Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Author Wendy Paine Miller ~ And a Six Author Giveaway

Today I'm welcoming author Wendy Paine Miller to my blog! Wendy's guest post is the third in a six week author spotlight series I'm doing here. Week one I hosted author Jody Hedlund and week two I hosted author Laura Frantz. Check back here each Wednesday for a new author. At the bottom of this post I'll tell you how you can win a fun gift basket from these six authors!
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Welcome to my blog, Wendy. I’m so excited to have you as a guest today! Since I found your blog, Thoughts that Move, I’ve been a big fan. I love how your blog posts challenge me to dig deeper and think about the things that really matter. Since I started following your blog, I’ve been anxious for the day I could read one of your stories. That’s why I’m thrilled to be talking about your debut release, The Disappearing Key!

For readers who might be "meeting" you here for the first time, can you give us a quick history lesson on your publication journey?

Sure, four score and seven years ago…okay, so it hasn’t been 87 years since I’ve been crafting stories, but sometimes it feels like it. I graduated with an English degree in writing concentration. Got married. Had babies. Then characters and novel concepts took over my brain. That was about six years ago. I’ve written nine novels in that time. Secured an agent somewhere in there. Then decided it was time to get my work out there.

Which you did by releasing your debut novella, The Disappearing Key, just last week (congratulations!). Tell us about this book and the inspiration behind it.

The Disappearing Key is a women’s fiction work told from three POVs exploring what happens when everything you hold closest to you suddenly goes missing. The inspiration grew from a seed that was planted the second I heard about the stillborn loss my college friend endured. A culmination of random other aspects intersected to form this unique work. Being a mom inspires me, so adding layered aspects regarding parenting in this work felt like a must.

This story sounds so intriguing! I already purchased it and it's waiting for me on my Kindle. You chose to self-publish this novella. I’d love to hear why you chose to go in this direction.

I’ve watched friends take this route and really, the timing just felt right. I’ve consistently received positive feedback on my work, encouraging me to keep at it. Also, an editor offered assistance at the ideal time.

It  does sound like this is the perfect time for you to publish this story. As a wife and mom, what has been your greatest struggle as you’ve pursued publication? And your greatest blessing?

Make no mistake, as thrilled as I am to have my work out there, I’ve experience plenty of humbling moments when I’ve felt crushed or unsure of my vocation. It pains me when my kids and my husband see me like this—see me at my weakest moments. It also inspires me to remain a fighter. My greatest blessing is always the joy that comes from the craft. It really is a form of worship for me.

I couldn't agree more. The verse I've chosen for my blog is Psalm 19:14: "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  I believe one of the most powerful ways we can worship is when we're walking in the gift He's given us. For writers, it's the act of writing.

Here's one last question, just for fun. If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?

You realize this is the hardest question you’ve asked, don’t you? I wanted to answer with something like Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings because it would be like having six or three in one (a cheater answer). Then I wanted to say Shrek or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation because everyone needs to laugh. But I’m going with Dan in Real Life or Good Will Hunting or Dan in Real Life or Good Will

Wendy, thank you so much for visiting with us today! My prayer is that your work will bless those who read it.

Wendy has graciously agreed to give away a free copy of her new release, The Disappearing Key, to one of the blog readers who comments on this post between now and Tuesday, October 15th at 11:59 p.m. Please leave your email address under your comment!

A QUESTION FOR MY BLOG READERS: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?

Last weeks winner of Love's Awakening, by Laura Frantz is: 
Debbie Parmer!
Debbie, I will be contacting you to get your mail address for Laura! Congratulations!
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Gabrielle Bivane never expected parenting a teenager would be this hard, but she never expected stillborn Oriana to live to see fourteen, either. The night of Oriana's birth, Gabrielle and her husband Roy fused their genetic and engineering geniuses to bring back all that was lost to them—at a cost.
 
The secret must be kept.
 
Oriana Bivane senses she’s not like the other girls her age, but the time has come for her to change all that. She’s tired of secrets, but does she confide in the wrong person?
 
The life-giving key, suddenly missing, must be found.
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Wendy lives with her husband, their three girls, and a skunk-dodging Samoyed. She feels most alive when she’s laughing, speeding on a boat, reading, writing, refurbishing furniture or taking risks. She’s authored ten novels and is currently writing what she hopes will be your future book club pick.
 
Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and online sites. Wendy graduated with a BA in English from Wittenberg University, where she earned an Honor of Distinction for her accrued knowledge of literature.
 
She’s represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency.
 
Visit http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/  or connect with Wendy on Facebook or Twitter @wendypmiller
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Six Authors, One Grand Prize
The Grand Prize:
A $25 Amazon eGift Card (not pictured) from Gabrielle Meyer
A stationary and notepad set from Jody Hedlund
A handmade jewel bookmark from Laura Frantz
A multi-colored peacock necklace from Wendy Paine Miller
A copy of the movie Christmas in Connecticut from Melissa Tagg
Book one in the Cadence of Grace Series & a worship CD from Joanne Bischof
A black & brown scarf from Heather Day Gilbert
Over the course of six weeks I will be hosting six authors on my blog. Each author has agreed to offer a free copy of their newest release, as well as an item for a grand prize drawing at the end of the six weeks! To be entered to win a free copy of each book, all you need to do is visit my blog weekly (beginning September 25th) and comment on each author's post. A random winner will be chosen each week. To be entered to win the grand prize, visit my Rafflecopter below and follow the instructions. If you do each thing listed you'll earn 45 chances to win the grand prize! Don't forget to visit here each Wednesday to earn more chances!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

45 comments:

  1. Really enjoyed this interview, Gabrielle (hey, that's a character in my book)!

    I loved the questions. You really stumped me on the last one. I've been so grateful for your support. It's been such an exciting adventure!

    ~ Wendy

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    1. Great name for a heroine, Wendy! :) I'm so happy to help spread the word--and I'm happy I asked a question that took some effort to answer!! Congrats on the debut release! Thank you for taking the time to be here today. :)

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  2. So excited to hear more of your story, Wendy--and I LOVE what you said about the joy that comes from writing being a form of worship for you. I'd never looked at it that way, but it does really sum up why we keep at this writing biz! You KNOW I love THE DISAPPEARING KEY and just don't have enough good to say about it. It was such a refreshing view of things...such memorable characters, and such amazing writing, I could not put it down. So many congrats going out to you as you're a published author now!

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    1. Heather, you've been a tremendous support! I'm grateful for the way you've helped me spread the word. Getting excited about your debut?!

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    2. I couldn't agree with Wendy, more! I've always felt my writing is an act of worship to the One who gave me the calling. Heather, thank you for stopping by to visit! Looking forward to having you as a guest here in a couple of weeks. :)

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    3. I just love that perspective...and I realized I didn't answer your movie question! I think it would be A Room with a View (Helena Bonham Carter version). That movie just has lovely music, settings, and is hilarious on some quirky levels.

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  3. Hi Wendy and Gabrielle! I loved The Disappearing Key--read it twice!! I know what you mean about the weak moments. Sometimes this wait is harder on my family than on me. :) Congratulations!!

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    1. I've loved knowing you're only a phone call away during some of those moments & there's nothing like another writer when it comes to knowing the ups and downs of this industry. You've been there for me so many times, Jill! Beyond grateful!

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    2. Jill, I had to smile at your comment. I can't tell you how many times my daughters have said: "Isn't your book published, yet?!?!" It's causing all of us to learn a lesson in patience. :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Hard to pick one movie, but I think the first one that comes to mind is The Princess Bride!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I love the Princess Bride! Two of my cousins can recite the movie word-for-word. It's a great pick, Patty!

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  5. I am adding the Disappearing Key to my wish list. It was nice to get to know another author,

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    1. Very cool. This might be a fun time to say I hope all your wishes come true. :)

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    2. Wilani, thank you for stopping by this week! It's been fun having you here as I welcome each new author. I'm so happy you have another book to add to your list. I've heard the Disappearing Key makes for a great book club read! Please check it out!

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  6. It's nice to meet you, Wendy! Your new book sounds intriguing, and very unique! Thank you for the chance to win! :)

    Only one movie for the rest of my life? Now that is a tough question! I have about 20 favorites -- Titanic, The Help, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump, Driving Miss Daisy, Urban Cowboy, North & South, Gone With the Wind, . . . okay, just one? I'll say The Help. :)

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    1. Oops. Forgot the email address.

      Scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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    2. I think some of yours would be on my list too. So tough to choose. Did you read The Help? Loved that book & so fun to go to that movie with my mom!

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    3. Ohh! North & South would be a great one! Actually, any of those movies sound like a good choice. :) I read The Help with my girlfriends in a book club and we went to see the movie together. Fun memories!

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  7. I think I could watch Anne of Green Gables and never get tired of it. :)

    Can't wait to dive into your book, Wendy. Like Gabe, I am always challenged by the insights you offer on your blog.

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement regarding my blog & for buying my book! My middle daughter loves A of GG. She has the braids & all.

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    2. Lindsay, I'm with you! I introduced my oldest daughter to Anne this year and it was so much fun watching the movies all over again! Love them. :)

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  8. Hi Gabe and Wendy! From the moment I heard of The Disappearing Key, the premise piqued my interest. I can't wait to read it!

    Wendy, you spoke of humbling moments. I think we've all had those. The writing path isn't for the fainthearted, that's for sure. Like you, it's those I love--my family and writer friends--who keep me going. :)

    Gabe--your question's tough! There are so many movies I'd choose, though I guess it would be The Sound of Music because I love the message of resiliency despite tough odds.

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    1. Oooo, you picked a good one, and one I've probably seen twenty times. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. There are days it feels like it and those days are when I'm most thankful for my writer friends and for my faith.

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    2. Cynthia, I was JUST thinking about The Sound of Music yesterday and how much I want to see it again! It's been years! Great choice. :)

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    3. My daughter's sixth grade class is putting this on at the end of the year! Cannot wait!

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  9. Yaaay for mentioning Dan in Real Life. One of my absolute (and only) favorite "current" rom-coms. I could not watch only one more for the rest of my life. I just couldn't. There are too many. TOO MANY.

    But if I was held at gun point and had to name one, it'd be either What's Up Doc or The PHiladelphia Story, probably. Or Bringing Up Baby. Or His Girl Friday. ACK!

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    1. "Put it on my bill." I don't know why but Dan in RL just gets to me. I love the bookstore scene.

      You chose some good ones & even a few I haven't seen...hmm, time to rent some movies.

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    2. Melissa, every time I think of Dan in Real Life I think of our retreat in June! I'm already thinking about what movies we'll watch next time. :) My favorites wouldn't be current movies, though. I'm such a fan of the oldies, if I had to choose one it would definitely be from a different era.

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  10. Wow Gabe, you picked a real hard question this week. There are so many good ones out there to pick just one. My 8 year old said, "Star Wars Episode 2." My 4 year old said "every movie." When I don't know what to watch alot of times I watch Dirty Dancing, Top Gun or Never Been Kissed. Some of the old fall back movies.
    Bobbi Jo Champion

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    1. "Crash and burn." Okay, yes, I'm "that" person who likes to quote movies. Some of the old fall back movies are classics--Say Anything, anyone? Or Can't Buy Me Love. Now, who can beat that? ;-)

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    2. Dirty Dancing! I watched that movie more times than I can count, Bobbi Jo. There's just something about a man dancing... :) Thanks for stopping by today!

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  11. Only one movie?! Yikes! Okay, if I had to choose one if would have to be Toy Story. I just love that movie.

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    1. I tried really hard to come up with a quote from that one. Came up short. My kids love it though. Thanks for "liking" my FB page, Taylor!

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    2. Taylor, that's one I haven't thought to show my kiddos, yet! But it's a good one. Great choice. :)

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  12. I have two favorite movies, Pretty Woman and Sister Act 2. If I have to choose, it would be Sister Act 2. Love the music and what you can do when you pull together and try.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I've seen Sister Act, but not Sister Act 2. Any movie with good music and a good theme is a winner in my opinion! Thanks for stopping by and entering in the drawing!

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    2. I act like Pretty Woman in restaurants...remember the escargot (did I spell that correctly?) scene where she flings it across the room? Yep, totally me. And I cross my legs when/if the tablecloth is long enough to hide them! Fun choice.

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  13. Would love to read your book, Wendy, & thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Love your comment about your writing as a form of worship - as a reader, those kind of comments by authors make me appreciate their books, & them, even more!

    My favorite movie would probably be Gone With the Wind, or The Notebook.

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I'm such a sucker for The Notebook. Gets me every time. I hope you enjoy my book & thanks for your encouraging words!

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    2. With all this movie talk, I'm feeling the need for a movie night! Love Gone With the Wind! It was one of those movies that made me fall in love with history! Could you imagine wearing one of those ball gowns?!?! *Sigh* Thanks for stopping by, Bonnie!

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  14. Ooo, only one movie?? That's so hard!

    Some of my faves are The Sandlot, Ever After, 13 Going on 30, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, all of the Harry Potter movies! And pretty much every Disney movie ;)

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Beth, you've got a great list! I was just thinking about The Sandlot the other day. That's one I know my kiddos will enjoy as much as me, because it's so timeless. Thanks for stopping by and saying hi!

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  15. Only one movie... Christy ! The whole season of it...
    I cannot wait to read your novella Wendy, Still birth is a hard place to go in thought and to have a child live and grow up after that has to be some wonderful book. Would love to read and review it. The Lord Bless your endevors.
    Linda Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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  16. Only one movie to watch... Well, I'd probably pick You've Got Mail.
    mandaandtom (at) gmail (dot) com

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Your comments are my favorite part of blogging!