Guest Blogger Liz Johnson and A Promise to Protect

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LIZ JOHNSON graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations and works as an editorial and marketing manager at a Christian publisher. She is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Promise to Protect is her fourth novel with Love Inspired Suspense. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com, Twitter @LizJohnsonBooks, or Facebook.

A PROMISE TO PROTECT
by Liz Johnson
Published by Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend’s sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer–not on his watch. But Matt’s not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women’s shelter she runs. She’s sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can’t handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web more sinister than she’d realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive.

Readers, buy your copy of A Promise to Protect today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

Characters in the Flesh by Liz Johnson

There I was, minding my own business, running—well, actually, strolling—on the treadmill at the Y when I glanced at the teenage kid running on the treadmill next to mine. I gasped. My toe caught on the track. And I nearly flew backward. A firm grip on the handrails was the only thing that kept me upright.

What surprised me so much that I nearly biffed on the treadmill in front of a room of would-be-athletes?

I’d just laid eyes on the character from the book I was reading. There, right next to me, was twelve-year-old Morris from Allison Pittman’s Stealing Home. An African-American baseball prodigy from 1905—albeit in modern gym attire and sneakers—was pumping his arms and legs like he’d just leaped from the pages of the book I was reading into my world.

Running into characters in real life. It’s a hazard fiction readers—and writers—take.

For writers, sometimes that real face to go along with a name comes before the character isn’t much more than a name. That is not how it was for me with Matt Waterstone, the hero in my newest book, A Promise to Protect. Matt had a name and an occupation. He’s a U.S. Navy SEAL. He even had a best friend—Tristan. But I couldn’t find a face for him.

I’m often guilty of making a SEAL in my mind look more Rambo than regular guy. More Stallone than standard. But the truth is that most SEALs fall into a “normal” appearance. They have to be able to blend into a crowd, have to be able to move without notice. Their training, strength, and endurance set SEALs apart. But you might not be able to pick those traits out just by looking at them.

So when I set out to find a face for my hero, Matt, I looked for someone who could blend in and yet still stand out. He needed unique features, and more importantly the attitude and assurance of a SEAL. That’s when I found Matt Wertz—an indie musician with curly, light brown hair, a slim, powerful build and eyes that convey just enough personality for my own Matt.

I’ve seen Matt Wertz perform live, and while he’s a wonderful artist, sometimes he grins and moves the very opposite of any SEAL I’ve ever imagined, all gangly limbs and adorable dance moves. But sometimes—every now and then—he smiles that lopsided smirk and he transforms into the Matt of my book, into my Matt.

It’s the risk of loving fiction. Seeing a character in person. It’s also one of the great rewards. For me, it adds another—a special—dimension to a story that I clearly loved so much.

Reader Question: Have you ever seen a character in the flesh? Who was it, and what did you do? Here’s hoping you managed to stay on your feet better than I did when I saw Morris on the treadmill.

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Thank you, Liz, for sharing with us today.

ENTRY RULES Readers, leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com) 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.

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

Welcome Liz Johnson and A Travel-Filled Life

Please interact with our guest authors by answering the question they provide. Your response will also enter you in the drawing for a free book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LIZ JOHNSON grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Her first novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, released in 2009. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

CODE OF JUSTICE
by Liz Johnson
Published by Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Follow the drugs."

Her sister's last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn't an accident. Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he's the one who can help Heather find the person responsible…once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She's willing to risk her life to find her sister's killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy's love.

Readers, buy your copy of Code of Justice today!

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR FEATURE AUTHOR

For Me a Fiction-filled Life is a Travel-filled Life...
by Liz Johnson

Traveling is one of my favorite parts about being a writer. I’m a big fan of visiting the cities where I set my stories—whether the town is real or fictional. My first book, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, was set in a small town in Oregon called Evergreen. While it was definitely fictional, I drew on my experiences living in another small town in central Oregon. And Crescent City, Colorado, from my second novel was based on Flagstaff, Arizona, where I went to college.

But writing my most recent romantic suspense, Code of Justice, was a test of my memory. Set in Portland, a city I visited only once nearly four years ago, this story takes place among the lush trees and verdant parks that stuck in my mind. I tried to include things like the rain and the humidity of the coast. But I admit that I had to look up more than one map of the city to figure out major thoroughfares and the location of the Portland FBI office. As I wrote my first three books, I discovered that visits and maps are essential to adding details to the story, but I hadn’t yet realized what travel could mean to the basic development of a story idea.

Then I saw a map of historical places in a little town called Franklin, Tennessee. About a twenty mile trip from my current home, Franklin is home to some amazing pieces of history, including Carnton, a plantation that served as a field hospital following the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War.

As I explored the history just down the road, my mind exploded with story ideas, which grew exponentially when I visited the white columns and sweeping veranda of the nearly 200-year-old home. Those story ideas blossomed into the synopsis for a novella that will release as part of a Christmas collection from Barbour in September.

On my second visit to Carnton, I nearly missed the tour of the house, as I was so caught up with the view from the front walkway, over the same fields that my characters walked. It’s amazing how location can inspire stories.

To date my favorite story-inspiring trip has been one that my mom and I took last fall to Prince Edward Island. It started as a promise to my mom that I would take her to Anne’s Land when I sold my first book. No one told me I wouldn’t make any money on my first book. So just after my second book released, we set off for the Gentle Island.

I went with the hope of exploring the island setting of Anne of Green Gables and instead discovered a book I didn’t even know I had always wanted to write. I just couldn’t stop thinking about the rolling green hills, red beaches, and clapping waves of PEI, and from that grew a story that I love. Now I just have to find a publisher who loves it as much as I do.

Traveling to new and historic places inspires me and brings to life stories and characters that would have remained hidden. Do you have a favorite travel destination? What types of places do you like to explore? Where do you go to find inspiration and discover new story ideas?

Leave a comment by the end of day on Sunday answering one or more of these questions for a random chance to win a copy of my latest release, Code of Justice.

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Thank you, Liz, for sharing with us today.

Guest Questions: Do you have a favorite travel destination? What types of places do you like to explore? Where do you go to find inspiration and discover new story ideas?

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

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

Spotlight on Liz Johnson and Vanishing Act

Don't forget the rules of the spotlights here. Answer the random question associated with this spotlight in the comments in order to be entered in the drawing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LIZ JOHNSON grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

VANISHING ACT
by Liz Johnson
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eighteen months ago, Nora James watched as her father was shot in an alley-and then she fled. She changed her name, her appearance and her job, hoping to keep her father's shooter at bay. For months, it worked…but now her luck has run out. A ruthless assassin is on her trail, and soon Nora, now known as Danielle, will be found. But this time, she has FBI agent Nate Andersen by her side-right? The handsome agent would give his life to protect Danielle, but he’s wary of giving his heart…until a deadly confrontation leaves him with both on the line.

Readers, buy your copy of Vanishing Act today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I was really excited to write this story as it features one of the minor characters from my first novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn. I was so excited to tell Nate's story.

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

As I wrote the book, I realized I was dealing with a lot of fear in my own life, and that wound up as one of the strongest themes in the book--giving fear over to God and trusting that he's in control. But there's certainly a lot of original traits that belong only my characters. For example, Nate loves his coffee, and I'm not a coffee drinker at all. And Nora/Danielle has technical skills that I can only dream of.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

If Nate were an ice cream, he'd be a Starbucks coffee flavor.

4. Are there any themes in Vanishing Act that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

As I mentioned, dealing with and facing fear is certainly a big theme throughout the book. I was surprised to see how much Nora's love for her friends was a big part of overcoming her fears at the beginning of the book. Nate's big fear in the book deals with the sins of his father and grandfather, and Nora's fear also comes from what happened when she left her father bleeding in an alley. Those family ties and the sins of fathers came out of the characters and really weren't planned.

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

By far the hardest part for me to write was a fight between Nora/Danielle and Nate. I hated having to write her heartbreak and that he was the one breaking her heart. Fights are the worst for me! My favorite part to write is always the ending. I love a happy ending.

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

The next book is tentatively titled Code of Justice, and is due out in March 2011. Another familiar character, FBI Special Agent Heather Sloan, tracks down the people behind a drug ring that brought down a helicopter--one her Heather and her sister were both riding in. Heather's sister Kit was killed in the crash, so Heather teams up with a local Sheriff's Deputy to solve the crime and begin to heal Heather's heart.

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

ENTRY RULES Readers, answer the question associated with the spotlight in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Vanishing Act. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Question: Which of the themes in Vanishing Act (fear or sins of the family) do you most relate to and why?

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

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

Spotlight on Liz Johnson and The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, LIZ JOHNSON set out to work in the Christian publishing industry, which was her lifelong dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-being an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she wrote articles for several magazines and worked as a freelance editorial consultant.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church’s bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel.

THE KIDNAPPING OF KENZIE THORN
by Liz Johnson
Published by Steeple Hill/Love Inspired Suspense

ABOUT THE BOOK

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie…but finds himself falling in love.

Readers, buy your copy of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

It’s hard for me to pin down one specific inspiration for this book. There are a lot of little ones. I think that a big part of developing Kenzie’s story was where I was at in my own life. I had just made two major moves in the span of six months, and I was 1100 miles from my family. I felt like the only one I could lean on was God, so reliance on Him became one of the key themes of Kenzie’s story. I also had a friend from high school who made some really poor choices and ended up in prison for five years. His sister asked me to write to him, and I did. For five years we wrote back and forth, and his letters made me wonder if there was anything that would cause someone to willingly go to prison. It all just developed from there.

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

Well, my characters wouldn’t be mine if they didn’t have reflections of me and my experiences tucked in there. My relationship with Jesus Christ is really important to me, so it’s essential that my faith is reflected in their lives. A lot of times the spiritual lessons that I’m learning end up being core themes in my WIP. On a more individual basis, I’ve noticed that certain characters have picked up some of my bad habits—Kenzie Thorn has a terrible habit of putting her foot in her mouth, which I’m completely guilty of. Sometimes I give my characters traits that may be similar to my own struggles but aren’t exact. While writing my second manuscript, I realized that I have a terrible habit of shopping any time I’m feeling stressed and worried, and I saw that my hero had his own comfort activity in drinking coffee, which I really hate. That's definitely his alone.

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

Kenzie would definitely be a peppermint ice cream. She's both sweet and spicy--as Myles always says she is.

4. Are there any themes in The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

As I was writing this, God was busy teaching me about relying on Him, so that's definitely one of the biggest themes in the book. I hope readers will see that God can be relied on in every situation. He cares for those who hope is in Him. Less planned themes include how men will fail us, but God is constant and the need for forgiveness.

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

The first couple chapters were definitely the hardest to write. I always find the first bit tough, as I'm still trying to figure out where the characters are going. But once I got rolling, my favorite part of to write was the chase scene through the forest. Myles is chasing after Kenzie, and it's high intensity. I love writing the heart-pounding moments.

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

My next book isn't under contract yet, but I've just completed my second novel, a follow up to Kenzie and Myles's story. I'm eagerly waiting to hear from my editor about it. It's the story of Myles's boss, Special Agent in Charge Nate Andersen, and the girl he's trying to find. It's a fun romp through fictional Crescent City, Colorado.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.