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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Spotlight on Debbie Fuller Thomas and Raising Rain

One day late, but better late than never, right? :) I'll do my best to pick the winners from the past 2 spotlights by tonight. Going out of town for the weekend, so want to have this all done before then.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


DEBBIE FULLER THOMAS writes contemporary fiction from a historic Gold Rush town in Northern California. When she’s not working on her next book, she enjoys singing with Colla Voce of the Sierras with her husband and spending time catching up with her two adult children. Her debut novel, Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon is a finalist for the 2009 Christy Award and the 2009 ACFW Book of the Year.

RAISING RAIN
by Debbie Fuller Thomas
Published by Moody Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Four college roommates joined forces in the radical 60's and 70's to protest the war and champion the rights of women. But they had no way of knowing the impact their choices would have on Jude's daughter whom they all helped to raise in their off-campus apartment. Now a 30-something single woman, Rain wants to trade her career for a baby and her significant other has taken off for greener pastures. As one who has come to know God intimately, Bebe feels especially responsible because of a choice she made and a secret she kept. Is it too late to make things right for the young woman whom she considers a daughter?

Readers, buy your copy of Raising Rain today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

With the 40th anniversary of Woodstock this August, I wanted to explore the mistakes that many women have had to live with since that turbulent time. In particular, I read What Our Mothers Didn’t Tell Us by Danielle Crittenden which addresses the impact that 2nd wave feminism has had on a younger generation of women. Too many have put off childbirth until their late 30’s and are left to struggle with infertility and its many moral complications alone.

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

I went to college in the mid-seventies, so some of the culture has been pulled from my own experiences, but I attended a Christian college and that’s where the similarities end. My husband and I suffered three miscarriages and were childless for nine years, so I definitely drew from those experiences in Rain’s story.

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

I would have to say Rainbow Sherbet because ‘Rain’ is short for ‘Rainbow,’ and the fact that they tell her she has an ice cream named after her.

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

A strong theme is forgiveness for the past, both for ourselves and others. We have all made really big mistakes somewhere along the line and need to forgive ourselves. Often those mistakes affect the ones closest to us. Recognizing the need for healing and asking for it is also a theme that develops as the story moves along.

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

The most difficult parts for me were the ones where Rain’s mother was recovering from her cancer treatments. I am a 12-year breast cancer survivor and still vividly remember those treatments and recovery. Like Jude, I knew I was getting distance from a treatment when I craved salsa, but it wasn’t always a good idea to indulge.

My favorite parts were the flashbacks of the four college students who helped to raise Rain when she was a baby. I could hear Jude, Bebe, Mare and Toni all talking in my head at the same time. They were all so very different, and the dynamics of their relationships could be volatile.

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

Raising Rain debuts September 1st, and I’m working on my next proposal.

* * * * *

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

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

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 anyone worldwide.

17 comments:

Lady Araujo said...

Oh my, it sounds like GREAT! Please, enter me.
God's great blessings

marthanadnny(at)hotmail(dot)com

Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot) said...

Raising Rain looks like a terrific book! I'd love the chance to be entered to win! Thank you!

steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com

Susan said...

I am anxiously awaiting Raising Rain and loved Debbie's interview. Her life experiences are inspirational!

Charla said...

I absolutely LOVED Debbie's first book, and I can't wait to dig into Raising Rain.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to read this book. I was one of six women who sat around our cabin at Mt. Hermon listening to Debbie read from this very book. That taste will turn into a feast when the book comes out!
Can't wait!

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the spotlight and would like to be entered in the drawing.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Debbie Fuller Thomas said...

Thank you, ladies! Raising Rain was a treat to write, and those roommates were a hoot when they got together in my head. Bonnie, can't wait to hear what you bring to read next year at Mount Hermon.

Carole said...

Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon was an excellent book and well deserving of an award. I look forward to anything Debbie writes and appreciate the opportunity to win a copy of Raising Rain.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Linda said...

I would love to see what becomes of this young woman... and the outcropping of the 60s and 70s for women. Please enter me. Thank you.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Cackleberry Homestead said...

Great interview and Raising Rain sounds like a wonderful book so please enter me.

crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com

Debbie Fuller Thomas said...

I hope you enjoy the book and I look forward to sending a copy to the winner! I just finished it (again) and loved reconnecting with the characters.

Anonymous said...

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

squiresj said...

This sounds like a book I would like to read and review. I didn't have my first child until I was 30 and second at 36. I had a miscarriage in-between the two. My oldest is going to be 29 this year and she still hasn't given me grandchildren - which is good as her marriage of 5 years ended. I didn't wait by choice but only because I was waiting on the right husband. I never got caught up in Woodstock but did grow up during that time.
jrs362(at)hotmail(dot)com

Glynis Peters said...

Wow am I glad I found your blog/site! All competitions are usually out for me as I live in Cyprus. PLEASE enter me, I know I have only just found you but I am begging, as I am building up my library again. When we emigrated I was only allowed to bring a few special books over and new books are a treat, they are expensive in Cyprus.
My email link is on my blog http://www.glynissmy.com
I enjoyed my visit and now stalk you...cough sorry, follow you.

Anonymous said...

Would love to read this book. Please enter me. Blessings. AprilR
tarenn[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

what a great review...would love a chance to read this one...thanks for the opportunity.

karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

JJ said...

What a wonderful title for a book! Thanks.

gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com