Special Giveaway and Interview: The Call of Zulina

Help me welcome author, Kay Strom to the blog today! She is giving away a copy of A Call of Zulina, so be sure and read on.

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

Tell us a little about yourself!

Bio:
Kay Marshall Strom is the author of thirty-five published books. Four were chosen as book club selections, nine have been translated into foreign languages, and one was optioned for a movie. Although she is well established as a non-fiction writer, her current fiction has met with high acclaim, receiving praise from Publishers Weekly and a starred “Highly recommended” review from the Library Journal. In addition to her writing, Kay is an in-demand speaker. Her work as a 21st century abolitionist take her around the globe where she speaks out against social injustice, especially modern-day slavery. She and her husband make their home in the Pacific Northwest.

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

Depends on what you mean by “write.” All my life I’ve written stories. Tommy the Turtle was published in our school paper when I was in fourth grade. But of course you mean after I started writing for more universal publications, don’t you? Actually, it was just one year. I took my first manuscript (which was very raw) to a writers’ conference where I met an editor who saw a glint of potential in it. She helped me along, and my first book was released at the end of that year.

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

Wow! Am I dreaming? I’ve got to tell Mrs. Eckert about this! (Mrs. Eckert was my junior high teacher who always told me that one day I would be a writer—and bought me my own dictionary because I was such a wretched speller!)

3: What are you working on now?

My second historical fiction trilogy, this one set in India. The first book, Ashish: The Blessing of Faith, will be released in Sept. 2011.

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

On my website: http://www.kaystrom.com/. For this current Grace in Africa historical fiction trilogy, the site: http://www.graceinafrica.com/

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

Both in my fiction and non-fiction, I am first and foremost a storyteller. But I’m a storyteller with a passion. My goal is to tell a rollicking good story with a heart-cry for justice.

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

• In unity with Christians in Egypt—and at their request—I have a Coptic cross tattooed on my right wrist.

• As a writer and speaker, and husband and I have the opportunity to take cruises to wonderful places in exchange for giving a few presentations on the ship. Fun, huh?

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

If you want to be a writer, write. Write and write and write some more. Never give up. Everyone gets better and better. No one gets worse and worse.

Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Kay's book, The Call of Zulina!

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
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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 September 25th.