CFBA Blog Tour - Julie Lessman and A Passion Redeemed

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Passion Redeemed
Bethany House - September 1, 2008)
by Julie Lessman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JULIE LESSMAN is an author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write "Mainstream Inspirational," reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God's precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure was her first novel, and it is part of the Daughters of Boston series, which also includes A Passion Redeemed and A Passion Denied. You can visit her online at her web site: http://www.julielessman.com/.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Depth of beauty...shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought. Charity O'Connor's stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is.

Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. Although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants—one way or another.

Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever? Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.

Praise for the first book in the series:

"Full of romance, humor, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page." --Historical Novels Review "Superb! Incredible!

"I loved Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure from the second I picked it up until the very last moment I stopped reading." --Armchair Interviews

"I devoured this book and loved every single page...This is a thick, juicy read, and one I would pick up again in a heartbeat." --christianreviewofbooks.com

If you would like to read an excerpt, go HERE.

Buy your copy of A Passion Redeemed Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Actually, the inspiration for this novel came from A Passion Most Pure, because the plot for A Passion Redeemed just seemed a natural conclusion to Charity's actions in the first book. And since I am basically a seat-of-the-pants writer, I literally followed the trail that Charity's personality laid out for me, expanding the plot as I went along. Kind of like Hansel and Gretel following a trail of breadcrumbs (very symbolic if you have read the book!) to find my way home. :)

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Tons. I write by feeling, so there are plenty of my feelings in these books—such as Charity's seductive nature, something that she and I had in common before I became a Christian. And the quirky, manipulative things she would do, like putting breadcrumbs in her eyes to make herself cry on demand. And even her propensity to throw up at the drop of a hat—this was something I used to wish I could do as a child so I could stay home from school. Also, Faith's character in the book as the sister who always resorts to prayer first, that is a habit of mine as well. And as far as Mitch's tendency to groan when God tells him to forgive or pray ("That's your pat answer to everything, isn't it?" he groused)—well, that's vintage Julie Lessman, I'm afraid! :)

As far as traits that belong to the characters alone, Faith is a lot calmer than I am (just ask my husband on the mornings I have to post my Seeker blog!), and Charity is way more sarcastic than I am today. Mitch is a lot more grouchy than me (except on Seeker post mornings) and also loses his temper a lot more quickly than I do these days. But all in all, they are all pretty much characters with my blood in their veins. :)

3. If your heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would she be and why?

Grin. Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy—because Charity definitely needs therapy!

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

The most important theme I would like to convey is that lust is not love. In today's amoral society, so many young girls equate strong sexual feelings with love, so they move in with their boyfriends for a while, get married and then wonder why the marriage doesn't work. Because although sexual attraction is nice, it doesn't sustain a marriage and will eventually fade when the marriage does. Not only that, but I truly believe young women cut themselves off from God's blessings in a relationship when they go against God's precepts (the Deuteronomy 30 principal that is a major theme in A Passion Most Pure).

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Hard as it may be to believe, there were actually NO difficult parts in either A Passion Most Pure or A Passion Redeemed—both were sheer pleasure to write, especially Charity's story (almost 500 pages), which I literally pounded out in two months while working part-time.

Now the third book in the series, A Passion Denied? Absolute murder to write, primarily because at the time I was reading a book by an author that I absolutely LOVE and felt so inadequate next to her. I would sit at my keyboard and want to puke on what I'd written—it was that bad. So I literally "fasted" that author for six months and prayed my heart out for God to help me write the book He wanted me to write. And He did! I'm happy to say that most of my family and friends who have read A Passion Denied like it best of all three books in the series, so that is HUGE relief!

My favorite parts to write? Are you kidding?? The love scenes, of course! And since I have a real fondness for LOTS of romantic tension, when I write those scenes, my fingers literally fly and the keyboard is pretty near smoking! :)

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

Book 3 in The Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Denied, is the story of Faith and Charity's little sister, Beth (who changes her name to Lizzie during The Roaring Twenties), a shy bookworm who dreams of a fairy-tale romance. It unfolds a man's dark past and a young girl's shattered dreams … and the God who redeems it all.

Here's the blurb from my Web site:

Elizabeth O'Connor is the little sister John always longed for. With a fire for God in his belly, he has been her spiritual mentor since she was thirteen, sharing her love of literature and her thirst for God. But when his gangly protégé blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving him, he refuses to act on the attraction he feels. His past won't let him go there. Unfortunately, "Lizzie" won't let him go anywhere else … until his dark and shocking secrets push her away.

Thanks, Amber, for allowing me this time to connect with you and your readership.

I LOVE to hear from readers, so anyone who would like to contact me can do so through my Web site at http://www.julielessman.com/, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter, in which I feature book giveaways. Finally, I invite your readers to visit The Seekers, a group blog of which I am a part that talks about "The road to publication. Writing, contests, publication and everything in between." You can find it at http://seekerville.blogspot.com/.

Thanks again, Amber, and God bless!

* * * * *

Thank you, Julie, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Passion Redeemed.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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Spotlight on Lisa Harris and Baker's Fatal Dozen and Final Deposit

This author comes to visit you all the way from southern Africa. She's frequently won the 'farthest traveled' award at ACFW conferences. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LISA HARRIS is a wife, mother, and author who has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for the Christian market since 2000. She and her husband, Scott, along with their three children, live in Mozambique as missionaries. Lisa's published/sold works include over fifty articles, short stories, and devotionals as well as ten novels, four novellas, and three novel compilations.

Visit her blog.




BAKER'S FATAL DOZEN
by Lisa Harris
Published by Barbour Mysteries

FINAL DEPOSIT
by Lisa Harris
Published by Love Inspired Suspense






ABOUT THE BOOKS

BAKER'S FATAL DOZEN - Get ready to cook up a second helping of Pricilla Crumb and her hilarious schemes to serve up justice. When Reggie Pierce, who runs Pricilla Crumb's favorite bakery, is found dead, Pricilla finds herself hot on the trail of another sticky scandal that begins with murder.

FINAL DEPOSIT - In 2006, the Internet Crime Report showed growing criminal activities targeting Americans had resulted in an estimated loss of almost two hundred million dollars. Thousands of people were scammed in such infamous con games like the Nigerian scam, fund transfer scams, and mail-order-brides.

Imagine finding out that your father has fallen victim to one of these long cons. After disposing of all his stocks, mortgaging his house, and maxing out his credit cards, George Taylor flies to Europe to meet with the man who promised him millions for his help in expediting funds out of West Africa. It's a fortune he will never see.

When Lindsey Taylor tries to save her father from losing his life savings to the Internet scam, she discovers that losing everything you have isn't the worst thing that can happen.

Buy Your Copy of Baker's Fatal Dozen and Final Deposit Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

First of all, for my cozy mystery series with Pricilla Crumb, her character showed up one day and wouldn't leave. She's in her mid-sixties, a widow, and retired once, but gave that up to work at her son's lodge in the Rocky Mountains. She's also quirky, impulsive, and a whole lot of fun. I wanted her to discover that life isn't over just because you're "over the hill." Even when it comes to love.

Regarding Final Deposit, I've always been intrigued by how scammers can weave themselves into the lives of an individual without the victim realizing, or at least acknowledging what has happened. I wanted a story that dealt with someone struggling with this very situation. In this case, my heroine's father has been taken in by an internet scam, but his choices end up affecting more than just him as his daughter has to fight for her own life to save him.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Thankfully, I've never been involved in a murder investigation or even a scam, but I know that a part of my life always ends up woven into the fabric of my characters. Sometimes it's what I want to be more of--strong and capable. Other times it's what I want less of--fear and vulnerability. In using my own emotions, I can get deeper into the head of my characters so their motives and action ring true.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

Pricilla would have to be double fudge brownie with caramel, nuts, and a dash of whip cream, because her personality is complex, layered, and fun. In Final Deposit, my heroine Lindsey would be Rocky Road ice cream. She's an ordinary person, faced with extraordinary circumstances, and in the process her life is changed not only through the challenges she faces, but also because of her reliance on God.

4. What themes exist in Baker's Fatal Dozen or Final Deposit that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Baker's Fatal Dozen deals with finding our strength in God when the world seems to be falling in around us.

In Final Deposit, I want the reader to realize God's amazing gift of forgiveness. Often one of the hardest things to accept in life is the consequences of other people's mistakes. Especially when those mistakes affect our own lives. This is exactly what happened to Lindsey. Her father's decision to trust the wrong person not only wiped out his finances, but put her own life, and those around her, at risk. In the end, Lindsey is faced with the reality that granting forgiveness can keep her from turning bitter and ruining her own life.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I've enjoyed learning the subtle differences of writing both mystery and suspense side by side. In a romantic suspense, the difficulty is balancing the romance line with the suspense line, while in a mystery, it's essential to throw in a handful of red herrings as well as real clues that in the end will leave the reader satisfied in the outcome. These are always a challenging balance.

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

Chef's Deadly Dish comes out in March of 2009 and is the third and final cozy mystery in my Cozy Crumb series. This time, Pricilla finds herself involved in a murder mystery at a national food competition where she is the emcee.

* * * * *

Thank you, Lisa, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of EITHER Baker's Fatal Dozen or Final Deposit. Your choice if you win. Feel free to state your preference along with your comment.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Spotlight on Jeanne Marie Leach and Shadow of Danger

You know, I have a lot of fun when I can spotlight a friend here as part of the spotlights, but it's even better when that friend is someone extra special who has shared a lot of great memories together with me. Jeanne Leach is one such lady. We met through ACFW and after working together at the bookstore for the annual conference, we formed an even closer relationship. In fact, in the same year I met the man who would become my husband, I stayed a few extra days with Jeanne following the conference and had a fantastic time.

We've shared laughter and hilarity, staying up until 3am closing out the bookstore, luggage cart rides in formal wear where I waved like a princess at the 3 people who were still awake at that awful hour, people falling off of benches, and so many more memories. Thanks to my marriage, we now live just 2 hours from each other, instead of more than halfway across the country.

And now, Jeanne's got a new book, full of adventure and suspense and engaging characters. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JEANNE MARIE LEACH lives in the mountains of Colorado with her husband of over 34 years and Nakiska and Sitka, their Alaskan Malamutes. She works full-time as a freelance editor, author, and writing coach, teaches classes to beginning writers, and speaks on a variety of topics to women’s groups. Her memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network are invaluable to her in continuing to learn more about the business of writing.

SHADOW OF DANGER
by Jeanne Marie Leach
Published by MountainView Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

All Rachel wanted was for someone to love her and a home of her own, but she lives under the shadow of unknown danger. It catches up to her in Colorado and all her dreams are stripped from her. Who can save her now? Is there anyone who would want to?

Buy Your Copy of Shadow of Danger Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

At the time I first conceived this story, historical writers were being warned that the mail-order bride tale had been done to death, so stay away from it. Once I decided on a time period and that the story would take place in Leadville, this limited me since the town had only got started as a mining camp a few years prior. All young ladies of good reputation who came to the town had to have already been married, a mail-order bride, or engaged to someone in town.

I had to invent a reason for my heroine to get to Leadville, and thus I started my brainstorming session as to how and why she'd come to such a rough and tumble area. When coming up with a story-line, I like to put the characters into a worst-case scenario, so before long I figured out she'd come to Colorado after being kicked out of her home and having no place else to go.

I read a book by Eugena Price over 10 years ago and was fascinated by the story of a young boy who loved a certain girl since the age of ten and ended up marrying her later in life. I think it's a rarity and wanted to explore the possibility of a young girl having a crush on an older boy that would last many years. If such a crush turned to love, how would the other person feel about it? Would she later find herself to be in love with the thought of being in love, or would it possibly grow into a true and lasting love? Being a "seat of the pants" writer, I like to put forth the basic situation and see how the characters react. In this case, I like the way it turned out.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Despite popular opinion, there are people whose first love is their only love, and this is the main experience I shared with Rachel. The intensity and focus of this type of situation may seem misguided to others, yet can become the guiding force in a person's life.

(*NOTE from Amber - my husband and I fit into this category of first love=only love.)

She possessed the tenacity to keep on going, despite running out of money and knowing someone was after her. When the danger catches up with her, she had just discovered that Seb and Myra were engaged, and that was the one thing that broke her spirit. I think this occurred partly because of her young age and inexperience. I might have acted that way when younger, but I never ran into this type of problem in my lifetime, and I’m now menopausal, so I'd just stand my ground and never give up. :)

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

Okay, Tiff, just because we're fiction writers doesn't mean we all think so abstractly. :) I'll play along though and say she’d be vanilla because she's experiencing life from a pure and inexperienced point of view. She'd never gone beyond the local town, lived a sheltered life in the orphanage, and possessed an obedient and compliant personality. All her thoughts and actions are a result of this sweet, gentle and fresh perspective.

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

The main theme I want the reader to see is the message of hope. As long as you have breath inside you, you can have hope for a bright future. Sometimes thing happen to us that could potentially strip our hope from us, but if we hold this hope firmly in our hearts, we need not lose it.

Another theme that developed during the story was that of friendship. A true friend will stick with you no matter what happens in your life, and that person will also remain true to you when good things happen to you. There is no room for jealousy in friendship.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Two things gave me the most trouble when writing the book. First, deciding just how dastardly the danger was going to be. I toned it down considerably from the first draft. Also, when the danger caught up with Rachel in Leadville, I had to keep the mystery and not reveal what was going on, yet had to maintain a believable, tough villain. Meanness isn't in my nature (well, unless I'm out of hormones), so this part of the book was the hardest thing to write.

If I had to pick a favorite scene, it would be when Seb first finds Rachel in his blacksmith shop. I am a hopeless romantic, and I could see it being played out in my head. Malnourished, stinking, and filthy, he has to pick her up off of the hay to get her out of his business. Then, when she opens her eyes, he knew who she was, and his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Nobody else in the world had eyes like that.

I grew up with a girl in school who had eyes colored two distinct colors, and I never forgot them. Even back then, I started collecting ideas for stories, and I knew I had to write about someone with those eyes. Rachel was the perfect character to possess such exotic eyes.

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

I am shopping my lumberjack series, and am about ready to submit another stand-alone book to my publisher. I'll keep you informed as soon as I get some more contracts. :)

* * * * *

Thank you, Jeanne, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Shadow of Danger.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

* * * * *

Spotlight on DiAnn Mills and Texas Legacy

Today's spotlight author is celebrating the release of 3 of her full-length books which have been repackaged into an anthology. If you love historical fiction, and you love romance, plus enjoy a setting in Texas, you're going to love the books within this anthology. I found the characters engaging, the stories memorable and the dialogue flowing well. Of course, I read these books when they were published individually, but that doesn't diminish the enjoyment factor or the quality. And now, you have them all in one place!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANN MILLS, an award-winning author, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies. Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader's Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

TEXAS LEGACY
by DiAnn Mills
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Enjoy the acclaimed Texas Legacy series of three novels by award- winning author DiAnn Mills all under one value-priced cover. Kahlerville, Texas, is home to the Andrews family and three romantic adventures. Morgan Andrews is falling for a female outlaw. Grant finds himself protecting the woman who is determined to take his child. Bonnie sets aside her grief for a pastor with a secret past. Can faith hold family and love together?

Buy Your Copy of Texas Legacy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

A love of the old west and characters who stood out as unique and strong.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Hmm. I guess I'm rather adventuresome and I love the thrill and romance of the old west. I work very hard at making my characters distinctly different, but sometimes a little of myself creeps into my characters. For Casey in Leather and Lace, her desire to forsake the outlaw life no matter the outcome. For Jenny in Lanterns and Lace, her desire to think for herself and be willing to make mistakes in her quest to be independent. For Bonnie in Lightning and Lace, her desire to live up to what God expected of her in her role as a single parent.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

Leather and Lace - Casey would be chocolate (dark and mysterious) and Morgan would be Neapolitan (he had to decide what he really wanted).

Lanterns and Lace - Jenny would be strawberry (sweet and raised Victorian) and Grant would be vanilla chocolate swirl (he fit into about any situation).

Lightning and Lace - Bonnie would be peach (everyone thought she was sweet and homespun) and Travis would be butter pecan (he had a tough nut to crack with Bonnie).

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

Forgiveness in all three, and the understanding that God forgives our sins if we repent and turn from our ways.

Leather and Lace - I wrote this for the contemporary woman who thinks that because she's been in jail neither God nor man would want her.

Lanterns and Lace - I wrote this for the woman who may think that science and tradition answers the problems of the world.

Lightning and Lace - I wrote this for the woman who faces single parenting with fear and inadequacy.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Leather and Lace - (most difficult) when Morgan had to tell Casey what happened to his wife. (favorite) - when Casey confronted Grant about his target practice.

Lightning and Lace - 2 parts: 1) when Bonnie confronted Travis about her love for him 2) when Travis confessed to his church that he was not what they thought.

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

The next release is Breach of Trust, published by Tyndale. It's the first in the Call to Duty series: contemporary romantic suspense. The heroine is an ex CIA operative who has to choose between bringing a corrupt politician to justice and keeping her loved ones safe.

* * * * *

Thank you, DiAnn, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Texas Legacy.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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Blog Tour - Christa Banister and Blessed are the Meddlers

I toured Around the World in 80 Dates, which was Christa's first novel. Now, we're back again with her 2nd, Blessed are the Meddlers. If you love romantic comedy and/or you enjoyed her first, you won't be disappointed by her 2nd.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christa Ann Banister is a full-time freelance writer and respected music, movie and book critic in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she's not writing, she's probably hanging out with her husband, Will, cooking or on a plane heading somewhere fun.

BLESSED ARE THE MEDDLERS
by Christa Banister
Published by NavPress

ABOUT THE BOOK

Writer Sydney Alexander has just hit the jackpot. After finding the man of her dreams and eloping to Las Vegas, she permanently retires her serial-dating status for good. And now that she's found marital bliss, her friends are ready for Sydney to apply her matchmaking skills to their love lives. What could possible go wrong? Well, everything.

Buy Your Copy of Blessed are the Meddlers Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this book?

I absolutely love romantic comedies, but what has always bugged me about the genre is that the audience never has a chance to see what happens after the dream couple you'd been rooting for all along gets the big happy ending. So I knew that was something I wanted to explore with Sydney Alexander in Blessed Are the Meddlers. And thanks to Sydney's motley crew of single girlfriends, (and Sydney's recently acquired Emma complex) there's still plenty of that laugh-out-loud relationship angst from the first book. And because I loved this character so much, it was very inspiring to pick up the story right where it left off in 80 Dates and see new themes and crazy scenarios really emerge in the process.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I've always been taught that the best writers "write what they know," so a little bit of me couldn't help but rub off on Sydney. But it was important to me that she wasn't my clone either. There are a few qualities about Sydney that are definitely unique. For one, she dresses way better than me with that insatiable shopping bug of hers. And personality-wise, she's way more outrageous and spontaneous. She's also taken a few risks that I wouldn't have along the way, and I'm pretty sure her life is going to turn out way different than mine will because her priorities are different.

3. If your heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would she be and why?

Hmmm, this is a tough one. I guess I'm going to go with Dulce De Leche because it tastes the most like a caramel macchiato, Sydney's favorite drink.

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

One of the themes is that we have to be careful what sort of advice we give to people. Rather than spouting off something flippant, especially in regard to someone's love life, we need to carefully choose our words because they can have unexplainable ramifications. Another theme that's present—albeit unintentionally until the story began to take shape—is that when it comes to love, we have to be picky about the right things. In the beginning, Lucinda was very superficial when it came to choosing a mate, but when she began to regard the things that were really important, she found true, lasting love.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

There wasn't really anything that was difficult to write. The most difficult process of writing the book was finding time to do it while juggling a full-time freelance writing job. But it was such a joy that I made the time. My favorite scenes to write were any that involved Lucinda. Thanks to her over-the-top demands, Sydney is forced to spy on Lucinda's boyfriend at a Radiohead concert to see is he's cheating on her. Because Sydney is so incredibly nervous (and certainly not of Matt Damon spy caliber in any of the Bourne movies), the scene plays out very humorously and shows Sydney at her most self-deprecating.

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

I don't have a release date yet for the third (and final) book in the Sydney Alexander series, but I do know where the story is headed. When Sydney gets her dream of becoming a published author, she begins to buy her own hype and slowly begins morphing into a person she (and her friends and family) don't recognize. So really I'm going to be exploring the subtle but ugly side of someone who has let pride (and a small amount of fame) go to her head.

* * * * *

Thank you, Christa, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Blessed are the Meddlers.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

* * * * *

Blog Tour - Susan May Warren and Finding Stefanie

I may be ending out the 2-week blog tour for this book, but I'm only one stop along the way in helping promote Susie's latest release that brings a phenomenal 3-book series to a close. Here is a link to the blog tour schedule (it will come in handy later):

http://susanmaywarren.typepad.com/scribbles/2008/07/finding-stefani.html

Check it out for other chances to win free copies of this book and learn even more about Susie.

And a BONUS for this tour is a contest where you can be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theatre of your choice. Read below for the details.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SUSAN MAY WARREN is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

FINDING STEFANIE
by Susan May Warren
Published by Tyndale House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

When she put her dreams on hold to help run the family ranch, she never imagined they would slip out of sight. Luckily for Stefanie, those dreams are about to come knocking at her door.

Lincoln Cash has gained fame and fortune on the big screen, but a crippling secret leaves him one last chance to make his mark on the movie industry. With dreams of hosting a new film festival, Lincoln intends to remodel a sprawling ranch in eastern Montana to make it the new Hollywood hot spot.

Unfortunately, a house fire threatens his plans. So does opposition from his new neighbor Stefanie Noble, who's not thrilled about his Tinseltown changes. What Lincoln and Stefanie don't know is that the fire won't be the last disaster to threaten Lincoln or his future. Someone is out for revenge... but who? And who is the real target?

Buy Your Copy of Beach Dreams Today!

Read an Excerpt

MEET STEFANIE'S BROTHERS

Taming Rafe - In less than eight seconds, two-time world champion bull rider Rafe Noble lost his title, his career, his best friend-all on the dirt floor of a noisy rodeo arena. Now he has no choice but to head back to the Silver Buckle, but not before he accidentally destroys philanthropist Katherine Breckenridge's NY Charity event. Now she's in town, wanting his money - or his help. And the last thing this broken bull rider is going to do is give her his heart. But Nick's little brother is going to learn just was it takes to tame the heart of a rebel...

Read chapter one

Reclaiming Nick - What was his father thinking? Yes, Nick betrayed his family, his legacy and hasn't been home in nearly a decade, but did that mean his father had to leave the Noble Family ranch to Nick's worst enemy? Nick doesn't care what it takes - Cole St. James isn't going to get a blade of Silver Buckle ranchland. Old secrets and second chances await Nick when he travels home to reclaim his past. Just how far will God go to redeem a prodigal?

Read chapter one

CONTEST

In addition to a book giveaway, you can participate in a special contest related to Finding Stefanie.

Grab your magnifying glass and join me on a Fact-o-Find!

Answer these questions about the bloggers on the tour and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theater of your choice (you know so you can see some of Cash's great movies *G*)!

Email Amy your answers (amy@susanmaywarren.com) Ready, get set, giddy-up!

1. Which blogger is adopting a girl from China?
2. This word 'featherbunkle' is found on which blog?
3. Which blogger is supporting the 'Pickens Plan'?
4. Which blog is "The Cutest Blog on the Block"?
5. Which blogger is a S@HM and also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, nursery director, and woman that is just trying to keep it all together?
6. Which blogger is taking the Southern Reading Challenge?
7. Which blog asks 'How may we serve you'?
8. Which blogger refers to her son as 'super good big guy'?
9. Which blogger is a self-proclaimed 'Starbucks Addict'?
10. Which blogger is a big Trekkie?

* * * * *

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Finding Stefanie.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada only.

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CFBA Blog Tour - Tracey Bateman and That's (Not Exactly) Amore

Today, I have the privilege of featuring one of the first author friends I made after joining ACFW back in 2002. Joined by our shared love of Dr. Quinn, we formed a fast friendship that has only gotten better over the years. Now, she's a client of mine and an author I admire for all that she's achieved in just a few years. From her very first book, she's blazed a trail that's been hot and stays hot, through genre changes and publisher changes. But, her following has been loyal and she's still going strong!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords - August 14, 2008)
by Tracey Bateman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TRACEY BATEMAN published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2).

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.

She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.

Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.

She has been married to her husband Rusty for almost 20 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.

Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

Buy your copy of That's (Not Exactly) Amore Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

It was a natural progression from Laini's character growth in the first two stories. I didn't have any idea when I started that she would love to cook or that her mom would be widowed. Her story just flowed from my own friendship with her in Catch a Rising Star and You Had me at Goodbye.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I like to eat and cook. That's pretty much Laini and me both. I am a distaster at decorating....again...Laini. But I really didn't have her experiences. I'm a midwest girl, which I guess she is at heart. Laini is more passive in general than I am.

3. What themes exist in That's (Not Exactly) Amore that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I think I'd rather the reader draw her own conclusion. That's the thing with subtle themes, I always shout for joy when that small group of readers writes to me and really "gets" it. Goes beyond the love story and the entertainment to what lies beneath. I love when people see things I never intended, but looking at it from their heart perspective gives me a chance to sit back and go, Oh, yeah, you did want to say that, didn't you, God?

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

This book was amazingly easy. I wrote it exactly the way I felt it should be wrtten and my editor let me. Any scene with the "uncles" is a favorite scene. And there's one scene in the rain toward the end of the book that I forced myself to wait to write until I got there. I had it in my mind from the beginning. I just wasn't sure who all the characters would be in the scene.

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

My next book is Dangerous Heart, the third in the Westward Hearts series from Avon Inspire. It will release in October.

* * * * *

Thank you, Tracey, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of That's (Not Exactly) Amore.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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Spotlight on Ashea Goldson and The Lovechild

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashea Goldson is a new Christian fiction author, but she is certainly no stranger to the craft of writing. She has written for local publications such as The Atlanta Christian Chronicle, The Senior News, The Georgia Poetry Society Newsletter and a variety of online publications. She has published several poetry collections as well as a non-fiction book entitled Resurrecting Vision:45 Steps To Digging Up Your Destiny And Seeing It Through God's Eyes.

Editing for her own publishing company, Goldwrite Publishing, a faith based traditional small press, keeps her busy. She is currently working on her second Christian fiction novel entitled, Joy Comes In The Morning.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, she is a graduate of Fordham University, a wife of over twenty years, a mother of two, the co-owner of a Christian school, and a devoted member and community groups ministry leader of World Changers Church International.

THE LOVECHILD
by Ashea Goldson
Published by Kensington Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Makaeli Lovechild Hunt, a successful fashion designer struggles with her biracial identity until a family emergency forces her to face her tumultuous past. In seven life altering days, she discovers what forgiveness really means and amidst crises painful enough to make her turn her back on God forever, she learns what it means to be God's lovechild.

Buy Your Copy of The Lovechild Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this book?

There was no particular thing except an internal need to heal hurting people with the word of God. A need to see people saved and delivered from the tragic situations that satan attempts to plague our lives with.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Naturally, I identify with the characters in Christian fiction novels, who like myself are imperfect, but who ultimately strive to do God's will. I think that good Christian fiction reflects the real struggles and problems of a Christian and yet, delivers the powerful message, that through all circumstances, we overcome. These characters in particular truly took on a life of their own and had very little, if any at all, to do with my own experiences.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

Chocolate because its flavour is deep, dark and rich. Makaeli is deep dark and rich in character.

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

The themes were of unconditional love and forgiveness. If we as Christians can ever get a revelation of God's overwhelming agape love. One underlying theme was that of rededication to God producing the best life possible.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts to write were when Makaeli was being tortured by her sister. I think the details of the brutality were scary. Sometimes I had to close my own eyes and just let it flow. My favourite part to write was when Makaeli decided to rededicate her life to the Lord, when she had finally found peace. That was awesome.

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

Right now I am busy completing my second Christian fiction novel Joy Comes In The Morning where the past of a twin with the seemingly perfect spiritual life threatens to destroy everything and everyone she cares about. For more information about The Love Child, or my other books, you can log onto http://www.asheagoldson.com.

* * * * *

Thank you, Ashea, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of .

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

* * * * *

Blog Tour - Trish Perry and Beach Dreams

I'm thrilled today to be part of the kickoff of a good friend of mine's 2-week blog tour. Her 3rd book, Beach Dreams, closes out a trilogy featuring an endearing cast of characters you'll grow to love from page 1. Combined with witty dialogue, comical yet true-to-life situations and Trish's characteristic sense of humor, this book is the perfect bookend to the "beach" series begun by Sally John as well as Trish's own books. If you love romantic comedy, you're going to love this one!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trish Perry is an award-winning writer of The Guy I'm Not Dating and Too Good to Be True. She served for seven yeras as the editor of Ink and the Spirit, a quarterly newsletter of the Capital Christian Writers organization in the Washington DC area. She has published numerous short stories, essays, devotionals, and poetry in Christian and general market media, and she is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. She discovered her love of writing while earning a degree in Psychology. She switched career paths in 1997 and never looked back. Her debut novel placed second in the 2007 FHL Inspirational Readers' Choice Contest, and her second novel is a current finalist in the 2008 FHL IRCC.

Trish lives in Northern Virginia with her hilarious teenaged son, and has a gorgeous adult daughter and an amazing grandson. You can learn more about Trish at her website, http://www.trishperry.com/.

BEACH DREAMS
by Trish Perry
Published by Harvest House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Following up on Sally John's bestselling Beach House series (The Beach House and Castles in the Sand-nearly 45,000 in combined sales) is a brand-new Beach House book from veteran Harvest House novelist Trish Perry.

Tiffany LeBoeuf has a problem. She has lost her job, her mother has recently passed away, and she has zero social life. And then she meets Jeremy. But Tiff is a new Christian and knows she shouldn't be attracted to this unbelieving (but charming!) Brit. And then there's Eve. . . Jeremy's girlfriend. When Tiff reserves a cozy beach house in San Diego for a much-needed retreat, a mix-up causes a double-booking, and Tiff ends up sharing the beach house with Eve. When Jeremy arrives to surprise Eve, he surprises Tiff as well. As Jeremy settles in at the house next door, events and secrets unravel that surprise everyone.

A fun, contemporary romance about how God uses even our mistakes to bring about His divine purposes. Beach Dreams is the perfect get-away read.

Buy Your Copy of Beach Dreams Today!

Read an Excerpt

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this book?

My two lead characters, Tiff and Jeremy, have been kicking around with me for a few years, and my editor and I were dying to give them their own story. They were fun secondary characters in The Guy I'm Not Dating and Too Good to Be True. Jeremy is such a misguided sweety and Tiff has been the gal you love to hate for two novels now. So I thought it would be entertaining to throw them together and see what happened. The setting, San Diego, came along with the contract, as Beach Dreams is the third in The Beach House series, created by Sally John. So, although I originally planned for Tiff and Jeremy’s story to take place in the Washington, D.C. area, I sent them to the other side of the country. The circumstances of that trip made for some fun plot points!

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

There isn't a way to say this without making myself sound awful, but I hatch most of my characters' weaknesses out of my own experiences. Tiff's selfish nature, Jeremy's misjudgement about the motives of others, both of their struggles with giving control over to God, that kind of thing. And my characters have experiences such as living with an alcoholic, losing a loved one, going through breakups, and learning to love again that bear the markings of my own experiences. And then there's the gift of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time—they get that from me.

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

Last year at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, Robin Jones Gunn talked about the fact that every Christian writer will eventually notice an overriding theme to her body of work. She said to watch for that, because that's the main message the Lord has put on your heart to share with others. I've discovered that the idea of leaning on God's guidance, above all else, is my overriding theme. So I think that's the part of me that eventually flavored my characters and influenced my plot line for Beach Dreams. Tiff can be selfish and manipulative because she forgets to seek His guidance. Jeremy makes all kinds of misjudgements about the motivations of others, because he's slow in trusting God’s guidance. Fortunately for me as a writer, some of these failings can lead to situations that are humorous to those not actually having to experience them!

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I can't really say any of it was difficult (other than a very short deadline). But there is a scene between Tiff and her father (no spoilers here), for which I had to step away from the computer and completely immerse myself into Tiff's frame of mind, as if what was happening to her was actually happening to me. Until I did that, I wasn't aware of how she was going to react to him. But when I "became" the character, I broke down in tears and knew exactly how she would react. I have to say I loved how moving the experience was!

My favorite parts to write are the humorous moments of dialogue, especially between the hero and heroine or the heroine and her closest friends. My favorite parts of life are the humorous moments of dialogue too!

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

To date, I'm not sure which book will come out next. I'm talking with Harvest House about an idea I put together last week for a summer 2009 release, but I can't share anything about that yet. And I'm also working on a romantic comedy set in Washington, D.C., but I'm not sure about the status of that project, with regard to publication. I'm in a holding pattern at the moment, and since Beach Dreams just released two weeks ago, I'm giving it my focus right now. As soon as I know something definite about the next book, I'll be sure to post it on my blog at http://www.trishperry.com/ As always, I'm eager to jump into the next story!

CONTEST

In addition to a book giveaway, you can participate in a special contest related to Beach Dreams (prize: a beach bag filled with a few goodies) by posting a response to the following prompt: How has God used a mistake you made - big or small - for his purposes?

The example may be serious or funny, complex or simple, and you may or may not have realized he was even using it at the time it occurred. All entries must be received by 5pm CST on August 22. Trish will judge the entries and declare her favorite.

So, come on and play. Post your comment on this blog entry and Trish will include it with the others she'll be reading to select her favorite. You never know. It could be you!

* * * * *

Thank you, Trish, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Beach Dreams.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada only.

* * * * *

Here is a link to the other bloggers participating in this tour. If you have more than one story to share, feel free to post on other bloggers' entries for more chances to win. Good luck!

http://blogtourspot.com/perry-blog-tour/perry-blog-tour-stops

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Spotlight on Allie Pleiter and Bluegrass Hero

Today's spotlight author treated me to a tall cup of Spiced Chai Tea from Starbucks last year in Dallas at the annual ACFW Conference. We had a nice little chat and shared a bit about our respective writing careers. She's got a great sense of humor too. I'm sure you're going to love her and her books as much as I do. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools, and finding new ways to avoid housework. She grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University, spent fifteen years in the field of professional fundraising, and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing nine years ago has given rise to a career spanning two parenting books, six novels including the multi-nominated MY SO-CALLED LOVE LIFE, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women's issues, and writing.

BLUEGRASS HERO
by Allie Pleiter
Published by Steeple Hill / Love Inspired

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dust-covered men who smell like horses are the norm at Gil Sorrent's farm. Until a trip to Emily Montague's bath shop changes their lives. Suddenly, Gil's lovelorn farmhands are sparkling clean and attracting women instead of working! So Gil barges into the shop, surprised to find Emily, his pretty polar opposite, selling soap by the truckloads. Suddenly everyone in town is not only cleaner—they're nicer. And when our bluegrass hero tries out the soap for himself, love-shy Emily better watch out!

Buy Your Copy of Bluegrass Hero Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this book?

I wish I knew the answer that this question—it would save me a lot of writers' block heartache . The inspiration often comes out of nowhere in particular—a shred here, a shred there. I saw an ad in a magazine about artisan soap and thought, "I don't know anything at all about soap," and that was the first nugget. I had traveled to Kentucky to do a bookfair, and fell in love with the area. So I began looking for a charming little town and found Midway, Kentucky. When I pulled into town and saw a sign for "Midway Soapwerks," I pretty much gave in to the call to write this book. This is typical of my process—it's a mosaic of impulses that eventually collect themselves into a bigger picture.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

Wow, I have no idea. I suppose other people might see aspects of myself in my characters that I don't even see. Others might not see connections I make—it's a fascinating question. Emily and Gil are probably the characters least like myself that I've written yet. I tend to write optimistic extroverts, and both of them are wounded introverts for entirely different reasons. Gil was my first dark and brooding hero, and that was deliberate. I'd not done a character with his damaged emotions before, and I wanted to see what I could do with his personality and still keep the level of humor I'm known for in my books. So, the short answer to this is "not much, and that was the interesting part," if that makes any sense.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

Emily would be something classic and understated like Butter Pecan. She's a lover of all things vintage, a very soft woman who surrounds herself with soft and delicate things. Which makes for an interesting character, because she's actually had quite a hard life. I'm not even sure Gil has a sweet tooth...

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

I actually asked my editor this the other day. She said, and I agree, that I write characters who discover they are more than who they thought they were. I write about God showing us new strengths or new gifts. About transformation that leads to adventure and growth. I never plan the theme—it grows out of the book for me—but a friend of mine once said "you write the book you need to read," and I believe that to be true.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The scene where Gil admits the darkest parts of his past to Emily was a challenge to write, because it is so crucial to the success of the book. That one went through several drafts to get the tone and the pain just right. My favorite scene is the one where Emily has Gil try to guess which scent she wears because it was so much fun to write and to let them gently admit their feelings for each other. That magic moment where you realize the other person feels the same way is always the most fun to create—it's like falling in love over and over, and that's wonderful.

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

That's BLUEGRASS COURTSHIP, the next in the Kentucky Corners series. It will Janet's story, the hardware store owner you met in BLUEGRASS HERO. That book will release in February, followed by BLUEGRASS BLESSINGS, Dinah the bakery owner's story. I've had great fun building the town and characters of Middleburg, and am in no hurry to leave!

* * * * *

Thank you, Allie, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Bluegrass Hero.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada only.

* * * * *

Spotlight on James E. Robinson and The Flower of Grass

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James E. Robinson is a professional songwriter, musician, author, counselor, and speaker. His songs have been recorded by major artists in Country, Christian and rock music, and he has recorded three CD's of his own: Prodigal Song, Clean, and Healer of the My Heart. Jim has written numerous #1 inspirational hits, including songs that have been adapted into major choral arrangements and performed in places of worship worldwide.

In 2003, Jim published his first book, Prodigal Song: A Memoir, which garnerd high acclaim. Midwest Book Review called it a "moving and life-affirming portrayal, spiritually rewarding and reader inspiring."

Jim and his wife Teresa are co-founders of ProdigalSong Ministries (http://www.prodigalsong.com/). Combining music, speaking and educational workshop presentations, they travel and perform in churches, treatement centers, schools and correctional facilities throughout the country. Jim and Teresa and their two children, James Bryan and Mary Ruth, live near Nashville, Tennessee.

THE FLOWER OF GRASS
by Jim Robinson
Published by

ABOUT THE BOOK

John Allen had come back to say goodbye. But he was too late; there would be no atonement.

John Allen returns to his home town after the death of his alcoholic, abusive father. He has been gone for 16 years and has become a successful writer, but with major addiction problems of his own. Now he struggles to make amends with his careworn sister and dropout younger brother -- and perhaps, to pick up the pieces with Jessie, the love of his ife; the one who said she'd wait forever.

But Jessie has grown tired of waiting for the letters that ceased to come and the man who didn't return, and has married. At what cost might their love be rekindled?

An exquisitely written, passionate and thoughtful novel, The Flower of Grass is a classic love story framing deeper themes of mortality and passing time, the true nature of faith, and the delicate balance of human relationships.

Buy Your Copy of The Flower of Grass Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your first book. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this book?

Thank you! My wife and kids and I were visiting my father-in-law, Bryan Haislip, at his home in North Carolina. Bryan (or "Baba" as we call him) is one of my favorite people in the world (I married WAY over my head, in more ways than one!). He is a wonderful poet, and one night he read aloud a poem written for my wife, Teresa, way back when she was seven years old. For some reason, this short piece acted as a sort of emotional catalyst, and I "saw" very clearly the entire basic shape for the novel. There's lots of autobiographical content in the book, so in many ways the core of the story had been with me forever. But the poem just crystallized many of the thematic elements... all of it flowed into my head, how I could use my own life experiences as an authentic starting place to create new characters and to shape the novel. I open the novel with Bryan’s poem, and it was a real honor to be able to do that.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I've always been told to "write what you know." This book is certainly what I "know." The small Tennessee town, the river, the people and their customs, colloquialisms...and certainly the dysfunctional family dynamics, addiction issues…all this comes from personal experience. The name of the town in the novel, Tranquility, was the original name of the settlement that would eventually become my home town of Camden. And John is without a doubt a reflection of me when it comes to his undying romanticism and internalized fear and loneliness. But once the book got started, the town and everyone in it truly took on their own identities; I was by no means telling the exact story of my own family, but rather drawing from my own experiences to infuse the story with authenticity, while allowing it to "breathe" on its own. Tranquility ended up being a much smaller, dying town than Camden is in reality. Though John is certainly someone I fully understand, he isn't me, and his father certainly was not my father, etc.

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

You know, that's a wonderful question, I think, because one of the most amazing aspects of the creative experience, at least for me, is how God teaches me things during and throughout the process. As I said before, the poem acted as a sort of creative catalyst, but my own life experiences had already created the story within me; I just needed a frame for the painting, so to speak. All I've ever observed or been taught, by God and life and people through the years, fell onto the pages once I started writing.

I suppose the thematic elements were all in my head at the beginning, to some extent, but it wasn't until the characters began to fully breathe that God allowed me to see the subtleties...the beauty and innocence of youth, and youth as a fleeting thing, mortality, the power of faith and love, the yearning for relationships and the importance of family in forming for us what healthy relationships and intimacy look like.

God sent me the title very quickly, too, in 1 Peter: "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass; the grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away." I thought The Flower of Grass was the perfect metaphor for the brevity of human life, and of earthly transience, etc.

Honestly, for me every creative experience that ends up being worth a hoot usually carries with it a large degree of surprise, both for me AND the characters! I'd like to say I was deep enough to have planned out all of the little emotional lessons that I think now reverberate throughout the book...but in truth, many of them came to me after the fact. So both the characters and their creator learned a lot throughout the story, about each other, and about themselves. Really, both of the main characters in the book learn a lot about what is temporary and what is truly of value in life...and the truth perhaps surprises them both.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

It's hard to pick a single favorite scene...in a way, the scenes all have a certain seamlessness to me, as if I wrote the whole book in one sitting (which, of course, I did not!). I enjoy writing descriptive passages, because I enjoy reading those kinds of works. I love the older classics that are shamelessly florid in their use of language. I happen to love a lot of things that have supposedly gone "out of style" with modern readers, things like head-hopping and omniscient point of view, etc. Frankly, I don't think most readers care much about our rules or lack thereof. They want a good story, with compelling characters.

I'm very much interested in the internal motivations of my characters; I suppose part of that comes with my love of psychology and counseling. I want to know the interior person...and one-dimensional characters bore me. No one I've ever met in real life was one-dimensional. But you find those people all the time in books. So, in my novel, the majority of scenes involve only one person; I did this to emphasize the inherent loneliness of the town, the characters, the story itself. The most people in any scene together at one time is three, and those scenes are relatively brief.

I love the scene with Preacher, because with that character I was able to access a kind of human time machine; his dementia-induced jumping back and forth through time and memory served as a great way to underscore the themes of earthly time, love and loss, hope and healing.

And I love writing dialogue too. I really enjoyed the exchanges between Ellen and John; I thought it was fun having such a young character like Ellen, a teenager, dispensing much of the wisdom. She was wise beyond her years, while John was immature for his age in the way of most addicts.

And I guess the most difficult scenes to write were also some of my favorites; the final conversation between Joey and John was hard for me to get through. They discussed things like loss and faith, and more specifically abuse and abandonment and addiction…even suicide. All of these issues are a real part of my own life story, my own family dynamics. So it was both tough, yet healing.

This was the first novel God had been planning for me all along. It served as a sort of catharsis for me, by the time it was done, and helped me deal with some of my own lingering issues. So the book was both difficult AND therapeutic.

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

I'm really only in the early stages of my second novel, and it's actually a story I began before The Flower of Grass decided rather stubbornly to be born first! So I'm still a long way from having a novel ready for a publisher to publish...or reject! I'm hopeful, though, that I might have something in the way of a rough draft done by the end of spring next year. I do know that all my work will probably in one way or another deal with the internal intricacies of human emotions...the unique struggles that occur when flesh conflicts with spirit.

I'm fascinated by human behavior, and that explains why I love my work as a therapist. As an artist I find myself more interested in the interior motivations more than the external acting out. I think the next novel will present many more challenges for me as a writer, in some ways, because I will need to create people and places and dynamics from more foreign "soil," so to speak. I'm looking forward to that challenge.

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Thank you, Jim, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Flower of Grass.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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ACFW Conference 2008 in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Some of you might have noticed the countdown widget I have posted over there on the left. I added it a little over a month ago for two reasons. One, to remind me just how few days there are until the big annual event where hundreds of Christian authors, writers, and industry professionals gather in one city for a fun-filled, exhausting yet memorable time. Two, to alert others who visit this blog of the big event.

It's been all over the internet, and touring through a good number of blogs. It's received recognition in newspapers, online magazines and a wide variety of web sites. It's become THE premier Christian fiction conference in the United States (and even in the world). And if you write Christian fiction or think you might be interested in it, it's THE PLACE to be. :)

I'm talking about the annual ACFW Conference. And this year, it's being held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from September 18 - 21st. Our keynote speaker will be best-selling author, Angela Hunt!

If you've attended an ACFW conference and have a special memory or story to share, leave a comment and share it. I'd love to hear it.

What started out as about 100 people attending a small gathering in Kansas City, Missouri back in 2002, and what has its roots with 6 original founding members in 1999, has grown to nearly 2000 members worldwide and over 500+ attendees at the national conference.

I've attended every year since 2002, and I pray I never have to miss one.

Today, I'm here to jazz up the interest in the conference. ACFW has organized a blog tour, and I'm the last stop along the way. I can't begin to describe the tremendous opportunities that exist at this conference. Each year, I've attended for different reasons, and each year, I've come away blessed beyond my wildest dreams. It was at this conference in 2003 that I received a request for my first novel, and a little over 3 years later, it sold!

It was also at ACFW where I unveiled my rather obvious fuzzy Tiki-bird slippers and began a trend where I've been told I'm not allowed to come without them. And that notoriety has even traveled to other conferences, so when I've attended there, folks ask me where the slippers are. :) I'll try to dig up a picture of them somewhere....even if I have to take a new one. The other pictures might be on my old computer.

ACFW in Houston in 2003 was where I joined with 2 others and played some great pranks on fellow author, Deb Raney. It was also where Brandilyn Collins saw the serial killer from one of her books come to life right before her eyes. And it was where Brandilyn and Deb began their "feud" over who was the better author, competing for sales and hijacking each other's displays or kidnapping books and leaving ransom notes in their place. Oh, and who can forget the "floating body parts" and the little "gifts" left on the tables for Tracie Peterson by Brandilyn in Kansas City in 2002? That led to Pinky Palmer traveling across the U.S. to unsuspecting homes of members who "needed a hand."

Then, there's the "Kissing Bandit" story of Kaye Dacus and the multiple times Lena Nelson Dooley was hit on by a couple of inebriated men in the bar of the hotel. Plus, none of us will forget Brandilyn's admonition that we need to be aware of the "Normals" out there who don't understand writers.

In Nashville in 2004, we learned from Karen Ball about how southern women can get away with saying anything simply by tacking on "bless her/his heart" somewhere in their speech. We also discovered "goldfish moments" and so many writers realized, "I have a castle!" You had to be there to understand. :)

Another amazing thing happened at ACFW. In 2005, I met the man who is now my husband, when the conference came to Denver, Colorado. When the announcement was made in 2007, some folks joked about the need to return ACFW to ACRW (the name with which it began). Others said it could make great publicity. "Come to ACFW and meet your soulmate." LOL!

And the Denver conference is where Randy Ingermanson depleted the water supply and wore a hole in the carpet from his pacing during the workshop he presented sharing with us how to write from the "male Point-of-View." Wow! Talk about an eye-opening session! What's worse for him is he had to endure that not once, but TWICE, when the recording the first time didn't take. Poor Randy. :)

Just 2 years ago in Dallas 2006, the conference added the bonus of an Awards Banquet, where members can dress up if they choose and attend a banquet to celebrate and honor those who receive awards. From unpublished to published, from mentor-of-the-year to agent- and editor-of-the-year. It's all there. And if you don't have many opportunities to dress up, this is your chance to feel like a star!

And last year, in 2007, they announced a fantastic partnering between ACFW and Barnes & Noble, all to help spread the word of Christian fiction, and to have B&N work with us on the bookstore and book signing event.

There has been no end to the connections, the inspiration, the fellowship, the education, the phenomenal return on investment, and the take-you-to-the-throneroom-of-heaven worship experiences that have come out of these conferences. I can't say enough about all of it. I hope to never miss one if circumstances allow.

If you are interested in writing Christian fiction, or if you're already published in it and want to connect with others in the industry, ACFW is where you need to be. Don't delay. Register today!

And even if you're not interested in *writing* Christian fiction, but you *read* it? Well, stay tuned to the news of this organization. You just never know when we might be coming to a town near you, and you'll have the chance to meet some of your favorite authors, maybe even get a book autographed by them.

This year, our multi-author book signing is being held in the Mall of American rotunda, with a video slideshow and tons of publicity. Over 100 authors are going to be in attendance. So, if you're anywhere nearby and can get to the mall on September 20th, we'd love to see you!

I could go on and on, but I'll end here. Suffice it to say, it's an experience you'll never forget, regardless of how you get involved.

So, have you attended an ACFW conference? Do you have a special memory or story to share? Leave a comment and share it. I'd love to hear them.