Thursday, February 27, 2014

Heidi Glick Interview

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology, a minor in Bible from Cedarville University, and a passion for writing Christian fiction. Additionally, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. Heidi’s debut suspense novel, “Dog Tags,” was released in June 2013.


Hi, Heidi! So great to have you here! Give us a couple sentences describing what you write.

I write scintillating Christian suspense with a touch of romance. I write to entertain as well as to encourage with faith-building stories.



How would you label the overall mood of your stories: dark, gritty, poignant, sensitive, heart-warming, raucous, light, fresh, tummy-tickler (funny), educational, adventurous, witty, passionate, reminiscent, sweet, forceful, eye-opening.

Though I write suspense and my books include dark moments, I also like to include humor in my stories.



What is the name of your latest book?

Dog Tags was released in June 2013.



Using any celebrity, past or present, who would you cast as your main characters?

Well, based purely on physical similarities to my characters, if he were still alive, I would have cast Paul Walker as the hero, and I’d cast Rachel McAdams as the heroine.
http://bestscreenwallpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Paul-walker-hd-wallpapers-Fast-Furious-Paul-walker-wallpaper-Free-wallpapers-10.jpg



 What is the theme of your story and how did you come to it?

The theme of the story is forgiveness. The story also deals with grief and loss. While writing the book, I lost my father to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Also, my husband and I experienced infertility.



A sneak peek into what you're working on right now?

Right now, I’m working on a crime/suspense novel in which a federal agent tries to save greater Cincinnati from a chemical spill that threatens the Ohio River.



Describe your writing space.

I usually write on my laptop while sitting on my couch (nothing fancy).



Do you work a day job? Is there a secret/technique you’ve found that helps with balancing the writing and working life?

Before my son was born, I worked as a technical editor/writer for several years. Now, I stay at home, and I occasionally perform freelance editing jobs. When I worked full time outside the home, I wrote early in the morning and at night. I also would use a voice recorder in my car to record ideas, and I would sometimes write during lunch breaks. As a stay at home mom, I write when my son naps or in the evenings.



Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.

I have a personal blog called the Queen City Quill. More frequently, I blog for Sleuths and Suspects, a site for readers of mystery, thriller, suspense, and romantic suspense genres.



Now the fun stuff... :)

On a dream research trip, where would you go? What would you ask to see/experience first?

I would go to England because it is a brief setting in one of my manuscripts. Otherwise, I’d travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, because that is also a setting in one of manuscripts.



When you read, do you prefer paperback, e-book, or audio? Why?

I prefer e-book because I can read while on the treadmill; I like to multi-task when possible.


http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Tags-Heidi-Glick/dp/1611162602
Book blurb.

When disabled ex-Marine Mark Graham reconnects with his best friend’s sister, he finds himself falling in love. But Beth Martindale’s presence is a constant reminder of events he’d rather forget. Mark wants to move forward, but the secrets surrounding her brother’s death as well as his own confinement to a wheelchair threaten to tear them apart. When a psychopath who calls himself The Knight fixates on Beth, Mark is determined to give her the protection he failed to give her brother on the battlefield, yet he discovers that a wheelchair isn’t the only impediment he has to keeping Beth safe. Will terror win or can Mark find the strength of mind and body to rescue Beth and find his own redemption?

Oh my word!! Talk about a gripping premise!!! Cannot wait to read this one.

Which of these things can readers can do to help spread the word about this book?

Word of mouth is great, but I appreciate any of the following ways to spread the word about Dog Tags

Word of mouth,
Amazon.com/Goodreads reviews,
Blog posts,
Tweets/Facebook posts,
Like the author's Facebook page, follow on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads,
If you win/buy a copy, post a pic with the book,
Repin book quotes or cover art from the author on Pinterest.com,
Recommend to a library or book club, or start one with this book!


Heidi has offered a digital copy of Dog Tags to one commenter! Leave your email address in your comment in the following format to be entered: email (at) address (dot) com.

Winner of last week's giveaway of Bonnie Leon's Journey of Eleven Moons is (drumroll) Maxie! Congrats! I'll be emailing you soon!!



Thursday, February 20, 2014

Bonnie Leon Interview


Author bio.
Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the newly released Journey of Eleven Moons. She and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.


WELCOME, Bonnie!!!! To start us off, give us a couple sentences describing what you write.
For twenty years I’ve been writing historical fiction romance. My stories are full of history and adventure always with a touch of romance.


How would you label the overall mood of your stories: dark, gritty, poignant, sensitive, heart-warming, raucous, light, fresh, tummy-tickler (funny), educational, adventurous, witty, passionate, reminiscent, sweet, forceful, eye-opening.
My books are spiritual and poignant and they are filled with adventure and passion of the spirit. Readers often say they learn a lot about the time and place, which makes me smile because I spend countless hours doing research so readers will feel as if they’ve been planted into the scenes. Occasionally there is a bit of grit to my tales, but I only include what is necessary.


What is the name of your latest book?
The Journey of Eleven Moons

Using any celebrity, past or present, who would you cast as your main characters?
This is not as easy as it sounds, but after a bit of thought I think I’ve come up with some good matches.

http://images.amcnetworks.com/blogs.amctv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clint.Photogallery.560.jpg
    • A young Clint Eastwood would work well for Erik—handsome, stoic and just a bit rugged.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rVgNxVMi5X_Arc9Li5xk4YVD6J_5HP40HZYHXrWff-t_KFbyqQFqlgkLj66Ra2Usl67nf10ybOs3S1x4rCanJLDFbkrEwS2hRjMY3Kjtp32ZWkOj3KwjYSmkGg4-0N5mcz1E1zxj1B4/s1600/irenebedard.jpg





  • Irene Bedard (20 years younger)would be perfect as Anna. She’s an Inupiat woman who is a veteran actor.




What is the theme of your story and how did you come to it?
When I started writing I didn’t realize the similarity between this story and the Biblical tale of Ruth and Boaz her kinsman redeemer, but as I wrote it spilled out.

Oh, I love it when that happens! Ruth has always been one of my favorite biblical stories. Could you give us a sneak peek into what you're working on right now?
I’m working on a contemporary romance set in San Francisco and the wine country to the north. Mackenna Tillman is a dedicated city gal and ambitious advertising agent who is certain of her future. When she meets Adam McGregor, a man who spends his days fishing and working as a mechanic in a small town, the two personalities clash, and Mackenna’s well laid plans fall apart.

I’m still discovering the people in this story and having a great time. I can’t wait to see where they take me.

Describe your writing space.
My husband and I are presently living with my daughter and her husband while we build a new home. We all share the kitchen and the laundry room and Greg and I live in three rooms—a family room, a bedroom and another bedroom that I’m using as an office and extra storage. My husband has the desk and I use a recliner and my lap top. We’re a little crowded and sometimes it’s hard to find things because my files are being stored on the patio, but it is adequate for a temporary space.

Wow, sounds exciting!!! I know what you mean about a bedroom for an office. I write with my laptop on my bed, or on the couch. Sometimes I confiscate the desk in my brother's room while he's away at college. :)
Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.
I try to blog twice a week, but some weeks it’s less and some more. You can access my blog via my website at http://www.bonnieleon.com or go directly to http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com.

Now the fun stuff... :)

On a dream research trip, where would you go? What would you ask to see/experience first?
One place I’ve always wanted to visit is Scotland. My father’s roots begin there. I’d love to stay at a Bed & Breakfast on the Loch Ness. It’s picturesque and romantic, and the mists on the lake add an allure to the place and the mood of a story. I think it would make an amazing location for a tale.

Oh, the lure of Scotland! I've longed to go there myself. I love to read stories set there, but fear writing one as I'm sure I wouldn't do it justice. Seems such a powerfully mysterious place.

When you read, do you prefer paperback, e-book, or audio? Why?
I prefer paperbacks, though I often read on my Kindle. I like to know where I’m at in a story, and using a % instead of page numbers just isn’t enough for me. A paperback is also easier for me to find my way around. If I want to go back to something I’ve already read it’s simple and quick. And I like the feel of a book in my hands. It’s friendlier. I already spend too much time in the world of technology.


I like your take on that. Sensible and practical. Thanks for such a fun interview!!! Here's hoping the launch of Journey to Eleven Moons soars to new heights!
http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Eleven-Northern-Lights-Series/dp/0785279741

Book blurb.
A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined
in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another a tsunami wipes
their village from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya,
who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

A stranger, a Civil War veteran with golden hair and blue eyes, wanders the
untamed Aleutian Islands. He offers help, but can Anna trust him or his God?
And if she doesn’t, how will she and Iya survive?

Walrus hunts, tsunamis, and handsome strangers! Oh my! :)

Bonnie has been so kind to offer a FREE copy of The Journey of Eleven Moons to ONE lucky commenter, so comment away!

Maybe you'd like to ask Bonnie some questions about her novel or its setting or characters. Any readers been to Alaska? Wanted to go? Who of you knew Alaska had islands? I sure didn't. But then, I was always terrible with geography. As always, if you just cannot wait to get your hands on a copy of this book, click on the cover and it will take you right over to Amazon.com where you can download and read today!

What things can readers do to help spread the word about this book?
Everything you’ve listed below is great, but I would never expect anyone to do all the things you have listed. Writers need help from their readers. Getting the word out can be a challenge. If someone is excited about my book and want to pitch in, they should choose a venue or venues that fit them. I will say, however, that I love meeting with reading groups and distance is not a problem these days with Skype. It can be great fun, even long distance.

I appreciate anything readers do to get the word out for me. I’m crazy about The Journey of Eleven Moons and want everyone to read it. It’s a grand adventure full of heart.

Some helpful ways to spread the news about great books:

Word of mouth,
Amazon.com/Goodreads reviews,
Blog posts,
Tweets/Facebook posts,
Like the author's Facebook page, follow on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads,
If you win/buy a copy, post a pic with the book,
Repin book quotes or cover art from the author on Pinterest.com,
Recommend to a library or book club, or start one with this book!

Exciting news! Three of Bonnie's books are free right now on Amazon.com! Click the cover photos below to get the FREE download.


http://www.amazon.com/Love-Anew-Sydney-Cove-Book-ebook/dp/B00B5J4U6K/ref=la_B001HCVQB2_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392518587&sr=1-3 

http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Thornton-Creek-Queensland-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007KOGLNE/ref=la_B001HCVQB2_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392518587&sr=1-5

 
http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Clouds-Novel-Alaskan-Skies/dp/0800733592/ref=la_B001HCVQB2_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392518587&sr=1-2