This week I’m hosting Lauralee Bliss with Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire and A Blue and Gray Christmas (winner picks one of those books) and Margaret Daley with Together for the Holidays. If you want to enter the drawing for the book, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (Nov. 22nd) evening.
Interview with Lauralee Bliss:
What made you start writing?
I have enjoyed writing since I was a teenager when I came up with all kinds of short stories for my English teachers. Creative writing was my favorite subject back then and still is today!
How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?
I’ve been writing since 1995 – first, two biblical allegories based on the book of Esther and the life of Gideon. I then began researching Christian romance. It was my second novel in that genre that eventually found publication through Heartsong Presents, a division of Barbour Publishing, back in 1997—Mountaintop.
How do you handle rejections?
Very carefully… They still get me down at times (I just received one today, as a matter of fact). I’ve had all kinds too, from having a book with a major publisher contracted and then withdrawn, to getting form rejections not even signed (before the advent of e-mails). The best thing to do is share your disappointment with God and with writing friends, have some chocolate, and look for another way to market your book.
Why do you write?
It’s something I’m called to do. A gift God has given me and expects me to use for His glory. It’s His stories, after all. And I must persevere with His help and guidance.
What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?
Well, as you can see from my bio, I once hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, northbound from Georgia to Mane. So I’d probably be doing the trail southbound, except my husband wouldn’t like it very much.
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on the second installment in a contemporary romance series set in the lovely and intriguing state of Utah for Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. The first book, “Love’s Winding Path” is based on the biblical story of the Prodigal Son and takes place in Moab, Utah, including rafting on the Colorado River. Sign up for my newsletter via my web site (http://www.lauraleebliss.com) to find out the release date. You won’t want to miss this book, especially if you have known a prodigal in your life.
Do you put yourself into your books/characters?
Oh, there’s always bits and pieces of my life or those I know tucked away within the stories. Or something I‘ve learned or experienced. Or a story I’ve learned from others. Such as in my Christmas novella which is based on a Christian couple I knew of who went through a terrible calamity in their marriage (in this case, a terminal illness) but lived out their commitment to each other until the end.
Tell us about the book you have out right now.
I have two Christmas releases to offer this season –
Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire is what another reader calls a “twist” on the mail order bride story, sort of like the mail order bride meets up with My Fair Lady. In it there’s an uneducated and penniless orphan whose well meaning friend answers an ad for a bride, and the unsuspecting suitor who has no idea what to make of the woman that arrives at the train station. Even if he feels he cannot marry her, he will provide for her. But both are in for a surprise and a change of heart and attitude – thus leading to the idea of the first Bethlehem – that the most precious gifts don’t always come as they’re expected.
My other release is a Civil War novella “Till Death Do Us Part” in A Blue and Gray Christmas. Despite the troops advancing on their hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Leah Woods and Seth Madison vow to wed at the dawn of the New Year. But when Seth disappears, Leah is left alone, clinging to whatever faith she can muster.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Persevere in your calling. Learn all you can. Don’t give up. Above all write, write, write!
How important is faith in your books?
Very! It’s the very foundation of all my books. Writing is a ministry, a calling. Without faith, there is no works and that works is dead. Even in writing.
What themes do you like to write about?
Each book is different in regards to a theme. I like to write an entertaining book that ministers to the heart. In each of my books I write a spiritual lesson that Christian readers can take away – from forgiveness, to being a servant, to finding hope and purpose in time of greatest need.
What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?
I must say, I love them all. I endeavor to write the very best book I can—a book from the heart and a story I believe God has given me to minister to others.
What is your writing schedule like?
It varies but since I no longer homeschooled my son, I try to work afternoons and most evenings. More if a project is due in.