Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Latayne Scott and Book Giveaway!


Thanks for being here today, Latayne!!

Why did you start writing fiction?
I read fiction voraciously but (other than one children's book written under a pen name, The Dream Quilt --Waterbrook Press) all of my books have been heavily researched non-fiction. Three of them had to do with Mormonism, and I really thought I had said all I wanted to say on that subject until my husband suggested that I write a mystery (my favorite fiction genre) about it.


Can you tell us a little about this book, Latter-Day Cipher?
Someone described it as The DaVinci Code meets Brigham Young. For having such a short history, Mormonism has more folklore, hidden practices and doctrines, and secrets than any other group I can think of. The title of this book comes from an actual historical oddity, the alphabet that Brigham Young commissioned to help non-English speakers learn to read, who were immigrating to Utah in the mid 19th century.

In my book, a murderer, who is carrying out the also-historic Mormon practice of blood atonement, leaves notes at his crime scenes written in that "Deseret Alphabet." There's a short book trailer about this book at my website, http://www.latayne.com.

If you were able to have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
I suppose I should say something spiritual like "Jesus" and "Rahab" (my two personal Biblical heroes) but I'm anticipating getting to sit at an eternal feast with them someday :)

Really? I'd like to sit down with Paul Simon and tell him what a musical genius he is. And with Joseph Smith, just to see for myself what kind of charisma he had, that caused happily-married men to turn their wives over to him.

What one event would you have loved to be at?
When Jesus appeared in the upper room after His Resurrection. I love the movie "Jesus" (which the New York Times says may be the most-often watched film of all time-- did you know that? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_(1979_film)

In it, when Jesus appears to His disciples, He has this look like, "Isn't this cool? I told you I'd come back!" I would love to see that in person. Hmm, maybe I will! Maybe you will!

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know? A secret hobby, funny incident, etc:)
I once climbed the guard tower on Guantanamo on the border of Cuba, and looked through binoculars over at the heavily-armed Cuban guard who was looking back at me. I've also sat in the cockpit of an in-service B-52 bomber. (Whee! Even though it never left the ground.)

What place have you always wanted to visit? A historical monument, overseas, vacation spot?
I have read everything I could get my hands on about ancient Egypt, my whole life. And I've read the Bible dozens of times. But ancient Egypt and ancient Israel no longer exist.

The other night I told my family that the one thing I'd really like to see before I die is the Northern Lights.

When a reader gets done with your books, what do you want them to come away with?
I want them to think more deeply about the Bible and to have fresh insights about it that cause them to love the Lord Jesus Christ more. And I want them to see that great people in the Bible struggled with their faith, had crises of faith. But there's a way out of the pits we find ourselves in. Wherever there's a trial, there's an Advocate who can rescue you.

Any last thoughts for your readers?
What if you woke up tomorrow morning and found out that the God you had worshipped all your life didn't exist? That is the crisis that people who leave Mormonism face. Through my nonfiction book The Mormon Mirage (Zondervan, see the video at http://tinyurl.com/28tkcmj ) and my novel Latter-day Cipher, I give people insight into that -- and the way out.

I'd also appreciate any prayers for my WIP which is a first-first-second novel. (First-century, first-person, second novel for me.)

And how can they connect with you?
I blog in three places: one is with my beloved fellow novelists at NovelMatters --http://novelmatters.blogspot.com. I have my own website; http://www.latayne.com. And then I post theological articles and audio lessons from others at http://www.representationalresearch.com.

READERS- TO ENTER the giveaway for Latayne's new book, Latter-Day Cipher, tell me if you have ever read a book about Mormons. I know there are a couple out there by different Christian authors and more are coming out daily. This is the mandatory entry! If you do not do this entry, then the extra ones do not count.

Extra entries-
1.Become a follower of my blog.
2.Become a subscriber through my RSS Feed.
3.Become a follower on Twitter.
4.Enter any of my other giveaways.
5.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done twice a day!!
6.Blog about this or post it on Facebook.
7.Go sign up for Latayne's newsletter, which is on her website here.

You have to comment for each different thing you have done. If you follow my blog already, please leave a comment stating you do. Thanks ya'll!!!

This giveaway will end 6/16. Winner will be chosen through Random.org.


23 comments:

BrendaC said...

HI Please enter me in the giveaway. I am a follower. I have never read anything about the Mormon, but I love reading mysteries in general. I remember reading a great mystery series that revolved around the Shaker community. Thanks Brenda kittycrochettwo@msn.com

Mystica said...

I havent read any book about Mormons though I've read lots of newspaper articles about them.

Mystica said...

I follow you on GFC

Casey said...

First I am a follower and second I would really like to read Latayne's book, after hosting her on OEA and reading the sneak peek I was hooked!

Thanks for the chance.

Email in profile.

Ashley said...

I can't remember any books I read about Mormans.

hewella1 at gmail dot com

Ashley said...

I'm a follower.

hewella1 at gmail dot com

Judylynn said...

I have read several books about Mormons. The subject fascinates me.

Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I am a follower.

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I follow you on Twitter @seizethebooknow.

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I tweeted about this giveaway @seizethebooknow.

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I signed up for Latayne's newsletter!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Judylynn said...

I entered the Stephen Bly giveaway!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Pain SUX said...

I actually have never read any fiction books about the Mormans. Sounds interesting. I love to learn about different ways of life.

~Steph
soklad@hotmail.com

Pain SUX said...

I follow your blog via RSS on Google.

~Steph
soklad@hotmail.com

Pain SUX said...

I also follow you on twitter.

~Steph
soklad@hotmail.com

Pain SUX said...

I entered the Stephen BLy giveaway

~Steph
soklad@hotmail.com

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I've never read anything by this author before. I love the concept. joyfulhutch[at]msn[dot]com

Aimee said...

I read Alma, by Heather B. Moore, but other than that, no.

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Aimee said...

GFC follower

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Aimee said...

I follow you on twitter @pixie13sweeps

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Aimee said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/pixie13sweeps/status/16274345733

gevin13{at}gmail{dot}com

Judylynn said...

I tweeted about this @seizethebooknow

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Hope said...

I've never read a fiction book about Mormons...I have read several factual ones thuogh.
onepilgrim86[at]yahoo.com

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