Reader questions with Penny Zeller with giveaway

Today I have Penny Zeller on my blog. She is answering some of your questions and celebrating the  release of Hailee book three in the Montana Skies series.

Cecelia asks why did you happen to choose Montana as the setting for your books? (Jenny here good question) Our family has traveled extensively through Montana on road trips. We have visited two well-preserved ghost towns, which provided me with so much inspiration! I love the scenery and the history of Montana and couldn’t wait to base my characters in that setting.

Lyn asks what is your usual writing day like? After dropping my children off at school, I spend the first couple hours or so responding to emails and taking care of the marketing side of writing. Then I break for some exercise and to then listen to David Jeremiah’s broadcast on the radio. J After that, it’s time for lunch, then back to writing. I spend the latter half of the day working on my newest writing projects.

Because I do a lot of volunteer work, I also factor in time for that as well, which varies from day to day. (And I also fit in the housework too, LOL). Once I pick my children up from school, writing work for the day is done, unless I’m on a tight deadline. Time for my “mom/wife life” to begin - soccer and piano practice, homework, and preparing dinner before my husband comes home become my focus.

Jenny’s questions can you tell us a little about Hailee and what is special about her? I loved creating Hailee’s character! Hailee Sophia Annigan is an orphan and the oldest of three children. She was born into a poor working family and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the late 1800s.We get glimpses into her difficult childhood and are taken back into a time when she struggled to find her place in life.

Hailee is resilient and reacts well in emergency situations, of which she’s had many. Hailee is nurturing and takes great pride in teaching her younger brothers, not from textbooks, but from memories of what she learned in school when her life afforded her the luxury of being a student.

She is strong in her newfound faith. She is also sweet, kind, thoughtful, spirited, feisty, and competitive! One thing she does struggle with is that she tends to be a bit of a worrywart. J

An interesting quirk about Hailee is that she is clumsy when moving at a slower pace, however, when she’s running, she’s extremely surefooted. Hailee’s father used to tell her she “could run like the wind!”

Also can you tell us a little about Nate, from the little I have read he seems to be a good guy? Nate is a great guy and it’s exciting to watch his interaction with the other characters in the book.

He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusettes, but his heart yearned for a life different from that into which he was born. He is the son of the wealthy and well-known Worthington-Adams family and was raised by a nanny and attended boarding schools.

Nate is a prolific speaker, caring of others, a gifted pastor, and is a Godly man of integrity. He is compassionate, dedicated, and tenderhearted. He likes to tease and has an exceptionally witty personality. One thing Nate does struggle with is things that are beyond his control.

Do we get to revisit with the characters from McKenzie and Kaydie? Actually, Jenny, that’s one of my favorite things about my Montana Skies Series. We do get to revisit the characters from McKenzie and Kaydie and catch a glimpse into the lives of those who call Pine Haven home. Not only do we revisit the main characters of the two first books, but also the secondary characters, such as the comical Lucille Granger.

Do you have a message you would like readers to take out of this book? My passion is to write books that impact lives for Christ. Readers can expect to share in Hailee’s pain and sorrow, as well as the joy she experiences. They will watch as her faith wavers and her heart breaks at the losses she experiences in life. They will share with Nate as he struggles to release to the Lord burdens he was never meant to carry. My books are character-driven, and as such, throughout the book and with a variety of characters, readers will catch a glimpse of struggles with forgiveness, Salvation, rededication to Christ, and the hope of a new life.

Did you have a favourite Character in this series? Ooh, this is a hard question, Jenny! As a matter of fact, I asked my kiddos which character they would choose. My youngest piped up and answered, “Well, Mom, I think I would probably have about four or maybe five characters that would be my favorite!” I have to agree – I couldn’t name just one! (Jenny here not sure I can pic a favourite either although Kaydie's  young twins sure are fun to read about)

How did you go about researching this book? I do a lot of research online, but I also do research by visiting the locales of where a book is set. In addition, I am a frequent visitor to my local library. I’ve always enjoyed history, especially the time period of the mid-to-late 1800s.

Thanks Penny for being on my blog again. I do love having you visit. Thank you, Jenny, for having me as your guest! It’s always an honor to be here.  I wanted to share one other thing with your readers – I am so excited about the book trailer Tinkertime Productions recently produced for Hailee. It can be seen here: http://youtu.be/LEGoM43jtwA

Thank you again, Jenny!

Blurb: For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Nate Adams would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?


Giveaway
Penny has offered a copy of her book to one commenter. If you live in the states you will receive a hard copy of the book overseas a electronic version.
To enter just leave a comment for Penny (not just enter me) by Friday 23 Sept 6pm Aussie time.