CFBA Blog Tour - Julie Lessman and A Passion Redeemed

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Passion Redeemed
Bethany House - September 1, 2008)
by Julie Lessman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JULIE LESSMAN is an author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write "Mainstream Inspirational," reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God's precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure was her first novel, and it is part of the Daughters of Boston series, which also includes A Passion Redeemed and A Passion Denied. You can visit her online at her web site: http://www.julielessman.com/.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Depth of beauty...shallow of heart, Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought. Charity O'Connor's stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is.

Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. Although the sparks are there, he refuses to fan the coals of a potential relationship with a woman who ruined his life. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants—one way or another.

Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever? Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.

Praise for the first book in the series:

"Full of romance, humor, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page." --Historical Novels Review "Superb! Incredible!

"I loved Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure from the second I picked it up until the very last moment I stopped reading." --Armchair Interviews

"I devoured this book and loved every single page...This is a thick, juicy read, and one I would pick up again in a heartbeat." --christianreviewofbooks.com

If you would like to read an excerpt, go HERE.

Buy your copy of A Passion Redeemed Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Actually, the inspiration for this novel came from A Passion Most Pure, because the plot for A Passion Redeemed just seemed a natural conclusion to Charity's actions in the first book. And since I am basically a seat-of-the-pants writer, I literally followed the trail that Charity's personality laid out for me, expanding the plot as I went along. Kind of like Hansel and Gretel following a trail of breadcrumbs (very symbolic if you have read the book!) to find my way home. :)

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

Tons. I write by feeling, so there are plenty of my feelings in these books—such as Charity's seductive nature, something that she and I had in common before I became a Christian. And the quirky, manipulative things she would do, like putting breadcrumbs in her eyes to make herself cry on demand. And even her propensity to throw up at the drop of a hat—this was something I used to wish I could do as a child so I could stay home from school. Also, Faith's character in the book as the sister who always resorts to prayer first, that is a habit of mine as well. And as far as Mitch's tendency to groan when God tells him to forgive or pray ("That's your pat answer to everything, isn't it?" he groused)—well, that's vintage Julie Lessman, I'm afraid! :)

As far as traits that belong to the characters alone, Faith is a lot calmer than I am (just ask my husband on the mornings I have to post my Seeker blog!), and Charity is way more sarcastic than I am today. Mitch is a lot more grouchy than me (except on Seeker post mornings) and also loses his temper a lot more quickly than I do these days. But all in all, they are all pretty much characters with my blood in their veins. :)

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

Grin. Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy—because Charity definitely needs therapy!

4. What themes exist in A Passion Redeemed that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The most important theme I would like to convey is that lust is not love. In today's amoral society, so many young girls equate strong sexual feelings with love, so they move in with their boyfriends for a while, get married and then wonder why the marriage doesn't work. Because although sexual attraction is nice, it doesn't sustain a marriage and will eventually fade when the marriage does. Not only that, but I truly believe young women cut themselves off from God's blessings in a relationship when they go against God's precepts (the Deuteronomy 30 principal that is a major theme in A Passion Most Pure).

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

Hard as it may be to believe, there were actually NO difficult parts in either A Passion Most Pure or A Passion Redeemed—both were sheer pleasure to write, especially Charity's story (almost 500 pages), which I literally pounded out in two months while working part-time.

Now the third book in the series, A Passion Denied? Absolute murder to write, primarily because at the time I was reading a book by an author that I absolutely LOVE and felt so inadequate next to her. I would sit at my keyboard and want to puke on what I'd written—it was that bad. So I literally "fasted" that author for six months and prayed my heart out for God to help me write the book He wanted me to write. And He did! I'm happy to say that most of my family and friends who have read A Passion Denied like it best of all three books in the series, so that is HUGE relief!

My favorite parts to write? Are you kidding?? The love scenes, of course! And since I have a real fondness for LOTS of romantic tension, when I write those scenes, my fingers literally fly and the keyboard is pretty near smoking! :)

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

Book 3 in The Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Denied, is the story of Faith and Charity's little sister, Beth (who changes her name to Lizzie during The Roaring Twenties), a shy bookworm who dreams of a fairy-tale romance. It unfolds a man's dark past and a young girl's shattered dreams … and the God who redeems it all.

Here's the blurb from my Web site:

Elizabeth O'Connor is the little sister John always longed for. With a fire for God in his belly, he has been her spiritual mentor since she was thirteen, sharing her love of literature and her thirst for God. But when his gangly protégé blossoms into a beautiful young woman bent on loving him, he refuses to act on the attraction he feels. His past won't let him go there. Unfortunately, "Lizzie" won't let him go anywhere else … until his dark and shocking secrets push her away.

Thanks, Amber, for allowing me this time to connect with you and your readership.

I LOVE to hear from readers, so anyone who would like to contact me can do so through my Web site at http://www.julielessman.com/, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter, in which I feature book giveaways. Finally, I invite your readers to visit The Seekers, a group blog of which I am a part that talks about "The road to publication. Writing, contests, publication and everything in between." You can find it at http://seekerville.blogspot.com/.

Thanks again, Amber, and God bless!

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of A Passion Redeemed.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you leave your email address (name [at] domainname [dot] com/net) or that there's a way to contact you. Otherwise, you won't be entered. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

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.

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Spotlight on Lisa Harris and Baker's Fatal Dozen and Final Deposit

This author comes to visit you all the way from southern Africa. She's frequently won the 'farthest traveled' award at ACFW conferences. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LISA HARRIS is a wife, mother, and author who has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for the Christian market since 2000. She and her husband, Scott, along with their three children, live in Mozambique as missionaries. Lisa's published/sold works include over fifty articles, short stories, and devotionals as well as ten novels, four novellas, and three novel compilations.

Visit her blog.




BAKER'S FATAL DOZEN
by Lisa Harris
Published by Barbour Mysteries

FINAL DEPOSIT
by Lisa Harris
Published by Love Inspired Suspense






ABOUT THE BOOKS

BAKER'S FATAL DOZEN - Get ready to cook up a second helping of Pricilla Crumb and her hilarious schemes to serve up justice. When Reggie Pierce, who runs Pricilla Crumb's favorite bakery, is found dead, Pricilla finds herself hot on the trail of another sticky scandal that begins with murder.

FINAL DEPOSIT - In 2006, the Internet Crime Report showed growing criminal activities targeting Americans had resulted in an estimated loss of almost two hundred million dollars. Thousands of people were scammed in such infamous con games like the Nigerian scam, fund transfer scams, and mail-order-brides.

Imagine finding out that your father has fallen victim to one of these long cons. After disposing of all his stocks, mortgaging his house, and maxing out his credit cards, George Taylor flies to Europe to meet with the man who promised him millions for his help in expediting funds out of West Africa. It's a fortune he will never see.

When Lindsey Taylor tries to save her father from losing his life savings to the Internet scam, she discovers that losing everything you have isn't the worst thing that can happen.

Buy Your Copy of Baker's Fatal Dozen and Final Deposit Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

First of all, for my cozy mystery series with Pricilla Crumb, her character showed up one day and wouldn't leave. She's in her mid-sixties, a widow, and retired once, but gave that up to work at her son's lodge in the Rocky Mountains. She's also quirky, impulsive, and a whole lot of fun. I wanted her to discover that life isn't over just because you're "over the hill." Even when it comes to love.

Regarding Final Deposit, I've always been intrigued by how scammers can weave themselves into the lives of an individual without the victim realizing, or at least acknowledging what has happened. I wanted a story that dealt with someone struggling with this very situation. In this case, my heroine's father has been taken in by an internet scam, but his choices end up affecting more than just him as his daughter has to fight for her own life to save him.

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

Thankfully, I've never been involved in a murder investigation or even a scam, but I know that a part of my life always ends up woven into the fabric of my characters. Sometimes it's what I want to be more of--strong and capable. Other times it's what I want less of--fear and vulnerability. In using my own emotions, I can get deeper into the head of my characters so their motives and action ring true.

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

Pricilla would have to be double fudge brownie with caramel, nuts, and a dash of whip cream, because her personality is complex, layered, and fun. In Final Deposit, my heroine Lindsey would be Rocky Road ice cream. She's an ordinary person, faced with extraordinary circumstances, and in the process her life is changed not only through the challenges she faces, but also because of her reliance on God.

4. What themes exist in Baker's Fatal Dozen or Final Deposit that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Baker's Fatal Dozen deals with finding our strength in God when the world seems to be falling in around us.

In Final Deposit, I want the reader to realize God's amazing gift of forgiveness. Often one of the hardest things to accept in life is the consequences of other people's mistakes. Especially when those mistakes affect our own lives. This is exactly what happened to Lindsey. Her father's decision to trust the wrong person not only wiped out his finances, but put her own life, and those around her, at risk. In the end, Lindsey is faced with the reality that granting forgiveness can keep her from turning bitter and ruining her own life.

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

I've enjoyed learning the subtle differences of writing both mystery and suspense side by side. In a romantic suspense, the difficulty is balancing the romance line with the suspense line, while in a mystery, it's essential to throw in a handful of red herrings as well as real clues that in the end will leave the reader satisfied in the outcome. These are always a challenging balance.

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

Chef's Deadly Dish comes out in March of 2009 and is the third and final cozy mystery in my Cozy Crumb series. This time, Pricilla finds herself involved in a murder mystery at a national food competition where she is the emcee.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of EITHER Baker's Fatal Dozen or Final Deposit. Your choice if you win. Feel free to state your preference along with your comment.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

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 US/Canada residents only.

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Spotlight on Jeanne Marie Leach and Shadow of Danger

You know, I have a lot of fun when I can spotlight a friend here as part of the spotlights, but it's even better when that friend is someone extra special who has shared a lot of great memories together with me. Jeanne Leach is one such lady. We met through ACFW and after working together at the bookstore for the annual conference, we formed an even closer relationship. In fact, in the same year I met the man who would become my husband, I stayed a few extra days with Jeanne following the conference and had a fantastic time.

We've shared laughter and hilarity, staying up until 3am closing out the bookstore, luggage cart rides in formal wear where I waved like a princess at the 3 people who were still awake at that awful hour, people falling off of benches, and so many more memories. Thanks to my marriage, we now live just 2 hours from each other, instead of more than halfway across the country.

And now, Jeanne's got a new book, full of adventure and suspense and engaging characters. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JEANNE MARIE LEACH lives in the mountains of Colorado with her husband of over 34 years and Nakiska and Sitka, their Alaskan Malamutes. She works full-time as a freelance editor, author, and writing coach, teaches classes to beginning writers, and speaks on a variety of topics to women’s groups. Her memberships in the American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network are invaluable to her in continuing to learn more about the business of writing.

SHADOW OF DANGER
by Jeanne Marie Leach
Published by MountainView Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

All Rachel wanted was for someone to love her and a home of her own, but she lives under the shadow of unknown danger. It catches up to her in Colorado and all her dreams are stripped from her. Who can save her now? Is there anyone who would want to?

Buy Your Copy of Shadow of Danger Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

At the time I first conceived this story, historical writers were being warned that the mail-order bride tale had been done to death, so stay away from it. Once I decided on a time period and that the story would take place in Leadville, this limited me since the town had only got started as a mining camp a few years prior. All young ladies of good reputation who came to the town had to have already been married, a mail-order bride, or engaged to someone in town.

I had to invent a reason for my heroine to get to Leadville, and thus I started my brainstorming session as to how and why she'd come to such a rough and tumble area. When coming up with a story-line, I like to put the characters into a worst-case scenario, so before long I figured out she'd come to Colorado after being kicked out of her home and having no place else to go.

I read a book by Eugena Price over 10 years ago and was fascinated by the story of a young boy who loved a certain girl since the age of ten and ended up marrying her later in life. I think it's a rarity and wanted to explore the possibility of a young girl having a crush on an older boy that would last many years. If such a crush turned to love, how would the other person feel about it? Would she later find herself to be in love with the thought of being in love, or would it possibly grow into a true and lasting love? Being a "seat of the pants" writer, I like to put forth the basic situation and see how the characters react. In this case, I like the way it turned out.

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

Despite popular opinion, there are people whose first love is their only love, and this is the main experience I shared with Rachel. The intensity and focus of this type of situation may seem misguided to others, yet can become the guiding force in a person's life.

(*NOTE from Amber - my husband and I fit into this category of first love=only love.)

She possessed the tenacity to keep on going, despite running out of money and knowing someone was after her. When the danger catches up with her, she had just discovered that Seb and Myra were engaged, and that was the one thing that broke her spirit. I think this occurred partly because of her young age and inexperience. I might have acted that way when younger, but I never ran into this type of problem in my lifetime, and I’m now menopausal, so I'd just stand my ground and never give up. :)

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

Okay, Tiff, just because we're fiction writers doesn't mean we all think so abstractly. :) I'll play along though and say she’d be vanilla because she's experiencing life from a pure and inexperienced point of view. She'd never gone beyond the local town, lived a sheltered life in the orphanage, and possessed an obedient and compliant personality. All her thoughts and actions are a result of this sweet, gentle and fresh perspective.

4. What themes exist in Shadow of Danger that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme I want the reader to see is the message of hope. As long as you have breath inside you, you can have hope for a bright future. Sometimes thing happen to us that could potentially strip our hope from us, but if we hold this hope firmly in our hearts, we need not lose it.

Another theme that developed during the story was that of friendship. A true friend will stick with you no matter what happens in your life, and that person will also remain true to you when good things happen to you. There is no room for jealousy in friendship.

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

Two things gave me the most trouble when writing the book. First, deciding just how dastardly the danger was going to be. I toned it down considerably from the first draft. Also, when the danger caught up with Rachel in Leadville, I had to keep the mystery and not reveal what was going on, yet had to maintain a believable, tough villain. Meanness isn't in my nature (well, unless I'm out of hormones), so this part of the book was the hardest thing to write.

If I had to pick a favorite scene, it would be when Seb first finds Rachel in his blacksmith shop. I am a hopeless romantic, and I could see it being played out in my head. Malnourished, stinking, and filthy, he has to pick her up off of the hay to get her out of his business. Then, when she opens her eyes, he knew who she was, and his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Nobody else in the world had eyes like that.

I grew up with a girl in school who had eyes colored two distinct colors, and I never forgot them. Even back then, I started collecting ideas for stories, and I knew I had to write about someone with those eyes. Rachel was the perfect character to possess such exotic eyes.

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

I am shopping my lumberjack series, and am about ready to submit another stand-alone book to my publisher. I'll keep you informed as soon as I get some more contracts. :)

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Shadow of Danger.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

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 US/Canada residents only.

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Spotlight on DiAnn Mills and Texas Legacy

Today's spotlight author is celebrating the release of 3 of her full-length books which have been repackaged into an anthology. If you love historical fiction, and you love romance, plus enjoy a setting in Texas, you're going to love the books within this anthology. I found the characters engaging, the stories memorable and the dialogue flowing well. Of course, I read these books when they were published individually, but that doesn't diminish the enjoyment factor or the quality. And now, you have them all in one place!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DIANN MILLS, an award-winning author, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies. Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader's Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008.

TEXAS LEGACY
by DiAnn Mills
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Enjoy the acclaimed Texas Legacy series of three novels by award- winning author DiAnn Mills all under one value-priced cover. Kahlerville, Texas, is home to the Andrews family and three romantic adventures. Morgan Andrews is falling for a female outlaw. Grant finds himself protecting the woman who is determined to take his child. Bonnie sets aside her grief for a pastor with a secret past. Can faith hold family and love together?

Buy Your Copy of Texas Legacy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for these stories?

A love of the old west and characters who stood out as unique and strong.

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

Hmm. I guess I'm rather adventuresome and I love the thrill and romance of the old west. I work very hard at making my characters distinctly different, but sometimes a little of myself creeps into my characters. For Casey in Leather and Lace, her desire to forsake the outlaw life no matter the outcome. For Jenny in Lanterns and Lace, her desire to think for herself and be willing to make mistakes in her quest to be independent. For Bonnie in Lightning and Lace, her desire to live up to what God expected of her in her role as a single parent.

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

Leather and Lace - Casey would be chocolate (dark and mysterious) and Morgan would be Neapolitan (he had to decide what he really wanted).

Lanterns and Lace - Jenny would be strawberry (sweet and raised Victorian) and Grant would be vanilla chocolate swirl (he fit into about any situation).

Lightning and Lace - Bonnie would be peach (everyone thought she was sweet and homespun) and Travis would be butter pecan (he had a tough nut to crack with Bonnie).

4. What themes exist in Texas Legacy that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Forgiveness in all three, and the understanding that God forgives our sins if we repent and turn from our ways.

Leather and Lace - I wrote this for the contemporary woman who thinks that because she's been in jail neither God nor man would want her.

Lanterns and Lace - I wrote this for the woman who may think that science and tradition answers the problems of the world.

Lightning and Lace - I wrote this for the woman who faces single parenting with fear and inadequacy.

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

Leather and Lace - (most difficult) when Morgan had to tell Casey what happened to his wife. (favorite) - when Casey confronted Grant about his target practice.

Lightning and Lace - 2 parts: 1) when Bonnie confronted Travis about her love for him 2) when Travis confessed to his church that he was not what they thought.

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

The next release is Breach of Trust, published by Tyndale. It's the first in the Call to Duty series: contemporary romantic suspense. The heroine is an ex CIA operative who has to choose between bringing a corrupt politician to justice and keeping her loved ones safe.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Texas Legacy.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

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.

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Blog Tour - Christa Banister and Blessed are the Meddlers

I toured Around the World in 80 Dates, which was Christa's first novel. Now, we're back again with her 2nd, Blessed are the Meddlers. If you love romantic comedy and/or you enjoyed her first, you won't be disappointed by her 2nd.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christa Ann Banister is a full-time freelance writer and respected music, movie and book critic in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she's not writing, she's probably hanging out with her husband, Will, cooking or on a plane heading somewhere fun.

BLESSED ARE THE MEDDLERS
by Christa Banister
Published by NavPress

ABOUT THE BOOK

Writer Sydney Alexander has just hit the jackpot. After finding the man of her dreams and eloping to Las Vegas, she permanently retires her serial-dating status for good. And now that she's found marital bliss, her friends are ready for Sydney to apply her matchmaking skills to their love lives. What could possible go wrong? Well, everything.

Buy Your Copy of Blessed are the Meddlers Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this book?

I absolutely love romantic comedies, but what has always bugged me about the genre is that the audience never has a chance to see what happens after the dream couple you'd been rooting for all along gets the big happy ending. So I knew that was something I wanted to explore with Sydney Alexander in Blessed Are the Meddlers. And thanks to Sydney's motley crew of single girlfriends, (and Sydney's recently acquired Emma complex) there's still plenty of that laugh-out-loud relationship angst from the first book. And because I loved this character so much, it was very inspiring to pick up the story right where it left off in 80 Dates and see new themes and crazy scenarios really emerge in the process.

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

I've always been taught that the best writers "write what they know," so a little bit of me couldn't help but rub off on Sydney. But it was important to me that she wasn't my clone either. There are a few qualities about Sydney that are definitely unique. For one, she dresses way better than me with that insatiable shopping bug of hers. And personality-wise, she's way more outrageous and spontaneous. She's also taken a few risks that I wouldn't have along the way, and I'm pretty sure her life is going to turn out way different than mine will because her priorities are different.

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

Hmmm, this is a tough one. I guess I'm going to go with Dulce De Leche because it tastes the most like a caramel macchiato, Sydney's favorite drink.

4. What themes exist in Blessed are the Meddlers that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

One of the themes is that we have to be careful what sort of advice we give to people. Rather than spouting off something flippant, especially in regard to someone's love life, we need to carefully choose our words because they can have unexplainable ramifications. Another theme that's present—albeit unintentionally until the story began to take shape—is that when it comes to love, we have to be picky about the right things. In the beginning, Lucinda was very superficial when it came to choosing a mate, but when she began to regard the things that were really important, she found true, lasting love.

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

There wasn't really anything that was difficult to write. The most difficult process of writing the book was finding time to do it while juggling a full-time freelance writing job. But it was such a joy that I made the time. My favorite scenes to write were any that involved Lucinda. Thanks to her over-the-top demands, Sydney is forced to spy on Lucinda's boyfriend at a Radiohead concert to see is he's cheating on her. Because Sydney is so incredibly nervous (and certainly not of Matt Damon spy caliber in any of the Bourne movies), the scene plays out very humorously and shows Sydney at her most self-deprecating.

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

I don't have a release date yet for the third (and final) book in the Sydney Alexander series, but I do know where the story is headed. When Sydney gets her dream of becoming a published author, she begins to buy her own hype and slowly begins morphing into a person she (and her friends and family) don't recognize. So really I'm going to be exploring the subtle but ugly side of someone who has let pride (and a small amount of fame) go to her head.

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

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Blessed are the Meddlers.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

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.

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