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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Spotlight on Lena Nelson Dooley and Can You Help Me?

Lena Nelson Dooley is a multi-published, award-winning author, who really likes to tell a good story. She also enjoys mentoring other authors and rejoices when one of the ones she's helping gets an agent or a contract. She's been married to the love of her life for over 42 years, and they're soon to become great-grandparents. To learn more about her, please visit her website or her blog.

Order your copy of Carolina Carpenter Brides today!

Carolina Carpenter Brides
By Janet Benrey, Ron Benrey, Lena Nelson Dooley, Yvonne Lehman
Barbour Publishing
Contemporary Novella Collection

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. This book features some rather unique situations where the characters find love. What gave you the inspiration for your story?

I rather like mistaken identity stories, and I thought it would work with this type of book. And that point opened up all kinds of other issues.

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

I've always been pretty independent, and so is my heroine. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew, and so did the heroine. Of course, there were many other traits that the characters showed me while the story developed.

3. What themes exist in Can You Help Me? that you hope the reader sees?

The importance of developing trust through honesty. Woven into that is the need for forgiveness when a person makes an honest mistake.

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

This was a very fun book to write. I can't really remember any difficult parts. I especially liked the opening scene, and the development of the romance thread.

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

I'm excited about the next book Montana Mistletoe. It is my first Christmas book. My heroine is the youngest person elected mayor of Mistle, Montana, the year around Christmas town. The town depends on tourist traffic and that has dropped during the last few years. Another thing I liked about this book is the way the four authors had to coordinate their stories. They really intertwine.

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Thanks, Lena, for being in the spotlight today. Readers, leave your comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of this book sure to offer a unique perspective on your local home improvement store. Check back here next week for the winner.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lena is a great mentor and friend to new writers. She's the best. Can't wait to read the book.

Anonymous said...

A mentor, a friend and good prayer partner - Lena is this a more. Janice

Lacy J. Williams said...

This book sounds like a great read - what a unique thread that tied them together! It's definitely on my "to read" list!

Lena Nelson Dooley said...

Thank you, Tiff, for the interview. And thanks for the interesting comments.

Cherie J said...

Great spotlight! I loved reading about Lena and Carolina Carpenter Brides sounds great!

tetewa said...

Count me in for the draw, love Lena's blog I usually visit it every day. tWarner419@aol.com

Shauna said...

Ooh, enter me, too, please! I've read Lena's work before and enjoyed it! Thanks for the spotlight.

Ina said...

I can't wait for Carolina Carpenter Brides to hit the stands. It's definitely going right on my keeper shelf. For now, i'm crossing my fingers to win.


heinaeina *at* yahoo.com

En-z said...

This book seems a great collection from the line of authors involved. I've read from Lena Nelson Dooley and Yvonne Lehman (Coffee Rings) but not from the others yet. Are the other authors a couple?

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Lenz, yes. Janet and Ron Benrey are married, and Janet is a literary agent.

Now for the drawing. The winner this week is....

Janice Olson!

Janice, please email me with your mailing address, so I can have Lena ship out your book to you. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone for your continued support. This blog wouldn't exist without you! Check out the new spotlight up today!

Another bonus one this coming Friday.