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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Spotlight on Becky Melby and Dream Chasers

To all my regular readers, winners have been selected for all previous blog spotlights. Make sure you check out the spotlights all the way back to March 13th with J.M. Hochstetler's Wind of the Spriti.

Thanks so much for your patience. And now on to this week's spotlight.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BECKY MELBY has co-authored seven inspirational romances. Walk with Me, the first in a series of Heartsong Presents romances based in Minnesota, was chosen as the Heartsong Presents Editor's #1 Contemporary Pick for 2008. Dream Chasers is the second book. Stillwater Promise will be released later this summer and Pleasant Surprises, the first of an Illinois series, will follow. A three-in-one collection, Wisconsin Blessings, by Barbour Publishing came out in February of 2006 and a novella, Over the Wall in Race to the Altar by Barbour, released in September of 2007.

Parents of four sons and nine-going-on-ten grandchildren, Becky and her husband Bill live in Wisconsin. They host and lead a small group Bible study in their home and enjoy motorcycle rides and RVing.

http://beckymelby.blogspot.com/
http://www.melby-wienke.com/

DREAM CHASERS
by Becky Melby & Cathy Wienke
Published by Heartsong Presents/Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

April Douglas is determined to fulfill her sister's dream list—the things Caitlyn would have done if she hadn't died so young. Things like climbing a water tower and chasing a tornado.

April faces each challenge with feigned bravery to honor her sister and interest the small radio audience that's listening in on her adventures. But the man April blames for Caitlyn's death—TV weatherman and storm chaser Seth Bachelor—appears at inopportune times, forcing April to face strong fears and misconceptions.

Seth can't figure out why April resists him. When he learns of her devotion to the dream list, he offers to help April check them off and overcome her fears...only to be faced with his own shortcomings at every turn.

Just when April thinks Seth can be trusted, she learns he may not be the man she thought he was. What will it cost them—or gain them—to chase God’s dreams together?

Buy Your Copy of Dream Chasers today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Contrary to the way it looks, this idea came to my writing partner, Cathy Wienke, and I long before "The Bucket List" came out. We were sitting in the Nashville airport after the 2005 ACFW conference when the idea for the first book in the series sprouted. Walk with Me begins with an apartment fire. We decided to make the series about three women who had some involvement with that incident. April Douglas in Dream Chasers is a reporter who covered the fire. We just started brainstorming about April and came up with a character who recently lost her teenage sister to leukemia complications and is now trying to fulfill her sister's "Dream List." To add inner conflict, we gave her an angry father who was more out than in her life. And then we brought in Seth Bachelor, one of the meteorologists she blames for her sister's death. The man has anger issues, at least in April's eyes. When she starts to see a gentle side to him, she's afraid to believe it can last.

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

Like April, I have a fear of heights. But that girl is determined to overcome her fear. The story opens with April climbing a water tower. Me? Never. She is far gutsier in the social and career realms, too. April is also terrified of storms. Unlike her, I would love to see a tornado at the closest possible safe distance. April has a problem with transference at times—she assumes Seth is going to react in anger the way her father did. I've been guilty of that too often. My co-author's childhood experience of being raise by grandparents for the first five years gave credibility to April's sense of loss over an absent father.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

While April has a passion for Bridgeman's Wolf Tracks ice cream, if she were an ice cream flavor, she'd be Praline Pecan. She's in the process of finding an inner strength she didn't know she possessed and regaining the confidence and passion she lost when her sister died. There are lots of sweet surprising nuggets in the vanilla of her life.

4. Are there any themes in Dream Chasers that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Our theme verse for Dream Chasers is Psalm 37:4—"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." April and Seth both have dreams they think will never be realized. Both discover that surrender to the Lord's plans brings peace. In my own life, God has shown me His faithfulness over and when I finally reach that moment of surrender. April's relationship with her parents unfolded as we were writing. Her father's anger and abandonment and her mother's depression have left scars. Throughout the book, she learns to accept what she cannot change.

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

While I often bog down just past the halfway point, this book was different. With forty-two things on the Dream List, there was a new adventure and setting at every turn. That kept things exciting while I was writing. The tornado scene was my favorite. In describing the storm I got to use all the senses, and sneaking in a bit of romance in the eye of a tornado was pure fun.

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

Stillwater Promise, the third book in this Minnesota series, will be this summer. This story was a challenge to write, but may just be my favorite.

It's about Sara Lewis, who was one of the residents in the apartment building where the fire broke out in Walk with Me. Sara has been separated from her husband James for two years. They have two little girls. She is struggling to balance work and home and working hard toward her dream of owning a bed and breakfast—all without any help from her husband. Suddenly, James shows up, claiming to be a changed person because of his faith in Christ. Cathy and I were excited about the opportunity to write about the difficulties of marriage, but we were afraid it might be difficult to generate enough romantic sparks between two people with so much history.

As it turned out, starting with a couple in gridlock was the perfect setup for lots of wonderful making up...after lots of additional road blocks, of course. Writing a story that encourages perseverance in marriage made me recommit to working at my own marriage and I pray it does the same for our readers.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Dream Chasers.

Make sure you leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net), or your name won't be entered into the drawing. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

You can also check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and any further comments will be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Spotlight on Leanna Ellis and Ruby's Slippers

To all my regular readers, it's still a challenge to get back into the swing of things with my new daughter, Victoria, and this new schedule. I will do my best to get to all of the drawings from previous spotlights next week. Thanks so much for your patience.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LEANNA ELLIS is a winner of the National Readers' Choice Award and writes quirky women's fiction. When she's not busy writing, taxiing her kids to and from dance and fencing, or taking the dogs in and out, then she's contemplating some new weird plot. Visit her website at http://www.leannaellis.com/.

Leanna is also running a contest through Mother's Day for a chance to win $50! Check out her blog for more details. It's found on her web site.

RUBY'S SLIPPERS
by Leanna Ellis
Published by B&H Publishing Group

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Wizard of Oz meets Cinderella story

When Dottie Meyers loses her 'no place like home' during a Kansas tornado, she wakes up to find a pair of ruby slippers left by her father who abandoned his family thirty years ago. With her sister hot on her trail to find the treasured ruby slippers, Dottie travels a yellow brick road with three friends to find her father. No wizard can solve her problems. Only the love of a heavenly father can heal her wounds and give her the desires of her heart.

There's no place like ... the heart for God's healing touch.

Buy Your Copy of Ruby's Slippers today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Hi, Tiffany! Thanks for having me here.

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The Wizard of Oz is one of my favourite stories, and I also love the musical Wicked. One day I thought, what would happen if Dorothy lost her somewhere over the rainbow? So I started kicking around the idea. Then a few weeks after that the title Ruby's Slippers hit me. Sometimes certain ideas just click and my heart starts racing and I know I'm onto something. II knew I had to write this story.

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

Very interesting question. I suppose I could make an argument that all my characters experiences must first start with an experience in me, but that's not necessarily true. There's usually an aspect or some emotion in my own life that I can tap into in order to bring them to life. But in many ways they are simply their own person, just living in my head. Completely separate from me. And yet they are a part of me. Are you confused? I know I am! :)

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Starting out I think Dottie would be vanilla and be very content with that. But I think along the yellow brick road she’d discover many aspects of herself that would bring out a rainbow of flavours.

4. Are there any themes in Ruby's Slippers that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Living your dream, home and friendship, belonging and forgiveness. I never imagined the 'Cinderella' part of this story but it definitely emerged throughout the book. It was part of Dottie discovering herself and her own path ... finding that perfect fit.

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

This was probably the hardest book I've ever written which really surprised me. And yet at the same time so many parts were such fun to write – the sister scenes, anything with Maybelle and definitely Leo.

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

My next book is Once in a Blue Moon and it releases March 2010. Despite death-defying feats, guilt has always pulled Bryn down time and again. But a perfect love shows her taking a leap of faith is the first step to soaring. But it only happens ... once in a blue moon.

Thanks, Tiffany, it was lots of fun!

* * * * *

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

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

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). 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.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

CFBA Blog Tour - Christine Lynxwiler and The Reluctant Cowgirl

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Relucant Cowgirl
Barbour Publishing - April, 2009)
by Christine Lynxwiler


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CHRISTINE LYNXWILER lives with her husband and two precious daughters in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in her home state of Arkansas. Her greatest earthly joy is her family and, aside from doing God's will, spending time with them is her top priority.

She recently took a break from writing romance to pen a Christmas story with a twist. Her Mom Lit novella, My True Love Gave to Me, is part of a 2 in 1 anthology from Barbour entitled All Jingled Out. It's also included in Simply Christmas, a 4 in 1 Barbour anthology. One of her holiday highlights was seeing Simply Christmas at Sam's Club a few weeks before Christmas.

She has written two other novellas, both romance, which are included in Barbour anthologies, City Dreams, and Prairie County Fair and a serial for the Heartsong Presents book club newsletter – The Carousel Horse. The Carousel Horse can be read in its entirety on the Heartsong website, and you can read excerpts from all of her other books on her website, HERE.

In 2003, Christine was honored by being voted #2 Favorite New Author by the Heartsong Presents Book Club members!

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE RELUCTANT COWGIRL
by Christine Lynxwiler
Published by Barbour

Actress Crytal McCord gave up the closeness of her big family in order to make a name for herself on the New York City stage. But when life in the Big Apple turns sour, she follows a country road back to her parents Arkansas ranch.

The last thing she expects to find in cowboy country is a new leading man. Still, she can't help but imagine handsome rancher Jeremy Buchanan in the role.

Unfortunately, Jeremy's been burned by Crystal's type before. Or has he? Every time he thinks he knows her, the multi-faceted woman surprises him. Will the reluctant pair allow their hearts to guide them, or will their common stubborn pride keep them miles apart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Reluctant Cowgirl, go HERE.

Buy Your Copy of The Reluctant Cowgirl today!

* * * * *

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of The Reluctant Cowgirl.

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). 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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Spotlight on Jill Williamson and By Darkness Hid

I'm thrilled today to be able to spotlight today's author. Not only is this her first fiction novel, but she is 1 of 3 new authors with Marcher Lord Press' Spring Releases. Another is my husband, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, with his debut novel, Starfire. If you like speculative fiction in fantasy or sci-fi, you should check out this publisher. The books are fantastic...and I don't just say that because of my marital bias. *winks*



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JILL WILLIAMSON is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She writes stories that combine danger, suspense, and adventure for people of all ages. An avid reader, she started Novel Teen Book Reviews (www.novelteen.com) to help teens find great books to read. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two book-loving children. By Darkness Hid is her first novel. Check out her Web site www.jillwilliamson.com for more information.

BY DARKNESS HID
by Jill Williamson
Published by Marcher Lord Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

Half of Er’Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them. It's called bloodvoicing. Some say it's a gift. One of the newly “gifted” wish it had never come.

Achan has been a slave all his life. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.

Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.

While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell's true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both.

Buy Your Copy of By Darkness Hid today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I had a really weird dream. Have you ever wakened from a bizarre dream and thought, “Wow! That would make a great story?” This happened to me once in the middle of the night. So I wrote down the dream and went back to sleep. When morning came, my notes made very little sense. It was a science fiction premise, but there was one aspect to it that I couldn’t stop thinking about. Over time I brainstormed. The premise switched from science fiction to medieval fantasy. I started researching that time period. The more I learned, the more I couldn’t wait to get started writing. The final story turned out nothing like that dream.

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

Not much of me influenced these characters. This is the fifth book I’ve written, so I think that I used up all of me on my first few books. :) Both Achan and Vrell are tenacious, which is a trait that I have. Achan rebels more than I ever would. He rebels against injustice despite the punishments he receives and the ongoing threat of death. Achan is a lot braver than I am, too. I probably have more in common with Vrell. She tends to point out injustice, which is something I’m prone to do. She’s also a girl.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Achan would be Rocky Road, since that’s how his life has been. He is a stray, which is a social rank lower than a slave. Just when he thinks he might find a way out, his life gets more complicated.

4. Are there any themes in If By Darkness Hid that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

That there is only one God and that he is the desire of our hearts. No matter what we face, knowing him will make life more worthwhile. He created us for a purpose. If we want to know our purpose, we must discover him.

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

Researching medieval medicine/healing was the hardest. When I really started looking, though, it was fascinating. I know my scenes are much better because of all the research I did.

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

To Darkness Fled, Blood of Kings, book 2, should come out in 2010. This story follows Achan and Vrell’s journey together through Darkness to flee Esek’s wrath.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of By Darkness Hid.

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). 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.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Victoria Elizabeth Stockton - Week 1

It's doubtful that I'll be counting up by the week ad infinitum, but for now, it works. :) There isn't much to report from the first week home. As most of you know, babies don't do a whole lot at the start. Eat, sleep and mess their diapers. And we've had plenty of that. The good news is that everything is normal, which brings a great sigh of relief.

Let's see.

Victoria had her first doctor's visit at 4 days old, and she was given a clean bill of health other than a request to return in 2 days for a weight check. She had lost 1lb. in the hospital and the pediatrician wanted to make sure she was still gaining. Boy, did she! When we brought her back Wednesday, she had gained 7 ounces in two days! Little porker. LOL!

I also attended the first breastfeeding support group meeting last week and will be going again tomorrow. It's encouraging to meet with other moms, but even better to be able to weigh your child before and after to see just how much they are getting from you. Unlike a bottle with a measurable line, breastfeeding is harder to gauge. I know Tori is getting enough, because she's content, but I like to see the numbers.

She's only had 2 exhausting nights where she kept me up most of the night fussing or wanting to be held, rocked, walked around, etc. Otherwise, she's pretty much on a 3-hour cycle of feeding/sleeping with 2-3 periods of alert, eyes wide open moments. We've been so blessed with a beautiful and seemingly even-tempered angel. Likely due to the laid back attitude of Mom and Dad. :)

Yesterday was Easter, and we bought her a dress to wear to church. It also snowed quite a bit in the morning, so instead of a sunny day, we had all white. And when we got to church, we didn't even make it past the front door or entryway of the lobby before being surrounded by everyone wanting to see the baby. Tori slept through the service though and did great.

We drove down to her grandparents (Stu's parents) that afternoon for dinner, and some of the family came to see her. Still waiting for her great-grandparents to return from their winter in Arizona and her aunt and uncle from Denver, as well as our cousins with her 2nd cousin. Of course, my side of the family arrives Friday, and we're spending a week in Vail. It's the first grandbaby and first niece for my side, and that's big stuff. So, I don't know if I'll have a post next week or not. All depends on the internet connection.

Other than that, she's been smiling, taking in the world, loving to be rocked and held, and just being a huge blessing to our lives. The days pass so fast, but I'll be glad to get back into a routine or part of my old schedule so I can actually know which day is which. They've all blurred together so far. Stu goes back to work tomorrow, so I'm on my own for 3 days until my family arrives.

Praying I will be able to handle everything.

Until next week....

Friday, April 10, 2009

Spotlight on Marlo Schalesky and If Tomorrow Never Comes

Ok, I apologize to my regular book spotlight readers. If you read the post from Monday, you'll know I've been rather preoccupied with my brand new daughter. She was 1 week old yesterday, and it's a challenge to get back into the swing of things. I try to work ahead, but got behind. :)

So, here is Wednesday's spotlight. And I promise as soon as I can, I'll get around to selecting the winners from the outstanding spotlights. Thanks for your patience.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARLO SCHALESKY is the award winning author of seven books, including her latest novel, If Tomorrow Never Comes, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist to create a new type of novel that she hopes will impact readers at their deepest levels. Marlo's other books include Beyond the Night, Veil of Fire, and Empty Womb, Aching Heart--Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility.

She's had over 600 articles published in various Christian magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today's Christian Woman, Decision, Moody Magazine, and Discipleship Journal. She has contributed to Dr. Dobson's Night Light Devotional for Couples, Tyndale's Book of Devotions for Kids #3, and Discipleship Journal's 101 Small Group Ideas. She is a speaker and a regular columnist for Power for Living.

Marlo is also a California native, a small business owner, and a graduate of Stanford University (with a B.S. in Chemistry!). In addition, she has earned her Masters in Theology, with an emphasis in Biblical Studies, from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Marlo lives with her husband and five young children in a log home in Central California. When she's not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves sipping Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and talking about finding the deep places of God in the disappointments of life.

IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES
by Marlo Schalesky
Published by Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers, a division of Random House

ABOUT THE BOOK

They say you should reach for your dreams.
This time, they're wrong...

Childhood sweethearts Kinna and Jimmy Henley had simple dreams—marriage, children, a house by the sea...everything they needed for happily ever after. What they didn't plan on was years of infertility, stealing those dreams, crushing their hopes.

Now, all that's left is the memory of young love, and the desperate need for a child to erase the pain. Until...

Kinna rescues an elderly woman from the sea, and the threads of the past, present, and future weave together to reveal the wonder of one final hope. One final chance to follow not their dreams, but God's.

Can they embrace the redemptive power of love before it's too late? Or will their love be washed away like the castles they once built upon the sand? The past whispers to the present. And the future shivers. What if tomorrow never comes?

Buy Your Copy of If Tomorrow Never Comes today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

It began with a single image that popped powerfully into my mind – an old man, walking along a foggy beach at dawn, bending to pick up an old locket from the sand. The rest of the story grew from there. The funny thing is, when you read the book, you’ll find that Kinna finds the locket, not an old man. But originally the image of the locket in the sand was so intriguing to me that I kept thinking about it until a story began to develop. After that, I drew on my personal experience with infertility to fill out the story and create the drama. But what kept me writing was the character of Thea, an old woman pulled from the sea, and the twist that comes at the book’s end.

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

I’ve spent most of my adult life – 20 years – dealing with infertility and miscarriage. I’ve had some successes along the way, and whole lot of failure, disappointment and pain. I’ve had surgeries, drugs, IUI’s, IVF’s, FET’s, you name it.

So, as far as the book’s plot-line goes - what happens to the characters and how they’re changed and challenged through the book - that is uniquely Kinna & Jimmy’s story. Kinna’s quirk of spelling out words when she wants to emphasize them – that’s hers. Jimmy’s love of construction equipment – that’s his. But the emotions, the fears, the questions of infertility that they face are things I drew from my own experience.

The longing for a baby that seems like it will never be fulfilled. I’ve been there. Month after month of trying and failing. Turning into year after year. I’ve been there. Frustration. Doubt. Wondering how God could possibly love me in the midst of this. Been there. Having to pry my white-knuckled fingers off my own hopes and dreams. Been there. Choosing to love anyway. Choosing to believe anyway. Choosing to trust God anyway. Been there.

It seems that just about every deep and meaningful thing I’ve learned about God, I can point to my journey through infertility and say, “Yeah, infertility taught me that.” It taught me that I’m not the god of my life. God is. It taught me there are things I cannot control, cannot achieve, no matter how hard I try. And sometimes we must choose to live the life God has given us, with love and hope, even when it’s not the life we dreamed.

Because infertility taught me that God calls us not to the pursuit of our dreams, but to love. “Love one another,” Jesus says. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” God taught me that through the journey of my own infertility. My hope is that If Tomorrow Never Comes will reveal the same truths to others as well.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

I have to do Thea for this one, even though she isn’t the main character, because she’s definitely praline – sweet, creamy, and a little bit nutty. She has a very distinctive flavor!

4. Are there any themes in If Tomorrow Never Comes that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Our culture tells us that we can do anything we set our minds to, we can accomplish any dream...and we should. “Reach for your dreams,” we say, as if that is the highest goal of humankind. Success posters (and platitudes) abound.

But all my years of infertility and miscarriage have taught me that we are not the gods of our lives. There are things we cannot control, no matter how hard we try.

Perhaps that is why God calls us not to the pursuit of our dreams, but to love. “Love one another,” Jesus exhorts in John 13:34-35, and also gives, as the second greatest commandment, the exhortation to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 19:18, and all 3 Synoptics)

So, in our Grasp-Your-Dreams culture, my hope is that this book will stand against the tide, calling people instead to the way of love – to the way of laying down their lives for others instead of clutching their own dreams and plans.

I hope readers will be inspired to fight for their marriages with sacrificial love, and will be challenged to look to the future for the rewards of loving sacrificially, and to the past to remember the seeds of real love.

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

Strangely enough, the hardest parts to write were the parts that dealt with the struggle and pain of infertility. I thought those would be the easiest since I’m so intimately familiar with that journey. But I found it hard to revisit all those feelings and the difficult parts of the journey.

My favorite parts to write were the short scenes where Thea (her name is short for Aletheia, the Greek word for Truth), was the point-of-view character. Thea is the old woman whom Kinna rescues from drowning in chapter one. Throughout the story, all the reader knows is that Thea is there for a reason – she has a purpose in Kinna & Jimmy’s lives. With wry humor and odd confrontations, she steers Jimmy & Kinna toward reconciliation and one another. She helps them to remember their past love story.

What I like best about her is her humor mixed with mystery. She’s just fun. :) She thinks she’s in a dream, and doesn’t want to become some crazy old lady with a houseful of cats. But despite her doubts, she chooses to care about Jimmy and Kinna and help them, no matter what. She chooses well, and as it turns out, that makes all the difference, for them, and for her too.

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

Shades of Morning is scheduled to release in May 2010. It’s my third “love story with a twist,” and I’m enjoying the figuring out the characters and plot. For those who read If Tomorrow Never Comes, watch for Marnie, the quirky owner of the coffeeshop and bookstore, who will be the main character in Shades of Morning. Here’s a bit about it:

Marnie has her life just where she wants it. At least that’s what she tells herself-–her past is hidden, her regrets locked tightly in a box on her shelf, and her bookstore and coffeeshop business is booming. No one knows what she’s done, who she’s been. That is, until the man she once loved finds her again and brings startling news – she’s now the guardian of her 15-year-old nephew, a boy she never knew existed. And to make matters worse, when the boy arrives, she discovers he has Down Syndrome. The past collides with the present, the box of regrets is exposed, and Marnie’s world shattered and rebuilt through the love of one special boy who makes all things new.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of If Tomorrow Never Comes.

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). 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.

Monday, April 06, 2009

Baby Update -- Baby Stockton is Here!

Yes, it's true. As I said last week, I'd be back this week with a report of the birth of our little one and pictures. But first things first...

We are now the proud parents of a beautiful little girl!

Victoria Elizabeth Stockton arrived at 3:29pm on Thursday, April 2nd, weighing 7lbs. 9oz. and measuring 20in. long.

Baby Photo Album

Labor officially began at 12:30pm on Wednesday, April 1st, and I spent most of the day praying she would hold off until at least 12:01am to avoid being an April Fool's arrival. :) I guess I prayed too much, as she lasted another 15 hours after that! So, all told, the labor was 27-1/2 hours long and somewhat grueling in the wee hours of the morning.

Let's see. I'll try to recall as many details as possible without too many specifics. *winks*

I mentioned last week that we had an induction scheduled for April 2nd at 7:30am if we didn't go into labor beforehand. Well, as it often happens, the baby decided to start coming just a little early. After all afternoon of the contractions increasing in intensity and decreasing in the distance between, hubby (Stuart) joined me at home after he came home from work.

We had a simple dinner of fish sticks and fries, all the while looking outside and seeing the heavy snow blowing and falling. Stu and I shared several comical looks regarding the baby's decision to come during a winter storm. Doesn't it always happen that way?

Around 7:30pm, the contractions were 2 minutes apart, so we called Labor & Delivery and they said to come in. So, we grabbed our bags by the door, bundled up and headed to the car. With prayers for safe travels and God's angels protecting us and the car, we were on our way around 8pm. We made it all the way to the last light before the hospital when the airbag light came on and smoke started coming out of the steering column.

Stu rolled down the window and stopped at the red light. Then, the car stalled. I groaned, a sinking feeling in my stomach accompanying the contractions. Stu turned the key...nothing. No sound, no engine turning, nada. Here we are, sitting at a red light, me in labor with contractions very close together, stuck in a snowstorm, only 1/2 mile from the hospital. It was in sight, and we couldn't get there.

Stu turned on the flashers, hopped out and flagged down a minivan. The lady rolled down the window and Stu asked if she could take me to the hospital. She agreed, and Stu came to help me out of the car to the van. He said he'd be there as soon as he could and off I went. In no time at all, we were at the ER entrance. The lady helped me inside and wished me luck. I notified the lady at the desk that I had called ahead, and she had an attendant bring me a wheelchair.

Once upstairs, I was quickly admitted and set up in a temporary room to be monitored. By now, it was 8:45pm. After being hooked up to the monitors and being checked for vitals, the nurse brought me some water and left me to rest. I didn't do much of that with worrying about Stu and the car. Thankfully, he called a few moments later and told me AAA was coming to tow the car and state patrol helped him move it off the road. His sister and brother-in-law were coming to get him. It ended up with B-I-L waiting with the car for AAA and sister bringing him to me.

After being checked again, they had a labor/delivery room set up for me. Helping me down the hall, the double doors opened, and I finally saw Stu again. His sister was with him, and the four of us (with the nurse) made our way slowly down the hall. Once settled into the room, his sister gave me a hug and said she looked forward to hearing the news of the baby's arrival. I thanked her for all they did and said we'd call as soon as we had something to share.

So, there we were. The night nurse was on, had gone over the details with me, and said I was free to move around as much as I liked. At 11pm, I was dilated to 6cm and things had progressed from 3cm just the day before. That was when things stalled, but I didn't find that out until 2am. Checked again, and no progress. So, Stu and I walked, used the birthing ball, sat in the hot tub, etc. From 2am-4am, the contractions were one on top of another, and I had no relief. But by 3:30, there still wasn't any change.

That was when I decided to go with an epidural. I was plumb exhausted and knew if I had to keep this up, I'd be far too tired to do what was necessary in the final moments. The nurse kept reassuring me that I hadn't failed in any way, that I had done admirably well and remained in full control. That made me feel much better about the decision.

After the epidural, I was instructed to get some rest and let it work. I was confined to bed now, though. Couldn't do anything but rest. :) Stu went over to the sofa and slept. By 7am, there was still no change, only I had managed to get a little rest. My doctor arrived and broke my water in an attempt to encourage the baby to drop. There was a smidgeon of progress, but by 9am, not enough. So, they gave me a very small dose (level 2) of oxytocin/pitocin to jumpstart things. That worked, but slowly.

By 1pm on Thursday, I was at 9cm finally. By 2, I was at 10 and fully effaced. The day nurse made plans to get me started on the pushing. We began at 2:30 and things went fast. I saw the nurse call my doctor to say we had begun. Then, she was on the phone again saying, "I know I just spoke with the doctor, but all of a sudden, the baby is here, and I need him now for delivery!" LOL!

Doc arrived, prepped me and the room, and 10 minutes later, Victoria was here. With just a small tear and no episiotomy, I had my little girl. Because we didn't know the gender, the doctor had Stu call it as soon as she came out. He said they wouldn't do that. The father had to. With shock and awe and even a tear in his eye, Stu said, "It's Victoria."

As soon as they suctioned, she let out a cry and they took her to the warming bed to clean her. Stu crossed the room and took pictures, and he was there when they put her on the scale for the first time to weigh her. Then, they swaddled her, and brought her to me.

So much happened in a blur, but it was all worth it when I was able to hold my little girl in my arms. The nurse took a few pictures of our new family. Too soon, they came and took her to the nursery for her first bath. Stu went with them and took more pictures. Then, the nurse helped me with getting settled again and prepping to be moved to the recovery/post-partum room.

Stu's parents arrived around 5:30 and sat with me while we waited for Stu and Victoria to return from the nursery. Meanwhile, I ordered dinner -- SO glad to finally be able to eat after nearly 24 hours. Once in a wheelchair, we were on our way, and by 6:30, we were in our recovery room.

Family stayed for a little while, then Stu's sister came with her two kids. They wanted to meet their niece and cousin for the first time. She was officially an aunt and they had their first cousin. :)

The rest of the night passed in a blur, but I know everyone left, and we settled into feeding and resting as much as possible. I could cover the rest of our hospital stay, but it was fairly standard, with visits from the pediatrician, my doctor and lactation consultants the next morning, along with nurses on staff every few hours to check vitals.

It's ironic...you're in the hospital to "rest" and you do everything but with all of the interruptions. :)

Finally, after 3 nights and 2 days in the hospital, we were discharged Saturday a little before noon. All packed up, we headed out into super high winds and drove home. Stu's parents were at our house, with casseroles, food and an offer to stay while we slept. Victoria slept as well, but it was nice to get a good nap.

Now, we're here and taking it one day at a time. From here forward, weekly posts will be progress with Victoria. :)

Baby Photo Album

For now, enjoy the pictures and know more will come each week. Thanks for hanging in here with this long story. Hope you made it to the end. *winks*

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Spotlight on Mary DeMuth and Daisy Chain

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARY DEMUTH is an author of six books who helps parents to turn their trials into triumphs. Mary has spoken at several national writers conferences and has had the privilege of teaching in the US, Europe, and Africa for various churches and church planting ministries. She's appeared on national TV in Canada, and WFAA's Good Morning Texas. Mary and her husband, Patrick, reside in Rockwall, Texas with their three children. They recently returned from breaking new spiritual ground in Southern France, where they planted a church.

Visit her other web sites: http://blog.myfamilysecrets.org/ and http://www.thewritingspa.com/.

DAISY CHAIN
by Mary DeMuth
Published by Zondervan

ABOUT THE BOOK

The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this gritty and compelling story of love and sorrow, revealing God's hand of redemption in impossible situations. Lyrical fiction from a bright new literary talent.

Buy Your Copy of Daisy Chain today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I had several long conversations with a friend who had a father who seemed to be the upstanding Christian citizen of his community, only to punish his family behind closed doors. It bothered me so much, that the kernel of this story formed.

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

Everything influences my writing. But I must say I am no prophet like Hixon, and no saint like Bald Muriel. And I certainly can't relate to Jed as a fourteen year old boy. All the characters are part of me, and yet they have their own personalities. Thankfully, this is true. It would be boring to keep reading ME in every book!

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Jed would be Neopolitan since that was a common flavor in the 70s, and he is multi-dimensional, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes guilt-ridden, sometimes afraid.

4. Are there any themes in Daisy Chain that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

That keeping secrets doesn't protect. Hiders never prosper. And authenticity, the importance of it, weaves its way through the book. It's something I'm passionate about, and you'll see it in several of my books in smaller ways.

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

I don't like to write about missing children. It's hard and painful and awful. My favorite is fleshing out secondary redemptive characters who add life and light to the story.

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

The second book of the trilogy is called A Slow Burn and it releases in October. My memoir, Thin Places, releases in January. And the final Defiance book comes out Spring 2010.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Daisy Chain.

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). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

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This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.