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...
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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.