Category Archives: Author Interviews

When The Nile Runs Red By Diann Mills


Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers (September 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802499112
ISBN-13: 978-0802499110

I am glad to feature author Diann Mills on my blog today! Isn’t her book cover beautiful?
Here’s what a couple of writers have to say about Diann’s book:

When the Nile Runs Red has all the earmarks of a great novel—a hold-your-breath plot, larger-than-life characters, with a beautiful thread of hope and valor woven through—all handled with DiAnn Mills’ accomplished voice. A victorious follow-up to When the Lion Roars.
––Deborah Raney, author of Remember to Forget and A Vow to Cherish

“DiAnn Mills is a masterful storyteller who’s written a powerful tale of love, faith, and courage that could have been plucked from today’s headlines. When the Nile Runs Red puts a human face and heart on the suffering in the Sudan. This book is a must-read.”
—Mark Mynheir, author of The Void.

DiAnn Mills Bio

Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she’d own a Harley, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Website: www.diannmills.com

From the back cover:

Paul Farid was once a member of the royal family who openly persecuted any Sudanese who failed to practice Islam. Now he’s a Christian who puts his life on the line to aid the persecuted Sudanese. His wife, Larson, is a doctor committed to giving her life for peace.
Colonel Ben Alier has fought for twenty-one years against the government’s mandates to control the oil, religion, slavery, and politics of Sudan. He neither trusts nor rests any hope in the newly formed government.
Ben’s health deteriorates while Larson finds out she is going to have a baby. Their worlds collide, and as the relational tensions escalate so does the physical danger.

1. What inspired you to write this novel?

I had previously written a nonfiction book about the Lost Boys of Sudan – Lost Boy No More. From that research, I wrote the novel When the Lion Roars, but the story would not let me go.

Through numerous interviews and extensive reading, I grew to love and admire the courageous Sudanese people and was burdened by their incredible needs. I had to bring them back in When the Nile Runs Red.

2. Why Sudan?

This country went through nearly two decades of civil war strife. In 1983, the northern government launched a holy war against the south. This grew out of the views of the Islamic north against the mostly Christian black African south. The war had three aspects: religion, politics, and oil. The atrocities committed against the southern people are too many to list, but the war was fought in the south through genocide.

3. How did you conduct your research?

I grabbed my backpack and sun screen and traveled to Juba, Sudan, the southern capital. There I stayed at a Christian compound and met with southern Sudanese from all walks of life: refugees, political leaders, and church leaders. I talked to as many people as I could, snapped pictures, and listened to what was being said.

4. Regarding your trip to Sudan, what touched you the most?

The incredible faith. I could look into a Sudanese’s eyes and see the pain of persecution and the hope of Jesus. Here, we say we love Jesus while we live in our huge homes, drive our fancy cars, are well-fed, are not hunted down for our faith, or are concerned about medical care. The Sudanese understand that all they have and need is Jesus.

5. Can you give us a brief description of your characters?

Paul Farid was once a Muslim who actively persecuted the southern people, but now he’s a Christian who flies dangerous missions into war-torn areas to deliver food and medical supplies.

Dr. Larson Kerr Farid risks her life to bring healing to the Sudanese. Just like her husband Paul, her life is often in danger. But there is a problem between her and Paul with no easy solution.

Colonel Ben Alier has been fighting and leading the southern army of Sudan for nearly two decades. Often referred to as a warlord, Ben fights his own demons.

The three are friends, an unlikely friendship forged by their love for Sudan.

6. How do you build your plots?

Always out of character with two simple words: what-if? John Gardner said to create the best possible characters and allow the worst possible things to happen to them. That says it all. It’s easy to coat our darlings with easy trials and struggles, but the hard stuff, the struggles that define the character are what has to happen. I’m a huge fan of Donald Maass and wouldn’t consider writing a paragraph without using techniques found in his books Writing the Breakout Novel and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook.

7. What are you goals for this novel?

To increase awareness about the situation in Sudan and to share my passion for the Sudanese people through a compelling story.

The proceeds for this novel go back to aid the Sudanese.

8. What do you hope the readers will gain?

To lose themselves in the novel. That’s every writer’s goal. But I also want the reader to sense a call to action and support the Sudanese cause.

9. What is your next project?

I’m currently writing a romantic suspense series with a working series title of “Behind the Sunglasses”.

10. How can readers learn more about what you are doing?

Check out my website at http://diannmills.com/. I have sections about Sudan, and for readers, and writers. Those signing up for my newsletter get to download a chapter of an upcoming release.

11. Aside from your passion for writing, what else are you doing?

Speaking to groups about the situation in Sudan.

Teaching at writer’s conferences.

Conducting Fiction Mentoring Clinics. These are small groups who work closely together for three work-filled days to develop their craft.

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I’m glad you were on my blog today, Diann! It was a treat to read about your book and I look forward to reading your novel!

Cecelia Dowdy

A Big Apple Christmas

Big Apple Christmas
by Gail Sattler, Carrie Turansky, Lynette Sowell, Lynette Sowell
Paperback
ISBN: 1597898198
Pub. Date: September 2007

I’m happy to feature an interview with the authors of this wonderful novel! I look forward to reading it this Christmas!

A BIG APPLE CHRISTMAS
By Vasthi Reyes Acosta, Gail Sattler, Lynette Sowell, and Carrie Turansky
A Contemporary romance collection that captures the sights and sounds of the Christmas season in New York City.

How did you come up with the ideas for your novella?

Vasthi: Growing up in New York City, as a small Puerto Rican girl, I loved the fact that Christmas didn’t end for me on Christmas day. We still had El Dia de los Reyes (Epiphany or Three Kings Day) to look forward to. We received gifts on that day as well. The night before January 6th, tradition dictates that water and grass be left out for the wise men and their camels. In return the wise men left us a small gift. I always felt special knowing that while my classmates enjoyed their Christmas gifts I still had more gifts coming after the new year. So naturally I wanted to write about our celebration of El Dia de los Reyes.

Gail: The hustle and bustle of New York City at Christmas time is special and unique, and fun! And most of all, crowded. Then I thought of what it would be like to be surrounded by such a crowd, with nothing but a list of fun places to go and fun things to do, and Shopping For Love was born.

Lynette: I think New York is a special place at Christmas time, and I’d always wanted to write a Christmas novella. Then one November, I saw a news clip of how the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is selected. Enter my widowed heroine and her scheming children who surprise her with a trip to see her tree in Rockefeller Center.

Carrie: I love stories that bring characters together who are very different from each other, so the idea of matching a professional organizer and a free-spirited poet intrigued me. New York City is a wonderful place to visit at Christmas time, and I thought setting our story there would be enjoyable for our readers.

It’s often said that writers need to read, read, read! So tell us what you are reading.

Vasthi: I’m always reading more than one book at a time. Master Class in Fiction Writing by Adam Sexton and Courting Trouble by Deanne Gist.

Carrie: I always have a book or two on my nightstand. Recently I’ve read A Bigger Life by Annette Smith, The Restorer by Sharon Hink, In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols, Off the Record by Elizabeth White, and Remembered by Tammy Alexander.

Lynette: I have a couple of Love Inspired Suspense novels on my stack. I just got started on Christine Lynxwiler’s latest release, Forever Christmas.

Gail: A book by fellow author and friend, Lena Nelson Dooley.

What’s next for you in your writing?

Vasthi: I’m hoping to find a home for my trilogy and write the third novel in the series.
Carrie: I am just finishing Surrendered Hearts for Love Inspired. Next I hope to work on a Civil War story set in Richmond. I also have an international adventure/romance set in Kenya that I am just beginning to brainstorm with my daughter who just returned from working in Africa for several months.
Lynette: I love mysteries, and I love romantic suspense. I’m working on becoming a better writer in both genres.
Gail: I’m working on a chick lit, but it’s still in the beginning stages.

Are you a “plotter” or a “seat-of-the-pants” writer?

Vasthi: Both. I like to plot out as much as I can first to feel confident of the story I’m going to tell, but then I start writing and scenes appear that I hadn’t planned, and characters show up that I didn’t know, so I just flow with it.

Carrie: I am a plotter. I work on my characters and setting first, then I write a running outline that no one sees but me. (Thank goodness!) Then I revise that and write my synopsis. From there I begin writing and sometimes I deviate from the outline a little, but not too much.

Lynette: Both. I think the right amount of planning and plotting are necessary so I don’t write myself into a corner. But I also like to keep my brain open for any neat twists that come up with my characters.

Gail: Definitely a plotter. I have to know the ending before I write the first word.

What writing resources do you recommend?

Vasthi: Become a member of American Christian Fiction Writers–it is a fabulous group! Subscribe to Writer’s Digest, visit author web sites there is a lot of wonderful writing advice for free. Maybe someday I’ll have my own web site too.

Carrie: I agree with Vasthi. Joining ACFW has helped me tremendously. I’ve also gained a lot from attending writers’ conferences. I often consult Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King.

Lynette: James Scott Bell ~ Plot and Structure and Brandilyn Collins ~ Getting Into Character.

Gail: Other authors are the biggest resource. Join a writing group, either in person or online, and get involved.

Who has been one of your best encouragers on your writing journey?

Vasthi: My family. They are my cheerleaders.

Carrie: My mother-in-law and my daughters.

Lynette: My husband. He won’t let me quit.

Gail: My husband. He indulges me and takes care of everything he can so I can write.
Please stop by the special new web site we created for this book. You can read excerpts of each novella, learn more about the authors, see some of our favorite Christmas recipes and enjoy photos of New York City. We have some fun giveaways planned for our readers, so pick up a copy of A BIG APPLE CHRISTMAS and get ready to answer the questions and enter the draws starting in October.

www.abigapplechristmas.com

I’d also like to add that there’s a cool video book trailer on the Big Apple Christmas website, so check it out!

You can learn more about the authors at their websites:
Gail Sattler: www.gailsattler.com
Lynette Sowell: www.lynettesowell.com
Carrie Turansky: www.carrieturansky.com

Thanks for the wonderful interview ladies!

Cecelia Dowdy

Montana Mistletoe

I blogged about this book in an earlier post when the book trailer was released.

I am pleased to feature the authors of this wonderful novella collection on my blog today! Sit back with a hot cup of coffee and a few cookies and enjoy the interview!

What is the premise of the collection?

DEBBY: This book shows how four friends work toward honoring their pact to find true love by their twenty-eighth birthdays. In my novella, Return to Mistletoe, Deanna’s high school sweetheart Anthony returns to Mistletoe, but she’s not prepared for her own reaction. Fighting the urge to fall in love with him again, she works hard at adding sparks to a relationship with someone else. Anthony continues to show up at the most unexpected times—not only to see Deanna but to help the town he’s loved since childhood.

What’s it like working with three other authors on one story? Challenges, rewards?

LENA: I’ve worked on several novella collections. Some have just been stories about the same theme. With those where the stories are interwoven, authors have to work together more to craft the stories. That often proves challenging—trying to get all the details of the other characters and their personality right in your story. But the rewards are great. A collection where all the stories connect gives a special feel to the book. It’s well worth the extra effort. And this team was a joy to work with. (Waving to Lisa, Debby, and Kim.)

Is there a character who you relate to and who made an impact on your life?

LISA: I always learn from the writing process. In Under the Mistletoe, Madison is searching for that elusive something we all tend to look for at one time or another. Happiness doesn’t always come in a gold-wrapped package or with a better pay check. It comes from the little things around us. Friends, a warm summer day, and knowing God loves us. A good reminder.

What is the number one thing you’ve learned from your writing journey?

KIM: God is in control. This is all HIS timing, and His is much better than mine. The writing life is full of pitfalls, the most painful one (for me, anyway) being rejection. But when you put it all in His hands and allow Him to open the doors rather than depending on yourself, a sense of peace permeates the entire journey. Learning to trust Him with my writing life has carried over into truly trusting Him with ALL aspects of my life–and that’s a great place to be.

Any future plans for your writing you’d like to share? Any specific dreams you’d like to accomplish in the area of writing?

DEBBY: Since I truly love Christian romance, quirky mysteries, and from-the-heart women’s fiction, I’d love to continue writing in these areas. My dream is simple. I want to entertain readers with uplifting, Christ-focused stories that leave them satisfied at the end.

If you want to learn more about the authors of Montana Mistletoe, check out Marjorie Vawter’s blog on September 14th at http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com

Winners! Winners! Winners!

Want a chance to win a FREE copy of the book and a $30 gift certificate to ChristianBooks.com? For more information, visit the official Montana, Mistletoe blog at http://montanamistletoe.blogspot.com by October 1st!

www.lenanelsondooley.com www.debbymayne.com
www.kimvogelsawyer.com www.lisaharriswrites.com

I enjoyed having all of you on my blog today!

Cecelia Dowdy

Old Interview In My Local Newspaper

First off, I hope everybody had a great Fourth of July! I visited Barnes And Noble in Bowie Town Center during the holiday, and I’ll be blogging about that visit later this week!

I was gathering some information for a project and found that an interview, which was done by my local paper a couple of years ago, was still archived on their website. I’ve added the link to my website and I’ve added it here. I’ll also be providing some other old media information about myself over the next few days!

Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com

Author Interview With Suzanne Woods Fisher


Copper Star
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Vintage Romance Publishing (June 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979332745
ISBN-13: 978-0979332746

Author Bio:
A contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine, Suzanne has been published in numerous magazines, including Worldwide Challenge, Parent Life, Marriage Partnership, among others, and has contributed to five non-fiction books. She lives with her husband, four kids and a steady stream of puppies that she raises for Guide Dogs for the Blind in the San Francisco Bay Area. Find Suzanne on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

About Copper Star:

Copper Star is a World War II love story set in 1943, as theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer smuggles a young resistance worker, Louisa, out of Nazi Germany. Louisa waits out the war in a dusty copper mining town in Arizona but can’t leave her resistance skills behind. Soon, she turns the town upside down, uncovering a mystery that leads her back to the Nazis and her war-torn country.

Released on June 30, the film rights of Copper Star are under consideration by a major motion picture studio. A contract for the sequel was offered to Fisher before Copper Star released. Pre-release orders have driven the book on Amazon’s sales rankings down into low digits.

Copper Star is already garnering rave reviews: Round Table Reviews writes, “The action in the story is moving quickly, and the character of Louisa is a lovable, somewhat feisty young woman who does not mind the taste of shoe leather… A wonderful book that is highly recommended for all readers.” Historical Novels Review notes, “Copper Star’s plot builds in conflict and excitement, and its tender romance warms the heart.”

A thorough researcher, Fisher’s can’t-put-it-down tale is woven with historical accuracy. A refreshing element of cultural deafness is portrayed through a deaf child, who learns to lip-read and speak through correspondence classes from the John Tracy Clinic, founded in 1942 by Louise and Spencer Tracy. “We are thrilled that our history coincides so beautifully with your story,” says Barbara Hecht, President of John Tracy Clinic, Los Angeles, California in her endorsement of Copper Star.

Author Interview with Suzanne:

Q: What’s the best thing about writing?

A: All of life is material. It’s all grit for the oyster.

Q: What’s the worst thing about writing?

A: I still only make a dime an hour.

Q: How have you used your gift of writing for God?

A: For most of my adult life, I could relate to that one-talent miser in Jesus’ parable (Luke 19:11-17). Plenty of other writers had been given five or even three talents. I seemed to have been dispensed a measly one. Who would even notice if I kept it buried, risk-free?

To give that a writerly twist, if I couldn’t write a bestselling, knock-it-out-of-the-ballpark book, then I probably shouldn’t even try to write a book at all.

Slowly it dawned on me that I had completely missed the point of that parable. God wasn’t asking for THE best, but MY best. Finally, I felt the freedom to try to use my one talent for His glory, regardless of its success. That was when I started this novel, Copper Star.

I’ve really enjoyed this interview! Suzanne has shared a wealth of knowledge from which all writers can benefit!

Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com

Stephen Bly Interview

Here’s an interview with Christian author Stephen Bly! Leave a comment and you’re automatically entered to win a free book! Check back within the next week or so when I post the winner!


Paperback
ISBN: 1599956896
Pub. Date: June 2007
ONE STEP OVER THE BORDER, June 2007 release, Center Street/Hachette Books Group USA

CONTACT INFO: Stephen Bly, P.O. Box 157, Winchester, Idaho, 83555
e-mail: sjbly@christianwritersguild.com, fax: 1-208-924-7303
websites: http://www.blybooks.com/, http://www.onestepovertheborder.com/

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m a pastor, a mayor, an antique Winchester gun collector and a writer. I’m also a fan of Jimmy Buffet music. What do these diverse avocations have to do with each other? In every field I want to grow as a person . . . push myself and my skills . . . my understanding . . . my spirit. I’m not a sit-around-and-let-life-come-to-me kinda guy. I want to dive in and change things for the better, if I can. I write a lot of fiction books, all from a Christian world view. Being pastor helps me stay focused. I’m mayor of a town of 308 in the mountains of Idaho, on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. That keeps me very western. And I collect old Winchester rifles, which reflects my love of historical accuracy. And Jimmy Buffet music? Hey, there’s not a whole lot of difference between a pirate and an outlaw.

Why do you write about the West?

I write about the West (historic or modern) from the inside. Born and raised on western ranches, I have both the heart and mind to describe things as they really were . . and are. There are those who think the frontier has long passed and with it the ‘code of the west.’ The truth is, both are still around . . . and it’s fun to show that in a contemporary story. The West is so big, so diverse, so enchanting it’s a thrill to write about it in any era.

Tell us about your book.

Here’s a blurb on my newest book, One Step Over The Border . . .
It’s a romp. A road adventure. It’s a buddy story with romantic comedy. Some call it CowboyLit. Rodeo cowboy Hap Bowman’s on a search for Juanita, the gal of his dreams, whom he hasn’t seen in 18 years. He seems stuck on 12-years-old and the enchanting girl he met then.
An idiot obsession,” his roping partner, Laramie Majors, chides.
But Laramie agrees to a final summer’s trek along the Rio Grande. If they don’t find Juanita during those months, Hap promises to drop the idea of the hunt for the mystery senorita. But if they find her, will she feel the same as Hap does about their years ago interlude?
In One Step Over The Border the time tested values of cowboys rub up against contemporary mores. It’s a crazy story that becomes more logical as the reader delves deeper into it. It will make you laugh and shed a tear or two. I hope you’ll find some new life-long friends in Hap and Laramie, like I have, and that they make you think about your own ‘idiot obsessions’ in a fresh, fun way. Have I ever had one? Are you kidding? Being a full-time fiction writer is an idiot obsession all its own. Most people have the good sense to avoid such an occupation.
Getting back to Hap’s pursuit . . . don’t we all have someone in the past, that we knew for only a short while, that we wish we could have known better, longer? I know I have. So when Hap and Laramie ventured out on a quest for Hap’s Juanita, I decided to invite others to go along too. Folks have been e-mailing Hap hapandlaramie@yahoo.com and asking for their own “Juanita Search Kits.” They get a bumper sticker, magnet, bookmark, stickers, flyers, etc. It’s a whole packet of material that will equip anyone to join the fun of finding the Juanita with “the mark of God.” If they send Hap a picture of the places where they stuck their Juanita signs, they’ll receive a free copy of the book. It’s all there on the website at http://www.onestepovertheborder.com/ . . . .

How would you describe the ‘most likely’ reader? Or what ‘felt need’ does this book meet?

While the book will appeal to both men and women, I believe, by sheer numbers more women will read it, especially country gals with cowboy-on-their-mind kind of hearts. While people often talk of women looking for knights on white horses, many gals have at one time longed for a tried-and-true cowboy on any color of horse. So this tale has that kind of appeal. Plus, the drive to find that one person, the one you can’t forget, lingers in the mind of all romantics.
And we all have a desire to find the ‘right’ person who will share the ups and downs of life, to be searched for and found, or to complete something we promised ourselves long ago. We also really want to do the right thing, even if no one knows it. That drive often makes us take a stand against pesky odds. This story’s also about friendship, being there through all the struggles and mistakes and quirkiness. In that way, it’s a satisfying and yet surprising story.

Where is your book available?

One Step Over The Border is available as of June 12, 2007, through your local quality bookstore, your favorite online book supplier, or you can order an autographed copy through http://www.blybooks.com/
And there’s a very special feature on http://www.amazon.com/. . . some more adventures about Hap and Laramie that did NOT appear in the book, can be found on AmazonShorts in the story entitled, Aim Low, Shoot High.

I’ve enjoyed this interview!

Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com

Eleanor Clark Interview

Here’s an interview with author Eleanor Clark. She writes wholesome historical books for young girls! Enjoy!

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Interview with Children’s Author, Eleanor Clark

www.eleanorseries.com

booksbyeleanor@yahoo.com

Eleanor Clark is the author of THE ELEANOR SERIES, a collection of seven historically accurate novels based on her own family’s history.

Congratulations on your series of books for girls. How long have you wanted to write for children?

About three years ago, I attended a Bible Study and after I finished the study, I was asked how I could become a disciple for Christ. Without thinking, I said, “I would like to write children’s books. One day I was teaching my home-schooled grandchildren history, and found myself having so much fun! I decided it would be a wonderful idea to put together a series of books for children that incorporated elements from American history, honing in on my own family’s journey through the centuries.

This is a fun series of books for contemporary girls. Tell us a little bit about the project and how you came to write it.

I had penned another set of children’s books. When discussing my works with the publisher, he suggested that we use the stories that I had written as a legacy to my children as THE ELEANOR SERIES. In July, 2005, I set out to write this series. I put together an outline, starting in the 1600’s with my family’s journey from Wales to England to Virginia, (as detailed in MARY ELIZABETH: WELCOME TO AMERICA/Book One in the series) and from there, seven books were born.

What do you like most about writing historically accurate books? Are there any challenges involved?

I enjoy writing historically accurate books because we can learn from our rich American history. Books such as THE ELEANOR SERIES evoke memories of the past. The biggest challenge is to do an adequate amount of careful research. You might think you know what life was like in 1760’s North Carolina, for example, (as in VICTORIA GRACE: COURAGEOUS PATRIOT/Book Two in the series) until you actually start writing about it. Getting everything right – the setting, the ambiance, the dialect, etc. is tough! So, checking and double-checking all of the details is critical.

What sparked the idea of presenting your family’s real historical events in a fictional setting?

I have always had a love of history and love for my faith. As I looked back over my life and the history of my family, I saw a great opportunity to put together a series of books that would be entertaining and fun, teach history, and focus on American history and its Christian heritage, as well as the faith of my family. And, as mentioned above, leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren was very important to me. As a family member began to research our genealogy, I got excited about the possibilities of fictionalizing our own stories to accomplish this. For example, members of my family traveled west from Tennessee to Texas in the 1800’s, and I was able to detail this in KATIE SUE: HEADING WEST/book three in the series.

Which character from THE ELEANOR SERIES is your favorite, and why?

The character of Sarah Jane from book four (SARAH JANE: LIBERTY’S TORCH) is my very favorite. It was fun (and easy) to see through a child’s eyes the train trip from Philadelphia to New York City to see the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty. And I love the fact that Sarah Jane learned to let her light shine, just like Lady Liberty.

I understand that you speak to children quite often. Tell us about one of your favorite speaking engagements.

It is a great thrill to speak to children. As a younger mother (and now grandmother), I felt that it was my mission to teach character traits and the love of God to my children and my grand children. Now, I feel led to teach other children through my writings the same values. One of my favorite times was when I was signing books and a little girl came up to me and asked, “Are you the author?” When I replied, “yes” with wide eyes, she asked, “Are you the real live author?” And, how fun to think that I’m not just the author, I’m also a character in book five, ELEANOR JO: FARMER’S DAUGHTER, as well as ELEANOR JO: A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER (the kick-off book for the series).

What is one thing you would like today’s children to learn?

I would hope and pray that my readers would take away a deep love of their country, an understanding of history, a love of reading, and a deep commitment to Christ. I am passionate about my faith and my country, and I hope this shows in every page of the series. I’m particularly excited about teaching children to leave a legacy to their children and grandchildren, as I do in book six of the series, MELANIE ANN: LEAVING A LEGACY.

Who is your greatest inspiration, and why?
My mother is my greatest inspiration. She loved me unconditionally and taught my siblings and me the real meaning of Christian values, patriotism, and most of all our faith in God. Also, other great inspirations were my grandmothers who lived years ago and their lives taught me so much. Each book teaches one of my seven grand daughters about life and love.

Where can readers buy your books?

The books can be bought on my website: www.eleanorseries.com, Barnes and Noble, Christian bookstores, and on line.

How can readers pray for you?

I would appreciate very much the readers and their friends to pray that God will continue to give me strength and health to fulfill the mission God has called me to do so that I can visit as many children as I can. I hope to make history come alive for them, and teach them about character traits and the love of God. I also love to hear from my readers. They can reach me at booksbyeleanor@yahoo.com.

I hope you all enjoyed Eleanor’s interview!
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Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com

Ransomed Dreams By Amy Wallace


Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Fiction (April 17, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159052747X
ISBN-13: 978-1590527474

I am pleased to post the following interview about author Amy Wallace! Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little about Ransomed Dreams.

Ransomed Dreams is about answering two questions: “Can dreams be redeemed?” and “What does forgiveness look like?”

Gracie Lang is being watched by a man who will stop at nothing to hide the truth from her. Having lost the only man she ever loved and the children who were her world, the truth is all Gracie wants – an explanation for what really happened. She longs to move forward but is bound by chains of fear. Then she meets Steven Kessler, a Crimes Against Children FBI agent assigned to uncover an international plot to kidnap the British Ambassador’s daughter. Steven awakens more than memories; he revives the possibility of a life Gracie desires. A life where healing and peace crowd out the nightmares. But his case and her past are dangerously connected. Suddenly, Gracie must decide if she’s able – let alone willing – to pay the required ransom to redeem dreams and restore hope.

2. Why write about FBI Agents and children?

I wanted to be an FBI profiler after I graduated college. But that’s not the path God intended for me. Instead I get to interview, read about, and then write about people I admire~ without having to do all the pushups. LOL

Why children? I adore my children and am passionate about them being a gift to treasure and helping tired moms (what mom isn’t tired?) remember that.

3. The Defenders of Hope website has a page with resources for protecting children. Can you tell us more about that?

It’s often been said that children are our future and our most valuable asset. They’re also incredible blessings from God. Ones we as parents want to protect. On the Protecting Our Kids page there are website links, safety tips, articles and statistics to help parents be armed with the knowledge and practical strategies to help keep children safe.

One of the most important things we can do is to pray with and for our children.

The next is to educate ourselves and them about internet usage and staying safe strategies. Netsmartz http://www.netsmartz.org/ and America’s Most Wanted kids http://www.amw.com/kids/ are two of my favorite resources.

4. This is obviously something very close to your heart. Can you explain your passion and what you hope to achieve?

My best friend says that when we’re at a mall she’s looking for great shoes while I’m monitoring the exits. I totally resemble that statement. Growing up military behind the Iron Curtain, I used my imagination early to dodge “spies” and concoct stories of what would happen if. Now as a mom and a suspense writer who does tons of research, my imagination takes me places I hope to never go in real life. I’m painfully aware that we don’t live in a safe world. So I want to share all I’ve learned with other moms as well as to encourage parents to not walk by fear, but be armed with knowledge tempered with faith in an all-powerful God.

5. With homeschooling your children, what does a typical writing day look like?

A typical writing day looks like a Saturday. 🙂 That’s the day I work from 9am to after midnight and get the majority of my writing done. I attend to edits and business things during the week while my children have afternoon quite times and then I also work after bedtime.

6. Who inspires you?

My children. They love life and they love God unapologetically. They work hard, play hard, and get back up when they mess up. They also forgive easily and love deeply. I want to grow up to be more like them.

7. How do you create your characters?

I don’t really hear my characters like a lot of my writing friends do; I see them. It’s like having a movie reel playing all the time in my head. Often that’s incredibly distracting. But the cool thing about the way I’m wired is that as I see these stories and characters, that’s a way the Holy Spirit speaks to me. Many times God touches on areas where I’m weakest or leads me to explore my greatest fears. In telling the best and most intense story I can, I walk it through with my characters and I’m changed. I love that part of being a writer. Especially when I don’t have to get shot at to learn!

8) Why is April 23rd a special day?

On this day 36 years ago, a little baby boy’s first cry changed my world. I wouldn’t realize that fact until twenty-three years later when a gorgeous, blond-haired, blue-eyed missionary stepped into my line of vision and smiled. Two month later he asked me to be his wife. I said “yes” and eight months later we said “I do” in a beautiful mountain chapel.

Now with over 12 years of marriage and three precious girls, it’s become a little hard to find something unique to do for his birthday. So I thought I’d share with you all some things about my hubby and ask you to help me wish him an extra special Happy Birthday!

Top Twelve Reasons Why David Wallace Rocks:

1) He fears not for his life when he says I’m beautiful right after I step off the scale scowling. And he does this often.

2) David not only cleans the house on Saturdays so I can write, but he’s also a fantastic cook. (Sorry gang, I’m keeping him!)

3) My hubby doesn’t just support my homeschooling, he jumps in and tackles being math teacher so my kids don’t have to know how truly math-challenged mommy is.

4) He agrees with me that chocolate is a vital daily nutrient.

5) He’s a great basketball player and will occasionally let me win a game without making it too obvious. Same goes for ping-pong matches.

6) He’s a great daddy who tells his little girls silly stories to make them giggle and prays for them every night.

7) He never stops trying to grow.

8) David has a heart for the high school seniors he teaches at church to show them how to reach for their dreams by walking intimately with God.

9) He’s quick to admit when he messes up and will humble himself before co-workers, friends, family, and especially me and our daughters to ask forgiveness.

10) David tells everyone who will listen what an incredible writer his wife is, and he totally believes that even if I don’t.

11) He’s always there to brainstorm and listen to my wild ideas, and he tells me they’re wonderful, even when I’m pretty sure they need tons of work.

12) My husband teamed up with God to push, pray, and provide my way onto the writing path. It was his cheering and total confidence in me that propelled me to type that first sentence that would become Ransomed Dreams some five years later. David was also the one who never gave up hope, even after one too many rejections or tough edits saw me wanting to quit and never type again. He’s always believed in me and encouraged me to do what he knew God had called me to do.

So for all these reasons and more, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONEY! I love you to infinity and beyond!!! 😉

Care to join me in wishing my hubby a happy birthday? Please leave a note in the guestbook. He’ll treasure it and I’ll treasure the smile you’ll help me bring to his now 36 year old gorgeous face.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this interview as much as I have! Oh, what a romantic man!
Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com