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Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Spotlight on...Lauralee Bliss!

Seems like forever since I've done one of these. Hope y'all haven't forgotten about the Tuesday spotlight feature. And since the other ones got a bit too long, I've shortened them. The contest for the FREE BOOK is still in play though, so don't forget to comment on either this post or the one above to be entered for your chance to win.

Contest ends on Sunday, July 23 at 6pm ET.

And without further ado, allow me to introduce my spotlight author:



1. You have made your debut into historical fiction with your novel, Into the Deep. With several successful titles published in the contemporary genre, what made you decide to try this one? Switching genres is often a risky step. Will you continue to write in both?

I've always had a special interest in historical fiction. I've written several titles on the side that were not published, getting my feet wet, so to speak, by researching and writing in the genre. When it came time to write Into The Deep, the knowledge was there. For me, history books can be so boring. I want to make history come alive by creating an interesting plot around historical facts so the reader can delve into the story while learning history along the way. And it's been a fun adventure!

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

Actually I found none of this book hard to write. I had an idea what I wanted to do, thanks to the history of the cave, and the characters flowed naturally from that history. But my favorite part of the story to write was the actual cave adventure itself - retracing the steps inside Mammoth Cave with the characters. Since I had visited the cave and could visualize it, this part was fun and interesting to bring to life for the readers.

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

One of the themes brought out in the book is the idea of wealth. Some feel they deserve wealth after going through hard times. But the heroine finds out, even when her family is brought unexpectedly into wealth, that the wealth of the heart, knowing God and caring for others, makes one richer in life and happier. And this is proven when she meets the hero who is not wealthy in possessions but rich in his spiritual life.

On the other hand, the hero himself is caught up in a wave of grief and guilt when his aunt dies in the cave. He comes up with his own ideas on how to cope with it, only to discover through his relationship with the heroine that revenge does not heal. Ultimately in the end, both characters find there is really more to life than meets the eye.

4. Describe your writing space and schedule. How many words per day do you write and do you have a minimum goal you hope to reach before you push away from your keyboard?

I have an office in the basement that has become my abode for writing. I used to write in the bedroom until I had an office, and whenever my family saw the "purple sock" on the door knob, they knew I was on an intense schedule, and I meant business. When I have a book due, I usually try to write a good chapter a night. When it comes to books of the size like a Heartsong, I can figure out how much needs to be accomplished and take it from there. But at times I have a good night of writing and can accomplish a great deal more. The trick is to write and not procrastinate.

5. How important do you believe it is for a new writer or even an established one to join a writing group such as ACFW?

Writing organizations are necessary to the writer's life. Like any job, we need coworkers that we can talk to about our field of business. We also need to be able to expand that business through learning writing techniques, sales, and other avenues. It's vital to belong to a good writing organization that can help you grow and to be there when times are rough and the way seems blocked. Writing is a lonely business. Many times our friends and family members on the home front don't understand all we are going through. I've had many say I should be happy that I have one book published. But a writer understands that there are goals to meet – that one book is not the ultimate goal but to achieve all we can with our writing - and they can sympathize with those goals. Plus, it's rewarding to meet new friends from great distances that share a common bond.

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

My next book, Journey to Love, will be out in 2007, and it's my second historical. This time I turn to Virginia and North Carolina, circa 1650. There a family hopes to discover what happened to loved ones who vanished with the Lost Colony of Roanoke. During the journey love sparks between the guide, John, and a family member, Beth. But if one mystery was not enough to solve, Beth must also discover the shroud of secrecy surrounding John. If you want to keep abreast of this and my other books, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter. Just drop my a line at lrbliss2001[at]yahoo[dot]com.
Website – http://www.lauraleebliss.com

Thanks for having me! God bless.

3 comments:

Jennifer Y. said...

Great interview! I really enjoy her books!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great interview. I've never read any books by Lauralee Bliss, but my interest has definately been caught. I love a good historical romance. It's history made "fun"!! Please enter me for this book give-away. Thanks!
(chadsturge@hotmail.com)

Blessings,
Shauna

Anne said...

I have never heard of Lauralee before let alone read anything written by her.

But reading this post sure has peaked my interest in both the author and her work.

I'm a fan of historical romance, so I'm always in for a good read. :)

I'd love if you'd "put my name in the hat" .:)

Best wishes from Germany,
Anne
:: You know my email address, Tiff :) ::