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Friday, May 23, 2008

Spotlight on Cecelia Dowdy and John's Quest

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cecelia Dowdy is a world traveler who has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember. When she first read Christian fiction, she felt called to write for the genre.

She loves to read, write, and bake desserts in her spare time. She also loves spending time with her husband and her young son. Currently she resides with her family in Maryland. You can visit Cecelia on her websites: http://www.ceceliadowdy.com/ and http://www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/.

JOHN'S QUEST
by Cecelia Dowdy
Published by Heartsong Presents

ABOUT THE BOOK

It's amazing how quickly life can change. Overnight, Monica Crawford finds her neatly organized world turned upside down. Her sister abandons her blind son, Scotty, leaving him on Monica's doorstep. Caring for a handicapped child brings unexpected conflict-but unexpected joy as well. When John French volunteers to tutor Scotty, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Monica. But John and Monica are very different. She is a strong believer, determined to live her life for Christ. John is an agnostic who wants nothing to do with God.Will John see the light? Will Monica realize that sometimes letting go of a dream is the way to achieve it? Only in full surrender will either of them be happy- whether they end up together or alone.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I work for a non-profit science publisher for my day job. Since a lot of my coworkers are scientists, I started wondering if any of them were atheists or agnostics. My musings led me to write John's Quest.

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

Since I was well into my thirties when I got married, I feel that I could kind of relate to Monica since she's an older heroine (late-thirties) and still unmarried. As for John, I think I created him because, as I said in the first question, I'd wondered if an atheist or agnostic would approach me, wanting "proof" of God, how would I reasonably go about trying to sway that person's beliefs. I made the child Scotty blind since my husband is blind, and I thought it would be an unusual twist to have a blind character in my novel.

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

The only theme I felt was dominant in the story was: always trust in God. I know it's hard for us to do that at times. Since John is an agnostic, he doubts God's existence due to the pain and suffering in the world. Why can't God fix everything and make it better? I think, even as Christians, we still have a tough time maintaining a strong faith in God when things get especially rough. However, we need to plow through those bad times, looking to God for comfort and solace, and just remembering that He's always with us.

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

Writing from John's viewpoint was kind of hard overall. I guess since I've been a Christian for so long, it was hard for me to imagine what life would be like to doubt God's existence. My favorite part was John's conversion scene.

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

The title of my next novel is...Milk Money! The tentative release date is January 2009/ Here's a brief blurb about the story:

Running a dairy farm is a big job, but doing it alone is almost impossible.

When her dad dies, Emily must work hard to save the family farm, but she manages. Until the day the CPA pulls in her drive and announces he’s there to do an audit on the place.

Franklin Reese is appalled at the lack of interest the Cooper women have in the financial end of their livelihood, but he dives in, determined to help them learn. The further he looks into Mr. Cooper’s dealings, however, the more uncomfortable he becomes.

Can he uncover the truth of the situation and still earn the love of the amazing Emily Cooper? Will issues in Franklin’s own life keep them apart, even after the farm is taken care of? Only God can heal hurting hearts and repair broken lives. Will these two let Him in?

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Thank you, Cecelia, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of John's Quest.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

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

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10 comments:

BarbC said...

I am so looking forward to reading John's Quest... and many more books from Cecelia. I have follower her quest as she worked through the story in her mind and placed it on paper. I know it is going to be wonderful!

Barb C.

windycindy said...

Her book sounds like a heart warming story! The story line of the Aunt, nephew and the tutor sounds interesting. Please enter me in another of your fabulous book giveaway drawing. Enjoy the holiday weekend.....Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would love to be entered. I really enjoy reading her blog.

Thanks!

Carolynn said...

The book descrition sounds great...I would love to read it!

Pamela J said...

I'm looking forward to reading this book. How hard it is at times to always trust God and remember that He is always with us. Please enter me.
Pam
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

squiresj said...

My 5th or 6th attempt to submit to this blog. It keeps locking up.
I would love to win this book. Enter me. I'm so frustrated trying to post it is unreal. I love her books. God Bless.

Cherie J said...

Sounds like a wonderful book. Enjoyed the spotlight.

ChristyJan said...

I enjoyed reading this interview with Cecelia! Her new book John's Quest sounds like a wonderful read.

tetewa said...

Please include me for this, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this spotlight, and that is:

TERESA!

Congratulations. I've emailed Cecelia your information so she can send out your book.

Two more winners announced from last week. Check out the spotlights for Sherri Sand and Cynthia Hickey to see if you've won.