Monday, March 26, 2012

Giveaway! Twin Hearts by JoAnn Durgin


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

I’ve shared a number of quirky and fun (or maybe just plain weird) facts with readers on my website. One of my mottos is, “I’ve been around in the nicest sense of the word.” Meaning I’ve lived in several states and traveled a fair bit. But, if you’ll indulge me a minute, here’s an interesting tidbit I haven’t shared before (so, it’s a Casey Herringshaw world exclusive—stop rolling your eyes, please, and cue the drumroll!): I love to wrap packages, and make them a work of art—especially wedding gifts. I’ve had brides tell me they didn’t want to open the gift because the box was so beautiful! It’s all in the presentation, dahling (Martha Stewart would be very proud). I buy really good quality paper and ribbon, but the most important element? Silk flowers. If I know the bride’s choice of colors and/or flowers for the wedding, I try to keep with the same theme. Then I create a unique design with the ribbon and silk flowers, arranging them along with some greenery on the top of the package and trailing (or even cascading) them down the sides of the box. Voilá!  

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

 I much prefer reading Christian romance, either contemporary or historical. In order to be soul-satisfying, I need a good dose of humor to go along with the conflict and emotional upheaval. Think about it. The movies most romance lovers adore are the ones that touch their hearts and evoke a response so that we remember the characters and their journey. Sure, we might shed a tear along the way, but we’ll also laugh and share their triumphs. Some mystery and suspense thrown into the mix works for me, too, both to read and write. Just give me a great, involving story!

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

A very wise, multi-published author friend (and favorite of this blog) told me recently not to compare my work to other writers or I’d go crazy. The good Lord gave us all unique and individual talents and gifts. My focus needs to be to utilize those gifts to the best of my ability and shine the light He’s given me for His glory, not my own (thus my theme verse of Matthew 5:16). Through my characters and their stories, I try to plant a seed of truth from God’s Word. The second, equally-important part of the equation is this: when I sit down to write, I always need to pray first, and then write the kind of book I personally like to read, from my heart and the passion I have for my characters. If I honor the Lord with my story, write it the best way I know how, and can hold my head up high at the finished work, then I’ve done my part. In other words, He gives the inspiration, I write the books, and then I move on to the next one and allow Him to open the right doors and get my books into the hands of His choosing. It’s a great partnership!

5 things you love?

1.      Seeing the A+ grades in biology and algebra on my 16-year-old son’s report cards (he’s diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome). Even better? The well-deserved look of pride and accomplishment on his face when he shows his report cards to Mom and Dad.
2.      The smell of fresh-brewed coffee in the morning. I’m spoiled, and I admit it since my husband, Jim, makes it and even brings it upstairs to me before I get out of bed. What a wonderful, thoughtful way to put his love into action on a daily basis.
3.      Climbing into bed at the end of a long day and relaxing with a good, satisfying Christian romance.
4.      Days when I can stay in my jammies all the livelong day (it’s rare, but does happen on occasion).
5.      Movie theater popcorn—with layered butter. Is there any other way? I’ve been known to go to the theater for the express purpose of buying a big old bucket and then taking it home (without even seeing a movie!). It even tastes good day-old, too. Don’t worry; I don’t do this often.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

Fan mail! Who knew? I don’t mean to sound boastful, and I give the Lord all the credit, trust me, but I will never ever tire of getting sweet messages of encouragement from readers. One of my newest readers is in Australia! One thing I love about e-books is the immediacy; someone across the continent or in another country can download and start reading a book immediately instead of waiting for a book to ship from the States. Now I ask you, how cool is that?

Places for readers to learn more about you?

My website at www.joanndurgin.com, and I’m on Facebook. Feel free to stop by anytime and leave me a message. I love getting acquainted with readers of Christian fiction.

Thank you for being with us today!

 It was my honor. Thank you, Casey, for your wonderful blog; it’s such a ministry and a work of heart.

Many blessings, my friends.

Readers here is your chance to win JoAnn's latest book!
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

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 April 6th.
Attn Readers! If you're struggling to leave a comment on my blog, please email your comment entries (in ONE email) and I will submit it for you. But PLEASE only do this after you've failed to leave a comment. My email is: caseym.writer(@)gmail.com 

38 comments:

  1. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a beautiful cover and the story sounds equally beautiful. Love to read it!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  3. Follower
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  4. email subscriber
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've read her other two books in the series, would like to win this one!
    Em
    embassie@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great interview, Casey, and so fun to get to know you more, JoAnn. Umm...I'm so the opposite of you on the gift-wrapping thing. It's definitely not one of my gifts. I thank God every Christmas for whoever invented gift bags. :)

    Here's my email - melissatagg[at]yahoo[dot]com.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JoAnn and Casey - Thanks for the interview.
    JoAnn - I love that you start each writing session with prayer. Thanks for sharing your gift of writing with us.
    Would love to win a copy of Twin Hearts.
    Sharon
    smoore at tcq dot net
    I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Well i can't compete with your Australian reader, but this is the first time i have seen your name. Guess i don't go in the right circles. The cover looks enticing though i don't look at cover much. The things you love are noteworthy i don't have a child or a husband, but other than that, it looks like our likes are much the same! and the exclusive is wonderful. The

    ReplyDelete
  9. JoAnn, I think you'd be a fun person to know. I haven't read any of your books but will add them to my wish list. I'd love to win one of them!
    Nancy
    nancy@kennethssales.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks so much, ladies! Nice to "meet you" Tore and PBClark (don't know your first name, sorry!). Em, I'm so happy you read my frist two books and even more that you must have liked them enough to want to read the next installment. That thrills my heart. Waving to Melissa! I'll admit that after wrapping one of the fancy wedding packages, that "does me in" for a while. My mother actually helps wrap a lot of the Christmas gifts for me. Sharon, can't start a writing session without prayer, and thanks for your comment. Marianne, it's not a competition and I'm excited to find new readers in my backyard or across the world. The Lord knows, doesn't He? It's a fascinating journey. I wish you could all win a copy of Twin Hearts. Thanks for reading Christian fiction and stopping by Casey's wonderful blog today! Many blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Fun interview! And JoAnn, I LOVE movie theater popcorn too. Soooo yummy. Butter is a MUST.

    Lindsay[dot]Harrel[at]gmail[dot]com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. JOANN!!! Almost finished with Second Time Around and am LOVING it, of course!! Will keep you posted ...

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would love to win a copy of "Twin Hearts". JoAnn is such a wonderful person and has a Christlike Spirit.

    JoAnn, I am going to hire you to wrap all my packages. I hate wrapping gifts and by the way they look when I'm finished it shows!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    sweetpea.judy[at]yahoo[dot]com

    I am a follower and I am a subscriber.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm still looking forward to Beck and Josh's story! I'm a subscriber/follower :D.

    Wish I had time to write more... Dinner's on...

    carolmoncado at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for the Giveaway and I loved the Interview. I would love to be in your drawing.
    Blessings to all

    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot0com

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a darling cover on this book. The book sounds great..I'd love to read it!
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

    I am a follower

    I am an email subscriber

    ReplyDelete
  17. Loved your interview. The cover is absolutely darling. I know that I would enjoy reading your book.

    Would love to win. Thanks so much for the giveaway.

    I follow you by email.
    schmitlin@elmore.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, everyone! Lindsay, movie theater popcorn just isn't the same without butter. It's even good day-old, in my opinion. Julie, you inspire me more than you know, and I'm so thankful for you. Judy, I only wrap packages like that every now and again or I'm sure I'd quickly burn out. Nice to "see" you here, likewise Carol (praying for those contest entries), Ingrid and LGM! Many blessings, and keep reading Christian fiction!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sorry, Nancy, I believe I didn't address your wonderful comment. Shame on me! I'd love for you to win, but if you don't (and this is for everyone), keep in mind my ebooks are much lower-priced than most others, and you get a lot for the money since my books are much longer, too (not to mention with this one, you get two love stories!!). Thankfully, no one's complained yet that they're too long! Many blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Not trying to write like others is great advice and something that I need to remember. Thank you for sharing. :)

    Casey, I'm a follower and my email sheri(dot)salatin(at)gmail(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the cover of this book and the interview. Would love to get entered to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Blessings
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm a follower

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

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm a subscriber

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. JoAnn,
    Loved this post. I love to wrap beautiful packages also and I thought my dear husband was the only one who brought his wife coffee in bed. I like that Jim of yours!
    Jude

    urbanski4u@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lovely interview! I love wrapping presents too, though I probably don't as much into it as you do, JoAnn! Thanks for the wonderful interview :)

    I'm a follower

    crazi.swans at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a fun and interesting interview - thanks Casey and JoAnn! I think the 'only' thing we don't have in common JoAnn is Coffee! Hanging out to read Twin Hearts... and SO excited I'll be able to download it to read immediately, while waiting for the hard copy to come in the mail! :)
    God bless, Noela xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love to win Twin Hearts. Sounds good.

    I am an email subscriber.

    I follow on Google Friend Connect.



    ybutler@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'd love to be entered! cbus.blogger at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi JoAnn — I read your interview and it was delightful. I have not read any of your books as I have not been introduced to your books. I am our church’s co-librarian and am always excited about reading a new author and putting their books on our shelves at church. Have a good day. God Bless you. Pat Hines – pshines@frontiernet.net. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'm with you JoAnn! Fresh coffee, movie popcorn, and Christian romance novels! I'd love to see pics of the packages you wrap. (Hint)

    Please enter me in the drawing. dawn(at)dawnkinzer(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. As usual, I enjoyed JoAnn's interview. She is so special and God has given her a very rare talent of writing all the emotions with humor and understanding. I've been anticipating Twin Hearts for some time and hope soon to hold it in my hungry hands close enough to my eyes to read every word, laugh on every page, and weep on a few and enjoy fondly. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win this special book. If I'm not the winner - I'll buy it, for sure.

    New Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh yes, I am a follower!

    A hopeful winner,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. And.....I'm a long time subscriber.

    Friend in Christ,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love reading Christian romance, either contemporary or historical, and would love to read TWIN HEARTS. I love my Kindle and enjoy reading ebooks, so easy. I also love to hear from authors and love doing book reviews for them! I haven't read anything from Joann Durgin!
    I am an email subscriber and google follower!
    Thanks!
    Rebecca
    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I haven't tried anything from Joann Durgin... yet. Please enter me!

    yecenia@optonline.net

    http://christianbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  36. I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  37. GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  38. email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete

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