CONGRATS JOANNE!

Way to go, you were the book winner!
Hope you enjoy!

WOOHOO!

Check out all those exclamation points!

You probably won't see that again!!!

FREE BOOK/AWESOME INTERVIEW WITH ANDREA BOESHAAR

Today we have an interview with multi-pubbed author, Andrea Boeshaar.
Andrea is a multi-published author (see her site for available books)In addition, she teaches workshops for writers. As a former literary agent and now multi-published author and certified life coach, she encourages writers and assists them in making good decisions in both their personal lives and writing careers.

Andrea, what is the name of your new book?
Unexpected Love

Is this book self-published? If not, list the name of the publisher. Realms/Strang Book Group

Could you share your cover blurb?
Nurse Lorenna Fields has always taken her job at Chicago's Mercy Hospital seriously, determined never to become personally involved with her patients. But when a mysterious man with eyes like onyx is admitted after a shipwreck on Lake Michigan, she develops a connection with him that she can’t deny.

Slowly her patient regains consciousness, but to Renna’s dismay he has lost both his sight and his memory. Dubbed “Mr. Blackeyes” by her, the two build a strong, trusting friendship as they search for clues to his past. But part of her dreads the day of his recovery, convinced that his memories will take him away from her and his regained sight will reveal a secret about herself that Renna has been trying hard to hide.

How did this story come to you?
As I wrote its prequel, Uncertain Heart, I realized I needed to tell Captain Brian Sinclair’s story too.

Tell us about the journey to getting published.
I’ve always loved to write, ever since I was a little girl. But when my sons were toddlers, I began reading secular romances. I remember thinking, “I can do this.” So I tried and tried and tried. Me and my electric Smith Corona typewriter. Then in 1991, I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. It rocked my world and suddenly I couldn’t write godless love stories. I needed to write tales that honored Christ. So I did. Again, I tried and tried and tried. I’m no stranger to the rejection letter. But then in 1992, God blessed me with a book contract. I’ve been writing – and getting published – ever since.
How does your faith play into your writing?My faith is the very fabric on which I create my stories. I’ve considered writing secular romances, those which don’t publish explicit sex scenes, and I can’t seem to write a novel without the Lord in there somewhere. I admire writers who can so subtly share their faith to a general audience.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.
Psalm 91, verses 7-12. It reads (in part), A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you…For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they (the angels) shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
I prayed this Psalm while my son Brian was in first Kuwait and then Iraq. He’s told me of some “close calls” he had with IEDs (improvised explosive devices), but God kept him safe during his tours. (PRAISE BE TO GOD!)

What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am anticipating the release of Undaunted Faith, Book 4 in my Seasons of Redemption series. It’ll release in May 2011. And this month (Jan ’11) I’m beginning to write a brand new series called Fabric of Time. It’s a 3-book historical romance series about a Norwegian family that migrates to Brown County, Wisconsin. The first book is set to release in November 2011.

Parting comments?Be sure to leave a comment so you’re in the drawing for a FREE, autographed book.
Linda will take comments until Sunday, May 22nd!

Where can fans find you on the internet?
www.andreaboeshaar.com
Please be sure to check out my blog “Everything Writerly” when you visit my site.
If you're interested in arranging an appearance or learning more about her coaching services, please email her at andrea@andreaboeshaar.com

Thank you so much for stopping by, may this book be truly blessed.

WHAT DOES YOUR READER WANT?

Making your presence known! (in a good way)
Your book is out, you’re anxiously awaiting the release date, you’ve got your running shoes on, and you’re ready for a marketing marathon. Any number of sites, pr folks, etc. will tell you what you have to do to make the hype leading up to you book the best it can be.

But no one’s asking the reader!

What does the reader want to know about your book?
Just what information leads a reader to peruse the back cover or the e-back cover of your book? What catches their attention—forces them to care enough to smack down the greenbacks, or the credit/debit card as it were?

Are reviews the best way to garner attention?
Word of mouth?

Readers, answer the age-old question…does Santa sleep with his whiskers out of the covers or under them?

Sorry, wrong blog…

Seriously, what makes you as a reader want, no, need to pick up a book? Share your thoughts here, or email me with any thoughts that might help writers learn what makes the reader’s mind tick. If it’s as scary as what makes a writer’s mind tick, we might have a peculiar match made in heaven.

Scary!
Let’s hear from you!

Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty kinda guy?

When things are going well,
it’s so easy to be a glass half full person.
But what about when things don’t go well?
Someone’s sick, died unexpectedly? We didn’t get our dream wish?

God IS still there, even when the glass feels half empty.

So, what are you today?