Today Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s with us again, this time to talk about her latest book, Legacy of Lies. Hope you’re a fan of romantic suspense! (I mean, really–who isn’t??)
Jill has offered a signed copy to one lucky reader, so leave your comments below with an email address. And be sure you’re a follower!
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About Jill
Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. She was delightfully astonished this year to receive the prestigious Carol Award in the Short Contemporary Suspense category for her 2009 release, Evidence of Murder. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, Library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild. Visit Jill on the web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com.
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About Legacy of Lies
Secrets Buried Deep!
Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother’s back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole’s grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she’s willing to accept Rich’s help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.
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What’s your latest book?
Legacy of Lies released in September from Steeple Hill. I had a blast writing this story, because it gave me the opportunity to explore the politics of small-town life. As a life-long resident of a variety of rural communities, I had loads of personal experience and observation to draw from when crafting the story.
Oh, fun! I’ve always lived in smaller areas too, but I try to avoid the politics. =) What’s your favorite part of the story?
I really enjoyed writing the elderly characters in Legacy of Lies. Since the initial crime occurred half a century ago, the plot offered lots of interaction with a senior generation of characters. I’ve worked for nearly 20 years now in an elder-care setting—both assisted living and nursing home. Older folks constantly amaze me, some by their strength and maturity, and some by their behaviors in line with a second childhood.
What a unique twist to the story! Love it. Is there a theme to this book?
In Legacy of Lies, I was particularly interested to explore the affects past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be.
The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37: 10 – 11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the world.
Very cool. And I recall interviewing you about the “generational curse” idea many, many moons ago. I love this new twist. Not exactly generational, but still the idea of sin being unable to escape its consequences. Okay, next question. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
I’m writing in my favorite genre to read and write. The first novel I ever wrote was a mystery. That was in the sixth grade, and the world is grateful that not a shred of the manuscript yet exists. LOL. I’m a fan of puzzles of all sorts, so that tendency translates into my taste in reading material. I’ll lay a book down, though, if I can figure out “who dunnit” within the first few chapters. When I write, I’m a stickler about making the mystery aspect of my plot a challenge to figure out beforehand, and yet quite clear in hindsight once the truth is revealed. I leave my readers to tell me if I’ve succeeded.
What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?
Ever since a goal-setting session at an American Christian Fiction Writers conference a couple of years ago, I’ve carried in my purse a blue, 3 X 5 index card bearing a list entitled, “Five ‘Impossible’ Goals for God to Make Possible.” One of those “impossibilities” came to pass a month ago when, Evidence of Murder, one of my 2009 releases won the ACFW Carol Award in the short romantic suspense category. Wha-hoo! I had considered that goal to be somewhere in the nebulous cloud of my long-term future. God sure worked fast!
(Roseanna interjecting a hearty “Congrats!!”)
One of the other items on my “impossible” list is the publication of a manuscript I wrote nearly a decade ago. The story remains near and dear to my heart, and I see vast ministry possibilities for it. Many have told me this story has a lot of strikes against it for traditional publication. Well, then, perhaps the Lord will do something untraditional. Hah!
I wouldn’t put it past him! =)
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Thanks for visiting, Jill! Readers, you can check out her website at
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com and find her books at
Amazon.
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 10/21/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
Sounds like a great book. I grew up in a small rual town, should be able to relate. Carmen sent me.
true_sheila at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a great book! I love Suspense! Great intereview. Thank you for the chance to win.
CarolNwONG(at)aol(dot)com
Great story line. I love mystery and romance so know I will enjoy to reading this book.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I would love to read this book.
jenmmcclure at yahoo dot com
Please include me! thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I would love to read this. I like that the story line draws upon individuals of diverse ages in telling the story.
rsgrandinetti[at]yahoo(DOT)com
I have read all of Jill's books, and would love to get this one too!
onepilgrim86[at]yahoo.com
would love to read jill's latest novel…thanks for the chance 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Great interview . a follower! Legacy of Lies sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.Thanks for the giveaway.Carman sent me!augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)com.
I would love to read this book. Please enter me in this giveaway.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
After years of living in a small town and also being involved in the politics, I would love to read this book and see Jill's version of small-town politics in action. Nice interview! Pleae enter me in the drawing for this book.
Thanks!
janmarien[at]embarqmail[dot]com
I would love to read this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This book sounds like something I would really like. I live and in a very small community, and know how the rumor mill works!
Carman sent me!
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
This books looks really good. I would enjoy the mystery and the romance for sure! Thank you for the opputunity!
April
apeygirl[at]gmail[dot]com
i am a subscriber
Greetings,
Love the interview and this is my favorite kind of book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Many blessings,
Trinity Rose
wandaelaine at gmail dot com
I love the premise of your book:
"I was particularly interested to explore the affects past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be."
Please enter me. Thank you.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
Loved the interview! Jill is an amazing writer, I eagerly watch for her new books. I'd love to be entered for Legacy of Lies.
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com
Great interview…I love the index card in her purse. A great faith builder.
jancline(at)ymail(dot)com
Sounds like a great book. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for giving away a copy.
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I really enjoy a great storyline like this book.
I would love to win and read this book.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com