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Friday, March 23, 2007

Spotlight on Robin Bayne and Good Samaritan

As promised, you have another bonus spotlight this week. Hopefully, next week, I'll be able to return to journal entries for Raelene Strattford (my first book's main character) and continue her stories of life in America and Delaware in the early 1700's. Today though, you can enjoy another chance at a free book. And I'll be selecting the winners from the outstanding spotlights this afternoon. Stay tuned to the comments section of those to see if it's you.

Now, on to Robin Bayne, a fellow author and friend who happens to live in the next state from me. :)

Robin Bayne is the award-winning author of five novels and four novellas, and is a columnist for the "Spirit Led Writer" ezine. Her essays, articles and devotionals have been published in the God's Way Book series, Cup of Comfort Devotionals, Soul Matters Devotionals, The Secret Place, Christian Communicator, Writer's Journal, Advanced Christian Writer and many other publications. She has given workshops at regional and online romance writing conferences and the Writer's Digest World's Largest Writing Workshop. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy/English from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She lives in Maryland with her husband of sixteen years, and works a "day job" as a mortgage underwriter. Visit her at www.robinbayne.com.

The Good Samaritan
by Robin Bayne

When Rachel Martin's partner abandons their catering business, she's left with bills and obligations–and no one in Portlandville is willing to take a chance on helping her. No one, that is, except for Timothy Gardner, who stands to lose his restaurant's reputation if Rachel can't fill his orders. As he gets to know Rachel, Tim finds himself reluctantly wanting to play the part of The Good Samaritan.

Imprint: Jewels/Pearls--Inspirational Romance
Price: $3.75 Download | $11.45 Trade Paperback

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. There are so many stories about print-on-demand (POD) publishers. Some cost money, others don't give you a good representation, etc. The list goes on. What made you decide to go with By Grace Publishing? How has your experience been?

This was a new experience for me--my previous publishers printed "small print runs" of their books--and always had some in stock and could offer us author copies. By Grace is a standard e-book publisher who lets a printing company offer trade paperbacks on demand. Because of this, I don't have stacks of author copies as I have had on previous books. The cost to order these paperbacks is quite high, but available if someone really wants one.

By Grace charges nothing to the author--in fact, I've never paid a penny to any publisher and would not consider doing it. I don't know how much my books will earn since I am new to this company. I can tell you I think the covers are beautiful. I loved both covers--for The Good Samaritan and Christmas Grace, a short anthology which featured one of my stories in December '06.

We also have reader's groups online and a blog updated daily (for By Grace and their sister company, Moonlit Romance.) All authors participate in daily blog discussions, and we often give away prizes on the reader loops. It's fun and I love the amount of promotion this gives the authors.

One of the reasons I submitted "Good Sam" to By Grace is because it is short--a novella, and I didn't have an entire anthology to submit to a traditional publisher. By Grace (like MountainView Publishing) will publish stand-alone novellas and even short stories. I loved the covers I saw on their site and decided to give them a try. My editor, Laura Hamby, is terrific and will be attending an ACFW chapter lunch at my home next month.

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

Back in my high school days, I remember ordering a "gold leaf cheesecake" from a catalog of gourmet desserts. I don't recall the occasion, but the cake was wonderful. I decided that my heroine would specialize in making these cakes. These days, when I bake it is only sugar-free cheesecakes on my menu.

I don't see much of my own real-life experiences in these characters, both Rachel and Tim grew as I plotted a story starring a Good Samaritan. I wanted my hero to be willing to help the heroine when no one else would, despite his having his own reasons to dislike her. I also would like to think I'd be as determined as Rachel if my career was ever threatened.

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

Well of course there is the overall theme of helping others, and compassion. There is also a strong sense of family in the story, which I hope readers see. Rachel's mother and sister help in different ways when she is in trouble. Tim's sense of family is strong--he is determined to build up the family business in honor of his parents. Actually, determination, if that can be a theme, also runs through the story for both characters.

4. How did you come up with the idea for this story? What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I decided to write a story about the Good Samaritan parable, so my premise came first. The characters came along as I planned events that would lead to one character becoming a bit desperate and needing the other--a person she normally would never go to for help.

The Big Black Moment was the toughest to write, because I didn't want it to come off as melodramatic. The most fun were the baking scenes--and I craved cheesecake after every writing session!

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

I am working on the sequel to Good Sam--starring the hero's brother, who abandoned the family and their business years before. In keeping with the Parables theme, it will be called "The Prodigal Son."

Thanks so much for this opportunity!

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And thank you, Robin, for being in the spotlight. Readers, post a comment for your chance to win a free electronic copy of The Good Samaritan, or order your copy by clicking on the book cover above.

8 comments:

Carole McDonnell said...

Wonderful interview! Great site! Good luck with the book, Robin. -Carole

Cecelia Dowdy said...

Great interview! I enjoyed reading it!

Robin Bayne said...

Thanks for all the kind words!

Shauna said...

This sounds like an interesting story. I'm familiar with the parable, and would love the chance to read a story based around it.

Thanks for another great interview!

Jennifer Y. said...

Great interview...sounds like it would be an interesting book to read. I really like "Parable-themed" books.

Robin Bayne said...

Thanks again! You guys are so kind : )

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Today's winner of a free electronic copy of The Good Samaritan is...

Shauna!

I'll email Robin with your info.

Thank you to everyone who commented. Your support is awesome. Couldn't have this blog without you.

Shauna said...

Thanks, Tiff and Robin! I received my copy via e-mail today and can't wait for a chance to read it!