Interview with Suspense/Inspirational Author Gail Pallotta

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. Her teen book, Stopped Cold, was a best-seller on All Romance eBooks, finished fourth in the Preditors and Editors readers’ poll, and was a finalist for the 2013 Grace Awards. She’s published five books, poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums.

Welcome back to my blog, Gail. This book is number eight in Prism Book Group’s Love Is...series. Please tell us about this series.

It’s taken from I Corinthians 13: 4 - 8. Each author has written a novella about one of the phrases in the passage. Book number one, based on “Love is patient,” is Hounded, by Anita Klumpers. Each book is released as a single e-book and will be paired, or already has been grouped with another e-book, for print copies. My book, Breaking Barriers, will be in print with Julie Cosgrove’s Navy Blues, book number seven based on “Love Is Not Self-seeking.”

Your story in this series is Romantic Suspense. Tell us about your novella, Breaking Barriers, which is based on Love Is Not Easily Angered.

In this action-packed thriller gunshots ring out as Ann Jones enters church. She hides in the bathroom until they stop then stumbles into the sanctuary. The congregation lies dead in pools of blood. To rebuild the church she starts True Light Guardians. At the first meeting she’s attacked by a terrorist but rescued by James Crawford. He melts her heart, cold from her father’s abuse, and they fall for each other. She’s afraid to commit to love that might grow angry later like the type she knew as a child. James yearns to stop other attempts on Ann’s life, but can’t. Tormented by her constant risks, he breaks up with her. When an assault sends her to the hospital, an unlikely ally shares Ann’s plight with James, but he reveals a lead that puts all three of them in even more danger.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

When I learned that Prism Book Group wanted to publish a series taken from I Corinthians 13: 4 - 8, I wanted to be part of it, but wondered if I could write something worthy of the Scripture. How could I even choose? I kept reading the verses until finally “Love isn’t easily angered” caught my eye. Years before I had written a book about Christians worshipping underground because those angry at Christianity tried to destroy churches and their congregations.

I wanted to also add a personal story too. I decided to contrast a consistently loving character to one who claimed to love, but demonstrated anger in his actions and words. I gave the victim of this anger a strong faith. Christianity is her fortress. It means so much to her she’s willing to defend it against the unsavory people attempting to destroy it. The book had been in my desk and my heart for a long time, and now when it appears we need to wrap ourselves around all the kindness we can find, it seemed right to bring it to life.

Tell me about the main character and what you love about him or her?

The main character, Ann Jones, has survived physical and verbal abuse by her father and her beloved mother’s death. By clinging to the faith her mother taught her as a child, she’s finished college and manages Beach Lady, a boutique in White Sands, Florida. She’s depended on God to fill the voids and needs of her life for as long as she can remember. When she loses her church home to a terrorist massacre and learns other churches are receiving threats, she’s determined to keep Christianity alive.

I love her devotion to her faith, her perseverance and bravery. 

Where can my readers find you online?

My website is http://www.gailpallotta.com

My blog: http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore

Twitter, Gail Pallotta @Hopefulwords

Thank you so much, Gail, for this interview. I read this book and have posted a review below. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

“Breaking Barriers begins with a church that is being attacked by an anti-Christian terrorist group. This story is a suspenseful romance. When Ann Jones organizes an underground group of Christians, then the terrorist leader finds out and hires someone to get rid of her. The underground group is called True Light Guardians and they discuss ways of protecting themselves and still worship God. Since the anti-Christian terrorists are attacking all the Christian churches and killing anyone who carries a bible or cross, Ann is trying to help those who are afraid for their lives and the lives of their family. With the help of James, a caring and romantic guy, they both try to protect the Christian world from attack.” –Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Interview with Inspirational Romance Author Candee Fick

Candee Fick is the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy with her day job or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at football, basketball, baseball, and Special Olympics games. In what little free time remains, she enjoys exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book

Welcome back to my blog, Candee. Please tell us about Dance Over Me.

Dance Over Me is the story of a fledgling actress (Dani) searching for her long-lost brother and her place on the stage, except that a jealous cast member threatens to drop the curtain on her dreams. It’s also the story of a young man (Alex) living his dream as a musician. When Dani dances into his life, he hopes he’s found the missing piece to his heart but fears the bright lights of a bigger stage could steal her away. In addition to the romance, it’s also an adoption reunion story set at the fictional Wardrobe Dinner Theater where readers will find their toes tapping to the sound of Big Band trumpet and rousing tap dance numbers. Just try to avoid the backstage diva drama.

This sounds like a fun book. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

The initial story nugget came in a dream years ago but changed a lot as I dug deeper into the characters and created believable situations for Dani’s story. Actually, now that I’ve drifted back down memory lane, my initial idea fits better into the current book I’m writing (book three of The Wardrobe series) so I suppose my subconscious has been playing with that dream for a long time! I chose to set it at a dinner theater because they bring the Broadway musical experience closer to home and make a perfect date night. The title for the book actually comes from a song by Phillips Craig and Dean (“Amazed”) about God dancing over us while we are unaware. It’s perfect for this story because of the dancing piece but also the reminder that God is working behind the scenes in our lives.

I am a fan of musicals, ever since I was a kid. I have the DVDs of the Roger and Hammerstein musicals and many others, too. Since this story is about dancing and Broadway musicals, what kind of research did you do?

Since I adore musicals and love going to dinner theaters, I could draw on a lot of my personal experiences and memories. However, I still bought tickets to see the two plays performed in the book—42^nd Street and White Christmas. I also contacted the three closest dinner theaters with a list of questions. One responded with the phone number of an actress who answered those questions and many more over the course of an hour. When she revealed that her company supplied shared apartments for the cast, my mind buzzed with plot possibilities for more conflict outside the theater doors. As far as dancing or acting goes, I’ve dabbled a little during church Passion plays and an Israeli folk dance group but had to research the names of specific tap dance steps in order to bring that authenticity.

Do you consider your female character to be feisty or meek yet spirited?

Dani’s a fighter inside, but after spending years growing up in foster care, she’s learned the hard way that sometimes it is better to get along at all costs. She tries really hard not to step on anyone’s toes and would prefer to avoid the spotlight of attention. Part of her motivation is living out her faith with humility and kindness, but a bigger part is fear of having a target placed on her back and losing what security she has gained. Of course, through the challenges she faces, she’ll gain the confidence to take a stand when necessary.

Where can my readers find you online?

My online home base is my website/blog at www.CandeeFick.com where readers can find out about my other books and get a peek at the first chapters of my novels when they sign up for email updates. I’m also active on Twitter (https://twitter.com/CandeeFick) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Author.Candee.Fick).

Thank you so much for this interview, Candee. I hop my readers will check out this new book.

Interview with Children’s Author John Briggs

John Briggs is a former nationally syndicated children’s TV critic who now writes books for children. He is the author of the picture book Leaping Lemmings, as well as several middle-grade biographies, including Judy Garland: Little Woman, Big Talent and Mary Dyer, Friend of Freedom. A Pennsylvania native, John enjoys baseball, tea, and spending time with his children, ranging in age from thirteen years to nine months. He currently lives in New York’s Capital District, where, unlike his lemming characters, he has never, ever jumped off a cliff.

Welcome to my blog, John. Please tell us about your children’s book, Leaping Lemmings.

Thanks for having me. Leaping Lemmings is a fun story about a lemming who won’t jump off cliffs with his friends, even though they want him to. He thinks they’re nuts, and spends most of the book trying to stop them. The story teaches children to think for themselves and not give in to peer pressure, particularly if their friends want them to do something dangerous. Leaping Lemmings shows them, in a fun way, that they don’t have to be lemmings. They really should look before they leap.

Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I was looking for an animal you don’t see much in picture books, and while on a long, four-hour drive, I thought of lemmings. Maybe it was all those cars on the highway, in a straight line, heading in the same direction, but that furry little animal really caught my attention. When I realized that lemmings are best known for jumping off cliffs (even though they don’t), I thought about how much pressure it would take to get me to do something like that. From there, it was a short leap (yes, pun intended) to writing a book about the peer pressure children face. By the time my drive was over, I had an outline for the story and a character I just loved – an independent lemming who could think for himself.

This book is meant for ages 3 – 8 and parents can read it to their children. Are the words easy enough to be read by young people, as well?

Three- and four-year-olds will most likely need help, but the older readers should have no problem. Fortunately, for the youngest readers, there are several sight words in the refrain (“If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you?” “No!”) that will keep them engaged and joining in the story, and picking up a few short words along the way. I know with my own kids, I loved reading to them when they were very young, and then having them read the same book back to me when they got older. It’s wonderful to see that progress.

What other picture books have you written?

Leaping Lemmings is my first picture book, though hopefully not my last! I just love the art form. That interplay between the text and illustrations that lets you tell a complete story in so few words is exhilarating. I have written several books for older readers, though, including the first children’s books about legendary actress Judy Garland and civil rights hero Mary Dyer. I guess I’m just attracted to strong, independent characters (whether human or lemming!).

Haha! That’s wonderful! Where can my readers find you or your books online?

Website: JohnBriggsBooks.net

Twitter: @johnbriggsbooks

Thank you so much for this interview. I hope my followers will check this book out.

Searching For True Happiness In Your Life

Everyone is seeking for true happiness in their lives. It’s the most sought-after subject on earth. To be truly happy is a great mystery to many, as they search for joy in everyday life. In the book, Searching For True Happiness, you will learn specific things that will bring you true happiness.

“If more people took the advice from this book and used it to its fullest, the world would be a different place. Some of the ideas are rather simple but the overall message is profound. Happiness isn't sitting where you'd think. But it's easy enough to find with a little work and a few extra steps. I hope many, not only read this book, but also take it to heart.” –Author Brooke Williams

In this book, you will be assigned a few tasks to do. They are simple things, but yet very important for true happiness. Joy in one’s life doesn’t come without working on a few things to enrich your life. Inishowen Cailín said that it was “a lovely little book that I am sure to read many times.” The reason for reading it more than once is to help remind you of the things that will make you happy.

Inishowen Cailín wrote: “At the beginning of the book the author gives us a few tasks to complete in order to kick start our journey to personal happiness. One of her assignments is to greet someone each day. I live in a town where it is a normal everyday practice to greet every single person you meet, whether you know them or not....so this was an easy one for me. Her other tasks are also simple, fun and rewarding to complete- show love to others, gives hugs etc. I really enjoyed reading all the stories the author researched for her book as well as all the stories from her own family. I think when I reread this book I will be inspired by something different each time. It is a simple guide to put you on the right path to feeling happy and optimistic. A worthwhile read.”

About Author: Linda Weaver Clarke has traveled throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history. She has several historical romances, a couple of mystery series, and a children's book. All her books are family friendly. Visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.