Monday, February 1, 2010

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Walking on Broken Glass

Christa Allan is a debut novelist whose first book, Walking on Broken Glass releases today! Christa lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana. Christa has kindly offered to give away a copy of her debut novel to one fortunate winner!

Christa, tell us about yourself!
With the exception of having spent some years in Texas, I’ve been a lifelong Louisiana girl. I spent most of my growing up summers curled up in a wingback chair reading books that transported me to magical and fascinating places. The bookmobile brought me a fresh banquet of books every other week; otherwise, I’m certain I might have starved. After college I started teaching high school until the mommy years. I have five children, who are now 32, 29, 26, 26, and 24, a son-in-law, and two precious grandgirls ages 4 and 2. Twenty plus years ago I returned to teaching high school, and I’m hoping to finally graduate! My husband Ken and I spend our time with our three neurotic cats, play golf, and dodge hurricanes.

1: How long did you write before you were published?


I actually started writing in high school. I couldn’t sing, dance, paint, play sports, or act, but I could wield a pen. That’s when I discovered that writing allowed me to explore in much the same way reading did. And it kept me company when I felt alone. I’d been writing for at least five years when my book sold. In the year before that, I’d published in anthologies like Chicken Soup, Cup of Comfort, and The Ultimate Teacher.



2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?

Well, I might have to get back to you on that one as I’ve not had that thrill yet! But holding my Advanced Reading Copy was as surreal to me as when Rachelle Gardner, my agent, called with the news that Abingdon had bought Walking on Broken Glass.

3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?

I joke that the most challenging part of exercising is putting my shoes on. It’s the act that signals the commitment. Writing is often like that, except that instead of shoes it’s placing my fanny in the chair. And then keeping it there! In the beginning of a book or even a proposal, my little ADD-self is all over the place making plot pretzels because I’ve not yet focused. But what I’m learning is that might be just how I have to enter the process. On the edge of my novel being released, the hardest part now is what I always tell my students: “You can’t follow your writing.” So, now my book is going to be “out there” in the universe. I wonder if that’s why it’s called a release…because, as writers, we have to let go of whatever control we think we have over our work once it’s published.

4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?

If you could see my house, you’d know the answer to that one! Not very well. I teach English, so I’m forever drowning in a sea of papers that require grading. Or I should say required because I’m probably already screeching into late! My students are quite patient with me!

5: What are you working on now?

I have two proposals out right now that I’m praying to hear something about soon. I also have a character who continues to linger, and I’m still trying to figure her out. Maybe I need to go have coffee with her or something. She might be able to grade my papers…

6: Where can readers find out more about your books?

Abingdon Press has a great site, and my website is www.christaallan.com

7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?

So many events, even people, including ourselves don’t follow the “script” we’d written. Often when that happens, we feel as if God’s abandoned us. Sometimes God won’t follow the script we’ve written for Him! Instead of disappointment, despair or defeat, I hope readers come away with the hope that God’s grace can find us wherever we are. And sometimes we’re following exactly the script God had for us all along. My prayer is that readers find the courage to confront addiction-either in themselves or someone else-and feel reassured that they’re not alone. We may never know to whose prayers our lives are the answer.



8: Why did you chose this profession?

I think it chose me! Like so many other writers have said, I can’t not write. We all have gifts and talents, and I trust that God knew what He was doing when He granted me this one! I think that’s because the thought of my singing caused a riot in heaven…

Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?

Besides buying dozens of my novels?! Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself and Walking on Broken Glass. Blessings!

Watch the book trailer for Christa's Debut novel:


Readers to enter to win a copy of Walking on Broken Glass, please do the following:
~Leave a comment with a valid email address

To get extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be an email subscriber to this blog (over on the sidebar)

This contest is open to anyone, but is void where prohibited. Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. Winner will be chosen by Randomn.org

32 comments:

  1. I'm reading Christa's book NOW and am thrilled to say there's a great new women's fiction writer tiptoeing through the shards of life!!!

    Blessings,
    Patti Lacy
    www.pattilacy.com/blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi...I'm a new follower and enjoying your blog very much. I love Christian fiction and finding new authors to read. Please add my name to your giveaway. Thank you!

    Blessings,
    Sandee

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  3. This sounds like a book of hope in one's daily life. Please enter me. Thank you.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm a new follower by Google reader.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just joined your email newsletter.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Greetings,
    Would love to be in the drawing for this wonderful book. I'm a new follower also. Wonderful interview.
    Have a blessed day,
    Wanda Chamberlain
    wandaelaine AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations on your debut novel. I hope that I will be in your shoes someday! Please sign me up.
    Deborah M.
    debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  8. would love to read this fabulous book...thanks for the opportunity

    karenk
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  9. i'm a subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks like an interesting book. Would love to read. julesreffner@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for the interview! Please enter me,
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. what a wonderful interview! I followed!

    Sincerely,
    Emma Michaels
    SincerelyEmmaM@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm a new follower and I love to read christian books jacksond@nhr3.net

    ReplyDelete
  14. That was an inspiring interview! Please enter me in the book giveaway.

    Ibe
    ibelissesanchez@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats to Christa Allan for her debut novel, Walking on Broken Glass. Please enter me for an opportunity to win. I've been waiting for this one! WillisWay (at) aol (dot) com.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like a wonderful debut novel! I'd love the chance to win,
    BETH
    bethnaf at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great interview! Sounds like a good book. I constantly read all the time! I love trying out new authors. I'm a follower and a subscriber.

    Jennafraugh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Please enter me into this great contest, I follow you on google


    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would love to win this book, please count me in.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I follow by email.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am also a follower by google reader.


    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. This looks like an awesome book!

    I am a follower
    I'm an e-mail subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  23. I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
    I just became a follower of your blog.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Please add my name to the giveaway.

    Judy - seizethebookblog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am also a follower!

    Judy - seizethebookblog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. This book looks right up my alley. I'd love to win! Please add my E-mail (westietherapy@gmail.com) to the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  27. This book sounds fantastic!! Please enter me in the drawing.

    I'm a follower.

    Thank you so much!
    tweezle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would love to read this!
    hsemonick at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks to everyone for your kind and encouraging comments. I do hope Leah's story brings hope to families.

    If you're on the path to publication, keep writing, keep learning, persevere. God will bless your efforts.

    And, Casey, I apologize for not checking in sooner with your terrific readership. I've felt like a Nyquil commercial the past few days, so I wasn't as attentive to the internet as I usually am.

    Thanks for hosting Leah!

    ReplyDelete

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