Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Interview and Giveaway With Louise M. Gouge

Okay, I have another giveaway for you today and an interview with a very wonderful lady. Louise M. Gouge is the author of many books and her newest one, At The Captain's Command, just released this month, in fact, TODAY! And guess what? You have the opportunity to win it here today on my blog!! So, sit down, get your cup of coffee or tea, and read through this interview. I am sure you will enjoy it:)

Thank you for being with us today, Louise!!

Thank you for inviting me, Charity. I appreciate this opportunity to talk about my writing and my latest book.


How long have you known you wanted to be an author?

Close to thirty years. Although I’ve always had an active imagination, I didn’t even think about writing my stories until my children were almost grown, when I had more time to spend on my own dreams and hopes. I began by writing down my latest imagined story. Then I decided to return to college and learn how to improve my book. Eventually, I earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a master’s in liberal studies. These disciplines helped me develop my writing style and broaden my world view, and led to my being published.

Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?

Here is my book blurb: At the Captain's Command (Harlequin’s Love Inspired Historical). A heroic British naval captain, son of an influential earl, dares to fall in love with a provincial American girl. Then he discovers her family's devastating secret. Loyal to the British Crown, orphaned Dinah Templeton has vowed never to marry a seafaring man, for her father died at sea and her merchant captain brother is always away. But when Captain Thomas Moberly sails into St. Augustine to defend the East Florida shores from American pirates, Dinah finds that her heart may overrule her head regarding this seafarer. Captain Thomas Moberly, captain of HMS Dauntless, has been assigned to capture the notorious American pirate Nighthawk, who plagues the Atlantic coast of East Florida. War-weary and hoping for a refreshing visit with his brother and sister, who live near St. Augustine, Thomas never expects to find love. But how can he resist the lovely Miss Templeton, even though she is what his father, Lord Bennington, would call a common American?

When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?

The most important lesson that Thomas and Dinah must learn is not about the war at all, but rather, that God is their father, and He loves them dearly. I pray that my readers will come away from this story knowing without doubt that God loves them boundlessly and that He longs to be a part of their lives. That’s the reason Jesus came to earth and died for our sins: So we can have precious fellowship with our heavenly Father.


Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?

I have had the privilege of visiting several Revolutionary War sites such as Boston’s Bunker and Breed’s Hills and Yorktown, Virginia. I also made a visit to England that wasn’t nearly long enough or extensive enough. I’d like to return to all of these places and absorb all the wonderful history each one reveals to us.

If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

Of course, my Savior Jesus Christ is my first choice, but because the Bible says one day I will be joining Him for the marriage supper of the Lamb, I’ll list two other people. For my hypothetical dinner, I would invite Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen. As we talked, I would glean everything possible about writing from these two great women authors.

What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?

Definitely a historical event from Matthew 14:21: the feeding of the five thousand when Jesus provided food for all those people from five loaves of bread and two fish. I believe without a doubt that Jesus did it, but I’d love to watch it happen.


Do you have a favorite hobby?

No, not really. My former hobby, writing, has become my job. And I love it!

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

I’m a very tidy, organized person. For example, the labels of all the food in my cupboards and refrigerator faces front. Even my sock drawer is carefully organized. But I have two drawers in my house that are a mess, and I never can find time to organize them. Do you suppose this relates to my true character?


Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?

First, join the wonderful writing organization American Christian Fiction Writers. Then I would suggest that an aspiring writer should just jump in with both feet and write the story of your heart. Pour it out on the page or the computer just as it comes to you. Then go to writers conferences and learn all that you can from the experts. Hone your language skills. Don’t be afraid of research. Writing should be fun, but it’s also hard work. Become the best writer that you can be, then present your work to agents and editors, and pray for the Lord’s outcome.

Any last thoughts for your readers?

If you love to read historical fiction, please give my stories a try. I have such fun going back in history and investigating the way people lived, then creating compelling stories about them. I believe people today have the same struggles as people of the past, and we can learn so much from them. History is a high hill from when we can see the future. With God’s help, we can avoid the mistakes of those who have gone before us, both nationally and personally.

And how can they connect with you?
Please visit my website/blog at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com. I always answer my mail!


Thanks for being here today!

Thank you again, Charity! Your name really suits you.


So, sound like a book you want to get your hands on? Just follow the directions below and you can have your chance at winning this book:)

MANDATORY ENTRY-
Louise said she doesn't have much time for hobbies anymore since she now writes what she used to read:) Well, let me know in a comment below your favorite hobby. This is the mandatory entry and must be done or the extra entries will not count.

US ONLY!!

EXTRA ENTRIES-Please leave a comment for each entry.
1.Blog or post about this on Facebook. Get 3 entries for each.
2.Follow my blog via GFC, subscribe through RSS Feed or follow me on Twitter. Get one entry for each you do.
3.Enter any of my other currently running giveaways. Let me know which ones.
4.Leave a comment on any of my review only posts. This must be for reviews only! Leave a comment for each.
5.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done three times a day.

6.Go over and leave a comment on Louise's blog. This will also get you entered in her giveaway she is hosting for her new book, At The Captain's Command. Please tell her you came from Giveaway Lady.


This giveaway will end 4/15. Winner will be chosen through Random.org. They will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

26 comments:

Courtney said...

Sounds like a great book, I've seen it posted somewhere else too and just the cover alone makes me want to read it, but then I read about it and of course I want to read it more! Love a chance to win it! Thanks! My favorite hobby is reading, of couse, but besides that I love to walk or run. Just being outside and getting a breath of fresh air always makes me feel more connected to God and helps me relax from my busy schedule.

kcmelone at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I first read one of Louise's books last summer and loved it. Looking forward to reading the new book.
My favorite hobby is reading followed by yarn crafts.

LaVonne said...

I have enjoyed all the other books I have read from this author. Looking forward to reading this one.
I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

grnemae at live dot com

apple blossom said...

I love counted cross stitching

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

GFC follower

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

email subscriber

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Pamela J said...

I have to say that right now, my most favorite hobby is to read. I have read every single book Louise M Gouge has written that has been printed and look forward to each and every one that will be coming out in the future. Did you know she also has one coming out this summer? (sorry if I let a cat out of the bag, Louise) I've never been disappointed in reading Louise's books. This is ANTICIPATION at it's finest.

Please don't enter me in your contest, I am blessed to have this one too. I'm SURE whoever wins this contest WILL also be blessed.

Louise commented: "With God’s help, we can avoid the mistakes of those who have gone before us". I KNOW God will help if we truly want Him to, and watch for Him to direct our path.

GO, LOUISE!! You are doing great!
cepjwms at wb4me dot com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this
gardnerad@juno.com

Pegg Thomas said...

I have so many favorite hobbies that could be MY book! Today's favorite is making hand stamped greeting cards. I send them to Operation Write Home to bless our men and women in uniform overseas.

And I keep my food labels face front too!

I came here from ACFW and I'm a few follower. :)

twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love crocheting, scrapbooking, making cards and rubber stamping. What time I am not reading that is!
Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Blessings.....Joy
ibjoy1953{at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I am also a ACFW follower
I twitted your giveaway
I sent it to my facebook
I entered it on my blog....http://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/
I follow you on twitter
Went to Louise's blog

karenk said...

my favourite hobby is 'reading'

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

lgm52 said...

My fave hobby is reading..followed by crafts, baking, travel, etc...
lgm52@hotmail.com

lgm52 said...

follow via gfc (lgm52)

lgm52 said...

follow you on twitter (lgm52)
lgm52@hotmail.com

lgm52 said...

Commented on Louise's blog
lgm52@hotmail.com

Patsy said...

I've read some of Louise's books and they are great. I would love to read this on as well. I have several favorite hobbies, but baking is my very favorite, especially cakes. Love to try new recipes.

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Louise M. Gouge said...

Hi, everyone! Thanks so much for you interest in my books. Those of you who have read my previous releases are so kind to comment here. The Lord is truly blessing me to let me fulfill my dream of being a writer. When He gives us a gift, He wants us to use it. I pray I'll always do that.

Vanessa said...

I'd love to read this book! My hobbies are limited since I am the stay at home mom of two (soon to be 3!) small boys but reading is definitely on top of the list.

Vanessa said...

I follow via GFC. (I found your blog on PBS so I'm a new follower!) :)

Sylvia said...

My favorite hobby is keeping up with the various royal families of Europe.

nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this.
gardnerad@juno.com

Jo said...

This sounds like a great book that I would love to read. My favorite hubby is reading. I always have a book going and can't go to sleep unless I have read for a while.

I came over from ACFW

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

Book Lover said...

my favorite hobby is reading! Other than that I have to say painting.

time 4 mommy at gmail dot com

Book Lover said...

I follow you on GFC @ Mandie Stevens

Book Lover said...

I follow you on twitter @time4mommy

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