Friday, July 23, 2010

Interview With Lisa Wingate + Book Giveaway!!

I know some of you readers have been waiting for a book giveaway as I haven't had many recently. Well, here is your chance:) Today we have Lisa Wingate with us and she will be giving away a copy of her book, Beyond Summer.

Thank you for being with us today, Lisa!!
Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?
A: Beyond Summer is really a story pulled from today’s economic headlines. In a time when reversals of fortune have become common due to mortgage problems and over-extended family budgets, many people are finding themselves in circumstances and living situations they never expected to face. In the previous book in the series, The Summer Kitchen, the Blue Sky Hill neighborhood was under siege by unscrupulous development companies. It occurred to me to wonder whether some of the CEOs of those companies, who collect paychecks while remaining comfortably above the dirty work, really understand the devastation their faulty mortgages can cause to a family of moderate means. Then, I wondered what would happen if one of those comfortably-wealthy families lost everything and ended up with no place left to live but a tiny house in Blue Sky Hill, right across the street from one of their intended victims. If identities weren’t revealed, would the families become friends? Would they begin to lean on one another and care about one another? What would happen when the truth came out? Beyond Summer is a story families, friendships, and about community--how we find it, what it means, and how strong communities help us to survive in difficult times.


When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
A: Hope. I want to write books that contribute something positive to the world and to the lives of readers, that build faith and are good for the soul.

Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
A: Alaska! There’s just something about the lure of places that are still so pristine, that remain so much the way they were when God made them that is incredibly alluring, and I’m happiest outdoors, anyway.
If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?
A. Mark Twain and Will Rogers. I so admire the abilities of both of these men to see the humor in so many of the issues that cause division in our country and our world. Humor is the universal bridge, and we could use more of it.

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
A: The moment when Louis and Clark finally reached the ocean, or maybe one of the wagon trains westward (any train other than the Donner’s). Even though I’m hooked on the conveniences of modern life, there’s a little pioneer spirit in me, I think.

Do you have a favorite hobby?
A: Other than reading, writing, raising kids, and various volunteer jobs, one of my passions has always been horses. I can remember being horse-crazy from the age of three or four. I’m not sure why, because we lived in costal Florida, and horses were rare there, but still I yearned for one. It was the only thing in my Christmas list for years, but I guess Santa couldn’t get the horse trailer attached to his sleigh. When I was around ten, my parents finally said I could have a horse if I saved my own money and bought it. Horses being expensive, I think they felt safe making this commitment. I was determined, however, and within about a year, I bought a scrappy little albino mixed-breed horse who was cheap because she was too underweight even for the canners. I didn’t know she wasn’t much to look at. She was beautiful in my eyes, and the rest is history. We’ve had horses ever since.

As a teenager, I was also a gymnast, harboring big dreams of going to the Olympics. Unfortunately, along with the gymnast in my head was the horse lover with dreams of winning the National Finals Rodeo, and a book lover with dreams of writing novels. One dream out of three isn’t bad!

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
A: That I was almost an Olympic gymnast and a rodeo champion (well okay, I wanted to be), but I became a writer instead.

Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
A: First, finish a novel. It’s almost impossible to sell a partial if you’re unpublished. Polish it and send it out, because as much as we’d like them to, editors won’t come looking in your desk drawer. While you’re waiting for news, write another book. If the first one sells, you’ll be set for a two-book deal. If the first one doesn’t sell, you have eggs in another basket. Don’t take a critique too seriously if you hear it from one editor/agent, unless there’s an imminent contract involved. Editors and agents, just like the rest of us, are individuals. What works for one may not work for another. If you receive the same comment from multiple sources, consider revising your manuscript before you send it elsewhere. Be tenacious, be a thick-skinned as possible, keep writing while you wait for news. Never stop creating new material—that’s where the joy is, and if you keep the joy of this business, you keep the magic of it.


Any last thoughts for your readers?
A: Just thanks, really. You are really my partners in this journey. Readers-friends, especially the ones who take the time to write to me about the books, to share life experiences, to share the books with others, post reviews, and to send notes of encouragement are truly precious. Writing stories, as much fun as it is, wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without being able to send those stories out into the world, and knowing they’ve found loving hands and creative minds who enjoy living imaginary lives as much as I do!


And how can they connect with you?
A: I love keeping in touch with readers and sharing the stories behind the stories. Readers can find me on my website http://www.Lisawingate.com. Just for signing up for the e-newsletter, you’ll be entered in a monthly drawing for a free, autographed book! Readers can and also find me on Facebook or Youtube.

Thanks so much for being here today!!

READERS-To enter for the giveaway, leave a comment telling me what state Lisa's last series was settled in. You will have to go to her website but it is on the front page. You MUST do this entry or the extra entries will not count.

EXTRA ENTRIES-
1.Become a follower of my blog.
2.Subscribe to my blog through my RSS Feed.
3.Follow me on Twitter.
4.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done twice a day.
5.Blog or post about this on Facebook. You get 3 entries for this so leave 3 comments. Only one time though.
6.Sign up for Lisa's email newsletter. It is on the front page in the right-hand sidebar. And you get the chance of winning a prize through her newsletter list!

This giveaway will end 7/30. Winner will be chosen through Random.org.

51 comments:

The Book Club Network - TBCN said...

Good interview thanks. I'm a follwer of your blog. I also follow you on twitter. Thanks for a chance win this book.

Nora St.Laurent
The Book CLub Network www.bookfun.org
norafindinghope (at) gmail.com

Carmen said...

Daily, TX. I would love to win this, as it is so apropos for today's headlines.
I'm a follower.
I follow you on Twitter.
Already signed up for Lisa's newsletter.

Please enter me. Thanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Steve Capell said...

Daily, TX and I would add I would also like to vist Alaska.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Virginia said...

love, love, love Lisa Wingate. her books give of herself and of God....always come away with something wonderful.

Pam said...

I enjoyed the Daily, Texas series as well as several of Lisa's other books. Please enter me.

pam[at]daysong[dot]com

Virginia said...

July 23, 2010 12:00 PM
Virginia said... 4 love, love, love Lisa Wingate. her books give of herself and of God....always come away with something wonderful.
sorry forgot to leave email
vrush729(at)aol(dot)com

Pam said...

Lisa's series is set in Texas.
I would love a chance to win a copy of Beyond Summer. I enjoy Lisa's books.
Thanks.
pmk56(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

BrendaT said...

Daily, Texas. Great Series! Great Interview. hope i win Beyond Summer i can't wait to read it!

Molly said...

The Daily, Texas series was FABULOUS!!!!

Thanks for this chance to win her new book.

Blessings,
Molly
Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra entries:
I am a follower of Giveaway Lady.

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra Entries:
I follow on twitter.(@mollybuuklvr81)

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra Entries:
#1 I posted on Facebook.

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra Entries:
#2 I posted on Facebook.

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra Entries:
#3 I posted on Facebook.

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra Entries:
I subscribe to Lisa's newsletter.

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Molly said...

Extra Entries:

Tweet! http://twitter.com/mollybuuklvr81/statuses/19390875416

Mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

Awesome interview!! Lisa is an amazing author!! I loved Never Say Never! Answer to the question: TEXAS :)

inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

Thank you!!

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

i'm a blog follower with gfc

inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

i'm a twitter follower in_the_hammock

inthehammockblog at gmail dot com

Katy said...

I went to her site...and her series was set in Tx! :)

Thank you for the chance to win! :)

Katy

thecountryblossom at hotmail dot com

Katy said...

I am now a blog follower!


thecountryblossom at hotmail dot com

Katy said...

I am following you on Twitter! KatyLMA

thecountryblossom at hotmail dot com

Cindy W. said...

I would love to win a copy of Lisa's book. Thanks for the chance.

Smiles,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Julia M. Reffner said...

I would love to win this.

I'm a follower here.

Also a twitter follower.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Texas!

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Blog follower

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

Twitter follower

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

RSS Feed Subscriber

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Amanda said...

DAILY, TX!
Thanks!!!

Amanda said...

I also follow you through GFC

Tori said...

texas -
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

i follow on twitter - mommatori82
vrtheriot@gmail.com

Tori said...

tweeted:
http://twitter.com/MommaTori82/status/19775291968
vrtheriot@gmail.com

misskallie2000 said...

In Texas, part of a series. Would love to win. Lisa, great interview. Thanks for stopping to chat.

Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I am subscriber via RSS

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I follow via twitter(@misskallie2000)

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweet #1

http://twitter.com/misskallie2000/status/19796351303

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweet # 2

http://twitter.com/misskallie2000/status/19796351303

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Posted on FB Wall (@Brenda B. Hill)

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1424713340&v=wall&story_fbid=140150192674242#

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Posted on FB Wall (@Brenda B. Hill) # 2

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1424713340&v=wall&story_fbid=140150192674242#

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Posted on FB Wall (@Brenda B. Hill) # 3

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1424713340&v=wall&story_fbid=140150192674242#

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Subscriber to Lisa's email newsletter

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Michelle said...

Daily, TX
I hope I'm not to late to enter
moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com

Michelle said...

I am a follower of your blog
moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com

Nancye said...

The last series took place in Daily, Texas

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Follower

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Benita said...

Set in Texas. I'd love to read it.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nancye said...

I signed up for Lisa's email newsletter

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/19963617018

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Benita said...

Signed up for Lisa's email.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Giveaway Lady said...

And the winner is #31, Tori!! Congrats!

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