Monday, March 14, 2011

Giveaway and Author Interview: Love on Assignment

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Cara Lynn James, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

You’re starting off with a hard question for me because I’m not as interesting as I’d like to be.

Okay, most people don’t know this—when I was a senior in college I had one week to read the entire trilogy of Lord of the Rings (over 1,200 pages) and write a 20 page paper about it. The professor thought she’d cancel the paper, but in the end, she didn’t. So, a seminar full of seniors read morning, noon and night. And I hated fantasy. I also had exams to take that week.

What surprised you the most about being a published author?

For me writing was a very different experience before I got ‘the call’ than after. I sat in my bedroom or on the sun porch and wrote my stories when I felt like it. Without a deadline I felt absolutely no pressure to finish anything. I wrote when my muse struck. I had all the time in the world to revise and look up words in the Thesaurus and try to get every sentence just right. Even though I wanted to take the step from hobby to career, I still treated writing as a hobby. I worked hard learning the craft, but I wasn’t consistent. I didn’t have to give up any other fun activity to write.

I knew meeting deadlines would require discipline, but I didn’t know how difficult that would be. But I got used to it very quickly because I had to. I also learned a deadline can stimulate creativity or panic. You choose how you deal with it. I also never envisioned writing a book while I did revisions on another book and promoted still another. Writers are busy people! And we’re jugglers.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

I enjoy reading many genres—women’s fiction, literary, mysteries and suspense, romance. I don’t like paranormal, fantasy or speculative fiction. My published stories are historical romance with a touch of mystery. I love history, especially the Gilded Age, but I also like to read and write contemporaries. Someday I’d like to write a historical mystery series for kids in the middle grades. It’s not surprising that I read all the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books when I was in 5th and 6th grades.

When you aren’t writing or interacting with fans, what do you enjoy doing?

I love camping in a camper, not a tent, going to the beach and reading. Travelling is on the top of my list of fun things to do, but unfortunately I don’t have enough time right now.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

Even when you’re discouraged, keep on writing. Perseverance is the key. If you quit you’ll never get published.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

You mean besides the instant fame and fortune? LOL. I’ve met so many wonderful writers and they’ve become close friends. I’m thinking of the members of the Gulf Coast Chapter of RWA and my ‘seeker sisters’ at www.seekerville.blogspot.com. It’s amazing to me that so many writers are so supportive and encouraging!

Unless you’re published people often don’t take your writing seriously. They consider it just a hobby. It’s not a ‘real career’ if you’re not getting paid. That can be annoying and frustrating. My family has always been supportive, but sometimes I felt guilty for all the time I spent learning my craft. I don’t any longer because I’m on deadline. But I think I shouldn’t have felt that twinge of guilt before I sold. You have to put in the time and effort learning before you can sell.

What do you like readers to take away from your books?

In all my books I’m trying to emphasize that living the Christian life is hugely important. You can evangelize all you want and that’s wonderful, but you have to incorporate the teachings of Jesus into the very fabric of your life. Talk is cheap. Most of my characters deal with the problems of materialism and greed. My stories take place during the Gilded Age (the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th), but their temptations are the same for us now. Despite our country’s economic troubles, we live in a land of plenty for so many people.  We still have to deal with how we allocate our money—do we donate it to the poor who need it or spend most of it on ourselves? Do we give our money to missions or build a church coffee shop? The Bible should be our guide.

Places for readers to learn more about you?

Thank you for being with us today!
Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Cara'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

An EXTRA one:
Follow Seekerville (Cara's group blog)
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 March 25th.

88 comments:

  1. Good morning! Thanks for having me here today, Casey. It's a warm morning in nw Florida--the window is open and the birds are singing! I think it'll be a great day for writing.

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  2. Good Monday Morning!

    I am a follower.

    I also follow Seekerville.

    pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  3. Put me in for the drawing ,please. Thanks

    msudawgtoo(at)comsouth(dot)net

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  4. LOOOVVEEE Cara. I'm a follower here AND at Seekerville. Please enter me! Been intrigued by this one ever since I first saw the cover.

    joanne(at)joannesher(dot)com

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  5. Love the cover of your book. Please enter me in the drawing.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. I think it's a beautiful cover as well. Please enter me in the drawing.

    snowboundintheup(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  7. I am a follower and a subscriber. Thanks for the chance. naburcaw@gmail.com

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  8. Hi, ladies! I'm so happy to be here with Casey and friends today! And I'm glad some of you also visit Seekerville. It's so encouraging for writers to get together and support each other.

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  9. I'd love to win thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  10. email subscriber

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  11. gfc follower
    WRC

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  12. seekerville follower

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  13. Cara, maybe we need to ask someone else what's interesting about us. I enjoy reading how others write. And it does change after publication. Lovely cover. meadowlark@loreepeery.com

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  14. Cara,
    So glad to see you here. That pic for ACFW is gorgeous.
    And we're much alike. I'm sorry for you!!! :-)
    Self-discipline and focus, sigh. Deadlines help me too.
    Congrats on your fame and fortune, Cara :-)

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  15. What a lovely interview, Cara. It's such a blessing to discover other writers are experiencing the same time constraints. Keep juggling!

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  16. Fun interview, Cara and Casey!! Chompin' to read the book, Cara, because I know it's gonna be great!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  17. Thanks for the great interview. Yes, I agree the one thing about being an unpublished writer is writing when you are inspired to and not worrying about deadlines. But that's a bad thing too--I have yet to have an entirely finished/revised product. Then again, we're always revising aren't we. Thanks for the chance at winning your latest book. I loved the last one. :)
    cynthiakchow(at) earthlink (dot) net

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  18. Looks like a great book! I'd love to win a copy to read!
    I'm now a follower.
    I'm following Seekerville too!

    kari_linder at hotmail dot com

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  19. Would love to check out a book by Cara!
    carinpolczynski@yahoo.com

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  20. It's nice to see some familiar faces and meet some new readers and writers.

    I'm still waiting for the instant fame and fortune! But I'm not holding my breath.

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  21. GFC Follower.

    leanniegehrke at hotmail dot com

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  22. Blog subscriber.

    leanniegehrke at hotmail dot com

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  23. I love the cover of the book!
    gravesok@gmail.com

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  24. Cara!!! You didn't like Lord of the Rings??? I read the whole set of books in high school, then at least twice since then, and I've seen the movies several times. Just LOVE the story!

    Oh, you are so right about the difference between writing when you're in the mood vs. writing on deadline. But would we ever go back to those days? NEVER!!!!

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  25. Myra, I might have liked Lord of the Rings if I had more time to read! The movies were wonderful.

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  26. Sounds like a great book!! I have just started reading a lot of books this year and can't get enough! Just finished "The Healer's Apprentice" today! Thanks for the chance to win this book. I am a follower and subscriber.

    kcmelone[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  27. The cover of her book is enchanting.
    I also read all of the Nancy Drew
    books...
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  28. I follow you publicly via Google
    Friend Connect!
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  29. I am also an email subscriber to your blog!
    Merci bien...Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  30. I follow Seekerville publicly via
    Google Friend Connect (windycindy)!
    Also, I am an email subscriber to
    Seekerville...
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  31. Hi Cara Lynn, I received this book last week, won at Molly D's, and can't wait to read. Have large stack TBR and just could not put on bottom so put it near top. lol.. Can't wait to read and hope to read more of your books.. Thanks for the great interview.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  32. I am a follower and a subscriber.
    I also subscribe to Seekerville.
    I would love to read this book.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  33. What a lovely interview. I enjoyed getting to know Cara Lynn and would love to read this novel!

    I'm a blog follower.

    carlagade [at] gmail [dot] com

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  34. yay! thanks!

    americangirlie1991 AT yahoo DOT com

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  35. Thanks for the interview. I've read several good reviews of this book so would love to win it!
    I am a subscriber and follower of Casey's blog. I'm also a subscriber to Seekerville. I find it very interesting, though I am a reader, not a writer.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  36. I loved Cara's first book and would love to win her second!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  37. I would love to win the book!


    dancealert at aol dot com

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  38. I am a subscriber by email and a follower through GFC

    dancealert at aol dot com

    Brenda Rupp

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  39. I posted this to my blog:http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/03/writing-for-christ-giveaway-and-author.html

    DanceAlertReads.blogspot.com

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  40. I'm a follower and a subscriber. Please enter me in the contest!

    blessings,
    Doreen

    priviesandprims[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  41. I am a subscriber and a follower.
    Please enter me!
    I loved the first book in the series!!!! And i cant wait to read this one! It looks and sounds AMAZING!
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

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  42. Great interview, Casey. I loved the question you asked.

    Cara, I feel for you on reading the LOR trilogy in one week and writing a paper. That would be tough enough, but add in exams. Yikes! Little did you know that you were in training for your days as a published author when living with deadlines would be your M.O.

    I really liked this: ". . . a deadline can stimulate creativity or panic. You choose how you deal with it." That's excellent advice.

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  43. Oh my! One week to read the trilogy "Lord of the Rings". YIKES! Plus a paper and tests. That was surely a challenge. However, to give you credit, as an awesome author, I can believe you did it with high achievements.
    Thanks so much for the chance to win your book. I am a follower on blogspot, subscribed via email and following the Seekers page as well as facebook. :) Thanks again, I look forward to reading your books!

    mzshawnaj at gmail dot com

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  44. Great interview. I'll add this author to my TBR list!
    lgm52@hotmail.com

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  45. I follow you via gfc
    lgm52@hotmail.com

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  46. Im an email subscriber
    lgm52@hotmail.com

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  47. This book looks like a neat read. I've heard good things about it.

    Please count me in for the giveaway!

    ~ Katy
    agirlslegacy(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  48. I am also a follower and subscriber!

    ~ Katy
    agirlslegacy(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  49. Great interview, Casey and Cara! Wow, when I first heard about Cara and that her book, Love on a Dime, was set in my home state I knew I just had to read it! And once I did I knew just had to read anything else she wrote thereafter! I’ve heard so many great things about Love on Assignment and thank you so much for a chance to win a copy!

    Cara, I love what you said here: “The Bible should be your guide.” Amen. I also love what you said about talk being cheap and the importance of living our Christianity. I think readers will take away exactly what you want them to from your books, I know I did with Dime – along with some really sweet romance :)

    Casey, I am now a follower of your blog, too! :D

    Blessings to you both!
    Amanda
    mrose608{at}gmail{dot}com

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  50. I'm a follower and would like to be entered in the drawing. Thanks!
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  51. Hi. I have the first book and I would love to read the second. Thanks.

    arsmelser6[at]gmail[dot]com

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  52. It's been a lot of fun being on this blog and reading the comments!

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  53. It is exciting to be entered in this book giveaway!
    Thanks for the opportunity!
    Charlotte Kay
    charlovesmark at gmail dot com

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  54. I am a GFC follower:)
    Charlotte Kay
    charlovesmark at gmail dot com

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  55. I am a subscriber:)
    Charlotte Kay
    charlovesmark at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Thank You for the chance to win this book :)

    GFC Follower here & Seekerville (Memrie)

    darkangel231988@gmail.com

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  57. Just looking at the cover makes me know I want to enter and win this book. Thanks for the chance. ybutler@oppcatv,con

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  58. Follow on Google Friend Connect ybutler@oppcatv.com

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  59. I subscribe by email. ybutler@oppcatv.com

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  60. I'm ready for Cara's newest, please add me to the drawing. Thanks!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  61. I'm a subscriber.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'm a follower.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I'm a follower of Seekerville.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to read this book.


    GFC follower & e mail subscriber.

    Also GFC follower of Seekerville

    lillieblue613(at0gmail(dot)com

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  65. +1 PLease enter me in the giveaway!

    +1 I am a follower via google

    atouchofheaven2010 at gmail dot com

    Mary B

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  66. Please enter me! :)

    Carman sent me.

    photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com

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  67. 20 page paper in one week? Okay, I can't complain about my professors ... I'm not a senior yet though ... =) I also loved reading Nancy Drew books.

    Great interview and thank you for the chance to win!

    jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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  68. Oops, forgot to add that I'm an e-mail subscriber: jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

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  69. Thanks for the giveaway! This is a new author for me so excited to have the opportunity to read this book.

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

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  70. E-mail subscriber.

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  71. Follow Seekerville via GFC (Bornajhawk).

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  72. follower and email subscriber!!! :) Thanks for the giveaway! ^_^

    hsiu_an(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  73. I'd love to win this book. My email is sneezybee23@yahoo.com.

    Oh, and I'm supposed to mention that Carman sent me over. :)

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  74. I am a follower and a subscriber, this book looks SO GOOD!

    kpuleski at gmail dot com

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  75. Sounds awesome! I follow and would love to be entered! wilsondev@gmail.com

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  76. Please enter me! I can't wait to read this book. :) It looks good.

    booklovercb at yahoo dot com

    I'm a follower and subscriber.

    I also follow seekerville. I love that blog! Some of those posts are HILARIOUS! :)

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  77. Thank you for the opportunity to enter this contest. Like Cara I also live in NW Florida. I have read some of her books in the past and have enjoyed them.
    dmruss @ sysmatrix.net

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  78. I'm so happy to have found your blog! I am a new follower and I am following Seekerville as well.

    smdiloreto(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Thanks and God bless! :)

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  79. I just finished reading her first book.....LOVED it....read it quickly as I could hardly put it down!!! I have this book to start reading and will do so at once! I can't wait until July when #3 comes out. She is a great writer!!!

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  80. I've been wanting to read this book. It sounds great! Count me in on the giveway.

    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  81. Loved the interview Cara. I didn't know you read the Trilogy in one week. Yikes.

    I liked what you said about being a writer and a juggler. That is so true. I'm glad you learned to do it because your books are wonderful.

    No need to enter me in the contest as I've already read this wonderful book.

    Thank you Casey for featuring such a terrific writer.

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  82. ikylecheng@gmail.com

    I became a follower, subscribed, and followed Seekerville. =)

    ReplyDelete
  83. I like reading about this period. Similarities with our own. Please enter me in the contest for a book.

    islandfiction@hotmail.com

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  84. I would love to read this book. Please enter me in the giveaway contest. My email is twilahy@hotmail.com

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  85. I clicked over from Carmen's blog. Please enter me in this contest. I have read Love On A Dime and would love to get this book.
    dmruss @ sysmatrix.net

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  86. enjoyed the interview,looking forward to reading the book, sounds great. Carmen sent me

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  87. I love this genre! I have not read any of Cara Lynn James books before but I will! Great interview. I am the leader of the Chick Lit Book Club & Review also so I will take note of this author and her books to share with them.

    Please enter me in the drawing. I am subscribed thru email and I am a follower.

    Blessings,

    Lucie Buchert

    lucieluvsca at yahoo dot com

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