Monday, July 14, 2014

Giveaway! The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

Welcome to Writing for Christ Kristy Cambron, it is great to have you here!

Hi Casey – Wow, am I glad to be here! These first interviews as an official author have been a long time coming. :-)

So you’re a writer? What made you decide to start creating characters and story world?

This question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. I’ve always loved story, that’s true. In fact, when I was a kid, I wanted to be a Disney animator. I used to go to the library and sit on the floor in the art section, surrounded by art history books. I think this dream really started then, but I had no idea what to do with it. Fast-forward to college and the moment I stepped into my first Art History classroom and I was hooked on tying stories to what I loved.

What is the one title that has significantly impacted your life?

Without question – the Bible. But if I had to pick a book outside of The Word, it would have to be Night by Elie Wiesel. It’s a short but very heavy read, a non-fiction piece of true art written from the point of view of the author’s teenage self, and how he survived the horrors of Auschwitz. I admit that the first time I read it, I sobbed my way through to the back cover. Now, I read it at least once a year – not because it’s easy, but because it makes me consider the human condition. Who am I as a mother, a woman, a follower of Christ… and who would I be had I not met Him? It always makes me think how God grieves what we do to each other.

If you could get a do-over when it came to learning this whole thing called writing, what would you go back and tell yourself?


I actually wouldn’t change anything about my journey. I had some amazing highs (contest wins, contract offers) and some really tough lows (contest crash-and-burns, publishing rejections) along the way. And even though the rejections and those truly humbling moments managed to sting in the moment, I’m glad I experienced every one of them. They helped me to stay close to Christ along the journey, to remember why I write and to continually pray for the readers I hoped to have some day. They also kept me in a place of learning the craft of writing, which I am extremely grateful for. I would however, love to go back to 2011 and tell that younger version of me one thing: “You are not going to believe what God’s about to do in your life!” I never would have guessed that I’d be published by my dream publisher, and get the chance to have readers reach out and tell me they were blessed by the words I wrote. It’s the greatest kind of satisfaction an author can imagine, I’d wager!

5 preference questions:
Homemade or take-out? I think I love a good old-fashioned potluck where everyone brings their grandma’s best recipe, baked to perfection and just waiting for my plate and tummy to come along and enjoy it! (P.S. Please bring Italian and dessert. You do that, and were are friends for life.)

Email or snailmail? Snailmail. I have a pen pal – we write letters back and forth a few times per month. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to open the mailbox and find something other than a bill or advertisement for a change.  

Online shopping or Black Friday deals? I’m not a great strategy shopper like many of those who venture out on Black Friday, so I always look for deals online. I know what brands I like and what will fit. I do most things on the go – including shopping. It works!

Books or movies? Both! Books first. Classic, 1930s-40s movies second. J

Note-taker or memorization? At last year’s ACFW Conference, I attended an amazing session presented by author James L. Rubart and Allen Arnold, former publisher for Thomas Nelson. It was so impactful that I took 17 pages of notes! I found them the other day and went right back to the awesome take-aways from that workshop because I’d taken notes like a mad woman. The truths I found there are still lifting me up.

Yes, I’m asking you to play favorites…which of your books is your favorite, published or unpublished? And if this is your debut novel, has your favorite been published yet?

Before we received a contract, I’d written nine novel-length manuscripts. I suppose I’m biased though, because The Butterfly and the Violin will always be special to me. It’s not just because it’s my debut novel (thought that’s a big part of it). I think it’s more because my entire family was wrapped up in this first book. An hour after our publishing contract came through, I received a call that my Dad may have leukemia. The larger part of the book was edited at our local cancer center while he was undergoing chemo. The remainder was edited in the weeks after he passed away. So when I say it’s special – that’s an understatement. It’s the book I’d always hoped to write and it’s the first and only one my Dad got to be a part of. It’s why I dedicated the book to him and why I will always praise God for giving us the journey together just in time.


Places for readers to learn more about you?

Any aspiring authors out there? If so, I’d love to hear from you. I’m another author who was walked the path to publication and am happy to encourage you along the way.
You can connect with Kristy at:
Twitter: @kcambronauthor – Facebook: Kristy L. Cambron – GoodReads: Kristy Cambron


Readers, enter to win Kristy'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 July 25th
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 

41 comments:

  1. This books is on my-definitely-read list, so I would love to win a copy! I am a subscriber and a follower! rmaney@firstarpchurch.org

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  2. Wow, Mrs. Cambron, I am very sorry to hear about your father, but I can see why this book has become so special to you!
    I loved reading all your answers, and it is so encouraging to read authors who are so focused on Christ!
    This is a book that is definitely on my 'to read' list and I hope I win! It looks absolutely beautiful - on the inside and out!
    And thank you, Casey for hosting this giveaway!
    In Christ,
    Raechel
    Godspeculiartreasurerae(at)gmail(dot)com
    I am a follower and a subscriber!

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    1. I love your profile pic., Raechel. Jesus IS the answer! ; )

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    2. Thanks, Mrs. Cambron! He most certainly is! And thank you for replying to my comment - that made my day! =)

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  3. The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. This cover art (as with many Nelson books) is exquisite he Butterfly and the Violin is a lovely title. I really want to win this. :)

    Kristy, I wish you great success. I'm sure your father is incredibly proud of what you've achieved thus far.

    Thank you, Kristy and Casey, for the opportunity to win this book. It is going on my TBR file immediately!

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    1. I forgot to leave my email. ;) nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com

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    2. Cheryl - Thanks so much! Want to hear something cool? The *amazing* team at Thomas Nelson unveiled this cover art as a birthday gift for me last year! They surprised me at a conference and got to see the tears streaming down my face as I looked at my cover for the first time. A moment I will always cherish. ; )

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  4. I SO want to read this BEAUTIFUL book!

    patucker54 at aol dot com

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  5. I would buy the book based on the cover alone. I enjoyed reading your interview with Kristy.
    Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. Casey, I'm a follower and a subscriber. :) jennismith1983@gmail.com
    Kristy, thanks for sharing! I am an aspiring author, though my writing energies are channeled elsewhere for the time being. At first it was hard to put the novel aside, but now I realize that it's best to let God lead the journey...I'll also have to find "Night" and read it for myself!

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    1. Jennifer - Hi! KEEP WRITING! If you're aspiring, call yourself an author now (just the pre-pubbed kind). Give it everything you've got and God will carry you through. Are you a member of the ACFW? I love connecting with other writers there. I know I am new to store shelves, but I have such a heart for aspiring writers and really want to see you succeed. Stop back by and let Casey and I know how it's going, okay? ; )

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  7. This looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win! I'm a follower and a subscriber. =)

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  8. The cover is beautiful! Sounds like a powerful book!

    I am a follower and a subscriber!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  9. I would love to win a copy. I am a subscriber.
    donvelma@gmail.com

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  10. I've been looking forward to this book for months, so I'd love to win a copy.

    I am following your blog.

    Brittany (rolltide_04@yahoo.com)

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    Replies
    1. Birttany ~ You sweet thing! Thanks for saying that. ; ) You made me smile.

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  11. Kristy, thank you for sharing the special connection that your first book has with your dad - what a special journey.

    Thank you for the chance to win! I'm eager to read this one! I'm a follower and subscriber!

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thanks, Beth. I always will be a Daddy's Girl - Abba and my daddy. I just happen to have two of them and they're both in heaven now!

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  12. Amazing interview. Learning why you dedicated this book to your dad is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

    Thank you for the opportunity to enter the contest to win a copy of The Butterfly and the Violin.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hugs, Cindi. Thanks for your sweet comment. ; )

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  13. I love your interviews, Casey. :) And this book looks phenomenal--the cover is breathtaking!
    {I'm also a follower on your blog so I guess that's 2 entries for moi! :) }
    mmbbg72493 {at} gmail {dot} com

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  14. Kristy, I was saddened to hear of your loss but it is heartwarming that your Dad was aware that this book was close to publication. Thanks for an enlightening interview.
    Casey, I am a follower and subscriber. Thank you for this giveaway.
    Connie Saunders
    cps1950@gmail.com

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  15. I've read several good reviews of this book; it sounds like one I'd really enjoy. It's fun to get to know Kristy a bit through the interview. I can understand why The Butterfly and the Violin is such a special book because of the connection with her dad.
    I'm a follower and a subscriber (I am receiving the e-mails now). Thanks for the chance to win.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  16. This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway! I am a subscriber.
    pj4824(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. I love your story about being drawn to art when you were a child. It is amazing how the Lord puts interests and talents in our personalities from the beginning!! Your book cover is beautiful!

    I'm a subscriber.

    kosterbind (at) gmail (dot) com

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  18. What a lovely interview! I can't wait to read this book. It sounds SO good. Thank you!
    campbellamyd at Gmail dot com

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  19. I'm a follower
    Campbellamyd At gmail dot com

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  20. I'm a subscriber
    Campbellamyd At gmail dot com

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  21. I would love to be entered! Thanks for hosting a giveaway, Casey!

    I am a follower & a subscriber!

    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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  22. What a beautiful novel and gorgeous cover. This book calls out to me since it is so meaningful, profound and important. Best wishes and much happiness and success. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. Such an interesting cover. Can't wait to read this. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  24. I think it deleted my original comment...beautiful cover on this book definitely intrigues.
    Pandamanda02@yahoo.com

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  25. I really enjoyed this interview, especially the wise, needed words from Kristy about her publishing journey. Thanks for this interview, Casey and Kristy. What a bittersweet, poignant reminder of your dad's life and his role with your first book.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win, and I look forward to reading the Butterfly and the Violin as I've heard great things about it!
    I'm a follower and a subscriber. candidkerry(at)gmail(dot)com

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  26. Friends ~ I want you to know that I have read (and am crying a little) over every single comment here. You can't know how much I have longed for the opportunity to connect with readers of story - and our mutual love of Jesus. I'm honored that you stopped by and humbled that you're excited to read. If you are a writer, please keep at it. Never give up. And if you are a reader... Please keep doing that too! Ha ha ha! Authors do what we do only because of your support.

    Casey ~ You are lovely in every way. You can't know how happy I am when I see a message from you in my in-box. I owe you a coffee break at ACFW - my treat, okay?

    Hugs!
    Kristy

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  27. I lost my father-in-law & Mother to Cancer & I know the impact of hearing those awful words. God Bless You.... would love to read this book.. d_stevens310 @ live.com

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  28. I've heard so many wonderful comments about this book. I love that Ms. Kristy interacts with her readers on Twitter, etc. And the book cover...ahhh...love. Please enter me. Clp1777(at)aol(dot)com
    I'm a follower, too.

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  29. I'm so looking forward to reading this novel. The historical setting sounds fascinating. I'm a follower and subscriber. Ewe_r_merritt(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I'm so interested in your book about the art found in concentration camps. People will find something beautiful to get through very tough times; I think it brings a positive focus for them. I would love to win your book A Butterfly and A Violin. I am a follower and a subscriber, wileygreen1ATyahooDOTcom

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  31. This book is on my wish list and I would love to win a copy! Thank you so much for sharing Kristy's interview and giveaway!

    I am an email follower.
    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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