Monday, May 16, 2011

Giveaway and Author Interview: To Win Her Heart

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

I don't own a cell phone. How's that for odd? I'm a dinosaur and proud of it. Actually, it's more that I'm cheap and don't want to pay for the service. But wait . . . before you immortalize me as a principled heroine who refuses to be enslaved by technology, I must confess that with my oldest child about to turn 13, I doubt I'll be able to hold out much longer. By this time next year, it wouldn't surprise me if we had at least three cell phones floating around our family home.  For now, though, I wear my dinosaur badge with pride.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

I adore historical romance. In fact, I'm so addicted to it, I rarely read anything else. There is something about an historical setting that enhances the romance for me. Maybe it's the fairy tale effect of visualizing heroines in glorious ball gowns or rugged heroes dressed in dusty cowboy gear that sweeps me away. Whatever it is, I love it! And since I want to write what I love to read, I can't imagine writing any other genre.

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

RUE - Resist the urge to explain. I constantly remind myself of this one. So many times I want to make sure the reader understands my intent, and I'm tempted to explain the meaning of what just happened in the story. However, the rule of RUE has helped me edit out those unnecessary words. Trusting the reader to understand is a leap of faith. Yet we have smart, savvy readers. They don't need the message spoon fed to them. A few might miss my subtle imagery, but others will see it and appreciate it. A heavy hand just comes off as preachy. A joke explained is no longer funny. And dialog rehashed is boring. If I RUE as I write, I won't rue my wordiness later.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

Definitely the correspondence I've had with readers. Hearing that my stories touched someone makes all the hard work worthwhile. That is why I write, after all. To encourage women of faith in their walk with Christ. We all need an excuse to smile now and then, or a place to escape the havoc of our own reality. If I can provide a little joy or entertainment for someone, I am blessed. But every once in a while I get a message from a reader who mentions how a character really spoke to her during a difficult time in her life, or that the theme of one of my novels encouraged her to be a more godly woman. Those are the comments that stir my soul and send me to my knees in thankfulness that God could use such an ordinary vessel in such an extraordinary way.

Places for readers to learn more about you?
I'd love to have you visit me at my website: www.karenwitemeyer.com. I host a monthly giveaway of Christian historical novels from a variety of well-known authors as well as post interesting tidbits about my characters and the research behind their stories.
You can also find me on Facebook. Send me a message sometime. I'd be honored to chat with you.
Thank you for being with us today! 


Okay readers here is your chance to enter to win Karen's latest dynamite release!

Please leave an email adddress! 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:
~Sign up for Karen's e-newsletter




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 May 27th.

76 comments:

  1. Please enter me in contest. I really want to read this book. It sounds very good. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Would love to win this book.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  3. Looks like a great read. Thanks for the chance. naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am a follower. naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am a subscriber. naburcaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds interesting..

    GFC follower

    vidishamun@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Enjoyed the interview. I know what you mean about cell phones. We do have them but only because I think it is better to have one when you are driving somewhere. Would love the opportunity to win your book.

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm a follower

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm a subscriber

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

    ReplyDelete
  10. Karen's books are delightful. Please enter me!

    +1-I am a follower

    +1-I am a subscriber via email

    +1-I subscribed to Karen's e-news
    letter

    dianalflowers@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I signed up for Karen's newsletter

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for the giveaway :)

    +1 GFC(Mona Garg)
    +1 email subscriber
    +1 Karen's newsletter

    monagarg@yahoo.com

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  13. Karen's books are terrific! I even have my MIL hooked on them now. Love what Karen said about RUE. I think I can use this in everyday life as well! Over explaining happens a lot in my home :)

    +1 Follower
    +1 Subscriber
    +1 Karen's newsletter

    homesteading{at]charter[dot]net

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  14. Hi Casey! Great interview! I think that's neat that Mrs. Witemeyer doesn't own a cell phone; sometimes I wish I didn't have one either. :) Please enter me in the giveaway!

    I'm a follower, subscriber and I signed up for Mrs. Witemeyer's newsletter.

    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    Thanks!

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  15. To Win Her Heart is awesome! In fact, it's my favorite of Karen's books so far. I loved Levi, and Eden is a great heroine.

    Please don't enter me in the drawing since I already have the book.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would soooo love to have this book! I love Karen Witemeyer books!
    krhmoseslake(at)gmail(dot)com

    + I am a subscriber
    + I am a follower
    + I am signed up for Karen's e-newletter

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great giveaway and interview - books looks great!

    lovez2read@comcast.net

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  18. I am a GFC follower!

    lovez2read@comcast.net

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  19. I am an email subscriber

    lovez2read@comcast.net

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  20. Signed up for Karen's newsletter

    lovez2read@comcast.net

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  21. I just finished To Win Her Heart and it was amazing, my favorite of Karen's books to date! That's really saying something too. Thanks for the great interview, it's always nice to hear from much loved authors.

    Please don't enter me in the giveaway since I already own the book.

    God Bless,
    Elizabeth

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  22. I'd love a chance to win one of Karen's books. Thanks for the contest!

    gravesok@gmail.com

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  23. I would love to win this book. The cover would make me want to even if I had not read the review. ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

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  24. I subscribe to Writing for Christ by email.
    ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Public follower on Google Friend Connect. ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. That is so neat that your books have effected people like that! I think everyone should write authors!!
    I would love to win your book! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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  27. I loved 'Tailor Made Bride' so I know that would definitely love 'To Win Her Heart". Thank you so much for this giveaway. Also for the great interview. I have a cell phone now but not ready for apts!

    +1 I am an e-mail subcriber to this
    blog
    +1 I follow your blog with GFC
    +1 I subscribed to Karen's e-newsletter

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I would love to win this book!!
    I am a follower and a subscriber.
    dymesich@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow! No cell phone! I can't believe it:) I would love to win this book as I am a fan of Karen's books. She is a wonderful author and I love her writing style. Thanks for the chance, Casey!

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  30. GFC Follower already as Charity.

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  31. I think I am already signed up for Karen's newsletter but I tried again just in case:)

    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love to win and read this book! I loved Head in the Clouds.
    +1 subscribe via e mail
    +1 subscribe to Karen's newsletter
    Thanks!!
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  33. thanks for the chance to read karen's latest novel...

    i'm a follower
    im' a subscriber
    i received karen's newletter, too

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I enjoyed your interview with Karen. I'd love to win her new book!
    I'm a subscriber to your blog.
    I'm a follower.
    I signed up for Karen's newsletter some time ago.
    Thanks for having the giveaway.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks Casey for hosting Karen!
    I love her books and in fact I just got one in the mail today!

    Thanks Karen!

    Please don't enter me in this one.

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  36. Hi Karen,

    Great interview. Love the cell phone thing, but you're right. Once your kids hit that age, it's the only way to keep in touch. I inherited a cast off phone from my daughter (she graduated to a Blackberry) and now have even learned to text (slowly!). If I forget my phone, or the kids don't answer, I feel totally disconnected. So weird!!

    Yesterday, I ordered Heads in the Clouds and To Win Her Heart. Loved your first book and can't wait to read the next ones! Your covers are so appealing. Do you have any say in them?

    Thanks for the great stories!

    Sue

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  37. Thanks for the interview. To Win Her Heart looks like a good book to read. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks for the chance to win.

    +1 I am already a follower
    +1 I am already subscribed via eamil.

    Debbie Clark

    debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Gosh, I think I’ve hit almost every giveaway of Karen’s new release, LOL! Nothing yet but prayerfully here!! :D Great interview ladies! I always love learning more about Karen! Her books are wonderful and come across perfectly, touching the heart deeply and pulling you right in with no need to “explain” anything ;) I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to read To Win Her Heart!!! Especially after your awesome review, Casey! Thank you both for the chance :)

    I’m a follower
    I’m now a subscriber
    I already receive Karen’s newsletters

    Blessings,
    Amanda
    mrose608{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Would love to win this! I've read some other books by Karen and really enjoyed them.

    I am a follower and subscriber.

    Doreen
    priviesandprims at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh my, oh my. I have had my eye on TO WIN HER HEART. I love Karen's work. Would love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am a GFC follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am an email subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm an email subscriber and follow gfc. I also signed up for Karens newsletter.

    dancealert at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love historical fiction, historical romance, historical non-fiction... are we seeing a pattern yet? Thanks for giving me a chance to win. :)

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hurray for giveaways! lol that's so lame. anyways, thanks for the giveaway! :D

    hsiu_an(at)hotmail(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm a GFC follower :D (Samantha Cheng sciencesorceress@gmail.com)

    hsiu_an(at)hotmail(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I've signed up for Karen's newsletter!!!

    hsiu_an(at)hotmail(Dot)Com

    ReplyDelete
  48. And i'm subscribed to your newsletter!!! ^_^

    hsiu_an(At)hotmail(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'd love to win!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'm a follower. :)
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I loved reading "Head In The Clouds" & "A Tailor-Made Bride". I look forward to reading this book!

    + I am a subscriber
    + I subscribed to Karen's newsletter

    lovetoread205@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Read Head in the Clouds-loved it. Look forward to reading this book.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Looks like a good book.

    daltonwrites@gmail.com

    I'm a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Oh, I've been looking forward to reading this book after enjoying her other two.:) This sounds great!

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am a follower.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I had previously signed up for Karen's newsletter before reading this blog post.

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have the book and absolutely loved it. Karen's sense of humor shines through, the writing style and story is terrific, and her hero is one of the best I've seen in recent years. I highly recommend it, and look forward to all of Karen's future books. Blessings.

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  58. Can't wait to read. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Old GFC follower

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Old email subscriber

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Great Interview! Sounds like a fun book.
    -Subscriber


    mef113@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'd love to be entered.

    leanniegehrke at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. GFC follower.

    leanniegehrke at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Email subscriber.
    leanniegehrke at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Follow on GFC
    jenhedger at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. TO WIN HER HEART sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.Thanks for the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  67. a follower.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  68. a subscriber.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Sign up for Karen's e-newsletter.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Please enter me! I'd love to win this one!

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. GFC follower

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Email subscriber

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Signed up for Karen's newsletter

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Email subscriber

    lovetoread205@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I subscribe to Karen's newsletter

    lovetoread205@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. GFC follower

    lovetoread205@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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