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Friday, July 17, 2009

CFBA Blog Tour - Shawn Grady and Through the Fire

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Through the Fire
Bethany House - July 1, 2009)
by Shawn Grady


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Grady signed with Bethany House Publishers in 2008. He was named "Most Promising New Writer" at the 39th Annual Mount Hermon Writers Conference. Through the Fire is his debut novel.

Shawn has served for over a decade as a firefighter and paramedic in northern Nevada. From fire engines and ambulances to tillered ladder trucks and helicopters, Shawn’s work environment has always been dynamic. The line of duty has carried him to a variety of locale, from high-rise fires in the city to the burning heavy timber of the eastern Sierras.

Shawn attended Point Loma Nazarene University as a Theology undergrad before shifting direction to acquire an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science Technology as well as Paramedic licensure through Truckee Meadows Community College.

Shawn currently lives in Reno, Nevada, just outside of Lake Tahoe. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife, three children and yellow Labrador.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THROUGH THE FIRE
by Shawn Grady
Published by Bethany House

Firefighting burns in Aidan O'Neill's blood. The son of a fireman, O'Neill has a sixth sense about fire and often takes dangerous risks. When one act of disobedience nearly gets a rookie killed, O'Neill is suspended. His weeks off are supposed to be a time to reflect but instead he escapes to Mexico, where another rash act of bravery actually kills him. But only for a few minutes.

Called back to Reno, he's now haunted by visions of hell and paralyzed in the face of fire. And at the worst time, because an arsonist is targeting Reno. With a growing love interest with one of the investigators complicating everything, Aidan must discover where his trust rests as the fires creep ever closer.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Through The Fire, go HERE

Buy Your Copy of Through the Fire today!

News station coverage of the book release on July 11, 2009.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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

I felt compelled to express a mosaic of experiences I've had over the last decade in emergency service. I wanted to relate for the reader in a palpable, genuine fashion what it's like to be in a firehouse- the dinner table banter, sliding three story poles, sleep deprived nights, and screaming down the street to a structure fire. But more than just that, I wanted to deliver through my characters a story of loss and redemption, of death and life, and to reflect a bit of the greatest story ever told.

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

Writing in first person, I approached the main protagonist Aidan O'Neill much in the way a method actor would a role- working to infuse natural inclinations and thoughts into his worldview and actions.

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

Irish cream.

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

Loss and redemption. That the Lord gives and the Lord takes away- and blessed is the name of the Lord.

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

Some of the fire and emergency scenes became very dynamic with a number of technical things going on- I endeavored to keep the story moving and make sure the reader understood what was transpiring while still keeping it true to life. I really enjoyed writing Aidan in Mexico during the Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

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

My second novel is slated for a summer 2010 release and is about a Reno paramedic who feels like he's chasing the Angel of Death.

* * * * *

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Through the Fire.

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 I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

5 comments:

Merry said...

Through the Fire sounds like an exciting book for this summer. Please include me, thanks!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Wow, would love to read this book...please enter me. Thanks.
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Cherie J said...

This book sounds exciting. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carolynn said...

This sounds like a great book, I would love to read it, Thanks for the chance to win!
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

CAROLYNN

Congratulations! I have sent your mailing information to Shawn so he can send out your book.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.