Monday, January 20, 2014

Giveaway! A Match Made in Texas by Karen Witemeyer!

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

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

I recently renewed my contract with Bethany House, this time with four full-length novels and two novellas. After experimenting with novellas in the new collection A Match Made in Texas that I am in along with Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Carol Cox, I found that I really enjoyed writing shorter pieces. I hope to incorporate more of them into my writing schedule. With three kids at home and a full-time job outside of writing, I know I'm not able to write more than one full-length project a year. However, I'd love to give my fans more content, so I'm hoping the addition of these novellas proves to be a good compromise. The next two novellas will probably be e-book only instead of being part of a printed collection, so this will be an experiment for my publisher as well to see if they sell well enough to justify the time and expense in producing them. I'm thankful to have a publisher who is willing to try new things. We'll just have to let the readers decide if they like it or not.

What recent read stood out to you as truly spectacular?

I love reading Christmas novellas over the holidays, and I found one this year from a western author who I am coming to really enjoy. The name of the story was Miracle in New Hope by Kaki Warner. It was about a scarred, reclusive man, a heartsick woman, and a lost little girl in a Colorado snow storm. Just the kind of story I love.

The most truly spectacular read I had lately, though, was a non-fiction book. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. I love books that challenge me to examine my spiritual walk in a new way. This book does that. It cuts through all the justifications and rationalizations to get to the heart of a person's Christianity. Are you a fan of Jesus or truly a follower? The book challenges you to strive for more than superficial Christianity, to find true discipleship. The author uses the lives of biblical characters who faced a crossroads where Christ demanded that they define their relationship with him – Fan or Follower – as well as contemporary examples from his own life and the lives of those around him. This book made me examine my faith in a brutally honest way. I would highly recommend it.

Do you have favorite authors?

I do have a handful of favorite authors that I return to again and again. In the Christian publishing world, some of these would include Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, and Dani Pettrey. In the general market, my favorites include Julia Quinn, Anne Gracie, Jodi Thomas, and the older historicals by Julie Garwood.

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

By far, the most enjoyable aspect of being a published author is hearing from readers. I love to hear the stories of how my writing has encouraged them or given them pleasure. The best stories, however, are the ones that come from readers who have been facing difficult faith struggles in their lives and who feel God connecting with them through the spiritual threads of my books. That is why I write – not just to entertain, but to bring glory to God and encourage his people to a greater maturity in Christ.

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

I dream of a mountain retreat, a remote cabin surrounded by forest and quiet (yet with remarkable Internet connectivity) where I can simply look out the window to find inspiration. Sigh. What I get instead is either a basement-level office with a window that allows me a crack of sky or a bedroom with pillows propped behind my back for support and a laptop. Frequent interruptions and not much scenery. Yet, I can't complain. In truth, all that gorgeous mountain scenery would probably prove too distracting. Perhaps it's better to have a dull writing space so that I will want to spend more time in the fertile fields of my imagination.

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?

I am a slow writer to begin with. I'm one of those odd ducks who insists on editing as I go. Everything must be perfect before I move on to the next section. There is no giant creative purge for me. My usual daily goal is to write two polished pages. Sometimes I've even managed three or four, but never more than that. Well, just a few weeks ago, I was writing at home, trying to finish a chapter that I thought would be done in about two pages. Wrong. Six pages and about four hours later, I finally finished it. That's my record so far.


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

Readers, enter to win Karen's book here!

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

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 January 31st
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 

51 comments:

  1. I just love interviews where the author shares her process or writing space or quirks. It is so neat to see the "behind the scenes"! Thanks for a fun interview, Casey and Karen! This book sounds wonderful and I love the color!

    sherrinda (at) gmail {dot} com

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  2. Casey, Thank you for post about Karen, it was so nice learning about what inspires her and how she wants her books to encourage her readers. I have read her other books and would love to read this.
    I am follower and sub to your blog.
    Blessings,
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I enjoy Karen's books, they're really funny and entertaining. I'm surprised she has a full-time job in addition to writing (and being a wife/mom). Thanks for the interview!
    garfsgirl [at] hotmail [dot] com

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  4. Entry for Pam:
    Please enter me in the book giveaway-- pamcarper@augustacountylibrary.org

    Thanks!!

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  5. I loved reading about Karen Witemeyer's unique writing style - encouraging! And talk about multi-tasking! Thanks for the interview from one of my favorite authors! ;) Add me to the giveaway, please! :D

    subscriber
    iluvmusic.18@gmail.com

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  6. I have loved each and every one of Karen's books, and I'm sure this novella will be no exception! thanks for the interview and chance to win.

    I follow via GFC and subscribe via e-mail.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  7. I would love to read this book. It has such an attractive cover as well. I follow and subscribe by email. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com Thanks so much!

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  8. I'd love to be the recipient of A Match Made in Texas. Looks like a really fun book.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. I agree with Karen on the moutain retreat! Would love to read her book. I am a follower and subscriber.
    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  10. I love stories set in Texas. This sounds like such a good book. I am a follower and subscriber.

    susanmsj at msn dot com

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  11. I can't wait to read this novella collection!! I've always loved Karen's books!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. I'm a follower!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  13. I'm a subscriber!!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  14. I'm a fan of Karen's books and curious about A Match Made In Texas even though I don't normally read novellas. I said this on another blog, but I'll repeat that I appreciate how Karen creates the spiritual thread in her books. It always seem genuine.

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  15. I'm a follower, too. Clp1777(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. Thanks to everyone for stopping by today. I've been busy all morning reading through galleys of my next novel, so it's great to take a break and chat with all of you instead. :-) I appreciate all the kind comments.

    And Casey - Thank you so much for hosting me again. I love being here!

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  17. Karen, you're not that much of an odd duck. ;) While I don't go quite to the extreme that you do with the polishing, I do like to polish my sections as I write. Makes editing so much less confusing later on, doesn't it?

    I'd LOVE to win a copy of this book. I'm one of your biggest fans, you know. ;) Seriously. I'm poor and don't buy books at full price. Except yours. (Don't tell my hubby. LOL)

    I am a follower and here's my email: lr.mullin at live.com.

    Thanks so much! <3

    PS - Casey, please forgive the self-promo, but I'm not sure how else to get in touch with you. I have a free copy of "Finding Beth" for you if you'd be interested in possibly doing a review or guest post with me. Email me if you're interested. If you want to look things over before you respond, you can go to LinnetteRMullin.com. I really don't go around leaving comments like this, but I really like your blog and would love to visit with you! Thanks so much for your consideration!

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  18. I would love to read this book! Looks amazing! Thank you!

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  19. Linnette - We'll have to start an odd duck polishers club. Ha! There are several of us out there who don't quite fit the usual mold. I'm glad to know you'd be with me. :-)

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  20. Oh, I would love to read this one! Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
    Nicole
    pocoauthor[at]gmail[dot]com

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  21. Thanks for the interview with Karen. I really love her books and I need to read this one!
    Tissakay at aol dot com

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  22. Oh! I am a follower and a subscriber!
    Nicole
    pocoauthor[at]gmail[dot]com

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  23. I'm so excited about this book and would love to win a copy! Karen Witemeyer is seriously my favorite author EVER! Thanks for the opportunity to win this book! I follow via GFC under the name Bethany.
    Thanks!
    Bethany
    bethanydaughteroftheking(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. i'm so excited to read this book! Thanks for the chance to win! I am both a follower and subscriber!

    Emreilly303(At)gmail(dot)com

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  25. Hi, Bethany! With a publisher named Bethany, a daughter named Bethany, and a dear friend named Bethany, I am happy to officially initiate you into my Favorite Bethanys Ever club! :-) Thanks for boosting my spirits today!

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  26. Love the red dress on the cover of Match Made in Texas Collection! I enjoy collections and like to see if they have connected their stories in any way- by the town, the year, the area, the family or the subject. Love to win. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  27. I would love to win this book, it looks and sounds amazing!
    csaunderson123@gmail.com

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  28. Since my son moved to Texas for grad school and being of that age, A Match Made in Texas has special meaning to me. I want to know more about the state and some romance thrown into the learning sounds delightful! Thanks for including me in the drawing.
    Blessings,
    Janice jsmithg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  29. I am a follower and subscriber! Thakfully!
    Janice (email above)

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  30. I love, love, love Karen's books! Hoping for sure to win this one!
    I'm a follower and a subscriber.

    Doreen priviesandprims [at]yahoo [dot] com

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  31. Being a Texas girl, I would love to read this.

    andrea2russia at hotmail dot com

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  32. GFC Follower - Andrea Williams

    andrea2russia at hotmail dot com

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  33. Email subscriber

    andrea2russia at hotmail dot com

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  34. I've read and enjoyed books by each of these authors so know I will really like A Match Made in Texas. I'm especially looking forward to Karen's story about Neill since I've read her other books about the Archer brothers.
    I'm a follower.
    I'm an e-mail subscriber
    Thanks for the chance to win this book!
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal]dot]net

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  35. Entry for Stacey:
    Hi Casey,

    Thank you for the giveaway. I love Karen’s books and was looking forward to reading this one as well. My email address is: zorma3372@msn.com. Thank you.

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  36. I LOVE Karen Witemeyer! She has had my undying devotion ever since I read her book To Win Her Heart. To this day that is my favorite book ever! I don't have this book yet so I would love it if you could enter me, please. Thanks so much for the giveaway and you're a fantastic author Miss Karen!!

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    Replies
    1. Oops! Forgot to leave my email address! LOL

      flghtlss1(at)yahoo(dot)com

      Delete
  37. Karen, I have a friend who has a mountain cabin and I go there a few times a year to write. What an inspirational place.

    Love the cover! And catchy title. :)

    follower & subscriber
    nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com

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  38. I love all four authors in this collection and have enjoyed all of Karen's books. This looks like a very enjoyable read. I have loved following this site. rmaney@firstarpchurch.org

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  39. Would love to win Karen's newest! Thanks for the opportunity!

    gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

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  40. Entry for Janet E:
    Dear Casey,
    Please enter me in the giveaway for the book, "A Match Made in Texas". I'm emailing this from a time share in Orlando, FL. I'm with friends but will have to go back to the real world tomorrow. In a few weeks we will be going to a timeshare on the beach in Indian Rocks, FL and I can't wait!
    Lots to do before leaving in the morning.
    Janet.

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  41. I would so love to win A Match Made in Texas. Thank you for the opportunity.

    I am an Follower.

    I am an E-mail subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  42. Hi, Karen, and Casey!

    Congrats on the contract renewal, Karen! Looking forward to those new novellas!

    I heard Kyle Idleman speaks a couple of months ago - he is the teaching pastor at a church near me, and is a wonderful speaker - as well as author!

    I would love to read "A Match Made in Texas" - an opportunity to read writings of four wonderful authors, and my first opportunity to read yours, Karen! Thanks for the interview - Karen, and Casey!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    I am a follower and subscriber

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  43. A Match Made in Texas sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading her books.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Have a wonderful week.

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  44. a follower.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Have a wonderful week.

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  45. a subscriber.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Have a wonderful week.

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  46. Thanks Casey for having Karen for this interview. I am sure anxious to read this book by these 4 wonderful authors. They write some fun stories. Always glad to hear about their busy lives. Please give me 3 entries for I am also a subscriber, and a follower. Hoping to get lucky with this one. Thanks!
    Maxie ( mac262(at)me(dot)com )

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  47. Love to read a collection by these authors. sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  48. I am a follower. sharon wilegygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  49. I am a subscriber! sharon wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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