Monday, May 31, 2010

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: White Roses

Shannon Taylor Vannatter received over 200 rejections before hitting publication, proving that anyone can do it, if they have the willingness to learn and the ability to write. Her writing has received several awards, including 2nd place in the RWA’s 2007 Touched by Love contest. Her first book, White Roses releases in May, 2010 and will be followed by White Doves and White Pearls in October, 2010 and January, 2011 respectively. I am pleased to present an interview I had with Shannon recently on the writing craft.


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.

1: How long did you write before you were published?
Nine long frustrating years.

2: When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?
Thank you, God! Teary-eyed, I clutched it to my heart and thanked Him.

3: What do you find the hardest part about writing?
Deadlines and my first content edit. My editor is great and her comments were right on. The book will be better because of her insight. She saw all the things and more, that I missed because I was too close to the work. I’m hoping I’ll be less stressed as I get used to it all. But my first content edit was like pulling all my hair out and then trying to stick it back in and make it look good. I was so worried I’d make changes that stopped the flow of the story or jolted the reader.

4: How do you coordinate time between writing and other responsibilities?
I write while my son is in school and I try not to do anything else during those hours. I treat it like a full time job. In the summer, I usually get two days in a week, when he’s at a friend’s or a grandparent’s house and I stay up after everyone else is in bed and get in a few hours each night. I try not to write when my son is home and awake. He’s only 8, but he’ll be gone before I know it.

5: What are you working on now?
I’ve completed book 2, White Doves and turned it in. I should get the content edit on it soon. Book 3, White Pearls, is finished and my critique partners have it now. Once I get their comments, I’ll go over it one more time and turn it in by my deadline, June 1. Then I’m taking June off, as far as any new projects anyway. By July, I’ll be ready to think of my next series. I’m torn, I have a rodeo series and a trade length second time around romance. I’ll have to decide which to focus on.

6: Where can readers find out more about your books?
 http://www.shannonvannatter.com/  or http://www.heartsongpresents.com/

7: What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
Love doesn’t conquer all, God does. You can find the greatest man on earth, but if the two of you don’t invite God into the center of the relationship, it will never be what it could be and it may not last.

8: Why did you chose this profession?
I got tired of trying to find clean romances to read, so I decided to write one. The more I wrote, the more my characters prayed and went to church. I didn’t know there was an inspirational market until I borrowed a Market Guide from the library. At the same time, my husband was a youth director. I thought inspirational romances would be a great witness to nonbelievers.



Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?
My prayer has always been for Christians to enjoy my books and feel uplifted, and maybe even receive insight into something they struggle with. I’d like them to loan my books to their nonbeliever friends, so together we can plant seeds.

Okay readers here is your chance to check out Shannon's brand new book!
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 my friend Ashley's blog HERE

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! Contest ends on June 12th.

79 comments:

  1. I'd love to win this book!

    embracingdestiny at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm a follower. ;0)

    embracingdestiny at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Like the names of the books. Interesting. Please enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. So anxious to read this book....please enter me!!
    THANKS!!!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  5. I subscribe to your blog!!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  6. I follow Ashley's blog!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love heartsong books. Please include me thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  8. follower
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  9. sounds like a wonderful novel...thanks for the chance to read it :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. email subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. email subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Many Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am a follower of your blog.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm a subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Please enter me! I have been wanting to read this book. ;)

    Great interview!

    God bless!
    ~Katie G.

    katiegalyean (@) yahoo (.) com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am a follower of your blog.

    ~Katie G.

    katiegalyean [@] yahoo [.] com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I follow your friend's blog.

    ~Katie G.

    katiegalyean (@) yahoo (.) com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hooray for writing clean romance! We need more!!! Glad to hear you have two more coming. Please enter me. Thank you.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I subscribe by email.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm a follower.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm a follower, a subscriber and a fast reader, so I never have enough books!

    Would love to win~~~

    Doreen
    PriviesAndPrims@yahoo.com

    www.PriviesAndPrims.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sounds like a great book.
    csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com

    I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Have not read anything by this author, but am looking to it. Would love to read this book. It looks great!
    plhouston@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to win this fabulous book. I am an avid reader. The interview was great, I enjoy reading about the authors, it makes the book more intresting when you know something about the author. Thanks for the entry. ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Public Follower on Google Friend Connect. Thanks for the extra entry. ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I subscribe to Writing For Christ. Ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Shannon! It's so much fun seeing you here. As someone who's read White Roses, I can guarantee everyone will love it and the next two in the series.

    I don't need to be in the drawing ... I've already got my copy & plan on buying several more. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I discovered Christian Romance and Fiction books a few months ago and I just love them. I was so tired of reading books and skipping or skiming over parts I did not want to read. Thank for your great book and looking forward to your other two following. Good luck in your writing and Congrats on your being published.
    I loved the interview. I always like to find out the how, why, when to an authors life and writing. Would love to win. Thanks

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am a follower via google


    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am an email subscriber


    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I follow Ashley's blog via google


    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'd love to win this book! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm a follower

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm a subscriber

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm following Ashley's blog

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Casey,

    Thanks for inviting me to your blog. It was a fun interview.

    Sara,

    So glad you're interested in the book. It was so much fun to write.

    Jo,

    I got to keep my titles. I don't think that happens very often, so I was pleased.

    Jackie,

    Anxious to read my book. That makes me feel so good.

    Abi,

    I love heartsongs too. A heartsong was the first inspirational I ever read.

    Karen,

    Thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed your visit.

    Cindy,

    Nice to hear from you. I love book giveaways too.

    Katie,

    It makes me feel good that you've been wanting to read my book. Still blows my mind that I have a book.

    Linda,

    Yes, I don't even bother reading regular romance anymore.

    Doreen,

    I wish I had more time to read.

    Runner 10,

    I met you on another blog. Thanks for stopping by here too.

    Patsy,

    This is my debut novel, but I hope there will be many more.

    Grannyvon,

    I always love reading about authors too. Still can't believe I'm one.

    Brenda,

    My marvelous critique partner who helped mold White Roses and the rest of the series as well. Thanks for the plug.

    Miss Kallie,

    That's exactly what I used to do. Skip and skim. So glad we don't have to do that anymore with Christian fiction.

    Hi Vicki,

    It makes me feel so good to know the readers want to read something I wrote. It's all very surreal.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Nice interview, and looks like an interesting book.

    gijanechosen(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Shannon you are certainly an inspiration to us! Thank you for your great post and I look forward to reading your novels!

    Carla
    carlagade [at] gmail [dot] com
    http://writingtodistraction.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Jane,

    Thanks for the compliment. Casey made it easy to do a good interview.

    Carla,

    An inspiration. Wow! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm always keen to give a new author a try!

    berendsen70 at yahoo dot com

    checking out your friend's site next..

    ReplyDelete
  41. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.

    Cheryl

    cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'm already a follower

    Cheryl

    cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I subscribe by email.

    Cheryl

    cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm now following Ashley's blog.

    Cheryl

    cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi Cheryl,

    I'm so glad you're interested in my book. Thanks for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I really admire Shannon's perseverity and tenacity in trying to get published. No one without a true calling would ever do that and I pray that God rewards her efforts on His behalf!

    Since this contest ends on my birthday, it would be a great birthday present if I were the winner of this drawing!

    I am a follower and a subcriber of Writing for Christ.

    janmarien(at)embarqmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Jan Marie,

    Thanks so much for your kind comments. You made me feel so good.

    This is truly a ministry to me. I've always prayed that nonbelievers would somehow get their hands on one of my books.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I found your review to be intriguing and one that I think I would take pleasure in reading. Nine years is a long time I too hope you are richly rewarded for your efforts.

    Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.

    steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Would love to win this book.

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I follow you on GFC

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am a subscriber.

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'd love to win this, it sounds terrific.

    je2kids(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi Steve,

    Nine years is a long time, but worth it in the end.

    Hi Steph,

    Glad the book sounds interesting to you.

    Holly,

    I have one son and I'm tired.

    ReplyDelete
  54. This looks like a great read! Count me in! Thanks

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  55. Im a follower

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  56. I follow Ashley's blog

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love the cover. It is so homey. I grew up in a small town.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Count me in too...

    Thank for hosting this giveaway and Shannon, I find the fact that you got published after 9 years and 200 rejections very inspiring.Thank God and I hope I get to read your books soon.

    estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Please enter me I would love this book


    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  60. i have your button on my blog, please come and get mine. http://edna-myfavoritethings.blogspot.com/




    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  61. Great interview. I would love to win this book to read. I donate my books after my family reads them to the local nursing home. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I subscribe Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I already follow Ashleys blog. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Debbie,
    A great read! That warms my writer's heart.

    Linda,
    I live in a town of maybe 100. The towns in the book, Romance has 1700 and Rose Bud 2000. I wouldn't have thought either one of them were that big.

    Esther,
    Definitely, Thank God.

    Edna,

    It's still surreal to me that people are interested in my books.

    grannyvon,
    What a great thing to do. I'll have to clean out my bookcase and do the same thing.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Please enter me.

    Wendy
    ebeandebe at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I would love to win this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. MoziEsme, Wendy, and Linda,

    Thanks for stopping by and for your interest.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I would so love to win your book. Carmen sent me.


    louann@carolina.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I am a follower.

    louann@carolina.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi Lou Ann,

    I'm glad Carman sent you. Thanks for your interest.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Please enter me. Thanks!
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I'm a follower.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I follow Ashley's bolg.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I would love to win this book! Plz enter me in to win. Thank you :)
    randomness.is.awesome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I would love to read this book. It sounds so good. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  76. I would love to receive a copy of this book!

    Carman sent me!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Hi bluerose, Cas, Anita, and Maureen.

    I'm glad you stopped by. Thanks for your excitement.


    I just can't tell you all how much it means to have this much interest in my book.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for stopping by, I love to hear from those who traffic my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)