Please welcome Australian author Paula Vince to my Blog. I first met Paula at the local book shop on Christmas Eve last year and have been corresponding ever since and actually got to meet her again recently at a Light the Dark party in my town. I hear you asking what Light the Dark is? It is an Australian book party plan selling Austraian Christian fiction, and non fiction books, including kids books and other Australian items. It is a great plan and a way to promote our wonderful books to new readers.
Paula has a new book out which she is offering to one of my readers. read below for details.
1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in the beautiful South Australian Adelaide Hills with their four distinct, breathtaking seasons. Along with writing fiction, I homeschool my three children. Fiction writing and homeschooling are occupations that you can pour a lot of energy into with the illusion that nothing visible seems to happen from day to day. Yet I’m convinced that the fruits of our effort bloom suddenly in their own time.
2) When you were a child, did you have a favourite book or books?
I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” series and anything written by LM Montgomery. I thought those two authors had a way of making everyday life seem so noble and awesome.
3) Do you have a favourite genre to both read and write?
I love all fiction in which the plot and character development are evenly balanced to keep us caring about the folk enough to continue their stories. I like novels which combine threads of romance, suspense and maybe a tinge of mystery.
I also enjoy reading good self-help/personal development books. The excerpts within their pages are inspiring and remind us of things in life that are truly important. As they are not the genre I write, I find I can simply relax without the impulse to analyse the authors’ writing techniques.
4) Did you have favourite authors growing up who have influenced you?
Yes, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte and Harper Lee. All three ladies liked to live quiet lives and set their stories in places they knew well, focusing on issues they were passionate about. I’ve tried to follow their example in my own writing. They have also provided solid proof that a great story is timeless and may be read, discussed and televised long beyond an author’s lifespan.
I also remember a day back in the 1980s when I first came across a shelf full of Janette Oke novels in a Christian bookstore and thought, Wow, I never knew there was such a fantastic thing as Christian fiction! (Jenny here, I was introduced to Janette Oke in the 80's and fell back in love with books and christian fiction)
5) When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Ever since I was at school. From my days in Reception, I loved it when the teacher told us to write stories. Then years later, a Year 10 English teacher wrote, Paula, your style of writing is fascinating, on an essay of mine. For the first time, I felt validated enough to decide that this was a career path I badly wanted to follow. Teachers and other adults should never underestimate the impact a few words can make.
6) How did you go about becoming an author?
I learned all I could about the craft, kept immersing myself in novels and committed myself to keep going until I finished a manuscript, despite not getting much encouragement along the way. I continue to be vigilant and jump at opportunities such as speaking engagements and blog interviews like this.
7) If you were not a writer, what would you like to be?
Something like a naturopath or personal trainer, so I could help others and also receive the benefit of my training in my own life. But that’s a good question because it reinforces my conviction that a fiction writer is what I really love being most.
8) Outside of reading and writing, what do you like to do?
I enjoy country drives, hikes and bushwalks, cooking, watching favourite TV programs with my family and traveling whenever we get the opportunity.
9) Do you have a place you love to visit or would love to visit?
I visited Europe and Great Britain when I was fifteen, and again when I was twenty. I’d dearly love to return there with my husband and children, to see their reactions to the castles and cathedrals in that history-drenched part of the world. I’d also love to visit America some day.
10) If you could have a meal with three living people, who would you choose and why?
Hmmm, that’s a very good question.
I think I’d choose Joyce Meyer, because her books are so down-to-earth and I’m sure she’d have some encouraging thoughts to share.
Next would be Oprah Winfrey, to try to get her to give my books a plug on her show. I’m sure there’s an opportunistic streak in all authors, but I’d love to hear her life lessons too.
Finally, I’d ask Orlando Bloom, because he’s played such thought-provoking screen roles and is gorgeous as a bonus.
What an interesting table conversation there would be.
(Jenny here, it would nice to be the fly on the wall!)
You can find Paula on the web at
www.appleleafbooks.com
Best Forgotten
A young accident victim wakes up in hospital and can't remember who he is. Why does he have nothing in common with his family? Why does he despise the person he was supposed to be? Why has his best friend disappeared without a trace? Is somebody after him? His family can offer no solutions. His girlfriend is strangely aloof and he cannot shake off a feeling that the answers will prove more unpleasant than his amnesia. Somehow he must find out as it seems time is running out. Paula Vince has woven elements of secrecy and suspense with her trademark warmth and compassion. Best Forgotten is an inspirational masterpiece you won't forget.
Picking up the Pieces
One terrible decision leads to another and the Parker and Quinlan families find out what it means to be in total despair. In a moment of recklessness, Blake Quinlan does something he never should. The bitter consequences of his impulse will reverberate through the rest of his life unless he learns to deal with his past. Without warning, Claire Parker's world shatters. One horrific event leads to a choice that she can never forget. She must find a source of strength and forgiveness to help her recover or she will never again be the happy person she once was. Moving forwards there is still hope. A triumphant story about forgiveness, new beginnings and the power of love that cuts straight to the heart.
A Design of Gold
After a traumatic experience, Nicola recovers by taking refuge in Casey and Piers Bowman's spare room. Jerome, Piers' son, is learning to be a young man,struggling in his quest to make a difference, with ideals of mission life from his childhood hero. Michael, a teenager who's been down all the wrong roads, is trying to follow the straight and narrow. As their lives intertwine they grow, learn about themselves and find that true discipleship starts at home. Romance and drama combine in this novel, set in Australia by Australian author Paula Vince.
Giveaway:
Paula has offered to giveaway a copy of her latest book Best Forgotten which I cant wait to read (I bought it yesterday). In order to be in the running you need to answer the question If you could visit Australia what would you like to see or if you are an Aussie where is your favourite spot to visit. Please also leave a way to contact you. If you dont wish to win this book you can still comment but just say not entering. You have til Friday May 15, 6pm South Aussie time to enter.
