Thank you to everyone who entered to win a copy of Josi Kilpack's new book, Tres Leches Cupcakes. Before I announce the winner, just a quick note!
I'm participating in a fabulous Authorpalooza this Friday, September 14th. If you're in the Kansas City area, please stop by, visit, and check out some awesome books! There will be a Q&A session with the authors and several prize drawings.
Oak Park Mall Barnes & Noble
11323 W 95th Street, Overland Park, KS
Additional authors include:
Lisa Mangum
Josi Kilpack
Heather Justesen
Don Carey
Karen Hoover
Traci Hunter Abramson
L.C. Lewis
Steve Westover
Lynn Parsons
Tamara Hart Heiner
and more!
And now, the Tres Leches Cupcakes winner is . . .
Kathleen Brebes!
Kathleen, please email me your snail mail address and I'll get your book in the mail.
Heather Justesen
Showing posts with label Heather Justesen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heather Justesen. Show all posts
Registration for the 2012 Storymakers Midwest Writers
Conference is now open!
Date: Saturday, September 15th, 2012
Time: 8 am – 9 pm
Location: Holiday Inn – Olathe (101 W. 151st St.,
Olathe, KS) 913-829-4000 *Discounted hotel rooms are available for
$78/night. Please reference the Storymakers Writers Conference when you call to
make a reservation.
Registration Fee: $95, includes all classes, lunch, dinner,
and conference materials.
We’re excited to announce our Keynote Speaker
Lisa Mangum
Editor for Deseret Book & Shadow Mountain
And best-selling author of The Hourglass Door series
We’re also delighted to have the following authors as
presenters:
Traci Hunter Abramson
Don Carey
Karen Hoover
Heather Justesen
Josi Kilpack
Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
Steve Westover
Pitch your latest story to Lisa Mangum. Appointments are
available on a first come first served basis. Meet your favorite authors at the
Friday night Authorpalooza. Network with other writers across the Midwest.
Sign up for a day full of awesomeness! Register here: https://storymakersconference.myshopify.com/
Cover Blurb
Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.
Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.
When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?
As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.
My Review
Each time a new Heather Justesen book comes out, I think it's my favorite of all time. But then the next one captures my heart. I've come to the conclusion that I just love them all! Family By Design was such a fun, delightful read that had me laughing, blushing, and occasionally reaching for some tissues. I think the cover is a great representation of the characters the reader falls in love with - some sassy red heals, some cute pink Mary Janes, typical spunky boy shoes, and one hunky builder/military man's set of work boots. Who doesn't love a story about a sassy woman and a man who's good with his hands (not to mention gorgeous!). Now that just makes me a bit weak at the knees right there.
What I admire the most about Family by Design is that Rena & Tucker's relationship is based on friendship. They are each other's best friends and have been forever. Those niggling thoughts of "What if" become reality when Tucker becomes the guardian to his niece and nephew. From there, some very interesting conversations and situations arrive. Then through the journey, they become a real family. But once again, life steps in and complicates things. How does it end? Happily, of course. But if you want specifics, you'll just have to read the book!
You can purchase Family by Design at Amazon.com or any local book store.
Special Promotion
Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before January 31, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here to get your free copy.
As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.
Here’s the blurb for Shear Luck:
Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.
Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.
As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.
Blog Tour Stops
Tuesday, Jan. 17 Kim Job
Wednesday,
Jan. 18 Nichole Giles
Thursday,
Jan. 19 Liz Adair
Friday,
Jan. 20 Susan Dayley
Saturday,
Jan. 21 Keith Fisher
Monday,
Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson
Tuesday,
Jan. 24 Julie Bellon
Wednesday,
Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan
Thursday,
Jan. 26 Rebecca
Talley
Friday,
Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes
Saturday,
Jan. 28 Debbie Davis
Monday, Jan. 30 Danyelle Ferguson
Monday,
Jan. 30 Maria Hoaglund
Tuesday,
Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston
Wednesday,
Feb. 1 Joann Arnold
Thursday,
Feb. 2 Christine Bryant
Friday,
Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins
Saturday, Feb. 4 Mindy Holt
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you to everyone who participated in the (dis)Abilities and the Gospel blog tour. The reviews were incredible and many new readers discovered our book. Thank you to Random.org for choosing the winners! June Winners
$25 Amazon gift card & consultation . . . Marissa, who commented on Topsy Turvy Cakes review
Free consultation . . . Nisa, who commented on Christine Bryant's review
July Winners
$25 Amazon gift card & consultation . . . Chris, who commented on Heather @ Fire and Ice's review
Free consultation . . . James Duckett, who requested FB friends with Lynn and I
Congrats to the winners! I'll contact you via email with your prize info.
Blank Slate by Heather Justesen
My Review
Book Blurb: Adrianna Mueller may be a world-renowned concert pianist, but when she wakes from her coma after a serious car accident, her ability to perform has disappeared as completely as her lost memory. As she recovers from her injuries, she struggles with the expectations of everyone—her family, friends, and fiancé, Brock—who all want everything to go back to the way it was.
Everyone except Gavin, Adrianna’s brother’s business partner, who finds himself drawn to the woman she is now. But he has his own problems. As he tries to get a handle on a former employee’s embezzlement, he fights his growing feelings for Adrianna.
And then a trip to the emergency room shakes everything up, leaving her to stumble as she tries to regain her footing all over again.
I am a huge fan of Heather Justesen's books. I've loved every single one - and Blank Slate is no exception. Justesen brings to life loveable characters in such complicated situations. There's no flatness to be found in her stories, instead I get sucked in and can't put the book down as the story twists and turns. I just have to see what will happen next. As a huge romance genre addict, I love that Justesen's characters are attracted to each other, but we never go past sizzling kisses (which leave me weak kneed. Never mind the characters!). I've been trying to decide which of Justesen's books are my fave. Right now, it's a toss up between Blank Slate and The Ball's in Her Court. Loved, loved, loved them both!
Right now, you can read the first 2 chapters of Blank Slate on Heather Justesen's website. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels. Most especially to anyone who prefers romances with no bedroom scenes. =)
You can purchase Blank Slate by Heather Justesen at the following locations:
Smashwords
Kindle
And you could win lots of awesome prizes
and learn about
and learn about
Each of the following blogs is offering a different awesome prize!
(That's 14 prizes!)
And the grand prize is a $25 dollar gift card to Amazon.
1. Rachelle Writes
2. A Writer's Reality
3. Day Dreamer
4. The Queen of the Clan
5. Jordan McCollum
6. The Crazy Daze of Motherhood
7. I am a Pistachio
8. Chasing Dreams
9. Ramblings of a Random Writer
10. Matthew Tandy-The Working Writer
11 Weaving a Tale or Two
12 Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
13.My Yellow Sandbox
14. Watched
Quick, Fast Entry
There's only 4 days to enter -Tues., June 21st-Friday, June 24th
There's only 4 days to enter -Tues., June 21st-Friday, June 24th
Pick a blog, any blog to get started, then simply do this:
Follow The Queen of the Clan and leave a comment. Then follow Cindy M. Hogan and leave a comment about Danyelle's blog.
Enter all 14 contests and you get an extra 5 entries into the Grand Prize Giveaway. (19 entries)
That's not all! Get 6 extra entries by buying Watched here (print book) or here (e-book) and sending her a copy of your confirmation cindymhogan at yahoo dot com. Easy peasy. Wow! That's 25 entries!
Enter one. Enter two or how ever many you like, but...
If you enter all the blogs' contests you get a bonus 5 entries into the Grand Prize Drawing.
That gives you a total of 19 entries to win the
Grand Prize- A $25 gift card to Amazon.
And don't forget to get your copy of Watched for a bonus 6 entries.
(25 total)
Remember- you only have 4 days to enter.
(Tues, June 21st-Friday, June 24th at midnight)
and you must comment on both blogs for entry into each contest.
Individual blogs will award prizes on June 25th
QOTC Winner will have the opportunity to choose one of the following books:
Rebound by Heather Justesen
Chocolate Roses by Joan Sowards
Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes
(dis)Abilities and the Gospel - autographed by Danyelle Ferguson
The Grand Prize will be awarded on June 28th on Cindy's blog.
Check back to see if you won! You have 2 days to claim your prize.
A big thanks to my awesome friends for joining in on the fun.
I've been thinking a lot about those past twelve years in anticipation of today. Here are a few of my thoughts . . .
Laughter is the key to happiness.
John and I laughed and enjoyed being together so much while we dated. Our sense of humors - John's way funnier than I am - have remained one of my very favorite parts of our relationship. There have been plenty of nights when we've just laid in bed, quietly chatting about the highlights of the day, laughing about funny things the kids said, their quirky perspectives on life. Some nights, we talk about things that are stressful or upsetting, which generally results in me crying. Yes, I'm a cry baby. During those moments, my sweetie just holds me close, runs his fingers through my hair while I get the majority of the tears out of the way. And then, he'll say something to make me laugh. And as we laugh, the tense knots in my shoulders and neck relax a bit, we snuggle closer, laugh a bit more, then drift off to sleep. Laughter has held us together through so many tough times. When I look back through the years, our mingled laughter comes to mind first and plays a prominent role in our relationship.
Be steadfast and immovable.
Show me the love.
Something I tease John about is that while we were dating, he was very strict about morality - you know, no necking and certainly no fooling around before the wedding night. Very traditional. The closer we got to our wedding date, the pickier he became. We had to be out with a group of friends or out and about in public so that we wouldn't be too kissy-kissy - a challenge which brought out my frisky nature just to tempt him. (Yes, I know - I'm a brat!) But John ended up being the one who surprised me. After we were married, I very quickly discovered John loves to snuggle and is the kissiest person I've ever met! Quite honestly, I love it! Now, before you say Yuck! TMI! TMI! - let's veer off a tad. Some of my favorite things about my sweetie is that he always holds my hand wherever we go - even at night when we go to sleep. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, and he's shifted with me, still holding my hand. I love that. I absolutely adore it that my hubby tells me every day that he loves me. I love the little kisses on my neck he gives me while I'm cooking, and that no matter if I'm in sweats, clingy jeans or have gained twenty or so pounds - he still says he thinks I'm sexy. Then nibbles on my ear. Ooh! Sorry, TMI again, eh? =)
Turn off the TV and enjoy the snuggles.
My sweetie and I rarely watch TV. We have one small TV in our playroom for the munchkins, and another for the Wii - also in the playroom - but that's it. No TV's in our bedroom, the living room, or anywhere else in the house. When the kids are in their rooms for the night, John and I will often snuggle up on the couch, chat, then read some books until we're ready for bed. Often, I will get sucked into a book, while John falls asleep holding my hand. As my anniversary gift, my honey hired artist Natalie Hunsaker to create a portrait of us and the things that represent us and our marriage. The painting isn't quite finished, but Natalie sent me a picture of it. I was totally delighted with how it's turning out.
After a photo shoot, Natalie chose to paint John and I relaxing in our nightly snuggle tradition. I love how it depicts a small slice of our life. John and I were so relaxed and comfortable, which I think really shows. You can see John holding my hand behind the book I'm holding. Everything in the painting had meaning to us. The book I'm reading is The Ball's in Her Court by Heather Justesen. Heather is one of my best writing buddies and friends. She and I shared many brain storming sessions about this book and I helped her edit it (many times) as well. Of the all books in my freelance editing career, this is the one I am most proud of because I know just how much work Heather put into it, how much fun we had bouncing ideas of each other, and how excited we BOTH were when she received her contract - which involved a middle of the night IM session around 1 am my time. Such great memories and feelings to have included. John is holding our friend James Dashner's book The 13th Reality (which I helped edit). In the stack of books (which is very subtle), but the books there are: Josi Kilpack's English Trifle (I am in her test kitchen & my blurb was published in her book), Daron Fraley's The Thorn (which I edited), a Brandon Sanderson book (one of John's favorite authors), Mormon Mishaps and Mischief by C.L. Beck & D.N. Giles (which has six of my short stories in it), and a mock up of my own book - (dis)Abilities and the Gospel - with the original Valor cover (which is no longer coming out through them, but was at that moment of my life). John and I love how this painting shows so much about us, our own friendship, and the interests we've developed together (writing).
Look ahead to forever.
I am grateful to know about Heavenly Father's eternal plan and that marriages are forever. I can't imagine living in Heaven without sharing it with the one person who completely gets me, loves me, and who fills me with happiness. I'm sure we'll share lots of laughter as we one day explore all the greatness that comes after this life. Until then, I will cherish every moment I get here on Earth with my sweetheart - including all the bumps, snuggles, and yes, the kissy kisses.
Happy Anniversary, Sweetie!
Today's book review is Rebound by Heather Justesen. Here's info from the back jacket blurb:With a successful husband, a gorgeous home, and a growing family, Lily Drake has it all. But when the FBI shows up, she realizes her husband is not the man she thought he was.
Meanwhile, Lily's friend Curtis is about to be drafted by the NBA, but he suddenly feels pulled to find his birth family, and no one is prepared for what he'll discover. With so many obstacles in their way, Lily and Curtis must learn to rely on each other if they're ever going to find peace and learn to love again.
In this heartwarming family drama, Heather Justesen, author of The Ball's in Her Court, weaves a stirring story of hope. Reunite with your favorite characters and discover how determination, love, and faith can overcome even the toughest trials.
My Review
I had the opportunity to first read about Lily and Curtis's stories when Heather was first writing the manuscript. After the first few chapters Heather sent me to edit, I was completely hooked and begging her to write faster so I could see what happened next. I'm so happy to have the complete final version!
My favorite parts of the book are (of course) the romantic ones. Heather Justesen most definitely knows how to write a kissing scene that makes your knees go all jello and you're heart melt while still keeping everything all nice and clean. But in this book, you won't find just a romantic tale. I admired Lily's strength and perseverance during the difficult trials she faced. Not only was her husband put in jail and convicted of fraud, but he divorced her while she was in the last stages of her pregnancy, which left Lily one very over stressed woman.
And no, she didn't just fall in love with the next guy who came along. She and Curtis are good friends - and have known each other for several years. They don't spend every waking minute together, but they talk about the things happening in each other's lives and support each other, as friends do for each other. It isn't until the last half of the book that their perspectives start to change and they begin to wonder . . . What if? It's at this point of the book that Curtis gets some solid leads to find his birth father and begins to earnestly search for him. And wow - the challenges he faces when he finally does find him.
I really enjoyed the balance of drama and romance in this book. There are even some touches of humor that just made me laugh out loud. Rebound is truly a story that grips you, pulls you in, and end with a sigh from your heart and a smile on your face. Definitely one of my favs!
You can purchase Rebound at Utah Costco locations, Amazon.com, or your local book store. Or you can get an autographed copy at her Utah County book launch tomorrow!
Thursday, June 3rd
South Towne Marketplace Barnes & Noble
10180 S State, Sandy
Time: 6-8 p.m.
South Towne Marketplace Barnes & Noble
10180 S State, Sandy
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Heather will be signing with Nichole Giles, Kimberly Job, and Tristi Pinkston.
There will be goodies and giveaways!
Author Interview
I had the opportunity to poke, I mean um, interview Heather Justesen. We had fun chatting back and forth via email . . . and I found out some surprising things!QOTC: As the author, what trait do you most admire about Lily?
HJ: I love how Lily handles all of her problems. She doesn't bounce back immediately, maybe, but she doesn't let everything that's happening to her stop her either. She regroups and keeps pushing on. I also like that she's willing to turn to friends and family for help when she absolutely has to. Sometimes it's hard to remember that we all have people rooting or us who are happy to help out where they can. We can't let them handicap us into not progressing, but together we can accomplish much more than we otherwise could have.
QOTC: What's your favorite scene between Lily and Curtis?
HJ: That's so hard to decide because I love so many of them! I had to think about this for a few minutes because it's been a while since I've read the book, but the basketball banquet is definitely in my top few. There's just something about a guy who can dance.
QOTC: Do you think you'll write any books without basketball in them?
HJ: Oh yeah, I don't have any more basketball books in the near future! The next several titles in my lineup are very un-basketball related. I often have people ask me if I played basketball in school, to which I have to admit I have the athleticism of a stink bug. Apparently I'm intrigued by people who are way more graceful and athletic than I am.
QOTC: Who's your favorite basketball player of all time (other than Michael Jordan)?
HJ: Um, I could choose someone at random, but really, I never watch sports (I know, strange considering my books, right?). I guess I'll go with John Stockton since I have a nephew named Stockton (his parents swear he wasn't named after the basketball player, despite the fact that his father could probably tell you every stat about the Jazz since the beginning of time). Thankfully I have a sister and brother-in-law who were able to answer my innumerable questions and fix all of my assumptions about the sport.
QOTC: At a sporting event, are you a pizza, pretzel, or hot dog fan?
HJ: Do I have to pick just one? Okay, pizza--which is admittedly, the only thing I've ever gotten during a pro-sports game (which was baseball, actually) and though it looked like it should have been dried and not so yummy was totally fabulous. Maybe it was the excitement of the game and hanging out with other kids my age.
QOTC: If you as an author were a sports team, what would be your team name and mascot?
HJ: The Twisted Ankles (which is something I do often when I try to play team sports.) Oh, wait, as an author....The Empty Ink Cartridges
QOTC: One last question . . . who's your favorite writing friend/queen? =)
HJ: You, of course! Thanks for having me today!
QOTC: Thank you for the interview, Heather! I can't wait for your next book to come out!
You can find out more about Heather Justesen and her books at her blog and her website.
Today, I'm kicking off Heather Justesen's blog tour for her new book, The Ball's in Her Court, with an interview. Many of you know I've already reviewed her book. You can read my review here.
The thing I love most about this interview with Heather, is that she really opens up about her experiences as a foster parent and the relationships with the children she helped raise - which is what prompted her to write Denise's story. Some of you may not know that November is Adoption Awareness Month. I'm so glad I can share Heather's experiences and love for these amazing kids with you!
QOTC -Was this story difficult for you to write?
Heather - It was difficult to get right--to be sure that the emotions and events stayed realistic, but the story itself was really pretty easy compared to some plots I've worked on because I loved Denise so much, and I cared about her situation. Making everyone else react realistically was a lot harder!
QOTC -As a foster mom, what was your greatest hope for the children you helped raise?
Heather - With one exception, the kids all came from very difficult situations, though every situation was different --even within the same sibling group sometimes. My biggest wish is for them all to be happy. I just want them to get decent jobs that they like, find a loving spouse and to reach their dreams--whatever they may be. I thrill with their successes and sorrow for their pain.
QOTC -What is it like now, to have your foster children grown and gone? Do you still keep in touch with them?
Heather - Bill and I joke that we're empty nesters, and with one foster child having a child of his own, and two more due in the next few months, we tease that we're like a twisted kind of grandparents--which we're FAR too young to be!
I was really excited the day I tracked down two of the kids through Facebook because we'd been out of touch for several years. Just knowing they were doing well was such a relief and I've loved having a chance to share in their joys and struggles again. I still wonder about the others and hope they are well and happy, though I've slowly found a few more of them. I wonder about all of them often.
QOTC -I know November is National Adoption Month. If you could put in one plug for foster care and adoption, what would it be?
Heather - Yeah, foster parenting is hard--parenting is hard regardless of the situation. Though we definitely had our struggles, and we made our share of mistakes (I haven't met a single parent who didn't have regrets), I grew to love every one of those kids--even the ones who gave me the most grief. I can honestly say that my life was blessed by every one of the kids who stayed with us.
QOTC -Now I'd like to change topics, and talk about your next book that's coming out summer of 2010. Can you give us a little teaser?
Heather - Well, in the first book Denise's roommate Lily ends up marrying a man we don't like very much--with good reason. This story shows us what happens to her later when her marriage falls apart and she has to start again with two young children.
QOTC -Why did you choose to tell this story next?
Heather - It was next in the series. =) Actually, this is another story I worked on various versions for. I'd say The Ball's in Her Court had at least twenty edits with multiple significant rewrites, and Lily's story, tentatively titled Rebound, has been through close to fifteen--though several of those were me still trying to figure out what the story was and reinventing the main conflicts until I found the right fit. This was before I learned that outlining was my friend. I also really loved the characters from the first book--I had actually intended for the first book to cover both Denise and Lily's stories, but Denise's kind of took over, so I had to write a separate one for Lily.
QOTC -What do you hope your readers will discover as they read your books?
Heather - Well, first off, I hope they're well entertained because that's my first goal regardless of anything more that might result. Secondly, I want to promote understanding, and the importance of families. Family relationships seems to be a theme that runs through several of my books, though it was totally unintentional. There's nothing more important out there than our families--however they're made, or whatever they may look like.
QOTC -Any last thoughts you'd like to share with your readers?
Heather - Any goal worth making is worth the effort to see through to the end. If you're serious about it, you'll reach it. The fact that this book is in print proves it--go reach your dream!
Thank you for answering all my questions, Heather! Good luck with your book. I'm very excited for your future releases!
Anyone who would like to purchase The Ball's in Her Court, can do so here.
The thing I love most about this interview with Heather, is that she really opens up about her experiences as a foster parent and the relationships with the children she helped raise - which is what prompted her to write Denise's story. Some of you may not know that November is Adoption Awareness Month. I'm so glad I can share Heather's experiences and love for these amazing kids with you!
QOTC -Was this story difficult for you to write?
Heather - It was difficult to get right--to be sure that the emotions and events stayed realistic, but the story itself was really pretty easy compared to some plots I've worked on because I loved Denise so much, and I cared about her situation. Making everyone else react realistically was a lot harder!
QOTC -As a foster mom, what was your greatest hope for the children you helped raise?
Heather - With one exception, the kids all came from very difficult situations, though every situation was different --even within the same sibling group sometimes. My biggest wish is for them all to be happy. I just want them to get decent jobs that they like, find a loving spouse and to reach their dreams--whatever they may be. I thrill with their successes and sorrow for their pain.
QOTC -What is it like now, to have your foster children grown and gone? Do you still keep in touch with them?
Heather - Bill and I joke that we're empty nesters, and with one foster child having a child of his own, and two more due in the next few months, we tease that we're like a twisted kind of grandparents--which we're FAR too young to be!
I was really excited the day I tracked down two of the kids through Facebook because we'd been out of touch for several years. Just knowing they were doing well was such a relief and I've loved having a chance to share in their joys and struggles again. I still wonder about the others and hope they are well and happy, though I've slowly found a few more of them. I wonder about all of them often.
QOTC -I know November is National Adoption Month. If you could put in one plug for foster care and adoption, what would it be?
Heather - Yeah, foster parenting is hard--parenting is hard regardless of the situation. Though we definitely had our struggles, and we made our share of mistakes (I haven't met a single parent who didn't have regrets), I grew to love every one of those kids--even the ones who gave me the most grief. I can honestly say that my life was blessed by every one of the kids who stayed with us.
QOTC -Now I'd like to change topics, and talk about your next book that's coming out summer of 2010. Can you give us a little teaser?
Heather - Well, in the first book Denise's roommate Lily ends up marrying a man we don't like very much--with good reason. This story shows us what happens to her later when her marriage falls apart and she has to start again with two young children.
QOTC -Why did you choose to tell this story next?
Heather - It was next in the series. =) Actually, this is another story I worked on various versions for. I'd say The Ball's in Her Court had at least twenty edits with multiple significant rewrites, and Lily's story, tentatively titled Rebound, has been through close to fifteen--though several of those were me still trying to figure out what the story was and reinventing the main conflicts until I found the right fit. This was before I learned that outlining was my friend. I also really loved the characters from the first book--I had actually intended for the first book to cover both Denise and Lily's stories, but Denise's kind of took over, so I had to write a separate one for Lily.
QOTC -What do you hope your readers will discover as they read your books?
Heather - Well, first off, I hope they're well entertained because that's my first goal regardless of anything more that might result. Secondly, I want to promote understanding, and the importance of families. Family relationships seems to be a theme that runs through several of my books, though it was totally unintentional. There's nothing more important out there than our families--however they're made, or whatever they may look like.
QOTC -Any last thoughts you'd like to share with your readers?
Heather - Any goal worth making is worth the effort to see through to the end. If you're serious about it, you'll reach it. The fact that this book is in print proves it--go reach your dream!
Thank you for answering all my questions, Heather! Good luck with your book. I'm very excited for your future releases!
Anyone who would like to purchase The Ball's in Her Court, can do so here.
Thanks to Random.org for choosing the winner of this awesome book. And the winner is . . . Comment #6
Congrats! Please send me your mailing address and I'll get this out to you right away!
Tashua!
Congrats! Please send me your mailing address and I'll get this out to you right away!
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