Getting to know you Thursdays with Rose Dee and giveaway

Today please welcome Rose Dee to my blog. Rose's debut book Back to Resolution came out the end of last year and her sequel will be out around April. I have gotten to know Rose over the past few months and have enjoyed our chats. I am really looking forward to her second book. For all my readers outside of Australia Rose's book is available at amazon and on kindle. It is a really good read and you will learn more about Northern Queensland.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I grew up at Forrest Beach, which is just outside Ingham, North Queensland.  During my short 38years I have managed to achieve a Bachelor Degree, work in several places around Australia, marry, and have one son (now five). I grew up in a Christian environment, but realised that there is a big difference between knowing your parent’s faith and having a personal relationship with God. It was only after I asked Him what He had for my life that I was led to write.

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

I was only recently reminded of this. My sister gave me our old set of ‘Value Books’. It was an obscure set of children’s stories (American) someone talked my father into buying when we were children.’ The value of believing in yourself – the story of Nellie Bly’ was evidently my favourite, because as a child I had written my name all over the inside cover. For those that don’t know her – Nellie was a reporter (writer) that highlighted injustice. I look back now and see that, even at a young age, I was drawn to writing.  (Jenny here, I haven't heard of the Value books but found them under value tales. sounds interesting)

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

If I had to pick a favourite I would have to say anything romantically orientated. That includes contemporary stories, as well as historic – I love both. I write contemporary because I want to show how the Lord can work in lives now. I want to appeal to women who are finding their way and have my stories say – ‘See- you’re not alone.’ 

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

Charlotte Bronte – Jane Eyre is my absolute favourite novel of all time. Hopeless romantic I am. But I have always seen so much more in this classic. The story shows that when you are obedient and trust in the Lord, He will give you so much more than you ever imagined. I love it. Every few years I re-read it.  

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

I used to write stories for my classmates at primary school. ‘The adventures of Hamburger and Hot Dog’ were quite well received. I think I lost sight of that and was channelled more into drama – which I also loved. But it was only two years ago when I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do that writing came to me. (Jenny again wonder if they were hungry children, sounds interesting. I am glad God has lead you in the direction you now are writing).


6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I honestly think it was the right time for me. I actually didn’t set out to be an author as such. I set out to see if I could write something, and to see if the stories in my head would translate onto paper. Apart from my Arts degree (majoring in English) I didn’t have any prior qualifications. I sat down to write as raw as they come. The only advice I could ever recall was ‘write what you know’. So I did that. I wrote what I knew and what I loved, and I think that shone through in my story. I also wrote for myself. ‘Back to Resolution’ is a story I want to read – and I still do – multiple reads later I still get absolute pleasure out of all the stories I have written. The thought that others will enjoy it is a huge bonus. 

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

I love being a wife and mother. They are two of the hardest jobs in the world. But I also have a ‘day job’ that I will not give up. I look after all the book keeping and office duties for our business. Accounting and numbers don’t come naturally to me, but I work hard and love the job because it is a support and help to my husband. We have build something together and that is of primary importance to me. 

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

I just love a lazy day. The idea that there is nothing on the agenda is an absolute delight to me. Outside that pleasure, we love to be on the water. Walking on the beach, fishing, running around aimlessly in a tinny, it’s all good. I also love to spend time with my husband. After twelve years together he is still incredibly stimulating conversation. 

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

The beach. I feel a raw instinctual need to be near the water. Maybe it’s because I grew up on the beach front, but whenever I’m away from it for too long I get a bit stir crazy. I guess it’s just how I’ve been made.

As for where I’d love to visit? America. We went several years ago and I’d love to go back. We didn’t have one bad experience there. I’d love to do it again. (Jenny again I want to go back to America and Canada again right this moment Hawaii!)

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

My husband – (see above stimulating conversation), Jimmy Buffett (because we’re Parrotheads and I think he would have some great stories to tell), and Oprah (a little obvious I know – but the very last words she said on her show were – to God be the glory. How cool was that!)

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.

‘Back to Resolution’ is available now from www.koorong.com.au, www.evenbeforepublishing.com.au www.amazon.com and other stockists. (see my blog: www.rosedee.com for links)

‘Beyond Resolution’ is due for release mid next year. It is the second in the Resolution series. I have a real soft spot for this story – it’s kind of special.

The third and final Resolution story is still in editing stages.

You can find me at: www.rosedee.com 

Bay Anders is lost. She enjoys every privilege a wealthy upbringing affords, but the void in her soul refuses to be filled. Her mother's dying revelation drives Bay to the brink of self destruction, before a move to Australia changes everything. She embarks upon a search for her father that leads her to his island home, into a hazardous melting pot of hostile locals and a mystery – her father's disappearance. The only person who can help her is a strong, self-assured and intensely magnetic man. Bay must fight an overwhelming attraction to stay focused on her goal.
Flynn McKenna is hiding from the world. A past filled with mistakes drove him to withdraw from society and live in seclusion. But the arrival of a woman he cannot avoid shatters his solitary existence. As the search for Bay's father unites them, can he resist his desire for her? 

Rose has kindly offered a copy of her book Back to Resolution to one reader of my blog. you can fill in the form. You can also leave a comment to for Rose to read in the comments (as no one but myself sees the entry form.)