Welcome to Writing for Christ Jill Nelson! Thank you for being with us today.
How long did you write before you were published?
I’ve dreamed of becoming a novelist since I was a young girl in the sixth grade. I was already a voracious reader, but sometime during that year, I came to realize that I didn’t want merely to be the person who received pleasure from a good book; I wanted to be the person who gave that pleasure to others. Over the years, the dream awakened and then died several grizzly deaths, but along about the year 2000, when my four children were becoming more and more independent, it was like the Holy Spirit blew on the embers of that dream in my soul, and the desire became a consuming fire. After that, it took until 2005 in order to receive my first book contract. It was with Multnomah Books, a division of Random House, to write my “To Catch a Thief” series.
How did you come up with the idea for your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by social dynamics in a small town. Having lived in rural communities all my life, I’m intimately familiar with the unique politics involved. Crafting a story about the shadow cast over a town by its founding family came readily to me. I was particularly interested to explore the affects past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be.
The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37: 10 – 11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the world.
Where can readers find out more about your books?
My web site offers the opportunity for readers to sample excerpts, click straight through for purchase, sign up for my quarterly e-newsletter, and play a game for a monthly chance to win a signed copy of my most current release. You can check these opportunities out at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com.
What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
I often go out on speaking and teaching engagements. There is one message I always want to leave with my listeners: If God will fulfill a life-long dream from this nobody-in-particular from nowhere-special, He can and will do the same for anyone!
Thank you for being with us today. Any final words for readers?
Here’s a taste to whet your appetite for Legacy of Lies:
Secrets Buried Deep!
Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother’s back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole’s grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she’s willing to accept Rich’s help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.
Okay readers, here is YOUR chance to enter to win this novel- looks intriguing doesn't it?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 group blog (of which news members are joining THIS WEEK) The Writer's Alley
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 October 22nd.
Please include me! Sounds like a great read!
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Please enter me! It sounds great!!!! Thanks!
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~Katie G.
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I am a follower.
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I am now a follower of The Writer's Alley. :)
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katiegalyean (at) yahoo (dot) com
Small town living is so diff from the city. I love the premise of your story. Please enter me.
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I love books like this :)
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pinkdaddysgirl[at]msn[dot]com
Jill captured me as a fan with her book The Reluctant Burglar, I have to read every book she writes now. Please add me to the drawing for Legacy of Lies. Thanks!
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I'm a follower of The Writer's Alley.
worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com
I love all Love Inspired books. I know this one will be great as well. Thanks for giving away a copy.
ReplyDeleteplhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
"The Holy Spirit blew on the embers of the dream in my soul." Thanks for that eloquent reminder of the direction (and even second chances) we receive in Christ, Jill! Thanks for the interview, Casey!
ReplyDeleteI follow and subscribe to both blogs. Please enter me!
reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. This book sounds really good. I would love to read it. Tore923@aol.com
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i'm a follower :)
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I'm a follower and a subscriber. Love reading mystery stories!
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Thanks for the review and giveaway.
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the cover is interesting.
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Definitely sounds like a book I want to read! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
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I'm Writin for Christ blog follower thru Google.
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I'm a subscriber thru email.
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I also follow your group blog, The Writer's Alley :)
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This sounds intriguing! Please enter me. Thanks.
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I love the Love Inspired Suspense line and Legacy of Lies looks like a great one. Would love to win a copy. Thank you for the chance.
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this book sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway. augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)com.Thank you.
The book sounds great please enter me!
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Hey Case!
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Thanks for the giveaway!!
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Hannah
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Thank you for the great interview, and for entering me!
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+1 I'm a follower
I live in a small town, and that rumor mill can be bad.
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sounds great. thanks trishbazin(at)yahoo.com
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This book sounds very interesting. I'd love to get a copy to read. Count me in!
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