Monday, September 20, 2010

Giveaway and Author Interview: A Suitor for Jenny

I am thrilled to annouce my guest today with giveaway is author, Margaret Brownley!

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


 Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi everyone and thank you for having me. What a lovely idea, writing for Christ!

Let’s see. Where shall I begin? I’ve always wanted to be a writer and wrote my first book in fifth grade, a mystery with no ending. When I announced to my family that I wanted to be a writer no one took me seriously, probably because I failed 8th grade English. Undaunted I wrote angst-driven stories throughout my teens. Every year I entered the Seventeen short story contest, and didn’t even merit honorary mention. I finally resigned myself to not having what it took to be a writer and went on to do other things. Marriage and raising a family took up most of my time but the writing bug remained. Tired of writing amusing notes to my children’s teachers I volunteered to be the editor of our church newspaper. After making the church picnic read like a Grisham novel, my then pastor took me aside and suggested I try writing fiction, which of course is what I always wanted to do.

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

Once I made the decision to go for broke, I wrote four books before I sold my first. It took me five years to sell my first book. I was working at the time and had three active children so I had to get up at 4 a.m. to write (still do). Back when I started we didn’t have the Internet and all the wonderful writer resources available today. I was pretty much on my own and had no idea what I was doing. I finally joined a writers group and one of the members dragged me to my first writer conference. What an eye opener that was. I didn’t even know what a SASE was, let alone viewpoint.

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

It was a dream come true and I couldn’t believe it. My first thought? Thank you, God! This was followed by, I wish my 8th grade teacher could see me now. My third thought? Take that, Seventeen magazine! Stupid thing I did? Quit my day job. I was a writer, right? I stood to make millions! Now you know why I write fiction.

3: Tell us about your new book

A Suitor For Jenny is the 2nd book in my Rocky Creek series. Here’s a blurb;

When looking for a husband, it's best to go where the odds are in your favor.

And that would be Rocky Creek, Texas, 1880. But Jenny Higgins's plan to find husbands for her two sisters hits a snag when enthusiastic applicants fail to meet her stringent requirements.

Rejecting her sisters' choices for mates and riding herd on her growing feelings for Marshal Rhett Armstrong, she refuses to give up.

Jenny thinks choosing a husband is not a job for the heart. It'll take one strong and handsome marshal to convince her otherwise.



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

Readers can visit the ol’ homestead: http://www.margaretbrownley.com/ . I also blog regularly on http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

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

That it’s still possible today, as it was more than a hundred years ago, to triumph against all odds. I also hope that my readers go away with a renewed belief in the power of faith, love and God’s guiding light.

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

Since I’m on Facebook and Twitter my life’s an open book so there’s not much people don’t know about me. Some think I’m a terrific cook (probably because I raised a chef) but I’m only so-so at best. As a writer, I write by the seat of my pants—no outline, nothing. No one’s more surprised at the way my books end than I am. Come to think of it, since I don’t plan in advance, even dinner is a surprise.

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

I just want to thank all my readers for the lovely cards, letters and emails. I treasure them all. With all the wonderful books out there I’m amazed and humbled that you took the time to read mine. God bless you all.

Have a Little Faith!



My website: http://www.margaretbrownley.com/

Stagecoach Etiquette for Readers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prY2q9Oasp4

Blogs: http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

Readers to enter to win Jen's 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 or Subcribe (not both for extra entries) Operation Encourage an Author.

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 of said prize.
Thanks for coming by to enter!

Contest closes on October 1st.

74 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great book. I am not familiar with this author.

    I am a follower and a subscriber.

    csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This book sounds the type that you would want a comfy chair to sink into and then just enjoy! Thank you for the gioveaway.


    I am a folower and an e-mail subscriber.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like a great read! I heard about her first book - A Lady Like Sarah - and it look good! Please count me in!

    Katie M

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Please enter me!

    God bless!

    ~Katie G.

    katiegalyean (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am a follower of this blog.

    katiegalyean (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am a subscriber.

    katiegalyean (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am a follower of Operation Encourage an Author.

    katiegalyean (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds great! I'd love to win this book.

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am a follower!

    seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I loved your interview. I sometimes wing dinner...it will start out as one thing and end up as another. I should plan ahead, but don't!
    Congratulations on raising a chef!
    Please enter me!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am a follower!


    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am a subscriber!


    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love romance books :) Please enter me!

    I am a follower.

    I am a subscriber.

    I follow Operation Encourage an Author.

    pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am a follower of Operation Encourage an Author.


    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, oh! I loved the first one and have been looking forward to reading this book too!

    nina4sm[at]gmail[dot]com

    I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm a follower and I'd love to win!
    Ann Lee Miller@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Margaret is a new to me Author but I look forward to reading this. Please count me in.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm a follower and a subscriber.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Please enter me! Margaret Brownley is a wonderfully talented author! Thanks for the chance!

    Molly
    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  21. +1 I am a WforC follower

    Molly
    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  22. +1 I am a WforC subscriber.

    Molly
    Mollyedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  23. +1 I am a follower/subscriber to OEA

    Molly
    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've really been wanting this one! Please enter me

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

    ReplyDelete
  25. I follow your blog.

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. I subscribe via email

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. I follow Operation Encourage and Author.

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

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh, and I am a follower!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. and a email subscriber!

    legacy1992(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am a follower and email subscriber. Plase enter me in contest. Would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I already love this book. I have added to my wish list. This has got to be a great book and I look forward to reading.

    I am GFC Follower

    I am email subscriber

    I follow Operation Encoourage an Author

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love to read books written in this time period. This book sounds great. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for giving away a copy.
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  33. Would love to read Margaret's book! Thanks for the chance!

    mybabyblessings [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Please enter me! I can't wait to read this book!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Can't believe that I forgot my email addy:

    booklovercb[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am a follower and

    a subscriber
    A Suitor For Jenny sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sounds like a fun read.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
    I am a follower and a subscriber and I follow Operation Encourage an Author.
    Thanks,

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh, I'd love to be entered in this drawing. thanks. Nice cover

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  39. WfC follower of gfc

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  40. WfC email subscriber

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  41. OEaA subscriber

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  42. What a fun cover, I can't wait to read A Suitor for Jenny. Please toss my name in the hat. Thanks!

    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com
    I'm a follower.
    I'm a subscriber.
    I'm a follower of OEaA.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I really want to read this book!
    It looks and sounds so good!
    Please enter me!
    carman sent me.
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. would enjoy reading this fabulous novel...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. i'm a follower and an email subscriber, too :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I can tell from the interview that this is going to be a great read for me. Please consider me. Thank You!
    apeygirl[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Ah, the matchmaker gets matched, eh? Sounds fun . . . I'd like to be entered into the giveaway please!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm a subscriber via e-mail. =)

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  49. I always love a great romance book, please count me in.

    sonflower277(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Love Margaret Brownley books. I also love the cover art. Would love to win a copy.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  51. +1 I am a subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I am a GFC follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I am a subscriber & follower of Encourage an Author.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Margaret,

    We have something in common--when I first started writing, I didn't know what pov or an SASE was either. :) I'm looking forward to reading your new book.

    I'm a follower.

    fictionfan1 [at] cox [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  55. Such competition, but I'm hoping God wants me to win!

    I'm a follower and a subscriber.

    Doreen
    priviesandprims at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sounds like a very good book. Would love to be entered!! Mommiebethers@ameritech.net

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm interested in reading this book.
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  59. email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  60. email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am a follower on Operation Encourage an Author

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  62. Great interview! Thank you both for sharing with us. :)

    Would love to be entered.
    Thanks and blessings,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I am a follower. :)

    Thank you,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  64. This sounds like a great read! I would love the opportunity to read this book!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Please remove my name from this drawing because I won this book on another blog. Thanks.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Oh, pick me, pick me! *grin*

    I think you ahve my e-mail, but it is krista at kristaphillips dot com :-)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hey, Casey, thanks for giveaway -- I would love to be included as this is a book I've been wanting to read.

    Hugs,
    Julie

    gsus(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  68. Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancycdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  69. Follower

    nancycdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  70. email subscriber

    nancycdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  71. Follower of Operation Encourage an Author

    nancycdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  72. This book sounds charming! Thanks for the giveaway.
    mesreadsATgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am a new follower of your blog.
    mesreadsAtgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I am also a new follower of Operation Encourage an Author. How wonderful.
    mesreadsATgmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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