Friday, October 16, 2009

Blog Tour - Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

The Familiar Stranger is about a couple going through a really rough patch in their marriage. When an accident incapacitates the husband, their relationship must be redefined. which would be a lot easier to do if BIG secrets from his past didn't raise their ugly heads. Despite the upheaval, the choices they make involving forgiveness and trust might allow a new beginning. Or...they might not.

Welcome to Christian Writer/Reader Connection, Christina! We're looking forward to learning more about you and your book.

And, blog readers, at the end of the post, watch for an exciting surprise!

1. I love the story of how you began writing. Could you share it with our readers?

Buried deep within my closet, one might find some angst-filled poetry from my teenage years and a very spooky seven pages of the novel I started in high school. Though I was in love with the idea of being a writer,it wasn't until I finished college and stayed home with my first child that I actually decided to write a book. Truthfully, my mom told me we were going to write one together, and being the obedient daughter I am...

Susan: That's so funny! My journey got kicked into gear with encouragement (okay, a giant shove) from my late husband.

2. We all hear about what makes writing a challenge. What aspects of writing are easy for you?

Strength-wise, while the idea of writing or editing may seem hard, I usually get quite a lot done in a short amount of time once I start. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. That applies to our writing. A little momentum can go a long way!

3. How does your relationship with the Lord influence you as a writer?

I believe He guides the story, adding layers I'm not even capable of comprehending while I write it. I'm not great at starting my writing time with prayer, but I try to stay open to where He might lead me.

I see writing as one of the tools He uses to form me into His image -- a tool to teach me patience, self-control, determination, reliance on Him, and other life lessons. I also see writing as a gift that brings hope, fulfillment, and purpose when the rest of my life is falling apart.

Thanks for stopping by Christina.

As a single mom and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time out of her busy schedule to write about the heart and soul of life. She lives with her family in rural Oregon. The Familiar Strangeris her debut novel. Get to know her better at her website.

Christina also has an infrequent, humorous newsletter. To view back issues, visit her Ashberry Lane website. Just by signing up, each person will be entered to win a 4GB iPod Shuffle or free books for the life of Christina's writing career.

The next stop on Christina's tour is Annette Irby's blog. Christina will share more about her adventures as an author.

Now, for the icing on the cake! To celebrate her blog tour, Christina is entering all commenters in a ten-book giveaway. The drawing will take place on October 31st.

16 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

Hi Susan, nice interview! I like the bit about a writer in motion... so true.

I already won her book so please don't enter me. :-)

Karen Lange said...

Great interview, Susan! I will have to look into getting this book. Thanks to Christina for sharing her thoughts. Blessings:)

Jeanette Levellie said...

I wonder if Christina ever sleeps! I'm happy for her to publish her novel after ten years in the making. That's perseverance!
Please enter my name in the drawing, and thanks!
jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com

Terri Tiffany said...

I have seen this book all over the Internet and would absolutely LOVE to read it! Please enter me !

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

The whole writer in motion idea also got the wheels turning in my head. Along with discovering how much time I was spending on the computer, it influenced me to write every day.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks! It's a fascinating story.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

She's a busy lady! I admire women who manage to write and raise a family. They're both huge jobs.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Christina's done a good job keeping the title of her book in the public eye. I'm happy to say it exceeded even my high expectations. :)

My Mom just finished the book and enjoyed it.

Blessings,
Susan

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I love Christina's answer about how the Lord influences her writing. I hope I always endeavor to view my writing and my writing career that way.

Please don't enter me for the book, I already won it. I can't wait to read it! Have a great weekend!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

Yes, Christina has her priorities straight. I appreciate a Christian author, who sticks by her convictions.

Enjoy the book and the weekend!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kristen Torres-Toro said...

Hey, Susan! This books sounds really cool. Thanks for the interview! Have a great weekend!

Christina Tarabochia said...

It's so much fun to read comments like these! Thank you, all, for popping in and thank you, Susan, for hosting me again. :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

Thanks for stopping in and commenting. :)

My Mom and I have both read this book. It's excellent. I'm still thinking about the story after almost a month.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Christina -

An idea for you: you might want to print out all the comments about the book. Some of them might make great testimonials in the future (with the author's permission, of course).

Blessings,
Susan :)

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Susan, this seems like an eye-opener of a story. Thanks for the review.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Eileen -

Just when I thought I'd had everything figured out, Christina threw in a twist.

Blessings,
Susan :)