Ausjenny: Author Thursdays with Lena Nelson Dooley

Please welcome Lena Nelson Dooley to my blog today. Her new book Catherine's Pursuit has just been released. I finished this book last night and loved it. will put up a review as soon as I can. The wrist is playing up badly again so restricted to one handed typing again.

1. Can you tell us a something interesting that readers may not know about you?

My IQ tests two points off genius. But I think it's because taking tests comes easily for me.

2. Do you get to read many books and if so do you have a favourite Genre?

I do read as much as I can. I used to read a lot more. One thing that has helped me be able to read more is my Kindle. It's in my purse all the time, so when I have to wait somewhere, I can always read. And I often read when James is driving ... And under the hair dryer. I have eclectic tastes in reading. I'll read anything, except horror. I need for the books to have a romantic thread and a spiritual thread woven through the story. Historical, contemporary, suspense. Lately I've been reading some historical romantic suspense. I like them.

3. How do you come up with ideas for books?

I believe God created me with a vivid imagination. And He often plants an idea for a novel in my head. The ideas often live there for quite a long time, growing and developing, before I write a proposal for my agent to market. Everywhere I go and everything I see has the potential to be included in one of my novels.

4. In your latest book did you learn any interesting titbits in your research?

Quite a few things. I love the research part, delving back into historical resources to add authenticity to the story and the time period. Oregon City bank bought and installed a vault in the late 1800s that was a giant ball with a door on it. The city held a big celebration the day it was moved into the bank. They thought it would be harder to break into. I didn't find any information about whether it was ever robbed or not. And in the 1880s, peacock feathers were often used in fashion--on hats, purses, as fans. The designers used a lot of peacock feathers on my cover. I just love that cover.

5. What does a typical writing day look like?

When my daughters grew up and got married, I turned one of their bedrooms into my office. Since I have my office in my home, I often work in my pajamas a bit before I get dressed for the day. I actually spend at least six hours a day for four, five, or six days a week, depending on whether I'm on a deadline or not.
In addition to writing, I also keep up with my blog and my social media sites

6. If you had one tip for aspiring writers what would it be?

Network with other authors who write in the same genre. This is vital.

7. What do you hope readers take out of your latest book?

This is a book about loss and a feeling of rejection. The need for forgiveness is woven through the story.

8. A couple of fun questions to end if you were to come to Australia what would you most like to see?

I'd love to have at least a month or more to tour around Australia. I want to visit Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, the Snowy Mountains, Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the tropical rain forest, Alice Springs, an outback sheep ranch. There are so many places I want to see. (I have been to a few of these places. Think you will need more than a month.)

9. Do you have a favourite Ice cream flavour (this interview was composed on a day where it was over 100 in Australia)?

Anything chocolate. Besides that Bluebell Homemade Vanilla is the best vanilla ice cream. A few years ago, Blue Bell had a Chocolate Covered Cherries ice cream. Every time that flavor comes back around, I eat as much as I can find. It's so yummy, but hard to find.

10. 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.

Catherine's Pursuit is book three in my McKenna's Daughters series. We meet the daughter Angus McKenna kept. When she finds out that she's a triplet and the sisters didn't die when their mother did. She must find them. Here's the back cover copy:

"A heartwarming tale filled with history, adventure, faith, and love." --Lisa Wingate, bestselling and award-winning author of Dandelion Summer and Firefly Island

The search for her sisters will become a spiritual journey for the entire family.

Raised by her father, Catherine McKenna has never lacked for anything, surrounded by people to take care of her every need. On her eighteenth birthday she discovers that not only did her mother die when she was born, but she has two identical sisters. Although her father vowed not to look for his daughters, Catherine made no such promise. Setting out on her own with one clue and her maid in tow, she's determined to find her sisters.

Collin Elliott has seen better days. After losing his ship to a violent and unexpected storm, he is trying to recover--physically and emotionally. When Angus McKenna sends him to find, follow, and protect his daughter, he wants nothing more than to finish his task and return home. Can he help her find her sisters?

And will the discoveries they make along the way teach them both what's most important in life?

Here's where I am on the Internet:

Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com

Blog: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lenandooley

Official Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Lena-Nelson-Dooley/42960748768?ref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/333031.Lena_Nelson_Dooley

Shoutlife: www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooley