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Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Guest Blogger Dani Pettrey and debut novel Submerged

I am thrilled beyond words to feature today's guest blogger. Dani is a dear friend who was with me before I was even published--before either one of us were published. We both persevered, and we've both sold books. Of course, she landed a contract with one of the most prestigious publishing houses of Christian fiction. I dream of one day selling to Bethany House, but for now, I can live vicariously through Dani. :)

For now, let's chat with Dani and celebrate the release of her debut novel, Submerged. Congratulations, Dani!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DANI PETTREY is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

SUBMERGED
by Dani Pettrey
Published by Bethany House

ABOUT THE BOOK

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart... but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Readers, buy your copy of Submerged today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

For the Love of Words

I was chatting with a fellow writer this weekend and we were discussing our love of words. Not only when they are strung together in story form, but individual words. It was so fun finding a fellow word-lover; someone who loves to learn about words and their nuances. What about you? Have you ever been watching a movie or show and a particular word catches your ear? Do you ever underline words when you read? If so, then you too might be a logophile.

Logophile: a lover of words

I admit it. I am fascinated by words—their origin, their meanings, and especially their sound. Think about it. Some words are punchy like snap and twig. Others are meant to be drawled out like southern or loquacious. My favorites are the ones that roll right off your tongue like glisten or whisper. And, of course, some are just plain fun to say:

shenanigans, frowzy, and loofa.

I’m unsure whether this love stems from a writer’s heart or a reader’s. I’m both. Long before I began writing seriously, I kept journals. I recently went back through a few and wasn’t the least surprised to find words and phrases doodled around the edges of the pages—words I’d heard that intrigued me, unfamiliar words that I later looked up in the dictionary, and, of course, the phrases that have lingered. While I still keep a journal, I’ve developed a Word and Phrase File for easier viewing and retrieval. My friend mentioned she keeps a similar file filled with the words and phrases she’s edited out of her manuscript, but still might use some day.

I’ve pulled a few from my file to share from one word-lover to another. Hope you enjoy!

Hullabaloo: a clamorous noise
Bumbershoot: an umbrella
Flummox: to exasperate
Wabbit: weary
Skosh: a tad

* * * * *

Thank you, Dani, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: What about you? What are some of your favorite words? Do you ever jot them down?

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 a FREE autographed copy of the 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 US/Canada residents only.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I love words, too! Of course, I can't think of all the ones I've thought were cool...I do like the way leviathan rolls off the tongue and for silly words, gullywasher! Oh, I wish I could think of more, I should write them down...words are cool!

brendon8@bellsouth.net

Dani Pettrey said...

Great words, Brenda! I especially love gullywasher :)

Bethany said...

I don't really think I have favorite words! I've never thought about it-- maybe because I'm not a writer? I have words I dislike though-- moist being the one I dislike most! :)

Lori Weller said...

I love all the positive words-empathetic, honest, loyal are just a few.
ldwrncpn@comcast.net

Megan Scott said...

I never really thought about a favorite word. I like the Celtic language. I like the word "anamchara" that I came across while reading Linda Windsor's books which means "soulmate." I don't jot them down. My e-mail is
Meganleigh844@gmail.com. Thanks for the giveaway! Megan S.

Linda said...

I loved some of the words my child would say when learning to talk: Eunch and elaphanant for elephant. Backset instead of basket. Such fun reminders of his childhood.

Groovy when a teen. Yeah, yeah, I know it dates me. Still love great books! This one sounds like my kind of book!

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Dani Pettrey said...

Bethany-- Very interesting! Is it the word 'moist' that you don't like or it's meaning? :)

Dani Pettrey said...

Great selection of positive words, Lori!

Dani Pettrey said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Megan. "anamchara" is a great word with a great meaning :)

Dani Pettrey said...

Thanks, Linda. What a great reminder...I'm thinking of all the words my kids used to say. When it was foggy, my daughter would say, "It's froggy out, Mommy." Such a sweet memory :)

Cheryl said...

This is a wonderful post. It's fun to learn new words. My hubby has an amazing vocabulary.

My favorite word is "plethora," which means an surplus or overabundance. I use it every chance I get because it's such a neat sounding word.

Wishing you the best,

Cheryl

ccmal(at)charter(dot)net

Dani Pettrey said...

Great word, Cheryl! Thanks for sharing :)

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

forgot the email bit! trying again..
faithhopecherrytea at*gmail.*com
def love words and the play..
as a pioneer priest,
i love the word curate::
'a person who is invested with the care or cure (cura) of souls of a parish' ...
enjoyed the debutantes pty the other nite! loved the visual aspect..

Dani Pettrey said...

Faith Hope Cherrytea--So glad you enjoyed the deb party! It was so much fun having you there :) And great word!