Monday, May 9, 2011

Giveaway and Author Interview: A Great Catch

Welcome to Writing for Christ Lorna Seilstad, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Thank you for having me as a guest, Casey! An interesting fact about me?  My office is in my basement—my VERY cold basement. In the winter, I write with those fingerless gloves on, a coat, and a scarf. The space heater helps, but only one side at a time. I have a laptop now so I could write upstairs where it’s warm, but I prefer my desktop, my comfy chair, and my out of the way spot.

What surprised you the most about being a published author?

How hard it is to write on days when the world seems upside down. Just before Thanksgiving, my husband had pneumonia and was in the hospital for five days. Then, just before Christmas, he had to have lung surgery because of pneumonia complications. He got out Christmas Eve. I got almost nothing written for that whole month because my thoughts were somewhere else.

It was nearly impossible for me to write my light hearted chapters after the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, too. I almost felt guilty for writing something that makes people laugh. I had to spend some serious time in prayer and I had to shut off CNN.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

I love to write historical romance. I love to read it too, but I also read everything from science fiction to Shakespeare to contemporaries. It’s the story and characters I love. I don’t care where (or when) they are.

When you aren’t writing or interacting with fans, what do you enjoy doing?

Besides reading, which I suppose is a given for most authors, I love spending time with my family and friends, working with my 4-H club, baking, and teaching my Bible classes at church. I do some wedding coordination and some floral work for weddings, too.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

I had to write my first feature for our high school paper eleven times. (And that was before we worked on a computer.) Later, my teacher said, “It’s not that you had to, it’s that you would. I knew you’d make it because you were willing to put the story first.” I never forgot that. Writing isn’t about me. It’s about getting the message across to the reader.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

I love getting paid to do something that I love. I love creating the stories, and I love the feeling when a scene just falls in place.

What do you like readers to take away from your books?

When someone reads one of my books, I hope they will feel like they’ve been swept away to another place and time. I hope they will laugh and cry with the characters, and I hope they will see how the characters have grown along their journeys. Quite possibly, they may find themselves relating.  For example, in A Great Catch, Emily struggles with over scheduling. What woman today can’t relate to that?

Places for readers to learn more about you?

I love to hear from readers!
www.inkspirationalmessages (10-writer blog I write with.)
Facebook and Twitter
Thank you for being with us today!


Okay readers, here is your chance to enter to win Lorna's book!

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


And an EXTRA one:
~Read and rate this review- you are not obligated to read the rest of the devotional post. (you will never leave my blog. This helps me continue providing reviews for my blog- thank you! : -))


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 May 20th.

58 comments:

  1. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read your book. It sounds very good. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've seen this book on the internet and wanted to read it. Count me in on the giveaway.

    I thought your review was great. I'm married, but just reading your review made me want to read the book. I would think Praying for Your Future Husband would make a great addition to a church library.

    plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  3. Great interview and I would love to win A Great Catch.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  4. I read the first one and would really like to win the second!
    Em
    embassie@hotmail.com

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  5. This book looks so good!
    I am a subscriber and a follower.
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

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  6. Enjoyed this interview! Lorna, I can relate....was going through heart attack and bypass surgery with my husband at same time last year!!! I am anxious to read your book. Please enter me! I subscribe via E mail. Thanks!!
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  7. I love the covers of her books!

    gravesok@gmail.com

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  8. Good morning, ladies! Thank you for stopping by and for the interest in reading A GREAT CATCH. Julie, I think Revell does such a great job with covers!I feel so blessed.

    I wanted to tell everyone that if you haven't read MAKING WAVES yet, it is temporarily availble for FREE on Kindle and at Christianbook.com as an e-book.

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  9. Lorna,

    Can't wait to read this book. I so enjoyed your first one!

    Wishing you much success!

    Sue Mason
    P.S. Don't enter me in the draw as I'm up in Canada.

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  10. Wonderful interview! This book sounds like a must read and I LOVE the covers! I downloaded the free e-book of Making Waves and can't wait to get started. I'd love to be entered in the giveaway!

    I'm a follower and a subscriber.

    God Bless,
    Elizabeth

    ecriggs1990[at]aol[dot]com

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  11. Great interview! I love the cover of the book and would love to read it. Please enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  12. I'm a follower

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladio40(at)aol(dot)com

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  13. I already have the book :-) so I don't need to be entered in the drawing but I love the interview. I hope everyone pays attention to Lorna's advice about putting the story first. Wise advice. Thanks, Casey, for bringing this to us.

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  14. What a great interview. I have only one question. Where do you find the time. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance. ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

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  15. I subscribe by email.
    ybutler(at)oppcatv(dot)com

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  16. Susan, I'm so glad you enjoyed Making Waves, and Elizabeth, I glad you were able to take advantage of the free download.

    Jo, thank you for stopping by!

    Hi Wendy! I'm so glad I learned the importance of putting the story first early on in writing. It has also helped me understand that my stories are not me, which helps with both criticism and praise.

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  17. Grannyvon, good question. I am busy with a lot of things, but God seems to make them all work out. If anything has to go in my schedule, it's usually the housework. :)

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  18. Oh I'd really really love to read this book, it sounds sooo great!

    I am a follower/subscriber!

    I read and rated your review!

    Thanks
    Courtney
    kcmelone at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yep. Think I've said this on about four blogs... I want this book ;).

    I'm a subscriber/follower and I think I rated the review, but I'm not really sure. How does one do that?

    And my email of course...

    carol at carolmoncado dot com

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  20. Thanks Casey for bringing us a great interview. I've heard alot about this series, so I'd love to win a copy.
    Reading your blog is a joy.

    I'm a follower

    I read your review and rated it! I really liked that one by the way!

    crazi.swans at gmail dot com

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  21. I rated your review.
    I'm a follower.
    I'm a subscriber.
    I enjoyed the interview with Lorna. I've read several reviews of her book and think it would be one I'd really enjoy reading. I'd love to win!
    Thanks.
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you for including me in the drawing! Would love to read this book!

    Great interview, too, by the way. : )

    Michelle
    scraphappy71 @ sbcglobal dot net

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  23. I am a subscriber.

    Thanks!
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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  24. I am a follower.

    Thanks,
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm a follower and a subscriber and I love her books!

    Doreen
    priviesandprims at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a wonderful interview! Lorna’s book, Making Waves, was such a joy to read and it introduced me to a real gem of an author! You know an author is good when all you have to do is read ONE of their books and be hooked, knowing from that point on anything they write you simply must read!! Well, that’s Lorna :)

    Lorna, it is a pleasure to meet you! I LOVED your first book and I CANNOT wait to read your next one! I definitely laughed and cried right along with your characters. Oh, and Trip *SIGH* What a hero!! I would have fallen in the water every time he was near too! ;) And I just have to say when I read your answer to what surprised you the most about being a published author, I was touched by your response. First, I’m glad your husband got through that terrible ordeal, praise the Lord! Second, I understand what you mean about feeling guilty in situations like that, but you never have to feel guilty over making people laugh and brightening their day. Your books can be someone’s joy in the midst of their trial, a smile when their heart needs it most :)

    Casey, thank you for having Lorna here today! I think this is one of the few interviews I’ve read of hers, so I was blessed to learn more about her :) Thank you so much for a chance to win her fabulous new book!!

    I am already a follower +1
    I already rated and commented on your beautiful review for Praying for Your Future Husband :) +1

    Blessings to you both!!
    Amanda
    mrose608{at}gmail{dot}com

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  27. OH...MY...GOSH! I absolutely love the cover of A Great Catch. I would love to be entered to win a copy. It sounds great!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  28. I am a GFC follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am an email subscriber.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Interesting interview..would love to read the book.
    lgm52@hotmail.com

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  31. I would love to wi9n the book!
    I'm a gfc follower and a subscriber by email.

    The interview was well done. It is always a good thing when you can get interesting information from an author that no one else would know!

    Thank you! dancealert at aol dot com

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  32. Oh my goodness, you all are so sweet. Thank you for stopping by and I'm thrilled you're looking forward to reading this book.

    If you have chance, I'd love for you all to also sign up for my newsletter for a chance to win a GREAT CATCH GIFT BASKET. I'm drawing a name at the end of May from my newsletter list. Detail are on my website.

    Amanda, thank you for your kind and thougthful words. You blessed me so much! I love brightening the days of readers and sharing some insight into having a closer walk with the Lord.

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  33. Oh my goodness, you all are so sweet. Thank you for stopping by and I'm thrilled you're looking forward to reading this book.

    If you have chance, I'd love for you all to also sign up for my newsletter for a chance to win a GREAT CATCH GIFT BASKET. I'm drawing a name at the end of May from my newsletter list. Detail are on my website.

    Amanda, thank you for your kind and thougthful words. You blessed me so much! I love brightening the days of readers and sharing some insight into having a closer walk with the Lord.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks for the chance to win. :) I'm a follower.

    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Great interview, Casey! This book looks so fun! I just love your blog :) Please enter me in the drawing!

    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    I am a subscriber & I rated your review.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Interesting comment about not writing light-hearted content after a tradegy. It makes sense. I'm a follower, thanks for the chance to win.

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  37. Hi Ann!

    Beth, isn't Casey's blog just beautiful and so well-done?

    Pegg, I'm still praying for all those affected by disaster both here in the US and overseas.

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  38. Great interview! I'm going to remember that bit about writing the readers and the message I want to convey, and not myself. Thank you.

    I would love to be entered.

    girlofmanycolors *at* gmail *dot* com

    Blessings,
    ~Prism~

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  39. Oh, I forgot to say I'm also a follower :)

    Blessings,
    ~Prism~

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oops forgot to say I'm a follower, subscriber, and I rated your review :3

    hsiu_an(at)hotmail(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'd love to read this book!!!

    God bless!!

    hsiu_an(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  42. I'm a subscriber.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love Lorna's series set on Lake Manawa, it sounds like it was quite the place to be in the summer! Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  44. Thanks for hosting Lorna! I love the dress on the front cover ~ cute :)

    Thanks for the opportunity to win :)

    amanda38401 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm a follower of your blog :)

    amanda38401 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks for the giveaway.

    jenhedger at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Follow you on GFC
    jenhedger at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. subscribe to rss feed
    jenhedger at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'd love to win this book!
    clp1777(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Nice to meet you Lorna, I really enjoyed your interview and would love a chance at winning your A Great Catch. It looks really good and I love the cover.
    Thank you for the entry in your giveaway, Casey.

    Have a blessed day!
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I loved the first book in this series, and I can't wait to read this second book!
    krhmoseslake(at)gmail(dot)com

    + I am a follower
    + I am a subscriber

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  52. I have never read any of Lorna's books but I think they would be some I'd like so please enter me in the drawing. My email is angry_bean10@yahoo.com

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  53. I just finished reading "Making Waves" which was a GREAT book, I couldn't put it down. I am really looking forward to reading this book!

    + I am a subscriber

    lovetoread205@gmail.com

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  54. I love being swept away to another place and time and A great Catch sounds like a great read, just as Making Waves was.
    Thanks!
    Rebecca
    rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  55. i live historical novels that sweep you away to another time and place. i would love to read and win this.

    lisa/oklahoma/sugarplumtree032000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Would love to win. Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am an old follower

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Old email subscriber

    misskallie2000 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. :)

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.

 
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