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
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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 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