Winner!
And the winner of Exposed by Ashley Weis is . . .
Sheila! (true_sheila@ . . .)
Congrats, Sheila! I’m sending you an email now.
Story Time with Erin Rainwater – Interview
I’ve been trying for months to feature Erin Rainwater on my blog, but we kept running into technical difficulties. So finally, it is with great delight that I welcome this lovely woman to Writing Roseanna!
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About Erin
A writer of historical fiction, Erin Rainwater is a Pennsylvania native who probably should have been born in the 19th century but somehow got flash-forwarded into the 20th. There was never any question she would be a nurse when she grew up, regardless of which century she was in. She launched her nursing career in the U.S. Army, serving during the
Vietnam War era. Erin was privileged to care for the bodies and spirits of soldiers and veterans, including repatriated POWs and MIAs. She has incorporated some of her military experiences into her writing. Her support of the military is ongoing, and one of her favorite pastimes is volunteering at the USO in Denver. She participated in Operation Desert Swap, having “adopted” a soldier in a medevac unit in Iraq to whom she sent a copy of her Civil
War novel, True Colors, for reading and swapping with his fellow troops.
Erin is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Military Writers Society
of America, who awarded her a 2009 Gold Medal in Historical Fiction. She lives in
Colorado with her husband of thirty-six years. She has four children and the four most adorable
grandchildren on the planet.
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About Refining Fires
Her career in ruins, a desperate nurse answers an ad to care for a disabled veteran.
Disfigured in the war, the antisocial businessman can’t get his mind off the nurse he
had tossed out of his home.
A young child who never leaves the confines of her mountain home must make a
treacherous journey alone to save her mother’s life.
A woman kept by men all her life learns through an old love that she has been kept
all along by Someone else.
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What’s your latest book?
Refining Fires released in both print and eBook format in July 2010 from Torn Veil Books, a new Christian publisher in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I appreciate them so much for taking a chance on a book others turned down. It’s unique in that it’s made up of three parts, each with its own protagonist, although by the end God has woven their lives together in ways none of them could have predicted.
The first story is “Refining Fire” and is a love story between a disfigured, bitter veteran and a nurse with a disreputable professional past. But his anger can’t match her pluck, and before long not only is his body being renewed but his soul is yearning for a life he couldn’t dream of.
Then, “Blind Courage” introduces a young girl who must dig deep within herself to find the courage needed to face tremendous challenges and overwhelming fear to save her mother’s life.
The third is the story of a “Kept Woman,” of how she got to that point, and of how she learns about just “who” it is who’s been keeping her all along. Paths cross and lives intertwine, showing how God’s hand is ever on us, leading and refining as we go. Three stories of people seeking redemption, all rolled into one larger story. Just like how our lives are made up of smaller journeys that are part of the “big picture” that God controls.
Oh, that sounds awesome–I LOVE the premise! I’ve read a few books that take you on similar paths, and it’s so sweet to get to the end and see how they all come together! What’s your favorite part of the story?
Tough question. But I believe it’s the moment the hero, Peter Cochran, finally realizes the difference between loving someone and just wanting her. He’s never loved sacrificially before.
What was the hardest part to write?
The entire third story. I didn’t even want to write it. But this character’s story needed told, and she needed redemption in her life. Neither she nor the Lord would let me off the hook. I can’t express how glad I am that I caved in and wrote it. It’s quite a moving story, and the most gospel-containing story of any I’ve ever written.
Well, I’m intrigued! What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
The fact that God’s hand is always upon us, no matter how it looks to the contrary. His love sometimes takes the form of discipline, as Peter learns, to impede our progress from what is dangerous to our physical and spiritual lives. His children are never, ever, out of his care.
Is there a theme to this book?
Each character undergoes redemption in one form or another. One is redeemed from professional ruin. One from his bitterness and prodigal status. One from her fears. One from her sin. I guess you could say, then, that there’s a theme of Redemption.
Yep, I’d say so. =) So what’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
Historical love stories, both to read and to write.
Oh, blissful sigh. I’m right there with you. Now, time to dish–what’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
A couple of years ago my daughter and I applied to be contestants on The Amazing Race. One of the application questions was “What famous person does your race partner remind you of?” My daughter put down that I reminded her of Judge Judy. Judge Judy! I was flabbergasted. “Am I that judgmental?” I asked my daughter. But she told me she thinks of Judge Judy as smart, fair, and a good judge of character. So my shock was assuaged. Since then I’ve seen interviews with the judge, and I, too, am impressed by that woman.
LOL. Great story. Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
I was hesitant to join a critique group. I hear “critique” but think “criticize.” But I took the leap and was blessed by becoming part of a wonderful, loving and very knowledgeable bunch of ladies who are now considered my good friends. I have learned so much from them; I can’t even begin to think what my story would be like without the benefit of their input.
I know exactly what you mean! I’m not sure how I ever wrote a book without my critters. Now, here’s a fun one. If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving of gifts to charities allowed!)
First I’d go to a day spa and get a massage, a facial, a makeover and my first ever mani-pedi. Then I’d road trip with my husband, probably starting with places in Colorado I’ve yet to see despite living here for twenty-three years. Then we’d travel back East to some Civil War sites. Then Disney World. Then I’d wake up from my nap and remember I have $5,000 worth of car repairs that need done and head for the shop. So sad.
I say go with the dream, and let me come with you! 😉
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Thanks for visiting (finally, LOL), Erin! Everyone be sure to check out her website at www.ErinRainwater.com. You can purchase Refining Fires at Amazon.
Modern . . . Surprises
In the last year or so, I’ve taken to writing a summary of a book as soon as the idea strikes. There have been times I’ve stuck nearly exactly to that initial outline. And other times . . . well, I don’t. =)
For my contemporary romantic suspense with the Bedouin woman and the ex-SEAL, I’d originally intended the hero’s father to not get along with the heroine right away. My thinking was that it would add an unexpected level of tension. She’d have to win him over with her sweet spirit. Prove he had no reason to be wary of her, and that he ought not judge her.
The thing is, when the Admiral got a load of her the first time, he just refused to judge her. Instead, he judged those who had misused her and immediately became one of her fiercest protectors–even against his son, who is a fabulous man but who doesn’t fully understand what the heroine needs in each moment.
Yeah, the Admiral kinda threw me for a loop with that. How was I going to maintain the tension? Thankfully, the sweet sister, Peaches, stepped into the gap. She was more than willing to sneak into the heroine’s room and give her the “You mess with mine and you’ll find out how sweet I’m not” speech. Not that she doesn’t like the heroine, mind you, she’s just wary.
Someone had to be!
In a way, this is a lot like first impressions. My hubby’s philosophy is “My first impressions are always wrong.” They’re not always, but they seem to be spectacularly. His best friends now he didn’t necessarily like the first time they met. Just one of life’s surprises.
Has anyone–fictional or real–ever thrown you for a loop like that?
Winner!
And the winner of DeAnna Julie Dodson’s In Honor Bound is . . .
Karen K! (kmkuka@ . . .)
Congrats, Karen! I’m sending you an email.
My Friend K. Dawn – Interview & Giveaway
Today let’s welcome K. Dawn Byrd to talk about her latest e-book, Killing Time. She’s graciously offered a t-shirt with the book cover on the front to one lucky reader, so please leave your comment below, with an email address where I can reach you. You must be a follower to enter.
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About K. Dawn Byrd
K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Queen of Hearts, a WWII romantic suspense released in April and was the bestselling book for her publisher during its debut month. Killing Time, a contemporary romantic suspense, released August 1, both with Desert Breeze Publishing.
K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com, most of which are signed by the authors. She’s also the moderator of the popular Facebook Christian Fiction Gathering.
When not reading or writing, K. Dawn Byrd enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years, walking their dogs beside a gorgeous lake near her home while plotting the next story waiting to be told.
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About Killing Time
Mindy McLaurin, thinks it’s the end of the world when she’s incarcerated on trumped-up embezzlement charges. While in jail, she investigates the death of an inmate who allegedly died of an overdose. Mindy suspects foul play when her cellmate dies and she learns that both women had ingested the same drug. Mindy trusts no one, including Drew Stone, the handsome counselor she can’t stop thinking about. She faces many challenges, including constant interrogation by the Major and emotional abuse from the other inmates. Upon release, someone is stalking her and framing her for the murder. Can she prove to Counselor Stone that she’s innocent of all charges before she loses him forever?
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What’s your latest book?
Killing Time
Desert Breeze Publishing, August 2010
It sounds intriguing! What’s your favorite part of the story?
My favorite part of the story is my heroine’s spiritual journey as she is wrongly accused and incarcerated. Even though she becomes angry with God at times, she remains strong in her faith.
I’ve wondered on occasion what I would do in such a situation. It would be such a trial–but through that, God so often reached us and teaches us! What was the hardest part to write?
The hardest part to write was the “show-down” scene toward the end. Without giving much away, I’ll say that I rewrote it many times, attempting to bring the emotions and thoughts of Mindy onto the page as she’s held against her will and almost murdered.
I rewrite my show-downs frequently, LOL. Gotta get it just right, right? What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
I hope my readers will be encouraged as they experience my heroine’s struggles. She’s not perfect. As I mentioned earlier, she becomes angry with God, but she retains her faith. I hope that my readers will see that no matter what, God is with us, even in our darkest hour.
Is there a theme to this book?
The theme is that even though bad things happen to God’s people, He is faithful. He is always there.
Amen to that! What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
My favorite genre to read and write is suspense. Throw in a little romance and we’ve got a deal. I especially like the books that have unexpected plot twists. Throw me a zinger! With my books, you can expect the unexpected.
Just what I like to hear! Zingers make the world go round. 😉 What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?
I’m busy reading and critiquing the work of a well known inspirational author. I’m her eyes before she sends her manuscript to her publisher. I enjoy reading books from my publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing, because their books are clean, well-written stories. I just finished Tina Pinson’s Manor of the Ghost and really enjoyed it.
Another book that sounds so intriguing! (I need to get some more e-books now that we have a reader . . .) Okay, fun question. What’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
I’ll throw out the most interesting, which was also the greatest compliment. While a student at Liberty University, I was required to take a Group Process class. In this class, the students are actually the counseling group members. At the end of the week-long group, we went around the circle and said goodbye to each other. The woman beside of me told me that I had the most calming voice that she’d ever heard and that she felt “safe” just sitting next to me. By “safe,” she meant that she was able to share a particularly traumatic incident in her life.
Wow! Now we’re all going to give you a call so we can hear this soothing voice . . . 😉 What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
My husband is a TV person and I’m not. Unfortunately, I must have total peace and quiet when I write, which means that I have to write in another room. He remodeled a room in our 1920s house several years ago and turned it into a Library for my book collection. At the moment, our kitchen is under renovation and all the building supplies are stacked in that room. I’ve been writing propped up in bed. I’ll be glad to get my library/writing room back.
My hubby and I are much the same way, but I’ve had to learn to write with noise (two small children, you know). Here’s hoping your get your space back soon! What lessons have you learned through the publication process that you wouldn’t have guessed as a pre-published writer?
I’ve learned that marketing is a necessary evil that never ends. As a newbie author, I’ve put a lot of time into establishing a web presence. I never would have guessed how much time goes into filling out blog interviews. I’m not complaining…I’m thankful for every one! The only negative is that they take time away from my favorite pursuit, writing. Also, my blog takes time away from my writing schedule. Be sure and check it out. I give away three to five book a week, most of them signed by the author: www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com.
If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving of gifts to charities allowed!)
It wouldn’t quite pay for the project I have in mind, but I’d use it to build a room on the back of our house. We hope to complete that project next summer since the kitchen is taking all of our time and energy this year.
What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?
Last year, I completed the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) challenge. NaNoWriMo challenges authors to write 50,000 words and occurs every month in November. I plan to tackle it again this year. It was extremely difficult to complete that task due to life getting in the way, but I was successful. My April release, Queen of Hearts,was written during NaNoWriMo.
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Thanks for visiting! Readers, you can find K. Dawn Byrd’s books fully linked for purchase at Desert Breeze Publishing. And don’t forget to check out her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com.
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Contest ends 8/26/10. Winners will have two weeks to claim prizes.
About Me
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.