Thursday, July 29, 2010

Giveaway and Author Interview: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa

My guest today with a giveaway is author, Melanie Dobson, be sure and read on for your chance to win her Love Finds You book. : )

Welcome to Writing for Christ! Thank you for being with us today.


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

I began journaling when I was seven and discovered early in life that God gave me a passion for words. During those younger years, I wrote a number for stories and poems, but pursued nonfiction writing and public relations as an adult. I’d always wanted to write fiction, but thought I would start pursuing this when I was “older.” Not long before my thirtieth birthday, I realized that I was indeed older and God reignited the passion in me to write fiction. It took seven years and three completed manuscripts before Together for Good was published.

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

My baby has a face! For so long I’d labored to create this baby of mine, and it was amazing to finally see her beautiful cover and hold her in my hands.

3: What are you working on now?

I just finished a romantic suspense novel titled The Silent Order about a Cleveland detective who is intent on bringing down the Mafia family responsible for murdering the woman he loved—and an Amish woman who is trying to guard the secrets of her past from him. The Silent Order will be published in November.

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

The best place is on my website (http://www.melaniedobson.com/ ) or http://www.fictionfinder.com/ . I write historical romance, suspense, and contemporary fiction, and there is a description of all my novels on both of those sites.

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

Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa is about a man and his daughter searching for a place to belong. The thread throughout this book is integrity and the need for community. Refuge on Crescent Hill is a romantic suspence, set in an old mansion in Ohio that is filled with both present and past secrets. The message in this book unfolds with one of the twists in the plot so I better keep that a secret as well…

6: What are two things that people wouldn't normally know about you as a writer and or person?

My writing is really used an excuse for my research habit. I love to research and have to pry myself away from the stacks of book and old newspapers in the library so I can actually write a book. The second thing would probably be that I wasn’t a consistent fiction writer until I had children. Starting a family forced me to schedule my writing times and when the girls were younger, these times were often quite short so I had to pound out my words during short increments when they were napping or late at night. During that time, I learned the value in writing conistently every day, even when it was just fifteen or twenty minutes.

Thank you for being with us today.

Thanks so much for having me, Casey!


Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Melanie's Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa!!

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 other blog, Bug's Beads

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 August 14th.

104 comments:

  1. ohhhh! Please enter me! :)

    I am a follower.

    I follow Bugs Beads.

    pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've wanted to read this one for a while as I'm quite interested to learn more about the Amana community. I'm in my early thirties and just rediscovered fiction writing after taking time off for kids so your journey is inspirational to me.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a follower of this blog..

    I love these books. please enter me!


    Rae
    raebyuel(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love Melanie and this one looks fabulous! Please enter me!

    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez2001[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am a follower.

    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez2001[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I subscribe to this blog.

    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez2001[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am following Bug's Beads.

    Blessings
    Michelle V
    michellevasquez2001[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. Great post. Please enter me.Blessings.
    tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would love to be entered!
    I'm a follower and subscriber, and now I follow Bug's Beads.
    bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Please enter me in this giveaway!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am a Google subscriber.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks so much, Casey! It was a pleasure "chatting" with you.

    ~Melanie

    ReplyDelete
  17. sounds like a good read, I would love to win!

    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love Melanie's books. I would love to win her book!! :) Thanks.

    Torri
    grace4betts@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sounds like a great book. Count me in I am a follower. kittycrochettwo@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am an e-mail subscriber and a GFC follower.

    I love to read about different communities. Also, I love the name of the book because my grandmother
    homesteaded in south Dakota!

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel :0

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. email subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Book looks great. Love the cover. Count me in on the giveaway.
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  24. I enjoy the love finds me books. Please enter me.

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

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am a subscriber

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love these books!
    I am a follower and subscriber.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
    and I am going to signup at your other blog right now.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Please enter me, this looks like a great book!
    ~Lauri
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    l_meinhardt@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm following Bugs Beads!
    ~Lauri
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    l_meinhardt@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Melanie, I enjoyed your interview and I know I will love your book. I love stories such as Love Finds You in Homestead Iowa with HEA.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the Love Finds You books!

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a follower

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm subscribed
    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am a follower via GFC

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow Bug's Beads
    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am an email subscriber

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I follow Bug's Beads

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Would love to win this!
    I'm a follower and a subscriber.

    Doreen
    priviesandprims@ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Am excited about your book Melanie Dobson, you are on my list. I just purchased 20 books a few days ago, my list is short so love adding your name on. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us. Juanita
    whisper97304@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I loved the interview now I would love to win the book. Thanks for giving me the chance. ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I subscribe by e-mail Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Public follower on Google Friend Connect. Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I follow on GFC on Bugs Beads, Thanks ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I live in Iowa and this book sounds like one I'd love!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am a follower.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow Bug's Beads
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love the LFY books and also love Melanie's books. Please enter me.
    Thanks!!!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  47. I subscribe via e mail!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  48. Please enter me! I'm a subscriber!

    dancealert at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Count me in, please.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thank you for entering me!

    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  51. I am an email subscriber.

    Thank you!
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am a follower.

    Thank you!
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  53. I am following Bug's Beads. The bracelets are so pretty!!

    Thank you,
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  54. Please enter me.

    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am a follower.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am a subscriber.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am a follower of Bug's Beads.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I would to read this book!
    Great interview!
    Maureen

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am a follower!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am a subscriber!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Would like to be entered to win this book. Thanks!

    ohiobuckeye91 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I enjoy the love finds you series

    I am a follower

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

    ReplyDelete
  63. I am a follower I would love this book


    mamat2730(at)charter)dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you, Melanie, for taking the time to do the interview with Casey. "Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa" sound so interesting - I would love to win a copy! The cover of the book is beautiful and just invites me to pick it up and start reading.

    Casey, I am a follower of your blog and a subscriber.

    Blessings to you both~
    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  65. I'd love to win a copy of this! Please enter me!

    kate[at]atentforthesun[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I have read so many great reviews of Love Finds you in Homestead Iowa and can't wait to read.

    Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    I am GFC follower
    I am email subscriber
    I follow Bug's Beads

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. My mom and I are fans of her work, so I'd love to win this!
    hismercysurrounding(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Sounds like a fun read.

    Please enter me.

    A J Hawke
    ajhawkeauthor at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I'd love to win!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. This book sounds like an interesting read.. Thanks for the opportunity

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

    ReplyDelete
  71. I love the cover art and it sounds like a great read. Please enter me and thanks for the chance.

    Smiles,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I am a follower.

    Smiles,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am an email subscriber.

    Smiles,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I would love to read this! Please enter me :)

    ksmiley2[at]kent[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  75. This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  76. Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  77. I'm a subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  78. I follow Bug's Beads

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  79. Please enter me.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I am a follower.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I am a subscriber.
    naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Sounds very interesting! Melanie is an excellent writer so I am sure it is good! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I enjoy reading Live Finds you series.
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  84. :-D Please enter me in this giveaway! :-D

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    I am a follower...a
    and a subscriber...
    and a follower on Bugs Bees...

    ReplyDelete
  85. The cover is very descriptive of the story, I think. The girl appears lonely in her expression. I'd pick this book up and take a look. Please enter me in this giveaway and thank you for the opportunity.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I subscribe to this blog.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I'm glad to be a follower of this interesting blog. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks.

    Grace & Love in Christ,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  88. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  89. I'm an informed follower because I'm an email subscriber too. Please enter my name in the giveaway, and thank you.

    Joy in Christ,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Just became a follower of Bug's Beads and am very surprised to find a great site for jewelry. I am just starting to learn jewelry making, and love jewelry. Thanks for entering me into the giveaway.

    Blessed Be in Christ,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Just visited Melanies website and her blog and find her books very interesting. I'm glad to know about you, Melanie, I've not read your work before. I'm looking forward to reading you soon. Thanks for this chance at the giveaway.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. cool! would love to win

    aimymichelle[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  93. please enter me in the drawing.

    avidreader(at)middleswarth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  94. I have been wanting to read this for some time and would love to win a copy - thanks for the giveaway!
    winnieayala at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. I follow on GFC
    winnieayala at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I follow bug's beads too!
    winnieayala at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I would love to win a copy. The Love Finds You books are great.

    pleblanc_1{at}charter{dot}net

    ReplyDelete
  98. Enter me in this one, please.

    KMParis

    kmparis@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I would love to win this book. I have not read any of the love finds you series yet.

    Blessings,
    Kim msjmom@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I am a blog follower

    Blessings,
    Kim msjmom@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I am also a subscriber!
    Blessings,
    Kim msjmom@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I would LOVE a chance to win this book! I live in Iowa and this is the type of book that I love to read. Thanks for the opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  103. I really want to read something from the Love Finds You series. thanks for the contest! this one looks great!

    Barbour Books

    ReplyDelete

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