Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse

Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse ~ Photo: Mark Papke

Sunday, August 28, 2011

This week-- C.J. Chase and Julie Lessman!




September's Painting: Fisherman's House-Greenwood Lake ~ Jasper Cropsey

Each month, one of the beautiful paintings by an artist of the Hudson River School will be featured on the American Historical Christian Fiction blog.


American Historical Christian Fiction

Have we spent too much time in the reality of the here and now, and forgotten our Ideals, both personal and national? The early artists and writers of this nation once dwelt on forging this country's ideals; so with the help of God, let us do the same. Let us make every attempt to dwell on our ideals.
~Pat Iacuzzi~

Welcome to American Historical Christian Fiction, where the Cross and Quill come together to create a sampler of faith, folklore, and our country's early history. Please be sure to check the links for more information about early American life and colonial history, too.

By Cross and Quill

The Am His blog hi-lights books by Christian authors who are led by the Lord to write about characters and stories set in America's past. They are exciting stories of romance, adventure and suspense, written to inspire and encourage.

If you're looking for a book for yourself, a loved one, or those who may need an uplifting message woven through an entertaining story, please consider new monthly releases in inspirational historical fiction found here--the kind that take you on a journey into our country's past (from early colonial times to WWII) and illuminates the trials, beauty and blessings of our great nation.


For September's Book of the Month, Am His presents C.J. Chase and her latest release, Redeeming the Rogue.






Title:Redeeming the Rogue
Author: C.J. Chase
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical




Her Ally…or Her Enemy?

With a chip on her shoulder and a pistol in her pocket, Mattie Fraser comes to London determined to find answers. What fate befell her brother after he was forced to join the British navy? Military official Kit DeChambelle knows something, she's sure. But can she trust him—or anyone— as a conspiracy of silence surrounds her?

Kit knows altogether too much—about the guilt that drives Mattie, and the peril she faces. The battle against Napoleon is over, but for Kit, peace is elusive. In helping this brave, stubborn woman, he may be endangering her further. Especially if she learns about the orders he's received, placing them on opposite sides…







Where you can get in touch with C.J....

http://www.cjchasebooks.com/

















....And for this week on Am His Books, it's a delight to hi-light Julie Lessman's latest book A Heart Revealed, from her Winds of Change series.


Julie Lessman





Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 13 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction” at http://www.borders.com/online/store/ListView_best2009favefiction. Chosen as #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Series of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #5 Novel of the Year and #4 Historical Fiction Author of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son and daughter-in-law and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series, which includes A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Her “Winds of Change” series has recently released with A Hope Undaunted, which ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010. You can contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com



Title:A Heart Revealed
Author: Julie Lessman
Publisher: Revell




My interview with Julie....



~ When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? (early or late bloomer)

Ha! I’d say I qualify as both an “early” and a “late” bloomer! My romance-writing career “officially” started after reading Gone With the Wind at the age of 12, which is when I started writing my own novel, an 150-single-spaced manuscript that became the basis for my debut novel A Passion Most Pure some forty years later.

My original title for this early ms. was “When Tomorrow Comes” (now a Janette Oke title, how weird is that?). Back then, the story still entailed the love triangle between Faith and her sister (whose name was “Del,” short for Delatha … yeah, don’t ask me what I was thinking!) and the bad-boy hero, whose name was—I’m even ashamed to admit it—Bart (but I was in love with Bart Maverick from the TV show Maverick back then, so ‘nuff said.)! And just like A Passion Most Pure, the story began in Boston and traveled to Ireland during a war, with ONE major difference, as indicated in the first line of my original ms. penned at the age of twelve: Patrick O’Connor was dead. Obviously Patrick (the father in the story) is very much alive in the updated version, especially when he and his wife clash over Charity’s discipline!

~ How did you prepare? College courses? Workshops? Books on Craft?

Prepare? Uh, not much at the age of twelve, of course, but after the age of 50 when I finished writing A Passion Most Pure—a fair amount. Even though I held a part-time job as a commercial writer, the first thing I did was take a fiction-writing class at a local community college, then a writing seminar. Next, I joined ACFW, FHL and RWA and got into a great critique group. I started entering contests like crazy and never finaled, but the feedback from judges was invaluable. I went to writers’ conferences and invested in paid critiques with published authors I respected. Then I hooked up with several fabulous critique partners, and before I knew it, I started finaling in contests. As far as getting published, I would have to say that the best thing that happened was signing with my agent. Within six months, she not only sold my novel to Revell, but garnered a 3-book deal to boot, despite my personal track record of 45 rejections on my own (agents and publishers). That said, I think an agent is invaluable in the whole publishing process, and I regret wasting time trying to do it on my own.

As far as books on craft, I would strongly recommend Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King (my Bible in the beginning!), plus any other self-edit books you can pick up. Also, Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maas was invaluable to me in deepening both plot and characters for A Passion Most Pure. Another writing tool that has become my writer’s Bible is The Synonym Finder by J.A. Rodale.

~ What part of writing is the most difficult for you? Developing the characters? Dialogue? Pacing? (etc.)

Oh, good question, and one I’ve never really been asked before, which is saying something since I have answered over 1,000 questions in over 170 interviews!). I would say research because when a story is inside of me, my fingers almost itch to get it out, and research slows the process. In the beginning, I usually spend several days researching clothing, terminology, technology of the day, era background, whatever to get myself in the mood. But I gotta tell ya—it’s like pulling teeth!

UNLESS … I stumble upon something really cool that fits in with my story, such as finding out that the U.S. officially entered WWI on Good Friday, which tied in nicely with one of my scenes from A Passion Most Pure. Or evangelist Billy Sunday preaching against alcohol in the waning days of Prohibition, which allowed me to include a very realistic tent-revival scene in book 3 of the “Winds of Change” series, A Trust Restored (Steven’s story). And, of course, it was fun finding out that sunglasses were invented by Foster Grant in the late 20s because naturally I included them as a sale item in Dennehy’s Department Store in A Hope Undaunted.
As far as pacing and dialogue and passion?? Literally SO easy for me, I could do it in my sleep …

~ When you made out your first proposal, who did you liken your writing style to?

Well, how about I just give you a peek at my original query letter for A Passion Most Pure, which back then was called A Chasing After the Wind? Keep in mind that I reference Francine Rivers NOT because I dare to compare my style of writing to hers, but because of the edgy quality of that incredible book. Here’s the first paragraph of my original query letter:

Dear _________:

Nine out of ten women nationwide (90%) consider themselves to be Christian.* Yet, it is rare to find a novel that merges romantic passion and spirituality with an intensity that will appeal to the ever-broadening ranks of the Christian community. Newsweek magazine stated in its July 16, 2001 cover article that “Christian entertainment has emerged from its sheltered infancy and has begun to straddle two worlds: the religious one that created it and the secular one it was designed to avoid.” There is a vast market of women who believe in God, but possess romantic ideals that are sophisticated and 21st century. This is the market for which A Chasing after the Wind was written, a market similar to that of Francine River’s Redeeming Love.

~ How long, start to finish, does it take you to write a book?

It’s different on every book, but generally about nine months—six to write it and about two to edit/revise. A Passion Redeemed was the only exception, because I literally pounded it out in two months while working part-time, which boils done to one month straight to write an almost 500-page book.

But … I hope my readers will be happy to know that for my new series, “The Cousins McClare,” I have negotiated a release date of every nine months instead of every twelve, which means I plan to not only crank on each of these three books, BUT write an O’Connor prequel for Marcy and Patrick in between as well.

~ Maybe a quick sentence or two (tag line) about your next book to whet our appetites? :)

Sure … here’s my own personal jacket blurb:

The ring on her hand belongs to one man … but her heart belongs to another.

As a battered woman, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston ten years ago, seeking shelter for a heart badly bruised by both her husband and guilt. But when she falls in love with Sean O’Connor, a man who wrestles with demons of his own, fear and shame almost destroy her … until she is finally set free by a heart revealed.

Thank you, Pat, for allowing me to connect with your readers. I LOVE to hear from reader friends, so they can feel free to contact me through my Web site at www.julielessman.com, either by sending an e-mail via my site or by signing up for my newsletter at http://www.julielessman.com/sign-up-for-newsletter/. My newsletter is chock-full of fun info on my books and there’s always a contest featuring signed book giveaways including one right now to have a character named after you or a loved one in my next book. Also, I have a cool feature on my website called “Journal Jots” (http://www.julielessman.com/journal-jots1/), which is a very laid-back, Friday journal to my reader friends that would give your readers an idea as to my relaxed style of writing. Then finally, I can be found daily at The Seekers blog (http://seekerville.blogspot.com/), a group blog devoted to encouraging and helping aspiring writers on the road to publication.


Thank you, Julie, for this very rich and informative interview! Here are the titles from Julie's first series, Daughters of Boston....



Daughters of Boston Series





If you leave a comment this week to win Julie Lessman's book A Heart Revealed, your name will also be included in a drawing at the end of the month for Redeeming the Rogue by C.J. Chase, plus a chance to win a lovely blue silk fan pictured above. When you leave your comments, make sure you include your e-mail address. Thank you for stopping in, and....

"May the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: may the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Num.6:25-26 (KJV)









61 comments:

  1. Am I first??? Wow, another chance to win Julie's AHR, which I am soooo anxious to read!
    Love her books and love Julie! Thanks for entering me.
    jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

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  2. Hi Jackie--
    Glad you could stop in--the first one, indeed! Blessings on your week!

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  3. I love Julie's books and would be very excited to win a copy of A Heart Revealed! Thanks for the interview with Julie and for hosting this giveaway.
    Blessings,
    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  4. Cool, Julie, I thought I was the only historical writer that feels that research is like pulling teeth.

    Redeeming the Rogue sounds like a great book.

    rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  5. Thanks for checking out my blog, Pam; and Melissa, you may be right about only a few historical writers say they actually don't like doing their research. I've heard many mention they enjoy taking research trips--but that's costly too. So its a toss-up, I guess.

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  6. what a great blog, pat...i hope you don't mind if i visit often...and thanks for the opportunity to read julie's latest novel.

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  7. Blessings, Karen--and thank you for your encouraging words!

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  8. JACKIE!!! You found me -- YAY!!! Gosh, even I had trouble finding me, which calls for stronger coffee this morning, for sure!!

    Thanks for coming by, my friend, AND for your incredible support. Good luck in this one, kiddo, and I hope you pull out a win!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  9. PAT ... Thank you SO much for hosting me on your beautiful blog, and goodness, you almost lulled me into staying on your other two with the rushing water sounds -- VERY nice!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  10. PAM!!! It always feels like "old home" week when I see some of my favorite reader friends, girl, so THANK YOU for taking the time to enter these giveways. I hope it nets you a win!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  11. MELISSA!!! Kindred sisters when it comes to research -- YAY!!! I don't feel so all alone. I have to admit, research does enrich a story as long as it's not overdone. I'm reading a book by Cathy Gohlke for endorsement called Promise Me This tied to the Titanic and WWI, and I promise you this -- you will never read a better researched novel. This book is so well written, you don't even think about the research. You just BECOME one with the story, which is what really good research and writing can do.

    And, YES, I agree -- Redeeming the Rogue by C.J. Chase REALLY sounds and looks like a good book!! Of course, I'm a sucker for anything with the word "rogue" in it because I do love those bad boys ... :)

    Good luck, sweetie!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  12. KAREN ... hey, girl, thanks for dropping by and checking out my interview and Pat's blog. You should click on her other ones, too, because the rushing water sound is realllllllly soothing!! :) Good luck in the contest, my friend!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  13. The US entered WWI on Good Friday? Yes, I'm guessing you got great milage out of that! I love it when a story comes together - and yours do so well, Julie!

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  14. What a great interview! I love reading about how an author writes and what motivates them. I would love to win either book. Thanks!

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  15. Yay!!! Another chance to win this book!!! Thanks for the opportunity!
    Kassidynicole37(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. JULIE!

    You had to know I'd stop by. Bit more breathing room financially, but still not enough to renew my order for your book /sniffle/.

    Love the chance to catch a glimpse at your query letter.

    Love ya lady!

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  17. Hi Ladies....
    Talk about lively! I'm home for half an hr. for lunch and what do I find? A party goin' on at my place! I'm absolutely thrilled, and have a huge smile on my face right now. And the exclamation pts. are flyin' around--too much coffee! You see why I need the soothing waters once in awhile....

    Oh! forgot to mention, I have a day job, so I'll be gone again shortly 'til around four. Praise for you Julie for holding this together....and THANK YOU SO MUCH for being a guest and stopping in. I'm curious, just how fast do you type to get ALL this done and write those great books? :) Blessings, everyone!

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  18. I hate to miss a chance to win one of Julie's books. I love to give them away and get my friends hooked on her, too. :)

    Ann_Lee_Miller[at]msn[dot]com

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  19. I really LOVE Ms. Lessman's writing style! She truly draws you in with the characters and story line..A real CAN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN!! Thanks for sharing your gift!!

    Donna Olsen
    dcharlene63@hotmail.com

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  20. Thanks, CATH ... yeah, that was a one of God's many blessings on that book!

    Hey, STACE, thanks for coming by and good luck!

    KASSIDY ... good for you, girl, hitting those giveaways!!

    CAROL ... thought you writers out there might like to see that ... I know I would like to see other authors' as well!

    PAT ... LOL!! Not NEARLY fast enough, girl, which is why my comments are a wee bit on the short side today -- Monday's are like that, though, right?

    ANN!!! SOOOOO glad to hear you give them away, girl, because every little bit helps -- THANK YOU!!

    Hey, DONNA ... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! I appreciate your kind words more than I can say, sweetie.

    EVERYBODY ... I WISH YOU COULD ALL WIN, BUT REVELL WOULD SHOOT ME, AND WE CAN'T HAVE THAT, RIGHT??? GOOD LUCK!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  21. I would love to win! Please enter me in your giveaway!

    frequentreader19 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  22. I love Julie's books and own all of them! I would really like to add this one to my collection!!

    edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. Hey, MELANIE, consider yourself entered, sweetie, and good luck in the contest!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  24. EDWINA!!! Always love seeing your beautiful face, lady, so thanks for dropping by and for your kind words. Here's to a win, my friend!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  25. Would love to win Julie's book! I still haven't read any of them (I only discovered her recently) but she's on my list and I'm itching to get to her books.

    helenblogspot[at]gmail[dot]com

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  26. HELEN!!! Just saw your fun male-POV post yesterday on Seekerville -- you go, girl!!!

    And trust me, I'm "itching" for you to get my books too, so if you win any of the blog-giveaway contests going on right now (check out my website calendar), I will send you the first book in this passionate family saga, A Passion Most Pure, since it contains a number of HUGE surprises that would be ruined if read out of order. It won American Christian Fiction Writers Debut Book of the Year for 2009, so it's a great place to start. Good luck in the contest, my friend, and thanks for coming by.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  27. Love the Daughters of Boston series and have just finished the first in the Winds of Change. Am looking to get my hands on a copy of A Heart Revealed. Hope I win!

    Patty
    pattymh2000@yahoo.com

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  28. Hey, PATTY, THANK YOU, my friend, for reading my books!! I'm looking forward to you getting your hands on AHR too, so good luck in the contest, sweetie!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  29. Helen and Patty--
    Thanks for dropping in to Am His to check out the blog and Julie's books and interview. Isn't she something? I'm so glad that if we're going to form a habit, it's with the books mentioned here!

    And thank you once again Julie, for being such a trouper with all these fans!

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  30. I finally made it! That little visit from Irene cost us power/Internet/phone for a couple of days. But we're mostly back (my cell phone still doesn't have coverage), and no major damage.

    Julie, can I replace my author hat with my gushing fan girl hat and say I love your books, and it's an honor to share a blog week with you?

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  31. Oh-h-h, My Dear Lady--

    Take it from an "unpubbed" who is wearing a fan girl hat for both of you-- they fit very comfortably, thank you, depending on the season each of your books come out .

    Thank you for stopping in C.J.... love is something we have plenty of to spread around here, thanks to a Great Teacher!

    Welcome-- and Blessings, C.J.!

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  32. Julie is one of my favorite authors. I have LOVED reading all of her books and can't wait to read 'A Heart Revealed'. Please enter me.

    lovetoread205 [at] gmail [dot] com

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  33. Julie, I've never attempted male POV, but I had fun doing it :) Thank you for offering the first book in the series if I win "A Heart Revealed"!! More excited now than ever! Expect to see my face popping up on those blogs :)

    Pat - thanks for doing this interview and giveaway, pleased to have discovered your blog!

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  34. PAT I. ... are you kidding??? This is a fun group, and I am thrilled to be here with C.J. as well because as I said earlier, ANY book with the word "rogue" in the title, and I'm THERE!! :)

    HUGS,
    Julie

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  35. C.J.!!! I am SOOO sorry to hear about your tussle with Irene and SOOOO glad it's over!!

    And, sweetie, thank you MUCH, but let's just tip our author hats to each other because we both know this is NOT an easy profession when it comes to promo, right?

    I'm dying to know -- was "Redeeming the Rogue" your title or LIH's??? I absolutely LOVE it and the cover too -- you are BLESSED, girl!!

    Gosh, I just wish I could be entered in the contest to win it, you know? What say you, Pat I.??

    Good luck, C.J., with your book! Win or not, I hope to read it.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  36. SHAMROCK MEGAN!!! You ALWAYS brighten my day, sweetie, so THANK YOU for coming by and good luck in the contest!

    And I just sent you my newsletter, so did you get it, I hope?

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  37. HELEN, YAY!!!!!! I will be looking for you, sweetie, so get your bid in on all the giveaways you can and GOOD LUCK!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  38. Hi Ladies....

    I'm home. Just wondered how many of you had a full-time "day job". But I won't complain.... Very thankful I have it.

    Thanks for signing up as a Follower, Helen! I caught a glimpse....then, I swear, I scrolled down, and when I checked back, the followers were gone again! Anyone know what's happening with blogger when it does that?

    Also, Julie said the rogue type really appeals to her; (me too)...(is it because of their apparent strength that women believe they can "harness"?)

    What say you, ladies? What's your favorite type of hero like? (physical & emotional)

    Yes! Julie and all of you will be entered at the end of the month for the "Rogue"--and the fan! And C.J.--vice-versa--You'll be in the drawing for AHR.

    And it's absolutely an objective drawing..... I dump all the names out of a basket, and let Bubba, my cat, pick one! I train him periodically to do it, and he loves the game. If I can't catch him, I have to go through the names and see the one that's missing....and that's the one he has! Blessings, everyone!

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  39. LOL, PAT -- Bubba picks the winners???? That is HYSTERICAL, girl, seriously! Can I borrow him/her???

    And, YAY, that I get to be in the drawing for C.J.s book!!!

    My favorite type of hero??? My editor rolls her eyes because I like the dominate type that tend to push the woman to the wall and kiss the daylights out of her. I think because I am such a wired, pushy gal, that I need a guy who won't let me get away with anything, and PRAISE GOD, I have one!! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  40. I've been known to say that I like "macho pretty boys" LOL ... the only example I can think of at the moment comes from Lord of the Rings. When everyone was taking sides over Aragon or Legolas, I preferred Legolas ... that was the time I came up with the phrase :P

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  41. Sorry I should probably specify that I'm referring to the movie version ...

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  42. Hi Helen....Well, I can certainly see your point about Legolas! You like the "pretty boys"--for some odd reason, the guys I had crushes on in school (high school and college) before I married, all had some dastardly physical flaw. I have no idea why they appealed to me (maybe an inward reasoning to look beyond the flaw?) Or the fact I wouldn't have to worry about other girls trying to catch their eye?

    I don't know....and if someone can tell me, I'd much appreciate it; it might go a long way to add to our stories, if you happen to be a writer.

    I agree with you Julie, on the guys that smoosh the girls for that smooch! :) I've been independent and pushy muself, and need a strong hand to guide me too.

    Yep--Bubba picks the winner!

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  43. HELEN ... I feel like such a slacker because I have not read nor seen the movie for Lord of the Rings!! But speaking of "macho pretty boys," that pretty much describes my hero in my next book. LOVE that type!!

    By the way -- did you know that A Hope Undaunted is free on Amazon Kindle download and B&N Nook??? If you haven't read it, DOWNLOAD it free!!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  44. PAT, LOL!!! "the guys that smoosh the girls for that smooch!" I knew I liked you, sweetie!! We're both gals that need STRONG men! :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  45. What a fabulous interview!! Great questions, Pat, and Julie you are just amazing! I enjoyed hearing about your journey to publication and the things learned along the way. Thanks for sharing that bit of your query letter, too. Blessings all!

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  46. I recently finished C. J.'s reading Redeeming the Rogue which was fantastic!

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  47. Hey, CARLA, THANKS for coming by and for your kind remarks. But way to go, making me jealous over C.J.s book, you little brat!! I'm chomping to read it, so thank God Pat is allowing me to be eligible for that contest ... :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  48. Julie, I can't take credit for the title. My editor wanted the rogue. I always say my hero as more tortured (I think his older brother is more roguish), but editors have a way of getting what they want.

    As it turned out, a Berkley author (Donna MacMeans) has a highly sensual book called Redeeming the Rogue that came out on the same day! What are the chances of that happening???

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  49. Pat, to me, "rogue" implies a sense of humor. I think that's why women fall for them. I love a guy who doesn't take himself to seriously and who can make me laugh.

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  50. Carla, I'm blushing -- but I'm going to enter the weekend smiling. Thank you for the kind words.

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  51. I would love to win.....I love Julie's books and the other one looks great too!!!
    martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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  52. Julie - oh well, if you haven't seen Lord of the Rings I feel a little better for not having yet read any of your books :) HOWEVER that is about to change... thanks for letting us know about "A Hope Undaunted" ... I've never downloaded an ebook before, so yours is the first!

    Pat - To be honest I'm not sure if I still prefer the pretty boys lol, I've hit a new era and I think my tastes are evolving. Though I'm not sure to what yet! Maybe Julie's books will help me choose :P

    As for your preference for guys in high school - maybe you had a desire to fulfill a great need in a guy? So that way you're more than just a girl to him ... I really don't know, lol, just speculating!

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  53. C.J.!!! WOW, an LI editor who likes the word "rogue"??? That's impressive, girl!!

    To me a rogue is a bad boy with a bit of dignity about him. The dictionary says that a rogue is "someone who behaves badly but is still liked by other people," which kind of falls into the "bad boy" category as far as I am concerned. Of course, to me, the consummate "bad boy" is Rhett Butler.

    And, good night -- I cannot BELIEVE another more sensual book came out with the same title the SAME day as yours!!! Mmmm ... maybe you'll get some of her readers ... :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  54. MARTHA ... thanks SO much for your kind words and for stopping by, sweetie. Here's hoping it nets you a win!! Good luck!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  55. HELEN -- YAY!!!!! Sooooo glad you got the free download, girl -- way to go!! That way you can see if you even like my writing, you know?? Although I have a feeling once you get a load of bad-boy Collin McGuire, you may just be hooked ... :)

    Be sure and let me know if you like it. And if you don't? Uh, never mind. :)

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  56. Hi Julie,

    I just finished reading A Hope Undaunted and loved the story. It took me almost a day to read as I had to get some sleep, lol, but I could not put it down. Katie and Luke hung in there and their wish came true.

    This book really touched me and I love the way you included so much of the Bible while writing this lovely story. Thank you again for this wonderful story. Can't wait to read Emma and Shane's story and go back to the previous stories in this series.


    C.J., can't wait to read your new release. I know it will be great.

    misskalie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  57. The comment above was sent in by Brenda; she couldn't comment-- the blog wasn't letting her for some reason, so she asked me to do it for her!

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  58. BRENDA!!!! You read AHU in a day???? HOLY COW, girl, I'm impressed -- that's over 500 pages!!! And I am SO glad you liked it -- it's my fav because Katie and Luke (hubba hubba) are SO good together!! But just wait till you see them in AHR!! Talk about sparks of EVERY kind! :) Good luck, my friend!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  59. CJ--Your book sounds awesome. Congrats on the release.
    Julie--Hi, girl! Can't wait to read this series. I have to tell you my hero in one of my books was Brett Maverick--my husband said "you can't use that name." While I had heard of the Maverick TV show, I didn't realize the brothers were Brett and Bart. :) I read my husband that part of your interview. It gave put a smile on his face! So my hero became Ryan Maverick. Always great to read an interview with you.
    Lindi P.

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  60. email address for me---belindapeterson at tds dot net
    Thanks.

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  61. LINDI!!! Sorry, I lost Pat's blog for a few days, so didn't see you here. Thanks for coming by, and I LOVE the name Ryan Maverick -- very cool!!! Good luck in the contest, my friend.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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