Welcome Betsy St. Amant and Addison Blakely: Confessions of a PK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETSY ST. AMANT lives in Louisiana and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. Betsy is multi-published through Steeple Hill and has been published in Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, ‘Kickboxing or Chocolate’, appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. She has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly freelances for her local newspaper. Betsy is a fireman’s wife, a mommy to a busy toddler, a chocolate-loving author and an avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God’s grace through her stories.

ADDISON BLAKELY: CONFESSIONS OF A PK
by Betsy St. Amant
Published by Barbour

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sixteen-year-old Addison Blakely has tirelessly played the role of PK—preacher’s kid—her entire life. But after Wes Keegan revs his motorcycle into town and into her heart, Addison begins to wonder how much of her faith is her own and how much has been handed to her. She isn’t so sure she wants to be the good girl anymore. Join Addison Blakely as she attempts to separate love from lust, facts from faith, and keep her head above water in her murky, fishbowl existence.

Readers, buy your copy of ADDISON BLAKELY: CONFESSIONS OF A PK today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

I think people often have a misconceived perception of authors. They hear the word “author” and they either automatically assume we are all Stephanie Meyers and J.K. Rowlings of the world, and ask to borrow money since we have so much, or they assume we have the cushiest job out there—that we sit back and eat bon-bons in front of our computers all day as we write to our heart’s content, every word we ever jot down publishing-worthy and epic.

The only true part of the above is the chocolate, but trust me, it’s discount ::wink::

I’m here to reveal a REAL glimpse into an author’s life.

I don’t get bon-bons, I get stale goldfish crackers that my toddler hasn’t polished off. I don’t write to my heart’s content, because well, then I’d never stop. I don’t sit in a pool of golden sunshine, delicately pondering life’s poetic experiences and writing as my muse sprinkles fairy dust over my keyboard. No, I sit among piles of laundry and dishes, and write in snippets during the day, or with red swollen eyes late at night, usually to the tune of a toddler hollering “Mama, I’ve got to poo-poo!” or the phone ringing or Nick JR blaring from the TV. I don’t get fairy dust sprinkles, I write with the dropping-anvil weight of other part-time job duties hanging over my head, job duties that actually pay the bills. And as for the publishing-worthy, epic words? Ha! Rejection letters still pile in, as do the bad reviews and the reader complaints.

But you know what? It might not be the cushiest job in the world, but for me, it’s the best.

Because those stale goldfish and toilet flushes and cartoon jingles just remind me that I have a precious toddler, who is a blessing to my heart and loves me unconditionally. The laundry and dishes prove that I have a home and husband to take care of and a life that gives me hope and joy to put into my writing to share with readers. Those rejection letters show me that I’m trying and not giving up on the dream God placed in my heart, while the bad reviews and reader complaints prove that I’m a published author, living that dream out in real color.

There are good reviews, too. There are handwritten messages from readers who were touched or affected in some way. There are fan emails and Facebook messages from people eager to read my next book. There are pictures of people reading my novel or pointing to it a bookstore. There are book-signings and royalty checks and advances and heartfelt notes that speak of a life changed.

And you know what all of THAT reminds me of?

How holy God is, and how unworthy I am.

And really, that’s the only reason why I write in the first place.

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Thank you, Betsy, for sharing with us today.

Guest Question: If you're a writer, why do you write? If you're a reader, why do you read?

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name at domainname dot com/net) along with your answer to the question for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of the book featured above. If you do not answer the question, and your email address isn't provided, you will not be entered.

The contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Spotlight on Betsy St. Amant and Return to Love

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETSY ST. AMANT lives in Louisiana and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. Betsy has been published in Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, 'Kickboxing or Chocolate', appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. Betsy has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly contributes articles to Crosswalk.com. She is a wife, author, new mother and an avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God's grace through her stories. Return to Love is Betsy's first novel for Steeple Hill. The sequel, A Valentine's Wish, is contracted for a February 2010 release. Look also for Rodeo Sweetheart in April 2010.

Visit her web site and blog here: www.betsystamant.com & www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com.

RETURN TO LOVE
by Betsy St. Amant
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired

ABOUT THE BOOK

"I'm Not The Man I Used To Be!"

If only Gracie Broussard could believe that! Years ago, Carter Alexander broke her heart and betrayed her. Now, just when she needs him most, he's back—asking her to believe he's changed. But this time, it's not just Gracie who'll be hurt if he disappears. A penguin keeper, Gracie urgently needs to find a new home for her beloved birds. Carter is the only one who can help. He promises that she can trust him, that he's not the rebel he once was. And that he needs Gracie as much as her birds do.

Steeple Hill Love Inspired, July 2009

Buy Your Copy of Return to Love today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I knew I wanted to write a love story between two childhood friends who were torn apart and then returned to love. The details just fell into place after I figured out that much. I think friendship-turned-to-love stories are so special to me because that is my love story with my husband.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I love penguins, just like Gracie, so it seemed fitting she'd work at the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. Also, like Gracie, I have trouble letting go of long-held grudges from people who have deeply hurt me. The hero in this story, Carter, dealt with a sinful, rebellious past, which is not something I can personally relate to. That struggle was his alone and he actually taught me a lot from it!

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Fun question! Let's see. Gracie would be strawberry, because she's mostly sweet, with a little tang - especially as a red-head! =) Carter would be Rocky Road, becase, well - he's had enough bumps over his lifetime, and he seems the type to like a mixture of tastes!

4. Are there any themes in Return to Love that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

I hope the reader sees the importance of forgiveness in this novel. It's truly the strongest element throughout, as well as the power of love between friends. History runs deep! I don't believe this story has any overt themes that sneaked past me. But my characters always seem to surprise me somehow along the way! =)

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

One of my favorite scenes to write in this story was the walking tour of New Orleans. I loved incorporating the flavor and historical, cajun elements into the scene, coupled with the tension between the characters. The hardest part to write was probably the ending. It's so hard for me to wrap up stories, because I hate to see my characters "finished"!!!

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm so glad you asked! My next novel with Steeple Hill Love Inspired releases February 2010 and is the sequel to RETURN TO LOVE. It's titled, A VALENTINE'S WISH and picks up with Lori, Gracie's best friend. Lori leaves the aquarium gift shop to work in a chocolate boutique in the french quarter as a favor to a friend, and ends up discovering she has a secret admirer. It will be a fun Valentine's read!

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Thank you, Betsy, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Return to Love.

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This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.