Monday, December 13, 2010

Giveaway and Author Interview: Great Lakes Romance Set of 4 (5 winners!!)

Welcome to Writing for Christ, Donna Winters! Thank you for being with us today.
Thanks for inviting me!  I’m excited about the opportunity to meet your readers!
How long did you write before you were published?
I began writing in April 1982 and my first book was released by Thomas Nelson on February 14, 1985.
When you held that first book in your hands, what was your first thought?
I wished that my father had lived long enough to see it, and at the same time, I realized the irony of that thought.  My father had passed away from a heart attack in October 1983.  When I returned to my hometown for his funeral, I did some research that allowed me to write my first published romance, a contemporary entitled For the Love of Roses. My father was a retired florist, and I went to the shop he had owned and interviewed the couple who had taken over his business. A year and four months later, the story came into print. I hoped he was proud of my accomplishment, and I believe he was.
What are you working on now?
I’m researching material for a historical story that will be set during the canal era in either my home state of New York or in Ohio, or perhaps both. This is a departure for me from the Michigan settings I have used for all my other historical romances.  I grew up about a quarter mile from the Erie Canal in Brockport, New York, but I don’t remember learning much about its history when I was living there, only a few facts such as when the canal was started and when it was completed.  This past September my husband and I visited Grand Rapids, Ohio, where you can ride a reconstructed historic canal boat. That was a great experience!  We had an awesome costumed interpreter along with a costumed steersman (woman), mule skinner, and captain.  We bought loads of reference material.  The history of Ohio canals is well documented.  We have also bought several books on the Erie Canal and taken a look at a contemporary DVD about travel on that waterway. We plan to go back to my hometown area next spring to learn more of the Erie Canal history.  Meanwhile, this winter, I will be steeping myself in the books we already have, developing ideas, and maybe even starting a story!
Where can readers find out more about your books?
Please visit my website, http://www.greatlakesromances.com, to learn about my 15 historical romances and other titles that I have compiled or reprinted.
What message(s) do you want to be clear to your readers?
When I develop my stories, I want to make clear what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the way main characters treat one another.  We all reach adulthood carrying a certain amount of baggage and sometimes that leads to inappropriate behavior toward the person you love most. Often, we don’t even recognize these flaws in ourselves.  I like to show characters growing through these difficulties to become the persons they should be in relationship to loved ones.
What are two things that people wouldn't normally know about you as a writer and or person?
My favorite movies are the musicals from the 1940’s through the 1960’s.  I have a box full of them on VHS tapes, and I play them while I lift weights!
Thank you for being with us today.  Any final words for readers?
I have a book giveaway at my website, http://www.greatlakesromances.com/  every two weeks.  Stop by to learn how to enter the book drawing via an email message.  I give a book to about 20 percent of those who enter.  Sometimes, I give a book to everyone!

 For five readers of this interview, I would like to give away a set of four books: Elizabeth of Saginaw Bay, Jenny of L’Anse Bay, Isabelle’s Inning, and Great Lakes Christmas Classics.

 I wish you all a blessed Christmas filled with joy, peace, and love!



WOW, you heard that right! 5 winners will received a set of FOUR books! Just the perfect antidote to the cold weather and the holiday season. :-)

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 December 24th.

71 comments:

  1. Wow! How generous! Thank you so much, Donna, for being willing to give away so many of your books--they look intriguing! :)

    I'm a follower of this blog!

    ~Amber

    stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Donna,
    What a wonderful giveaway. Thank you. My daughter also loves the musicals of the 40'ss. She watches them whenever they come on TMC.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750@aol.com


    I'm a subscriber and a GFC follower under Lucky47

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! Amazing how God works in our lives.
    God Bless,
    Cathy

    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Follow via GFC
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Email subscriber
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks Amber, Carol, and Cathy, for coming to visit! Merry Christmas!
    Donna Winters
    http://www.greatlakesromances.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are so very generous Donna. Thank you!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I follow on GFC


    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am a subscriber.


    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Being a native Michigander, I love historical books set in our great state! Thanks for entering me. I am a follower.

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are very generous, Donna!

    I can't wait to see your books around the Erie Canal...we have paths 5 minutes from our house we walk constantly in good weather.

    Please send me an email if you do come up to upstate NY. There are several ACFW members located in this area, maybe we can all meet up for coffee!

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the interview!
    tressa(dot)sherman(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. GFC follower.
    tressa(dot)sherman(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Email subscriber.
    tressa(dot)sherman(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. First of all thank AcfwBookclub for introducing me to Donna Winters and Casey's blog spot, of which I will be come a follower before leaving. This is a great interview, one you read and think this is one terrific lady, I'll have to read her books... I also say thank you for the opportunity of being a part of a generous giveaway....

    cedson76255(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Heading to Great Lakes Romances now....

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh please enter me! I LOVE Donna's work!

    Thanks!

    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am a follower.

    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am a subscriber!

    Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a lovely giveaway! I really enjoy Donna's books and would love to be entered. Thank you for the entry.

    Blessings for a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  21. It was great to "meet" you Donna! I agree with all the others. You are very generous. :)
    I think it's cool that you lift weights while watching musicals! I LOVE movies from that time period(so much that that's the way we picked both of our little boys names. We picked an actor from that time period). But, i had heard a great way to exercise was to walk(or whatever exercise you're doing) and when they start singing in the musical to run or exert yourself more. :) Very cool.
    I'm headed to your website now to check out your books.

    bluerosesheart at yahoo dot com

    I'm a follower and subscriber.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Merry Christmas!
    Great Giveaway!
    Amazing Interview!
    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow that is very generous of you!
    Please enter me!

    dancealert at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. A wonderful list of books.Great interview!Please enter me in the giveaway.Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm a subscriber!Merry Christmas!
    augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  26. GFC follower.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello! What a wonderful giveaway! I'm crossing my fingers.

    ~Lauri M
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    lulureviews@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow via GFC

    ~Lauri M
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    lulureviews@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I subscribe under email l_mei.....
    ~Lauri M
    http://knitsandreads.blogspot.com
    lulureviews@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I'd love to win those books!

    leanniegehrke(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm a follower.

    leanniegehrke(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm a subscriber.

    leanniegehrke(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. a wonderful giveaway...please count me in...merry christmas, casey :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. i'm a follower :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. email subscriber :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. at 18 below good books are in demand here in North Dakota. thanks for the giveaway


    ABreading4ufn [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  37. gfc follower



    ABreading4ufn [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  38. email subscriber



    ABreading4ufn [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wow, Donna! What a sweet and generous giveaway. I have really enjoyed your books. I'd love to add these to my collection. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm a follower!

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  41. and a subscriber :)

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Donna,

    Brockport's not too far from me. And speaking of Great Lakes, we're looking for some lake effect snow tomorrow.

    I'd love to be entered in the giveaway.

    I'm a follower.

    Thanks,
    Joy

    Joy G Lee G@aol. com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow, what a giveaway. I'd love to enter and I'm a follower.

    umdmaurer at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh, I so love Donna's books, especially the ones that are set and based in my home state of MICHIGAN :)

    Wonderful interview of an excellent author.

    Please enter me.

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com
    http://fortheluvofsanity.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great interview! Is Donna's hometown in New York? I'm a New Yorker, too!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh wow! I read Jenny of L'Anse Bay ages ago...I might even have the copy around here somewhere! I totally didn't realize that this interview was with the author of that book but how cool! Thank you Casey for featuring her and bringing back memories. :-)

    XOXO~ Renee
    steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hahaha just wanted to let you know that I went back and found my old copy but the cover is a bit different. It's a Forever Classic published by Guideposts...I just might have to re-read this. ;-)

    XOXO~ RENEE

    ReplyDelete
  48. Please enter me! I am your new follower!
    ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wow, 5 winners?!!!
    Count me in!
    chakasa58 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I am a subscriber:)
    chakasa58 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wow, I love the Great Lakes. Thanks for the great giveaway.
    Many blessings,
    Trinity Rose
    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. I'm a blog follower
    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm an email subscriber.
    wandaelaine at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Wow, what a generous give away! I'd love to win these :)

    ksmiley2[at]kent[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  55. These look like great reads. Please enter me in the giveaway

    preslaysa@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. This sounds like a wonderful giveaway! Thank you so much for the chance to win. I am a follower.

    Jennifer

    jmschwindt at cox dot net

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have read two of Donna's books and would love to win these.
    Enjoyed the interview.
    Thanks for this opportunity to enter.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Old GFC Follower

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Old Email subscriber

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. How awesome! Thanks for the opportunity to win them! I am a gfc follower.

    walkinfaith4him [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am a subscriber

    carman sent me

    walkinfaith4him [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  62. SWEET!!! I am already a follower and a subscriber of your blog. Thank you! ^_^

    gracethorson at gmail dot com
    ~Grace

    ReplyDelete
  63. Wow! This is a great giveaway! Thanks for offering these books!
    April
    apeygirl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Looks fun! Thanks for the chance to win!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    I'm a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I would love to read these books.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. What a great interview and giveaway.Please enter me. I have not been fortunate enough to read the author's books as of yet, but will put on my list. Please enter me.Merry Christmas to all. Have a safe and happy holiday and remember Jesus' birthday with glad hearts.
    tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Wow! What a great giveaway! I would love to win these books! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  68. I am a follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net


    **Carmen sent me! :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ***Carman sent me!! :)

    ReplyDelete

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

FTC Rules

According to new FTC rules I must let you, the reader know, that all views shared on this blog are strictly my own. Books to review are either provided for me by the author, publisher or ones I have purchased and I am under no obligation whatsoever to present anything, but my true opinion on any product. I receive no monetary compensation for anything written on this blog. Any giveaways on this blog are provided by the author/ publisher and I am not responsible for any views they express in their work or on this site. Giveaways are void were prohibited and chances of winnng are based on the number of applicants. A random winner is draw when a book is given away.

 
Blog Design by Imagination Designs all images from the Country Wildflowers kit by Laurie Ann