Author Interview ~ Becky Harling

Becky Harling is a gifted communicator, with a passion for seeing the Bible “come alive” in the hearts of women. Her love for the Lord, compassionate spirit, sense of humor and energetic style inspires women to draw closer to God.

Becky has spent more than 30 years teaching the Word of God to women both nationally and internationally. She and her husband have served in pastoral ministry both here in the United States and overseas in the country of Sudan, East Africa. She creatively combines deep Biblical insight with her powerful testimony and the stories of other women. Her life experience as a pastor’s wife, missionary, parent of four children, Women’s Ministries Director, survivor of breast cancer and childhood sexual abuse all bring depth to her message. She brings a message of hope and healing that is refreshingly transparent.

Becky holds a degree in Biblical Literature. She speaks both individually and together with her husband Steve, who is the Lead Pastor at Foothills Community Church in Arvada, Co. Becky has served as a consultant for Women’s Ministry Directors around the country. She and Steve have four adult children and one grandchild.

Becky has written Finding Calm in Life’s Chaos and Rewriting Your Emotional Script, which is now also published in Polish. Her third book, Living for His Applause Alone is scheduled to be released in 2010. She has been a guest on Denver Celebration (Daystar Television Network), Moody’s Midday Connection, The John and Stephanie Show, The Author’s Corner with Adam Winkler and many other top rated radio talk shows.

When did you decide to be a writer?

I first thought about being a writer as ten year old. I loved reading and the thought of writing felt intriguing! That year I read 100 books and thought about what type of book I’d like to write.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

I am not sure I’ve reached the point of “trusting myself” yet……..I’m definitely growing and my editor continues to build my confidence. She is teaching me to “trust my gut.” I continue to remind myself that the Holy Spirit indwells me and so I know that He leads as I write.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I tend to be fairly disciplined but at times “writers block” sets in and I have to lay it aside and let my thoughts simmer until I have clarity.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I work out at the gym and go for walks. My husband and I enjoy going to movies together and watching the Denver Nuggets play basketball. I love to read and I am wild about hanging out with my eight week old grandson! (Charlie)

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. My husband and I entered pastoral ministry at age 21. Our first church was a little country church in small town America much like Mitford. I fell in love with the characters that Jan created because I felt like I had already met them in our small country church!

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

I find inspiration in reading the writings of other authors. I was first a “speaker” who then became a writer so, I still consider myself a learner. Reading the writings of others helps me pick up tips on how to develop my thoughts and find my own writing voice.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

My latest release was Rewriting Your Emotional Script. The book gives readers a process for personal healing and life transformation. Rewriting takes readers through the beatitudes and shows them how to step by step erase the false messages they received in childhood and replace them with truth from God’s word. The book gives women hope that freedom from the emotional baggage of childhood is possible!

Where did you get your inspiration for Rewriting Your Emotional Script?

As I began sharing my story of healing from childhood sexual abuse, women began coming to me and asking me to show them how I found healing. Many felt hopeless and as if they would never recover. In many ways, God used my story to provide living hope for women, showing them that healing and life transformation were possible!

One of the themes of this book is finding freedom for people whose past is holding them bondage. What would you say is the number one thing people struggle with freeing themselves from?

The number one thing I hear is that women are held in bondage to the messages of their past. Instead of replacing those messages with truth they rehearse those false messages over and over like a broken tape in their minds.

Was there ever a time in your life when you wish someone would have shared the tips found in this book with you? Can you tell us about it?

Yes! When I began having sexual abuse memories and realized the extent of those memories I felt as if my life was over. At that time God brought a godly mentor and a godly therapist alonsgide me and together they worked with me showing me how to erase the messages of the past and replace them with the truth found in God’s word. God used those two godly women to shoe me that God was going to use me in the lives of thousands of women to show them how to break free from their past.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

No matter how much emotional pain you have experienced, freedom and life transformation are possible!

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I have taken a lot of radio interviews. Moody radio ran a ten week on the air Bible study where listeners could join two co-hosts and myself, on the air for a “small group Bible study” going through Rewriting Your Emotional Script. In addition, whenever I do a Rewriting Your Emotional Script conference in an area of the United States, I contact counseling agencies in that area and send ahead copies of my book to give them a head’s up that I will be in their area. I make them aware that I will be mentioning issues such as sexual abuse, eating disorders and depression. That has worked very well and gets counselors behind the book.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I am presently finishing my third book which helps women find grace in a performance driven world. The book uses the parables that Jesus taught as a spring board to help women internalize grace. The whole book is built around one statement: “Grace tells me I am completely known, loved, forgiven, empowered and pursued by God.”

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Learn to unleash the power of praising God in your own personal life. When you learn to praise God in spite of your circumstances, chains of bondage are broken!

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Becky is giving away a copy of her book, Rewriting Your Emotional Script. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Author Interview ~ Maggie Brendan

Maggie Brendan is a member of the American Christian Writers (ACW) and the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She was a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award for Atlanta.

Maggie has experience in media and print production and has a particular interest and affinity with Christian radio. She can be found on her blog, http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com/ and is a resident blogger on http://www.bustlesAndspurs.com.

Her first book, No Place For a Lady, the first book in the Heart of the West series, was released in January 2009 and received a 4.5 star review from Romantic Times. The Jewel of His Heart, book 2, was released in October of 2009. A Love of Her Own will be released in June and received a 4 star review from Romantic Times. Her most recent project is another historical series entitled The Blue Willow Brides.

Maggie was also quoted in, Word Weavers, The Successful Writer’s Critique Groups, that was released in June 2008. She has led a writer’s critique group for the last six years. A screenplay of her first novel is at Hallmark for possible TV movie production. She recently spoke at a Regional Church Bookstores and Libraries conference in Marietta about The Value of Christian Fiction. She participated in LifeWay Christian Store’s Annual Fiction Event Day at the Mall of Georgia and this past October. She will be doing the LifeWay’s Fiction Event Day again May 15th in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Maggie is married with two grown children and four grandchildren. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, singing, painting, scrapbooking and being with her family. She lives in Marietta, GA.

When did you decide to be a writer?

Like most people I started when I was in grammar school. I wrote 2 small books. My first one, I still have. So the desire to write was there from a young age. Reading books made me want to write.

How long did you write before you sold your first book?

I wrote off and on while my children were growing up, but I seriously started back to completing a book after my children were grown because my brother kept encouraging me to do so. He thought it was a good story and it wound up being my first sale with Revell. So 5 years ago I started taking my writing seriously.

Everyone’s journey to publication is different. Now that you’ve walked that road, what tips can you give to authors still hoping for that first contract?

Don’t ever give up. I once left my book with a publisher for a year before finding out the editor who requested it was no longer with that house. Learn all you can and read all you can. There are many resources for writers—conferences, how to books and critique groups.

Joining a critique group is an excellent way to learn the craft of writing, get encouragement and get your work critiqued.

Was there something about the experience of getting published that was a surprise to you?

I think the thing that may have been a bit of a surprise was that you have to be your own advocate to get your work looked at. If it sits on your desks and you just dream about it happening, you can forget it. You have to do your homework, just like any other profession and learn to do it well. In the CBA industry, I was surprised that at the center of that world are people with a heart for God.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

I try to write 4 or 5 days a week. When my deadline gets closer, I work on Saturday too. I try to leave Sunday free.

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

I love to sing and being in a large sanctuary choir is like breathing in fresh air and recharges my batteries. I always have a good book to lose myself in and take time to walk outdoors, weather permitting. Brainstorming with my best friend refreshes my mind and spirit.

What is your favorite novel (not written by you) and what made it special?

Gone With the Wind was my favorite, I guess. I loved the history, the rich detail and the feisty heroine and of course the love story. It’s an awesome book and me being a Southerner made it even better.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

First of all, you may learn something that you didn’t already know and words you aren’t familiar with. Reading other writers will expand your own vision and might generate new ideas about other places or history. You also learn different styles of writing by reading other novels.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Set in 1890s Montana, The Jewel of His Heart finds Juliana drawn to a handsome, gentle sheepherder--but sparks fly when he considers mining, the occupation that lured her father away from his family. Both Josh and Juliana must make a choice--the world's riches and promises, or the eternal value of love.

Where did you get your inspiration for The Jewel of His Heart?

The idea for this story came about after my brother, Jess McCreede (Jerry O’Neal) died, suddenly. He was a western writer and was Deputy Superintendent of Glacier National Park. About six months after he died, I attended the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Denver conference and then traveled on to Montana to see his writing cabin. After exploring the historic nearby towns, I kept seeing Yogo sapphires in many of the shops windows. My husband bought me a pretty Yogo ring. Later, I saw the book about the history of the Yogo and thought it’d be fun to create a story around the time of their discovery.

Which character is most like you?

I’m more like Juliana Brady, the heroine in the story. I didn’t realize that Juliana’s life of growing up without her father may have mirrored mine until my best friend pointed that out. However, Juliana is a lot more cautious than I am. I tend to be too trusting in most cases.

Who is your favorite character and why?

That would be Josh McBride. He’s a kind, considerate and a gentle person with a lot of faith. Josh’s sense of adventure would be one thing that I have in common with. I enjoy travelling to other places and learning new things, which is what my hero does. But Josh tends to think he knows what others are thinking about him, and I try to be just the opposite.

Did you know how The Jewel of His Heart would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

Somewhat surprised. The characters tend to take over when I’m writing and I have to laugh. I’m a SOTP writer, but that makes the writing fun.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

I’d like readers to consider choosing between the jewels of this world or the more eternal value of a woman’s love to be vitally important. We are a jewel in God’s eyes.

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I’ve done a lot of interviews and giveaways on my blog, facebook and other writer’s blogs. I mailed out post cards with the books cover. I’ve done book signings at Borders, LifeWay, Sweet Spirit Parable store and my church’s bookstore, The Bookmark.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

I’m working on The Blue Willow Brides series. The first book, Deeply Devoted, is about three sisters from Holland who come to American seeking a fresh start. The first book takes place in Wyoming and this past September, I traveled to Cheyenne and surrounding area to get a feel for my setting.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

Keep working at your craft to make each book better than the last one. Don’t be afraid to put your manuscript out there. We’ve all been there, but don’t let fear hold you back. You have nothing to lose. It’s vital to connect with other writers—they’ll understand you. Join a critique group and attend a writing conference. It’ll change your life! If writing is the passion of your heart, then it will happen. Write a great story then work as hard as you can to market your book and fans will come along.

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Maggie is giving away a copy of her book, The Jewel of His Heart. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Sunday Devotional

Ever feel this way? Like the cares of the world have weighed you down, and no matter what you do, there’s no way you can go on? Fortunately, God is powerful, and be it failure, grief, or something in between, He is able to lift us up, dust us off, and restore in us the joy of our salvation.

The Scripture says this:

I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD. ~ Psalm 40:1-3

Don't be deceived, beloved. God sees where we are. He knows our need, and though we may not always understand His ways, we can be assured of this: He will never go on without us. He'll wait patiently, renewing our strength, until at last, we can walk with Him again.

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Winners!!

It's always so much fun to give away great books!! Congratulations to this week's lucky winners:

Edna - Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris

Rhonda Gibson - Becoming Lucy by Martha Rogers

Lisa Lickel - Lord, I Just Want to be Happy by Leslie Vernick
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Winners of this week's books, please use the button in the upper right side of this page to email me with your mailing address so I can forward your information to the authors. Then, sit back and wait for your book to arrive.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book, and thank you Lisa Harris, Martha Rogers, and Leslie Vernick for your generosity in providing books!

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Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away THREE great books:

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris ~ Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it. Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever. Natalie Sinclair and Dr. Chad Talcott want to make a difference in underdeveloped African villages ... but they didn't count on risking their lives in the process.

Becoming Lucy by Martha Rogers ~ In 1896, after her parents’ deaths, seventeen-year-old heiress Lucinda Bishop is sent to Oklahoma to live with her aunt and uncle. But Oklahoma ranch life brings her more than she bargained for when she meets ranch Jake Starnes, a drifter who is running from his past. As her friendship with Jake grows, Lucinda faces emotions she’s never before experienced.

As Jake learns more about God’s love for him, he realizes he must face his past and the consequences ofhis actions, even if it means he will lose the one girl he loves. Will he be able to get his life together before someone else claims her hand…or even her life?

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Lord, I Just Want to be Happy by Leslie Vernick ~ Counselor and author Leslie Vernick has discovered that many people pray, “Lord, I just want to be happy!” With candor, Leslie reveals that readers don’t need new circumstances but a new perspective to discover true happiness. With biblical insight, Leslie guides readers to take simple steps as they… recognize and change habits that, day by day, keep them from experiencing happiness make good choices and learn from mistakes without beating themselves up develop the skills that enable them to let go of negative and painful emotions more quickly transform difficult circumstances so they can live with gratitude, joy, and purpose .

Application questions help readers work godly thinking, as well as healthy skills and habits, into their lives and hearts. They’ll discover that, even if nothing changes in their circumstances, their inner chains can be broken and they can go free…into a new path of real hope and happiness.

Winners will be announced on 03/13/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris

PROLOGUE

A narrow shaft of sunlight broke through the thick canopy of leaves above Joseph Komboli’s short frame and pierced through to the layers of vines that crawled along the forest floor. He trudged past a spiny tree trunk — one of hundreds whose flat crowns reached toward the heavens before disappearing into the cloudless African sky — and smiled as the familiar hum of the forest welcomed him home.

A trickle of moisture dripped down the back of his neck, and he reached up to brush it away, then flicked at a mosquito. The musty smell of rotting leaves and sweet flowers encircled him, a sharp contrast to the stale exhaust fumes of the capital’s countless taxis or the stench of hundreds of humans pressed together on the dilapidated cargo boat he’d left at the edge of the river this morning.

Another flying insect buzzed in his ears, its insistent drone drowned out only by the birds chattering in the treetops. He slapped the insect away and dug into the pocket of his worn trousers for a handful of fire-roasted peanuts, still managing to balance the bag that rested atop his head. His mother’s sister had packed it for him, ensuring that the journey — by taxi, boat, and now foot — wouldn’t leave his belly empty. Once, not too long ago, he had believed no one living in the mountain forests surrounding his village, or perhaps even in all of Africa, could cook goza and fish sauce like his mother. But now, having ventured from the dense and sheltering rainforest, he knew she was only one of thousands of women who tirelessly pounded cassava and prepared the thick stew for their families day after day.

Still, his mouth watered at the thought of his mother’s cooking. The capital of Bogama might offer running water and electricity for those willing to forfeit a percentage of their minimal salaries, but even the new shirt and camera his uncle had given him as parting gifts weren’t enough to lessen his longings for home.

He wrapped the string of the camera around his wrist and felt his heart swell with pride. No other boy in his village owned such a stunning piece. Not that the camera was a frivolous gift. Not at all. His uncle called it an investment in the future. In the city lived a never-ending line of men and women willing to pay a few cents for a color photo. When he returned to Bogama for school, he planned to make enough money to send some home to his family — something that guaranteed plenty of meat and cassava for the evening meal.

Anxious to give his little sister, Aina, one of the sweets tucked safely in his pocket and his mother the bag of sugar he carried, Joseph quickened his steps across the red soil, careful to avoid a low limb swaying under the weight of a monkey.

A cry shattered the relative calm of the forest.

Joseph slowed as the familiar noises of the forest faded into the shouts of human voices. More than likely the village children had finished collecting water from the river and now played a game of chase or soccer with a homemade ball.

The wind blew across his face, sending a chill down his spine as he neared the thinning trees at the edge of the forest. Another scream split the afternoon like a sharpened machete.

Joseph stopped. These were not the sounds of laughter.

Dropping behind the dense covering of the large leaves, Joseph approached the outskirts of the small village, straining his eyes in an effort to decipher the commotion before him. At first glance everything appeared familiar. Two dozen mud huts with thatched roofs greeted him like an old friend. Tendrils of smoke rose from fires beneath rounded cooking pots that held sauce for evening meals. Brightly colored pieces of fabric fluttered in the breeze as freshly laundered clothes soaked up the warmth of the afternoon sun.

His gaze flickered to a figure emerging from behind one of the grass-thatched huts. Black uniform . . . rifle pressed against his shoulder . . . Joseph felt his lungs constrict. Another soldier emerged, then another, until there were half a dozen shouting orders at the confused villagers who stumbled onto the open area in front of them. Joseph watched as his best friend Mbona tried to fight back, but his hoe was no match against the rifle butt that struck his head. Mbona fell to the ground.

Ghost Soldiers!

A wave of panic, strong as the mighty Congo River rushing through its narrow tributaries, ripped through Joseph’s chest. He gasped for breath, his chest heaving as air refused to fill his lungs. The green forest spun. Gripping the sturdy branch of a tree, he managed to suck in a shallow breath.

He’d heard his uncle speak of the rumored Ghost Soldiers — mercenaries who appeared from nowhere and kidnapped human laborers to work as slaves for the mines. Inhabitants of isolated villages could disappear without a trace and no one would ever know.

Except he’d thought such myths weren’t true.

The sight of his little sister told him otherwise. His mind fought to grasp what was happening. Blood trickled down the seven-year-old’s forehead as she faltered in front of the soldiers with her hands tied behind her.

No!

Unable to restrain himself, Joseph lunged forward but tripped over a knotty vine and fell. A twig snapped, startling a bird into flight above him.

The soldier turned from his sister and stared into the dense foliage. Joseph lay flat against the ground, his hand clasped over the groan escaping his throat. The soldier hesitated a moment longer, then grabbed his sister’s arm and pulled her to join the others.

Choking back a sob, Joseph rose to his knees and dug his fingers into the hard earth. What could he do? Nothing. He was no match for these men. If he didn’t remain secluded behind the cover of the forest, he too would vanish along with his family.

The haunting sounds of screams mingled with gunshots. His grandfather fell to the ground and Joseph squeezed his eyes shut, blackness enveloping him. It was then, as he pressed his hand against his pounding chest, that he felt the camera swinging against his wrist.

He stared at the silver case. Slowly, he pressed the On button.

This time, the world would know.

With a trembling arm Joseph lifted the camera. Careful to stay within the concealing shade of the forest, he snapped a picture without bothering to aim as his uncle had taught him. He took another photo, and another, and another . . . until the cries of his people dissipated on the north side of the clearing as the soldiers led those strong enough to work toward the mountains. The rest — those like his grandfather, too old or too weak to work in the mines — lay motionless against the now bloodstained African soil.

In the remaining silence, the voices of two men drifted across the breeze. English words were foreign to his own people’s uneducated ears but had become familiar to Joseph. What he heard now brought a second wave of terror . . .

“Only four more days until we are in power . . . There is no need to worry . . . The president will be taken care of . . . I can personally guarantee the support of this district . . .”

Joseph zoomed in and took a picture of the two men.

A monkey jumped to the tree above him and started chattering. One of the beefy soldiers jerked around, his attention drawn to the edge of the clearing. Joseph froze as his gaze locked with the man’s.

Someone shouted.

If they caught him now, no one would ever know what had happened to his family.

Joseph scrambled to his feet as the soldier ran toward him, but the man was faster. The butt of a rifle struck Joseph’s head. He faltered, but as a trickle of blood dripped into his eye, he pictured Aina being led away . . . his grandfather murdered in cold blood . . .

Ignoring the searing pain, Joseph fought to pull loose from his attacker’s grip, kicked at the man’s shins. The soldier faltered on the uneven terrain. Clambering to his feet, Joseph ran into the cover of the forest. A rifle fired, and the bullet whizzed past his ear, but he kept moving. With the Ghost Soldier in pursuit, Joseph sprinted as fast as he could through the tangled foliage and prayed that the thick jungle would swallow him.

Want more? Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win a copy of Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris.

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Author Interview ~ Lisa Harris

Award-winning author of nineteen 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 photographing animals and birds in the African bush. Visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com and her blog at www.myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com

.When did you decide to be a writer?

I remember devouring books while I was in junior high and high school by authors like Carolyn Keene and Victoria Holt and dreaming of one day writing my own. But it wasn’t until many years later, after we adopted our first child, that I decided it was time to try and make that longtime dream come true. It took another few year before I published my first story, but it’s definitly a journey I’m glad I took.

At what point did you stop juggling suggestions and critiques and trust yourself (as a writer)?

Hmm… that’s hard, because critiques are so important, but you do have to grow as a writer and learn to trust yourself, especially when you recive conflicting advise. Over the years, I’ve learned to follow my gut both when I think things will work and when I know it won’t work.

Are you a disciplined writer or do you just write when you feel like it?

Because of my schedule—I’m a home schooling mom and we’re involved in ministry—I’ve had to become very disciplined. Every day I have a word count, usually about 1000 words, to reach so when I get close to my deadline I won’t panic. (Trust me, I can’t write anything under pressure!)

What kind of activities to you like to do that help you relax and step away from your deadlines for a bit?

As a family, we usually head to the beach for our day off once a week. We live about twenty minutes from the Indian Ocean which means warm water year round! I find it completely relaxing and and rejuvenating. We also try to spend some time at a game park, usually in South Africa, several times a year which I also find relaxing. I love driving through the bush and photographing the animals.

What is your favorite novel and what made it special?

Wow, another hard one. :-) I have so many. How about a recent favorite? I loved Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy. She intertwined a moving contemporary with threads from the past to make a very memorable story.

That's one of my favorites, too! Do you think reading the work of others writers like Susan, helps you as a writer?

Yes, because I’m able to see in a concrete way what works, and—in my very humble opinion—what falls short. And in turn, hopefully, I can make my own books stronger.

Tell us a little about your latest release:

Blood Ransom is one of those stories from my heart that I loved writing. Deep in the heart of Africa, two American lives are about to change forever. Natalie Sinclair and Dr. Chad Talcott want to make a difference in under-developed African villages … but they didn’t count on risking their lives in the process. Romance and adventure drive this powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it. (To view the video trailer, click here).

Where did you get your inspiration for Blood Ransom?

I’d wanted to write a story set in Africa for years, but editor after editor told me it would never sell. So I kept the story percolating in the back of my mind. One New Year’s Eve, about four years ago, I was challenged by a friend to go ahead and write the book. Feeling that God had finally given me the go-ahead, I did. I pitched the idea to Sue Brower, who’s now my editor at Zondervan, while at a writer’s conference that fall and she told me that the timing was finally right. It still took a while for everything to come together, but this story is definitely the fulfillment of a dream.

Which character is most like you?

I suppose there is a part of me in every story that I write—or so my mother says. :-)Natalie, my heroine,, is adventurous, passionate and strong, but also has a vulnerabilty about her that makes her real. I see myself as adventurous and passionate, but I definitely have that streak of vulnerability as well that makes me cautious at times.

Who is your favorite character and why?

Oh, you’re going to make me choose? :-) If you’ve seen my video trailer that’s now posted on my blog, you were able to “meet” Joseph Komboli, my young hero in the story who loses his family to the horrors of the slave trade. Making that video really made his character come to life for me and reminded me again that I want to be a voice to those who don’t have one.

Did you know how Blood Ransom would turn out? Were you surprised by any of the plot twists or characters?

When I start writing a book, I always know where I’m going, but there are also always plot twits that surprise me as the book takes form. For example, in the book that follows Blood Ransom in the series, I even ended up with a minor character who originally had just a few lines, take on a major role in the story. This is a part of the creative process that I love.

What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

Blood Ransom is a story about courage, hope, and in particular, how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things for him. I also wanted to combine this idea with the reality of Christ’s victory on the cross.

“And they sang a new song with these words: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.’” Revelation 5:9 NLT

What kinds of things have you done to market this book? Have you found anything that works particularly well?

I’m just now in the beginning of marketing, so I’ll have to wait and see what ends up working best. :-) My main thrust is to simply continue getting the word out there and trying to connect with my readers since they’re the ones who I’m writing for.

Specific things have been updating my blog and website with information about the book, making a book trailer, doing blog interviews, and having fun giveaways all month on my blog.

Tell us what new projects you’re working on.

Right now, I’m doing the last edits of book two in the series, Blood Covenant that is due in a couple weeks. Then I will be starting a new romantic suspense for Summerside Press called Dark Continent that I’m really excited about. The book will be set both in southern Africa and New York in the early 1920’s.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

If you’re a writer with dream of publication, don’t give up! And no matter who you are, go read a good book today! :-)

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