Getting to know you Thursdays with Penelope McCowen

Today please welcome Australian author Penelope McCowen to my blog today. I read Penelope's book a few months ago and really loved it. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I live on a sheep and cattle property high up on the ranges in northern New South Wales with my wonderful husband, Charlie, and our two precious children, aged 14 and 12.  It’s one of the most rugged places you could ever imagine – rocky, steep, rough and unbelievably picturesque.  Rather challenging if you’re trying to run livestock on it, but lots of fun and never, ever dull!

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

I was mad about Enid Blyton books – in particular the Famous Five series.  I never wanted them to end and was so disappointed when I read all 21!  I also loved Ruby Ferguson’s Jill books, Elynne Mitchell’s Silver Brumby collection and Mary Grant Bruce’s Billabong series. (Jenny here I loved Enid Bylton as a child I loved the faraway series and I did enjoy the Famous Five series too. I remember in about grade 6 we had books in the class room and use to share books. I remember alot of us were reading the Secret Seven and were sharing books)

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

Reading – Christian fiction, espionage, intrigue, preferably with a dash of romance.  I love reading old books; I could spend hours and hours in second hand bookshops.  I think we can learn so much from the literary styles of long ago authors.  They really had a handle on the English language and used words so beautifully.

Writing – Definitely Christian fiction.  Unless God has other plans, I’ll never write anything else. 

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

I was terribly influenced and inspired by the South African journalist and author, Joy Packer.  I still am. The way she put words together is incredible and still gives me shivers down my spine.  So vivid and so alluring was her portrayal of Africa in the pages of her novels that I began a love affair with her country when I read The High Roof at age fourteen.  I promised myself I would go there one day which I eventually did, eleven years later. 

My other heroine in the world of words is Helen MacInnes.  She was an amazing writer, particularly the way she wrote dialogue, and I get shivers from her books as well!  I read The Venetian Affair while I was writing Heidi’s October and as a result I cut 14000 words from my manuscript.  She’s sharp, if that makes sense, and very inspiring.

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

Always.  I wrote as a child, I wrote as an adolescent and I write as an adult.  Having said that though, on leaving school, I knew that I was incapable of moving straight into a writing career – I was too green, too narrow, too raw.   My work was very immature and I needed life experience, so I did nursing and became a registered nurse, then a commerce degree and became an accountant, and now thankfully, I’m doing what I absolutely love. At last!

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I had started a couple of books and wasn’t sure whether I was to continue along that road or not, so one January I asked God if this was the year to go for it with my writing.  He answered, very creatively and entertainingly, with a yes, so I went forward.  My husband then discovered that Zondervan was running a First Novel Competition which I entered and to my surprise, reached the semi-finals… and things have kind of developed from there! 

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

A thousand things!  Too many to mention.  I love animals so perhaps a vet, I learnt to fly in my twenties (it was amazing) so perhaps a pilot, I love speaking to people about Jesus, so perhaps a travelling evangelist, I love the water so perhaps a swimming instructor, I love tennis so perhaps a tennis coach, on and on it goes! 

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

I absolutely love being a wife and mother and I love working alongside my husband here on the farm.  I stopped working in accounting when I had our first child and traded the income for the lifestyle, and I would make the same decision again every time.  The little things really are the big things.

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

There’s a wooden bench that faces east on the headland at South West Rocks, just above the ice-cream kiosk.  We sit there, every January, with our icecreams and gaze at the view, and I remember Jesus’ words that no mind can conceive how wonderful is the place He has prepared for those who love Him.  And I think to myself, how amazing that it can be even more gorgeous than this!   

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

Without a doubt it would be our three sponsored children, one in Kenya, one in the Dominican Republic and one in Bolivia.  I’ve never met them but I long to.  I’d love to sit and look at them and marvel at what God can do, how He can change lives... and hearts….

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 first novel, Heidi’s October, was published by Ark House Press in November 2010.  It’s the story of twenty-three year old university student Heidi Jordan and one October of her life.  It deals with the issue of forgiveness following one disastrous, very regrettable mistake.  And it also has a touch of romance, of course!

My next book, The Boatshed, is in the making..!

And my website is www.penelopemccowen.com. I have a blog as well, and am also on Facebook.

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

Thank you so much, Jenny, for the wonderful opportunity to be featured on your blog, and for your kindness in promoting my work.

Getting to know you Thursdays with Lacy Williams

Please help me welcome debut author Lacy Williams who has released Marrying Miss Marshall through the Love Inspired Historical range. I was lucky to win this book through the LIH goodreads 400 member party and I have to say I Loved this book. It was one I didn't want to put down and would love to see as a film.
I have loved going to know Lacy also. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I have been married for nine years to a wonderful man I met in college. He is my very own real-life hero and is very supportive of my writing career. We have a toddler daughter and a little boy on the way (due in early September). Luke is a big sports fan, including tennis, soccer, basketball, football… which gives me a lot of writing time as long as I can tune out the cheering from the living room. :) I love animals, especially dogs. We have three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they are just the most fun to have around.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books?
I had a lot of favorites. I read all the time. If I had to pick one it would probably be Anne of Green Gables.

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

Romance. Anything romance. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, YA… if it has a strong romance with captivating characters, I will read it and love it. I write both historical and contemporary romance.

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
I loved books with adventure in them--Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series (what an adventure to go West, right?); My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is another one, and Jim Kjelgaard’s Big Red, Stormy and others. I think because of these authors I like to include adventure in my books as well as animals/pets.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I have wanted to be an author since I was a child. I don’t remember a specific instance of making that decision, but I always carried around a spiral notebook and pencil. When I was about ten, my parents bought me a typewriter for Christmas and I used that thing well into my teen years (thank God for parents who were willing to buy me those expensive cartridges!).

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

When I got serious about becoming published, I joined the American Christian Fiction Writers (www.acfw.com) and started learning (mostly learning how much I *didn’t* know!). As I learned more about the different publishers, I figured out that Love Inspired would be a good fit for me and started studying their guidelines and reading the LI books. Then I wrote and wrote and wrote, attended a couple of conferences and pitched to editors, entered contests, got critiques. My manuscript was requested by Emily Rodmell (Assistant Editor for Love Inspired) from finaling/winning ACFW’s Genesis contest in 2009 and the rest is history. It has been an interesting journey for me!

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

I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and BB (before babies) I was an auditor for a public accounting firm. I really enjoyed my job and the people I worked with but my husband and I have been blessed and I have been able to stay at home with the baby (babies in a couple weeks!). So… if I wasn’t writing it would probably be some combination of being “mommy” and accounting.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
Well, since I have one small child and another on the way, my curfew is usually about 8:30pm so that limits me a bit… (I love being a mommy though so I wouldn’t change it). So I have my favorite TV shows (Castle is one and Rookie Blue is another), I like watching movies, and I enjoy walking my dogs and playing at the park when it isn’t too hot outside!

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

I love reading Regencies and I would love to visit Great Britain. I love history and historical sites, museums, etc… I’ve been trying to talk my husband into going to Wimbledon sometime and then I would take some nice little side trips… we’ll see what happens with that in the future. :)

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

Confession time. I would absolutely love to meet Kevin Durant of the OKC Thunder (NBA team). He seems like such a cool guy for someone so young and a good role model and I would love to share a meal with him! I would also like to meet and eat with Francine Rivers (one of my favorite authors), and I guess my last “pick” would be either my editor or agent. I only get to see them every couple of years so it is always nice to get to sit down and catch up with what’s going on with them. (Jenny here, one of the 3 I would pick just happens to be a professional sports person also he is a cricketer)

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.

MARRYING MISS MARSHAL is the story of a female town marshal in Wyoming in the 1890s and the tenderfoot detective she falls in love with. Danna Carpenter doesn’t get any respect from the people she’s sworn to protect, which makes it hard to do her job. She needs the help of detective Chas O’Grady but doesn’t expect to fall in love with the citified man…

Readers can read the first chapter and see promotions at www.marryingmissmarshal.com . My website is www.lacywilliams.net and I am also on facebook (lacywilliamsbooks ) and twitter (@lacy_williams ). I love to hear from readers!

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

Thank you for having me!

Getting to know you Thursdays with Pam Hillman and a review.

Please welcome Pam Hillman to my blog today. Pam's debut book was released in ebook format recently and for a limited time it is free (see link below) This is an excellent book and I am so happy Pam agreed to be on my blog. Now a shameless plug for this book its in my top 5 for the year so far. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? Award-winning author Pam Hillman writes inspirational fiction set in the turbulent times of the American West and the Gilded Age. Her debut book, Stealing Jake, won the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest and was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart contest. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and family.
   

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books? When I was about five, my favorite book was The Kitten Twins, about two mischievous kittens named Twinkle and Boo. For some reason, I didn’t have a lot of books at home, and didn’t learn to read until I started first grade. But I caught on quickly and fell in love with books. One day, our teacher, Mrs. Smith, told us to bring something to school to trade with the other children. I remember taking a small stuffed bear I had gotten on vacation in the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. One of the girls brought the book, The Kitten Twins. Oh, I wanted that book! And I got it. I never forgot that special Little Golden book. I even named my real kittens Twinkle and Boo.
(Jenny again I this story I loved the little Golden books they were so cool)

3. Do you have a favourite Genre to both read and write? I love to read and write historical romance, especially prairie romance and westerns set in America during the late 1800s. I don’t know why I fell in love with that genre and that era. Maybe it was all those John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke episodes I watched as a kid. (Jenny here I loved westerns as a child have to say loved the Cisco Kid but I also loved the movies still love watching them)

4. Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you? I cut my teeth on the great western writer, Louis L’Amour. L’Amour kept me mesmerized with his tales of cowboys and Indians, outlaws, prim schoolteachers, hot dry deserts and boom towns.

5. When did you know you wanted to be an author? I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was 8 or 9 years old. There was a small public library where we checked out books once a week on the way home from school. My brother and my cousins were okay with stopping by the library on the way home from school, but it was the highlight of my week! I checked out the maximum allowed (I think it was 3) and my cousin, Joy, checked out 3 more that I wanted to read in her name. I’m sure I even twisted her little brother’s arm and made him check out books I picked out! lol

6. How did you go about becoming an author? As a child, I was fascinated by how authors put all those stories on paper. Somehow, my brain just naturally made up stories. But for years, I didn’t write them down. I tried to get started a few times, but didn’t know how to construct a compelling story with an interesting beginning, firm middle, and satisfying ending. So out of lack of knowledge and fear of failure, I just kept dreaming. I think I had the idea that as long as I didn’t attempt to write, I couldn’t fail at writing. In 1994, I decided that if I was ever going to write, I had to stop kidding myself and get to work. This was before the internet changed our lives, and the first thing I did was go to the library and check out the only book they had on becoming a writer. It was “How to write a Romance” by Kathryn Falk. I read it, picked one of the many ideas in my brain to start writing, and began. Oh, and I need to add that this was when Apple came out with the Apple Macintosh computer. I was a young mother with two children and my mother wanted to give me a gift. She asked what I wanted. I told her a computer. I had a computer science degree but no computer at home. So, now I had a computer so I could write. I’m not sure I would have ever attempted it if I had to write long-hand. Next, the librarian called me one day and told me that a lady was there who was also interested in writing a novel. I left work and we met and chatted for a while. She was a member of Magnolia State Romance Writers of America, the RWA chapter in Mississippi. So, that connection led me to RWA. It was there that I met real, live flesh and blood women who were writing novels and getting them published. At that point, I realized my dream was something I could attain. Someday. Somehow.

7. If you were not a writer what would you like to be? Maybe this is hard to believe, but I can’t think of a thing! Other than being an observer of people. Can I get paid to do that? (If you can get paid for this I can get paid to be a professional cricket follower)

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do? I like traveling, just meandering all over the place with no set agenda in mind, and eating at really good old-fashioned restaurants.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit? I’ve always wanted to travel overseas. I’d love to visit England, Ireland, and Australia (and I’m not just saying that because I’m talking to YOU, Jenny!) I’m not fond of the idea of being in an airplane for 10-12 hours, but maybe someday, I’ll get the chance. (The flight seems worse than it really is I have done the 17 hours to Vancouver and survived, 10 hours to Hawaii, make sure you have a good book and that you have access to movies or something if you dont sleep. Coming back from hawaii I read one of Mary Connealy's books)

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why? I would say my husband and two sons, but then the boys would bring their girlfriends, so that would be six of us, so that’s too many. But I’d rather hang out with them that anyone. So….let’s see. Only 3? Sigh. That leaves out the Seekers, since there are 15 of us. Seriously, I’d rather have dinner with 3 family members or 3 of my writing friends, or agents and editors at ACFW than a Saudi Arabian prince or a king or the President. The very thought gives me hives. Let me sit around a campfire listening to some ol’ cowpoke nobody’s ever heard of spinning tales about his adventures, and I’m happy.

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 debut novel, Stealing Jake, released from Tyndale House Publishers July 2011.

When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy--literally--while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town--as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off--Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better . . . but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.


Please visit me on the web at www.pamhillman.com, www.calicotrails.blogspot.com and www.seekerville.blogspot.com

Link to free down loads

Stealing Jake Prologue and 1st Chapter:

http://pamhillman.blogspot.com/2007/11/stealing-jake-prologue.html

Stealing Jake Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Jake-ebook/dp/B0057Z87DK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309377471&sr=8-1

Stealing Jake B&N link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stealing-jake-pam-hillman/1103995167?ean=9781414366616&itm=1&usri=stealing%2bjake

Stealing Jake CBD link:

http://www.christianbook.com/stealing-jake-ebook-pam-hillman/9781414366616/pd/19108EB?item_code=WW&netp_id=936169&event=ESRCG&view=details

  

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

Jenny, it’s been a pleasure to be your guest. Thank you for asking me. I’d love for your readers to download Stealing Jake. It’s available for free for a limited time!

And I’m giving away a Kindle in October. Deadline to enter is September 30^th

.


My Review: 
This book is amazing. I loved the story. Livy has lived on the streets and has a real heart for street kids. She remembers what its like to have to struggle for food, warmth and survival. Jake has no idea he thinks street kids are a problem that needs to be moved on. Jakes opinion is common of many people. Add a to this mix the fact the street kids are being brought to town by an unknown man. I love reading livy's story how her life has changed and she is now working in an orphanage helping look after orphans, she would like to help all the children but knows its hard for them to trust adults. Jake also has to deal with some of the issues of the children also when some robbery start to happen. We see themes like redemption, forgiveness, acceptance in this book. When I was reading this book I was thinking about children today we still have foster children who are still mistreated. There are also children in third world countries that are badly mistreated today. I love a book that makes me think about different issues. This is a great book and I cant wait to read more books by Pam.

Getting to know you Thursdays with Laura O'Connell

Please welcome Laura O'Connell to my blog today. Laura is another Australian Author who I have recently come to hear about. Her book looks really good and I love the cover.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I used to be in the numbers world, now I’m hooked on words and how we can weave them to create a world so my reader can escape from everyday life. My husband and I are usually based on the Gold Coast, but we’re currently travelling around Australia in a caravan promoting  my books and speaking, and enjoying the sites of this vast country of ours. The travel has been a dream of ours since we married 33 years ago. We have an adult son who is a computer programmer.

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

I had no particular favourites. I read because I enjoyed being taken into the world the authors created. I even read the encyclopaedia so that I could feel I was in another world.

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

I love Contemporary Women’s Fiction. I live for, and in the moment, because I find life today so varied and interesting. When I see people living lives so very different to my own I feel inspired. It broadens my knowledge and how I might be able to change my life in a positive way.

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

My early reading were the Grimm’s fairy tales then I graduated to Enid Blyton, Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Montgomery, Pearl S Buck, and Ray Bradbury. All of these authors’ works influenced me at various stages of my growing up, so much so I took inspiration from the way the characters behaved in the stories.

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

Twenty years ago when I was holidaying on Tryon Island, a remote island off the coast of Queensland, I had an epiphany. I was bored with the accounting world and wanted a challenge. I think I’ve always wanted to be an author ever since I read my first words in year one.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

Firstly, I read a lot of books on how to write; both nonfiction and fiction. My first published book was a nonfiction how to book on bookkeeping. The message I got when I started was to write about what I knew. I have five unpublished novels tucked away in a drawer never to see the light of day. The most important lesson I learned was to write, write and write some more; and to edit, edit and edit some more. I can’t be an author unless I write.

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

An astronaut.

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

Bush walking, body surfing, cooking and travelling.

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

I have many places I would love to visit on this planet and the universe. However, financial constraints keep me grounded to enjoy where I am in the moment.

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

Bill Gates, because he has changed the world with technology, and he is now a philanthropist. They are amazing achievements. I would like to know more about his personal journey.

Joyce Meyer, because she has changed millions of lives through grasping hold of God’s calling on her life. I’d like to know how she achieves so much in her day.

John Anderson, Australian ex-politician, because he had to juggle politics with his Christian walk. I would like to know what conversations he had with God to achieve this fine balance.

These three people are an inspiration to me.

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.

African Hearts is my debut novel and is currently available in Koorong, Word and CLC Bookstores. African Hearts is about business woman, Gina Messina, who goes to Africa to visit with her dying brother. Marco has already died by the time she arrives. Gina is guardian for her eight year old nephew, Justin, whom she didn’t know existed, but she’s reluctant to take on that responsibility because a little girl died in her care a couple of years earlier. It isn’t until Justin’s life is threatened that Gina realises he is her only living relative. God takes Gina on a journey of faith and love to a place she never thought she’d belong, and has found a purpose for her life she couldn’t have imagined.

Reading African Hearts will challenge you about God’s purpose for your life and where you belong.

My current work, The Tangled Web (working title), is an adoption story with a difference. This work is due for release in April 2012.

You can find me on the web at http://laura-oconnell.com

Getting to know you Thursdays with Jo-Anne Berthelsen

Please help me welcome Jo-Anne Berthelsen to my blog today. Jo-Anne is another Aussie author who I have recently met online and look forward to checking out her books.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Brisbane, Queensland and hold degrees in both Arts and Theology, as well as a diploma in Education. I have worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary in Sydney, and have also been employed as part of a local church ministry team. I am passionate about touching hearts and lives through both the written and spoken word. I am the author of five novels – ‘Heléna’, ‘All the Days of My Life’, ‘Laura’, ‘Jenna’ and ‘Heléna’s Legacy’ – all published by Ark House Press. I love music, reading, mentoring younger women, and sharing with community groups about writing. I am married to a retired minister and have three grown-up children and currently two grandchildren.

2. When you were a child did you have a favourite book or books? I remember enjoying having favourites like ‘The House that Jack Built’, with its lilting repetition read to me and also being both fascinated and horrified with a version of ‘Hansel and Gretel’ that had parts cut out of the pages so you could see onto the next page. I remember feeling scared as I put my finger in these cut out parts and wondered if the wicked witch would pull me into the oven! And my sister and I were also fascinated by a series of large books called ‘Coles Funny Picture Books’ that had a strange mixture of poems and drawings and short stories in them.

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

I love writing both historical and contemporary general Christian fiction, although I plan to try writing a work of non-fiction next – a kind of memoir of my meetings and journey with a dear older Christian friend and spiritual mentor. And I enjoy writing my weekly blogs (see www.joanneberthelsen.wordpress.com).

 As far as reading goes, I love good contemporary general fiction, Christian or otherwise, but I also enjoy biography and books by authors about how they go about their own writing, as well as ones about writing itself. However, probably the books I enjoy reading the most are those on some aspect of spirituality or the Christian life, and particular those which relate this to the journey of creativity that authors experience. One I really enjoyed recently in this genre was ‘The Soul Tells A Story’, by Vinita Hampton Wright.

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

Oh yes, quite a few. I loved the whole ‘Anne’ series and everything L M Montgomery wrote. I suspect I owe my wordy style to that fact, to some degree at least! I loved ‘Little Women’ and the others of that series – I especially related to Jo, given we have the same name and she wanted to be a writer! I loved ‘What Katy Did’ and ‘What Katy Did At School’ and ‘What Katy Did Next’. And I cried my heart out over books like ‘Seven Little Australians; and ‘Daddy Long Legs’ and so on. Later at high school, I discovered Charles Dickens – and at the other end of the spectrum, my mother’s Georgette Heyer Victorian romance novels!

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

I always loved English and writing essays at school. I had wanted to write for years but I believe God had other things for me to do first, including going to theological college in my late forties and being part of a ministry team. Then around nine years ago, while visiting a missionary friend in Turkey, we were sitting in a little village on the Mediterranean coast reading our bibles one morning when God spoke to me very clearly through some verses in Isaiah and challenged me to start writing. I began my first novel a couple of months later and haven’t stopped writing since!

6. How did you go about becoming an author? I attended some basic seminars put on by the NSW Writers’ Centre in Sydney on novel writing, getting published, book promotion etc and a wonderful course called ‘Catch the Whisper’, which somehow gave me permission to allow my creativity to flow and to ‘hear’ where my story wanted to go. I read books on writing such as Mark Tredinnick’s ‘Little Red Writing Book’ and Anne Lamott’s ‘Bird by Bird’ and scoured the net for all sorts of information to do with writing. And then I simply took the plunge and began my first novel! I had five people of different ages read that first manuscript and took on board all their feedback. And then I found around six different publishers who would accept unsolicited manuscripts from first-time authors and tried them one by one. Since then I have attended other conferences and kept reading about writing – and most importantly, kept on writing. And now I have just completed my sixth novel, I still feel I have so much to learn and am not quite worthy of the title ‘author’!

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

Probably still a pastor – I love seeing God work in people’s lives and bring healing and change. But I think I would enjoy being a librarian too – or perhaps a hermit!

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do? I love speaking to all sorts of groups and in all sorts of contexts. I think being a trained pastor and also a schoolteacher in the past has helped in this regard. Apart from that, I enjoy playing the piano and listening to music. I love mentoring/coaching others, both face to face and via email and skype, including two missionary friends on the other side of the world. And I spend quite a bit of time with our grandchildren as well.

9. Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit? I have visited my missionary friend in Turkey five times and would love to go back there again soon. We have travelled through so many different areas of Turkey together but I would still love to see more. And one day I would love to visit Germany and England again.

10. If you could have a meal with 3 living people who would you choose and why? In no particular order, I’d like to chat with TV personality Jennifer Byrne of the ‘First Tuesday Book Club’ on the ABC. Her warm personality appeals to me and I enjoy her ‘take’ on books and authors. I’d like to meet Caroline Jones, also from the ABC – I have read her book ‘An Authentic Life’ and would like to hear more about her spiritual journey. And I’d also like to have dinner with poet and essayist Mark Tredinnick. I love his books about writing style and grammar and the whimsical way he makes them so easy to read. I have heard him speak and enjoyed his gentle, entertaining style.

Finally can you tell us about your current books and/or any that will be coming out soon.

My fifth novel, ‘Heléna’s Legacy’, was released earlier this month. This novel follows the story of one of the minor characters from my second novel, ‘All the Days of My Life’, Dr Susan Curtis. Susan faces the birth of her first child alone, bitter at being rejected by her fiancé and family. She begins her own reluctant journey towards God, but it is not until she comes to know Heléna Hajek, the main character in my first two novels, and to trust her that she is able even to consider forgiving those who let her down. Meanwhile, Heléna desires to make a real difference in the lives of Susan’s whole family as well as that of her good friends Ben and Marie. She thinks and prays about what sort of legacy she can leave behind for each of them – yet in reality the best and most lasting legacy she manages to leave them is the way her wisdom, kindness and prayerful support have brought such blessing and healing to them all.

My other novels currently available are ‘Heléna’, ‘All the Days of My Life’, ‘Laura’ and ‘Jenna’.

 Also, where we can find you on the web?

 My website is www.jo-anneberthelsen.com, and my weekly blogs can be found at www.joanneberthelsen.wordpress.com. I am also on Facebook - www.facebook.com/joanne.berthelsen.

Getting to know you Thursdays with Anne Hamilton with giveaway

Today I have another aussie author on my blog. Today we welcome Anne Hamilton to my blog today. I read Multi Coloured Realm this year and found it interesting. My review is blow this post.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m an Aussie, born and bred in the Sunshine State (though I’m wondering if it should be renamed the Watery State of late). I taught high school mathematics for 30 years before making the transition to my present calling – I edit the Australian editions of the devotionals, The Word for Today and word4U2day. I’m also the current president of Omega Writers.

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

I just loved Andre Norton’s books. I took them out of the local library again and again until a new librarian catalogued them into the adult section so I couldn’t get at them. I also loved Knight Crusader by Robert Welch and most of Rosemary Sutcliff’s books.

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

Tricky. I love writing fantasy and I used to read it voraciously. But I don’t read it so much these days. I’m still catching up on quite a few of Madeleine L’Engle’s books, though. I found that getting the sort of books I am interested in is well-nigh impossible in Australia, so I embarked on an adventure with internet ordering. That led me to find a treasure trove of non-fiction, mainly in the areas of Hebrew thought, ancient catastrophes and the mathematics of Scripture and medieval poetry. It sounds a very strange brew but they reflect the end of several long journeys into a particular interest of mine: the meaning of names and how those meanings affect what both identity and destiny.

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

I came across CS Lewis in my very late teens and immediately wanted to write another Chronicle of Narnia, as countless people have before me. I could just feel those missing stories calling. However, I think I have been more influenced by George MacDonald in terms of writing, as well as Madeleine L’Engle. In my thinking, I think the greatest influence has been Os Guinness and Ted Peters. (Jenny here I loved the Narnia series I even tried to go through my wardrobe I read the series many times)

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

I remember starting a novel when I was about fourteen. I still recall most of it, even though I destroyed it. The story seemed to be taking over my thoughts and, in making the hard decision to stop writing and get rid of what I had already done, I realised how much writing meant to me. However I think I wanted to write from about the time I was eight when I created some illustrated Marine Boy cartoons.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I wrote. Badly at first and better now. I went to courses and wrote some more. I kept submitting work until it was accepted. My recently-published novel, Many-Coloured Realm, took 27 years to find a publisher.

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

It took me almost five decades to achieve my goal of becoming a writer. Along the way I tested the calling by giving up writing for a whole year to see what would fill the (not inconsiderable) time available. Nothing did. So I’m sure there’s nothing I’d rather be.

8. Outside reading and writing what do you like to do?
I am involved in prayer ministry with a wide variety of people. It’s wonderful to be an instrumental part of seeing a life transformed under God’s hand.

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

I love New Zealand. I lived there for several years and it would be fantastic to go back permanently to the South Island. I visit the friends I made there every few years.

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

Mike Baillie, the dendrochronologist (someone who studies tree rings) because I have so many questions to ask about ancient catastrophes

Os Guinness, author and Christian apologist, because again there are so many questions to ask

David Howlett or Ed Condren, both scholars of medieval literature – well, because there’s so much I want to ask about mathematical design in ancient poetry.

My mum says I was born asking ‘Why?’ but I’m sure she’s wrong. I waited at least a week or two.

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 most recent books cover a wide variety of genres. My publisher mentions from time to time that I should build a consistent audience instead of hopping around, but then gives in anyway!

My latest work is a children’s picture book – Terry, the adventures of a Terek Sandpiper. The illustrator’s work is just exquisite. The story was her idea. It’s about wader birds that fly from Siberia to Australia each year and the mammoth journey they undertake when only a few weeks old. (Jenny Here this sounds so cool will look out for it.)

Late last year, Even Before Publishing released my book about names and how they affect our identity and destiny. It’s called God’s Poetry and many people mistakenly think it’s a book of poems. It’s actually about how your calling is determined by what you are called. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that ‘we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works…’ and the word usually translated ‘workmanship’ or ‘masterpiece’ is from the Greek word for poetry. Many Christians never come into their destiny and I’d reached the stage after three decades as a maths teacher (what could be further removed from writing?) that maybe I wasn’t ever going to be what I felt God had really called me to be. In coming to understand the spiritual dynamic that was blocking my way, I wrote this book. I was delighted recently when it was a finalist in the International Books Awards in the same section eventually won by Rick Warren.

Many-Coloured Realm was also a finalist in the International Book Awards 2011 in the fantasy-scifi category. It’s a children’s fantasy and it’s recently got some really great reviews. It’s also gone into about 3000 schools across Australia. (Wow that is so cool about the 3000 schools across Australia. I am sure it will be popular).

Giveaway:

Anne has kindly offered a giveaway to one commenter. If you are from Australia you will receive a copy of Many-Coloured Realm and a copy of God's Poetry. If you are overseas Anne is happy to send a copy of "The Singing Silence". To enter please leave a comment answering the following question: Did you have a favourite fantasy series you read as a child?  Leave a way for me to contact you if I don't already have your details. You have til Friday July 8th at 6pm South Australian time. 

Getting to know you Thursdays with Meredith Resce.

Please welcome Meredith Resce to my blog today. I was so excited when Meredith agreed to be on my blog as I had wanted to host her since I read one of her books a few years back. 

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Meredith Resce, I’m forty something, married and have 3 adult children. My husband is a minister, and I have worked with him in various ministry capacities since we were married in 1983. When my children were young, I had discovered the genre of Christian fiction and began to read with a passion until my husband said I was buying too many books. It was about this time that I began to seriously think about writing a book of my own, an idea that had been floating in the back of my mind for some time.  I found coming up with characters and ideas really easy and  oh-so-much-fun. But finding a publisher wasn’t quite as much fun, in fact it was a long and tiresome journey of rejection and discouragement, followed by picking myself up, and having another go at it.

I love the writing process, the development of the story, the re-writing after my critic has had a good go at it, and even re-working after my editor has had another go. It always helps make the story stronger in the finish.

My kids are all quite creative as well. My daughter also writes, and we are trying to find a publisher for her first novel at the moment. My sons are both musicians, very creative, song-writers, performers. But then they are studying to hopefully get a job that will actually pay bills.

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

I loved Enid Blyton, and I had several other books I used to read and re-read from the scholastic book club we had at school. I can’t remember their titles now. When I was older, I took to Jane Austen and LM Montgomery with enthusiasm. (Jenny here I loved Enid Bylton and reread the books so many times. We also bought many of the scholastic books and reread them to. Thanks for the memory of them. Mum use to buy them for gifts)

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

I guess I like romantic fiction whether it is period drama romance or contemporary drama romance. Sometimes even lighter comedy romance. While most of my novels are period drama romance, I have also written several others – a time travel adventure, an allegory and a contemporary drama romance. I’ve just finished a murder mystery, and am trying a conspiracy drama with supernatural themes. But really period drama romance is what I’m best known for.

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

LM Montgomery and Jane Austen and DE Stevenson

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

When my youngest was about one (1991). Before that, it had only ever crossed my mind as an abstract thought that I never really took seriously.

6. How did you go about becoming an author?

I took a pen and an exercise book and began to write down characters, location and plot ideas, and then I just started to write. This was before I owned a computer, or had any idea how to use a computer. Once I’d finished the story, I was very excited, and prepared a submission to an American publisher, and felt sure they would love it. I guess I don’t have to tell you how that turned out…Anyway, persistence is a wonderful thing.

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

I would like to further develop my role in working with film. I have been assistant screen writer and assistant producer on a movie – Twin Rivers  http://www.twotonepictures.com/productions/twinRivers.htm

I love drama and film. We’ll see… (Jenny again how exciting)

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

I love being with family. I like sport (playing and watching). I like to visit my parents on the family farm. I like music and drama.

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

My favourite place to visit is my home town – Melrose South Australia.  Actually the farm on which I grew up is my Mecca.

I enjoyed visiting the UK especially the historical villages, cathedrals and castles. Very inspiring.

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

Well I’d skip the 3 bears, as they couldn’t seem to agree on anything.

Probably Mel Gibson – I loved the way he produced the movie ‘The Passion’ and I think there must be more in that heart that we see reported on the news.

Of all the other famous and successful people I can think of, I don’t think I would desperately choose one above the other. Really spending a short time with someone of celebrity status doesn’t give you much insight into them as a person anyway. Better to have dinner with the family, and continue to share deeply with the people who know you the best.

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.

Have a look at my facebook fan page Meredith Resce author.

My first series of books ‘Heart of Green Valley’ series were published in Australia, UK and USA.  (only first three in UK and USA) They have been very popular, and I’m toying with the idea of writing #6 in the series next year.

Other than that, I have another pair of period drama romance novels – The Schoolmaster’s Bride and the Schoolmaster’s Daughter.

There are several stand alone novels: For All Time (a time travel adventure romance); Cora Villa (period drama romance); A Wretch Like Me (Contemporary drama romance currently out of print); How Sweet the Sound (allegory/fantasy/romance); One Remarkable Year (Faction – commissioned novel about the town I grew up in); Inside Out, Upside Down and Round the Right Way (Self Help inspirational); Mellington Hall (Murder mystery romance due for release in August 2011)

Check out the trailer I produced for my novel Cora Villa   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gELHXmOsY4o

Also a short documentary on the first novel I ever wrote http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAb7xhtCnA&feature=related

To buy any of my books currently in print go to www.lightthedark.com.au  under products