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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Spotlight on Christa Banister and Around the World in 80 Dates

In addition to possessing a funny, whip-smart pen, Christa Ann Banister has the gift of gab. She talks. And talks. And she keeps on talking. Maybe this is in part what separates her from the mighty throng (or small army) of chick-lit writers working today, other than the fact that her dynamite debut novel, Around the World in 80 Dates, is already creating a tidal wave of underground buzz.

That's right. After years of working as a respected music critic and freelance writer for various Christian publications: CCM Magazine, Crosswalk.com, Christian Single, ChristianityToday.com, not to mention kickstarting the inaugural Christian music blog for MTV's Urge.com, Christa has inked her first novel about her erstwhile adventures in dating, and she hopes that her story will inspire countless twenty and thirty-somethings in their quest for snagging Mr. Right, even as they hold fast to their Christian values.

Inspired by authors Judy Blume and Jane Austin, and a host of other writers including F. Scott Fitzgerald and C.S. Lewis, Christa tells the tale of Sydney Alexander—a gal who is not shy about life, her faith, or her career as a travel writer. Yet finding her lifelong soul mate proves to be a bit more elusive than she had originally thought.

"In a lot of chick-lit books it seems like the girl's ultimate goal is to get the guy," Christa says. "And she wants to get the guy for sure, but she's very ambitious as well, and she loves life and is willing to try all kinds of different adventures—all without letting go of her Christian values."
And in answer to the question of whether this romantic roller-coaster is fact or fiction, Christa plays coy: "I'll have to be honest and say that the experiences that Sydney, the lead character, goes through in the book are very similar to experiences that I've had in the past. And of course I had to protect the guilty, so I changed a few names and a few situations, but some of situations were inspired by actual events."

In the end, Around the World in 80 Dates is a novel that is full of pluck and wit, and humor, and it is a shoo-in to become a classic for any guy or girl who is in the throes of navigating the pitfalls and quirks of the single life, all without letting go of what they believe.

Christa lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, Will. They love to play Scrabble and throw darts on a map and dream about going wherever the darts land someday. They have no pets. And until her book hits the New York Times bestseller list, Christa is happily employed as a freelance writer for her many, many clients.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DATES
by Christa Banister
Published by NavPress

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. This is your first fiction novel. Congratulations! You've got a heroine who changes dates as often as some folks change their clothes, coupled with her sarcastic outlook on life. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Like many writers, I was definitely inspired by my own experiences (or as I say train wrecks) in the world of dating. A friend of mine enjoyed my stories along the way so much that he dared me to write a book. And when I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, in my case) the inspiration for Around the World in 80 Dates was born.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the character of Sydney? What aspects became traits that were hers and hers alone?

One of the first pieces of advice I ever received as a writer was to write what I knew. And of course, my experiences are the ones I'm the most familiar with. But in the interest of creating a character, someone who wasn't a carbon copy of myself, it was important for Sydney to have her own voice, her own characteristics that made her distinct. Not only does Sydney look and dress differently than I would (she's far more fashionable, trust me!), but she also reacts to situations differently. She's more impulsive, which leads her to jump to conclusions quickly before eventually seeing the light. Career-wise, she writes for a travel magazine for a living (something I've never had the privilege of doing). And those are just a few things that differentiate Sydney from myself.

3. What themes exist in Around the World in 80 Dates that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

A theme that definitely became obvious as the story took shape is that life (and dating) is an adventure that can be learned from. And that without risk, it's difficult to truly grow as a person. I also wanted readers to realize that settling, whether it's in your career, relationships or faith, is never the best option because God has so much more for us if we're willing to not settle for anything less than His best.

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

The ending was the most difficult to write. I'd been working on the beginning for so long that I felt really good about it. But like probably all authors, I wanted the ending to not only be satisfying but not predictable. So I worked hard on that. My favorite section of the book was when Sydney met Gavin and the scenes in London, my favorite city in the world.

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

My next book, the sequel to Around the World in 80 Dates, is titled Blessed Are the Meddlers and is tentatively slated to release in June 2008. This time around, Sydney is playing matchmaker for her sister and all her single friends. And while she likes to think of herself as a modern-day Emma, meddling in people's love lives is far more complicated than she could ever imagine. Chaos ensures. People fall in and out of love. Your basic nightmare, basically.

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Thanks, Christa, for being in the spotlight the day after Christmas. Hectic time of year, so I appreciate your time.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of Around the World in 80 Dates. If you don't wish to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile, since many of you don't return to check the winner notification. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Spotlight on Susan May Warren and Chill Out, Josey

Susan May Warren is the best-selling author of more than 20 novels and novellas with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A three-time Christy award finalist, and three-time winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice contest, Susan currently has over 500,000 books in print. A seasoned women's events speaker and writing teacher, she's taught at the American Christian Fiction Writer's conference for the past three years, and she runs a fiction editing service (http://www.mybooktherapy.com/) training writers how to tell a great story. After serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries in Khabarovsk, Far East Russia she now writes full-time while her husband runs a hotel on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota. Her most recent book is Chill Out, Josey! The hilarious adventures of a Minnesota girl who finds herself newly married, and pregnant…in Russia! (not autobiographical, or anything…) For more information, go to http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

CHILL OUT, JOSEY
by Susan May Warren
Published by Tyndale

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. This is the sequel to your first chic lit, Everything's Coming Up Josey. You've got Josey and her husband headed back to Russia for another adventure. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I loved writing Josey's introduction to missions, and her first adventure in Moscow. I learned so much in my freshman year of being a missionary, and I loved watching Josey grow into her trust in God's plan. But she had so much more to learn! And she wasn't the only one – although we met Chase in the first book, I wanted to see him as a newlywed husband, and how he would adapt to Russian life. I remember vividly the challenges and craziness of being pregnant in Russia, and thought, what if Josey were a newlywed AND pregnant in Russia? And what if Josey, seeing Chase's excitement about living in Russia, didn’t want to douse his dreams…and didn't tell him about her pregnancy? I remember when I discovered I was pregnant – right during our fundraising for Russia! I wondered…if my husband knew, would he still want to go?And if he didn't, would he always wonder what could have been? It was this question that drove Chill Out, Josey. It's about being a newlywed…and trusting God's love, all the way around the world.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the character of Josey? What aspects became traits that were hers and hers alone?

My close friends laugh out loud when they read Josey because they know how alike Josey and I are. From her determination to her love of bagels! But not everything about Josey is me – for example, I'm a great cook, and know how to improvise in the kitchen. And, I'm a little more practical in my footwear. But as for Josey’s spiritual lessons? Yep, all me. And the pregnancy stories…true, every one!

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

As I was writing the "Josey" series (and yes, there is a number 3!) I was studying the book of Ephesians. One of the main themes is the breadth of God's love for us, and how that changes us. I really wanted Josey to feel abandoned by Chase in this book, event hough they were newlyweds. It so often happens in missions that the husband throws himself into his new projects and the wife gets left in the dust. I remember vividly when I sat at home with two toddlers, pregnant, thinking…what happened? I didn't sign up to do this alone! And that's when God showed me how much he loved me in so many creative ways. I wanted Josey to experience God's creative love. And I am hoping that it prompts other moms to look for God's creative love in their lives as well.

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

The most difficult part to write was also the spiritual theme. Although I knew what I was getting at, there is so much in Ephesians, as well as newlywed life that I could use, (ie, the Proverbs 31 woman!) that I struggled with not putting in TOO many spiritual themes. I struggled to streamline it and now throw in ALL the lessons I learned as a young mother in Russia. And, I really wanted to show Josey growing from the self-centered person she'd been to deeper…although with enough growth left for a book 3!

My favorite part of the book to write was the "Bus Lady" scene (true story!) and the watermelon scene (also, a true story). And I again laughed out loud remembering my own "doctor" experiences. I probably laughed harder writing this book than my readers will (although I hope not!), just because I had so much fun remembering the actual events that inspired the fiction!

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

My next Josey book, Get Cozy, Josey! comes out next year at this time. Join Josey as she and Chase head to…Siberia! Just when should a girl say NO?

My next BOOK is Taming Rafe, the story of a bull-rider whose world crashes at his feet, and the woman who helps him put it all back together again….it comes out January 2008!

Thanks for having me, Tiff!
Hugs!

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE, autographed copy of Chill Out, Josey. If you don't wish to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Otherwise you might miss out on winning a book.

Susie will be back to respond to any comments or questions you leave. This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Monday, December 17, 2007

My First Book Update!

The time is drawing near. My very first solo book releases in February of 2008. That's just 2 months away. *bites nails* How am I ever going to get everything done in time? There's marketing, publicity, edits on book 2, cover information on book 3, finishing book 3, getting through the Christmas season, hosting my family visiting in January and starting to look for a new house with my husband.

Yikes!

Days like these make me wonder about being an author, but then I recall the joy I get from crafting a story with words and bringing life to characters through the written word so that others might enjoy them. That along with knowing that I might make readers smile, cry, laugh or have a turning point in their lives because of something I wrote...and it's all worthwhile -- even the pressure and stress. :)

Another part that's fantastic is getting interviewed and spotlighted, just like I spotlight so many authors here. My turn is coming. Patience and perserverance have paid off.

The first of my interviews has been posted, with more to come:

My Interview in the ACFW e-zine Afictionado
http://www.acfw.com/ezine/cgi-bin/nov07.pl?record=4

But most importantly....

I HAVE A COVER!

The book releases in February to the Heartsong Presents book club. That's a guaranteed reader base that's almost worldwide. From there, it makes its way into the databases of Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, retail stores and many other outlets for sale. That will happen in April or sooner if my publisher can get the information circulating in time.

Thanks to fellow authors, I am going to be involved in a multi-author booksigning the first part of next year, then I fly back East toward the end of the year for another signing there, where my books are set.

This is going to change my life, but it's a welcome change. Before long, and once we're in our new house, I might have another change that involves a little addition...but we'll see what happens. :) For now, I have more than enough to keep me out of trouble -- or in trouble -- whatever the case may be!

Friday, December 14, 2007

CFBA Blog Tour - Karen Ball and What Lies Within

You'd never believe from the content of her latest books that this author is a side-splitting riot when she does speaking engagements and live talks. Not only is she a prolific and established author, but she's been an editor of many top names in the Christian book industry and worked for Zondervan, among many other publishers.

Now, partnering with David Webb of B&H Publishing, she is helping to relaunch their fiction line with a new and innovative brand.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
What Lies Within
Multnomah Fiction (November 20, 2007)
by Karen Ball

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Ball , bestselling novelist, is also the editor behind several of today's bestselling Christian novels. Her love for words was passed down through her father and grandfather - both pastors who shared God's truth through sermons and storytelling. Blending humor, poignancy, and honesty, Karen's writing style is a powerful force for revealing God's truth. She lives in Oregon with her husband, Don, and their "kids," Bodhan, a mischief-making Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-terrier mix who should have been named "Destructo."

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nothing’s going to stop Kyla…

until the ground crumbles beneath her feet.

Kyla Justice has arrived. Her company, Justice Construction, is one of the most critically acclaimed, commercially successful companies in the Pacific Northwest. And yet, something is missing. Not until she’s called on to build a center for inner-city kids does she realize what it is: her sense of purpose. Now nothing can stop her, not the low budget, not supply problems, not gang opposition, not her boyfriend’s suggestion that she sell her business and marry him–and most especially not that disagreeable Rafael Murphy.

Rafe Murphy understands battle. Wounded in action, this Force Recon Marine carries the scars–and the nightmares–to prove it. Though he can’t fight overseas any longer, he’s found his place as a warrior in the civilian world. So he soldiers on, trusting that one of these days, God will reveal to him why Rafe survived the ambush in Iraq. That day has arrived.

Kyla and Rafe both discover that determination alone won’t carry them through danger and challenges. When gang violence threatens their very foundations, there’s only one way to survive: rely on each other, be real–and surrender to God. In other words, risk everything…

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to be entered in a drawing for a FREE copy of this book. If you do not wish to be entered, say so when you post. This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Spotlight on Roxanne Rustand and Hard Evidence

Roxanne Rustand is an award-winning author of magazine articles and nineteen romantic suspense novels. She also contributed to ORCHESTRATED MURDER (a trade paperback for Iowa Public Radio.) She now writes inspirational fiction, and is completely thrilled about this change in her career!

Roxanne's first manuscript won the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart in Long Contemporary, and in 1998 her second was a Golden Heart finalist. More recently, A Man She Can Trust (a February, 2006 release) won RT Bookclub Magazine's award for Best Superromance of 2006. Roxanne was nominated for RT's Career Achievement Award in 2005.

Roxanne lives in the country with her husband and their daughter, who has just graduated from high school. Two sons have already graduated from college. She has a Master's Degree in nutrition, is a registered dietitian, and works part-time at a residential psychiatric facility. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, International Thriller Writers, RWA, Author's Guild, Novelists Inc., the Faith, Hope and Love chapter of RWA, RWA's Mystery & Suspense Chapter, Christian Writer's Group International, and the Heart of Iowa Fiction Authors.

Visit her other web sites:
http://www.shoutlife.com/RoxanneRustand
http://www.ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/

HARD EVIDENCE
by Roxanne Rustand
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

Come out, come out--wherever you are....

Someone is lurking in the woods behind the isolated lodge and cabins Janna McAllister has been fixing up. Who is he? And what could he want with a single mother who hasn’t set foot in the Wyoming Rockies for years?

She's suddenly thankful for her unexpected lodgers, deputy sheriff Michael Robertson and his troubled young son. The strong, silent type, Michael makes her feel safe--especially when human remains are found on her property. But it's a cold case, until she discovers evidence that brings the killer out of hiding--a killer who now wants to see her dead.

And suddenly, it's no longer safe to trust anyone she knows.

4 ½ STARS... Romantic Times magazine

Rustand's sixteenth published novel, Hard Evidence is the first book in the romantic suspense Snow Canyon Ranch trilogy. Vendetta will follow in February, 2008, and Wildfire will be out in March, 2008.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. The first of 3 novels in the Love Inspired Suspense series that will be releasing in rapid succession. With a backdrop of the beautiful Wyoming Rockies and an isolated location, you've got the recipe for a perfect suspense. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I love the Rockies. Our son worked as a raft guide on the Snake River in the Tetons, all through college, so we went every summer! It's the most gorgeous place on earth. I've always imagined what it might be like to live there...and from that came the thought--what sort of suspense could I build there, and with what sort of characters? I also love writing about complex family situations between generations, and these days a lot of us are in the "sandwich generation", with challenges to deal with at both ends of the spectrum. And then, of course, there's the fun a developing a romantic relationship between two characters who least expect it, and making the sparks fly!

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

That's a tough question. I think life experiences affect the work of every writer, in one way or another. I grew up on horseback--got my first horse at the age of six, and have never been without one since, so I love the out-of-doors and especially, the West. I adore the mountains as well, so Janna is probably living out the sort of life I would love to have--running a rustic lodge, with the Rockies towering in the background. She has a strong independent streak, as I do, and is willing to take risks....though I think she is a lot more brave than I am!

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

Strong family values have always been at the core of what I write--both in my new Steeple Hill trilogy, and in all of the SuperRomances that I've ever written. The themes of faith, and integrity, and being willing to work hard to achieve one's goals have always been a universal in my books, as well. I have always hoped that a reader would feel uplifted in some way after reading one of my books.

Forgiveness and being able to let go of the past are two themes that also run through all three books in this trilogy.

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

I love writing suspense and mystery, with a lot of emotional development, and a growing relationship between two people despite the odds against them. I had such fun writing this series!I can't think of a part of this book that was difficult to handle...though sometimes, the middle third of a book can be a great challenge!

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

The next book will be VENDETTA, the second book in this series. It will be out in February, and involves the youngest sister, who is a veterinarian trying to establish a practice back in her home town in the mountains...though someone wants to see her fail, and won't stop at murder to see that happen. The final book, WILDFIRE, will be out in March.

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE, autographed copy of Hard Evidence. If you don't wish to be entered, say so when you post. Roxanne will be back to respond to any comments or questions you leave. This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Anita Renfroe, Colorado Snow & Roxie

Yes, I know, I haven't been here to post an update in the past few weeks. Last week, my husband and I had just listed over 400 books on Amazon for sale, and we were floored by how popular the sale has been. We've already sold over 100 books and shipped them on their way. Looks like Christmas is a great time to sell books. Many folks are getting great gifts for their friends and loved ones.

If you want to see the list, click on the link at the top of the page where it says, "Books for Sale" and follow the instructions in that post.



Now, for what else has been happening here the past few weeks, life has been hectic and has kept both my husband and me hopping. Everyone talks about how the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's is among the busiest of the year, but I usually manage to avoid the frantic levels that most people are forced to endure.

Not this year. Sure, we've had our down time and we've been able to rest from the go-go-go pace, but it's been crazy.

It all started with driving down in a snowstorm (well snow in the air but not much accumulation on the ground) to the in-laws' for Thanksgiving the night before the big day. After a last-minute request from my s-i-l, we also picked up our niece and nephew AND transported our dog, Roxie, in our Pathfinder. That was quite an adventurous trip. Imagine a 5-year-old girl, an 11-year-old boy, a rambunctious 6-month-old puppy all in the back seat as we're driving through what looks like Star Wars in space with our headlights illuminating the dark roads...and you've got a recipe for fun and laughter.

Thanksgiving Pictures

Then, we arrive around 7pm to a houseful of family only to have our puppy race around the house and leave little "presents" in two places. Guess she got a little confused about which holiday this was. :) Thankfully, no real mess and easily cleaned. Phew!

The evening was spent relaxing and catching up, and most of us retired around 10pm. Stuart and I awoke early to take out Roxie but returned and stayed in bed a little while longer until the rest of the household decided to rise. And that's when the activity picked up its pace. Everyone seemed to have a task and we all worked together to bring the Thanksgiving meal to the table. Around 2pm, we were ready. Twelve of us gathered, shared laughter and fun and good food, and even teased Stu's sister about her sweet-potato mold in the bundt pan. That was probably the most memorable part.

Of course, for me, it was the first Thanksgiving I'd spent away from my family in all 31 years. Having a new family helped dispel my missing them a bit, but it was definitely a different experience. I know Christmas will feel the same, but at least I'll get a phone call again on the day to talk to everyone back East.



Next comes my time at a Girls Night Out event with Anita Renfroe. If you have never heard her or seen her live, you should make it a point to do so. She is hilarious and will have you in stitches, laughing so hard, your cheeks and your belly will hurt from the exercise they get. Just imagine how many calories you'll burn as a result. :)

I spent the evening with fellow writer friends from ACFW, drove up to Parker, CO and met them for dinner, then drove to the church. We had fantastic seats, and although I didn't participate in the 50 vendors for shopping, I did take some pictures during the performance and relished the chocolate and strawberry ice cream cake pieces they served us afterward.

Anita Renfroe Pictures

I won't spoil the details for anyone who hasn't seen her, but you can find her online, on YouTube and in your local Christian bookstore on DVD and CD. If you're looking for a great Christmas gift for a woman you know, this would be it!



After that, the next 2 weeks flew by with places to go, things to do, people to see. We filled it with attending a performance of The Nutcracker (first time I'd ever seen the ballet, although I've grown up listening to the music), a Christmas Madrigal party at Glen Eyrie (a local castle built by the founder of Colorado Springs for his wife), events at church and with our home group and other activities keeping our calendar full for the first 2 weeks after Thanksgiving.

Glen Eyrie Madrigal Dinner

This past weekend, though, we had our 2nd big snowstorm of the season. This one had many folks staying home as we accumulated 5-11 inches across the town, depending upon where you lived. Ice and sleet made driving risky, and the temperatures finally got down to winter-like numbers. The white powder dusted everything, and the bare tree branches were covered in ice and snow. It created a pristine winter landscape straight out of a painting.

Colorado Springs' 2nd Snow



Finally, we have lots more of our puppy, Roxie. She's growing every day it seems and has passed the 40-lb. mark. She's only 6 months old! Good thing we'll be getting a house next year, or she'd outgrow our condo real quick!

Roxie pix -- more and more!

That's all for this week. Come back Wednesday for another author spotlight and next week, I'll be sharing some great news about my first book releasing in February.

Until then...

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Spotlight on Elizabeth Goddard and Seasons of Love

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Goddard obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from North Texas State University in Computer Science. After spending several years in high-level software sales, Beth retired to become a full-time mother. She has since discovered that her job as a home schooling mom of four is much more stressful than anything she encountered in the corporate world.

When she's not writing or home schooling, she's serving with her husband as he pastors a local church in Southern Oregon. She enjoys hiking in the Redwoods or camping on the Oregon coast with her family. Be sure to visit her website.

Seasons of Love
By Elizabeth Goddard
Published by Heartsong Presents
Search by book #777 or view the authors and find Elizabeth Goddard in the alphabetical listing. Book will be on Amazon.com in about 3 months.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. This is your very first book! Congratulations! It's full of suspense, intrigue, questions and mystery. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The inspiration for this story really began with the setting. Several years ago I saw a news clip about a cranberry farm. It was then I learned a little about the process of flooding the bogs to cause the fruit to float. That fascinated me and since then, I’d always wanted to set a story on a Cranberry farm. I’m not sure I could ever write a book without suspense so couple that with my computer science background and you have the search for a clue to find the decryption key—a password to unlock hack-proof code—before it’s too late.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Riley and Zane?

My own experience in the corporate world greatly influenced both Riley and Zane. Riley is searching for contentment and discovers that she can’t find that in the endless battle to climb to the top of her company. Zane is trying to grow a company, but learns that nothing he does matters if he doesn’t have God in his life. Those were two very important things that I learned during my time in corporate America. Honestly, there are so many things about Riley that are like me I can't think of traits that belong to her and not me. But Zane grew up in a very wealthy family, he's an investor and entrepreneur, and throughout the story, he struggles with believing that God is interested in our daily lives. He doesn't have a personal relationship with God, but still call himself a Christian simply because he believes there is a God and Jesus is His son.

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

The main theme I based the story on was Riley's search for contentment. We can know Jesus and have that relationship, but still not feel satisfied, or feel His peace until we go deeper with Him. Riley moved across the country and began a new life, hoping to find inner peace. Something I hadn't intended, but that grew out of the story as it developed was that Zane considered himself a Christian but yet he had no relationship with God. We have to remember that even Satan and his demons know God and that Jesus is His Son, but that doesn't make them Christians, obviously, so believing there is a God isn't enough.Walking daily with the Lord and trusting our lives to Him makes the difference. Zane realized that nothing he did in life would matter much, if he didn't have a relationship with God.

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

I enjoyed learning about growing cranberries and the harvest season, but the research and getting it right wasn't easy. The same is true for learning about encryption technology and how that could work in my story. I spent countless hours researching and discussing this with an encryption specialist. Although I do love the research, I love writing more so my favorite part was getting it all down on paper. Satisfaction comes in getting it right.

5. What are you working on now?

The problem I have with writing is that I have too many stories and not enough brain (or time). I’m working on various proposals for stories I've been brewing for a while. When I get those sent out my plans are to write the "big one" and look for an agent.

* * * * *

Thank you, Beth, for being in the spotlight. Readers, leave a comment for your chance to be entered in the drawing for a FREE copy of Seasons of Love. If you don't wish to be entered, but still wish to comment, say so when you post. Beth will be dropping by to reply to comments you wish to leave for her.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Books for Sale!

It's that time of year again...the time when I go through my bookshelves and clear out books that I either purchased and never read, received for review purposes or read once and want to pass on to someone else.

Regardless of the source, it means you have the opportunity to do some bargain shopping, as the prices are far below the listing price and some books are even OUT OF PRINT.

We're clearing our shelves to reduce the number of books we'll have to move when we get our new house next year. Our need is your gain. :)

So, if you are in the middle of Christmas shopping for that special book lover, looking for a unique gift or even just browsing for something for yourself, head on over and take a look at what I've got for sale. Thanks to my husband, we have over 350 titles listed at Amazon.com. We did have over 400, but many have sold already.

They're going fast, so don't delay.

www.amazon.com/seller/tiffany_amber_stockton

Once you're on my profile, click on the link that says "View My Store" in the little gray-blue box to the right of the screen. There you will find book covers and titles and authors of everything we have for sale.

If you have any questions, leave a comment or contact me through the amazon.com listing. And if you know of anyone else who might like to see this list, feel free to send the link to them as well. Or if you have a blog or myspace or email newsletter list, feel free to share this information there. The more promotion/publicity, the faster the books will sell and be a wonderful blessing or gift to someone else.

Thanks for reading and shopping!