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?Facebook: @AuthorRebeccaAdler http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3162024.Rebecca_AdlerTwitter: @CozyTxMysterieswww.berkleysignetmysteries.comwww.AuthorRebeccaAdler.com
Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing this new book with us. I love the setting, since I'm also a Texan.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Good, the Bad and the Guacamole (A Taste of Texas Mystery)[image error] - oaoerback
The Good, the Bad and the Guacamole (A Taste of Texas Mystery) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
October 17, 2016
REBEL HORSE RESCUE - Miralee Ferrell - One Free Book
Bio: Miralee Ferrell is the award-winning author of more than a dozen novels. She and her husband live along the Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where she enjoys riding the wooded trails and spending time with her grown children. In addition to horses and dogs, Miralee once owned two cougars.
Welcome back, Miralee. I know you speak at various conferences and meetings. What do you have coming up in 2017?I’ll be attending a large inter-church two-day retreat where I’ll be sharing briefly then meeting and greeting at a book table. I’ve taken part for the past 4 years and love the ladies there. I may also be on staff again at Oregon Christian Writer’s, although invitations haven’t been sent out yet, as it’s later in the year. I’ve cut back on my speaking and conferences since starting my small publishing company, Mountain Brook Ink. That’s keeping me very busy!
If you were planning a women’s retreat, what would be the theme for it?Restoration. I’m passionate about that topic. I want to see Christian women healed in every way—spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Who would you want as speakers and why?I think Beth Moore would be near the top of my list, as this is a subject she understands. I’ve taught several of her Bible studies, and women gain a lot from her teaching.
Where would you hold the retreat and why?I don’t have a particular spot in mind, but I know exactly what I’d want it to contain. Nearby woods (no cities!) with peaceful walking trails. Outdoor seating with flowers, grass, trees, and water—preferably running water, as the sound is so soothing. The facility needs a spa, a Jacuzzi, lots of room to relax and chat, as well as serving incredible food. I’d want the ladies to be comfortable and feel pampered, so digging deep into their hearts and finding renewal and restoration wouldn’t be a chore.
Do you read print books or ebooks? Or a combination of the two?A combination. I still love the feel of a print book and prefer it, but it’s so easy to slip my light-weight Kindle into my purse for when I’m waiting somewhere. But actually, most of my reading is now done via audio. I go through 1-2 books a week while driving, doing housework, or working outside.
That’s an interesting title. How did you come up with it?The featured horse in the story with the mystery surrounding him is a bit wild and unruly—basically, a rebel. And due to circumstances I can’t reveal (without spoilers), he’s in need of rescue. Based on those details, the title came together and fit perfectly.
So what is the book about?
First,
Rebel Horse Rescue
is book 5 in the Horses and Friends series for middle-grade kids—although I’ve had adults enjoy these books as well, due to the light mystery threads and continuing growth of the characters. Here’s the short summary of this book: Summer is winding down for Kate and her friends when a surprise visitor appears at her family’s stable—a beautiful bay horse wearing a halter and a bad attitude. Dubbing the horse “Rebel,” the friends set out to find the horse’s owner. Where did he come from, and why are horses all over the area disappearing from their pastures and paddocks? It’s a mystery that even the sheriff can’t figure out, so Kate decides to head up the investigation. When Kate’s autistic brother, Pete, develops a strong connection to the new arrival, Kate wonders—did God bring Rebel to them for a bigger purpose?
Please give us the first page of the book.I’m going to cheat a little bit and skip forward a couple of pages to where we meet Rebel, since he’s the heart of the story:
Melissa stood and stretched, then stopped, one hand still in the air. “Listen. Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?” Kate scrunched her brows.
“Hoofbeats on the driveway. Are you expecting someone to ride over today to use the arena?”
Kate shook her head. “Nope. Someone could stop by, but most of the people who board their horses here come in a car, or ride a bike, or walk, since their horse is already in the barn. Probably someone riding by.” She smiled. “We do live in horse country, you know.”
A loud nicker outside was answered by two horses in the barn, and Kate swung around to face the outside door. “Better go check it out, though.” Kate was certain it wouldn’t amount to anything. There hadn’t been any excitement around here since the theft of her mom’s antique box containing the money for the trail ride and scavenger hunt. It had been quiet and boring the past couple of weeks.
The group hurried outside with Kate leading the way. She came to a quick halt a few paces from the barn and gasped. “It’s a loose horse with a halter on. And he’s gorgeous!”
Tori came to a sliding stop behind her and bumped her shoulder. “Oops, sorry. Hey, Jake, slow down, or you’re gonna knock us all over.” She shot Jake a smile. “Although I don’t have the right to talk—I ran into Kate.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I’m all over the place! Right now my website is being moved to a new hosting site, so it’s not 100% yet, but it will be soon. I’m also active on Facebook and Twitter. Here are the links:Website/Blog/Newsletter sign-up www.miraleeferrell.comTwitter www.twitter.com/miraleeferrellFacebook group (I prefer people join me there rather than friend my personal site)https://www.facebook.com/groups/82316202888/
Thank you, Miralee, for sharing this book on our blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends) (Volume 5)[image error] - Paperback
Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends Book 5) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
Welcome back, Miralee. I know you speak at various conferences and meetings. What do you have coming up in 2017?I’ll be attending a large inter-church two-day retreat where I’ll be sharing briefly then meeting and greeting at a book table. I’ve taken part for the past 4 years and love the ladies there. I may also be on staff again at Oregon Christian Writer’s, although invitations haven’t been sent out yet, as it’s later in the year. I’ve cut back on my speaking and conferences since starting my small publishing company, Mountain Brook Ink. That’s keeping me very busy!If you were planning a women’s retreat, what would be the theme for it?Restoration. I’m passionate about that topic. I want to see Christian women healed in every way—spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Who would you want as speakers and why?I think Beth Moore would be near the top of my list, as this is a subject she understands. I’ve taught several of her Bible studies, and women gain a lot from her teaching.
Where would you hold the retreat and why?I don’t have a particular spot in mind, but I know exactly what I’d want it to contain. Nearby woods (no cities!) with peaceful walking trails. Outdoor seating with flowers, grass, trees, and water—preferably running water, as the sound is so soothing. The facility needs a spa, a Jacuzzi, lots of room to relax and chat, as well as serving incredible food. I’d want the ladies to be comfortable and feel pampered, so digging deep into their hearts and finding renewal and restoration wouldn’t be a chore.
Do you read print books or ebooks? Or a combination of the two?A combination. I still love the feel of a print book and prefer it, but it’s so easy to slip my light-weight Kindle into my purse for when I’m waiting somewhere. But actually, most of my reading is now done via audio. I go through 1-2 books a week while driving, doing housework, or working outside.
That’s an interesting title. How did you come up with it?The featured horse in the story with the mystery surrounding him is a bit wild and unruly—basically, a rebel. And due to circumstances I can’t reveal (without spoilers), he’s in need of rescue. Based on those details, the title came together and fit perfectly.
So what is the book about?
First,
Rebel Horse Rescue
is book 5 in the Horses and Friends series for middle-grade kids—although I’ve had adults enjoy these books as well, due to the light mystery threads and continuing growth of the characters. Here’s the short summary of this book: Summer is winding down for Kate and her friends when a surprise visitor appears at her family’s stable—a beautiful bay horse wearing a halter and a bad attitude. Dubbing the horse “Rebel,” the friends set out to find the horse’s owner. Where did he come from, and why are horses all over the area disappearing from their pastures and paddocks? It’s a mystery that even the sheriff can’t figure out, so Kate decides to head up the investigation. When Kate’s autistic brother, Pete, develops a strong connection to the new arrival, Kate wonders—did God bring Rebel to them for a bigger purpose?Please give us the first page of the book.I’m going to cheat a little bit and skip forward a couple of pages to where we meet Rebel, since he’s the heart of the story:
Melissa stood and stretched, then stopped, one hand still in the air. “Listen. Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?” Kate scrunched her brows.
“Hoofbeats on the driveway. Are you expecting someone to ride over today to use the arena?”
Kate shook her head. “Nope. Someone could stop by, but most of the people who board their horses here come in a car, or ride a bike, or walk, since their horse is already in the barn. Probably someone riding by.” She smiled. “We do live in horse country, you know.”
A loud nicker outside was answered by two horses in the barn, and Kate swung around to face the outside door. “Better go check it out, though.” Kate was certain it wouldn’t amount to anything. There hadn’t been any excitement around here since the theft of her mom’s antique box containing the money for the trail ride and scavenger hunt. It had been quiet and boring the past couple of weeks.
The group hurried outside with Kate leading the way. She came to a quick halt a few paces from the barn and gasped. “It’s a loose horse with a halter on. And he’s gorgeous!”
Tori came to a sliding stop behind her and bumped her shoulder. “Oops, sorry. Hey, Jake, slow down, or you’re gonna knock us all over.” She shot Jake a smile. “Although I don’t have the right to talk—I ran into Kate.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?I’m all over the place! Right now my website is being moved to a new hosting site, so it’s not 100% yet, but it will be soon. I’m also active on Facebook and Twitter. Here are the links:Website/Blog/Newsletter sign-up www.miraleeferrell.comTwitter www.twitter.com/miraleeferrellFacebook group (I prefer people join me there rather than friend my personal site)https://www.facebook.com/groups/82316202888/
Thank you, Miralee, for sharing this book on our blog.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends) (Volume 5)[image error] - Paperback
Rebel Horse Rescue (Horses and Friends Book 5) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
October 16, 2016
WINNERS!!!!!
Adam D (AR) is the winner of
Dead Broke
by Linda Fulkerson.
Dianna (TN) is the winner of The Honorable Heir by Laurie Alice Eakes.
Karen (OK) is the winner of Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti.
Elly (IN) is the winner of The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep.
Trixi (OR) is the winner of A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites.
Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.
When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.
Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.
Dianna (TN) is the winner of The Honorable Heir by Laurie Alice Eakes.
Karen (OK) is the winner of Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti.
Elly (IN) is the winner of The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep.
Trixi (OR) is the winner of A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck.
If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites.
Also, tell your friends about the book ... and this blog. Thank you.
Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.
If you won an ebook, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.
When you contact me, please give the title and author of the book you won, so I won't have to look it up.
Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.
October 14, 2016
SARAH'S SMILE - Dawn Kinzer - One Free Book
Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Dawn Kinzer. We’ve been online friends a long time, and we’ve had face-to-face encounters at ACFW national conferences. A few times she, Gail Sattler, and I shared a room. I really love her, and I’m excited about her debut novel, Sarah’s Smile.
Welcome, Dawn. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.There’s always something of myself in my characters when it comes to their desires, hopes, or struggles. In
Sarah’s Smile
, the heroine yearns to leave her small rural town, be independent, and make a difference in the world. She believes becoming a missionary will be the answer to filling those inner needs. I struggled with those very things as a young woman. The characters in the story also deal with various forms of forgiveness—the grace to forgive others, the willingness to forgive, and the ability to forgive themselves. I’ve lived all three scenarios many times.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?One evening, girlfriends and I dressed in gowns. Then we took a rented limo into Seattleand dined in the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. One friend even wore a tiara. What made it even quirkier was that we didn’t realize it was prom night, and the restaurant was filled with high school students and their prom dates. We felt a little old and out of place, but laughed about the situation and had a good time.
Sounds like a lot of fun. I’d enjoy something like that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?I’ve been making up stories since I was old enough to read, but I realized that I was a “real” writer after co-authoring full length plays for our church drama group. Those experiences set things in motion to pursue writing more seriously.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.Because I write romance novels, I tend to focus more on contemporary and historical romances. But I also enjoy women’s fiction, mysteries, suspense, and speculative fiction.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?Spending time in nature refreshes me. I’m fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest where breathtaking beauty surrounds us. Relationships are very important to me, so I take time out to have lunch dates with friends, I escape through reading books or watching movies, and I get a massage once a month to help remove the kinks from sitting at a desk all day. My husband is great at pulling me out of the office and making me take time to relax. I also have close friends who are always there to listen when I need to talk—and pray for me. God and I pretty much have a running dialogue going all day.
How do you choose your characters’ names?I decide how old they are in the story, then research popular names given to babies during the years they would have been born. When something feels right—it feels right.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?I’m most proud of raising two beautiful daughters who love God, who are wonderful moms raising their children to love God, and who love and honor me. Nothing is better than that.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I’m partial to tigers because they’re beautiful, intelligent, and strong.
What is your favorite food?Oh, my … this is a tough question. One of my favorite foods is homemade popcorn with real butter and lots of salt. Once I start eating, I can’t get enough.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?I’m a perfectionist, and I’m also a freelance editor. If I hadn’t finally overcome the need to continually edit my sentences while writing the first draft, I would never have finished any manuscripts. In order to do that, I had to give myself permission to store perfectionism away in a closet for a period of time.
Tell us about the featured book.
The setting for
Sarah’s Smile
was inspired by my hometown in Wisconsin—a small rural village called Prairie Farm, built along a river back in 1848 by a lumber company. From that time until now, the population has remained around 500 people. I grew up there, as well as my parents and grandparents. My parents moved away for a short time, then returned.
It was a great place to live as a child, but by the time I graduated from high school, I couldn’t wait to leave for college. Then one day, about four years ago, I began to wonder what it would be like to have lived in Prairie Farm during another time. I’d heard stories of past glory days, and as I researched, I began to get a deeper understanding of what I’d dismissed in my youth. As I wrote the story, I changed the town’s name and the names of some real-life people so I could take more liberties, but most of the places mentioned in the book were real. Some buildings still remain.
The story begins in 1902. Our heroine, Sarah McCall, is waiting to leave for the mission field when the man she once loved steps back into her life. Abandoned as a child by her mother and gambler father, she strives to overcome a tarnished history she didn’t create and a heartbreak she can’t forget.
Peter Caswell returns to his Wisconsinhometown a pastor, dedicated to his four-year-old daughter and new congregation. But no matter how hard he tries to move on with his life, he can’t forgive himself for his wife’s death.
When Sarah learns that Peter is returning to Riverton, the letter giving her departure date for Africacan’t come soon enough for her. They were best friends—she loved him and supported his dreams—but he married another and broke her heart. Although ten years have passed since he left Riverton, Peter hopes Sarah still cares enough to give him a second chance. But a charming newcomer pursues her affections—and Sarah’s childhood nemesis manipulates her way into Peter’s life.
The question that needs answering: Will Sarah and Peter will find their way to forgiveness and each other, or will past mistakes make a life together impossible?
Please give us the first page of the book.Riverton, WisconsinMay 1902The doors to the blacksmith shop up ahead were flung wide open. The bellows’ clicking and the forge’s gentle roaring alternated with a hammer’s ring on an anvil. The scent of hot iron wafted in the breeze. A tall, familiar figure emerged from the smoky darkness—a silhouette in the bright, early morning sunlight. Sarah McCall, scurrying to the Home Store, halted, as though she’d run into an invisible wall.
Her rapid heartbeat throbbed in her ears, and her breath caught, but neither related to running several blocks. He looked her way and cocked his head. Recognized. Trapped. Fleeing was not an option.
Dressed in a dark gray suit fitting for a man of the cloth, Peter Caswell stepped toward her, like someone dead to her brought back to life. Her own Lazarus. His shoulders had broadened since she’d last seen him, and his face had thinned, but his confident stride remained.
The physical distance between them these past ten years had been a blessing—a way to bury the heartache and give herself time to heal. But with his return, she had no choice but to see him. If Sarah didn’t know better, she’d think God was playing a cruel joke. The man she loved had finally returned . . . but not for her.
I can’t wait to read the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?Readers can find me on all the following sites:Author WebsiteBlogGoodreads FacebookPinterestInstagramGoogle+Amazon Author Page
Thank you, Dawn, for sharing this debut novel with us. I love your cover.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sarah's Smile (The Daughters of Riverton) (Volume 1)[image error] - Paperback
Sarah's Smile (The Daughters of Riverton Book 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
Welcome, Dawn. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.There’s always something of myself in my characters when it comes to their desires, hopes, or struggles. In
Sarah’s Smile
, the heroine yearns to leave her small rural town, be independent, and make a difference in the world. She believes becoming a missionary will be the answer to filling those inner needs. I struggled with those very things as a young woman. The characters in the story also deal with various forms of forgiveness—the grace to forgive others, the willingness to forgive, and the ability to forgive themselves. I’ve lived all three scenarios many times.What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?One evening, girlfriends and I dressed in gowns. Then we took a rented limo into Seattleand dined in the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. One friend even wore a tiara. What made it even quirkier was that we didn’t realize it was prom night, and the restaurant was filled with high school students and their prom dates. We felt a little old and out of place, but laughed about the situation and had a good time.
Sounds like a lot of fun. I’d enjoy something like that. When did you first discover that you were a writer?I’ve been making up stories since I was old enough to read, but I realized that I was a “real” writer after co-authoring full length plays for our church drama group. Those experiences set things in motion to pursue writing more seriously.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.Because I write romance novels, I tend to focus more on contemporary and historical romances. But I also enjoy women’s fiction, mysteries, suspense, and speculative fiction.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?Spending time in nature refreshes me. I’m fortunate to live in the Pacific Northwest where breathtaking beauty surrounds us. Relationships are very important to me, so I take time out to have lunch dates with friends, I escape through reading books or watching movies, and I get a massage once a month to help remove the kinks from sitting at a desk all day. My husband is great at pulling me out of the office and making me take time to relax. I also have close friends who are always there to listen when I need to talk—and pray for me. God and I pretty much have a running dialogue going all day.
How do you choose your characters’ names?I decide how old they are in the story, then research popular names given to babies during the years they would have been born. When something feels right—it feels right.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?I’m most proud of raising two beautiful daughters who love God, who are wonderful moms raising their children to love God, and who love and honor me. Nothing is better than that.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?I’m partial to tigers because they’re beautiful, intelligent, and strong.
What is your favorite food?Oh, my … this is a tough question. One of my favorite foods is homemade popcorn with real butter and lots of salt. Once I start eating, I can’t get enough.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?I’m a perfectionist, and I’m also a freelance editor. If I hadn’t finally overcome the need to continually edit my sentences while writing the first draft, I would never have finished any manuscripts. In order to do that, I had to give myself permission to store perfectionism away in a closet for a period of time.
Tell us about the featured book.
The setting for
Sarah’s Smile
was inspired by my hometown in Wisconsin—a small rural village called Prairie Farm, built along a river back in 1848 by a lumber company. From that time until now, the population has remained around 500 people. I grew up there, as well as my parents and grandparents. My parents moved away for a short time, then returned.It was a great place to live as a child, but by the time I graduated from high school, I couldn’t wait to leave for college. Then one day, about four years ago, I began to wonder what it would be like to have lived in Prairie Farm during another time. I’d heard stories of past glory days, and as I researched, I began to get a deeper understanding of what I’d dismissed in my youth. As I wrote the story, I changed the town’s name and the names of some real-life people so I could take more liberties, but most of the places mentioned in the book were real. Some buildings still remain.
The story begins in 1902. Our heroine, Sarah McCall, is waiting to leave for the mission field when the man she once loved steps back into her life. Abandoned as a child by her mother and gambler father, she strives to overcome a tarnished history she didn’t create and a heartbreak she can’t forget.
Peter Caswell returns to his Wisconsinhometown a pastor, dedicated to his four-year-old daughter and new congregation. But no matter how hard he tries to move on with his life, he can’t forgive himself for his wife’s death.
When Sarah learns that Peter is returning to Riverton, the letter giving her departure date for Africacan’t come soon enough for her. They were best friends—she loved him and supported his dreams—but he married another and broke her heart. Although ten years have passed since he left Riverton, Peter hopes Sarah still cares enough to give him a second chance. But a charming newcomer pursues her affections—and Sarah’s childhood nemesis manipulates her way into Peter’s life.
The question that needs answering: Will Sarah and Peter will find their way to forgiveness and each other, or will past mistakes make a life together impossible?
Please give us the first page of the book.Riverton, WisconsinMay 1902The doors to the blacksmith shop up ahead were flung wide open. The bellows’ clicking and the forge’s gentle roaring alternated with a hammer’s ring on an anvil. The scent of hot iron wafted in the breeze. A tall, familiar figure emerged from the smoky darkness—a silhouette in the bright, early morning sunlight. Sarah McCall, scurrying to the Home Store, halted, as though she’d run into an invisible wall.
Her rapid heartbeat throbbed in her ears, and her breath caught, but neither related to running several blocks. He looked her way and cocked his head. Recognized. Trapped. Fleeing was not an option.
Dressed in a dark gray suit fitting for a man of the cloth, Peter Caswell stepped toward her, like someone dead to her brought back to life. Her own Lazarus. His shoulders had broadened since she’d last seen him, and his face had thinned, but his confident stride remained.
The physical distance between them these past ten years had been a blessing—a way to bury the heartache and give herself time to heal. But with his return, she had no choice but to see him. If Sarah didn’t know better, she’d think God was playing a cruel joke. The man she loved had finally returned . . . but not for her.
I can’t wait to read the rest. How can readers find you on the Internet?Readers can find me on all the following sites:Author WebsiteBlogGoodreads FacebookPinterestInstagramGoogle+Amazon Author Page
Thank you, Dawn, for sharing this debut novel with us. I love your cover.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sarah's Smile (The Daughters of Riverton) (Volume 1)[image error] - Paperback
Sarah's Smile (The Daughters of Riverton Book 1) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com[image error]
