Monday, July 26, 2010

Giveaway and Author Interview: Touching the Clouds

My guest today is author Bonnie Leon! Please read on for a chance at winning her latest novel!

Welcome to Writing for Christ!
Tell us a little about yourself!
Bonnie Leon dabbled in writing for many years but never set it in a place of priority until an accident in 1991 left her unable to work at her job. She is now the author of several historical fiction series, including the Sydney Cove series, Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, and the Northern Lights series. She also stays busy teaching women’s Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and women’s gatherings. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

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

I took baby steps into writing in 1989—creating poems, vignettes and short stories. It wasn’t until I attended a writers’ conference in 1992 that I returned home with a book to write. The following summer I returned to the conference and presented the story to an editor who worked for Thomas Nelson Publishing. She liked it and asked to see the rest of the book. A few months later I signed a contract with Thomas Nelson Publishing. It was my first book, The Journey of Eleven Moons, which became a bestseller.

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

I wasn’t really “thinking”. I was swamped with feelings—a sense of awe and wonderment at what God had done. I never thought I’d write a book let alone publish one, and yet there it was in my hands—God had done it. I was truly overwhelmed.

3: What are you working on now?

I just turned in book two in the Alaskan Skies series and I’m thinking a lot about book three, allowing ideas to percolate in my mind. I’m in the midst of launching book one, Touching the Clouds. In another week I’ll immerse myself in the time and place by reading historical accounts and then I’ll work on a new story line. I know the beginning and the end, but the middle is a bit vague. I’m eager to begin writing.

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

The best place is at my website. All my books are listed there. The address is http://www.bonnieleon.com/ .

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

There are themes and subthemes in Touching the Clouds, but the major theme would be, Do not listen to thoughts of self doubt and loathing that loop through our minds. Instead trust God who offers mercy and love and new beginnings.

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

Almost no one knows that when I married my husband I wasn’t sure I wanted to become Mrs. Leon. When I walked down the aisle I thought, “If it doesn’t work I can get a divorce.” We very nearly did divorce after four years of marriage, but God save my husband and I and He saved our marriage. We will celebrate our 39th anniversary in August. God is amazing!

And secondly, around these parts, I’m known for making the “best” chocolate chip cookies ever.

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

Remember to stop and look at God’s creation—it’s all around us. It’s a reminder of His creativity, His power and His might. There is nothing He cannot do.

Okay readers, here is your chance to win Bonnie's brand new book, Touching the Clouds!!
Here is how you can enter...
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
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 7th.

46 comments:

  1. Bonnie sounds like an awesome lady, I love how she gives God the glory in her writing. Please include me in the drawing for Touching the Clouds. Thanks!
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  2. I'm a follower.
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  3. I'm a subscriber.
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  4. Great interview, thanks for sharing! Please don't enter me in the drawing since I have a copy of the novel & just reviewed it a few days ago on my blog.

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  5. Your book sounds great, Bonnie. I'm glad you and your husband followed Christ. We never know what He has in store for us.
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  6. I'm a follower!


    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

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  7. I'd love to read Bonnie's book. I enjoyed the interview very much.

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

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  8. I am really excited to read this book. Thanks for offering.
    I am a follower and a subscriber.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  9. Thanks for offering the quality books that you do!

    Doreen
    priviesandprims@ yahoo. com

    I'm a follower and a subscriber!

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  10. Hi Bonnie, I enjoyed your interview. I like to find out the why, when, where, how, etc authors decide on the story line, when they knew they wanted to be an author, etc. Thanks for stopping by to chat.

    Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway.

    I am a follower

    I am a subscriber

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  11. Yay, thank you! :)

    I am a follower.

    pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

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  12. I enjoyed your interview very much, thanks for taking the time to "talk" with Casey.
    Thank you for your final words - I know myself that I am guilty of forgetting to stop and take in God's wonder that surrounds us.

    Blessings to you both,

    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

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  13. Oh, Casey, I forgot to add that I follow this blog, as well as Operation Encourage an Author.

    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

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  14. thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot coom

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  15. email subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  16. Bonnie's profile sounds like mine. I live a quiet life in the country. My child is grown and has moved one hour away. I love playing with my grandson. One of the great surprises about being a grandmother is how intensely I love my grandson. Just can't get enough of him. I also love my Quiet Moments With God. I am put Connie's books on my TBR list.
    I would love to win Touching The Clouds.

    I am an email subscriber and a google follower of Writing For Christ and now Bonnie's Blog.

    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. What an honor to know so many Christian writers who love our Lord, and Bonnie Leon, it is a pleasure to read your books. Giving God the glory is wise and He will honor you in eternity, wow. In Him, Juanita
    whisper97304@yahoo.com

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  18. It is so great to read and win books like this, Praise the Lord for authors who use their talents to not only make a living but honor God at the same time. Thanks for the chance to win! ybutler@oppcatv.com

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  19. Public Follower on Google Friend Connect. Thanks for the extra entries. ybutler@oppcatv.com

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  20. Hi Casey and Bonnie,

    Nice interview! Bonnie your book looks like it's lot of fun and something I'd enjoy.

    Casey, how have I never been to this blog before today?! It's adorable. I know I've been following OEA, but somehow missed this one.

    I'm a new follower.

    Joy

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  21. I'd like a chance to win this book! Thanks for the interview. Very nice
    Blessings,
    hollymag(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. I'd love to enter!

    kate {at} atentforthesun {dot} com

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  23. I've saw great reviews for Touching the Clouds and I would love to read it.
    I'm a follower and subscriber.
    bluerose_shelnut(aT)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. This seems like a really good book.

    leah49(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. This book is on my MUST Read list. I absolutely love the cover art. Thanks for hosting this giveaway.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  26. I am a GFC follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am an email subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome book!

    Amy S.
    artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'd love to read Bonnie's book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  30. Sounds wonderful! Count me in! thanks!

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a follower!

    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am an e-mail subscriber.


    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I am an e-mail subscriber.


    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am sorry, please delete the previous e-mail. I meant to say that I am a GFC follower.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. This book looks like it is full of adventure which should be fun.


    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  36. I'd love to be entered for this.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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

    ReplyDelete
  38. How wonderful to hear from so many of you. I'm sorry for stopping in so late, just missed the time and place.

    If you have any questions or comments you can stop in at my website at www.bonnieleon.com and I'd love to chat.

    Blessings to you all.

    Bonnie Leon

    PS Make sure to let me know who wins the free book so I can send it. :-)

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  39. Sounds like a good book. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ohiobuckeye91 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  40. I would love to win Bonnie's book - I love that the setting is Alaska.

    Thanks for the chance!

    Sheri

    hspruitt {at} juno {dot] com

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  41. I am a Google follower of Writing for Christ.

    Sheri

    hspruitt [at] juno [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I also follow your blog via Bloglines.

    Thanks! Sheri

    hspruitt {at} juno {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I came away from reading this review knowing that the author is at peace with God and I am sure that this peace shows up in her writing. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

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

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love a chance to win. thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great interview! Thanks for sharing with us:)

    I am a follower.

    Blessings,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

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

    ReplyDelete

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