And We Have a Winner!!! "To Darkness Fled" by Jill Williamson

Holly Heisy won the blog giveaway for one of Jill Williamson's books in the "Blood of Kings" trilogy. "By Darkness Hid" or "To Darkness Fled." Holly indicated in her comment that she would like to receive "To Darkness Fled."

Thanks to all who stopped by Book Readers Central this week. Stop by in future weeks to meet more interesting authors and to enter more book giveaways.  You can subscribe for the feed or sign up to receive this blog in your inbox by email in the left sidebar.

Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: "Sense and Sensibility" (Insight Edition)

In this sensitive and romantic tale by Jane Austin, we follow two unlike sisters in their quest for love. Set against the backdrop of England in the early 1800's, this beloved classic brings to life a time of strict cultural mores and societal roles. Jane Austin's wit and keen insight into human nature enlivens her characters and endeared them to me.

Bethany House's "insight edition" of  Sense and Sensability includes annotations in the margins with historical and cultural details, illuminating facts from the author's life, notes from film versions, the book's spiritual themes, comments on points within the story, and editors' personal opinions. While all of this sounds good, I did not always enjoy having such a constant "companion" to my reading.

I found the location of the notes in the magins drew my eye and made it difficult to ignore them. I understand the intent was to make them easy to find and read, but they distracted me from the story, especially since nearly every page contained one or more notes. The notes sometimes annoyed me for just when I would pause to make my own observations, someone else's thoughts would inject into the equation, sometimes with small spoilers. For me, it was something like sitting through a movie with someone who talks all the way through. Perhaps if the notes had been placed in a footer and edited to decrease the quantity and remove personal opinion and spoilers, I might have enjoyed this edition more.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me for purposes of review.

Meet and Greet Monday: Jill Williamson

Book Giveaway Contest!
See the details, below.

Jill is the author of By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled, the first two books in a medieval fantasy trilogy. She has worked as a freelance editor and published numerous articles. VOYA magazine named By Darkness Hid as one of the Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novels of 2010.



Jill grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the land of the midnight sun, and she stayed up late, reading by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. But in the winter, there was nothing better to do than daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer.

Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past twelve years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. (http://www.teenageauthor.com/) An avid reader, she started Novel Teen Book Reviews (www.novelteen.com) to help teens find great books to read. She lives in Oregon with her youth pastor husband and two book-loving children. Visit Jill at http://www.jillwilliamson.com/.

BRC: How would you describe your book?To Darkness Fled is the second book in the Blood of Kings trilogy. It’s about Achan, a young man who wanted to become a knight, and Vrell, a girl who is dressed as a boy to hide from the man who wants to marry her. Book two picks up where By Darkness Hid left off.

Here is the back cover copy for To Darkness Fled (Blood of Kings, book 2):

They have no choice. Chased by an evil prince, Achan, Vrell, and the Kingsguard knights flee into Darkness. They head north, for Tsaftown and Ice Island, where they must free an army that can help them fight for Er’Rets.

Darkness sickens Vrell. How long can she keep her secret without being caught? Achan already suspects her of lying. If she is not careful, he will suspect her of treason as well. She hopes he will let his suspicions go until they reach her home.

Achan wanted freedom, but this new journey has bound him more than ever. Sir Gavin’s claims are so far fetched. First, that there might only be one God, and second, that this God chose Achan to push back Darkness, the magnificent curse of Er’Rets. Him. Achan. Barely a man himself.

Each setback Darkness brings seems minor compared to the one choice only Achan can make. What will he choose?

BRC: What message do you hope it conveys?
From Achan’s journey: That there is only one God and that he is the desire of Achan’s heart. No matter what Achan faces, knowing God will make life more worthwhile. God created Achan for a purpose. If Achan wants to fulfill that purpose, he must discover who God really is.

From Vrell’s journey: That the truth will set her free, but there are still consequences to sin. Vrell may try to hide from those consequences, but she cannot hide forever. She must embrace who she is and confess what she has done if she is ever to be truly free.

BRC: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?I loved slowly revealing Vrell’s secret here and there. Vrell is a girl, but in the first book, she is in hiding, dressed as a stray boy to avoid having to marry the evil Prince Gidon, who only wants her inheritance. Then she meets up with Achan, who thinks she’s a scrawny boy. It was so much fun to dangle Vrell’s secret out there to be nearly discovered time and again, only to save her at the last minute each time. But the secret does come out in this story, and that was a fun scene to write too.

BRC: What did you dislike most about writing this book?
It was a challenge to write a book where much of it takes place in pitch black darkness. You can’t describe people or surrounding so easily without light. I had fun at first, but it was hard to keep it up for most (of) the story. There are lanterns and torches and candles used sometimes, but often, they travel in darkness so that no one will be able to track them. That was tough to write.

BRC: What inspired you to become a writer?
I wanted to speak to teens. I discovered that sometimes, people hire speakers based on articles written by the speaker. So I looked into writing articles. Then the new Harry Potter book came out, and a new barrage of debates within the church community flared up as to whether or not the books were evil. The debate inspired me to write my own teen novel that all Christians would love. Yes, I was a bit naive. I have since learned that no one likes every book. But that’s how I got started. I was inspired to try and write blockbuster-style stories that glorified God.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process.I start by brainstorming a premise, characters, and a basic plot. I need to know where the story is headed before I can write too much. I also need to know how each main character’s story will end. For this book, I use a spreadsheet, since I have two point of view characters. I write Achan’s scenes in one column and Vrell’s scenes in the next column so I can see how their journeys will mesh. Once I feel good about where I’m headed, I start writing. I try to write the whole book as quickly as I can—in a month, preferably. Then I go back and edit, rewrite, and add or cut scenes if necessary.

BRC: What are you working on now? 
I'm working on From Darkness Won (Blood of Kings, book 3).

BRC: What books do you enjoy reading? Books by Ted Dekker, Eric Wilson, Frank Peretti, John Olson, Bill Myer, Anthony Horowitz, Jane Austen, Jenny B. Jones, Lisa Samson, Francine Rivers, Megan Whalen Turner, and Cathy Gohlke. I enjoy stories that make me laugh, cry, or stay up all night because I can’t put the thing down.

BRC: Where can readers buy your book?
Online you can go to Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or MarcherLordPress.com. You can also buy an autographed copy from me through my website. You can special order my book at your local bookstore by giving them the name and author. Also, many libraries have my first book, and if they don’t, they would likely order it if you ask. Print out a couple reviews from the Free Download section of my website and take them to the library with you when you ask so that they know my book is a good one for their library.

BRC: Where can readers find you online?
My website is http://www.jillwilliamson.com/. I’m also on Facebook, MySpace, Shoutlife, Shelfari, GoodReads, Twitter, Amazon… On top of that, I run two blogs. The first is Novel Teen Book Reviews at http://www.novelteen.com/. It’s a website that reviews clean teen fiction. This is a great resource to see what books are available in the Christian market for teens. The other blog is for teen authors, though adult authors may find some useful tips too. http://www.teenageauthor.com/.

BRC: Thanks for visiting Book Readers Central today.
Thanks for having me! J




Book Giveaway Contest: Limited to entrants with mailing addresses within the United States. Please leave a comment to this post to enter. The winner may choose either By Darkness Hid or From Darkness Fled. A link to the full giveaway contest rules is provided in a sidebar of this blog.

WINNER!!! "Rooms" by James L Rubart

Congratulations go to Janet, who won James L Rubart's "Rooms."

Thanks to all who participated in the giveaway, and to those who visited Book Readers Central. Please stop by again next Monday to meet another author and for a chance to win another great book. You can sign up for the feed or to receive this blog by email in the left sidebar. Have a wonderful weekend.

Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: "The Bridegrooms" by Allison Pittman

Four very different sisters grace Allison Pittman's The Bridegrooms, a book that analyzes what love is -- and what it isn't. Vada, the oldest, has an understanding with sensible Garrison but longs to be swept away by passion. Ungainly Hazel writes letters to men she's never met in hopes of securing a husband. Quiet, elegant Althea writes her heart out in poetry she shares with an unconscious man. And Lisette, far too spoiled and beautiful, tells off the young ball player who follows her around like a smitten puppy.

Lurking in the background is the shadow of the mother who abandoned them as children. Unspoken hurts lie at the heart of this small family. Very much in the foreground is the servant, Molly, a strident Irish woman who each weekend drinks her paycheck away and seems as given to blister the girls with verbal abuse as to bless them. Their father, "Doc," a physician, although kind-hearted, seems a bit clueless in a household of girls.

The plot revolves around an event which occurs when the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, a baseball team, comes to town to play the Cleveland Spiders. During a game, a line drive knocks out a spectator and the unconscious man is placed in Vada's bed to regain consciousness or die.

With memorable characters and an exquisite writing style, The Bridegrooms entertains well. Still, I question some of its concepts. The characters are sometimes quite harsh with one another, and Molly's tirades, while meant to amuse, did not. The book seems to confuse love and infatuation while attempting to define them as separate. Also, telling four separate stories within the limitations of a single book proves problematic. Its author did well at weaving the stories together, but there simply wasn't enough space to delve too deeply into each character's emotional complexities.

Beyond these quibbles, this story will stay with me. I was sorry when the book ended. Women who enjoy historical romance will enjoy Bridegrooms.

Click for more information.

*This book was provided to me by the publisher for purposes of review.

Meet and Greet: James L Rubart

 Author James L. Rubart lives in the Pacific Northwest and describes himself as a water skier, guitar player, dirt biker, cliff jumper, husband to his amazing wife for almost 24 years, and dad to two awesome sons, 17 and 14. His day job is helping authors and businesses market themselves through his company Barefoot Marketing. His debut novel, Rooms, just released with B&H Publishers and has already reached the top position in  the Amazon sales list.

BRC: How would you describe your book?
A story with all the boring parts taken out. Smile. Rooms is the story of a young Seattle software tycoon who inherits a home on the Oregon coast that turns out to be a physical manifestation of his soul. If you’re saying, “Ooooooo,” then I think you’ll like it. If you’re saying, “Huh?” then the jury is out. J If you took It’s a Wonderful Life, Disney’s the Kid, The Shack, The Screwtape Letters, Field of Dreams, Wild at Heart, some romance and mixed them all together you’d have Rooms. The headline on the back of my cover conveys the story pretty well: “What would you find if you walked into the rooms of your soul? One man is about to find out.”

BRC: What message do you hope it conveys?
That there is incredible freedom and healing in Jesus. And people can step into their destiny, even if they feel like they've missed it their whole lives.

BRC: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
As I say in my dear reader letter, I needed this book for my own healing and freedom. It was a story I wanted to read, so I loved watching the ideas flow from the imaginings God gave me onto paper and into my heart.

BRC: What did you dislike most about writing this book?
I think the book will set some people free. It’s the theme I keep hearing from people who have already read it. And freedom is vehemently opposed by the enemy of this world. So there were definitely times I had to push through that were tough. Times I was tempted to give up where my amazing wife pushed me to press on through the oppression coming at me.

BRC: What inspired you to become a writer?
Christmas ’72. My mom gave my sister and me The Chronicles of Narina. At nine years old I was sucked into that world and never wanted to leave. Through C.S. Lewis’ brilliance the bug bit hard and never let go. Ever since I’ve wanted to try to do for others what Clive Staples did for me.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process
These days—with as crazy-busy as I am—I tend to write in batches. I'll take a weekend and write eight hours a day for two and half days, then might not write again till three days later.

BRC: What are you working on now?
Book of Days which will release in January 2011. It’s the story of a man who goes on a quest to find God’s Book of Days—described in Psalm 139—that has recorded the past, present, and future of every soul on earth. Also, I’m working on The Chair which will release in the fall of 2011. And in the land of surreal, a number of film production companies are interested in both Rooms and Book of Days, so we’re starting to explore possibilities there.

BRC: What books do you enjoy reading?
Everything. Bios, fiction, non-fiction, magazines … I always have five or six books going at the same time.

BRC: Where can readers buy your book?
Amazon, as well as Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Amazon, Family Christian Stores, LifeWay, CBD, etc.

BRC: Where can readers find you online?

• http://www.jimrubart.com/ 
• http://www.barefootmarketing.com/Home/
• Facebook: James L. Rubart
• Twitter: @jimrubart
• e-mail: jim@jimrubart.com

Book Giveaway Contest: Leave a comment on this interview to enter. Entrants are limited to those with mailing addresses in the United States and will be accepted until midnight on Wednesday (Pacific Time). The winner will be announced on this blog on Friday. For complete contest rules, click the link in the right sidebar.

Meet and Greet Monday: Past Author: Emily Dickinson

Emily Elizabeth Dickinson, was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, the second of Edward and Emily Dickinson's three children. Emily grew up in Amherst, in a house built by her grandfather, leading a quiet and privileged life. Her father, known by some as "Squire" Dickinson, maintained a religious fervor that Emily failed to emulate, despite her father's insistence she attend weekly sermons in the Congregational church across the street. A religious revival she attended during the winter of 1845 stirred a response in Emily. When she attended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary (which later became Mount Holyoke College) during the school year of 1847-48, Emily experienced another religious revival that deeply moved her. She remained, however, unwilling to testify to a conversion experience.

Ben Newton, a law student working in her father's office, gave Emily a copy of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Poems for Christmas in 1850. Emily read and reread all of Emerson's books, which inspired many of her own poems. Other influences on the poems of Emily Dickinson include the Bible, the Protestant hymns, Shakespeare and Hawthorne. Emily considered Emerson her "validator," for he assured her that doubts about the orthodox religion she was raised with were not unreasonable. However, many of Emily's later poems speak of Jesus in terms that suggest that, despite her early doubts, she did find her way to her Savior.

Many have speculated over several love poems Emily wrote, but the object of those poems remains unknown. Emily never married, coming close only once. Judge Otis Lord died before he could marry Emily, however. Emily lived a passionate life devoted to her books, her garden, and various correspondences with friends and mentors. When her father died in 1874, Emily went into a long seclusion that earned her the title of the "Nun of Amherst" and lasted until her own death on May 15, 1886.

Emily Dickinson is now recognized as one of the greatest poets of 19th century America, however, during her lifetime only seven of her poems saw publication. After her death, over a thousand poems were found in her bureau. In all, she wrote 1,800 poems, only 24 of them bearing titles. Four years after Emily's death, "corrected" selections of her poems began to appear, published by friends and relatives. Her work did not appear as she had written it until Thomas H. Johnson published in 1955 a 3-volume edition of Emily's original, unedited poems.

Today, we can escape into Emily's world through her poems. She, herself, assigned much value to reading, as she testifies, below:

There is no frigate like a book

To take us lands away,

Nor any coursers like a page

Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of toll;

How frugal is the chariot

That bears a human soul!

And We Have a Winner!!!

Congratulations to Robin, who won Deb Kinard's Seasons in the Mist. Thanks to all who stopped by Book Readers Central. Check back soon for more giveaways.

Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: "Rooms" by Jim Rubart

What would you do?

What if a house you inherited is more than it seems? What if doors appear out of nowhere and lead to rooms filled with mystery? What if your life changed daily in unimagined ways? For Seattle software tycoon, Micah Taylor, these questions are not academic. An uncle he's never met leaves him a house in Canon Beach on the Oregon Coast. Micah determines to sell the home, especially since it's located in a place that holds powerful memories for him. But after a visit, and after meeting Sarah Sabin in a local ice cream shop, he can't quite let go.

Micah walks a fine line between darkness and light, pain and healing, death and life. He faces a choice between two worlds, but first he must fight a battle with spiritual consequences.

Enter the strange and wonderful world of Jim Rubart's "Rooms." I highly recommend this life-changing book for adult and young adult readers.

Amazon.com
ChristianBook.com
Barnes and Noble

Meet and Greet Monday: Deb Kinard

Book Giveaway Contest!
Read the details, below.
Deb Kinnard started writing at age ten, because there was no preteen girl with a horse on Bonanza. From there she progressed to short stories and dreadful poetry. In college, she gained two degrees in health care and spent time observing hippies, basketball stars, el-ed majors and other strange species. While raising two active girls and cherishing her husband, she’s enjoyed a career that encompasses Spanish translation, volunteer work at a crisis line, years in assorted ERs, and a day job at a big Chicago teaching hospital. Deb keeps busy with reading, needlework, guitar-playing, and travel whenever possible. She prefers warm places with plenty of ocean and tall, cool fruit juice drinks.


Deb is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and serves as Zone Director for the Midwest. Her previously published novels include Powerline and Oakwood (Treble Heart Books). Angel with a Ray Gun and Angel with a Backhoe are published by Desert Breeze Publishing. Upcoming books include Seasons in the Mist, an April 2010 release from Sheaf House, Damages also in April 2010 from Desert Breeze Publishing and the novella Aloha, My Love will appear in Desert Breeze’s Christmas 2010 anthology. She’s currently working on a sequel to Seasons in the Mist.

BRC: How would you describe your book?
Seasons in the Mist is a time travel love story. I write romance by preference, so when I went to Cornwall a number of years ago, I visited an abandoned well. The feel there was rather strong, as though during its lifetime the well had seen many, many stories...by the time I got home from the U.K. I had the germ of the idea for a time travel adventure.

BRC: What message do you hope it conveys?
The larger truth in this book is that every traveler must walk a straight path in God's eyes -- differences of the culture she's in, current-day mores and customs don't change this need we all have to walk closer to Him. He created it in our souls, and we're diminished if we don't acknowledge His sovereignty.

BRC: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I loved working the years of research into it. I liked recalling the places I'd visited, looking them up on the 'Net to see how they look now, and dredging up difficult-to-find historical details.

BRC: What did you dislike most about writing this book?
Historical details that wouldn't dredge!

BRC: What inspired you to become a writer?
"Bonanza." I was about 10 when it came out, and it came to me that what the show needed was a 10 year old girl adventuring around the Ponderosa on her own pony. So I created one.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process.
I get an idea and just start. I'm an unrepentant seat of the pants writer and I've tried outlining exactly once. Didn't work for me, so I guess I'm stuck with my own work style.

BRC: What are you working on now?
A sequel to Seasons in the Mist , tentatively titled Seasons of Reckoning. A thirtyish history professor accesses the time portal to find out if he can hack it in the 14th century, or was he just deluded? It's been a fun book to write, so far.

BRC: What books do you enjoy reading?
My tastes are pretty eclectic. I read techno-thrillers, romance, nonfic (mostly medieval history and science) and the occasional science fiction story.

BRC: Where can readers buy your book?
Seasons in the Mist is published by Sheaf House.

It's available at Borders, B&N, Amazon.com, Books-a-Million, and CBD. So far. There might be more places I don't know about yet!

BRC: Where can readers find you online?
I have a web site (http://www.debkinnard.com/) and a blog (http://www.justtellthestory.blogspot.com/) where I rant about all sorts of issues.

BRC: Thanks for stopping by and letting readers get to know you!
Thanks for inviting me.

Book Giveaway Contest: Leave a comment on this blog post to enter. Entrants are limited to those with mailing addresses within the United States. The winner will be announced on this blog on Friday. Full Contest Rules

And We Have a Winner!!!

Congratulations to Sandee61, who won "Scattered Petals" by Amanda Cabot.

Thanks to all who stopped by Book Readers Central, and to those who commented on Amanda's interview. Be sure and check back next week for another interview and giveaway contest.

If you wish, you can sign up for email delivery of this blog in the left sidebar.

Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: The Imaginary Journeys of BJ and Dobbin by Betty J Riordan

I had the help of a young volunteer in reading this book for review. She met me each night in her "jammies," eyes aglow in anticipation of a treat. We'd snuggle, and then open the book. It was not enough for my reviewer-in-training to have BJ and Dobbin read to her. She must, instead, become BJ by reading her lines. I had the job of portraying the many other characters, which included Benjamin Franklin, Sacagawea, Christopher Columbus, Betsy Ross and the like. Every chapter led to discoveries as young BJ, astride her trusty steed, Dobbin, embarked on a new and exciting adventure. When, at the end of each chapter, Mother tapped BJ on the shoulder and reminded her it was time for bed, my young volunteer followed suit without complaint.

I recommend this book highly for young readers who will embrace BJ and Dobbin while learning in an entertaining way about figures from American history. I must thank Betty J Riordan for writing such a work of quality. I know one young reader who looks forward to reading more in the series.

Amazon Purchase Link 

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided to Book Readers Central for puposes of review.

Meet and Greet Monday: Amanda Cabot

Book Giveaway Contest!!! (Limited to entrants with mailing addresses in the United States. See the details, below.)

Amanda Cabot has always been a dreamer, and so it’s no coincidence that her first books for the CBA market are called Texas Dreams.  Set in the Hill Country beginning in 1856, these deeply emotional historical romances showcase God’s love as well as that between a man and a woman.  The first in the trilogy, Paper Roses, is in its second printing, and Scattered Petals was a March 1 release.

A former director of Information Technology, Amanda has written everything from technical books and articles for IT professionals to mysteries for teenagers and romances for all ages.  She’s delighted to now be a fulltime writer living in Cheyenne, WY with her high school sweetheart/ husband of many years. 

BRC: How would you describe your book?

Scattered Petals is a historical romance set in the Texas Hill Country beginning in late 1856.  Although completely accurate, isn’t that a boring description?  Who would read a book if that was all you knew about it?  Let’s try again.  Here’s the back cover blurb, which I hope intrigues you more than that plain vanilla first sentence.

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her, ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows Priscilla deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who’s haunted by memories of his mistakes.

When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.

Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals weaves a tale of drama, love and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.

BRC: What message do you hope it conveys?

All of my books seem to have an underlying theme of the healing power of love.  I don’t always have that in mind when I begin the book, but since I believe in love (and justice, but that’s another story), there’s usually at least a hint of healing.  Scattered Petals, however, was designed as a healing story.  Priscilla, who’s been attacked by a bandit, needs to heal both physically and emotionally, while Zach’s healing is internal. 

BRC: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

This is the second book in the series, and for me it was great fun to return to Ladreville, the fictional town I’d created in Paper Roses.  I had gotten to know – and love – the people of Ladreville (most of them, that is), and so it was a pleasure to watch the next chapter of their lives unfold.  For me, writing the second and third books in a series is a bit like returning to a dear friend’s home – more comfortable the second time around.  (Oh, dear, that sounds like a line from a song, doesn’t it?)   Anyway, I hope my readers feel the same way and that they enjoy this second Texas Dreams adventure.

BRC: What did you dislike most about writing this book?

The first scene was an extremely difficult one for me to write.  It was also a critical one, since it forms the foundation for my heroine’s journey to love and healing, and so – as painful as it was to research and ultimately write – I did it.  That scene and the rest of the first chapter are available as an excerpt on my web site.

BRC: What inspired you to become a writer?

I really cannot remember a time when I didn’t write – or at least want to write, and so I wrote sporadically until I was almost 29. Since then I have come to believe that authors have at least one thing in common with oysters, namely that we need irritation to produce our pearls … er… our books.  For me, that irritation was moving to a new area and discovering that what had appeared to be an ideal job was truly awful.  Of course, that happened at a time when jobs were hard to find, so I stuck with the one I had for over three years.  But the irritation was enough that I decided it was time to become serious about writing.

BRC: Tell us about your writing process.

I’m almost afraid to tell you this, since when I explained my process to a group of eager readers at a library, another writer jumped out of her seat, clearly horrified, and announced that she didn’t understand how anyone could write that way. So … consider yourself warned. My technique doesn’t work for everyone.

I start with a five to eight-page synopsis, which is primarily a selling tool.  (Agents and editors need synopses to decide whether or not they want the whole book.)  For my own benefit, I create a chapter-by-chapter outline.  The goal of that is to provide a road map, showing me which scenes are in which chapter.  After that I write two drafts for each book (the skeleton and the flesh-and-blood).  Those are followed by a final read-through and minor tweaking phase, which I refer to as the accessories.  In keeping with the analogy of turning a skeleton into a living, breathing person, this is the time for makeup, hairdos and jewelry.   

For the two drafts, I put myself on a two-chapters-a-week schedule.  Since I’m a morning person, I write most mornings.  I’d love to tell you that I always finish my allotted chapters by noon on Friday, but that doesn’t always happen.  When it doesn’t, you’ll find me writing during the afternoon, even at night, to get those chapters done.  And when I’m in the final polishing phase, I tend to work longer hours, mostly because I want to ensure continuity in the book.  It’s during that final phase where I catch errors like a minor character being named Smith in one chapter and Jones in another.  Those are the kind of mistakes that bother me when I see them in a published book, so I try my best to eliminate them.

BRC: What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the first draft (my least favorite part of the process) of the first of the Wyoming Winds books.  This is the trilogy that will be published after the third of the Texas Dreams books.  Since I live in Wyoming, I’m having a lot of fun, introducing readers to my new home state.

BRC: What books do you enjoy reading?

I’m a fairly eclectic reader and enjoy a variety of books (mostly fiction, I admit), but my favorite books are those with happy or at least satisfying endings.  That’s why I gravitate toward romances and mysteries.  In both cases, no matter what horrible things happen during the story, I know I’ll find a satisfying ending.

BRC: Where can readers buy your book?

All of my books are available online (Amazon, B&N, Christian Book, etc.) and in brick-and-mortar stores.  If one of the brick-and-mortar stores is out of stock, they can always order a copy.
 Here's the purchase link for Paper Roses, book one of the Texas Dreams series, at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/080073324x/amandaharet

            Here's the Amazon purchase link for Scattered Petals, book two of the Texas Dreams series:
            http://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Petals-Novel-Texas-Dreams/dp/0800733258/ref=pd_cp_b_2


BRC: Where can readers find you online?

I invite them to visit my web site, http://www.amandacabot.com.  I also welcome email from readers and try to respond within a couple days.  

          

BRC: Thanks for stopping by Book Readers Central and letting readers get to know you.

          Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me, Janalyn.  I enjoyed our time together.

Book Giveaway: Leave a comment to this post or email it privately (click here) to enter. Be sure and put "Scattered Petals Giveaway" as your subject. Entries will be accepted until midnight (Pacific time) this Wednesday. Visit this blog on Friday to find out the winner!

And We Have a Winner!!!

Carmen won both Ann Shorey's "The Promise of Morning" and Lisa Harris's "Blood Ransom." Thanks, everyone who visited Book Readers Central. Be sure and stop back again for future giveaways. You can sign up to receive this blog by email.

Whistlestop Wednesday Book Review: An Absence so Great

Lady photographer Jessie Gaebele tackles a man's world in this story of life and love set against the backdrop of America when the twentieth-century was in its teens. "An Absence So Great" and its predecessor, "A Flickering Light," explores the personal history of author Jane Kirkpatrick's grandmother.

We follow Jessie's struggle against a growing attraction to her mentor, Fred Bauer, who exists in a loveless marriage. Jessie makes mistakes as she attempts to severe her connections to Fred, gain independence and work toward purchasing a studio of her own. When circumstances contrive to throw her together with Fred and disastrous consequences follow, Jessie exhibits moral courage and Fred confronts himself.

"An Absence So Great" rings with the truth of the human condition and the restoration God can bring.

Recommended for women who enjoy historical fiction.

©2010 Janalyn Voigt

Author Bio:

Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years. 

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher for purposes of review.

Meet and Greet: Lisa Harris

Book Giveaway!!!
Entrants must have an address in the United States or Canada. See the details below. 

Award-winning author of twenty novels and novellas, Lisa Harris lives with her husband and their three children in Mozambique, Africa, where they work as missionaries. When she’s not busy writing or home schooling, she loves traveling, cooking different ethnic foods, and going on game drives through the African bush. Visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com and her blog at www.myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com.  

Dear Reader, 

I’m thrilled for the chance to drop by and chat for a few minutes about words and books, something I love and am guessing most of you love as well!

My family and I live in Mozambique, Africa where we are currently involved in discipleship training and some humanitarian projects. We’ve also been blessed to be able to travel extensively throughout Europe and Africa and more recently Brazil, where we learned Portuguese. On top of ministry and writing, one of my main priorities right now is my kids, whom we home school. Life is definitely full!

 

My time in Africa prompted the desire to write a book set here. Blood Ransom is a fast-paced novel of suspense with a thread of romance and will take you deep into the heart of Africa where lives will change forever.

Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao, when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.

Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade—and a high-ranking political figure involved in it—disaster nips at their heels.

Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie and Joseph win their race against time?

Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare challenge it.

In writing Blood Ransom, I wanted tell a story about ordinary people who end up doing extraordinary things for God through His strength, just like Gideon, David, and Esther. I think it’s a powerful lesson to realize that no matter how “small” we might feel, God can still use us.

As for future projects, I just turned in the second book in the series that will be released next spring. Until the edits for that story start rolling in, I’ll be writing a Romantic Suspense for Summerside Press, also set in Africa, that I’m really excited about.

To lean more about life in Africa and my books, I’d love to have you drop by my website and blog and while you’re there, leave a comment and say hi!

Thanks so much for having me, Janalyn! 

View the Book Video for Blood Ransom in the right sidebar of this blog, or full sized in the Suspense page.

Links to purchase Blood Ransom:

Zondervan:- http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310319054&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

Christianbooks.com- http://www.christianbook.com/blood-ransom-mission-hope/lisa-harris/9780310319054/pd/319054?item_code=WW&netp_id=636694&event=ESRCN&view=details

Book Giveaway for Blood Ransom: Leave a comment on this interview to enter. Entries will be accepted until this Wednesday at midnight (Pacific time). The winner will be posted on this blog on Friday.