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14 April 2011

Getting to know you Thursdays with Ruth Logan Herne

Please welcome Ruth Logan Herne to my blog today. I first got to know Ruthy from visiting Seekerville. I had to read her first book and if someone had given me the book with no author listed I would have known it was her writing. I love her books and cant wait to read her latest.  I hope you will all make her feel welcome today.  Thanks for dropping by.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Very little. I am a recluse, a hermit, I reveal nothing! Nada. Zip. Zilch.
Of course none of that is true, but there are days I WISH it was true!  J I’m married to my high school sweetheart (I got him before he was old enough to know any better, really a great way to do things, you must try it!) We have six kids with a seventh ‘daughter of my heart’, we’re up to ten grandchildren and I buy way too many over the counter anti-wrinkle products in the ongoing and unsuccessful quest to maintain a youthful if slightly haggard appearance.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, great book. I highly recommend it as a children’s read. Lovely. Just lovely. (Jenny here I loved this book when I was younger but it was just called Betsy. I still have a copy somewhere in the house and its almost falling to pieces)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and right write?

No. I love reading, I love good writing and I read a broad spectrum. But I don’t have a lot of reading time right now. That’s a good thing sometimes because I do enough sitting on my backside while writing. Backsides do not take kindly to constant sit-down jobs.

Sigh…


4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?

Oh, yes. Mary Stuart, Phyllis Whitney, Janet Lambert, Catherine Marshall, Ayn Rand, Herman Wouk (I was older then, like… um…. Seven.  Maybe eight.)  (Jenny again I see you were a very advanced child! )

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Probably in the cradle. I made up all kinds of stories to escape a rough childhood and imagined myself a princess or a lost queen or (of course!!!) that I was wrongfully adopted because my real parents who loved and cherished me (very “ANNIE”) misplaced me.

And I love seeing in some of my grandchildren that same pre-writing make-believe that goes to EXTREME MEASURES to create a four-year-old’s story. It’s humbling and exhilarating at the same time. And just downright fun.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

Once my children were grown I just sat down at a Brother Word Processor (I thought I was sooooo cool to have a word processor, oh Mylanta, can you believe it????) and wrote. That first story which rambled FOREVER is (conveniently) forever lost, thank heaven! I worked for eight years plus, waking up at 4:00 AM so I could write before the day job. That’s how I still work today, up at 4:00, write until 6:30, then off to work. I’m a morning person so my brain works early. Late in the day??? I’m tired and cranky and kind of a wimp. Better for me to work in the mornings, by far. (I admit I work better in the mornings and often got up at 5am to finish a project more because I was a procrastinator who waited to the last minute to finish a project but I really couldn't wake up at 4am every morning I do admire you, oh im don't work later in the day either.)

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be?

A teacher. I never went to college, but I’m born to teach and write but when it came down to going back to school to teach or work on my own for years to carve a writing career, writing won because that was always my dream. To write books. Sell books. Be an author. (My mum always wanted to be a teacher but never went to college she ended up teaching sunday school and Christian Endeavour  and felt God made a way for her to teach)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?

I love to garden but right now I mostly grow weeds and ivy. Ivy looks gracious, it takes over EVERYTHING, and it keeps the weeds out. Of course it keeps the flowers out, too. And did you know that garter snakes LOVE to crawl through ivy???  And that poison ivy loves to erupt through English Ivy. And that even if you were never, ever, ever allergic to poison ivy in your life, you can BECOME allergic like, overnight.  I am a school of hard knocks learner, and these are just TWO SIMPLE THINGS I would have liked to have known a little earlier. (Im growing really cool weeds too I dont think we have poison ivy here but I do have Ivy growing wild too but no snakes yet but did have a cute blue tongue lizard.)

And I like working with wood. I’m not afraid of power tools and I’m dangerous with a hammer, but love wielding one, LOL! (Im love power tools too but Im dangerous with an axe just ask one of the men at the woodchop our church had. funny no one will stand anywhere near me when I have an axe, Its not like I drew blood thankfully it was the blunt edge that hit him in the shin I admit he had a lump there for over six months!)

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?

Ireland, of course, home of my ancestors. When my daughter visited there she came home and said it was a country just filled with people like me!

And Australia. A Town Like Alice is one of my favorite movies. And The Man from Snowy River. G’day, mate!  (Would love to have you come downunder and meet you)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why?

Oh, can’t pick three. It would be the Seekers, one and all. We love the rare chances to get together, it’s truly a blessing to have these women as friends, confidants and colleagues because (God love ‘em) they pull no punches.

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.

Oh, Jenny, I absolutely love my current book. It’s just been released to stores, and I’m so excited!  Reunited Hearts is a beautiful, touching love story about a sacrificial girl who thought she was doing the right thing by hiding her teenage pregnancy from the hero, but realizes too late that she’s messed up in so many ways. And when the time comes when she could tell him, she’s ashamed of the choices she’s made.

It’s so hard to make the right choices as a young person, there’s so much pressure out there to be cool. Fit in. Be da’ man.

So this story takes that old romance that died a dozen years before and re-shapes it into a mature and abiding love. Toss into the mix a TOTALLY HOT HERO that looks like Patrick Dempsey…. And he’s just the kind of guy you root for from the beginning, and you just want to hug him and make everything all right because (of course) he’s been wronged!

But then you begin to realize that that pendulum swings both ways, and maybe, just maybe, these two can find a common ground.

“Reunited Hearts” kicks off my NEW SERIES WITH LOVE INSPIRED!!!! OH, YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!  I’M SNOOPY DANCING/HAPPY DANCING IN UPSTATE NEW YORK!!!!! 

We have FOUR books coming out this year:  “Reunited Hearts” in April,  “Small-Town Hearts” in June, “Mended Hearts” in September and “Yuletide Hearts” in December. All of these books are set in Allegany County New York, an absolutely delightful place that has some of the most enchanting God-given beauty I’ve ever seen. Rolling hills, old homes, small churches, quaint stores, trees, rivers, streams. It’s idyllic and just invites you to stop. Stay awhile. And I knew the moment I saw it years ago that once I got published I wanted to set a series of books there because that inherent beauty just needed to be shared.

Thanks again for your time and agreeing to be on my blog.

Oh, no, thank you!!!  What an honor and right now I consider myself ‘visiting’ Australia for the first time!  Hey, I brought coffee and Danish along. Cheese Danish because they’re my favorite but there is triple berry (another favorite), raspberry (whoops, yet another favorite) and apple….

I love apple.

I guess I might have misunderstood the exact meaning of the word “favorite”.  ;)

Ruth's other books.



Single mom Rita Slocum wants to get her life back on track. Taking things one day at a time seems doable—especially with Brooks Harriman at her side. Brooks has been there for her through good times and bad. But she's always been leery of getting too close to the broad-shouldered woodworker who keeps his past locked away. Now that Rita's opening her own bakery, she needs him more than ever. If only Brooks would open up his life—and his heart—to Rita.

When family tragedy strikes, Sarah Slocum steps in as guardian to her two nieces and nephew. But raising children isn't like raising sheep, and the beautiful shepherd soon finds herself in over her head. Who'd have guessed that new neighbor Craig Macklin would jump in to lend a hand? Craig's always held a grudge against Slocums--Sarah included. Now the handsome local vet is helping with her livestock, giving her young nephew a job and smiling at her every chance he gets. Sarah must decide whether she can trust Craig--and God's plan--and allow him into her family.
























Book giveaway:
Ruthy had generously offered to give away a copy of her newest book Reunited hearts to one commenter on my blog. Just leave a comment with a way to contact you if you win. This is an the giveaway open to all (including Aussies) You have till 6pm Australian time Good Friday 22nd April to leave a comment.



30 comments:

Julie Lessman said...

FABULOUS interview, Jenny and Ruthy -- LOVED IT!!! Soooo much fun to get to know you better Ruthy in these interviews, although I already know you well enough to love ya!

Cannot WAIT to read this book, girlfriend -- you pumped me up with your blog on Seekerville today and I MUST have this book!!

Hugs,
Julie

Casey said...

Oh Ruthy, I just about chocked when you mentioned you don't reveal anything about yourself and are a hermit.

Um...NOT and I've never even met you in person. :) Somehow that image just doesn't compute. ;-)

Please enter me, Jenny, thank you!!

caseymh18(@)gmail.com

Faith said...

Great interveiw. Thanks Jenny for that great interview! I'm a fan of Ruthy's books.

I'm not sure if I'm eligible for the giveaway since I live in the U.S.A. but if I am then please enter me.

crazi.swans at gmail dot com

Ausjenny said...

Hi Faye yes being open mean everywhere is included. I am an aussie and often Aussies cant enter which is why I put the comment. Thanks for stopping by.
Also thanks Julie and Casey for stopping by.

Giveaway Lady said...

I would love to be entered in this giveaway! I am a fan of the LI books:) Thanks so much!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Pat Iacuzzi said...

Hi Jenny & Ruthie--

I've read your others, Ruthie--
and they are great reads! Saw a display in Parables for them awhile back for a signing, too.
Hope "Blackie" is still crowing his heart out, Ruth :) and please enter me for "Reunited Hearts". Thanks for the opportunity, Jenny.
p.s. the covers are gorgeous!

Jo said...

Great interview. I haven't read any of your books yet but they look and sound so good. I would love to be entered in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

pol said...

Good morning and what a way to wake up, reading this wonderful interview. I have read many ofthe love inspired books-so good and a quick read. I will look for your books now that I have read a little about ya, please include me in your drawing for a book. I cannot have too many as I love to read. It feeds my soul. thanks Jenny for the great interview...
Paula (kyflo130@yahoo.com)

Patsy said...

You know I love me some Love Inspired books! I've read some of Ruth's books and they are great. Would love to read this one.

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Tifferz said...

Congrats on your latest book Ruth!!! I would love to read it!
tifferz19 AT hotmail DOT com

Cheers,
Tiffany

apple blossom said...

nice interview.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Leanne said...

I would really love to read this book! I love Love Inspired books!

leanniegehrke at hotmail dot com

Laetitia :-) said...

Enter me too, please - you know how to find me, Jenny. :-)

Sounds like a reasonably cheerful book that would be nice to read.

Evangeline Han said...

Please enter me! Carman sent me.

writer.chicka[at]gmail.com

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Oh my stars, what a great bunch you are! This was so much fun to do with Jenny, and I can't wait until I can actually be "down under" some day, but this is WAAAAAY cheaper, LOL!

And I love LI books, too! What a blessing to be able to write for them, to work with them. The editorial staff is wonderful. Evangeline... what a glorious name! LOVE IT!

And Laetitia... two of you with old-fashioned, beautiful names. Are you both Aussies? Doesn't matter, I can SEE a series of books with those lovely names. Just gorgeous!

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Linda and Leanne, you're in! Huge thanks for stopping by and hangin' with us!

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Julie, thanks sweet thing! And Faye, I wouldn't have a contest without you being eligible! It's a Ruthy-rule! ;)

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Pat, what fun to see you here! Thanks so much for stopping over!

I love this book. I really do, it's just got heart and soul. I've got your name in, sweet thing!

And CASEY!!! Not a hermit, huh???

;)

Ah, you know me well. Maybe we'll get to meet in St. Louis... I love meeting all my online buds IN PERSON! So wonderful! You're in, kid.

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Charity and Jo, I've got ya! And please, let me know what you think when you read Reunited Hearts.

I'm tough. I can take it! ;)

I love feedback. I love stirring emotion. I love books that do that, so my goal is to make you laugh and cry...

And a sigh or two is good as well! ;)

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Paula and Patsy, gotcha! And Paula, isn't fun to get to know the person behind the stories? I always loved that about authors.

But I'm not a fan of the buttoned-up, tight ones.

Oh mylanta, spare me that!

You can tell a lot about an author from their bio. Mine is cheeky. Funny. But it also tells people that I survived a rough childhood (some versions) because I can empathize with the worst of anything, but I have amazing faith and hope and made sure my grown-up life was just filled with that. I love hope-filled stories. They make me go, "Aahhhhhh...." ;)

Ruth Logan Herne said...

Tiffany, hey! Welcome aboard, chica!

And Apple Blossom of the great hat, gotcha. You're in, ladies!

Nia for Jesus said...

I loved reading your interview!
Never read any of the books,but I really want to now.

niastrong21 at gmail dot com

rubynreba said...

Such a beautiful book! I loved the interview and I know I'd enjoy the book. Carman sent me.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Cindy said...

Carman sent me over for the giveaway. Love reading your interview about wanting to write and teach. How your Mom wanted to teach but didn't go to college and was blessed to fulfill her wish by teaching Sunday School. The book sounds wonderful.
cindymacbeth at gmail dot com

Jordan said...

Great interview! I would love a chance to read this...who wouldn't when you can imagine the hero looking like Patrick Dempsey? :)

lizzielaura17(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sarita Leone said...

What a fabulous interview! I look forward to reading this series. :)

snowdance1@gmail.com

♡♥♬ Raven In A Blue Room ♬♥♡ said...

your interview is really enchanting

Thank you for hosting this giveaway

Louis
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the interview, book sounds great. Carmen sent me.

true_sheila@yahoo.com

cynthia said...

Thanks for the great interview. It's always fun to learn new facts about authors. I can't wait to read your latest book.
cynthiakchow (at) earthlink (dot) net

Nancye said...

I really enjoyed reading your interview. I think I may have had the same Brother Word Processor---oh how I went 'round and 'round with that silly machine! I don't think I ever got that blasted piece of junk to ever work right for me! Gotta' love my laptop now! So quick and easy!

I would LOVE to win a copy of "Reunited Hearts" It sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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