K. Dawn Byrd's Blog, page 36

Sharon Leaf's "Lady and the Sea"

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Title: Lady and the Sea by Sharon Leaf, a novel based on a true story
Cover blurb: After two failed marriages, forty-eight-year-old Rosie Atkisson struggles through the process of rebuilding her life with husband, Jesse, in Southern California. But the settled rhythm of her newfound comfort is interrupted by a tug in her heart when she encounters a haunting photo of another aging lady, the World War II vessel MS Restoration. A special mission to transport Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel means an adventure of a lifetime; does she dare pass up this dangerous assignment that will take her thousands of miles from her family and comfortable life? In spite of her fear of water and the unknown condition of the old ship, Rosie says yes to the inner voice that is saying GO!

After fourteen months on board the ship—from a hurricane to a heart attack, from miracles to the M word--menopause--and now being held at gunpoint in the Haifa harbor—Rosie wonders if she will ever return to her own safe harbor.

1) How did the story come to you?
After volunteering fourteen months on a World War II vessel in 1994-95, I knew I had to tell the ship’s story. When the government put the lock-knot ship in mothballs after the war, she thought her glory days were over, until forty years later when a retired Alaskan sea captain bought her, then gave her to a church in Sweden to transport Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel. The Titanic was the ship of dreams, but the MS Restoration was the ship of miracles. God saved the best for last for the old gal, showing the reader that the best is yet to come for us 40+ gals and guys.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
One traditional publisher liked my manuscript but suggested I make two major changes. I have no problem making changes, but these two were critical for telling the story. So after much research and prayer, I indie-published. Instead of waiting months (or years) for Lady and the Sea to be accepted, then waiting another year (or perhaps two) for the publishing process, Lady and the Sea was published in seven months. The whole process, including the marketing, is on my time schedule. Because the two major changes remained, many readers have been blessed. The moral to my story? Stay true to yourself in the publishing process.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. When I was an avid runner, I ran a ½ marathon (non-stop) and lived to tell about it.
2. I recorded a song in a honest-to-goodness recording studio 30+ years ago; no telling how famous our group “Sonshine” would be today if You-tube had been around then.
3. I guess I’m just an Annie Oakley kind of girl at heart because I love to shoot my 45 … at the shooting range, that is. And yes, I’m downright good!

4) What are you working on now, and what’s next for you?
In between promoting Lady and the Sea and enjoying life, family, and friends, I am re-writing my non-fiction, Lady on the Run, editing my young adult novel, Victory Run, and oh yes, since I self-published Lady and the Sea, I’m going to go ahead and write a screenplay for LATS (is that considered self-producing?)

5) Parting comments?
A thirteen-year-old girl read her mother’s copy of Lady and the Sea and learned about the Holocaust; an 89-year-old avid reader read Lady and the Sea in one day (oh, the joy of retirement) and after she re-reads it, she will loan it to her family members. Young or old, my prayer is that readers will find faith for their forgotten dreams.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.sharonleaf.com/

You can order a signed copy of Lady and the Sea directly from me on The Book page, through Amazon.com, E-books, and other online bookstores.

About the author:
Sharon Leaf is the author of Lady and the Sea, a debut novel based on her adventures as a volunteer aboard a WWII ship secured for a hazardous mission, to rescue Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel. She traveled to over fifteen countries, lived in Sweden while attending Bible College, and travelled the Trans-Siberian Railway. At the age of sixty she received a degree in theology, proving that it is never too late to fulfill another dream. Sharon and her husband of twenty-four years now enjoy life in the sultry southern state of South Carolina.

Register to win Kim Watters' "And Father Makes Three"

[image error] We're happy to have Kim Watters with us today talking about "And Father Makes Three." To register to win a copy, please leave Kim a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Kim and her book, read on!


Title: And Father Makes Three
Publisher: Harlequin’s Love Inspired

Cover blurb: “Your Daughter Needs You.”
She’s saved countless lives, yet there’s one person emergency room doctor Elizabeth Randall can’t rescue—her adopted daughter, Jordan. Perhaps meeting her biological father, Blake Crawford, will be the lifeline Jordan needs. The handsome, guarded firefighter takes risks every day. But facing the daughter he never knew—along with lovely Elizabeth—has him thinking about family. With fatherhood thrust suddenly upon him, there’s no way he can turn his back on his sick child. Will working together to give Jordan a second chance at life also lead them to a second chance at love?

1) How did this story come to you?
The idea for And Father Makes Three came from a personal situation. One of my dear friends from high school was diagnosed with Large Cell B non-hodgkins Lymphoma and needed to have a bone marrow transplant to put her cancer into remission. I twisted things around a bit and brainstormed with my critique group and came up with the premise of a child having leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant. Her biological father plays a key role in helping both his daughter and her adoptive mother tackle the illness and put it back into remission. In Carol’s honor, I have dedicated this book to her.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Well, aside from having to rewrite it a few times there isn't too much to tell. I sold it on proposal and then wrote the book. Three weeks before I turned the manuscript in, I discovered that I'd received some misinformation and had to change my entire plot and conflict for the book. I work a full-time job and my kids had just gone back to school so no pressure there. I turned it in on time and hoped my editor wouldn't notice the changes too much. I did get a revision letter back and had to rewrite the book even more with her comments. I even wrote scenes in the final line edit stage, but I feel the book is so much better with all the editorial input.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’ve lived in Johannesburg, South Africa and Le Harve, France, I absolutely, positively HATE to fly, and I’m claustrophobic.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just turned in another proposal to my editor with the working title A Christmas Angel.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me here K. Dawn. It’s always a pleasure to share my works with your fans.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.kimwatters.com/  from there I have links to my social networking sites.

Register to win Sharon Leaf's "Lady and the Sea"

[image error] Be sure and scroll down to the next post after reading this one. We have two book giveaways this week. Please register for them both.

We're happy to have Sharon Leaf with us today talking about "Lady and the Sea." To register to win a copy, please leave Sharon a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Sharon and her book, read on!

Title: Lady and the Sea by Sharon Leaf, a novel based on a true story
Cover blurb: After two failed marriages, forty-eight-year-old Rosie Atkisson struggles through the process of rebuilding her life with husband, Jesse, in Southern California. But the settled rhythm of her newfound comfort is interrupted by a tug in her heart when she encounters a haunting photo of another aging lady, the World War II vessel MS Restoration. A special mission to transport Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel means an adventure of a lifetime; does she dare pass up this dangerous assignment that will take her thousands of miles from her family and comfortable life? In spite of her fear of water and the unknown condition of the old ship, Rosie says yes to the inner voice that is saying GO!

After fourteen months on board the ship—from a hurricane to a heart attack, from miracles to the M word--menopause--and now being held at gunpoint in the Haifa harbor—Rosie wonders if she will ever return to her own safe harbor.

1) How did the story come to you?
After volunteering fourteen months on a World War II vessel in 1994-95, I knew I had to tell the ship’s story. When the government put the lock-knot ship in mothballs after the war, she thought her glory days were over, until forty years later when a retired Alaskan sea captain bought her, then gave her to a church in Sweden to transport Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel. The Titanic was the ship of dreams, but the MS Restoration was the ship of miracles. God saved the best for last for the old gal, showing the reader that the best is yet to come for us 40+ gals and guys.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
One traditional publisher liked my manuscript but suggested I make two major changes. I have no problem making changes, but these two were critical for telling the story. So after much research and prayer, I indie-published. Instead of waiting months (or years) for Lady and the Sea to be accepted, then waiting another year (or perhaps two) for the publishing process, Lady and the Sea was published in seven months. The whole process, including the marketing, is on my time schedule. Because the two major changes remained, many readers have been blessed. The moral to my story? Stay true to yourself in the publishing process.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. When I was an avid runner, I ran a ½ marathon (non-stop) and lived to tell about it.
2. I recorded a song in a honest-to-goodness recording studio 30+ years ago; no telling how famous our group “Sonshine” would be today if You-tube had been around then.
3. I guess I’m just an Annie Oakley kind of girl at heart because I love to shoot my 45 … at the shooting range, that is. And yes, I’m downright good!

4) What are you working on now, and what’s next for you?
In between promoting Lady and the Sea and enjoying life, family, and friends, I am re-writing my non-fiction, Lady on the Run, editing my young adult novel, Victory Run, and oh yes, since I self-published Lady and the Sea, I’m going to go ahead and write a screenplay for LATS (is that considered self-producing?)

5) Parting comments?
A thirteen-year-old girl read her mother’s copy of Lady and the Sea and learned about the Holocaust; an 89-year-old avid reader read Lady and the Sea in one day (oh, the joy of retirement) and after she re-reads it, she will loan it to her family members. Young or old, my prayer is that readers will find faith for their forgotten dreams.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
http://www.sharonleaf.com/

You can order a signed copy of Lady and the Sea directly from me on The Book page, through Amazon.com, E-books, and other online bookstores.

About the author:
Sharon Leaf is the author of Lady and the Sea, a debut novel based on her adventures as a volunteer aboard a WWII ship secured for a hazardous mission, to rescue Russian Jews from the Black Sea to Israel. She traveled to over fifteen countries, lived in Sweden while attending Bible College, and travelled the Trans-Siberian Railway. At the age of sixty she received a degree in theology, proving that it is never too late to fulfill another dream. Sharon and her husband of twenty-four years now enjoy life in the sultry southern state of South Carolina.

Free today on Kindle!

I have two free downloads on Kindle today. I'm not sure exactly what time the promotion ends, so take advantage of it now. Here are the descriptions:

[image error] Designing Destiny

When Destiny Dean's grandmother learns that she's been given six months to live, she grieves the fact that she won't be around to watch her only grandchild grow to adulthood. She ponders how she might have an impact on Destiny's life and an idea comes to her. Taking out a leather bound journal, she begins to write down all the advice she would have given Destiny had she been a part of her life.

This book is Christian-based and includes a section of encouraging Scriptures.

Chapters include:
1) Just Good Old Advice
2) Just Pain Fun
3) Giving Back
4) Love & Marriage
5) Education & Work Ethics
6) Emotional Health
7) Physical Health
8) Family
9) Finances
10) Friends & Relationship
11) Spiritual
12) Favorite Bible Verses

Designing Destiny, a Godly book of advice for women of all ages because a great pair of shoes and a little bit of advice go a long way!

http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Destiny-ebook/dp/B008DJ1QVM/ref=la_B003F917PK_1_2_title_0_main?ie=UTF8&qid=1342302911&sr=1-2

[image error]

Witty Quotes for Readers Writers

Witty Quotes for Readers and Writers is a compilation of over 800 quotes from authors pertaining to books, reading, and writing. These quotes give insight into the humor and wisdom of some of the greatest writers in the world. Witty Quotes for Readers and Writers is dedicated to the great writers who have gone before and those who are to come.

http://www.amazon.com/Witty-Quotes-Readers-Writers-ebook/dp/B003URROBS/ref=la_B003F917PK_1_1_title_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1342303932&sr=1-1

Maureen Lang's "Bees In The Butterfly GardenN

[image error] Title: Bees In The Butterfly Garden
Publisher: Tyndale House

Cover blurb: Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed . . . but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family, or dreams of a future that includes anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.

Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?

1) How did this story come to you?
So glad you asked! This is the first and so far only book of mine to be inspired by a title. I’m usually title-challenged, but one day I was sitting in my home and noticed the flowers I’d planted to attract butterflies to my yard were instead attracting bees instead. As I watched two huge bees hover over my flowers, I felt this sense of self-pity rise up. I said to myself, “I plant a garden for butterflies, and all I get are bees. Bees in the butterfly garden.” Even as I spoke those last few words aloud, I heard their potential for a title. All I needed was a book to tack on to it.

So how could I create characters that readers would still want to read about if, for the majority of the story, those characters are symbolic for bees? I hoped proper motivation would do it, as well as a clear road toward redemption. That, and surrounding them with characters I myself wanted to spend time with . . .

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
As I mentioned, the title came to me first. That was actually quite a number of years ago, and I dabbled with writing the story but never completed it. Before receiving my first contract from a traditional publisher back in 2004, I put together a proposal for this book, but it was rejected—from Tyndale, who is publishing it at last! I look back on that early version of the story and can see why it was rejected, but it still goes to show that writers should never really give up on ideas they care about. It might need some tweaking, but sometimes patience and determination are a writer’s best assets.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m sure this is true of many writers, but I always find it interesting as an introvert that I want very much to write about people but tend to enjoy life more when I’m alone.

I already have a song picked out to be played at my funeral, even though I’m not planning to die any time soon. Ironically, it’s one that I also had performed at my wedding. It’s called “How Could I Ask For More” and is about a person being grateful for everything God has given her, as I am, but that she’s learned the best things in life are the memories we make along the way, the simple truths, and that sometimes the hardest things we go through are blessings in disguise. Link to embed the song as sung by Cindy Morgan (my favorite) on YouTube:



I believe God’s most important assignment for me isn’t to write books, but to take care of my handicapped son (17 years old). God is a much bigger fan of him than of my books.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Book Two in my Gilded Age Series, and I’m having huge fun with it. The setting is Denver, 1887, so it’s quite different from the New York City setting in Bees In The Butterfly Garden. I’ve loved this story idea from the beginning, when all I knew was that I wanted to create a hero with a secret: when he was young and foolish he waylaid a coach on three separate occasions, with the sole intention of stealing all the money he could. Contrast his past to a faithful woman who is determined to help others, particularly women in need, and the fun began. My heroine needs a loan to open a place of refuge for any woman in need, including prostitutes, and my now-successful banker hero is in no way foolish enough to agree to such a bad investment—so his manager does it for him, without his consent. It’s now up to my heroine to prove the investment sound . . . if only she wouldn’t keep making bad business decisions. It was so much fun watching my impatient heroine crack the stodgy, self-protective shell my hero had erected. All In Good Time releases from Tyndale early spring, 2013.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me! Your questions were fun, and I hope your readers enjoyed it as much as I did.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website and blog: http://www.maureenlang.com/  (I update my blog every Monday.)
I also blog ever other Wednesday at Christians Read, a blog dedicated to readers and hosted by a variety of talented Christian authors. Link: http://christiansread.wordpress.com/

Register to win Maureen Lang's "Bees In The Butterfly GardenN

[image error] We're happy to have Maureen Lang with us today talking about "Bees In The Butterfly Garden." To register to win a copy, please leave Maureen a comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Maureen and her book, read on!

Title: Bees In The Butterfly Garden
Publisher: Tyndale House

Cover blurb: Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed . . . but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family, or dreams of a future that includes anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves.

Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?

1) How did this story come to you?
So glad you asked! This is the first and so far only book of mine to be inspired by a title. I’m usually title-challenged, but one day I was sitting in my home and noticed the flowers I’d planted to attract butterflies to my yard were instead attracting bees instead. As I watched two huge bees hover over my flowers, I felt this sense of self-pity rise up. I said to myself, “I plant a garden for butterflies, and all I get are bees. Bees in the butterfly garden.” Even as I spoke those last few words aloud, I heard their potential for a title. All I needed was a book to tack on to it.

So how could I create characters that readers would still want to read about if, for the majority of the story, those characters are symbolic for bees? I hoped proper motivation would do it, as well as a clear road toward redemption. That, and surrounding them with characters I myself wanted to spend time with . . .

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
As I mentioned, the title came to me first. That was actually quite a number of years ago, and I dabbled with writing the story but never completed it. Before receiving my first contract from a traditional publisher back in 2004, I put together a proposal for this book, but it was rejected—from Tyndale, who is publishing it at last! I look back on that early version of the story and can see why it was rejected, but it still goes to show that writers should never really give up on ideas they care about. It might need some tweaking, but sometimes patience and determination are a writer’s best assets.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m sure this is true of many writers, but I always find it interesting as an introvert that I want very much to write about people but tend to enjoy life more when I’m alone.

I already have a song picked out to be played at my funeral, even though I’m not planning to die any time soon. Ironically, it’s one that I also had performed at my wedding. It’s called “How Could I Ask For More” and is about a person being grateful for everything God has given her, as I am, but that she’s learned the best things in life are the memories we make along the way, the simple truths, and that sometimes the hardest things we go through are blessings in disguise. Link to embed the song as sung by Cindy Morgan (my favorite) on YouTube:



I believe God’s most important assignment for me isn’t to write books, but to take care of my handicapped son (17 years old). God is a much bigger fan of him than of my books.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Book Two in my Gilded Age Series, and I’m having huge fun with it. The setting is Denver, 1887, so it’s quite different from the New York City setting in Bees In The Butterfly Garden. I’ve loved this story idea from the beginning, when all I knew was that I wanted to create a hero with a secret: when he was young and foolish he waylaid a coach on three separate occasions, with the sole intention of stealing all the money he could. Contrast his past to a faithful woman who is determined to help others, particularly women in need, and the fun began. My heroine needs a loan to open a place of refuge for any woman in need, including prostitutes, and my now-successful banker hero is in no way foolish enough to agree to such a bad investment—so his manager does it for him, without his consent. It’s now up to my heroine to prove the investment sound . . . if only she wouldn’t keep making bad business decisions. It was so much fun watching my impatient heroine crack the stodgy, self-protective shell my hero had erected. All In Good Time releases from Tyndale early spring, 2013.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks for having me! Your questions were fun, and I hope your readers enjoyed it as much as I did.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website and blog: http://www.maureenlang.com/  (I update my blog every Monday.)
I also blog ever other Wednesday at Christians Read, a blog dedicated to readers and hosted by a variety of talented Christian authors. Link: http://christiansread.wordpress.com/

Bonnie Leon's "Joy Takes Flight"

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Title: Joy Takes Flight
Publisher: Revell

Cover blurb: She longs for the skies, but life keeps pulling her back to earth.
Will Kate finally find a future that satisfies? Newlyweds Kate and Paul are settling in their Alaskan home in the bush country. They rejoice when Kate finds she is pregnant, but soon it is clear that there are hurdles ahead. Should she continue in her dangerous profession as an Alaskan bush pilot? Can she really fall into the traditional role of a wife? Then disaster strikes, life begins to unravel, and Kate fears she may have lost Paul for good.

1) How did this story come to you?
The series idea grew out of stories my mother told me about her life in the Alaskan bush and how she and her family depended on bush pilots to deliver mail and supplies and on occasion a lift to town. She admired and trusted the pilots. Throughout the years she provided me with a small library of books about the brave men and women who risk their lives to serve the people of Alaska and to fulfill their own desire for flying adventures.

One day while reading one of the books, my writer’s mind took over. Soon I had a story idea—there was Kate and a mystery man (who was inspired by a man with a hidden past who lived on a homestead bordering my grandparents’ property), and I started blasting down notes.

The creative aspect of writing is a mystery to me. I don’t know where the stories come from, but they usually begin with a slice of truth and then my mind just seems to find them. Joy Takes Flight is the final book in a series so there were conflicts, questions and troubles I needed to resolve. Readers need to know what Kate decides to do with her life. And Paul’s secret must be told.

I’ve known the ending of this story for three years. It feels so good to finally have it completed, on the page and in print.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
While writing the final book in the Sydney Cove series I started thinking about what to write next. I had several ideas and created a synopsis and a limited proposal for each, then sent the outlines to my agent. She and a co-worker looked them over and decided they liked the idea of a woman pilot standing up to the Alaskan wilderness during the 1930’s best. There wasn’t anything like it “out there” and the idea was intriguing, so we went with it.

I presented a full proposal to Revell Publishing and they loved the idea. Contracts were signed and I went to work. It wasn’t easy. There’s always endless research, but I needed to know how to fly.

I didn’t know the first thing about flying. But I found a pilot, Gayle Ranney, who had been flying as a bush pilot in Alaska for more than forty years. She’s the one who helped me plant readers in the cockpit of Kate’s Bellanca.

Book one had troubles and I actually wrote it twice. Books two and three flowed much more easily. It was fun to accompany Paul and Kate on their adventure. I’m sorry to say farewell to them.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. Years ago, when I walked down the church aisle on my wedding day, I didn’t want to get married. I’m glad I did. Greg and I will celebrate our 41st anniversary next month.
2. When I send in a new book to my editor, I’m always nervous. I usually convince myself she’s going to hate the book.
3. I don’t fly. I have a disorder in my ears that makes flying miserable.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m heading into uncharted territory. I’ve decided to step out and write two books that are a new genre for me. I’m presently working on a true life story about a woman who grew up in Alaska and lived a life few people have experienced and most could never imagine. It’s truly incredible. I can’t wait to introduce this little Cherokee girl to my readers.

I also have a contemporary novel waiting to be written. It is the story of my heart, one I’ve longed to write for a very long time. It the story of five mismatched friends who set out on a cross country trip hoping to rediscover what most take for granted, a “normal” life. They find much more—friendship and dreams long forsaken.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you, readers. I don’t know if you realize how much writers love to write. It fills our lives. We find stories while watching the news, reading history or just allowing our minds to wander. You are the reason we can write. If you weren’t reading our books we’d be out of a job. So . . . thank you. And if you find a book or an author that you love, make sure to spread the word.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
It’s easy to find me. My website address is www.bonnieleon.com. Or I’m often visiting with friends on facebook. The address to my author’s page is www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor.

Register to win Bonnie Leon's "Joy Takes Flight"

[image error] We're happy to have Bonnie Leon with us today talking about "Joy Takes Flight." To register to win a copy, please leave Bonnie comment with your email address and if you've not done so, place your email address in my feedburner box to the right to receive weekly emails about giveaways. To learn more about Bonnie and her book, read on!


Title: Joy Takes Flight
Publisher: Revell

Cover blurb: She longs for the skies, but life keeps pulling her back to earth.
Will Kate finally find a future that satisfies? Newlyweds Kate and Paul are settling in their Alaskan home in the bush country. They rejoice when Kate finds she is pregnant, but soon it is clear that there are hurdles ahead. Should she continue in her dangerous profession as an Alaskan bush pilot? Can she really fall into the traditional role of a wife? Then disaster strikes, life begins to unravel, and Kate fears she may have lost Paul for good.

1) How did this story come to you?
The series idea grew out of stories my mother told me about her life in the Alaskan bush and how she and her family depended on bush pilots to deliver mail and supplies and on occasion a lift to town. She admired and trusted the pilots. Throughout the years she provided me with a small library of books about the brave men and women who risk their lives to serve the people of Alaska and to fulfill their own desire for flying adventures.

One day while reading one of the books, my writer’s mind took over. Soon I had a story idea—there was Kate and a mystery man (who was inspired by a man with a hidden past who lived on a homestead bordering my grandparents’ property), and I started blasting down notes.

The creative aspect of writing is a mystery to me. I don’t know where the stories come from, but they usually begin with a slice of truth and then my mind just seems to find them. Joy Takes Flight is the final book in a series so there were conflicts, questions and troubles I needed to resolve. Readers need to know what Kate decides to do with her life. And Paul’s secret must be told.

I’ve known the ending of this story for three years. It feels so good to finally have it completed, on the page and in print.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
While writing the final book in the Sydney Cove series I started thinking about what to write next. I had several ideas and created a synopsis and a limited proposal for each, then sent the outlines to my agent. She and a co-worker looked them over and decided they liked the idea of a woman pilot standing up to the Alaskan wilderness during the 1930’s best. There wasn’t anything like it “out there” and the idea was intriguing, so we went with it.

I presented a full proposal to Revell Publishing and they loved the idea. Contracts were signed and I went to work. It wasn’t easy. There’s always endless research, but I needed to know how to fly.

I didn’t know the first thing about flying. But I found a pilot, Gayle Ranney, who had been flying as a bush pilot in Alaska for more than forty years. She’s the one who helped me plant readers in the cockpit of Kate’s Bellanca.

Book one had troubles and I actually wrote it twice. Books two and three flowed much more easily. It was fun to accompany Paul and Kate on their adventure. I’m sorry to say farewell to them.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. Years ago, when I walked down the church aisle on my wedding day, I didn’t want to get married. I’m glad I did. Greg and I will celebrate our 41st anniversary next month.
2. When I send in a new book to my editor, I’m always nervous. I usually convince myself she’s going to hate the book.
3. I don’t fly. I have a disorder in my ears that makes flying miserable.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m heading into uncharted territory. I’ve decided to step out and write two books that are a new genre for me. I’m presently working on a true life story about a woman who grew up in Alaska and lived a life few people have experienced and most could never imagine. It’s truly incredible. I can’t wait to introduce this little Cherokee girl to my readers.

I also have a contemporary novel waiting to be written. It is the story of my heart, one I’ve longed to write for a very long time. It the story of five mismatched friends who set out on a cross country trip hoping to rediscover what most take for granted, a “normal” life. They find much more—friendship and dreams long forsaken.

5) Parting comments?
Thank you, readers. I don’t know if you realize how much writers love to write. It fills our lives. We find stories while watching the news, reading history or just allowing our minds to wander. You are the reason we can write. If you weren’t reading our books we’d be out of a job. So . . . thank you. And if you find a book or an author that you love, make sure to spread the word.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
It’s easy to find me. My website address is www.bonnieleon.com. Or I’m often visiting with friends on facebook. The address to my author’s page is www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor.

Designing Destiny $2.99 on Kindle

Coming soon in print.

When Destiny Dean's grandmother learns that she's been given six months to live, she grieves the fact that she won't be around to watch her only grandchild grow to adulthood. She ponders how she might have an impact on Destiny's life and an idea comes to her. Taking out a leather bound journal, she begins to write down all the advice she would have given Destiny had she been a part of her life.


This book is Christian-based and includes a section of encouraging Scriptures.


Chapters include:
1) Just Good Old Advice
2) Just Pain Fun
3) Giving Back
4) Love & Marriage
5) Education & Work Ethics
6) Emotional Health
7) Physical Health
8) Family
9) Finances
10) Friends & Relationship
11) Spiritual
12) Favorite Bible Verses

Designing Destiny, a Godly book of advice for women of all ages because a good pair of shoes and a little bit of advice go a long way!

Designing Destiny FREE ON KINDLE

I'm not sure how many hours are left on this free download, so get it while you can. It is coming soon in print.

When Destiny Dean's grandmother learns that she's been given six months to live, she grieves the fact that she won't be around to watch her only grandchild grow to adulthood. She ponders how she might have an impact on Destiny's life and an idea comes to her. Taking out a leather bound journal, she begins to write down all the advice she would have given Destiny had she been a part of her life.


This book is Christian-based and includes a section of encouraging Scriptures.


Chapters include:
1) Just Good Old Advice
2) Just Pain Fun
3) Giving Back
4) Love & Marriage
5) Education & Work Ethics
6) Emotional Health
7) Physical Health
8) Family
9) Finances
10) Friends & Relationship
11) Spiritual
12) Favorite Bible Verses

Designing Destiny, a Godly book of advice for women of all ages because a good pair of shoes and a little bit of advice go a long way!