Getting to know you Thursday with Missy Tippens with giveaway

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, I’m a pastor’s wife and mother of three. I recently taught at a local technical college (taught anatomy and physiology) but decided to write full-time. I love to sing in the church choir and enjoy a women’s Bible study!

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I remember loving Nancy Drew mysteries. And I loved Dr. Seuss books that my dad would read to me.

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write?
I love writing and reading romance and women’s fiction. And even while writing women’s fiction, I have to add in some romance. I just need that happy, romantic ending! :)

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I loved so many. But I have to say that as an adult, it was a Jude Deveraux book (A Knight in Shining Armor) that got me reading once again and sent me into a romance-reading craze.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I would often think of stories in my head while trying to fall asleep at night. After reading like crazy while I was pregnant and restricted to bed rest with my second child, I decided I wanted to try to write a romance novel. But I wasn’t dedicated enough to jump right in. I waited until we got our first computer in 1995! :)

6. How did you go about becoming an author?
At first, I just wrote. But then I started getting active online, on AOL, and took some writing classes. Then I joined Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers. That’s when I started to learn what I needed to do to submit my manuscripts and try to get published. I also entered lots and lots of contests and started to be a finalist. Editors sometimes requested my work, which was a great way to get my foot in the door.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?
I would probably continue to teach. I really enjoyed doing that.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
I love to go to movies (but I usually analyze the story as it’s playing and drive my family crazy!). I enjoy watching Food Network and trying new recipes. I love being active in my church. I enjoy my kids’ sporting events. I love to go out to eat with friends to talk and laugh. I love date night with my husband. I love snuggling on the couch with my daughter to watch our favorite shows. Oh, and I love playing Guitar Hero/Rock Band! :)

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
I LOVE going to the beach! I truly feel God’s presence there—sparkling sand, majestic waves, glorious sunshine. We like to visit the Gulf coast—Florida and Alabama.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?
Goodness, that’s a tough one. I can think of some celebrities I’d really like to meet (like Oprah). But I would be so nervous I wouldn’t enjoy myself! LOL So I’ll say I’d love to have a reunion with college friends—Melinda, Kim, Carole. Oh, and Tammy Lynn, so it would have to be 4 people! :)

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon. Also where we can find you on the web.
My current release, His Forever Love, is a Steeple Hill Love Inspired release. And you can find links to purchase it on my website, www.missytippens.com. Also, A Forever Christmas will be out in November.

Here’s a blurb from His Forever Love:
In Magnolia, Georgia, local legend says that a couple who holds hands around the “forever” tree will have an unending love. Even so, Bill Wellington held Lindsay Jones’s hands around that tree years ago...and then left her behind. He chose the big city, and now he wants to bring his grandmother there. But to his amazement, he finds that Granny has a boyfriend—and a vibrant life. A life that includes Lindsay, Granny’s caregiver. Bill never thought he’d want to come home, yet Magnolia clearly has its charms. As does Lindsay, who makes him long for a second chance at forever love.

Thanks for having me, Jenny!!

Missy has kindly offered a copy of this book to one reader of my blog. Please leave a comment by Sept 27 with a way to be contacted.