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Wednesday, December 20, 2006

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.

6 comments:

Jennifer Y. said...

Wonderful interview! I love Lena's books. The upcoming books sound great!

Anonymous said...

Amber and Lena, thanks for a great interview. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Blessings,
Shauna

tetewa said...

Have a great holiday and thanks for the interview.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

*drumroll* It's winner time! And the prize goes to....

Jennifer!

I should probably save y'alls addresses so you don't have to keep sending them to me. If you don't mind me doing that, let me know.

Jennifer, please send your information so I can have Lena send out your book.

Jennifer Y. said...

Thank you! I will send you my address!

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Thank you, Tiff, for allowing me to be a part of your blog. I'll send the book right out.