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Friday, April 11, 2008

Spotlight on Delia Latham and Goldeneyes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Delia Latham is a former newspaper Staff Writer and an occasional contributor to her hometown’s regional publication, Bakersfield Magazine. She also writes greeting card verse, short stories, articles, and songs. Her editing and proofing skills have been utilized by numerous authors, including Dr. Chuck Wall, founder of the Random Acts of Kindness movement.

Her debut novel, Almost Like a Song, was released in June 2006; Goldeneyes will be released in March 2008 by Vintage Romance Publishing. Delia's work is also included in an upcoming short story anthology, The Shortstack: 20 Stories to Fill You Up.

The author lives in Bakersfield, California with her husband, Johnny, a Pentecostal minister. Her four adult children and four "beautiful, absolutely perfect" grandchildren daily light up her life. She loves to hear from her readers. Contact her through her website or her blog.

GOLDENEYES
by Delia Latham
Published by Vintage Romance Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

A man's eyes are the windows to his soul . if he has one. Deep in the darkness of a Depression-era night, a man addicted to alcohol sells something precious to obtain it. His vile action impacts the lives of two entire families, and it will be over two decades before the horrible wrong begins to be made right again. Two young women - strangers to each other - unknowingly enmeshed in a Pandora's Box of secrets that could prevent them from finding happiness with the men they love. Two adoring mothers who know more than they are willing to say. A newsman with a story he cannot tell. What is their connection, and who is the golden-eyed stranger who moves in the shadows of their broken lives?

Buy Your Copy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I grew up in a tiny California farming community called Weedpatch. I have always wanted to write something and set it in that locale. Believe it or not, I think I actually worked the story around the setting, rather than the other way around - which is by far more usual.

One aspect of my inspiration I can't share because it would give away an important twist in the book. Want to talk again a few months from now? :)

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

I may be wrong - God knows I have been before! - but I truly believe every author writes a bit of themselves into their characters. Sometimes we don't even know we're doing it. One of my heroines (there are two in Goldeneyes) shares a relationship with her father that mirrors my own with my Dad. Their manner of speaking and the honor they show their parents is most likely influenced by my own upbringing. I just wrote into them the kind of respect parental respect I feel a Christian should have.

I think that's probably the extent of it. Who knows, though? Both of my boys tell me the heroine in my first novel, Almost Like a Song, IS me! That was not my intention at all (and I don't think it's quite as definitive a resemblance as he thinks! LOL ), but it is easy for a writer to allow his/her characters to be influenced by their own upbringing, environment, personal beliefs, etc.

One of the Goldeneyes heroines has an extreme fear of the dark. That's entirely her own, not mine. She's also a good artist. Again, totally her - I can't draw a stick figure and make it straight. But the other twin is a writer. Okay, that's me. She's also kind of shy around people she doesn't know, and yeah, I can relate to that, too.

3. What themes exist in Goldeneyes that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I just shared this theme with someone else this morning - and it did develop as the story progressed. It is simply this: Never stop believing that God has a reason for every incident in your life. He does, and His purpose will be manifested in time, always to your good and His glory.

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

I loved writing about the golden-eyed stranger who managed to bring to light the connection in the lives of my primary characters. Those parts just seemed to flow. I was so into this mysterious person, I could actually see him in my mind. Because he's not one of the characters we see on every page, I had to curb my enthusiasm and be careful not to paint him too prominently, allowing him to overshadow my heroines. Having him show up in odd places and times worked best - it made him more interesting to the reader.

To my surprise, writing about Weedpatch was difficult. As much as I wanted to use that setting, I found myself struggling to separate myself from the reality of the place enough to fictionalize it. I encountered a huge writer's block at one point that I feared would be insurmountable. But with many tears and a lot of prayer, God broke down the barrier. When He gave me that release, He also gave me the inspiration, and the rest of the story flowed well.

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

Whenever God wants it to happen. You can all help me pray that my manuscripts find favor with an editor and are contracted quickly!

I've completed a short novel called Karissa's Dream which is being pitched to several publishers now. Currently, I'm working on a storyline that (to my utter surprise!) will make a connection between Almost Like a Song and Goldeneyes.

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

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

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) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. 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.

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22 comments:

Carolynn said...

Great interview! Thanks for the great reminder to never stop believing that God has a reason for every incident in our lives.
We have to learn to trust Him in everything!
Thanks for the chance to win, this book sounds great!

Kim said...

This interview and book really drew me in! I would love to win a copy of this one!

Kim
kimfurd at hotmail dot com

windycindy said...

Hi, This books cover has mesmerized me since I have seen it! Lovely.
I see that one of the other things this author does is write card verses. That is something I have always wanted to do. Her story line sounds very good. Along with your review and the premise of her book, now I know I have to read it! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks very much.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

tetewa said...

Count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Amber: Thanks for hosting me! I'm thrilled to be here, and eager to "chat" with your readers.

Thanks for all the positive comments, ladies...it still makes my heart "pump purple peanut butter" to know someone gets excited about my books. :)

Blessings,
Delia

AmeliaR said...

The interview is very insightful into how this story came to be written. With its intriguing premise, I am very anxious to read Goldeneyes and want to thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win a copy. The main theme of the story listed in your interview is definitely one which gives comfort during troubled times.

Thanks again!
Amelia
snoopyasr@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

GOLDENEYES sounds like a very intriguing story and so does your setting, Weedpatch! I'm going to have to go there, Delia! I am really looking forward to reading your book. A signed copy would be a real blessing! Please enter me into your drawing.

Amber! What great questions! I feel as if I now know Delia just a little bit better today!

Thanks so much to you both.

Blessings for the week and for a great sale on your book, Delia.

Shirley Connolly
sh1rlee@verizon.net

Sherri said...

Count me in! Loved the interview and can't wait to read the book. Congrats to you Delia, God bless you.coxokie@yahoo.com, Sherri

Carole said...

I am intrigued by the description of "Goldeneyes." Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

ChristyJan said...

What an interesting interview, especially learning how your hometown of Weedpatch was part of the inspiration for Goldeneyes.
I'd love to win a copy!
hawkes@citlink.net

Unknown said...

I would love to read this novel. Whether or not I win it I know that I will have a copy. I love you Delia

Anonymous said...

I'm sooo glad to hear you all found the interview and the book synopsis intriguing! Can't wait to hear your opinions after you've read the book!

Shirley, Weedpatch is so different today than it was when I grew up there. As with every area of business, machinery has crowded out so much of the manpower that once kept the farming industry going. But farming is still THE major industry in that area, and Sunset Camp - one of the farm labor camps outside Weedpatch - is still functional. It has been redone, but they've made every effort to keep it true to history.

Anyone interested in photos of a farm labor camp and excerpts from people who lived in one during the Depression and the Dust Bowl, I encourage you to visit www.weedpatchcamp.com

Unknown said...

Amber and Delia -

Please enter me in the drawing for this book. I enjoy romances and Would love to win this one.

Melissa
forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...

Amber, what a great website! I'm glad I was invited to check it out. Have added you to my favorites.

Isn't Delia wonderful? She has such awesome talents and is such a kind Christian woman. She has helped me a lot with different problems I had trying to get published and she did a beautiful job on my business cards and book marks.

What's next Delia? I know you have something going on!

Patsy C. Hull
patsy@oeccwildblue.com
"An Arranged Departure"

Anonymous said...

Melissa, how sweet of you to come by!

Patsy, I'm working on a couple of things. Not really sure which one's going to officially "take off" for me first. And who knows...God may just give me something brand new and I'll be doing something even I don't know about yet! :)

Kathleen said...

I enjoyed my visit to this blog. Hi Delia! Can't wait to read your book!

Karin said...

Please enter me in the book giveaway. Thanks.

LuAnn said...

I love the name of the town! Who would have thought to use "Weedpatch" for the name of a farming community? That was a stroke of genius.

Anonymous said...

I am so looking foward to this book. Keep up the good job.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, everyone. LuAnn, there's a character in the book with your name!

Everyone, be sure to let me know what you think after you've read the book. Just visit my website for contact information. (www.delialatham.com)

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner for the FREE book drawing, and that is:

LUANN!

Congratulations! I've emailed you for your mailing information so Delia can send out your book.

Thanks to everyone for your support, and a special welcome to all of those who have found this blog for the first time. Hope you return again soon!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, LuAnn - your book is on the way!

Thanks so much to all of you for stopping by and taking time to leave a comment.