The Winner of Patti Lacy's Book

The winner of Patti Lacy's book, "Reclaiming Lily," is:

                SONIA!

Congratulations, Sonia. Please email me at susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com. When I have your snail mail address, I'll send it to Patti. She will mail you her book.

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway.

Author Interview - Patti Lacy - Part 2 - AND GIVEAWAY

Multi-published author, Patti Lacy, is back for Part 2 of our interview. Let's get right into the questions and answers.

5. Patti, we'd love to hear a little about your writing journey.

After a court reporting career, I  returned to the teaching roots established by an education degree from Baylor and my teacher  parents and taught Humanities at a community college. In 2005, God whispered for me to write the story of my best friend, a brave Irishwoman who was banished from her beloved cliffs of County Clare, Ireland, when she was only five years old. Kregel Publications published that first story, An Irishwoman's Tale, and ever since, I've been consumed by the passion to write.

God gifts me real-life stories that capture my heart (two little girls, separated by racism and a chain link fence; a mother, taking a first...and perhaps last...cab ride with her baby boy; sisters, separated by seas and secrets and an insidious disease). Using the tenets of Colossians 3:23, I do my best to capture His gifts in novels. With His  provision, I will write.

6. I noticed you use flashbacks. What's the key to working them in without slowing the action?

So you noticed, did you? :) Some folks would argue that I succeed with my flashbacks. Just check out my Amazon reviews! Since my youth, I've loved framed stories and adore parallel actions. Accordingly, I write that way but certainly cannot speak to keys to "working them in."

As an aside, my two WIPs have NO flashbacks. It's kinda fun, anticipating new challenges!!! Y'all know there are ALWAYS challenges!

7.  Do you have any advice for those of us seeking publication?

Write for the Audience of One. He will provide the only "outline" for an often lonely, dispiriting, and arduous career path.

8.  Last but not least, what projects do you have in the pipeline? I'm looking forward to more Patti Lacy books.

Susan, thank you for your tireless support and your prayers. Especially your prayers!! Right now my agent, Natasha Kern, is shopping a series, "Life in Normal," especially the first book, Below Normal. What happens when the dreams...and despair...of a bereaved widow and a sassy grocery store bagger collide and their lives jump out of their "Normal" ruts? Yep, this series is set in my hometown, Normal, Illinois!!!

God, showing His humor, has inspired me through the Pulitzer-Prize-winning Team of Rivals, to consider a Civil War romance. I know, I can't believe it, either. Hang on, readers!!!!

Thanks, Susan, I loved chatting with your folks!!!!

Thank you, Patti, for sharing your path to publication.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Patti has offered to do a giveaway of her book, "Reclaiming Lily!" Here are the rules:

1) The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

2) Leave a comment on this post with your email address. No email = no entry.

3) The winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 29th and notified via email. An announcement will be made on the blog.

4) For complete details, see the giveaway post from last week (Thursday).


Disclaimer: I did not receive any remuneration for this interview or the giveaway from the author or the publisher.




Writers: What did you glean from Patti's answers for your own writing journey?

Readers: What part of the interview surprised or made you stand up and take notice?

A GIVEAWAY!

Patti Lacy emailed me yesterday and offered to do a giveaway!

1.  Instead of two chances to win by commenting on the interview posts, I'll give you a third if you comment here as well. Post it on Facebook and Tweet it, and I'll give you another two entries, but you must comment on at least one blog post and inform me.

2.  This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

3.  Include your email address in your comment, using the spam busting format. If you don't leave an email address, I'll assume you do not want to be entered into the giveaway.

4.  The winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 29, 2012. The giveaway is void where prohibited, and the winner takes all responsibility for their eligibility.

5.  I'll notify the winner via email and post the results on my blog.

Disclaimer: I received no remuneration for doing this interview or giveaway.

Those who have already commented are automatically entered, but I ask you to stop by and leave your email address. Don't miss this great opportunity to read one of Patti's super books!

Author Interview - Patti Lacy - Part 1

Patti Lacy and I met online through Jeanette Levellie. I've read two of her books, recommended them, and look forward to her next offering.

She's done some awesome research, but I'll let her share during the interview. Let's give Patti a warm, Christian Writer/Reader welcome!

1.  I loved your new book, Reclaiming Lily. How long did it take you to research and write this story?

Susan, THANK YOU! I spent around a year developing the proposal for Lily while finishing galley proofs on The Rhythm of Secrets, then capped off preparation for my China project with an international trip! For seventeen days, the sights and smells and sounds of a glorious country unfolded!

For this my fourth novel, I signed a contract in the summer of 2010, BEFORE the story was completed, and had to ramp up my scribbles on paper since Bethany House set a due date of November 15, 2010. For me, this was big-time  pressure, but thank God, I did it!

2.  What's your secret for writing well-defined characters? Do you use character charts?

Susan, no character charts yet, but I sure might one of these days! My secret? I pick and choose from the traits of neighbors, friends, and acquaintances, so be careful if you know me or live in or around Normal, Illinois!!!

3.  Did you visit small Chinese villages like the one in Reclaiming Lily? The detail puts the reader in the setting.

China's so spectacular, she just demanded to be a character in the book! I DID visit a strand of small villages, nestled in a fertile valley. (There were seven when viewed from atop a nearby hill). One special village provided the inspiration for Kai's childhood home. God blessed me with attentive, gracious hosts who cooked over a fire stove and served steaming cups of tea in a shaded, spacious courtyard. Yes, I spent a lifetime in China - for 17 days.

4. Dr. Kai Chang's thought processes reflect the culture. Did you find it difficult developing her character? Did  you have an "expert" help you?

Over 20 research books, a couple of films,and a wonderful tour guide, banker, and friend (also a Chinese citizen) opened her treasure trove of memories to help me, I hope, get it right. Of course, as I state in my author's notes, the real Dr. Kai ripped open her heart...and sorrowful past...to share what compelled her to come to America. It's such a subjective thing to dissect and probe another person's motivations and goals. I did hear that Dr. Kai bought books for all her friends! Do you think that's a good thing???

Thanks, Patti. We'll post Part 2 of the interview next Wednesday (1/25).

What's the biggest thing you've done to research your book? Patti traveled to China. Have you taken a trip for research purposes? Have you gathered information from experts? We'd love to hear about it.

On My Nightstand - Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy

Gloria Powell's life comes to a standstill when what she's feared comes to pass. Someone wants to reclaim her precious adoptive daughter. Will she be able to keep the rebellious teenager from abandoning her and gravitating to her biological sister?

Dr. Kai Chang crossed the ocean to America, got her degree, and citizenship all for the purpose of finding the child her parents gave up during China's Cultural Revolution. She's racing the clock because a hereditary disease stalks their bloodline. Will she find Lily in time to save her life?

Wow! Even when I couldn't pick up this book because I was work or engaged in one of life's many activities, it engaged my mind. Patti Lacy's storytelling gets better with every book.

The author went to China as part of her research and came back with a clear understanding of how people think and their motivations. Kai's personality is painted with masterful brushstrokes, while Joy/Lily is the epitome of a confused, rebellious teenager.

Let's not forget the story. The development of life events flowed as naturally as a mountain stream. I never saw the ending coming, and it delighted me. Have those tissues ready for both sad and happy tears throughout this stellar book. I hope Patti gets an award for this one.

Disclaimer: Neither the publisher or author furnished this book or requested a review. I purchased it, and the opinions expressed are mine.