Interview and Book Giveaway with Elaine Cooper

Tells us first how you came to faith in Jesus.
I first became a believer in Jesus Christ when I was 21. My sister had invited me to a revival at her church and that's when I understood the meaning of the cross, and the sacrifice that He paid for my sins. I had been to church most of my life and knew about Jesus, but had never surrendered my life to Him before then. Having Him in my heart to guide my life was a whole new experience and a most joyous transformation.
Where did you get the idea for your latest book?My latest book, "The Legacy of Deer Run," is loosely based on my third great-grandparents. I knew that my grandfather had worked at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts so that became the setting for this historical novel that is filled with intrigue, romance, faith, and forgiveness.

What do you want readers to take away from your writing and this book in particular?In writing fiction, you always hope that your reader gets entertained. With historical fiction, I endeavor to teach my readers accurate history of the time period. But with inspirational fiction, there is the added layer of showing my characters' spiritual lives grow as they struggle through the difficulties in their lives. In "The Legacy of Deer Run," I endeavored to write about the importance of faith and forgiveness, sprinkled with romance!

What is your favorite Bible verse?My favorite verse is Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
There are so many verses throughout the Bible about compassion for the poor, but this is one of my favorites.

What is your favorite comfort food?Homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk. YUMMMMM!

What are your hobbies other than writing?I love to cross stitch and crochet. Wish I had more time for both!

How does your faith play into your writing?My faith plays a huge role in my writing and I try to weave it into my manuscripts in an unobtrusive way. My faith in Jesus is woven throughout my life so it cannot help but thread its way through my chapters.

Favorite childhood book?"Jane Eyre." I still envision her on that window seat hiding with her books. :)

Which movie has inspired you the most and why?"To Kill A Mockingbird." Gregory Peck as the ultimate dad fighting for his children and for justice; Scout, ornery and rebellious, finding her way in a lonely, sometimes frightening world. Inspiring script!
Have you ever had a mentor when you were first starting out? Who was it and how did they encourage you? When I was first starting out, an online writing friend named Jennifer Slattery was the first person that encouraged my blogging attempts and efforts to contact devotional resources like "Chicken Soup for the Soul." She gave me the encouragement I needed to believe I could try, even though I was a rookie. Thank you, Jennifer. :)


Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of The Road to Deer Run (Finalist in Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Religious Fiction, Honorable Mention in Romance at 2011 Los Angeles Book Festival) and The Promise of Deer Run (Romance Winner for 2012 Los Angeles Book Festival, Finalist in Religious Fiction for ForeWord Review Book of the Year). She is also a contributing writer for Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home by Edie Melson.  Elaine is a wife, mom, Grammie to triplets, and a registered nurse.
Website: http://DeerRunBooks.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor
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