image: header
image: gownflare

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

CFBA Blog Tour - Megan DiMaria and Out of Her Hands

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Out of Her Hands
Tyndale House - September 22, 2008)
by Megan DiMaria


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

MEGAN DIMARIA -- I was born and raised in New York State and have since lived in Maine, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, and now I lives in Colorado. My husband and I have three delightful, adult children and an old Jack Russell Terrier named Belle who seems to find her way into my novels. My resume will tell you I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a degree in Communications, and after graduation I worked as a radio and television reporter, freelance writer, editor and marketing professional.

I'm a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and am assistant director of Words For The Journey, Rocky Mountain Region.

But what's most important to know about me is that I am a follower of Jesus, wife, mother, friend, reader and writer.

Life's a journey, enjoy the adventures!

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this second novel by Megan DiMaria, Linda Revere is back and continuing to struggle with the turmoil of contemporary life. Linda has been praying for her children's future spouses since they were very small. Confident that her prayers will be answered, Linda is not prepared for the young woman her son brings home. But Linda soon learns that while everything she once controlled is out of her hands, God is still in control. Megan uses her trademark humor while dealing with issues to which her readers will relate.

"No sophomore slump for DiMaria! This novel (Out of Her Hands) is as engaging and meaningful as her first, Searching for Spice. Her realistic portrayal of the characters' lives should endear them to readers and help Christians to feel less alone in their daily trials."
~Romantic Times Magazine, 4½ stars TOP PICK!

"Life in Linda's world is messy...but filled with love, laughter, struggle and faith. Megan has created a most real heroine for us to love...and I adore her!"
~Deena Peterson, reviewer: A Peek at my Bookshelf

"Megan DiMaria crafts a novel so compelling, so real, you forget you're reading fiction."
~Darcie Gudger, reviewer: TitleTrakk

"This is a great read for a quiet afternoon or in those times when you feel your own life spinning out of control and need the reality check of knowing you're not in it alone."
~Amazon reviewer

If you would like to read an excerpt, go HERE.

Buy your copy of Out of Her Hands Today!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I'd be lying if I didn't say life. But the book's not autobiographical, it's inspired by a mother's dreams and fears for her children. Fortunately, I haven't had to live the experience my character has, although I know it's not uncommon to find your young adult children making choices you don't agree with.

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

My character has a similar experience as I do because she lives in my town and goes to the stores and restaurants I frequent. A big difference between my main character and myself is that Linda tends to "go over the edge" emotionally on issues more than I do.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Hmm, if Linda were an ice cream flavor I think she would be rocky road because she has to deal with difficult issues but still keep on truckin'.

4. What themes exist in Out of Her Hands that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I hope that readers discover the theme of loving. Sometimes there are people in our lives that we don't naturally love, but still, we're called on to love. A theme that developed with the story is one that shows we much be accepting of the changes that occur in life, even if we aren't the one making the choices that precipitate those changes.

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

The most difficult parts to write were always the ones that put my characters in emotional pain. To use a cliché, I feel their pain. My favorite parts to write were when I could let loose with heavy descriptions of a home or a scene that Linda's experiencing. I love to pain vivid word pictures.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Out of Her Hands.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. 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 anyone worldwide.

* * * * *

5 comments:

Donna said...

I didn't read the first cone but would love too. I have seen Out of her hands on other blogs and wanted to read it. Please enter me.

Martha A. said...

Great interview!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

windycindy said...

Hi, Please enter me in your drawing for this book. I would love to give it to my sister at Christmas time. I really appreciate it! Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

ChristyJan said...

What a fun interview with Megan! Please enter me to win a copy of OUT OF HER HANDS.

hawkes(at)citlink(dot)net

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

CHRISTY!

Congratulations! I've sent your mailing information to Megan so she can send out your book.

Everyone else, check out interviews with Megan DiMaria, J.M. Hochstetler and Robert Elmer to see if you've won.

As always, thanks for your continued support.