Interview with Janet Syas Nitsick and GIVEAWAY

Interview with Locket and Lanterns and Seasons of the Soul Best of Year author Janet Syas Nitsick

Enter for a giveaway by answering Janet's question below: Leave contact information

Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Both my current book, Seasons of the Soul, and my April 24, 2012, released inspiring-historical romance, Lockets and Lanterns, are based on my background. Seasons of the Soul, a book similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul books, includes faith stories and a spattering of accounts of my two different autistic sons - one nonverbal and low-functioning with the other verbal and high-functioning.
My debut novel, Lockets and Lanterns, also contains elements from my past. The romance - ... His secret ... Her broken heart ... - is loosely-based on my grandfather who had red hair, was a fireman, exhibited a thumb-twiddling habit and whit as the character in the book. However, this story is not his story, but an imagery one seeped in the early-twentieth-century and the character’s secret is one I witnessed.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
It is not a day but a life reflection in seeing my eldest sons, being men of God and raising their children as such, and in my two autistic sons finding their place in the world.

How has being published changed your life?
More people know you and are intrigued by your profession. They celebrate your joys and trials. It also teaches you to take criticism with a grain of salt and to realize not everyone is going to like your books but those who do make your days brighter and lighter.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading Return of the Aliens, a science-fiction novel that takes you to the time of Revelations. It is written by Ruth Ann Nordin. She is the author of several best-selling romances and wrote this as a change of pace. Visit her Web site : www.ruthannnordinbooks.com.

What is your current work in progress?

Right now, I am in the midst of writing a prelude novel, Cameos and Carriages, which sets up the scene prior to the soon-to-be-released romance, Lockets and Lanterns.
What would be your dream vacation?

Would like to take an Alaskan cruse or go to Simi Valley, Calif., and visit former President Ronald Reagan’s library.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Settings occur in places I am familiar with thus my novel, Lockets and Lanterns, takes place in Omaha.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Talk show host Sean Hannity because we are of the same political mind, he defends Christianity and tries to persuade people to live moral lives.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

(1)I am the daughter of late Nebraska State Sen. George Syas who served in the Unicameral for 26 years. He was well-known for his knowledge of Nebraska’s constitution. He received the school bell, many wildlife and conservation awards and has a wildlife area named after him, George Syas Wildlife Management Area in Genoa, Neb.

(2)My father was a common man. He earned more money as a Union Pacific machinist than as a senator. In fact, my mother had three nervous breakdowns for lack of income since he did not receive a check from U.P. when he was in session.

(3)Because of my background, I love politics and am a political junky. I follow the national and local scenes through a variety of medias.

What are your hobbies besides writing and reading?

I like to walk with a friend when weather permits. It is a long winter because we cannot go out. I love to decorate, coordinating color schemes with curtains, bedspreads, etc.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Life keeps interfering with writing. Last week, I planned to write but something came up about my one autistic which put that to rest. God has a way of humbling us into the realization that family is more important, and everything else can wait. We are here a little while, and what family members will remember is what we did with them not our writing.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Nothing in life is easy. Writing is the same. You have to rewrite, rewrite and rewrite and listen to your critique group to improve your skills. The best will come with time if you preserve.

Tell us about the book.

Locked in the groom’s heart is a secret which once unlocked exposes his wife to much anguish. Lockets and Lanterns, a gripping tale of love, loss, and forgiveness, takes readers back to the 1900s when life was simpler, but sustaining love was just as difficult.

Lockets and Lanterns Excerpt: Red looked at his wife while the early morning sun drifted over their bed. Peace and contentment filled his being. He no longer pined over a lost love. He rubbed his head against the pillow as he pondered their future. He took a deep breath, knowing he did not tell his wife about the family secret.

What do you want readers to take away from the book?

We all face our challenges but Christ helps us through them.

What one question would you like us to ask your readers?

I will send an autographed paperback copy of Lockets and Lanterns to the first person who responses with the correct two answers. If two accurate answers are unachievable, I will chose the person with one correct answer.

On April 2, 1914, my grandfather applied for the City of Omaha Fire Department. Besides his application asking for his address, age and weight, there were a number of character questions that today are considered taboo. See if you can name at least two of these.