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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Welcome Carrie Turansky and Surrendered Hearts

Please interact with our guest authors by answering the question they provide. Your response will also enter you in the drawing for a free e-book download.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


CARRIE TURANSKY is the best-selling author of 8 novels and novellas. She has been a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, The Genesis, and Carol Award and winner of the Crystal Globe Award. She has been a member of ACFW since 2000. Carrie writes contemporary and historical romance for Barbour and Love Inspired. Her latest releases are Christmas Mail-Order Brides, Seeking His Love and Surrendered Hearts. Her website http://www.carrieturansky.com.

SURRENDERED HEARTS
by Carrie Turansky
Published by Flowing Stream Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

What makes a woman truly beautiful? Jennifer Evans wrestles with that question after a gas pipeline explodes and she is burned in a fire at her apartment. Jennifer was born into a loving Christian family, but at fifteen, after the death of her parents in an accident, she closed her heart to God. Sent to live with relatives who resented her, Jennifer searched for approval and acceptance by focusing on perfecting her appearance and excelling in dance, music, and acting. The spiritual truths her parents taught her continually tugged at her heart, but she could not reconcile them with the painful loss of her parents and the fire that altered her appearance and sent her fiancé running. So she heads to Vermont to reconnect with her brother and try to rebuild her shattered life.

Bill Morgan, head naturalist at the Wild Rive Nature Center and her brother's roommate, loves the outdoors and showing others the wonders of God's creation. Noted for his warm sense of humor and easy-going nature, Bill is content with his job, friends, and peaceful life in Vermont. But when he meets Jennifer Evans, she awakens deeper needs for love, companionship, and family. A man of faith and action rather than words, Bill struggles to share his faith with Jenn as he waits for her to open her heart to God's love and healing. Their story will touch your heart and remind you that God can take even the most painful experiences of our life and use them to draw us closer to Him.

Readers, buy your copy of Surrendered Hearts today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Is It Time for You to Publish an E-book?
By Carrie Turansky

The world of publishing is rapidly changing. E-book sales have jumped dramatically in the last year. It's now possible for an author to load their own books at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other E-book distribution companies at no cost. Authors who have the rights back to their out-of-print titles can publish them as E-books and reach new readers. And some authors are also publishing new titles.

Many people have asked me: "Why did you decide to self-publish Surrendered Hearts as an E-book when you are a published author who has many books already out with traditional publishers?"

I wrote Surrendered Hearts a few years ago as a sequel to my first novel, Along Came Love. I submitted it to two publishers, but it did not find a publishing home. Because it is around 60,000 words, it was not long enough to be considered by most CBA publishers who like novels to be 80,000 – 100,000 words. But I LOVE this story, and I wanted to make it available to my readers.

So I hired a freelance editor to work with me, and I hired an artist to design a beautiful cover. My husband is skilled with formatting, so he assisted me with that. Those were my only expenses. The low cost of creating the book allows me to offer it for $2.99 and I actually receive more per book than if it was sold through a traditional publisher. Amazon, B & N pay authors 70% of the cover price. That’s a huge difference compared to 15% - 25% of the net price that I would receive from a traditional publisher for an E-book.

Having the freedom to publish a book I believe will not only entertain but has a great message is a wonderful feeling. That’s one reason I’ve worked hard to become a published author, and I’m grateful for this new door of opportunity.

Read above for a bit about Surrendered Hearts.

If you enjoy heartwarming inspirational romance, then I think you’ll like book. If you don't own an E-Reader, you can download a free program from Amazon so you can read it or any other E-book on your computer. It’s available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and my web site.

Blessings and happy reading!
Carrie

* * * * *

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: Do you have an E-reader? If so, which one? And what do you love most about it?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win one of TWO FREE downloads of the e-book above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

10 comments:

Edwina said...

I have the Kindle app downloaded onto my notebook. My notebook is just slightly larger than the Kindle, so it's just as easy to use it, than to buy a Kindle.

edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

Gloria Clover said...

Carrie,
Sounds like a painful, cleansing story. I'm glad you are offering it as an ebook.
I have a Kindle and an ipad. I have more books on the Kindle, but I use the ipad to show off the covers in color. How goofy is that?

Lynn Dove said...

Thanks for the insight about e-publishing, Carrie! I do not have an e-reader...yet...I'm hoping my family will get the hints I've been dropping to get a Kindle for my birthday in Aug.
Would love to win a copy of your book: dovemre at hotmail dot com
Blessings!

Megan said...

I never thought I'd go for e-readers. I love books way too much, but I have a kindle...just got it about a month ago. I like that I can have different books on it. I have 2 versions of the Bible and 2 different devotionals, as well as some fiction and non-fiction titles. It is easier to just click and read the Bible whenever I want! Or switch from my non-fiction reading back to a novel! I think I am a convert!!

Cathy Gohlke said...

I don't own an E-reader, but am beginning to feel like a dinosaur. : (

I've read your book, Carrie, and absolutely love it! My mother suffered terrible burns as a child and has struggled throughout her life with feeling less than beautiful, just like your heroine, Jenn. But, also like Jenn, Mom is a woman of great beauty and grace--inside and out, dearly loved and loving. Thank you for writing such a beautiful, moving story!

Carrie Turansky said...

Hi Friends, thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your thoughts about Ebooks. Wow...how quickly things are changing. Last year I doubted I'd every own an E-reader, now I am hoping for an i-pad for my birthday in September. Until then, I have a Kindle ap on my computer.

I also like having my Bible on my i-phone so it's always with me when I travel. I still use my regular old Bible at home though.

Happy reading, friends!
Carrie

x said...

Carrie Turansky is a wonderful author with a genuine heart for others. I am a member of her church and a friend and I am so proud of her!

I don't have an ebook reader either. In some ways I am so technical and progressive. In others old fashioned, I guess!

Robin Bayne said...

Thanks for sharing! I use the Kindle desk top reader, which is very nice if you don't mind being at your desk.

RLBayne(at)nbayne.com

Sylvia said...

The only E-reader I have is the Kindle for PC download. I usually prefer paper/hardcover books, but since this one is only an e-book then this is the way to go. This plot sounds very interesting and a little bit different from the usual CF out there today.

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

rbooth43 said...

I have a Kindle and enjoy reading the books and especially the free ones. I have found so many authors from my Kindle and love the text to speech on the Kindle.
Thanks1
Rebecca
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com