Brenda S. Anderson's Blog, page 32
April 27, 2015
Get to Know Peter from Stacy Monson’s SHATTERED IMAGE!
See contest rules below
It’s no secret that I’m super-excited for my friend, Stacy Monson, whose debut novel just came out. Stacy and I have traveled much of this writer journey together, so to see her work finally come to fruition is beyond thrilling! So this week, my blog posts are dedicated to Stacy. Today you get to meet the hero from SHATTERED IMAGE, Peter Theisen, in this fun character interview. Then be sure to come back on Thursday for an interview with Stacy!
Stacy has also offered to give away one copy of Shattered Image to one lucky commenter. To enter, see contest rules below.
But before I introduce you to Peter, here’s the back cover blurb for Shattered Image:
Kiera Simmons’ career as a high-profile fashion model ends abruptly when a failed relationship nearly lands her in jail. Now she forges a quiet life helping teens understand their eternal value in a world saturated with the distorted messages of society.
Peter Theisen is on the fast track to everything the celebrity life promises, with every step of his meteoric rise in the music world orchestrated by his ambitious manager.
Their sweet, unexpected romance is threatened by her past and his future, a life-changing diagnosis, and financial devastation. As they struggle to find their way back to each other, and to the One who matters most, the allure of wealth and fame may jeopardize everything.
And now for the interview ~~~
We caught up with Peter Theisen, rising star on the pop music charts, on his inaugural tour. He’s three months into a nine month tour around the U.S.
Hey, Peter. Thanks for giving us a few minutes of your busy schedule. So is Peter Theisen your real name? It doesn’t sound like a stage name.
It’s my real name. I didn’t see myself as a Slash or Spike or anything like that. And I was afraid if I picked a stage name like Bill wanted, I wouldn’t remember to answer to it! I’m just a guy from Iowa trying to make it in the music industry. I’ll leave the stage names to Bill’s other clients.
Who’s Bill?
My manager. William Djerf the Third, to be exact.
Sounds very official. What kind of manager is he?
Umm. My music manager?
I figured that. I meant is he a fun guy, hands-on or off, that kind of thing.
Oh. (chuckling, looking at the floor) Well, he’s very hands on. I’ve heard people call him a micro manager. He likes being super involved. Fun? Well…sometimes you can catch him in a good mood. Most of the time he’s just really focused on getting stuff done. He’s sure I’ll be a superstar within the year.
What do you think?
(Peter’s cheeks get pink) I think I’m starting to get recognized. And if my music does take off, it’ll be thanks to Bill’s 24/7 management.
I’ve heard a few of your songs. You have a really amazing voice. I’ll bet it makes all the women swoon.
No. No swooning. Although after the show, during the Meet and Greet, they seem to like to pinch…they sometimes pinch my…
We get the picture. Pretty flattering, hmm?
(shifting in his chair) At first it was. But it’s weird too.
Tell us about the tour you’re on. It’s called Road to Love, right?
Right. That’s the name of my CD too. Mark Simmons put it together. He’s an amazing music producer and he has a great staff. I really learned a lot working with them this summer making the album.
What kind of music is on it?
It’s a real mix. I’ve always loved the old style of the crooners. Like Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett. So I’ve got a few from that era with a modern twist to them. And then a bunch that I’ve written.
You put the album out through Simmons Music Productions in Minnesota. Have you spent much time there otherwise?
My Gram had a cabin up in Nisswa on Gull Lake. I got to spend most of my childhood summers there. It was a great place to be a kid. I feel like I’m as much a Minnesotan as an Iowan.
I heard you were making some new memories up there this past summer.
Wow, you do your homework! I got to take my amazing girlfriend, Kiera Simmons, and her dad up there for a long weekend. It was great. We did some fishing – her dad’s big into fishing – and hiking. And Kiera and I spent the evenings by the fire. It was an amazing weekend.
Tell us a bit about her – what you like best. I’ve seen some of her modeling photos. She’s beautiful.
She sure is. What do I like best? Oh, man. (toes tapping) Well, she’s gorgeous, of course. But it’s more than that. She’s smart. She makes me laugh. She started this amazing program called One of Me where she travels around talking to teens about who they are inside, and why that’s more important than trying to be like everyone else.
Sounds great. Does she get to travel with you?
Unfortunately no. She’s super busy with her One of Me presentations, and her dad has been sick with cancer. He’s a great guy. Been more of a dad to me than my own dad, who rarely came out of the operating room. Buck, that’s her dad, has a strong faith, and he’s an artist, a woodcarver. He taught me to whittle which is great to do when there’s down time on tour. And there can be a lot of that so I’m getting pretty good at it.
Being on tour must be exciting. Is there a down side to it?
Before we headed out I would have said no. But now that we’ve been out for a few months, I’ve realized it’s pretty lonely. I miss Kiera big time. And there’s less and less time to get home for a visit. Bill has me lined up with radio interviews, appearances, and rehearsal every free minute. Sometimes I just want to kick back in my hotel room and Skype with Kiera. Or better yet go home and spend time with her. I’m a little afraid that my being gone so much will make other guys think she’s available.
What are you looking forward to next?
The holidays are coming up so I’m counting the days ‘til I can get home and spend time with my beautiful lady.
Thanks for spending time with us, Peter. Good luck on the Road to Love.
About Stacy Monson~
Stacy Monson writes stories that show an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Her current release, Shattered Image, is the first book in the Chain of Lakes series. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she is the current secretary and past president of MN-NICE, as well as the area coordinator for Minnesota. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, mom to two amazing kids and two wonderful in-law kids, and a very proud grandma. You can learn more about Stacy and her books at www.stacymonson.com.
Get in touch with Stacy~
Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram: Stacy_Monson
Purchase Shattered Image~
>>>Book Giveaway<<<Stacy has graciously offered to give away one copy of Shattered Image, your choice of paperback or ebook version in the continental US, and outside the continental US, a Kindle version. To enter, leave a question for Peter in the comments section below.
This contest ends Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 11:59 pm CST. I will post the winner on Monday, May 4, 2015. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.
Monday Updates
For those wondering if the correct copy of Memory Box Secrets is available yet for Kindle, the answer, unfortunately, is No. Apparently the tech department is working on it, but haven’t been successful. Guess I needed to learn more lessons in patience. 
And the Book Birthday Giveaway Winner is …
*** Susieq ***
Congratulations, Susieq! I hope you’ll enjoy following the Brooks family in Pieces of Granite, Chain of Mercy, and Memory Box Secrets (the first three books in the Coming Home series.
winner chosen via Random.orgApril 24, 2015
Blog Hopping Friday
I’m hopping about the web today and would love to have you join me!
Shannon Taylor Vannatter has welcomed Richard and Sheila Brooks, my hero and heroine from Memory Box Secrets, to her popular romance blog today. Get to know Richard and Sheila a bit better and have an opportunity to win a copy of Memory Box Secrets.
http://shannonvannatter.com/brenda-s-anderson-romantic-character-interview-part-1-of-1/
At Inkspirational Messages, I interviewed author friend, Stacy Monson, whose debut novel Shattered Image just came out. (It’s a great book, btw)
http://inkspirationalmessages.com/snoopy-dancing-with-stacy-monson/
And Sarah Ruut gives a very gracious review of Memory Box Secrets on her blog today. 
April 22, 2015
Coming Home Series – Order of Release
I’ve managed to confuse a few people with my latest release. Not the story itself, but rather with the order of release, with people wondering which book comes first, second, third. And which book would be best to read first. And so on. Hopefully, this will help clear things up.
The Coming Home series consists of four books, and chronologically the story time lines occur in this order:
Pieces of Granite – a prequel
Chain of Mercy – book 1
Memory Box Secrets – book 2
Finding Home – book 3 (coming in September 2015)
So, why did I release them in a different order? The answer’s pretty basic: Chain of Mercy and Pieces of Granite were the most polished manuscripts. Chain was released first because, as it has strong elements of romance, it has a greater draw than Granite which is women’s fiction with no romance. Let’s face it, the majority of women like some romance in their novels.
Another question would be: Why is Pieces of Granite a prequel instead of Book 1? Because the book’s hero/heroine are different from the hero/heroine in the remaining three novels. Where Granite is about Debbie Brooks Verhoeven and her husband and family, Chain, Memory Box, and Finding Home are about Richard Brooks and Sheila Peterson.
One last question: Why write a story focusing on Debbie when the rest are on Richard? Well, that goes back to my early days of writing and trying to secure an editor and/or agent. I was consistently told that women didn’t want to read stories from the male perspective, and in Chain of Mercy, Richard is no doubt the lead. To counter the male lead issue, I decided to write a story from Richard’s sister’s perspective, one that would introduce Richard and pique readers’ interest enough that they’d want to read his stories.
So there you have it! Hopefully this straightens things out for you a bit!
A couple of other notes~
My Book Birthday Celebration is still going on (after a web host glitch took my site down mid-party!) Click on over to this post to join in and have a chance to win the first three books in the Coming Home series.
At this point, I’m still waiting for Kindle tech to download the correct version of Memory Box Secrets. Once it’s fixed, purchasers will receive the correct version, but in the meantime, please hold off on purchasing. I will shout it from the rooftops when they get it right.
Important Notice for Memory Box Secrets Kindle Readers
I learned this morning that the version of Memory Box Secrets showing up on everyone’s Kindle device is my draft! Ugh!
The Kindle tech department is working on straightening this out, and everyone who ordered Memory Box Secrets will receive the correct version. Hopefully very soon! I’ll keep you posted.
So sorry for this inconvenience!
Also, I apologize for my website going down in the middle of my celebration. It seems my web host had their own glitches yesterday. I’m grateful that it’s back up again today. I still have plenty of calorie-free snacks, so help yourself!
April 20, 2015
Happy Book Birthday, MEMORY BOX SECRETS!
MEMORY BOX SECRETS is now available!Please join me in celebrating the birth of book number three! I’m serving virtual cake, bars, mixed nuts, & punch and it’s all calorie free!
And for one lucky commenter, I’m giving away the first three books in my Coming Home Series:
Pieces of Granite (Prequel)
Chain of Mercy (Book 1)
Memory Box Secrets (Book 2)
So fill your plate and have a seat, then in the comments below, let me know what flavor of virtual cake you’re eating. (FYI – My first slice is chocolate with fudge frosting.)
Thank you for celebrating with me!
Also, if you haven’t read Chain of Mercy yet, it’s still only 99¢ for your Nook or Kindle. This sale ends soon, so get your copy now!
Kindle | Nook
Giveaway details:
To enter, in the comments below tell me what flavor virtual cake you’re eating. Contest open to continental US residents only.
Contest ends Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 11:59 CST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced on Monday, April 27, 2015.
April 18, 2015
April 15, 2015
The Scoop Behind Memory Box Secrets
Only Five Days UntilMemory Box Secrets’
Official Release!
If I knew then what I know now, Memory Box Secrets never would have been written. Still, of all the books I’ve written, it probably tells my favorite story. Goes to show that not knowing everything about the craft at once can be a good thing.
Prevailing wisdom says that while series are popular, having the hero/heroine be the same throughout the series isn’t terribly wise, and that makes sense. When you follow the same H/H from book to book, there’s always back story and character development that needs to be carried from one book to the next, and it’s very difficult to write a sequel that can be read as a standalone without weighing it down.
So, why did I do it? Well, this wisdom didn’t come to me until after the first three books were written. Chain of Mercy (Coming Home, book #1) was the first novel I ever penned. When I attended my first conference and took a plotting class from James Scott Bell, I learned that I really had two books in one. So, I chopped that first book in half, added meat to both books, and suddenly I had completed two entire novels!
Since then, the story in Memory Box Secrets has become perhaps my favorite (if it’s possible to choose a favorite). It’s very complex, has several story lines going on, and those stories are seen from five (yes, five!) points-of-view (another thing I wouldn’t recommend and would never do again!). Yet, each of those points-of-view plays an important role in the main story. Every subplot comes together in the end, maybe not tying the story into a neat little bow, but each story and each character is an integral part of the story’s rich tapestry.
And then there’s the subject matter of Memory Box Secrets. One of the subplots deals with a young, unmarried couple who’ve decided to give their baby up for adoption. I’ve read a lot of stories about adoption, and they’re all beautiful, but too many of them lay guilt on the birth parents rather than lauding them for doing something beautiful, loving, and courageous. Memory Box Secrets is my standing ovation for birth parents who choose to go the adoption route. I hope I do them justice.
So there’s a peek into the writing of Memory Box Secrets. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do.
Pre-Order Memory Box Secrets on Amazon.
Will also be available at Barnes & Noble on release day.
Chain of Mercy ebook only 99¢ for a limited time! Amazon | B&N
April 13, 2015
Novel Anticipation – April 2015, Part Two
I’m especially giddy over the books listed in this week’s Novel Anticipation! I LOVE giving shout outs to friends when their books release, and this month, two friends are celebrating! I’m Snoopy Dancing with both Stacy Monson (Her debut!!!) and Rose Ross Zediker. And then, of course, Memory Box Secrets will officially release on April 21, but you can pre-order it >here
SHATTERED IMAGE
by Stacy Monson
His Image Publications
Kiera Simmons’ career as a high-profile fashion model ends abruptly when a failed relationship nearly lands her in jail. Now she forges a quiet life helping teens understand their eternal value in a world saturated with the distorted messages of society.
Peter Theisen is on the fast track to everything the celebrity life promises with every step of his meteoric rise in the music world orchestrated by his ambitious manager.
Their sweet, unexpected romance is threatened by her past and his future, a life-changing diagnosis, and financial devastation. As they struggle to find their way back to each other, and to the One who matters most, the allure of wealth and fame may jeopardize everything.
RECLAIMING THE COWBOY’S HEART
by Rose Ross Zediker
Love Inspired Heartsong Presents
Donna Greene Is the Ultimate Survivor
Twenty years ago, a horrible accident nearly destroyed her family’s business. And everyone still blames her former fiancé, Jamie Martin. Donna’s managed to thrive, despite life’s many curveballs. But when Jamie crosses her path at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Donna isn’t prepared for the feelings that still endure after all these years.
Party boy Jamie is a changed man in every way—except for the love he still harbors for the only woman who made him whole. Jamie’s newfound faith could pave the way for a second chance at his first love…if Donna can find it in her heart to forgive.
MEMORY BOX SECRETS
by Brenda S. Anderson
Vivant Press
Newlyweds Richard and Sheila Brooks have it all. Sheila is pregnant. Richard’s business is flourishing. Their formerly broken lives have been mended, and life couldn’t be better.
Or so they thought.
Just a few years ago, Richard had thrived in Manhattan’s fast-paced business world, yet that’s the very place he abandoned his faith. Now that his faith is restored, he never planned to return to that old life. But then the New York corporation that once rejected him calls, begging him to come back. Richard knows returning is unwise, but his gut is telling him to go.
Sheila yearns to have something from her childhood to pass on to her child, but when her parents abandoned her years ago, they took all remnants of her past with them. Then, out of the blue, her aging father calls, asking to be let back into her life. Her head screams “no”, but her traitorous heart is saying “yes.”
If Richard and Sheila answer these calls from their pasts, will they risk breaking what they’ve spent so much time mending?
