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Friday, March 05, 2010

Spotlight on Ann Shorey and The Promise of Morning

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANN SHOREY has been a story collector for most of her life. Her writing has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul, and in the Adams Media Cup of Comfort series. She made her fiction debut with The Edge of Light, released in January 2009. When she’s not writing, she teaches classes on historical research, story arc, and other fiction fundamentals at regional conferences. Ann lives with her husband in Sutherlin, Oregon. The Promise of Morning is the second book in her At Home in Beldon Grove series.

Contact Ann through her website at www.annshorey.com.

THE PROMISE OF MORNING
by Ann Shorey
Published by Revell

ABOUT THE BOOK

When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?

Ellie Craig believed her marriage to Matthew, the pastor of Beldon Grove’s church, would flow from blessing to blessing. He’s always been the leader in their household, giving her a comfortable life. Then they lose three children in infancy and her world reels, leaving her vulnerable to the attentions of the recently returned son of Beldon Grove’s founder. When Matthew suddenly makes a decision that leaves Ellie alone with their older children, she realizes her actions have driven him away. Now Ellie must search within herself for the answers to her problems. Will she be able to open her heart to her husband? Or did her actions destroy any chance they had at happiness?

Fans of Ann Shorey’s captivating writing style will welcome The Promise of Morning, Book two in the At Home in Beldon Grove series.

Readers, buy your copy of The Promise of Morning today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The characters of Ellie and Matthew were inspired by my great-great-grandparents. In 1997, I visited the farm land they settled in Illinois in the 1830's, and the story grew out of my imagination of what their lives were like. My great-great grandfather was a circuit rider in Missouri and Illinois, so I wanted to use some of that background in The Promise of Morning.

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

I haven't shared many of my character's experiences. Thankfully, our lives are easier now than theirs were over 150 years ago. But in many ways, women's lives never change. Ellie's life is tied to her husband's decisions. Many women today experience the same thing through job losses, military service, etc. My tag line, "Yesterday's women--Today's issues" expresses my heart for women in all stages of life.

Matthew's stubbornness is his trait and his alone, and Ellie's heart is a little softer than mine.

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

I think Ellie would start out as vanilla and eventually become mint chip--much sharper flavor with surprises inside. Matthew is probably dutch chocolate--straightforward. He is what he is.

4. Are there any themes in The Promise of Morning that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The theme of keeping promises is the one I hope the reader sees. When I wrote the story, the theme wasn't already in place--it developed as the characters made their decisions. Once the book was finished, I was struck by how much grief could have been avoided if the characters had kept promises. Of course, if they had there wouldn't be much of a story!

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

It's not possible to answer this without spoiling plot twists. One scene brings tears to my eyes even now. And I loved the ending scene.

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

The third book in the series, working title "To Number the Stars" will be out sometime next year. I don't have a date yet. Here's the pitch:

Twenty-two-year-old Luellen McGarvie is a misfit among her peers. Circumstances have left her heart scarred, and she believes marriage is not for her. Turning her back on traditional roles for women, she must battle family and social customs to follow her dreams.

* * * * *

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Promise of Morning.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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 the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

16 comments:

A J Hawke said...

Hi Ann,

A Promise of Morning sounds like a good read. Thanks for the opportunity of winning a copy.

To have a good marriage is hard, but add on being a minister's wife and it gets even more difficult.

Blessings on your writing,
A J Hawke
ajhawkeauthor[at]aol[dot]com

Linda said...

I've read several reviews, and your book sounds great! Please enter me. Thanks.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Ann Shorey said...

Thanks for the great interview, Tiff. Good questions. :-)

Carole said...

I enjoyed Ann's first book and look forward to continuing with The Promise of Morning. Thanks for the interview and chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Michelle said...

Thank you for entering me! I'd love to read this book!

Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Rosalie Patience said...

Promise of Morning sounds really good. Please enter me in the drawing.

~Abby

abster . rose @ yahoo . com

Ann Shorey said...

Thanks to all who entered. It's good to hear from you!

Edna said...

please enter me into the contest

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

would love to read this book...thanks for the opportunity

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carolynn said...

Please enter me, this book sounds great, thanks!
carolynnwald at hotmail dot com

Ann Shorey said...

The hours are counting down for the drawing. Can't wait to see who wins! Thanks to everyone for commenting.

runner10 said...

Great interview.
csdsksds{at}gmail{dot}com

Nancye said...

Hope I'm not too late! Please enter me.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

windycindy said...

I think the story line of this book sounds fabulous. I love the era that it takes place in. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

Denise

Congratulations! I have emailed you for your mailing address so Ann can send out your book.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.