Author Interview and Book Giveaway: A Promise Born

Cara C. Putman has written professionally since 2005 when God’s call firmly took root. Since then joys of publication have fallen quickly on the heels of her hard work. Her first book, Canteen Dreams, was the 2008 winner of American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year. Her second book, Sandhill Dreams, was a Book of the Year finalist. Along with writing about the home front during World War 2, she has written two mysteries for Love Inspired Suspense. Today I am honored to share an interview I had with her. Cara has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book...A Promise Born to one fortunate winner!




Cara, thank you for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you taking the time to answer these few questions, letting us get to know you better.



Thanks so much for having me, Casey.

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

My story is a bit unique in that from the time I felt God give me the go-ahead to chase the dream of writing books to the time I had my first contract was about 15 months. Add another year to holding that first book in my hands and now five years later, I’m waiting for books ten and eleven to release this summer and fall. It’s more normal for it to take 7 to 9 years from first sitting down to write to landing that first contract. Publishing is all about perseverance and discipline.

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

That God was amazing. It was a beautiful book – from cover to story. And readers responded well to Canteen Dreams. But that first thought was definitely that God had blown me away.

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

The isolation. I’m an extrovert, so it is truly hard to spend so much time alone – just me and my computer. But, I’ve found ways to still connect with people and developed deep friendships with other writers and readers through ACFW, facebook, etc.

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

When I have a deadline, I am very disciplined. I will get the writing done. Sometimes that means I don’t get a lot of sleep, and my kids have a knack for getting sick and needing more of me during those peak times. But I’ve also learned to ask for help earlier in the process. To not wait until I am buried and it’s almost impossible to catch up. So when I’m under deadline, I’ll have a babysitter come at least one afternoon a week. The kids like the break from mom, and I can go through the other days knowing I have a pocket of time for uninterrupted writing.

5: What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on edits to Stars in the Night, my World War Two romantic suspense that releases in July, and dreaming up new ideas for future books.

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

It’s easy to learn more about them at http://www.caraputman.com/  or at http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/ . I update my blog, which can be found at both sites as well as on my facebook page, at least three times a week.

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

That no matter what is going on in our lives, God will never leave us or forsake us. That we can have hope in the darkest night because He is there. And whether my novel is a historical romance or a romantic suspense, readers will find a variation on those themes.

8: Why did you chose this profession?

Because I love to research and create. And I knew this was one area where I could never learn all there is to know. There is no threat of boredom when there is no way to ever become the perfect writer. I can always push myself to be better.

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

Thanks so much for having me, Casey.

What an honor to share an interview with you, Cara! I wish you all the very best in your writing, it's some of the best! :-)

Readers to enter to win A Promise Born, PLEASE LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDRESS! If I draw your name and there is no email, YOU WILL NOT WIN!

For extra entries:
~Be a follower
~Be a subscriber

And a NEW one:
~Follow Cara's blog.

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter!