Giveaway! Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell!

 Welcome back to Writing for Christ Miralee Ferrell, I am excited to have you here for a second time. : -)

What has changed in your writing life since you were last here?

So much!! First, (this isn’t writing related but I HAVE to share) I became a grandmother since we last spoke. A lovely little granddaughter (Kate Isabelle) was born two months ago on April 7^th. I’m in love! OK, now on to the writing. I signed with a new (to me) publisher, David C Cook, for a three book historical romance series (also something new…I’ve always wanted to write series) AND recently also signed another contract with them for (another first) a four-book middle-grades set of horse novels (Equestrian Dreams) for girls. I’m so excited about both of these series!! Blowing on Dandelions, the first in the historical romance (Love Blossoms in Oregon) series released June 1. The first of the girls’ horse novels will release March, 2015. The 2^nd and 3^rd in the historical series will release prior to that, in 2014, so I’ll be somewhat busy for the next couple of years.

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

It’s a book that actually released in 2012 called Lost Melody, a contemporary novel by Virginia Smith and Lori Copeland. It held me captive the entire read, waiting to discover the secret hinted at throughout the book and leaving me with an immense sense of satisfaction when it ended. Another 2012 release was The Wedding Kiss by Hannah Alexander. LOVED it, a historical romance (one of my fav), that was so realistic and satisfying; I had a hard time putting it down to get any work done.

Do you have favorite authors?

Way too many to mention, and I’d hate to hurt any close friend’s feelings that I love who are currently writing, so I’ll only mention some of my favorites who are now deceased. One that influenced my Western romance voice is Zane Grey. I grew up throughout my teens reading and loving his books, and have read everyone he wrote and own most of them, many in first edition. A couple of others who I read as a young adult and continue to read are Gene Stratton Porter (Freckles, Girl of the Limberlost, etc.) and Harold Bell Wright (When a Man’s a Man, That Printer of Udell’s, The Mine with the Iron Door, and more).

What do you find the most enjoyable part of writing or connecting with readers?

I have several things I truly enjoy. Starting a new story when the idea is fresh and the words are flowing. Researching a new location and traveling there to get a feel for the area and the history (great fun!). And hearing from readers who have been touched by something I’ve written. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing something I wrote has been used by the Lord to minister to someone who’s hurting or discouraged. I always reply to readers’ emails, and love connecting on Facebook, as I find that to be the most user friendly place to truly connect. Besides, it’s fun to get a peek into their lives as well as them getting so see a bit into mine. :- )

What do you find the most ideal atmosphere for writing? Do you ever get those surroundings? : -)

Total silence. I am not a person who can write with the TV or radio on…not even with instrumental music playing. Thankfully, my office is upstairs as far from the TV room as possible, and both room have doors that remain closed if my husband is watching TV and I’m working. Sometimes I stay up late after he’s in bed, as that tends to be my most creative time period, and I know the phone won’t ring, he won’t need me, and no one will show up at my door. I love peace and quiet!

Okay, something fun for those writers out there: In what point of your writing career did you surprise yourself by writing the most words ever in the shortest amount of time?

Probably when writing my debut novel, but I had no idea what word count was or how to tell what I’d written, I was so new and inexperienced. I wrote the entire book (95K) first draft somewhere between 5 and 7 weeks, so I know I had days that were at least 6k per day. Since then I’d have to say my highest has been 5,000+. I think close to 6,000 one day, but I average 2,000 a day (when I’m able to write, as it doesn’t happen every day) but it’s not unusual to hit 3,000-4,000 on a good day.

Thanks for being here again! It has been a joy and we wish the very best with your novels.

Readers, here is your chance to enter to win Miralee's book!

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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 June 21st

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