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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Spotlight on Vickie McDonough and A Wealth Beyond Riches

Vickie McDonough is an award-winning inspirational romance author. She has written four Heartsong Present novels and five novellas. Her stories have
continually placed in prestigious contests, such as the ACFW Book of the Year and Noble Theme contests, the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, and the Texas Gold contest. She is active in local and online writers' groups, critique groups, and enjoys mentoring new writers. She has served as the ACFW Critique Group Coordinator and is a founding member and Treasurer of WIN, the Tulsa, OK, ACFW chapter. Vickie has been married to her wonderful husband, Robert, for over 30 years. They have four terrific sons and have finally evened the odds with a sweet daughter-in-law, a new grand-daughter and two female Yorkies.

A Wealth Beyond Riches
By Vickie McDonough
Heartsong Presents

A Wealth Beyond Riches is the third book is Vickie's historical Oklahoma series. The first two books are Sooner or Later and The Bounty Hunter and the Bride. These books are available from me, Heartsong Presents, or Christianbook.com

The current book will be available on the Heartsong Presents web site soon. Until then, you can purchase an autographed copy from Vickie for $6, which includes shipping to the US/Canada.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. A New York socialite's daughter and the untamed oil fields of Oklahoma. What gave you the inspiration for your story?

I wanted to write a story set during the Oklahoma oil boom days and tried to think of a heroine who'd be a fish out of water in such a setting. I thought the New York theater world would be about as far as you could get from Indian Territory. I remember seeing a movie a long time ago about a women with Indian heritage who tried to hide it. That's what my heroine's mother does. The heroine doesn't know she has Indian blood until she finds a letter from her uncle.

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

I don't know that any of my experiences influenced the hero and heroine in this story. I was born and raised in Oklahoma (the part that was Indian Territory just a hundred years ago). I'm familiar with the area and history but Sasha's and Jim's stories are pretty much theirs alone. I had great parents, so I can't really relate to Sasha and Jim both having a parent who abandoned them.

Though fearful of what she'd find in Indian Territory, Sasha's aching desire for family and a home pushes her into the scary unknown. Jim was raised by a loving aunt and uncle, but knowing his father abandoned him left Jim with many issues he had to overcome. It took him a while, but when he gave his heart to Christ, things got easier and he was able to let go of many feelings that had kept him bound before.

3. What themes exist in A Wealth Beyond Riches that you hope the reader sees?

Many people became overnight millionaires during the oil boom. Not ever having had such wealth, they didn't know how to handle money and often lost it quickly. I've even heard stories of people who'd buy a new car and when it ran out of gas they'd go buy another car. What I wanted to show was that money doesn't buy happiness. There are things in life like a home, family, and most importantly, the Lord, which have far more value than money. That's what I hope readers will take away from this book.

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

I'll tell you the hardest part of this book for me to write, but it's a huge spoiler, so if you haven't read this book, you may not want to read the rest of this question. The hardest part was killing off Uncle Dewey. I tried not to but just couldn't see Sasha growing the way she needed to without his death. He was such a sweet man--kind of reminded me of my dad--and I hated to have to kill him off. My favorite parts were how Sasha reached out to help the oil widows, and the end, where Sasha and Jim finally get together after their struggles.

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

My next book is a re-packaging of three books set in historical Virginia. The three books were written by different authors and will include my second Heartsong book, Spinning Out of Control. That is due out next spring. I don't know yet what it will be titled.

Also, I've just gotten a verbal commitment for a new Heartsong. It will be set in North Dakota and is the story of a female dime novel writer who goes west to research the area when a rancher challenges her accuracy on some issues. The problem is the hero didn't realize he'd invited a citified female to his ranch. Needless to say, there are some humorous scenes as he tries to teach this greenhorn the ways of the west.

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Thanks, Vickie, for being in the spotlight today. Readers, leave your comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of this book. This week, the drawing is open to US/Canada residents only. Check back here next week for the winner.

9 comments:

Cherie J said...

Great spotlight! Sounds like a wonderful book.

tetewa said...

She would be another new author for me. Sounds like a great read!

Lacy J. Williams said...

I already have this book (haven't had a chance to read it yet), but I just had to stop by and brag on Vickie. Her romances are so sweet and the characters are great. You'll really enjoy this book, so even if you don't win, go out and get it!

Rhonda Gibson said...

Hi Tiff and Vickie!! Great spotlight. I have to agree with Lacy about Vickie's books. I haven't read one I didn't enjoy!!
Rhonda

Gina Conroy said...

Great interview!

Unknown said...

A Wealth Beyond Riches sounds like another inspirational I would enjoy. For me the wealth beyond riches is having a afmily who truly cares for you and is always there for you.

En-z said...

Oh, another Heartsong masterpiece! I just bought 45 Heartsong books from Christianbook.com 'coz I just couldn't stop reading more of those books after I read my first one. This book is a welcome addition to my TBB list. Thanks for another great spotlight.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Sorry I'm a little late in posting the winner, but life got away from me this past week.

RHONDA....looks like you'll be getting another chance to read one of Vickie's books. Congratulations on being picked as the winner.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Got another spotlight coming this week. Be sure ot check it out.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Oh! Forgot to ask you, Rhonda, to contact me with your mailing address information so Vickie can send you your free book. :)