Spotlight on Brandt Dodson

To round out this week, here is the #3 spotlight. We haven't had a lot of comments so far, and there are THREE FREE BOOKS to give away. So, tell your friends and spread the word. Encourage them to enter for their chance to win. What a great gift to start off the New Year right. Winners will be announced on January 2nd.

Today's guest has made a name for herself through her encouragement and friendly nature. She is always there for her readers and fellow authors who need a little pick-me-up from time to time. With such a sweet spirit, how could anyone not love her? She's been a dear friend to me, and I'm honored to feature her here today. Of course, I'll also be joining her now as a fellow Heartsong author. :)

Brandt Dodson is the author of the Colton Parker Mystery series from Harvest House, and comes from a long line of police officers. His upcoming novel, "The Root of All Evil" will be released in January, with a fourth in the series, "The Lost Sheep" to be released in July of 2007. Brandt lives in southern Indiana with his wife and their two sons, and serves as an elder at The First Christian Church.

1. This is the third book in the Colton Parker Mystery series, a set that seems to be doing very well for the suspense genre. Where did you get the inspiration behind this particular story?

We seem to live in a culture that is very materialistic. People judge each other on the basis of the car they drive, the house they live in and the school that their kids attend. Unfortunately, none of that matters in the scheme of things and it isn't a problem that is confined to the wealthy. With that in mind, I was reading an article in the paper about a wealthy family in New York that was fighting over an inheritance. Eventually, one of them hired a hit-man to kill the other. The story was so fantastic and unbelievable that I knew the old adage "truth is stranger than fiction" was true. So, I wrote the book.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the character of Colton Parker? What aspects became traits that were his and his alone?

Like Colton, I was employed by the Indianapolis office of the FBI. Unlike Colton, I was never fired for beating a confession out of someone. But beyond that, a good deal of my life experience is used to shape his character. I've thought as he does (prior to giving my life to Christ) but I wasn't raised in foster homes as he was. I think that any character has some of the writer's DNA in them. After all, I thought them up and they come out of my experience as it is filtered through my imagination. But that doesn't mean they are self-portraits. I don't have Colton's temper, for example, and I'm not a single father raising a rebellious daughter – and I thank God for that.

3. What themes exist in Root of All Evil that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I hope, as I do with all my fiction, that the reader comes away with the understanding that the Bible is correct. When God's word says something, or counsels us in a certain way, we need to pay attention. So when we read that the "love of money is the root of all kinds of evil," we can take those words at face value. Of course, that's the theme of the novel. But I also want the reader to know that this problem isn't confined to the wealthy. It is a disease that can afflict all of us, especially when we let ourselves get caught up in the pursuit of things, rather than the pursuit of God. Even the poorest among us, can love money to the exclusion of everything else. One of the unanticipated themes was that "the meek shall inherit the earth." After all of the jockeying and scheming that the characters go through, that theme becomes very clear.

4. What was your most difficult part to write? Your favorite?

I had a hard problem with Pork Chop's daughter. Without giving too much away, I wanted to capture the challenge of Down's Syndrome while also showing the innocence and the open heart that most Down's Syndrome patients have. They are absolute joys to be around. No subterfuge, no ulterior motives. What you see with them is what you get. The most enjoyable part is Pork Chop himself. His character was fun to develop and more fun to put on paper. I had a really good time with him.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I have been signed by Harvest House for more in the Colton Parker series and for another series as well. The next Colton Parker novel is titled "The Lost Sheep" and will be released in July of '07. In the book, Callie and Colton's relationship finally come to a head, as she runs off with a charismatic cult leader and ends up in Las Vegas where most of the book is set. The novel will put Colton face-to-face with evil in a way he's never imagined. It will also force him to answer the question of his relationship with Mary, as well as his own spiritual standing. Of all the books, this one was the most challenging - and the most fun!

In March of '08, Harvest House will release the first novel in a new series. The novel is titled, "White Soul" and will be set in Miami. The current plan is to release two novels a year; one in the Colton Parker series and one in another series. Needless to say, I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Thank you, Brandt, for joining us today. Hope everyone enjoys the interview. Don't forget to leave a comment for your chane to win a free copy of The Root of All Evil.

Spotlight on Lena Nelson Dooley and A Daughter's Quest

As promised, here is #2 for the week. The third and final will come on Friday. So, don't miss your chance to win 1 of THREE FREE BOOKS this week!

Today's guest has made a name for herself through her encouragement and friendly nature. She is always there for her readers and fellow authors who need a little pick-me-up from time to time. With such a sweet spirit, how could anyone not love her? She's been a dear friend to me, and I'm honored to feature her here today. Of course, I'll also be joining her now as a fellow Heartsong author. :)

Lena Nelson Dooley has sold 9 Heartsongs and 5 novellas. She loves to write, and she loves to encourage other authors and authors-to-be. Active in American Christian Fiction Writers, she will serve as Vice President of the local DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) chapter in 2007. She has been married to the love of her life for over 42 years. They have two daughters, two sons-in-law, two grandsons, two granddaughters, and one granddaughter-in-law. If you visit her web site, you can find out a lot more about her and even see a slide show of the events of 2006. www.lenanelsondooley.com She'd also like to invite you to her blog where she interviews a different author every week. http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

1. You have certainly found a niche and a following with your inspirational romances for Heartsong, both historical and contemporary. Where did you get the inspiration behind this particular story?

A Daughter's Quest came about when Lisa Harris contacted me about an idea Laurie Alice Eakes had for a three-book state series to propose to Heartsong. The basic premise deals with a real historical shipment of gold that was headed to the frontier to pay the soldiers. The shipment was stolen, but never recovered. We used the stolen gold as the thread through all three books. Of course as always, I look to the Lord for His inspiration for all my books. As a sidelight to this story, the Lord asked me to make a First Fruit offering to Him. In faith, I promised it to Him, so all my profits for the book are going to Gateway Church for the expansion.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the character of Constance Miller? What aspects became traits that were hers and hers alone?

At the beginning of the book, she lives in the Ozarks. I lived there until I was about 14. Constance is impetuous, and as a young woman, I was more impetuous than I am now. She was tenacious, and I've been that plenty of times.

3. What themes exist in A Daughter's Quest that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Constance had been raised in the church, and she believed in God, but she hadn't learned to walk with Him everyday and talk to Him as a friend. I'm hoping some readers who haven't experienced this personal walk with Him will learn the same way Constance did in the book.

4. What was your most difficult part to write? Your favorite?

This is a hard question to answer. I love to write. I enjoy seeing the story develop new depths as I put it on paper. Since I had to write this one in a few short weeks, I had to depend on the Lord a lot. I believe the book is better for it.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I have four books slated for release in 2007. The Spinster and the Cowboy in the novella anthology The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner coming out in April. In June, Can You Help Me? in Carolina Carpenter Brides. A Christmas novella collection will release in September--Montana Mistletoe, and my story is Christmas Confusion. My only Heartsong in 2007 will be Who Am I? In October. The first two books are historical, and the last two are contemporary.

Thank you, Lena, for joining us today. Hope everyone enjoys the interview. Don't forget to leave a comment for your chane to win a free copy of A Daughter's Quest.

Spotlight on ... Meredith Efken - @ Home for the Holidays

All right, we're back in business again with the spotlight authors. Since we missed last week, I'm not only doubling up...I'm tripling up with three--that's right---THREE spotlight guests this week. That's three times the chances to win a FREE autographed book. Won't make it in time for Christmas, but you'll have one for the new year.

Just post a comment on an interview to be entered for a chance to win.

Now, it's my pleasure and honor to introduce a great friend of mine. One of the first writers I met after joining ACFW, Meredith and I quickly found a lot common laughter ground to keep our spirits light. She's managed to help me keep things in perspective on many occasions and offered sound advice when my life seemed out of control. And when you read her books...you'll see the evidence of this.

MEREDITH EFKEN has experienced much of what she describes in her new book, @ Home For The Holidays, sequel to her debut novel, SAHM I Am. From surviving temper tantrums to being covered in slobbery toddler kisses, Meredith enjoys the life of a stay-at-home mom – despite the challenges. In addition to writing, freelance editing, and home schooling, Meredith is a graduate of the Vineyard Leadership Institute as well as a member of her church worship team at the Omaha Vineyard. She also co-founded a local writers group, WordSowers, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

She's been declared by fellow author Randy Ingermanson to be "funnier than Erma Bombeck" which she often questions, but hey, it's a great quote. You can decide for yourselves if it's true. Check out her website at www.meredithefken.com for fun extras about her books and to participate on her interactive blog, Violet Voices.

1. Meredith, you speak to thousands of women everywhere, SAHM's or not, with your issue of balancing the hectic pace of the holidays and real life. As a SAHM yourself, you bring a lot of personal background to your books, but where did you get the inspiration behind this particular story?

Well, the main Christmas story line has to do with a group of women that have decided to boycott Christmas, in order to punish their local retailers for not saying "Merry Christmas" the year before. It's satire on the whole "war on Christmas" flap that we seem to get caught up in every year. The inspiration for it came from a forwarded email I got from a certain religious organization last year, suggesting a similar boycott. When Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace and reconciliation, and when there are so many people who will face serious difficulties during the holiday season, worrying about what greeting retailers use seems to be a waste of energy and resources. I wanted to show the absurdity in a way that would make people laugh--even if it's at ourselves.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Rosalyn and the other SAHM loop ladies? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Rosalyn, the antagonist of the story, was created largely from my own sense of inferiority and guilt about not being a good enough mom. I took all those things I kept telling myself I "should be" and made them into an actual person. And she irritated me so much by her own perfection that I just HAD to take her down a few pegs. It was really therapeutic, and it helped me be a little less hard on myself.

The other moms all have bits and pieces of me--Dulcie's general personality is probably closest to my own. But they really did take on their own character traits, and I can't say any of them are supposed to be "me." I stick in little things that have happened to me or other people I know, though. There's a part of @Home in which one of the moms gets chewed out by a guy in the grocery store for not keeping her toddler away from the sliding automatic doors. She has a baby and an armful of groceries, and instead of help, she gets a lecture about how irresponsible she is. That actually happened to me! At Wild Oats. So I dubbed him the "Wild Oats Guy" and determined that he would be immortalized in my next book. So I include as many real-life experiences as I can, but I usually end up adjusting them somewhat to fit the shape and flow of the story. Rarely are all the details exactly as it really happened.

3. What themes exist in @ Home for the Holidays that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

One theme that was important to me is the idea that a mom does NOT have to stay at home in order to be a good mom. Dulcie and Tom end up in a role reversal in this book, where she has to go back to work and he ends up staying home. I didn't go as deep with that storyline as I could have or would have liked to, because of needing to give time to other aspects of the story. But sometimes our Christian community, in an effort to affirm and encourage moms who are staying at home, ends up making moms who work outside the home feel as if they've made a wrong choice or are second-best moms. And we tend not to know what to do with the dads who end up at home! I hope that @Home challenges that idea. We need to support ALL moms and dads, whether they stay home or go off to work. Parenting is a tough job, and when we pressure families to do things one certain way, we make that tough job just that much harder.

4. What was your most difficult part to write? Your favorite?

Ironically, the hardest part of this story also became one of my favorite aspects--the holiday storyline. At first, when my editor suggested that I write a Christmas book, I was a bit reluctant because I'm not the type of person who enjoys a sentimental, warm-fuzzy holiday story. I've never read a Christmas story that wasn't nostalgic and feel-good. My editor assured me that they wanted something different from me--a sequel that would match the tone of my first book, SAHM I Am. So I decided to give it a try. Coming up with a Christmas story line that would be in the tone of my first book was really hard. But the "boycott Christmas" idea ended up fitting perfectly, and it strengthened Rosalyn's storyline and gave me a chance to really explore her character some more. Considering that she seems to be people's favorite character (the one they love to hate), I was really pleased by how it turned out. I think readers will have a lot of fun with her shenanigans.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Um, I wish I could say that it's some big secret--like the seventh Harry Potter book! But the truth is, I'm working on a new story utilizing our family's experience of adopting from China. But it's not under contract yet, so I can't really say much more. I'm really excited about it, though, as this is a story I've wanted to write for several years. So as soon as that moves forward, I'll be letting everyone know. Check my blog and website.

* * Thanks, Meredith, for stopping by. Hope y'all enjoyed the interview.

SOLD! First Book Sale Celebration -- It's Party Time!

That's right. After 3 long years (from the first conversation with editor Jim Peterson in Houston), I have sold a Delaware historical to Barbour for their Heartsong Presents line. They're interested in the other 2 books in the series for a full repackaged state series, but those 2 are still under consideration. This first one is slated for a Jan. 2008 release and my contract will be here in Feb. 2007.

It's been a long-time dream of mine to join the Heartsong Presents team, so I'm thrilled to bits to have this news right before Christmas.

So, forgive the delay in this week's spotlight guest. I'll double-up next week with 2 special guests...possibly 3...to make up for it. The winner from last week has been posted in the comments of that spotlight interview.

Thank you to everyone who has visited, read my blog, read my stories, or supported me in any way. Don't discount the role you've played in this sale--no matter how small you think it was. I owe so much to each and every one of you. Stay tuned for a revised web site after the first of the year to reflect this exciting news.

And one more thing!

Once my actual contract arrives, and I begin this journey toward my book release, I'll be shifting gears slightly on this blog. Spotlight interviews will move to Wednesdays. Mondays and Fridays will be reserved for me sharing details of my experiences and insight as I prepare my first book for release. I'll also begin sharing about submissions to other publishers and agents for my other books. If this proves successful, I might even get creative with the characters in my book and let them talk to you as well. We'll see what happens next year.

Coming next week...spotlights with Brandt Dodson, Lena Nelson Dooley and Meredith Efken. Don't disappear for Christmas yet! The last 3 chances to win FREE books before 2006 comes to a close. Come back and visit again.

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Spotlight on...Wanda Brunstetter

Today, I have the distinct pleasure to introduce an author who has quickly risen high on the favorite author list for many who enjoy the slower-paced lifestyle. Her stories have struck a chord in many readers' hearts, creating a desire for her books that sees them flying off the shelves. Now, she's here and ready to talk to you.

Wanda E. Brunstetter is a best-selling, award-winning author of over 20 novels. She's also had hundreds of stories, articles, poems, word puzzles, devotionals, monologues, and puppet plays published with a variety of publishers. Wanda resides in the state of Washington with her husband, Richard who is a minister. She especially enjoys writing about the Amish because they live a peaceful, simple life, which is something she feels everyone needs in this day and age.

1. You have recently launched a strong genre niche in the Amish stories you've penned. In the pattern of Beverly Lewis, you have reached high acclaim for these stories. Most recently, you've had 4 revised and expanded stories from the Heartsong Presents line re-released, one each month for the past 3 months with the 4th releasing this week. What made you decide to pursue this opportunity and more specifically this focus?

By readers' request, my publisher asked me to revise and expand the four books originally published as smaller Heartsong Presents novels, then later released in the now out-of-print LANCASTER BRIDES collection. My focus on the Amish way of life comes about because of my interest in and respect for the special Amish people I've come to know and love.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of these 4 books?

In Book 1, "A Merry Heart," I drew from my unhappy childhood experiences that resulted in my being unable to smile and then later, learning how to have a merry heart. In Book 2, "Looking for a Miracle," I used my love for plants and flowers as a focus and a job for my main character to have. In Book 3, "Plain and Fancy," I used my experience with one of my friend's "special" child to show how my main character dealt with learning that her baby had Down Syndrome. In Book 4, "The Hope Chest," I remembered the expectant, joyful feelings I had when I filled my own hope chest over 40 years ago. I used my imagination and the what-if questions to create most of the characters' traits, and especially had fun when I wrote "Plain and Fancy" and asked myself what it would be like for someone who had been raised in the modern English world but decided to join the Amish faith.

3. What themes exist in these 4 books that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme in "A Merry Heart" revolves around Miriam learning how to give her bitter spirit and pain from the past over to God and eventually develops a merry heart. One thing that developed as the story progressed in the revised version was Amos Hilty, the widower's point of view, where we learn why he was willing to court someone like Miriam, who had a bitter spirit and needed a merry heart. The main theme in "Looking for a Miracle," evolves around Rebekah, a young Amish woman confined to a wheelchair and looking for a way to support herself, knowing it would require a miracle. As the story progressed, I decided to show how Rebekah's sister, Nadine, coped with Rebekah's handicap and came to grips with the jealousy she felt because of the attention Rebekah got from their family. In "Plain and Fancy" my main theme centered around Laura, a fancy English woman learning to do without modern things and coming to realize the importance of a relationship to God and her family. A secondary theme came about in the revised version when I focused on Pauline, Eli's ex-girlfriend and showed how she felt about Eli's interest in an outsider. The main theme in "The Hope Chest" revolves around Rachel, a young Amish woman hoping for something she can't have--namely her sister's boyfriend. The secondary theme involves Rachel's sister, Anna, who decides to leave the Amish faith and then has to cope with the rejection of her family.

4. What was your most difficult part to write? Your favorite?

"Plain and Fancy" was probably the most difficult, but it was also my favorite story, as I described the way Laura felt during her transition from fancy to plain. My friendship with several Amish people has helped me understand the Amish way of life better, but it was still a challenge to get into Laura's head, since I have not become Amish myself. Like most of my readers, I long for a slower-paced, simpler way of life, where family values and an emphasis on God takes priority over worldly things. So, I had fun pretending to be Amish as I portrayed Laura in my story.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next Amish novel is the first in a 3-book series set in Holmes County, Ohio. It's titled "A Sister's Secret," and involves a mystery.

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Now that you've learned a bit more about Wanda, enter for a chance to win a FREE COPY of YOUR CHOICE of the four books. Post a comment now, and you're automatically entered. Winner gets to choose which book you desire as your prize.

Thanks for stopping by.

Spotlight on....Laurie Alice Eakes

Today, as promised, is the second spotlight interview. The guest is one who has become more than a fellow author, but also a client...and she has a brand new redesigned web site that I invite you to visit.

Laurie Alice Eakes graduated from Asbury College, spent many years in misadventures (including teaching high school English), moving about the country (including four years in Iowa), and throwing herself into more research than writing. Just when she thought she was settled in the Shenandoah Valley, she fell in love with a guy from Chicago and moved there. After freezing for two years in Illinois, and getting her Master of Arts degree in writing from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, she and her new husband moved back to Virginia, but to the DC area instead. She wrote Family Guardian, then work turned her life insane, and she got paragraphs rather than pages written. Now she is almost back on track and writing nearly full-time, but not fast enough for the many novels she needs to finish.

Now, we can hear from her:

1. You used to be known primarily as a Regency author, even though you have recently branched out into other genres. However, Family Guardian falls into the Regency category. Where did you get the inspiration behind this particular story?

Fragrance. I love scents--nice ones that is. One day I heard a woman talking about aromatherapy, so bought a couple of books she recommended and ran across a book on the history of perfume called Fragrance. It was out of print, so I tracked down the author and bought my copy right from him. It gave mea nice twist to a genre where about everything seems to have been done already.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Rowena and Tristan? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Rowena, being the heroine's older sister, is the lovely and outgoing one who always got the attention. I'd say I probably subconsciously took this from my shy teenage years when my sister could steal one of my boyfriends, or guys in whom I was interested, without even trying.

The rest is pure fabrication. I was never in love with any of my sister's boyfriends. Tristan is a bit of a dreamer, and I think I am, too. Are not all writers?

Clarissant is definitely her own person­an overboard nurturer, yet that serves her well and is part of the secret of her success. She and Tristan share the same trait of loyalty, which is something Rowena lacks.

3. What themes exist in Family Guardian that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I don't think I start out writing to a theme, that all my themes develop from the story that comes into my head first. In Family Guardian, I'd have to say the themes developed center around life perspective. Although dreams can get us through rough parts in our lives, we reach a point where we have to let go of them to grasp the reality right in front of us that is actually far, far better.

4. What was your most difficult part to write? Your favorite?

This story was not in the least difficult to write. It flowed out as we wished all stories would. I think the chapter that took me the longest was the one where Tristan learns the truth about Rowena and Clarissant, what they have concealed from him. I wanted to get across his sense of betrayal and anger, but not anger for the reasons the reader might expect. That took much tweaking.

Favorite part? The part that is excerpted on my Web Site. The by-play between Tristan and Clarissant. For some reason, when I wrote that part, I knew the book would sell, even though a highly respected crit partner told me to change it. I knew it was right, and I am usually pretty quick to change something if someone objects to it.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The next thing I have coming out is an essay in a nonfiction anthology called Scripture to Live By. Working full-time with a horrendous commute curtailed my writing, and I am just now catching up from that live-draining experience and some other disruptions in my life. I'll keep people posted on dates when I get that far in my blog.

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Did you enjoy this interview? Want to enter for a chance to win a FREE copy of FAMILY GUARDIAN? Post a comment now, and you're automatically entered.